We love to sleep. We must admit that jumping into our bed with fresh sheets and new pyjamas on is our idea of heaven. We could snooze all day long, but we’re not living in a dream world. We drag ourselves out of bed in the early hours of the morning and make our way to work in a sleepy haze.
Sadly, researchers have found that some sleeping habits are terrible for our skin.
Everyone sleeps differently, you may spread your limbs out in every direction, curl up into a ball like a mouse or snooze on your side.
Many of us will sleep on our stomachs with our faces placed on our soft, fluffy pillow. It may feel like heaven, but this sleeping position is not good for your skin.
The U.K Sleep Assessment and Advisory Service has discovered that the majority of people sleep on their fronts, but this sleeping position causes acne.
Experts revealed that sleeping on your front causes Acne Mechanica, which is caused by rubbing and excessive pressure on the skin. They explained that sleeping on your front puts too much weight on your skin due to the position of your body.
Not only does this sleep position cause spots, but it also causes wrinkles and puffy skin.
The best way to sleep is on your back, according to researchers. They claim that sleeping on your back promotes healthier skin.
This sleep position also reduces wrinkles, as well as healing neck and back pain.
We were recently told by The Skin Nerd that wearing SPF every single day is vitally important, but we had huge misconceptions about light, the sun and skincare.
First of all, we assumed you had to be on a beach in a country over 30 degrees to even contemplate using SPF, but it turns out our own phones could be damaging our skin with blue light.
Sh*t craic, that is. Taking a selfie is damaging in even more ways now, even ones with our pets.
Avon released research indicating that the blue light emitted on our mobile phones can damage skin hugely for millennials, who check their phones constantly. (Statistics say it's 157 times a day…)
Pollution, smoking, insomnia, crowded urban places and alcohol can harm our skin, but SPF is the priority it seems.
According to Glamour UK, a quarter of 18 to 34 year olds spend seven hours or more per day on their phones, and sixteen percent of women spend almost one-third of their waking day on their phones.
Only one-in-ten people knew that the light from a mobile phone can actually age you. Our skin plays such a huge part in our lives, it's an organ for Gawd's Sake, and we need to value it.
23 percent of the same young age group refuse to post an image of themselves online with no filter, purely because of their skin.
All blue light screens apparently "reflect UB rays and may indirectly trigger damage" to our skin, with experiments performed by scientists on a mannequin wearing a UV sensor.
Co-author of the study, Mary Logue of the University of New Mexico, said:
"These devices are generally used for communication or entertainment, so it can be easy to overlook their reflective properties unless you happen to catch the glare off a screen."
The study suggests the light may significantly affect skin and stop it from healing – and the consequences on DNA have led experts to believe it could speed up the ageing process.
Researchers at the University of New Mexico warn that people may be putting themselves at risk of getting skin cancer by going outside to use their smartphones, tablets and laptops.
Broad spectrum is that which protects from both UVA and UVB rays, and we need to be wearing it on our face, neck and décollage every single damn day.
Invest in screen glasses to protect you against high-energy visible light (HEVL) at work.
For SPF skincare products, we highly recommend The Skin Nerd's brand new Skingredients treatment; 'Skin Shield'.
IMAGE Skincare Prevention+ Daily Hydrating Moisturiser is also a great product,
Enjoy the sun, gals, but don't forget about your skin. Make SPF part of your daily morning routine so you won't feel guilty every time you check your phone or laptop, you won't regret it.
Many of us are now turning to buying smaller versions of our favourite beauty and skincare products, but many brands don't offer the right size for travelling.
With much of the population booking a last-minute trips before the summer draws to an end, the issue of transporting your entire beauty regimen abroad can be a challenge.
One brand has risen above the rest for their travel-sized skincare goodies, and we simply have to rave about them; Eau Thermale Avène.
Just because you're holidaying or exploring different parts of the world doesn't mean you need to ditch your favourite products.
With the dangers of the sun abroad, you actually need your skincare routine even more.
We've curated a list of your travel must-haves, based on their extensive range of mini-treats:
Eau Thermale Avène’s Thermal Spring Water 100ml: €5
With so many benefits, this product has become a cult favourite. Spritz on the plane to refresh the skin or use it to cool down when you’re poolside.
