1. Diffusing
Add few drops of essential oil in an electric diffuser, or with an oil burner and tea light. Do this in the room you spend most of your time.
2. Inhalation
Inhaling directly from the bottle can provide instant relief, helping clear any congestion. Add a few drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale the steam
3. Topical Application
Mix a few drops of essential oil with a carrier oil, and apply to the chest, neck and back. Apply a light pressure to the temples in a gentle circular motion
Essential oils are known for their aromatic and soothing properties, which can be known to provide relief for common hayfever symptoms such as sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. While essential oils are widely used and praised, it is important to note that they are not intended to replace medical advice or treatment.
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The past few years have been challenging to say the least so our self-care routines have become more important than ever as we continue to navigate day-to-day life…
A self-care routine is often associated with improving our appearance yet it is incredibly beneficial for our physical and mental health too. We can easily get caught up in the challenges and pressures of daily living that we forget our wellbeing and important me-time that is often illusive and very difficult to incorporate into our busy schedules. As Autumn brings darker nights
and cooler weather, i’ve got 5 easy ways to improve your self-care routine to help your overall mental and physical wellbeing - all without breaking the bank.
1 - A Essential Oil for Every Occasion
As we spend more time indoors during the cooler months hiding from the changeable weather, it can be a struggle to switch off or maintain focus. Essential oils in a diffuser, body oil, or pulse point oil can really help us get in the zone, whether it be unwinding in the evenings, encouraging concentration or energising the senses on a grey day. When taking a few moments for self-care,
a relaxing, calming blend can help you to switch off from daily challenges and help with your overall wellbeing. Key essential oils are lavender, neroli, chamomile and ylang ylang, but with so many options to explore, you are certain to find one that will be your go-to for relaxation.
2 - Hydration, Hydration, Hydration…
Drinking water and staying hydrated during the Autumn can be a struggle, yet with heaters and fires being turned up as the cooler weather hits, our bodies will really need the extra hydration. Water not only hydrates our skin from the inside out but also helps keep our minds alert and the cells within our bodies functioning better - a vital part of any self-care routine. As the cooler
weather hits, a great way to increase your water intake is to drink hot herbal or fruit teas that are caffeine free or simply add a slice of fruit to make water a little more palatable during the cooler months. As well as keeping our bodies hydrated on the inside, switching your skincare for more hydrating formulations can also help the effects of the harsher weather on your skin. Look out
for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin if you find your skin feels dry or tight throughout the day, and if you are spending more time indoors, use a humidifier or small bowls of water around the room to help moisten the air.
3 - Pamper Time
Taking time out of your day to give yourself some me-time can sometimes seem like a major task but taking at least 10 minutes can really help our mental and physical health. Whether it be a soak in the bath, applying a face mask, going for a walk or reading a chapter of your favourite book, these moments of self indulgence will promote a relaxed mind, body and soul.
4. The importance of Sleep
Lack of sleep not only affects our mood and ability to function throughout the day but can also lead to greater feelings of anxiety and stress. Getting into a good bedtime routine is a great start, so dedicating time to your skincare routine for example will not only help your skin repair and rejuvenate overnight (they don’t call it beauty sleep for nothing!), but it will also help you relax before getting into bed. If getting to sleep is your problem then you are not alone, with 1 in 4 Brits admitting they find it difficult to drift off to sleep. Using a body massage oil before getting into bed can really help to relax your body and mind, especially if you opt for products containing lavender and chamomile for example. Finally, remember to ditch the phone from your bedtime routine. The blue light from your phone screen (and other electronic devices) has been scientifically proven to disturb sleep patterns. Try reading a book or journaling before bed to help unwind and quieten the mind so you can drift off and get the good night’s sleep you deserve.
5 - Digital Detox
As we spend less time outdoors, we may find ourselves embracing the digital world a little more during the cooler months. We live in a world where our phones have become a gateway to all aspects of our lives from social media, banking and shopping to catching up with your favourite tv shows, video calling loved ones and organising your schedule. There is always an email to
send, DM to respond to and then three hours later you’ve found yourself down the rabbit hole of dog videos, memes and following your neighbour's cat on Instagram. To improve your self-care routine, take a few hours away from your phone each day to enjoy the world and people around you, or simply reflect upon your achievements of the day (no matter how small they are). We
are constantly comparing ourselves, and our lives, to the perfection we see on social media which isn’t good for our mental health or self-esteem. Take some time for yourself - there is only one you, and you deserve to look and feel at your best with a self-care routine that will improve all aspects of your life.
I hope these tips help to improve your self-care routine as we transition into Autumn and remember in these tough times, it is more important than ever to take care of your wellbeing as well as those around you.
Emma @ Beauty Folio
]]>On the first burn allow the wax to melt the full way out to the jar, not allowing the melt the full way can cause tunnelling meaning most of you candle ends up wasted.
Only burn for the time suggested by the manufacturer, we recommend 2-4 hours for our 30cl candles. Burning for longer has no addition benefit.
