I’ve done a bit of research into how we can keep our face’s youthful looking with exercise!!

It seems that we don’t have to spend a fortune on facial products just to stay looking young.  I’ve already given you some really good home made facial products so now lets look at our exercise routine and see if we can all look 18 again!

With a regular facial fitness routine – ie exercising the muscles of your face, we can build up the muscles of our face and keep them toned and firm. Regular exercise can keep the muscles lifted enough to remove the sags and the skin can become smooth enough to reduce wrinkles.  Also, the blood circulation to the face will enable the tissue to repair itself.

You only need to take a few minutes a day with a routine (you could even do it watching the T.V if you don’t have anyone else watching you, he he!).

Here goes …..

Forehead  -  This will help smooth the wrinkles of the forehead. Place your fingers just above your brow. Then, with your fingers, pull the skin down. At the same time, try to raise your eyebrows. Repeat this 10 times.

Eyelids –  To deal with crows’ feet at the corners of the eyes, put the thumbs at the corners of the eyes and then shut your eyes tightly. Then, with your thumbs, pull at the skin towards the forehead. Repeat 10 times.  If you suffer with sagging eyelids then hold your index fingers close to the brow bone. Afterwards, raise your eyebrows. At the same time, try to close your eyes and repeat 10 times.

Cheeks –  Form an O with your lips and try to push them forward as fast as you can. Then release and smile as widely as you can. Repeat 10 times and have a laugh at how daft we probably look!

Chin  -  None of us want a double chin so,  push your lower lip upward as high as you can. You can also press your thumb on the bone just under your chin and then push your tongue against your lower gums as if it is trying to meet your thumb. Also, massage the flesh under your chin with your thumb with strokes directed towards your neck.

Neck  –  Arch your neck backwards and place your hand on your neck just under the chin. Let your hand slide downward and push at your collarbone.

Ok, so this isn’t going to work straight away.  As with any exercise programme you need to stick at it for a bit!  But, if you preserve a few minutes twice a day, five times a week, you will definitely notice a difference in a month or two.  Definitely worth it but I think I will do mine in private.  I think my husband and my 19 year old son would definitely think I’ve lost the plot!

So, the sun’s shining, we are starting to get a bit more daring with showing the flesh and we want to look tanned and healthy!  We’ve been covered up all winter but we want to look like we have just stepped of a plane from Barbados!

Time for the fake tan!  As we all know fake tanning became the preferred method of giving our skin a healthy glow when we all eventually began to understand the damage that the sun could potentially do to our skin.  When I worked in a salon/beauty therapy centre years ago we had people queuing up for their fake tan before they went away.  We always used to use St Tropez but now there are literally hundreds to different fake tans to choose from, from foam and spray applications to slow tanning lotions right up to spa, salon and air brush applications.

The primary ingredient in the majority of fake tanning products is dihydroxyacetone, or DHA, and they work by reacting to amino acids found in our skin cells.  This interaction is what provides the “tan”.  Please bear in mind though that these products will not protect your skin from the sun so sunscreen protection is still needed.

One of the most popular applications today is the airbrush tanning methods.  These are most successful when done in a tanning salon, but there are new methods available on the market, that allows users to apply them at home.  These can be costly, however and often, the results aren’t as dramatic as those you would get in a spa or salon setting.  With this tanning technique you will need to persevere with a bit of trial and error to find the right one for your complexion, as you definitely don’t want to end up with the dreaded orange look.  Always start of paler and build on it.  Its safer and wont give you that drastic overdone look!

It’s important to do your research on the application methods.  Airbrush tanning might be the new ‘in thing’ but it’s not the only method.  Every product has its own merits and obviously the prices will vary greatly as well.  Keep your budget in mind, especially if you’re new to fake tanning products. Don’t spend a fortune then find it’s not the right one for you.

I’ve tried applying fake tan myself and ended up in a right mess.  Dark patches around dry areas which just look hideous. With St Tropez you can buy their own exfoliating and moisturising lotion which works well with the product.  Always pay attention to those dry areas such as your knees and elbows especially if we haven’t looked after them like we should have in the winter!