Thermal Spring spray has soothing, healing and anti-irritant properties, so you won't want to part with it once you're hooked. Thanks to its high tolerance, it is suitable for all skin types.
For your base:
Eau Thermale AvèneB-Protect SPF 50+ 30ml: €17
This long-lasting tinted sun cream offers high-factor coverage and antioxidant protection, giving the perfect summer glow so you can ditch the make-up during the day.
Its velvety texture with a non-greasy finish provides an immediate feeling of comfort in the sun and its strong rays.
Always wear SPF, even when you're not in the blistering sunshine. Recent studies have shown that blue light from our screens can now affect your skin.
For cleansing:
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Gentle Cleansing Gel 100ml: €11
Suitable for face and body, this multi-tasking product gets to work on blemish-prone skin to help purify skin and regulate oil production, leaving skin feeling fresh and clean.
Its formula, rich in thermal avène water and monolaurin, also prevents irritation and gently combats spots, excess sebum and blackheads.
A day in the sun can leave skin dehydrated and feeling rough and tight, but Avène has the answer once again with an intense moisturising treatment.
Hydrance Intense Serum increases hydration by 45 percent, 4 hours after first application and can be felt for up to 24 hours after stopping applications.
It has been specially formulated with 3 active ingredients which work together to hydrate dull, dry skin. A smooth, radiant complexion is the result.
For your hands:
Eau Thermale Avène Cold Cream Hand Cream 50ml: €9
Perfect for dry or sensitive skin, Avène’s Cold Cream is formulated with nourishing properties of white beeswax to help protect the skin’s barrier against external aggressions, leaving hands soft and supple.
This smooth, non-greasy hand cream offers your hands an immediate feeling of comfort while you're away.
Why not pick up the goodies before you hit the airport? You'll thank us later when they all fit perfectly into your purse and your skin is glowing.
The SA Smoothing range represents 25 percent of CeraVe's business in America, and now the range's two hero products are launching in Ireland next month.
Salicylic acid has been the go-to ingredients for those suffering with skin issues for years. It's a brilliant exfoliator, and gets rid of those pesky dead cells from the skin's surface.
It's just one component of a group of chemicals called Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs); oil-soluble acids that break down dirt and debris that block pores and cause blackheads.
Some people find salicyclic acid too drying to use on their skin, which is where CeraVe's new SA Smoothing range comes in.
CeraVe products contain moisturising ingredients such as urea, which improves hydration and exfoliates dead skin, as well as hyaluronic acid, which binds moisture to the skin.
The SA Smoothing range offers all of the benefits of salicylic acid while hydrating the skin and restoring its natural barrier simultaneously.
CeraVe's range treats dry, rough and/or bumpy skin, and chronic conditions like Keratosis Pilatis (KP), which affects 40 percent of adults and teenagers globally.
The SA Smoothing Cleanser, €12.50 (236 ml)
The SA Smoothing Cleanser is a gentle gel cleanser which aims to give your skin the same effective cleansing without tightness.
This product now offers skin-brightening exfoliation, without damaging the skin's natural barrier. It's safe for everyday use, whether it's for clearing congested skin or for a glowing complexion.
Designed for use on the face, it can also be used on the body and is free of physical exfoliants.
SA Smoothing Cream, €12.50 (177ml tube) / €20 (340g tub)
CeraVe's SA Smoothing Cream is a deeply hydrating body formulation that contains lactic acid (an AHA), as well as salicylic acid (a BHA) and is specifically designed to soften and remove rough and bumpy skin.
It's especially effective on dry, scaly skin and on areas of keratosis pilaris (KP). The combination of AHA and BHA helps to break down the keratin, while the non-sticky, non-greasy formula hydrates and moisturises.
The SA Smoothing Cream is available in a tube or a tub, and both the Smoothing Cream and the Smoothing Cleanser are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
They can be used for all skin types, be it spot-prone skin or sensitive skin. We've all experienced negative reactions to products with high amounts of chemicals, irritants or fragrances, so CeraVe's new range is ideal for those of us with complex skin.
94 percent of the range's users felt that their skin felt smoother, softer and more hydrated after only three days. The skin barrier function was improved after just one hour, so it's a guaranteed cult beauty product.
