Tan-tastic
With all of the negative coverage about sunbeds and even about the sun itself (although don't forget that everyone needs some sun each day unshielded from sunscreen for their daily dose of vitamin D), it can sometimes seem like the only way forward is via fake tanning - especially since some dermatologists, such as Dr Amy Taub, are even getting high schoolers to sign 'no-tanning' pledges. Tan Solutions UK truly does offer a solution for everyone with its extensive range of at-home self tans for different skin tones, including those of us who normally get no further than the pale and interesting look. At over £15 it's in Fake Bake and St Tropez territory, but with delivery free over £20, a discount code of 20% on your first order (type in OPEN at the checkout), and Paypal accepted too, it's looking like one of the hottest new options on the market today.
In the same price bracket, try Crazy Angel Duo Packs - the same fake tan supplying programmes such as Made In Chelsea. Rich in bearberry, shea butter and sesame, it too caters for light and dark skin tones.
You can also fill out YouTravel.com's fun survey on tanning here: http://www.youtravel.com
Grow, hair, grow!If, like me, you're fed up of hair THAT JUST WON'T SEEM TO GROW GODDAMMIT (I've been stuck at shoulder length for years), then Lee Stafford new hair growth shampoo and conditioner range could fit the bill perfectly. Following on from the existing Hair Growth Treatment comes the shampoo and conditioner to help 'fertilise your follicules and help hair grow to its maximum potential length'. They contain a cocktail of yummy-sounding (and smelling!) stuff, including apple and lemon extracts, green tea, and wheat protein. At £6.99 each for salon-standard styling, they're affordable too.
Celebrating all things beauty
Television shopping channel QVC's Beauty Month launches tomorrow (July 1st) - and trust me, there's loads to look forward to in the way of exclusive launches, great guests, and special offers. Discover new premium bronzers, nail care items and fabulous gift sets from brands such as Elemis, New CID, Bliss, OPI, and Perfect Formula - and perhaps even start on a little super-organised Christmas shopping from the comfort of your own home :) Shiseido has also launched on QVC this week, so start looking out for exclusive info and promotions on that front too.
All acne? All natural? No problem
When looking for solutions for acneic skin it can seem that all the products on the shelves are loaded with chemicals. Chart-topping television programme Embarrassing Bodies: Live From The Clinic has, however, perhaps found a product for those who prefer to care for their skin more naturally. Voted best product on the show recently, Antiac Skin Therapy Spray by Salcura supposedly "stop[s] shine and [gets] right down deep into the pores to banish blemishes" and provides an aromatherapeutic experience at home too, containing tea tree, sandalwood, manuka and nerolina oils, which not only smell nice but also combat the bacteria that cause acne with their anti-fungal and anti-septic actions. It also has aloe vera and sea buckthorn in the ingredients list to treat inflammation and promote healing. It's available in a spray format, allowing for more economical use and deeper, quicker penetration of the product into the skin. Interested? You should be. I know I am.
Health vs beauty
You'd think that health would win out in this battle, right? WRONG - British women apparently spend more than £100 more on beauty than on health each year, spending around £336 per annum on beauty enhancement products compared to £228 a year on vitamins, gym membership and health care. The survey of 3000 women aged 18-65, commissioned by the Benenden Healthcare Society, shows that British women also use 880 gallons of foundation per year, and enough lipstick each year between them to draw a line from London to New York. Don't forget to look after your inner health too!
Makeup for the beach
At this time of year, the Western world is assaulted by ads for fake tan products, limited edition summer makeup palettes, and, of course, waterproof makeup for the beach. But some waterproof makeup products don't just stop you from looking like a panda - if you think about it, rubbing makeup into your eyes by accident or crying just after you've done your makeup can lead to a host of eye infections. Scrummy, I think you'll agree. So it could actually be pretty important to have a mascara like Blinc's Kiss Me Mascara on your side, since it claims to never run, clump, smuidge or flake, even if you cry or rub your eyes. The most searched-for mascara on the internet, it is sometimes even recommended by ophthalmologists for those who have recently undergone laser eye surgery or to patients who have sensitive eyes or use contact lenses. It can even be removed with warm water alone, and given that it's available in black, brown, and even green, there's no need to compromise on your usual look either. Depending on where you look (Google Shopping is a good place to start), it can even be found for as little as £10. And speaking of beach makeup - a full face isn't cool. It just looks odd and may clog up your skin even more in the sun. Moisture is key due to the sun and salt water, so get a good moisturiser (why not a tinted one?), and of course, a good sunscreen. Use powder-based products to combat shine, rather than liquids or creams that may smudge; cheek stains are good for long-lasting colour; and don't forget there are plenty of waterproof eyeshadows and eyeliners out there too.
