Tag Archives: skin

Skincare Tips for Men

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Ben_Affleck to play batmanDon’t use a moisturiser that contains alcohol or perfume after shaving, use a gentle moisturiser. It’s essential to moisturise so that you rehydrate the skin, shaving will strip the skin of its natural moisture.

Do use a face gel/wash for oily, combination skin when cleansing – and a cream cleanser for dry skin.

Don’t dry shave, this can seriously irritate and dry out the skin. Always use a shaving gel or oil. If you have sensitive skin, avoid any products that contain menthol.

Do use any brand. When it comes to skincare, you don’t have to use just the brands targeted for men. If you have similar skin complaints to your girlfriend/mother/sister ask to try their products to see how they work for you.

Don’t rub or pick dry lips; apply a lip balm regularly throughout the day, a stick lip balm is easier and quicker to apply then the balms in little pots.

Do exfoliate dry hands (remove the dry, dead skin) and then moisturise. Start by mixing a little sugar and olive oil together and scrub your hands for roughly a minute, rinse off and then apply some of the olive oil in to your dry hands. For best results, gently warm the olive oil (warm not hot), apply to your hands and then cover your hands with a pair of cotton socks. Leave for a few hours or for even better results, leave on overnight.

Don’t leave sweaty skin after a workout. If you notice breakouts on your body after exercising, use a medicated wash to cleanse the skin as soon as possible after each session. If you don’t have time to shower, quickly wipe over your skin with a clean, cotton flannel and change out of your sweaty workout clothes. Always use a clean flannel and towel.

Do’s and Don’ts from highly-experienced facial therapist, Bravura London founder and Mum of Three, Amanda Elias.

Top Beauty Tips for Brides

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Bride, bridal make up, tips for wedding day, wedding, marriage, wedding day, tips, beauty, make up, tips

Photo credit: TrueMalyugin

We have some Top Beauty Tips for Brides from highly experienced facial therapist Amanda Elias; the brains behind effective yet affordable skincare brand, Bravura London. Amanda really knows her stuff so enjoy.

How to Prep Your Skin for a Wedding

Don’t try any new products, skincare, hair care, make-up, even washing powder 3 weeks before your wedding, any kind of a reaction could take a couple of weeks to calm down and that’s the last thing you need before your big day!

Don’t leave it until the last minute to think about your skin, the longer you have to correct any skin issues, the better! Using products that contain AHA’s will help to remove dead skin which tends to leave our skin looking dull and lifeless, removing this dead layer will leave your skin looking fresher and more vibrant.

If you’re getting married abroad, make sure you wear SPF 50 as soon as you arrive and re-apply regularly. Don’t risk sunbathing, you don’t want to get married looking like a lobster! Don’t forget your ears, lips and the back of your neck.

To avoid any fake tan disasters before your wedding, book yourself in for a spray tan the day before, you’re a lot less likely to end up with any streaky patches. Make sure you have a trial tan before the big day to make sure the colour suits you and to avoid any chance of a reaction.

Make-up sits better on exfoliated skin, using a cleanser that contains AHA’s daily can help to remove the dead skin so that your foundation lasts longer.

If you suffer with blackheads or hormonal spots on your chin, try using a salicylic acid product daily. This will help to exfoliating the skin and clear out the pores, salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory effect so it’s great for spots that can also become inflamed.

If you have a lot of redness left over from acne, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a short course of hydrocortisone which can dramatically help to reduce the discolouration.

There’s going to be a lot of focus on your hands on your big day, to keep your hands and nails in peak condition, massage sweet almond oil in to your hands and nails daily, a month before the wedding. By your big day your nails will be stronger and your hands will be supper soft. If your hands tend to be flaky, mix a little olive oil and sugar, gently massage in to your hands, wash away and then apply your sweet almond oil.

Don’t forget your lips, wear a good quality lip balm and re-apply regularly throughout the day, especially before bed. Do this for at least a week before your wedding and your lips will be super soft and kiss ready.