CeraVe SA Smoothing range will be available in Irish pharmacies in September 2019.
If we’ve learned anything from the last few years, it’s that representation matters.
Big issues like the representation of different skin tones, body sizes and disabilities are fought for on the reg by various strong-ass women and require real change in the minds of the powers that be.
However, calling the media out on a lack of inclusion is only one way to change things. Love Island in particular have been receiving flack for their lack of inclusion on the show, predominantly with body sizing.
Image: ITV
Applauding small changes is another. Once these powers realise that we WANT to see ourselves and our peers represented, things will change.
Even this year, campaigns like Dove'sstunning #ShowUs effort have been proving to the media industry that the public want to see every type of person in advertisements and on our screens.
From all gender binaries, sexual orientations, ethnicities, abilities and sizes to vitiligo to scarring; Why should only one type of person be represented on screen when perfection is a myth?
When flawlessness and perfection no longer sell, when ‘one size fits all’ doesn’t appeal to the masses; that’s when media organisations, beauty companies and the entertainment industry begin to change their tune.
On the topic of applauding small steps, the last two episodes of Love Island have sparked praise in one particular area: skin.
Every single human being has experienced bad skin at one point in their lives. Some of us suffered through teenage acne and have the scars to prove it. Many have had to deal with life-altering skin related issues from complex conditions to unfortunate accidents. Skin is at the centre of beauty campaigns and we are bombarded with an image of what perfectly clear skin ‘should’ look like, err single day.
The cute and bubbly new contestant on the ITV reality show, Francesca Allen, has received some appreciative feedback for choosing to allow her skin to breathe free. She has visible spots and we are SO ready for them. This was also true for Lucie when she took her makeup off each night and revealed 'normal' skin. Maura is over there representing all pale Irish beauties whose faces don't match their necks after a night out.
Image: Twitter/@pepsicolapop
There should never be a strict definition of what constitutes 'normal' skin. 'Normal' to us is what we're shown the most, which is perfection.
However, in reality there are millions of skin disorders and types in the world that don't get shown on screens globally. Our skin is a vital organ, and it's unique to each person.
Image: Twitter/@imaginebane
One Love Island viewer tweeted she was; "nearly crying at the fact Francesca has acne scarring". Another got emotional stating it was "refreshing" for someone who struggles with their skin every day "to see an amazingly beautiful girl like Francesca show off her bare face and acne to the world without shame". These are real people, lets remember. Real people who are thankful to see something familiar on the small screen.
Image: Twitter/@micckjaggerr
Though each islander is stunningly beautiful in their own ways, imperfections show their humanity. Just because they're on a screen doesn't mean they aren't just like us. That the kids watching them – and yes there are kids as young as 12 waiting up for the series each night- can see that skin imperfections can be gorgeous and above all, normal.
Considering Francesca's skin is still by advertising and media standards damn near perfect, it says a lot that the response to even a few minor scars has been incredibly positive and emotional.
A teeny tiny step, y’all say, but if we don’t applaud the tiny steps; the larger ones will be further out of reach. Celebrate the minor achievements and aim higher.
Now… Crack on with some stretch marks, dermatological disorders and cellulite please, ITV. We want to feel seen.
We absolutely ADORE Valentine's Day, not only because celebrating romance usually gives us an excuse to pamper ourselves, but because it's a wonderful time of the year for cosmetics shopping.
Why buy roses or chocolates when you can get the best beauty products around?
We've decided to curate a list of our top 12 makeup, skincare and cosmetic goods for this year's Valentine's Day; whether it's for a hot date, a dinner for the gals or even a cosy night in with Netflix and a furry friend.
From your favourite smouldering red lipstick to sparkling pink eye-shadows and rose-scented perfume; 'tis the season for LOVE in beauty-land.
1. Charlotte Tilbury 'Hot Lips' red lipstick in Carina's Love.
Inspired by Chinese actress Carina Lau, this bold and sexy red lippy inspires confidence in any woman who wears it. It's siren red and has light-diffusing pigments that create a luminous finish for a full-bodied effect.
In Chinese culture, the colour red is representative of good fortune and joy, so it's positively perfect for Valentine's Day, right?
There's a great reason why Charlotte Tilbury is a globally renowned brand, and their matte lipstick range stands by their statement of good-quality products for women.