I find the moisturisers with tanning in them the best, personally I use Johnson’s, its fab, it smells good and I can put it on at night and the results are great in the morning! (Doesn’t look good when it’s been put on after a couple of glasses of wine though!)

Don’t Forget the plastic gloves unless you want to look really daft with tanned palms!

And, lets face it, if the tans done right and looks good you will feel like a million dollars x

My daughter and I are both suffering slightly with dry hair at the moment.  My daughters particularly and as she is at college doing hairdressing, she is constantly messing, straightening, curling hers and everyone else’s!

What causes dry hair?

Well, there are two main reasons why our hair becomes dry and brittle …..

Firstly, we can have a lack of sebaceous gland production.  Sebum oil is produced by our skin glands which includes our scalp.  Normal secretion allows for the “coating” of the follicle shaft with oil that enhances growth, health and protection.  If we have an over-active gland it produces excess amounts of sebum and can result in oily hair. Lack of sebum, conversely, results in dry, brittle, or weak hair that is prone to breaking or snapping when combed or styled.

Secondly, and the main reason for most of us is over-styling.   Too much heat will deplete the hair of moisture.  Straighteners or Curling  tongs  set at high temperatures steam  our hair and destroy the medulla and its ability to provide nutrients and vitamins. Also, as my daughter has found out to her cost, perming can drastically damage your hair. The result is frizz and split-ends and brittle hair that is prone to breaking and loss of manageability.

How can we help it?

We’re back to that good old “Eating Right” scenario again and it really can do wonders for your hair. Vegetables, fruits and meats high in proteins convert to hydration that enables moisture-rich healthy follicles and improve circulation to the roots.

Also, spend a little bit of time looking for the right hair products.  Panthenol and Jojoba oil are great for raising moisture content and improves hair elastisicity.   Did you know that the Australians use Emu oil which has been used for thousands of years and is a natural moisturizer and anti-inflammatory.  It decreases flaking, itching and adds volume and smoothness to dry, dull, or lifeless hair.  I haven’t managed to come across any emu oil products over here in the UK but if anyone has, then I’d love to know where from!

Aromatherapies are also believed to help improve dry hair. If you add a combination of six drops of lavender, bay and sandalwood essential oils with six ounces of warm sesame or soy oils then apply the oil to the hair, wrap in towel for 15 minutes, then rinse; this will help in treating dry hair.   I think all that lavender and sandalwood would send me to sleep but worth a try!

Basically, hair needs plenty of MOISTURE so bare this in mind in your everyday routines and it should start to improve!

The plant commonly known as the ‘Miracle Plant’ or ‘Natural Healer’ has been around for over 4000 years and has numerous beneficial vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes and natural sugars which can help with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidants and restoration.

The general benefits of Aloe Vera are varied. It can benefit a person both externally and internally. The studies and research into the healing powers of Aloe Vera are on going and more uses for this plant are sure to be found. This power packed plant provides so many essential minerals, vitamins and substances that the human body needs and its ability to heal has long been known to those who practice home remedies.

As we all know Aloe Vera moistens and softens the skin and I use Aloe Vera a lot for my dry skin especially after showering/bathing.  It is used worldwide in the manufacture of cosmetics and is considered a valuable ingredient.

It is also fantastic as an anti ageing product!  It is naturally healing and regenerating on a cellular level so any anti ageing product you buy with Aloe Vera helps your skin rejuvenate from the inside. Also, because of its great healing qualities it is ideal for using on insect bites, burns, rashes, sunburn etc.  This is because of the magnesium lactate which calms down itching, helping the skin to recover quickly.

Did you also know that Aloe Vera can be taken orally?  It can help your digestive tract function properly and so heal your insides as well!  It is known to be really good for constipation.

If you want to give a Aloe Vera a try then visit Holland & Barretts website and see what great products they have.  They have everything from Gels to Juice to Toothpaste!!

Well, we’ve talked about our skin and our hands but what about our feet!  We never really pay enough attention to our feet and yet they will be carrying us around until the end of our days!

I always seem to pay more attention to mine over the summer than I do in the winter.  If I’m honest, I have been known to have my nail polish on well into the winter.  We get up everyday and put our warm woolly socks on and don’t worry what they look like. 

