Newly launched Night Recovery Cream from Dr Somji Skincare is perfect for Christmas. It’s the perfect treat for your skin while you enjoy a quiet night in, preparing for the Christmas cheer ahead.
Did you know that the best time for skin rejuvenation and regeneration is while we sleep? As the holiday season gets busier, with late nights filled with festive fun and all the classic holiday havoc, it’s easy to forget to pamper our skin. This is exactly why a nurturing nighttime routine is essential to keep us looking and feeling our best.
Packed with powerful ingredients like hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and squalane to lock it in, this cream boosts your skin’s hydration while you rest. Its unique formula, including encapsulated retinol, Indian gentian extract, and probiotics, works to smooth wrinkles, even out skin tone, and strengthen your skin’s barrier. It supports your skin’s natural repair and regeneration process overnight, helping restore balance and reduce the effects of internal stress.
Think of it as your “sleep in a jar” – a multi-tasking wonder that protects, treats, and restores your skin while you dream. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting it to a beauty lover, it’s the perfect holiday skincare essential for anyone looking to streamline their nighttime routine with one transformative product.
The cold weather is terrible for my skin. It gets dry and a lot of products make my skin red and sore. Enter Wonderbalm. Finally I have something I can use which actually works.
Winter can be rough on skin, hair, and everything in between, which is why WONDERBALM (£29) has become the must-have handbag hero for tackling those cold-weather woes. Compact yet powerful, this multi-use balm is a favourite among savvy shoppers and jet-setters alike. Whether it’s soothing dry hands, taming flaky scalps, or acting as an overnight lip mask, Wonderbalm truly does it all (and more).
With a nourishing blend of Olive Oil, Shea Butter, and Orange Peel Oil, it’s designed to deeply hydrate and restore skin and hair while fitting snugly in your bag. It’s no wonder customers rave about its versatility:
“I have psoriasis on my scalp on which can get really bad on my hairline and behind my ears. It can get really dry and flakey and is super embarrassing. I put this product on and instantly the itchiness subsided. Within a day the flaking stopped and was much smoother. Really lovely product and smells great too.”
“I use this on my hands and fingertips. The skin was cracking and was really sore. I have been using now for a few days and I can already see an improvement in the skin.”
“Every night – the best lip balm solution I have found!”
“I can’t stop recommending this product to friends and family! Have swapped out my cleansing balm, lip balms and hand cream for this one product! It really works wonders as an overnight lip mask to avoid any cracking from the cold weather.”
“I absolutely love it! I had really dry knuckles from UK winter and it’s basically gone away now”
“One pot wonder”
“I have been getting a dry, sore patch in between my fingers that has been flaring up occasionally. After using WONDERBALM it was feeling so much calmer and the redness had noticeably subsided.”
Why It’s Your Next Handbag Hero:
Dry Skin & Scalp Savior: Tackles irritation and dryness with antioxidant-rich Shea Butter and Orange Peel Oil
Compact Travel Essential: Perfect for handbags or carry-ons so there’s no need to pack bulky hand creams or multiple products
Cold-Weather Cuticle Care: Repairs cracked knuckles and soothes eczema-prone skin
Beauty Multi-Tasker: Use it as a cleanser, makeup remover, or an overnight lip and face mask for ultimate hydration
A bath is the ultimate in self care and having the right products is essential. These products are all brilliant. All hail the ‘everything bath’ – the ultimate in self-care, me-time! Based on traditional Chinese Medicine, Elemental Herbology have everything you need for your everything pamper – from diffusers that will turn your bathtime into a spa, to bath & body oils, to luxury haircare, to decadent body care and beyond!
Zest Sugar Body Polish, £40, www.elementalherbology.com. Awaken your year-round summer glow with this zesty sugar polish, enriched with a nourishing blend of superfood plant oils to maintain skin health and reveal brighter, smoother skin.
Neroli & Bergamot Shampoo, £25, www.elementalherbology.com. Found in select spas, salons and hotels around the world, this uplifting shampoo is sulfate and chemical-free. It nourishes and restores the hair while calming the mind, bringing hotel luxury to your home.
Muscle Melt Body Balm, £29, www.elementalherbology.com. Instantly soothe tired and aching muscles with this warming muscle balm. This luxurious balm-to-oil formulation uses natural anti-inflammatories to help reduce tension and speed-up muscle recovery.
Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin, and daily wear will help to minimise cumulative sun damage and accelerated signs of ageing.
As part of Face the Future’s 366 Days of SPF campaign, survey results found that only 22% of the UK apply SPF daily, and only 8% reapply their SPF in a day.
What is party season make-up/how is it different to everyday wear?
Party makeup tends to be more dramatic and glamorous than your everyday routine. Think shimmery glitters, bold red lips, and smoky eyes in deep browns and rich jewel tones. For skin, party season makeup looks usually feature a fuller coverage foundation and more defined cheekbones with a healthy dose of highlighter. Tis the season to sparkle, after all!
What trends for party season make-up do you think will be in this year?