The creamy formula, protection from UV damage and seamless finish are just three reasons why this lipstick makes our top 12. Enjoy it in all it's glory, gals.
For Valentine's Day, it's only too important to smell and feel your best. We've found the ideal scent for the eve: ROSE. French powerhouse brand L'Occitane have gifted us with a set, that we all both need and deserve.
The gorgeous and elegant fragrance set includes: Rose Eau de Toilette, Rose Shower Gel, Rose Body Lotion and Rose Hand Cream.
L'Occitane 'Romantic Rose' collection is priced at €69 from the L'Occitane website.
3. Too Faced 'better than sex' mascara
The 'Better Than Sex Mascara' Hourglass-Shaped Brush is genuinely revolutionary.
Formed by discovering the bust-waist-hip ratio of an iconic silver screen Blonde Bombshell, the brush has the ideal silhouette that separates lashes for voluminous perfection.
The collagen-fuelled mascara formula give you redefined lashes which stretch to unreal lengths, for romantic dinner date eyes.
Nail brand CND Vinylux have just debuted their new range, featuring stunning pinks, dark berry, ravishing reds and blush tones to show off your romantic side.
Mambo Beat, Rose Bud, Hot Pop Pink, Tinted Love, Wildfire and Dark Lava are ideal for a hot date, or pretty much anything the night has in store; There's a colour for every kind of date.
For Valentine's Day, why not treat yourself to a some gorgeous new shades from the iconic brand? You'll feel pampered and date-ready in no time.
For anyone with platinum blonde, highlighted, silver, bleached hair and all shades in between, the L'Oreal Paris Go Purple shampoo is a TOTAL WINNER.
Finding the best purple shampoo to keep the brassiness out of light-coloured hair can be tricky, but thankfully L'Oreal Paris have solved that problem just in time for Valentine's Day.
Tried and tested by us, we can guarantee that this stuff genuinely works. Any yellow tones are washed out, leaving your hair looking bright and rejuvenated. Yes girls.
L'Oreal Paris Go Purple shampoo is priced at €8.95 from all major retailers now.
6. Dermalogica intensive moisture balance
Promising to deliver nourishment beyond the skin's surface, the Dermalogica intensive moisture balance cream is 100 percent professional grade.
It's vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free and uses NO artificial colours or flavouring; it's legit eco-friendly while clearing up all those dry skin worries. We'll take 10, please?
Finally we have discovered the best clump-free mascara in town, with four oils to it's lash-loving Wonder collection.
For volumised, thick and full lashes, with maximum volume; Rimmel's your go-to product.
Rimmel has even infused argan oil into it's four-oil complex, as well as Maracuja oil, Marula oil and Camellia oil for conditioning and protection from hair splitting.
Argan oil is renowned for nourishing properties, so mascara won't have to damage those eyelashes anymore. Thank GAWD.
8. Sculpted by Aimee Connolly: The 4-in-1 lip liner pen
Why have one Valentine's Day lip liner when you could have four, stunning shades?
Grab yourself the Nude or the Pink edition, whichever you're in the mood for will light up your night. Each edition has four beautiful shades, from 'Buff', 'Bare', and 'Peach' to 'Rose', 'Blush' and 'Rouge', you're in for a treat.
Line the perfect pout with makeup guru Aimee Connolly, she's only gone and made the holy grail of lip liners.
9. Garnier Ultimate Blends almond crushshampoo and conditioner
Garnier Ultimate Blends are launching up to 98 percent natural origin haircare, and we could NOT be more excited about it.
Your hair will feel cleansed, nourished and weightless using their almond crush shampoo and conditioner, which is made with a blend of organic almond milk and agave sap.
The gentle formula is a complete game-changer; did we mention it's 100 percent vegan?
Garnier Ultimate Blends almond crush shampoo and conditioner are priced at €4.95 each and are available from all major retailers.
10. La Roche Posay Lipikar Cleansing Oil AP+
La Roche Posay have long been one of our go-to skincare brands, and their new cleansing oil for dry skin will save the day for those of you who are PLAGUED with this skin type.