Do you have any beauty tips?

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Review | Beauty

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What the cream looks like when it is finished.

What the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra looks like when it is finished.

Anyone who has read a few of my beauty reviews will know that my skin can be sensitive. So I was excited to try this calming cream. Toleriane Ultra is for allergic, sensitive or intolerant skin.

While using it my skin did not have any redness. It calmed it down. It smelled pleasant, really moisturised my skin and was not greasy. It did not just sit on my skin. It was hydrating and did not make my skin break out. The consistency is not too heavy but still has lots of goodness. It is not thinned down.

I love the bottle. As you use it you the clear bag of cream inside of the bottle gets smaller and smaller, like a vacuum bag. This stops bacteria getting in but is also really cool and hygienic. You can also be sure you won’t waste any and you will know exactly how much you have.

I would definitely buy this cream. Prices for it seem to start at £11 but it lasts quite a while and I think it is worth it.

What they say:

It’s formula is a true formulatory feat: ultra-minimalist, uncompromising and highly safe. A formula stripped down to the essential, using minimal ingredients and removing all potentially irritant or allergy-inducing substances. An ultra-minimalist formula with intense soothing power, thanks to Neurosensine, an active ingredient which targets cutaneous irritation mechanisms. A soothing action, reinforced thanks to the new association with naturally soothing and anti-irritating La Roche-Posay thermal spring water. Non-comedogenic. Ultra high tolerance. Tested on allergic skin.
PRESERVATIVE-FREE – PARABEN-FREE – FRAGANCE-FREE – ALCOHOL-FREE – COLORANT-FREE – LANOLIN-FREE.

Available from Boots, Superdrug or Amazon UK.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask | Beauty Review

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My mother got me started on face masks. The ritual of using a weekly face mask and relaxing was something we did before I grew up and moved out. It is something I really miss and is one of the reasons I think I get compliments about my skin.

I still use face masks, but finding the time has become a bit harder. Recently I have been making sure I fit it in and have been using Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask. Bee Venom? Yes, it is one of the the hot new ingredients now. Kate Middleton and Millie Mackintosh are fans. Did I like it? Read on….

I like the texture of the mask, it is quite thick and goes on well. It is like a thick moisturiser. Then when it comes off it flakes a little. It is also white so you don’t have a bright green face.

It really gives a boost to the skin. After I had used it only once I was asked by a friend if I had had a facial. She said I looked ‘rested’ and that my skin was glowing. Manuka claim it reduce wrinkles and scarring and it is not just a modest boost. It really, really works. It may cost £49.99 for 50ml, but it is completely worth it. One of the best face masks I have ever used, and I have been using them for years now.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask is definitely something to but on your Christmas wish list.

Natasha Hamilton has been very busy of late with an extreme juice detox, training for a charity cycle through India for cancer and the greatly anticipated ‘big reunion’ with Atomic Kitten in 2013 so it is no surprise she needs some time to relax beforehand. We can reveal that Natasha likes to unwind with Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask, in fact she took to twitter to let us all know… “just chilling at home with my Manuka Doctor Face Mask”

Manuka Doctor’s ApiNourish Rejuvenating Face Mask (£49.99 50ml), harnesses the power of Purified Bee Venom to help stimulate collagen growth, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and renew damaged skin cells, leaving skin looking visibly younger.

Suitable for all skin types, apply the mask to thoroughly cleansed skin and leave on for between 15 and 30 minutes depending on your skin type. Remove any excess with water to reveal a glowing and youthful complexion.

Purified Bee Venom is a potent combination of minerals, peptides and amino acids that help to encourage cell regeneration and boost collagen formation. This, combined with moisturising UMF™18+ Manuka Honey, Avocado Oil, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, deeply nourishes the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of scars and renew damaged skin cells.