There's also an article from ChangeOfAddress.org on keeping your feet beach beautiful that is good to check out: http://www.changeofaddress.org/blog/2011/10-tips-for-keeping-your-feet-beautiful-during-sandal-season/
Dove meets Nails Inc
From now until July 12th, you can get a free limited edition Nails Inc nail polish created by Dove especially whenever you buy any two Dove deodorants at Boots. Taking their names from colourful Latino cities (including Havana), the Dove Beauty Collection nail polishes bring the vibes from these cities straight to your fingertips. This perfect finishing touch is worth £11 and is a great celebration of Dove's newest deodorant, Beauty Finish. Make sure you don't miss out!
There's an app for that
Of course, when it comes to looking prettyful it's sometimes not enough to paint and powder ourselves to within an inch of our lives. That's why it's important to keep fit and healthy too - and yep, you guessed it, there's even an app for that. From timing contractions to launching birds at pigs, it seems that iPhone apps can do anything these days, including keeping tabs on your fitness and diet. The main problem for most (including myself) is motivation and willpower, which Christine Chiu's new app (as yet unnamed) hopes to counter by turning your health goals into series of small, winnable games. Users can earn points, level up, and unlock badges whenever they do something good, such as adding a piece of fruit to the food diary or completing a workout, as well as consulting charts and graphs to follow their progress. And best of all, you'll be able to use it even if you don't have a smartphone, as there'll be a web version too. Stay tuned for further info!
Jergens has also recently created their Fantastic-O-Meter - a fun and handy tool that helps you to identify the areas of your life where you may need a little injection of Fantastic, by asking you to rate six key areas: Fun & Recreation, Finance, Family, Friends, Love Life, and Health & Wellbeing. You can try it here: http://www.facebook.com/Jergensnaturals?sk=app_218075944886006
Save the bees!
Following yesterday's Bee Lovely Bee Symposium, hosted by Neal's Yard in association with activist Sam Roddick, the beauty brand is now reaching out to ordinary consumers to help save these precious pollinators. From now until October, you can sign the petition to help raise awareness of the plight of bees and to ban neonics (powerful pesticides) that pose a threat to them. The Neal's Yard Winni-bee-go van will also be zooming around London on July 5th and 6th, where you can pick up a free Save The Bees book and get a massage with Bee Lovely Hand Cream. In August the book and hand cream will be launched officially nationwide, with the cream including organic honey and orange essential oil.
Now that's what I call multi-tasking...
Renowned psychologist Linda Papadopoulos has just released LP Skin Therapy - a skincare line that takes multi-tasking to new heights by using psychodermatology (how the mind can affect the skin). Treat your mind and your skin at the same time with these products, which are sold by Harrods and QVC and contain known mood regulators, such as periwinkle extract, tyrosine and Vitacell. Starting at £15 means they aren't cheap, but not exactly out of reach either - and it could be worth it to balance your entire wellbeing.
Be spa struck
If you can afford it, you can also take yourself off to Wales' highest-rated hotel - the 4* Vale Resort - which has just unveiled its brand new spa. With three unique relaxation zones - chill-out, water, and sleep - you're bound to find the perfect experience among the plethora of shimmering lanterns and water features, and, in addition, the Thermae Suite is designed to treat your body to heat experiences that soothe, relax and detoxify, such as saunas, body brushing with birch, hot and cold rainforest showers with chromatherapy lighting, and ice rooms. It's also the only spa in Wales to offer luxury beauty brand Sundari, created by model Christy Turlington.
And while you're splashing the cash, why not pay a visit to Claudia Louch, the Harley Street-based skincare and nutrition expert? All of her skincare treatments and products are created bespoke for each individual patient, and all are 100% plant-based. Sounds worth the consultation fee to me. If struggling with acne, eczema, rashes or psoriasis she could be a good pit stop.
Bright and beautiful eyes
To soothe eyes that have been irritated by sunlight, sea water, chlorine or hay fever, Liz Earle's Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion could just transport you to a calmer place too. Just for summer, the company is running a bright and beautiful eyes offer: for £25, you can receive a tube each of Daily Eye Repair and Smoothing Line Serum and a bottle of Eyebright - saving you £9.70 until August 31st. What's more, these three products provide all you need for the eye mask that's part of the signature facial at Liz Earle's London Treatment Rooms. To do a facial eye treatment in the comfort of your own home, simply soak two cotton wool pads of our Eyebright and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then apply Soothing Line Serum around the eye contour (gently patting with the ring finger) and finally apply the two chilled pads for 15minutes and relax. This will help decongest and hydrate the eye area, leaving eyes looking bright and beautiful.