It's a soap-free, paraben-free and alcohol-free pH neutral shower oil that gives your skin the lipids it needs to reconstruct the skin barrier,
Skin with atopic tendencies or extreme dryness will CRAVE this product, it also soothes that feeling of tightness many of us know and hate.
11. Anastasia Beverley Hills Modern Renaissance eyeshadow palette
From white shades like 'Tempera' and 'Vermeer' to baby pink 'Bijon Fresco', bold raspberry 'Love Letter' and 'Venetian Red', even brown shades like 'Red Ochre' and 'Cyrprus Umber', we're dazzled by these Renaissance-inspired tones.
The range is gorgeous; this collection of matte and metallic eye-shadows is PERFECT for creating dazzling cosmetic effects this Valentine's Day.
Anastasia Beverley Hills always create the best products, which means they sell out fast. Grab yours now online from Cult Beauty to avoid disappointment.
Leading French brand Bioderma has introduced the new Sensibio foaming gel, and all we can say is: WOW.
The gel is specifically created to soothe and hydrate your skin to ensure it's free of trapped oil and impurities.
It's mild but cleansing active ingredients calm irritations and will leave your skin feeling squeaky clean just in time for your Valentine's Day make-up regime.
Buy: Cloud10 Beauty or select pharmacies nationwide
Price: €13
That concludes the round-up of our top 12 ultimate Valentine's Day beauty products: tried and tested.
You'll be getting a faster heartbeat and butterflies in your stomach just looking at these gems, let alone using them. They'll melt your heart, and self-love is all about treating yourselves, right?
For most women, if not all, removing hair from their neck down to their toes is an integral part of their grooming process. Having perfectly smooth and silky skin makes them feel confident and beautiful. Today, there are many methods of removing this hair, with each of them having their benefits and drawbacks.
Creams, waxing, laser treatments, and razors are some of the methods, but for most women, it all boils down to whether to choose a shaver or an epilator.
The two hair removal devices are the most accepted among women, especially those who do not want to spend so much in beauty parlours and those looking for a less risky method with great results.
But what should you choose between an electric shaver and an epilator? Below we discuss the key differences between electric shavers and epilators to make it easier for you to decide.
Working Mechanism
The primary difference between an electric shaver and an epilator is based on whether the hair is removed below or above the skin level. Shavers use cutters to slice the hair off at skin level, leaving the root under the skin.
On the other hand, an epilator uses tiny, rotating tweezers to remove the hair at the root level, leaving a much smoother skin. The surface of the epilator rotates as it passes over the skin, grabbing the hairs and slickly removing them from the follicle.
Comfort
Epilators are quite painful and offer a certain level of discomfort, especially your first time. An epilator uses about 15-20 tweezers to pluck out hair from your skin, so you can be sure you'll experience some amount of pain.
This pain factor can limit where the device can be comfortably used.
For most women, the face, armpits, and genital areas are too sensitive for epilator use. However, most epilators have two rotation speeds, and hence you can use the slower one for such areas.
Moreover, once you use it repeatedly, you get accustomed to the pain, and you don’t experience it as such. Applying some ice on the skin surface can help soothe the pain.
On the contrary, a shaver will barely hurt since it just trims down the hair. You can comfortably shave even the sensitive parts. However, you need to be careful with the curvy parts, so you don’t cut yourself.
Stubble
Since shaving cuts down the hair at the skin level, it just makes it shorter rather than completely removing it from the skin surface.
Though you’ll find the skin smooth right after shaving, the hair will grow quicker, and stubble will be visible in just a day or two, especially if you have black hair.
When you use epilators, the roots of the hair are destroyed, and the hair takes a relatively longer time to grow again, offering a more lasting smoothness.
Speed
When choosing the right hair removal device, it’s important to consider the speed of operation. How much time do you want to spend removing the hair on your legs, arms, and back? Shaving is considerably faster than epilating.
This is because, when epilating, you have to hold the device perfectly perpendicular to the skin so as not to break the hair mid-way. When it comes to shaving, you can shave as fast as you can as long as you’re careful not to cut yourself.
Effectiveness
As mentioned earlier, epilators work by plucking out hair from the roots beneath the skin. This leaves a smoother skin surface, and since the roots are destroyed, hair takes much longer to grow again. In addition, the hair that grows is much thinner than before.
