1. Star Buys For Sensitive Skin This Winter

    November 8, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    If you are looking for a gentle facial oil that will help protect and nourish your skin this Winter, Weleda’s Almond Soothing Facial Oil is a star buy. This is a good oil for delicate or stressed/sensitive skin types.

    As a very pale red-head who’s allergic to just about everything and reacts to most skincare products, I have to be extra careful about what I put on my skin. I found this to be a lovely oil which left my skin feeling really smooth. It is so gentle that it’s a great eye make-up remover too.

     
    Before going to bed, I massage the oil all over my face and then wipe it away with a damp, warm flannel. In the morning my skin feels soft and revitalised. I use it twice a week, and since I’ve been using it a few people have commented on how fresh my skin looks too, which is an added bonus! You don’t need to use a lot to feel the benefit, so it lasts well.This super skin-calming, organic facial oil has definately earned it’s place in my top ten natural beauty products for delicate skin.

     
    In the winter months it can be particularly beneficial to use an intensive treatment oil for the face to restore the skin’s healthy balance and provide additional protection for the skin. Weleda’s Almond Soothing Facial Oil contains skin boosting organic blackthorn flower extract, skin-toning tannins, Vitamins C and E and gentle plum kernel oil.

  2. Seven Ways To Beat The Winter Blues

    November 3, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    Boost your immune system with a health plan to see you through the winter months.  It doesn’t have to be complicated, just a few minor changes can make a big difference and help fight off the blues and the sniffles. With a few simple adjustments, you can prepare to stave off coughs and sneezes, have more energy and look great for the Christmas party season!

    1. Adding a supplement of vitamins and minerals during the winter time may help to boost the immune system. Good skin begins with good nutrition,so the key to looking good on the outside is looking after the inside. A well balanced diet can be supplemented with extra Vitamins A, B-complex, C and E.  Most pharmacies and health food shops stock a good range of one-a-day vitamin capsules.

    2. Get outdoors and do some exercise. Forty minutes of brisk walking everyday should help  you look and feel energised and keep the winter blues at bay. Walking is an excellent way to enhance your mood while getting fresh air and keeping fit. It is a great form of cardiovascular exercise, boosting the heart rate while reducing cholesterol, strengthening and toning muscles while burning fat.  Make the most of any winter sun, as walking in the sunshine helps the skin to produce Vitamin D which is essential for good health. With the dark nights creeping in it is important to try to get as much natural day light as possible.

    3. Get your five a day. Having a balanced diet, rich in fruit, veg, nuts, seeds and pulses as well as wholegrain breads, pasta and rice is important for optimum health.  Winter vegetables are great for soups and there are thousands of recipes for healthy hot-pots, stews and soups available online. Chicken soup is particularly good for fighting colds in the winter months.

    4. Keep hydrated. With the cold weather it is always tempting to turn the thermostat up and have the central heating on all day. The central heating dries the atmosphere and can leave the skin feeling parched. If you are going to have the heating on a lot, make sure you drink enough water to stop your skin from drying. It is a good idea to place a bowl of water in the room near the radiator to allow a little moisture back into the air too.

    5. Invest in a good natural moisturiser. The central heating and cold weather can damage the skin, leaving it chapped and dehydrated. A good organic/natural moisturiser (such as Madara’s Deep Moisture Cream 50ml) can help protect the skin from the elements. Choose a moisturiser that will benefit your skin type. Look for products without SLS, parabens and other chemical nasties. Often skincare brands make claims of being all natural when in fact they are not, you should always read the ingredients list to check exactly what is in a product.  We say, if a product contains a cocktail of synthetic ingredients don’t buy it.

    6. If you want to avoid catching a cold be sure to wash your hands regularly, especially after being in public areas, public transport etc. If you do feel the symptoms beginning, try to boost your Vitamin C intake and drink plenty of warm drinks. A warm bath with a few drops of a warming bath oil such as Trevarno’s Cedarwood, Juniper and Pine Bath and Body Oil, or a few drops of eucalyptus or Olbas oil will help to ease congestion and aching muscles.

    7. Stimulate your mind, start a book club! On a cold night, there is nothing nicer than curling up on the sofa with a great book to lift your spirits and transport you to another world. It’s great fun to share your enjoyment of books with friends or like minded others and get together once or twice a month to discuss your exciting literary findings. Keeping both the body and mind active during the winter months will help you look and feel better too!

  3. Protect Your Skin This Winter

    October 25, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    Protecting your skin is essential in the winter time. Cold weather, extreme temperatures and central heating all play havoc with the skin, which can cause dryness, flaking and redness. A good quality, natural moisturising cream can help to protect and nourish the skin, leaving it looking radiant whatever the weather.

    If you care about what goes into your skin, then choosing natural and organic skin care products is essential as they are much kinder to the skin and do not contain abrasive chemical detergents. I have been using Trevarno’s Rose and Jojoba Moisturiser 60ml which is wonderfully moisturising and leaves the skin feeling fresh and replenished, the results have been amazing! It is ideal for everyday use in the autumn and winter months.

    If your skin needs extra care, using a night cream can provide further skin-boosting nourishment. For an effective natural night cream try Trilogy’s Replenishing Night Cream 60g or Madara’s Regenerating Night Cream 50ml which contain high quality botanical ingredients that work in harmony with your skin. Protecting your skin with a little extra moisturising care in the winter will help to keep your skin healthy and radiant.