With Spring on the way, now’s the time to put some effort into our feet!  (Think of those fabulous strappy sandals we all want to wear!)

Every night before you go to bed try massaging your feet with a good moisturiser or even coconut oil. This will help them to relax and keep them soft and supple.

If you are a bare foot person then the elements of wind, sun & water can cause your feet to crack and suffer from dryness and roughness.  I read a fabulous article in a magazine that suggests you mix 3 parts honey to 1 part sesame oil, warm and massage into the dry areas on your feet.  It acts as a natural moisturiser.

After that, then the only thing left is a foot soak, ooh heaven.  I have a fantastic foot spa which I love to sit in front of the T.V with and soak for ages!  Add a bit of Epsom salts and almond oil to the water and your feet with feel fab.  Moisturise them well after and they will be feeling fresh and energized!

Oh, and don’t forget file and polish!  A bright vibrant colour so when you look down at your feet they make you smile x

Did you know that the first mascara was invented by Eugene Rimmel in the 19th Century and that the word ‘Rimmel’ also means mascara in many languages.  It was also Max Factor who were the first to create mascara with a wand application that we see today.  (I bet you didnt know that!)

    Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara £14.50

     Max Factor Lash Extension Effect £7.99

     Clinique Lash Building Primer £10.00

    Estee Lauder Lash Primer Plus £16.00

      Rimmel Magnifi’eyes Mascara £6.99

These items can all be found online at Boots but this is just a small selection of what if available so check out their website and see what you can find!

Happy Shopping x

1.         Try using an eyelash curler prior to applying your mascara to open up your eyes and give natural curve. When using an eyelash curler, squeeze your lashes onto the curler pad, then release slowly, then pull the curler away from your eyes.  Its not a good idea to release and pull away at the same time as you might pull some eyelashes out (ouch)!   Be very careful if you need to use the curler again after you’ve applied your mascara as the mascara can cause the lashes to stick to the curler.

2.         Treat yourself to a good eyelash primer.   A lash primer or lash conditioner provides a base coat for your mascara.  It will condition, thicken and strengthen your lashes all in one step – even before you apply your mascara.  Just brush the lash primer onto your lashes and let them dry completely prior to putting your mascara on.
 
3.         Apply mascara to your upper lashes from the base to end of the lashes.  Why not turn your mascara wand upright and just tip the ends of your eyelashes with the end of the mascara wand. This will give the very ends of your lashes a good coating of mascara which will help them to appear longer.  You can do the same step to your lower lashes, but be careful and use sparingly, as too much mascara underneath the eye can make you look tired.  Use a clean lash brush to comb through your lashes if they need to be separated.  Let each coat of mascara dry completely before applying additional mascara to the lashes.

4.         To help the base of your eyelashes appear thicker, use a very thin line of high-pigment eyeliner, either pencil or liquid, whichever is preferred.  But be careful not to smudge, you don’t want to look like some king of witch!
 
Personally, I have to be really careful when doing my eyelashes as they are extremely long!  Lucky you, I hear you saying.  But, to be honest, they clump together and I am forever getting spots all the way along the top of my eye shadow, as when I put my mascara on, they just roll back and blot everywhere.  I am forever redoing my eyes!!

I know I’ve been focusing on looking after my skin recently but what about our lips!  We all look after our skin condition and complexion and yet, we never seem to concentrate so much on our lips.

We all have different lip shapes, some thick, some thin but this delicate area is so sensitive that the appearance of lines and dull texture around the lip and lip area are definite signs of ageing without properly looking after them.  As we get older your lips become even more sensitive and prone to dryness, chapped & flaky and ultimately cracking.  Apart from anything else it is painful and uncomfortable when eating (let alone snogging!).

For me, my lips really suffer in the cold winter and the really hot sun!  But many people have different factors, seasonal changes like me, allergic reactions to lipstick/balm, using lipsticks/balms that don’t suit your skin and insufficient moisturizing.

Try using a moisturizing lip balm to repair the delicate lip area from time to time. If you use a lipstick regularly, try to use a moisturizing lip stick, and add a thin layer of lip balm preferably with a sun protection factor underneath.