On the other hand, shavers cut hair at the skin’s surface, leaving a relatively rougher skin and the hair grows much faster. In addition, the hair that grows after shaving is thick and coarser than the previous.
Therefore, it is quite clear that epilators offer better results in terms of smoothness and durability hence are more effective than shavers.
Hair Length
The two devices also have different requirements regarding how long the hair should be to successfully remove it. Typically, an epilator is most effective when the hair is at least 0.25inches in length. On the other hand, a shaver can cut the hair at any length, even that which is closer to the skin.
Cost
An epilator can cost you between €26 and €180 depending on the quality of the device, brand, and the features offered, but there are no other costs once you’ve bought it.
Electric shavers, on the other hand, are cheaper, ranging from about €8 to €80. However, you will need to replace the blades now and then.
When it comes to skincare and having a beauty regime, it can quickly become confusing and even a bit overwhelming. From figuring out your skin type, to finishing your daily routine with the right women’s perfume for the occasion, suddenly your beauty regime sounds more like hard work.
It doesn’t have to be so mind-boggling! One of the first things to remember is that no matter your skin type, or how busy you may be, having any sort of regular routine can help to maintain healthy, glowing skin.
So, if you’re hoping to create a new beauty regime, overhaul your current routine or simply just learn a bit more about skincare, here are some top tips to help you get started.
Understand your skin type
Understanding your skin is so important before you buy any new products, as it can make sure you’re providing your skin with the treatment it needs. Most of us identify our skin type when we’re in our late teens, and often stick to that diagnosis into our 20s and beyond.
It’s worth keeping in mind that your skin will change significantly as you get older, so take some time to identify any new concerns or changing skin conditions. Either do your homework, or consider seeing a professional at a skincare counter to help you.
Keep it simple
It can be easy to get carried away once you start discovering a new routine. However, it’s important to keep it simple; this means you’ve got more chance of keeping it up every day! No one wants to spend half an hour in front of the mirror every morning or night, so stick to minimum products and it will quickly become part of your everyday routine.
One of the best tips for good skin maintenance is using a quality cleanser. Look out for the type of cleanser that will work best for your skin; they often come in various textures like a milk, cream, balm or facial wash.
You should follow your cleanser with a toner. Toners are designed to remove any leftover impurities which your cleanser may not have picked up. There are toners for specific skin types, created with a variety of ingredients, so don’t just choose any old type!
One of the final steps should be to moisturise; even if you have oily skin. Hydrating your skin through a moisturiser can ensure your skin remains healthy. You may want to consider a serum or eye cream to finish with.
It is worth noting that moisturiser is designed to sit on the surface of your skin and protect it from external elements. Serum, on the other hand, sinks right into your skin for extra treatment.
Protecting your skin
You don’t have to be on holiday or in direct sunlight to wear SPF. Our skin is almost always exposed to some sort of UV, even if it’s cloudy outside. By wearing some kind of sunscreen, even if it’s in your makeup, you’re protecting your skin from a multitude of things, such as skin discolouration and appearance of red veins or blotchiness.
Wearing SPF will also slow down wrinkles and stop your skin from prematurely ageing.
Your makeup and fragrance routine
Once you’ve achieved glowing, healthy skin, it’s important to incorporate the rest of your beauty regime. When it comes to applying makeup, consider investing in a primer that is designed for your particular skin condition. Makeup primers are designed to reduce redness, diminish pores or create a matte or dewy finish.
Also, as mentioned earlier, look for foundation that has SPF in it; a layer of foundation alone is simply not enough to protect your skin.
Wearing fragrance is the perfect finish to your beauty regime; but did you know there’s a skill to wearing it properly? Tips from beauty experts have revealed that you should never rub your wrists together after spraying perfume, as this creates friction and heat which can change the scent.
It’s also interesting to note that perfume doesn’t last long on dry skin; even more reason to look after your skin with the right products!
Whatever you do, don’t cover up your perfume with your clothes; target areas like your neck, wrist or inner elbow if you’re wearing short sleeves.
So, now you have a better idea of skincare, makeup and even fragrance, hopefully you can start to put together the perfect beauty regime that works for you.
Makeup can give you that special finishing touch for any prom look, so you can stand out from the crowd. Whether you are going for a low-key or high-fashion look, you want to make sure your makeup is done to perfection.
