New year, new skincare please

My new year’s resolution, or rather just ‘on-going resolve’ is to use more organic and natural products.  Not just skincare but food, cleaning products and toiletries in an attempt to reduce the number of toxins I expose myself to.  Living in London, some might say forget it; drink red bull for breakfast and go for lunchtime sunbeds, the capital is hardly a known for its clean air and organic, stress-free living…either way, I’m giving it a go.

You have to start small, I can’t realistically install an air purifier in the flat and insist we spend our entire disposable income on a fridge full of organic produce however over the next few weeks I’ll share cheap and effective ways to make 2013 a little less chemically.

Purity Organic Skincare is an amazing range and retails for £10 or less making it easy to switch from your usual brand.  The collection sticks to basics meaning you don’t have to trawl through a myriad of options to find what you need.  The fragrance free, gentle formulas suit all skin types and the core ingredients read like Gwyneth Paltrow’s  post-Christmas detox regime: coconut oil, sweet almond oil, avocado oil, colloidal oats and cranberry seed oil.  The brand’s philosophy is to not overload the skin with too many ingredients, employing a ‘less is more’ strategy. I am often lured by high-tech skincare hype, but also alarmed at the lengthy lists of complex words printed in size 2 font on the reverse label.

I first came across the brand when it was recommended by Lisa Eldridge in one of her addictive video tutorials.  She rated the £4.99 Conditioning Cleansing Lotion so I did more research and trialled the whole range.  The products proved to be light, refreshing and fuss-free.  However, when switching from ‘performance’ products it may take time to adjust to the textures as we’re used to silky silicones and  slightly slicker consistencies.  The only downside is that the day cream doesn’t include an SPF but I layer it either with La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF30 Melt-In Cream or Jason facial sunblock both of which promote natural ingredients and suit sensitive skin. New year resolution: ticked.

Find out more at: http://www.purityorganicskincare.com/

New British Skincare Brand: MERUMAYA

I can only imagine the struggle involved in launching a brand new skincare range in what is a saturated, highly competitive market, yet that’s precisely what Maleka Dattu has achieved.

After working amongst the top brands for 30 years – including Clinique, Lancome and Origins - the entrepreneur decided to go it alone and concoct some high-end skincare products at affordable prices.  The products don’t come with fantastical claims but do come with an ‘end-game’ view and utilise words such as: integrative, evidence-based and long-term performance.

The only issue I have with the branding is the over-use of the word ‘youth’ and ‘youthful.’  I understand the anti-aging properties of the range however as they are aimed at all skin types and all ages, a less youth-obsessed message may appeal to younger (and possibly older) market.  On the plus side, Merumaya avoids some quick fix miracle-speak which we have come to associate with some youth enhancing brands, which is refreshing

I got to test the Iconic Youth Serum and Intensely Youthful Eye Cream.  With a carefully selected cocktail of 10 highly active ingredients, the serum is destined to live up to its name and the eye cream made me look less tired after some late nights and early starts.  I mostly love the idea that the integrated approach is not just a short-term fix but a long-term investment.

The range is set to expand with supplements and bath/body products which will complete the integrative approach.  There is also a mini kit which you can buy to test the range before buying.

My new winter hobby | Long, hot baths

There’s no better feeling than staggering through the front door, tired from yet another day at work (I went yesterday, and the day before….), damp from Autumnal drizzle, then throwing off your coat and ouchy shoes… and immediately getting a bath going. 

 

Without looking through the mail, acknowledging your boyfriend or having the ‘what shall we have for tea’ chat, I reckon you can be through the door and in a bath within 5 minutes.

In summer there’s not the same satisfaction as you’re not as chilled or windswept and there’s normally better things to be doing on a balmy summer’s evening.  But in winter I’d happily cancel dinner dates to indulge in an extended bath R&R.

I’m not concerned with therapeutic sounds or ambient lighting.  Soothing music and fiddly candles add to preparation time but if you’ve had a particularly hectic day….throw in all the whale sounds and lavender candles you need.  I just need some simple bath oil and a book or magazine and I’m in heaven.  Plus, sweating is a known detoxifier so it’s basically like going for a run….sort of.

Bathing Essentials:

Not just for severely dry skin, this is rich and non-irritating if your skin needs a mega moisture boost:

Boots Pharmaceuticals Derma Care Emollient Bath Oil (250ml) £3.99

Clean & Lean diet and wellness guru James Duigan recommends a simple, cheap (and lazy) way to detoxify by adding Epsom salts to your bath.