Red lips are a timeless Christmas staple, so I’m sure they’ll be in high demand this year. They’re festive, flattering, and universally stylish. No matter your skin tone or type, there’s a perfect red lipstick out there for you! When it comes to eye makeup, I expect to see plenty of glittery and metallic eyeshadows this holiday season. For skin, a flawless and glowing complexion will be the perfect base for any makeup look.
What is the best SPF for glowy party season skin? For a ‘lit from within’ glow, opt for moisturising SPF formulas that have added illuminating pigments, like Hello Sunday The Illuminating One Glow Primer SPF50. This gorgeous glow booster gives your skin an ethereal glow that looks beautiful both on its own or under your makeup. If you want a rosy, healthy glow, Sand & Sky Tinted Glow Primer SPF30 is perfect. It’s infused with red seaweed to strengthen your skin’s protective barrier, and a Hyaluronic Complex for optimal hydration.
How can you stop your SPF pilling under your make-up? How long should you wait before doing your skin?
To prevent piling, it’s important to prep your skin properly first to ensure you have a clean base. Start with a thorough cleanse using a gentle cleanser, before following with your favourite moisturiser – water-based formulas are less likely to pill, so opt for these over oil-based formulas. Next, add your water-based SPF on top.
It’s important to allow time between layering your skincare products to ensure proper absorption of the formulas – a few to ten minutes is usually plenty of time. This can also help to prevent pilling as you’re not overloading your skin.
Are there any application techniques / advise for how to apply your products for long-wear?
One of my favourite techniques that you can use to keep your base products in place all day and night is ‘baking’; this is a makeup technique that’s been around for years! In makeup setting terms, baking involves setting your concealer and foundation with a generous amount of translucent powder and allowing it to “bake” (set) on your skin for several minutes before brushing it away with a fluffy brush. This method can help to control oil, reduce shine, and create a smooth, long-lasting base for your makeup. It’s best applied using a dampened beauty blender to gently press the powder into place. If you worry that your powder will look too cakey on your skin, you can spritz it with a makeup setting spray for a flawless finish an extra hold.
For party eyes, make sure to use waterproof formulas when it comes to mascara and eyeliner.
For lips, liquid lipsticks are a great choice! You can also use the baking technique on your lips. Simply apply two layers of your favourite lipstick, blotting in between each layer, then apply your translucent powder over the top and allow it to set for a couple of minutes before gently dusting it away. This technique can feel drying on your lips, so prep them well beforehand to ensure comfort and no signs of flaking.
How/can you re-apply SPF throughout the day without redoing make-up?
To re-apply your SPF throughout the day without disrupting your makeup, it’s best to look for a spray-on formula. Hello Sunday The Retouch One – Face Mist SPF30 is ultra-fine and invisible, so it’s perfect for topping up your protection throughout the day. Another great product us Ultrasun UV Face & Scalp Mist SPF 50 – it’s transparent and water resistant and gives high broad-spectrum protection from UVA, UVB, Infrared A and Blue Light. It also won’t leave a sticky feeling on your skin, so you’ll feel perfectly comfortable all day.
Which SPFs are best under makeup for matte finish?
I love a face masks. People always notice when you have used one. It’s also great to take a few minutes out of the day. Nothing says self-care like a face mask. You feel the moisture locking in, you’re rewarded with instant hydration and can target specific skincare needs – dryness, acne, brightening etc, and you can just leave it on whilst getting on with other things! The post-summer, autumn/winter skin has been (if you’re lucky) exposed to UV rays, get togethers where you’ve had drinks or long nights, and really, for want of a better term our skin has taken a battering. There’s a face mask out there for all, whether you prefer a sheet, cream or LED – we’ve rounded up some of our keepers…
This plant based formula uses Seaweed Kelp Complex, Organic Pine Oil and Wild Yam to help you to achieve skin that’s clear and youthful. A 15 minute Retinol treatment is a great choice for those looking to target acne or the signs of ageing due to it stimulating collagen production to help aid repair. This renewing formula will help to diminish fine lines, minimise inflammation, reduce pore size, even the skin tone and protect from free radicals.
Instantly brighten your complexion with this natural, plastic-free sheet mask infused with nourishing botanicals, probiotics, vitamins and enzymes to promote healthy skin and lift overall complexion for a radiant, luminous appearance. Rich in probiotics and antioxidants to plump the skin and fortify the skin barrier.
‘What causes droopy eyelids?’ is at breakout on Google Trends (up by a staggering 5,000%) and so we tapped Britain Todd, Founder of Contours Rx for her expert insights on the subject.
“Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, is a condition that affects many of us as we age, but there can also be other underlying factors that lead to this. By understanding factors that contribute to droopy eyelids we can help in managing and preventing the condition effectively” says Britain.
Causes of Droopy Eyelids “Droopy eyelids, or ptosis, is primarily result from the natural ageing process which weakens the skin and muscles around the eyes. This weakening is largely due to a decline in collagen and elastin, essential proteins that maintain skin firmness, coupled with the deterioration of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle, responsible for lifting the eyelid. Additionally, genetic factors can predispose individuals to ptosis if it is prevalent in their family. Various medical conditions, including Horner’s syndrome, myasthenia gravis, and nerve damage, can also contribute to this condition. Furthermore, lifestyle factors such as excessive sun exposure, smoking, and inadequate sleep can accelerate the ageing of skin and muscle around the eyes, exacerbating the droopiness.”