  4. A-Z Quick Guide To Health Benefits Of Aromatherapy Oils.

    July 26, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    Interest in essential oils has grown rapidly as alternative therapies like aromatherapy have become increasingly popular. Listed below are a variety of oils and their traditional remedial usage. With their pleasurable, distinctive aromas they help soothe the body and mind.
    Essential oils have several  uses, most commonly they are used for therapeutic massage, steam inhalation, bathing, footbaths, beauty treatments, natural skincare, poultices and air purification. They are often the key active ingredients to natural skin care preparations and have been used since ancient times to aid healing and promote well being. (more…)

  5. Madara Flower Dust Lotion Review

    June 9, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    Madara Flower Dust LotionI really enjoyed using Madara Flower Dust Lotion and found it very enriching for my skin. I’d recommend this for daily moisturising as it has a light, creamy texture which is perfect for daily use. I sometimes find body lotions can be a bit greasy but this one was well absorbed by my skin and left no greasy feel at all.

    It has the added bonus of providing the skin with a subtle golden shimmer which really enhances tanned skin beautifully. The reflective particles created a shimmering glow which made my skin look healthy and radiant. I love the fact that this is quite subtle and not overpowering, it isn’t too shimmery and i’m glad because my skin looked very natural and fresh.

    I got lots of comments about how healthy my tan looked when I got back from my holiday too. I’ll probably continue using this lotion when my tan fades as I expect it would also work well over fake tans too.

     

    The natural plant vitamins, minerals and bioflavonoids make this a very nourishing lotion and my skin feels really soft and silky. There are some great natural and organic ingredients in this lotion (baltic seaweed, plantain, calendula, chamomile and rosehip) which make it so good for moisturising and conditioning. I also loved it’s subtle smell, which reminded me of pears and orchards.

    I think this product is a must for anyone taking a summer holiday as it keeps your tan looking gorgeous and hydrated. I expected this product to be good and it exceeded my expectations, I was really pleased with the results and would highly recommend.

  6. Handmade Patchwork Love Cushion

    May 30, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    This post  isn’t even about skincare but I wanted to share anyway! Everyone knows how important it is to recycle or reuse our containers, jars, bottles, shopping bags and paper waste, but I’m only just discovering the joys of making things out of old clothes and old materials. Inspired by Kirsty’s Homemade Home on Channel 4, I decided to have a go at making a cushion out of an old shirt and a shrunken cardigan. (I should point out here that I can barely sew at all!)

    I almost expected disaster, thinking it would be too difficult for someone with as little sewing experience as me, but I was surprised to find that it was in fact really easy! I’m so pleased with my homemade cushion that I want everybody to see it, so here it is…

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    I’ve got lots of spare buttons, ribbons, old clothes and sequins and now I can’t wait to turn them into wonderful, unique creations. I never thought that recycling could be this rewarding and so enjoyable too. If you feel inspired to make a cushion of your own, then check out Channel 4 website, where you can find Kirstie’s guide to making a patchwork cushion.

    The wonderful thing about creating your own cushions is that they are completely unique, quirky and fun to make. And it doesn’t cost you a penny! What’s not to like? It is wonderful to breathe new life into old clothes and they make great gifts for friends too. Can’t wait for the new series of Kirsty’s Homemade Home for more great recycling & upcycling ideas!

    Do you have any recycling tips? If so I’d love to hear about them.

  7. Benefits Of Body Brushing

    May 16, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    Dry Skin Brushing is one of the best ways to care for your skin. It is cheap and easy, with health benefits for the whole body. It promotes healthy skin by stimulating the circulation and the lymphatic system.

    All you need is a good quality, body brush. Choose one with natural bristles as synthetic brushes are often too sharp and scratchy on the skin. Dry brush the skin once a day and you will notice that the skin becomes firmer and smoother. The best time to brush the body is in the morning, before showering or bathing. It will take about 5 minutes to brush the entire body. (more…)

  8. Men’s Skincare Made Easy

    April 21, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    In recent years, sales of men’s skincare products has increased significantly. Men are choosing to looking after their skin as much as women and this is really good news for both sexes. Looking after the skin, which is the largest organ of the body, plays an important part in maintaining our general health and well being.

    When choosing skin care products to use in your daily routine, it can be a bit confusing. How do you know what is best for your skin? To get the maximum benefits for your skin, always choose products that are rich in active natural ingredients. Think quality not quantity. Choosing a few key products with quality ingredients can achieve better results than using lots of different products. (more…)

  9. Five Fantastic Natural Skin Recipes

    April 20, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    These completely natural skin care treats are really easy and fun to make. Try them at home for an instant boost to your complexion. I love the fact that they are so  quick to make and you can feel the skin softening results immediately. These recipes are to be used straight away but will also keep in the fridge for 24hours. Do you have any homemade natural skin care recipes to share? If so, we’d love to hear about them!

    If you don’t have time to make your own, you can still treat your skin to some TLC by visiting Edensgate’s natural and organic skin care shop here (more…)

  10. What Is Your Skin Type?

    April 14, 2011 by Eve Appleton

    Here’s a basic guide to finding out your skin type. Your skin can be affected by a variety of environmental and hormonal factors and you may find that your skin care needs vary accordingly.

    The main skin types are Oily, Combination, Normal, Dry, Sensitive and Mature. By understanding your skin type, you will know which products to choose for your skin to keep it looking fresh and healthy.

    OILY SKIN
    Oily skin is caused by over activity in the sebaceous glands, which gives the skin a shiny, greasy looking surface. The pores of this skin type are large and it is prone to blackheads and spot outbreaks/acne. Oily skin requires a good skincare routine to keep the pores unclogged and skin free from dirt and blemishes. Preventative care through cleansing, gentle exfoliation and use of skin toners will benefit oily skin types. It is important not to use harsh cleansing agents as these can over strip the skin causing the oil glands to produce more oil. Oily skin will still benefit from moisturising but choose one designed specifically for oily skin types.

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