skin

When it comes to keeping skin healthy, there is one thing we know for sure, and that’s that prevention and protection is key. While some ingredients do exist that can help to lessen the signs of ageing, the key, dermatologists say, is to use products such as antioxidants that do their absolute best to give the skin exactly what it needs to defend itself against ageing aggressors. The truth is though, these sorts of skincare teachings are relatively new. The industry is forever learning more about skin and the way that it functions, and it’s only in the last couple of decades that we even learned at-home skincare routines should involve more than a hydrating face cream.   Having said that, the largest factor to skin’s health and the way it ages is without a doubt genetic...

When it comes to keeping skin healthy, there is one thing we know for sure, and that’s that prevention and protection is key. While some ingredients do exist that can help to lessen the signs of ageing, the key, dermatologists say, is to use products such as antioxidants that do their absolute best to give the skin exactly what it needs to defend itself against ageing aggressors. The truth is though, these sorts of skincare teachings are relatively new. The industry is forever learning more about skin and the way that it functions, and it’s only in the last couple of decades that we even learned at-home skincare routines should involve more than a hydrating face cream.   Having said that, the largest factor to skin’s health and the way it ages is without a doubt genetic...

Used by beauty editors, dermatologists and celebrities far and wide, C E Ferulic is the gold standard of vitamin C products. Results are almost instantly noticeable, and it gives skin a healthy radiance that really can’t be beaten. The price tag is enough to make you wince (hard), but the truth is, in my experience, when it comes to vitamin C, you get what you pay for. The only issue I have with it? It’s not perfect for those with oily skin, like myself. While its additional moisturising properties are great for mature or drier skin types, it’s just too heavy for my breakout-prone complexion. So, while I have been reaping the benefits of the vitamin C in C E Ferulic for some time, its oily nature does contribute to congestion. Because of this, for years I have watched on as people wit...

That’s right—there’s one product, in particular, that some of the most glowing celebrities can’t get enough of. From Beyoncé to Charlize Theron and even the makeup artist behind Meghan Markle’s wedding day beauty look, the Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm (£9) is a skincare favourite amongst the A-list, and for good reason. No, you might not immediately associate a cheap skin balm with Hollywood royalty, but it turns out this super-affordable product works wonders at giving skin a lit-from-within radiance. Originally formulated to provide a protective barrier over dry, cracked skin, more recently, the super hydrating balm, which contains hydrating glycerine and repairing panthenol, has been repurposed for a number of beauty tasks. Whether you’ve got dry hands, eczema or you simply want ...

In a year that tested our patience, emotions, resilience and bank balances, our choices in beauty and skincare products seemed to reflect our collective mood: we needed to be looked after. A month-by-month breakdown of the best selling beauty products of 2020, revealed some interesting shopping trends. Somewhat unsurprisingly, hand sanitiser and luxury handsoap topped our lists in 2020.  But as self-care became less of a social-media buzzword and more of a daily necessity in 2020, there was a noticeable rise in skincare, haircare, and bath-and-body purchases overall. A report by McKinsey saw that while the pandemic did affect how we shop (mostly online) we did invest in our pamper products. It stated that “Zalando, Europe’s largest fashion and lifestyle e-commerce marketpla...

To say I was dubious about dermaplaning is an understatement. Until recently, there was one skincare myth I wholeheartedly believed in: shaving your face would make the hairs grow back thicker. It was only until a friend (with skin as smooth as marble) revealed she regularly removes hair from her entire face that I became a little more open-minded. However, she explained she wasn’t shaving but rather dermaplaning and it was the secret to her glowing skin and make-up. I’ve been a convert ever since. I currently use Veet’s electric dermaplaning tool (£23.00), but what does it actually do?  From an easier makeup application to brighter skin, skincare enthusiasts have waxed lyrical about the benefits of dermaplaning. On the face of it, dermaplaning is an intensive exfoliating treatment he...