Preventing and Addressing Droopy Eyelids While some causes are unavoidable, there are preventive measures and exercises that can help manage and potentially delay the onset of droopy eyelids, says Britain: “Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants helps to support skin health. Always avoid smoking, excessive sun exposure, and ensure you’re getting sufficient sleep. In addition to this, regular eye exercises can help strengthen the muscles around your eyes. Here are a few exercises to consider”: Eyebrow Lift: Place your fingers just above your eyebrows and gently push down while lifting your eyebrows. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times. This exercise helps strengthen the muscles that support the eyelids. Eye Squeeze: Close your eyes tightly and then open them wide. Repeat this 10-15 times. This exercise can help improve muscle tone and reduce sagging. Blinking Exercise: Blink rapidly for 30 seconds, then close your eyes and relax for 30 seconds. This exercise can help keep the eyelid muscles active and engaged. Eye Rolling: Look up and roll your eyes in a circular motion. Repeat this in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. This exercise can help with muscle flexibility and strength.”For those seeking a non-surgical approach to address drooping eyelids like myself, I developed Lids by Design as an innovative solution to offer both aesthetic and practical benefits without the need for surgery.”
Contours Rx Lids by Design: A Quick-Fix Solution“I designed Contours Rx Lids by Design to offer a quick and effective non-surgical alternative to blepharoplasty, delivering an immediate lift and definition for a youthful look that lasts all day. With 24-hour wear, these eyelid strips are ideal for both daily use and special occasions.Crafted from high-quality organic and medical-grade materials, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and latex-free, I wanted to ensure Lids by Design is suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Their ease of application makes them a straightforward solution for enhancing appearance without the complexities of surgery” says Britain.
Elizabeth Grant Skincare is a renowned luxury skincare brand known for its innovative and effective products. Founded by Elizabeth Grant herself, the brand’s origins date back to her personal quest for skincare solutions after suffering severe skin damage during World War II. Central to the brand’s success is its proprietary ingredient, Torricelumn™, a blend of natural sea vitamins, minerals, and proteins designed to rejuvenate and repair the skin. I have tried their Vitamin C Hydra-Moist Gold C High Performance Dark Spot Corrector Serum. It’s fantastic and makes a real difference to your skin. I also thought it was reasonably priced. Grab some now and look at the other products in the range.
A highly concentrated, vitamin C Serum supercharged with Gold, Ferulic Acid and boosted with Torricelumn™ and time released to infuse fresh vitamin C into the skin all day and night. This high performance concentrated serum with Ferulic acid targets the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, age spots, dull, tired looking skin and helps to revitalize, repair and rejuvenate the look of the skin.
A potent overnight treatment designed to transform the skin while you sleep. This concentrate combines the power of retinol, glycolic acid, and hyaluronic acid to deliver a comprehensive anti-aging and skin-renewing experience. Retinol helps to accelerate cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. Hyaluronic acid provides intense hydration, ensuring the skin remains plump and moisturised.
Summer is here and what better way to welcome it than by rejuvenating your haircare routine? Naturtint introduces a vibrant solution: Hair Food Masks, infused with the essence of superfoods. Quinoa, goji, chia and purple rice are here to transform your haircare routine into a ritual of renewal and vitality.
Why you’ll love it:
Unique treatments for every hair need: From quinoa for colour vibrancy to chia for damage repair, goji for a vitality boost and purple rice for frizz control and softness.
Crafted from nature: Celebrate summer with 99% natural ingredients for your hair.
Discover the power of superfoods for hair that’s as vibrant and alive as summer itself.
Ready for a transformation?
Naturtint’s ‘Hair Food’ range of intensive hair masks harness the power of superfoods rich in vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants to enhance hair health and beauty – so you can nourish your hair with the best balanced diet!
Made using a selection of superfoods, each rich in essential nutrients such as antioxidants, unsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, these intensive hair conditioning masks each target a common hair concern;
Quinoa Colour & Shine Mask – to nurture your hair and colour-fix for a longer-lasting colour intensity and shine.
Chia Protection Mask – designed for damaged hair, to help maintain colour and shine, especially when hair has been over-processed or exposed to external aggressors.
Goji Revitalising Mask – to hydrate, revitalise and soften the hair, to give it renewed vigour and strength.
Purple Rice Moisturising Mask – designed to deeply hydrate your hair and leave it looking silky smooth.
Each mask is formulated with 99% naturally derived ingredients, suitable for vegans and free from parabens and artificial fragrances. As well as the primary superfood ingredient, each mask contains Shea Butter to nourish hair, Milk Thistle as a natural silicone substitute to leave hair silky and Baobab Proteins to provide vitality and strength.
The packaging is also gorgeous and is a great addition to your bathroom. Love these products.