Dr Sang Mi Han, who is the world’s most eminent bee venom expert, has been researching the subject for over 12 years, proving that this potent combination of minerals, peptides and amino acids works on all levels of the skin, to encourage naturally occurring cell regeneration and boost collagen formation.

Manuka Doctor Bee Venom Rejuvenating Mask is available from Holland & Barrett or Superdrug.

Potter’s Herbal Elixir of Echinacea Plus & Kwai Heart + Immune Supplements | Health Review

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miranda kerrAs winter comes in colds are inevitable. Echinacea is well known to ward of colds and boost the immune system, but does it really work?

The first thing I have to say about Potter’s Herbals Elixir of Echinacea is how nice it tastes, rare for something that is good for you. I am more used to taking pills but taking the elixir is no problem. I take it three times a day and I don’t get a cold, and feel that I have been given a health boost. In fact when I get more busy and forgot to take it for a while I ended up getting a cold. I start taking the Echinacea again and I immediately feel better. I think it works and I am impressed. It even makes my skin clearer.

I also start taking Kwai Heart+Immune with vitamins A, C and E; 30 tablets RRP £6.12; 100 tablets £16.33; Available from Boots. When I first take it I worry that I will smell of garlic but a friend says I don’t. After I start taking the supplement I feel much more energetic and healthier. The Pills are also easy to swallow.  My skin tone also improves when I am taking the pills. With the Kwai Heart+Immune and Potter’s Herbals Elixir of Echinacea I am all set for winter.

Commenting on Kwai Heart+Immune, independent dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton says: “It is now well accepted that vitamins A and C and garlic have a vital role in supporting a normal immune function, while vitamin E is a potent antioxidant, helping to protect cells from oxidative stress which leads to cell damage. Human research on garlic shows that it is antimicrobial and can reduce levels of harmful bacteria and viruses which cause disease.”

The immune system as you know is crucial to help prevent colds/flu/virues and potentillay fatal illnesses. New research by the Henry Potter Advisory Committee also reveals that nearly half of 2,000 respondents in survey (46.4%) believe that they appear physically less attractive when their immune system is lower, with nearly one quarter (23.9%) stating that you could tell how good someone’s immune system is from their skin tone.

 

New stats also revealed that:

  • Worryingly almost three quarter’s (73.9%) of those researched (out of 2,000 respondents) did not know that our immune system is capable of distinguishing foreign bacteria, fungi or viruses, thereby preventing cellular damage.
  • Nearly one third (30.9%), incorrectly believe that vitamin C will ward off a cold, with more women believing this than men (35.3% vs 26%).
  • When it comes to symptoms of a poorly functioning immune system, the most commonly cited symptom was tiredness (61.2%). Over one third of people (38%) commented that they thought their immune system was lowered when they felt physically weak, or when they caught a cold (37.9%) or a virus (37.1%).

Potter’s Herbals Elixir of Echinacea Plus – contains a unique formula of the highest quality Echinacea angustifolia, wild indigo and fumitory. RRP £10.16, available in Boots nationwide. Potter’s Herbal remedies also include cold and flu relief products, as well as sleep aids, and stress releif aids. The whole range are licensed herbal medicines – celebrating 200 years this year.

World class immunologist and medical herbalist Dr Serene Foster says “It is encouraging to see effective herbals available over the counter. The cold and Flu season costs the nation a lot in terms of lost days at school, work, and while on holiday. Now we can all benefit from good mixtures which address all aspects of colds. When Potters Herbal Elixir of Echinacea Plus is taken at the first sign of a cold, it will support and balance your immune system to reduce the symptoms and shorten the time you suffer a cold and make you feel better faster.”

 

Teangi Tea Tree | Beauty Review

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Teangi Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Cream
to effectively treat and relieve stings, cuts, minor burns, nappy rash and other minor skin conditions.

This cream has been getting a bit of a workout. I have been using it on insect bites, cuts, spots and sunburn. Luckily it has been doing it’s job. The cream has a great consistency and it smells divine, very fresh. It speeds up healing and is antiseptic so it treats cuts and grazes. The blend with witch hazel is a brilliant idea. The two powerful ingredients really work well together. It is also good at soothing skin. This creams many purposes make it a brilliant addition to any household.