The Eco Bath – Epsom Salt Bath Soak for Muscle & Joint Pain, £8.49

 

•  Balance out the detox with a glass of wine…

 

• Book/magazine – I’m reading Fingersmith for book club…

 

Shower cap if it’s not a hair-wash day.  No one said it was meant to be a glamorous activity….

 

 

•  Phone – relaxing can incorporate multi-tasking, just don’t send work e-mails after the wine.

 

Follow me @joanna_knowles

 

Beauty basics | Winter skin remedies

Is it just me or has the change in seasons caused more skin-angst than normal?  Mine is behaving quite badly; breaking out yet dehydrated.  In short, it appears to hate me.

Maybe it’s the increased wine drinking to keep warm, the occasional flicking on of the central heating or the fact that I’m no longer wearing maxi dresses so don’t care if my limbs shimmer….who knows.  What I do know is that this year (in a sort of new season resolution) I’m going to prevent scaly extremities and protect my face from high winds and unremitting drizzle.

Think how nice it’ll be to burst out of our cocoon when Spring finally rolls around not having to unleash industrial-grade exfoliants on wintery legs.  We just need to get the routines in motion now (ish)….

First off, all that summer body polishing isn’t going to work in a 48 hour pre-holiday panic.  Along with dry brushing (boring but works with cumulative effort) and a firming cream over a few months is bound to result in a more refined result if it’s a long-term endeavour:

Hands typically get a beating so exfoliate and keep a hand & nail cream er…handy. I love this almond oil for cuticles too:

In a bid to prevent colds and flu, antibacterial gel is an excellent little invention, however you are cleansing your hands not the toilet floor so go for these less-brutal versions:

A facial serum holds moisture for longer and provides a secondary layer to protect.

DHC  is Japan’s No.1 online skincare company and fuses natural ingredients such as olive oil with traditional beauty practices:

Cut down on drinking vino and apply the grapes to your skin instead:

Finally for hard-core winter protection, i.e. snow days or skiing holidays these will create a physical barrier between you and the freezing air.

Beauty Basics | Cleanser

As I’ve harped on about previously, I’m a self-confessed beauty product-bore. On a sliding scale this is one up from a boyfriend-bore but two down from a baby-bore. Following on from my recent Skincare Steals piece, here’s the next weekly installment brought to you from my digital soapbox to impart my nuggets of wisdom. This week we’re starting with beauty basics: Cleanser.

Cleanser removes dirt, pollution and impurities (also known as dirt) from your face so serums and moisturisers work their self-proclaimed magic when applied to the skin.

I’m not a huge fan of harsh exfoliants or astringents and a regular cleansing routine may negate the need for intermittent skin-stripping treatments. Using a cleanser containing salicylic acid, natural scrublets (I made that word up) or a slightly abrasive face cloth will diminish dead cells gradually whilst keeping skin balanced. Ensuring a thorough routine at night means a splash of water or a sweep of toner will suffice in the morning.

As tempting as it is to rub a disposable wipe sleepily across both eyes before rolling into bed, a consistent approach will get results. Being lazy is fine one day out of every calendar month…the rest of the time, be strict.

1.       Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £14.25

A cleansing classic, Cleanse & Polish is a worldwide best seller. The starter kit comes complete with a muslin cloth and offers a no-fuss daily routine suitable for all age-groups and skin types. With a cult following and more awards than any mantelpiece could hold, it’s definitely worth a try.

2.       Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil-Free facial wash, £4.49

At the bargain end of the scale, Neutrogena excels in effective cleansers, catering for all skin types. Suitable for problem skin, this soap and alcohol free wash is a facial staple.

3.       LUSH Angel on Bare Skin Fresh Facial Cleanser, £6.25

This solid formula turns to a cleansing milk when mixed with water. The 100% natural ingredient list includes ground sweet almonds which lightly exfoliate while the selected essential oils balance and tone the skin.  It takes a while to get the application right and can be a bit messy but is great with continued use, especially on combination, sensitive or uneven skin.

 

4.       Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, £34

If you prefer to throw some science at the problem, dermatologist brand Murad does a high-performance exfoliating cleanser which you only need to use twice a week to see results. Exfoliation is boosted via a complex of salicylic, lactic and glycolic acid encouraging clarity and brightness by dissolving skin cell build-up. Perfect for older skin, the formula is gentle and simultaneously hydrates, multitasking its way into my favourites.