But then 2020 happened. Much like everything else in life, the events of the past year or so really have messed with my beauty routine. Spending more time at home, rethinking my product budgets and a big shift in general priorities have meant that I’ve been forced into doing things a little differently. For example, whereas once upon I time I may have spent an hour applying my makeup before dinner, this year, my makeup drawer has gone largely untouched. Similarly, while monthly facials were once a set fixture in my diary, the past few months have seen me adding various new skincare products into my line up in a bid to get my glow back. And it is as a result of this shift in priorities that made me realise that I still have many beauty lessons to learn. Much like everyone else I k...

I can’t stand being hot and let’s not even talk about sweating. So unimpressed. With that said, it’ll come as no surprise that I’m not afraid of the cold, in fact I welcome it.  Recently, I started the Wim Hof Method, not in an attempt to be labelled as the ‘Icewoman’ but I was intrigued by the health benefits. The method includes breathwork and the signature cold showers.  Honestly, its been a game-changer for me. The breathwork has helped me to connect to my body better and given me more energy and focus. I may not like being hot, but I love hot showers. The method involves having your usual temperature shower followed by a cold shower, starting at 15 seconds and going up to 2 minutes over time.  The first week was brutal, but after that...

Rose might just be the marmite of fragrance and who would have thought that such a beautiful flower could be so divisive. While, a delivery of 28 stems of red roses will hardly ever be refused, bottles of perfume touting rose as the main note are often subject to some deliberation.  I’m very into rose and I’m here to convince you to do the same. I’m often sipping on rose teas, clogging up my sink with rose petals from my bath or adding rosewater to my hot chocolate. Yet, my favourite way to use rose has to be in perfume.  Sure, for many people rose perfumes conjure up nostalgic scenes of great aunt’s wearing floral dressing gowns, but trust me, they’ve come a long way.  I picked out my favourite rose perfumes to tempt you with, so keep...

Aroma Active seems to hit the nail on the head in that respect. The products are environmentally friendly and natural and, in many ways, seem to care. Between the balms and rubs, the products appear to encourage users to take time out to massage the skin, unwind, and chill. Aroma Active’s Soothe range incorporates calming ingredients such as lavender and patchouli to help relax and heal dry skin. For gym buffs smashing their home workouts, the Muscle range features cooling ingredients to help invigorate the body and mind. For those feeling rundown, the SOS products are a mix of natural remedies to help uplift your spirits, and Sleep has all the sleepy heroes such as lavender and valerian. It’s certainly worth checking out if you’re in need of tender loving care. Here are some of the top pr...

I’m putting it out there: I’m a candle hoarder. I have drawers full of them. From fresh, airy scents to woody, spicy aromas, I’ve got a plethora of options in my collection—one for every mood. And as a candle obsessive, we’re finally entering my favourite time of the year. With Christmas approaching, I’m gearing up to unwrap all of the most festive scents in my collection and turn my home into a Christmassy grotto. The only problem is that when it comes to Christmas scents, I’m seriously fussy. The idea of filling my room with the sorts of traditional heady, sickly scents associated with Christmas makes me want to run for the hills. I like my festive candles to smell fresh and crisp but with a warming (but not headache-inducing) base that makes me want to snuggle up under a blanket. A...

Apparently, Egyptian Magic Cream is “based on a formula that was created thousands of years ago in the land of the Pharaohs.” It certainly feels classic and reminds me of the home-spun products my mum and grandparents swear by—passed-down potions made from natural ingredients which exist solely to heal and soothe. It’s made with all natural ingredients including olive oil, beeswax, bee pollen and royal jelly, and it works. My skin (normal/combination) drinks this thick balm up. After three months of using it, my skin texture is visibly smoother, brighter and makeup applies like a dream. Please be wary that this is a heavy duty cream and a little goes a hell of a long way. For this reason I use it at night as the last step in my winter skincare routine. I would be a little more tentative if...