Teangi Tea Tree Oil
100% pure pharmaceutical grade Tea Tree oil

This tea tree oil is 100% pure. Tea tree is known as ‘nature’s antiseptic’. Like the cream it has many purposes. You can add it to anything or dilute it and use it on spots or cuts. I used it on an insect bite and it reduced the swelling immensely. I was very impressed. I actually think this tea tree oil is the best you can get. Definitely worth a buy. Both products are well-priced. Bathroom essentials.

Teangi Tea Tree – Nature’s Healing Power for the Bathroom

Tea Tree has long been recognised as a major bathroom essential and the newly renamed Teangi range from LanesHealth is the perfect solution to many irritating conditions.

With the worries of itchy flaky scalps, lice, nappy rash, cuts, and insect bites affecting most parents with young children at some point, the Teangi Tea Tree range is an effective, soothing solution.

The Tea Tree shrub is native to a small region in northern New South Wales Australia and the oil is recognised as a powerful healing ingredient around the world. It has several well-established properties that provide the basis for its special soothing effects: natural antibacterial, natural antiseptic, anti-fungal and insect repellent.

Teangi is an ancient aboriginal name meaning ‘earth’. Aboriginals believed that the association of every living thing is not just an idea but a way of life. LanesHealth have chosen the name Teangi – pronounced Tea-angi – to accentuate the sacred, elemental source of Tea Tree’s healing power.

Today, the Teangi range offers nature’s power for the bathroom. With a range of essential products such as:

– Teangi Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Cream to effectively treat and relieve stings, cuts, minor burns, nappy rash and other minor skin conditions;
– Teangi Tea Tree Oil 100% pure pharmaceutical grade Tea Tree oil;
– Teangi Tea Tree Shampoo a medicated and PH balanced formula, with natural anti-tangling ingredients to make combing easier. Helps keep
the scalp clean and healthy and free from dandruff;
– Tea Tree Conditioner a nourishing leave-in treatment to keep hair perfectly hydrated moisturised and shiny.

So whatever your need, Teangi is a natural, essential collection for the whole family from head to toe.
Jon Groves, Spokesperson for LanesHealth says that, “The new design and brand name bring a contemporary feel to the range, whilst continuing to focus on the beneficial natural healing qualities that tea tree is known for, and which make it the perfect solution for all families.”

RRP:
Tea Tree Shampoo £3.69
Tea Tree Conditioner £3.15
Tea Tree Oil £4.03
Tea Tree & Witch Hazel Cream £3.25

Launching September 2012 at select supermarkets and chemists nationwide.

The Truth About Looking Young

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You may have seen Dr. Rozina Ali’s excellent BBC Horizon programme entitled ‘The Truth About Looking Young’, if not see it here, in which she talked about L’Oreal’s progress in the field of glycobiology and how it is the next big thing in the cosmetics industry. (you can read her article here)

There is a whole new exciting science called glycobiology which looks at lipids and sugars and their role in our bodies. It promises to shed light on the differences between young skin and ageing skin, in particular the role of glycans in repairing damaged skin. This pairs really interesting with our recent skin care report, where together with Mintel l’Oreal found that:

Eye creams and gels

  • Nearly half of all women (46%) use anti-wrinkle eye creams. Eye cream usage is mostly used around the 24 to 54 age groups, for more than half of these women.
  • One in four (26%) 15-24 year olds state that their skincare routine also includes the use of an anti-wrinkle eye cream.

Moisturisers

  • Moisturisers are used by over two-thirds (68%) of women
  • Only 35% use them every day
  • The most popular and highest-volume usage is with young women, with 43% of under 25s using them.