5.       Olay Daily Facials cloths, £4.09

These might remind you of your Gran and are harder to get hold of now but unlike newer facial wipes, these offer a much deeper clean. Just add water and get a proper foam face wash.  Brilliant for travelling (super light to pack) and a swift all-in-one solution for low-maintenance types.

There you have it, five clever cleansers to get you started. Next week I’ll be looking at the innovative world of skincare gadgets.

Skincare Steals|Hero beauty buys under a fiver

The best beauty buys aren’t always the most expensive. Here Joanna shares some of her favourite money-saving products.

Ever since the ‘bad years’ have been upon us, magazines have embraced recession-busting features on how to shop smarter and spend less.  However, sometimes ’50 under £50′ doesn’t always ring bargain bells in my ears. I’m your typical paycheque to paycheque sort of a creature and frequently endure pre-payday pinch.  However my one vice, which usually pushes me into the depths of my overdraft, is my obsession with beauty buys. I am an avid ‘product’ enthusiast; my dining room table is no longer a social eating space but a high-tech testing lab for the myriad of tinctures and tonics I’ve amassed. Here, I’ve whittled down a few of my favourite purchases that don’t have to wait until payday:

Firstly, don’t write-off basic or unbranded products.  The key is to go for cheaper ranges of larger umbrella brands as ultimately the extensive R&D trickles down to lower-end ranges.  The newly launched Simply Pure range by Superdrug has been well reviewed and as serums are usually costlier skincare items, this version is a bargain: Simply Pure Aqua Hydrating Serum, £4.99.  Brands like Nivea who offer a huge spectrum of skincare also do basics really well:  Nivea Visage Daily Essentials Oil Free Moisturising Day Cream SPF 8 50ml, £3.99

           

Another hint is to be creative and multi-task your products.  For example Vaseline Lip Therapy with Aloe Vera, £1.99 works perfectly as a soothing under eye night cream. Additionally, Tesco Baby Newborn Wipes, £1.36 can substitute more expensive facial cleansing wipes.  They’re designed for teeny babies so chances are they won’t irritate your skin.

                

Traditional skincare is often over-looked in favour of modern alternatives, however sometimes it hasn’t been fixed because it ain’t broke.  Boots Traditional Glycerin and Rosewater, £2.32 is simple, contains just a handful of ingredients and feels like a toner and lightweight serum in one. Similarly The Body Shop Cucumber Cleansing Milk, £4 is another excellent basic. Ignore the bland packaging and get stockpiling.

                            

Sleep deprived eyes don’t always need a miracle cream.  Eye drops can instantly brighten eyes and wake you up at the same time, Sainsbury’s Dry Eyes Drops, £2.60.

For problem skin Tea Tree Toner Water, £3.95 by Lush is a gentle spritz that balances oily skin without drama. Perfect for travel, the handbag sized spray has antibacterial properties which refreshes skin during a long flight or in hot weather.

Finally, save on cotton pads by switching to face-cloth cleansing.  Once associated with childhood bath times, flannels are back.  Buy a few and rotate, throwing one in the washing machine after each day.  These are lovely and as they are reusable, are definitely in my top 5 under £5: Organic Pharmacy Muslin Cloth £3.80

Share your own skincare steals in a comment below.

Is it a Bong? Is it a Sex Toy? Why, no, its the new MTherapy Beauty Pod!

Last week Katie and myself were invited to road test a new, innovative skincare system being launched by MTherapy, at the Savoy Hotel. Despite our initial reservations when we were confronted with what appeared to be something usually hidden in the back room of Coco De Mer, The ‘Beauty Pod’ as it is known, actually wasn’t as terrifying once it was explained.  

Publicised as the first of its kind, this at home device aims to ‘harness steam power to propel moisture, essential oils and compounds directly in to the skin’.  Now, you may be like me and that kind of beauty guff goes in one lug hole and out the other, so it was great to see this modern-day beauty Dalek first hand.

