Myth: Oil based products congest the skin – True or False

People with oily/combination complexions tend to be scared of  using oils within their skincare regime. I most certainly was, thinking they would make my skin oilier, clog pores and cause spots. Well, its time to hold off that oil ban as certain essential oils prove to have quite the opposite effect, actually benefiting problematic skin. 


Geraldine Howard founder of Aromatherapy shares her wisdom to break this myth, revealing the true benefits: 

“In reality oils can have the opposite effect. During my years of working as a therapist, I have found that facial oils containing certain essential oils can be extremely effective in helping to actually regulate oily skin and heal outbreaks. You  simply have to be clever when choosing a product.

While Oils such as wheatgerm, evening primrose, avocado and peach kernal are all rich and nourishing, they are better for dry rather than oily skin. Instead choose products that contain jojoba oil, which is technically a wax and can be used to gently cleanse and remove natural oils and dirt. Equally essential oils such as lemon have an evaporative effect on the skin, drying the skin by drawing moisture out, while binding sebum and helping to dispense of it. Lavender essential oil has both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which are excellent for oily skins prone to outbreaks. When combined with ylang-ylang essential oil, which helps regulate the level of sebum produced by your skin, these oils are highly effective skin care products for oily skin

In many ways, oil based products are a far better way to deal with oily skin than soap based cleansers which are too harsh as they completely strip it of its natural oils, when this happens the skin strived to replace it, causing sebum production to go into overdrive making the problem worse.”

Goodbye Brass - Hello Blonde!

Having had highlighted hair for many years, I desire cool fresh blonde tones, which are usually achieved on leaving the hairdresser. Sadly though this colour never lasts, disappearing after a just two weeks and turning into a brassy mess. As a rescue measure, a trip to the hairdresser for a toner has sometimes been necessary, again this wouldn’t last and wasn’t cheap. I am delighted to share my recent colour rescue discovery, a duo that actually work and can be used at home whenever necessary. 

The Aveda Blue Malva Colour Shampoo (£23.00) and Conditioner (£18.50). Containing natural blue malva pigments to take out yellow tones, they work on all hair colours to neautralises brass (yellow/orange tones). Used together just twice a week you can say goodbye to brass and hello to clean, cool, bright blonde!

Other blue pigmented shampoos have also been tried, while they work to brighten blonde, I have found they make my hair very dry and brittle. Over years of trial and error I have found Aveda Blue Malva to be the only blue pigmented product to brighten, nourish and add moisture all at the same time. Not only is it a colour fix it leaves you with lovely soft locks. 

For best effect: 

Apply the conditioner to your hair that has been shampooed with Blue Malva. 

Comb through.

Leave in hair for 2-5 minutes.

Rinse Thoroughly.

Available at: http://www.shoprush.co.uk/brand/Aveda who currently offer up to 25% off Aveda products 

Gold Finger - New Chanel Peridot

Check out this super glam shimmering gold polish launching in the UK this month by Chanel. Part of the new 2011 Autumn/Winter Illusions d’Ombres Collection, Peridot  is a super reflective fusion of gold with gorgeous green undertones that captures the light beautifully exuding a soft irridesent sheen. With a smooth light texture it doesn’t gather or clump, so unlike most metalic polishes Peridot gives great even coverage in just one coat.

The perfect colour to brighten up a winter outfit and flash some glam at Christmas parties this year!

Priced around £17.00  -  for stockists go to: http://www.chanel.com/en_GB

Sun Protection - A Natural Alternative

With the lovely natural Dr Hauschka sun care range permanently off our shelves due to new EU standards, it’s hard to come across a good natural sun cream these days. I have however finally found a replacement that is just as good, if not better.

Green People SPF 25 Organic Sun Lotion Water resistant offers UVA/UVB protection. It is a medium level natural sun care for fair complexions and offers 96% protection, a great cream for day to day use over the summer months.

With Titanium dioxide, natural Cinnamic acid and Edelweiss extract for UVB and UVA protection, Green People lotions also contain antioxidants and anti inflammatory ingredients along side skin vitamins A, C and E (Green Tea, Olive, Avocado and Rosemary extract) to help support the skin's immune system and protect against cell damage while retaining moisture for a long lasting tan.

Free from parabens, lanolin, phthalates, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals and colourants, that can cause clogged pores, prickly heat and skin reactions the lotion suits all skin types, even those with allergies.

I went natural a few years ago as my skin would sometimes react to high street sun-creams with a hot red rash on my chest and unpleasant spot break outs. When I first used Green People I found it a bit thick in texture and was worried it would leave a white film on my skin, however if you take your time and rub it in well it will melt into the skin without leaving a trace. While using the SPF 25 I have never burnt, but still achieve a nice light golden tan and as it feels so nourishing I have sometimes even used it in replacement to my normal daily moisturizer. It has a soft delicate fragrance, but make sure you keep it out of heat and direct sunlight, as it can go off quite quickly, you can usually tell this by the smell becoming slightly musty.

Directions: Pour 30ml sunscreen into your cupped palm then apply to body 30 minutes before exposure to sun then every 2 hours or after swimming.

Did you know:

‘SPF30 sunscreens do not offer twice the protection of SPF15... Applied properly, SPF15 filters out 93% of UVB rays, while SPF30 filters out 97%. Even the highest SPF100 only offers 99% protection against UVB rays. “It is far more important to apply sun lotions regularly and liberally.” Green People

Price £17.95 Available at: www.greenpeople.co.uk