Although it would be lovely to have a professional come and do your makeup for the big night, this is not an affordable luxury for most people. We've got a few quick tips and tricks to help you take charge and get prom ready in no time, no stress.
Dress to Impress
You've probably spent a lot of time finding your dream prom dress, so it's important to centre your makeup look on it. Your makeup and dress should always compliment one another, rather than compete for attention.
For example, if you were wearing prom dresses in bright colours with embellishments such as this gorgeous number from JJ's House, a complimentary makeup look would be matching red lipstick with light eye makeup.
A heavily made-up eye area would be too busy for this style of dress and completely overdo your overall look.
If you're wearing a plainer style of dress like this JJ's House velvet gown, you can combine sultry, smoky eyes with your red lipstick as it's a makeup look that compliments the material and these styles of prom dresses.
It might not usually be a good idea to copy other people's work or ideas, but when it comes to makeup looks, it's practically a recommendation!
We often see celebrities or models made up in a way that we think will suit us too – prom can be the perfect place to try it out!
The key to making this look work can be summed up in one word: practice! If you leave it until prom day to try it out, chances are it will be a complete disaster – it might look like a mess or just not look as good as you thought it would.
Prom night is not the time to work this out.
If you want to mirror the look of your favourite celebrity, practice and preparation are the best ways for you to get there.
Testing 1, 2, 3
One of the biggest things most people forget to do is make sure their makeup looks good in pictures. This is something that again is best to practice and prepare before the big night.
Flash photography can wash out your skin and makeup, and can make you look pasty and startled! You would be shocked to know what the biggest culprit for this is: moisturiser – or more specifically, moisturiser with sunscreen in it.
The sunscreen reflects the flash, completely washes out your face and mismatches the tone from your body.
Make sure you plan ahead and check to make sure the face cream or foundation you use on prom night does not include sunscreen. If it's only a small amount, you can try and take photos to test how reflective it might be.
Those of us who go head-to-head with our oily skin daily will relate to the eternal struggle of wanting to have hydrated skin, but trying not to look like a high-shine mirror throwing out spotlight reflections from our faces. IS THIS TOO MUCH TO ASK, PEOPLE?
It’s fine. I’m fine. The shine show must go on.
Now that it’s Winter, the game is changing. We’ve put together a Beauty Bible of sorts on the Great Oily Skin Battle of 2018. It’s a thing.
Our skin of course is more than just dry, oily, acne-prone etc. We are nuanced beings, and this is no different when it comes to our skin.
The question is, why do some of us suffer more from oily skin in the winter, and others suffer with dryness?
It seems unfair, between having to glue ourselves to our hot water bottles and getting up when it’s still dark, why should our skin be causing us problems on top of that?
Michele Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group claims that: “Skin can become more oily as a mechanism to compensate for excess dryness. The skin will overcompensate in sebum or oil production to moisturise itself.”
Rude much? Never fear, we're here to save the shiny day. Here are our top tips for combating oily skin during winter, thank us later…
You might think that moisturising skin which is already oily is a mistake, how ever oily skin compensates for excess dryness, so keeping it hydrated is KEY.
The right moisturiser for you is like getting a bra fitting, it can be a hassle but so worth the results if you’re patient enough. Each and every one of us has unique skin cells, so it can be next to impossible to find the skin regime for us.
There are dozens and dozens of moisturisers on the market, but our personal recommendation is to use one with Vitamin E.
Yon-Ka ESSENTIALS have the BEST lotion on the market – it’s an alcohol free invigorating mist for normal to oily skin and contains five essential oils. Their ESSENTIALS range start your beauty regime the right way- with cleansing.
They work to gently purity and optimise the effectiveness of your everyday care regimen, and leaves your skin soft and hydrated.
Use after cleansing and spray onto the face as a mist in the morning and at night for best results.
3. Avoid using petroleum jelly
According to make-up artist Katey Denno, petroleum jelly (Vaseline) can create the illusion of granting us moisturised skin, but actually the substance suffocates your pores.
It’s water-repellant and not water-soluble, so it actually just seals the barrier so that moisture cannot leave the skin.