For the sake of our (soon to be) award-winning journalism, Katie was kind enough to let me submit photos for this article whilst she was literally having hot steam blown on her face.  The small strange-looking egg type objects you can see below are known as ‘podlets’ which  contain all the magic ingredients which the Pod then blows on to your face…Just imagine a futuristic take on the age-old boiling water and flannel over your face in the sink malarkey and you can get the idea of what we were dealing with here.  Although Katie agreed she did instantly feel refreshed, with 4 ‘podlets’ retailing at £60 and the Pod itself at £269, it is definitely more of an investment than a new flannel.  But what a talking piece it could make at your next party!

The MTherapy Beauty Pod and podlets are exclusively distributed through www.mymtherapy.com.

Skin Savers // First Aid Beauty

When it comes to skincare, I’m usually a wash-and-go kind of gal. If I’m feeling particularly adventurous, I might ransack my mother’s beauty draw now and then, but being both time and money-poor, her snazzy Darphin and REN products often remain untouched after a few weeks of furious buffing, cleansing and exfoliation.

This is not good. To cover up any bumps or blemishes, I have to apply more make-up than even Lauren Goodger could dream of. It also means that I am destined for a complexion of a plucked turkey, and last time I checked poultry chic isn’t the best look. But problem is, there are so many technical terms and jargon involved when buying skincare products that I’m completely nonplussed and too scared to ask for help in case I look like an idiot.

I was sent a few tester products by the nice people at First Aid Beauty (FAB) before London Fashion Week. Designed for sensitive skin types, the first thing I liked about the range was it said exactly what it did on the front. Yes, the best beauty houses might favour a minimalist aesthetic for their products, but I respected that they eschewed this (boring) design principle in favour of good old facts and some retro packaging. Respect.

The first product I tried was the Gentle Body Wash which, on a day-to-day basis, did the same thing as my ordinary shower gel. Granted there was less foam action but I found the clean, unperfumed wash left my skin feeling more hydrated. It really came into its own, however,  after shaving or waxing. Where my usual body wash would leave skin feeling a bit scratchy and puckered, the FAB product left my legs and armpits as smooth as a marble.

Next up was the Ultra Repair Cream for the body and face. I mostly used it for my hands and legs, reason being they were most exposed and neglected. The cream worked fairly well, clearing up any potential scaley surfaces – although I found the smell a bit reminiscent of Greek yoghurt. The best thing about the cream was that it wasn’t greasy – proven by the lack of fingerprints or marks on my smart phone screen – and I could feel a definite improvement after less than three days of use.

Last up was the Age Delay Eye Cream and my favourite of the lot. Eye treatments wouldn’t naturally be on the top of my beauty priority list, but the cream glided on beautifully and left my lids and bags feeling as plump and perky as Nigella Lawson’s boobs. I also found that the cream worked really well just before applying any eye make-up, allowing any eyeliner or shadows to sit more firmly on the lids. The tube is also dinky and great for popping into the old handbag.

So would I recommend the FAB products? Almost definitely. Priced between £8 and going up to £35, the range is hardly going to break the bank  – and I quite enjoyed trying three simple products that made a tangible difference to my skin, without having to digest any beauty jargon. If you’re a skincare-phobe like me, this is the perfect range to start with.

First Aid Beauty products are currently available at Boots.com – click here to see the full range

Have you tried any of the First Aid Beauty products? If so, leave us a comment or tweet us @Style_ThenSome to let us know what you thought of them!

My new favourite moisturiser – and it’s less than £3

Boots have answered my prayers with a new moisturiser that features essential SPF15 sun protection but is a total bargain at just £2.79 a bottle – Boots Simply Sensitive Day Moisturiser SPF15.

A doctor friend of mine once told me that if you wear sun screen that’s anything lower than SPF15 then it’s basically useless. Ever since then I couldn’t help but feel a slight sense of resentment every time I put on my regular moisturiser which offered a paltry SPF12. And yet I carried on using it. The problem was that while I knew sun protection is the essential ingredient in face cream for preventing signs of ageing, I wasn’t willing to upgrade to the likes of Olay Total Effects which, at £14 for 50ml, is just too much for a self-confessed frugal girl like me.

So imagine my delight when I discovered a new product at Boots this week which solved my conundrum. Boots Simply Sensitive Protecting Day Moisturiser SPF15 contains the requisite sun screen but is a total bargain at just £2.79 for 125ml. Having tried it I’m a definite convert. It’s got a reassuringly thick consistency (that’ll be the sun screen) and it spreads well so you don’t need too much for each application. Even better, it’s on 3 for 2 offer right now. I might go back soon so I can stockpile some more.