Anti-ageing serums

  • 39% of all British women use anti-ageing serums.
  • As women grow older, 46% of 55-64s using anti-ageing serums as part of their skincare routine.
    L’Oreal have announced a nationally representative UK clinicial trial of YSL Forever Youth Liberator to be published in a journal, which will provide further solid evidence of the anti-ageing effects of glycobiology.

L’Oréal, the leading beauty company will strengthen its understanding of the clinical benefits between the emerging science of glycobiology and skin ageing by commissioning an independent UK-based clinical trial of the Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator skincare range.

Forever Youth Liberator is the first range of products available that are based on research into glycobiology, an area of science that is already the subject of intense research activity. L’Oréal has already conducted numerous clinical studies, with validated objective assessments of outcome, for each of the products in this range before their launch. The company is confident that a new independent UK-based clinical trial, to be published in a peer reviewed journal, will provide further evidence of the skin ageing effectiveness of the Yves Saint Laurent Forever Youth Liberator products.  These include a new eye serum and night cream which will be launched in the coming months.

Julie McManus, Scientific Director for L’Oréal UK and Ireland said:

“L’Oréal has devoted over 20 years’ research into understanding the role of glycobiology in skin and the changes that occur with age. We have succeeded in developing highly effective products based on glycobiology, protecting the important role that glycans play in healthy skin. We are totally committed to proving the scientific results of our skincare products, which is why we are carrying out a UK-based clinical trial on the Forever Youth Liberator range.”

Forever Youth Liberator serum, cream, nutri cream, cleansing foam and lotion are now available from major department stores and Boots Beauty counters as well as www.yslbeauty.co.uk.

 

Following the success of the face serum, the best-selling product of the range, Yves Saint Laurent will be introducing on the 5th September an eye serum, specifically designed for the area of the face where skin is at its thinnest.

 

Angelina Jolie’s Beauty Secret

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Angelina Jolie has revealed what she uses to perfect her dewy complexion: Avène Water Sprays.

Her make-up artist Bruce Grayson revealed:

“To create Angelina’s Hollywood look the most important first step is to prep and prime the skin. Follow by applying a light, moisturising foundation as the base. Then, to achieve a radiant sheen use a make-up sponge sprayed with Avène Thermal Spring Water to blend concealer into the skin where needed. To complete the fresh-faced look apply a cream blusher to the apples of the cheeks.”

20 Million Avène Water Sprays are sold each year… So what is all the fuss about..?

Eau Thermale Avène Spring Water Spray is a multi-tasking wonder used throughout the world for calming and cooling skin.

Did you know you can use it to:

· Tone as part of your three step regime

· Soothe eczema

· Set make-up

· Reduce shaving rash

· Refresh on a hot day

· Alleviate sunburn or prickly heat

· After surgery

· For babies

Don’t just take our word, or the other 20 millions, a host of studies have shown the water to soothe and soften skin[1]. Recommended by dermatologists, it is also creating a buzz amongst beauty savvy celebs with both Sophie Dahl and Gwyneth Paltrow loving the spray:

“A soothing water spray for irritated skin. It’s also good as a quick refresher on a hot day. I know lots of makeup artists who use it, as it helps set makeup” says Gwyneth Paltrow

“This keeps my skin from getting dry!” says Sophie Dahl

Other celeb fans of the Thermal Water Spray include Erin O’Connor, Natalia Vodianova, Gabriella Calthorpe, Julia Restoin-Roitfeld, Diane Kruger and Vanessa Hudgens.

The soothing anti-irritating water comes from a spring in the south of France, which has taken a 40 year journey through the Cévennes Mountains, resulting in a naturally bacteriologically pure water with a low mineral content. It leaves a film of silica on the skin protecting the surface and leaving it feeling soft and comfortable. Thanks to the low mineral content in the water, as well as its pH 7.5 (almost neutral) balance, does not sting, burn or dry out skin and can be used on broken skin[2]

150ml can (£6.50) or a handy 50ml spray (£3.15) from Boots. For all stockists call 01582 820165 or visit www.avene.co.uk