Basically you're actually drying out your pores by keeping out the air and moisture, while it's thick texture makes it tricky to cleanse the skin. It's literally a lose-lose, gals.
Hot showers in the winter are widely recognised as stripping your skin of it’s essential oils, thereby preventing it from achieving moisture.
By using tea tree oil with warm water, this makes up for the loss of moisture and brings your skin back to its supple self in no time.
5. It’s all about keeping the pores happy
Changes in the weather make our pores hella cranky.
Environmental causes are some of the major factors in skin issues, meaning that our pores have a bit of a ‘mare in the winter especially. Our skin has its own survival techniques which can be the bane of our facial lives, but really it’s just trying to do it’s job.
6. Don’t let it dry out
Farber also claims that “If your skin is dry, it’ll often feel tight and have a white-ish flaking more diffused all over the face. Oily skin will often concentrate around sebaceous areas, like the T-zone, and pores in this areas may be visibly larger.”
Dry skin translates to an overproduction of sebum and oils, most likely because of the extreme temperate changes from freezing cold outdoors to overheated indoors.
7. Keeping your skin cleansed is a MUST- no matter what type you are.
Yon-Ka ESSENTIAL Masque 103 is a purifying, clarifying mask which may actually save your skin, become the love of your life and have your kids all at once. A bold claim for a bold product.
This detoxifying mask contains three types of clay which purify the skin, tighten pores, brighten the complexion and leave it with an exceptional glow.
Glow up, shine down. It's ideal.
8. Stay THURSTY
Drink as much water as you are physically capable of every day, and your pores will thank you for it- guaranteed. Everyone needs different amounts, the two litres per day ‘fact’ is most likely a myth but if your body is dehydrated then so is your skin, that math adds up.
9. Use a clean towel whenever you are washing that lovely face of yours!
You don’t want any bacteria present in the towel to be transferred right back onto your face. Pat your skin dry instead of roughly trying to rub the make-up or skin cells off.
Clean towels prevent oily skin and breakouts, so they’re essentially your undercover guardian angel. Wash them at LEAST once a week, folks.
There you have it, nine core tips for surviving the winter with oily skin.
Remember that each person is totally unique, and research and discover what products feel right for you. Treat your skin with the care and calm it deserves, you’ll be radiant and glowing in no time without the unwanted shine.
It is winter – there is no escaping that now that we're into November.
And while that means good news like cosy jumpers and mugs of hot choc, it also means slightly shittier news for people with dry skin.
It is the bane of our lives when the temperatures dip and our sensitive skin is exposed to the rain, hail and sleet etc. that an Irish winter comprises of.
So what can you do to help yourself?
Read on to gain some tips and tricks to treat flaky skin as the weather changes – you're welcome in advance.
First things first, there are a few miracle products that will help your skin to survive the colder months – people with dehydrated skin, meet your new BFF in Derm Acte moisturising serum.
This refreshing serum moisturises even the most parched skin. Slap it on in the morning and/or evening, on cleansed skin. It's priced at 69 quid but worth every cent
Is your skin irritated by various aggressions like the freezing cold Irish weather? Then you gotta try Derm Acte moisturising cream. It helps restore the hydrolipidic film, ensures efficient and long-lasting hydration.
Who doesn't love an intense hydration mask? Yonka Masque Intense Hydration repairing is a gel-cream mask that provides immediate, time-released, deep hydration: +54% after 1 hour and +96% after 8 hours It is ideal for sensitive or super irritated skin, whether dry or oily.
Also by the same fab brand is a phyto-aromatic healing water – Yonka Dry Skin Toner. It's more than just a toner though, it is a healing mist that refreshes, tones and sanitises the skin. Amaaaazinng.
There are so any ways to protect your skin against the elements of winter – even things like prepping your home. Think of it like this – the drier the air, the drier your skin.
So why not invest in a humidifier to increase the moisture level in the air?
Also, don't forget to buff your skin because dry skin won't f*ck off without some exfoliation first – and it means that the moisturisers and serums will work better then.
And last but not least, your diet will always contribute to the state that your skin is in. Walnuts, olive oil and avocados are all unreal for your skin whereas booze and caffeine are not so much.
And dry skin sufferers do drink TONS of water and good luck – it'll be spring before you know it.