There are loads of lip balms available to choose from to protect your lips according to your lip condition – from a cream type for very dry and severe conditions, 2-in-1 lipstick and balm formula, moisturizing gels for daily use and stick lip repairers.  One of the best ones I have come across is Vaseline for lips.  It comes in a small round tin and is great.  If you don’t have a lip balm to hand try a natural product based face moisturizer and if possible something with Vitamin E.  Its great for rejuvenating skin.  And always try and remember to balm up at night.  It has the most amount of time to work properly! 

A good soothing lip balm contains gentle and mild ingredients which anyone can use from kids to pensioners who suffer from sensitive lip problems. For babies, a Vaseline (petroleum jelly) based product is recommended to soothe and repair.

If you really want to slow down the signs of ageing and vertical lip line appearance try cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing every week (once a week only mind) when you do your facial routine!

Don’t forget, February 14^th is Valentines Day and don’t we want our lips to be really kissable by then!!

A poem about Snogging (just for Valentine’s)

“Some people snog like a watering can

And some like a washing machine

Some people aren’t really snoggers at all

But you seem to snog like a dream!”

There are literally thousands of different ‘best’ anti aging products available on the market today and a few which are especially worthwhile. You have to find anti ageing solution that works for your skin type, that is effective and safe, high quality, natural, and which is best suited to your own specific needs.

Advice on what to look for …….

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA’s) are derived from plant source or milk and are very effective in any anti ageing product. They work by breaking down the intercellular glue that holds dead skin cells together, thereby helping to increase skin cell turnover rate and revealing brighter, smoother and softer skin.

Glucosamine is an alternative to these AHAs and is also important to look for in an anti ageing product. Glucosamine is a molecule that is made of glucose and amine, and which is produced naturally in the body. Glucosamine works by stimulating cartilage cells to produce two particular proteins that help to hold joint tissue together, thereby helping the skin to retain its young and youthful appearance.

When looking for an anti ageing product you should also look for essential oils as part of the ingredients.  Essential oils work tremendously by healing, cleansing, balancing as well as being antifungal. The stimulating properties of these essential oils work by oxygenating the blood and energizing cells.

Vitamin C is also incredibly effective as an anti ageing ingredient, and potentially Vitamin C can benefit the skin in two important ways, one for the synthesis of collagen and secondly it is an antioxidant which can help to reduce skin damage caused by free radicals.

It is vital when choosing an anti ageing product that you choose one that is going to be effective and best suited for your skin.  I’m going to take a bit of time with my searching around and maybe I can find the perfect anti aging product and keep my skin ‘youthful and fresh’!

We all have to tighten our belts at some time or another, especially after the expense of Christmas so, heres my top 10 beauty tips for a budget!

1. Adding a drop of olive oil and lemon juice to an ice cube then running it over your face gives you better results than some expensive skin care products.
2. A drop of live oil rubbed nightly into your nails will help them grow long and strong and is cheaper than shop-bought manicure oils.
3. To boost the shine of dark hair rinse it with diluted vinegar. For blonde hair use lemon juice. Both act by sealing down the outer cuticles of the hair, helping your hair reflect the light more effectively.
4. Have a go at swapping your expensive face scrubs for a cup of oatmeal massaged directly onto your skin – this works well and helps the skin to shine.
5. This is a favourite of mine as I love my nails – a small drop of olive oil rubbed nightly into your nails will help them grow long and strong and is cheaper than brand name manicure oils.
6. Annoying pimples – dab with a spot of toothpaste before bed and leave on overnight!  Works a treat.
7. Equal parts of Oatmeal & Honey into a paste is the best way to tackle blackheads, massage skin for a few minutes and rinse, easy peasy!
8. Mascara coming to an end?  Stand in warm water to get a little more life out of it.
9. Baking Soda is fantastic as a teeth whitener – just sprinkle onto damp toothbrush as normal
10. Why not use fresh strawberries to fight acne – mash ¼ cup of strawberries with natural yoghurt and let it sit on your face for 15 minutes then rinse thoroughly.