Trim your wick to 4 mm before lighting, wicks which are too long create a bigger flame which in turn will melt through the wax faster. Wicks that are too big dance and emit smoke if this happen blow out the candle and allow to cool before trimming the wick.
Keep your candle on a flat fire resistant surface, once lit it is best not to move your candle as you could create a spillage or create a fire hazard. Don't leave your candle ontop of stoves or other hot surfaces. Don't burn you candle in drafty areas.
Once finished using replace your lid once the candle has cooled and solidified, this prevents the build up of dust. Keep out of direct sunlight as they can be sensitive to heat and light
Remeber to keep out of reach of children and pets.
]]>Since covid hit in 2020, we have started to embrace self-care in a more genuine way. Self-care could be lighting a few candles, switching off our phones, journalling. It is also getting movement into each day, and to this end, yoga has seen a surge in popularity as an exercise that benefits both body and mind. Many people are still wary of taking it up, despite all of it’s benefits.
As a yoga teacher, people often tell me-
‘If I got down on the floor I wouldn’t get back up again…
I’m not flexible enough…
I’m too old…
I have too many injuries to do yoga’…
If any of these sound familiar to you, keep reading, and let me see if I can change your mind!
People can be scared to try yoga because social media often portrays it as an exercise only for slim young yogis who can do handstands, sit in the splits, or meditate for hours. But the reality is very different. For myself, I’m still working towards handstands. I don’t practice every day. My meditation practice is currently a few slow breaths before I get out of bed in the morning and maybe once or twice again throughout the day if I’m feeling stressed. There’s not many yogis who get to the stage where they can turn themselves into a human pretzel- and that’s ok. You don’t need to be flexible to do yoga- you gain flexibility as you go. The benefits from the basic poses will keep the average person mobile, strong and flexible- physically and mentally. You don’t even need to use a mat to access yoga- chair yoga offers variations for most poses. Since I began teaching, I have worked with many different ages and abilities because I believe it should be taught to everybody- from children in primary and secondary schools, to adults on mats or seated.
I believe yoga teaches us:
1. Our bodies are designed to feel good.
They evolved over thousands of years to become excellent at movement.
We’re not meant to wake up in the morning with aches and pains or go through our days holding our hips, our backs and whatever else might be hurting!
Modern life has reduced our movements to the same few postures throughout the day- in a vehicle, stuck at a desk or on a chair, even how we relax on the sofa in the evening. So it is up to each of us to find ways to move that benefit us. This is especially important for adults. Pain in your body is a not a normal thing once you hit your 20s or 30s!
2. Your body is capable of more than you think.
You just need to give yourself time and be consistent with your practice.
However stiff and sore your body is when you begin, once you form that consistent routine- even just once a week- you will start to surprise yourself!
If you’re carrying long term injuries or conditions, there is still space for you in the yoga world. You may just need more time to work out how to move your body in a way that will help you to feel good.
3. There is place for every body in yoga. As you journey through life, your yoga style will change- from strong classes based on difficult poses, to gentle classes that focus on your breath. And every yoga class you try will give different results, so don’t be afraid to ‘shop around’ and try different teachers, until you find the one for you.
These days, we have so many brilliant ways to look after our bodies, both inside and out. Yoga is one of the many ways to do this. You can even level up your home practice by using salt lamps and candles, or help yourself to relax at the end of a class with a few drops of lavender oil on a tissue beside your head as you lie back and relax. So stop thinking you are too inflexible/ old/ injured and give it a go. You may just surprise yourself!
Shauna- Aurora Yoga Studio
@aurorayogastudioNI
The cosmetics industry is definitely lacking when it comes to truly sustainable options, and with the recent release of Justine Jenkins book titled “sustainable beauty” it got me thinking about what more could be done by us as individuals. I think it’s probably obvious to everyone who knows “The Natural Beauty Pot” as a brand that being eco-friendly is at the forefront of our brand values so I wanted to let you in on some of our tips and tricks for a more sustainable bathroom in your home.
“It’s easy to think we are just individuals and our independent choices have no impact, but even one small change has a ripple effect and if there are more people like us those ripples eventually turn to waves.” (extract from sustainable beauty by Justine Jenkins).
The first thing I would really recommend doing is taking regular stock of what products you already have, lots of us fail to finish our products leaving a range of half empty bottles in our wake. Make-up and skincare in particular are very trend based and it’s easy to fall victim to the excellent marketing of a must have product or trend in general. Thinking more carefully about what we actually need as appose to what we want is a great start when approaching sustainability.
The next thing I would recommend being more conscious of is your water use, less than 1% of water is accessible and safe for us to use. The average person in Northern Ireland uses around 145 litres of water per day, and with present projections predicting significant water deficits by 2050 its particularly prevalent we learn how to use water efficiently now, as well as this being useful for the future, it also reduces our carbon footprint now.
Showers, toilets, baths and bathroom sinks consume more than two-thirds (68%) of household water. So here’s a few ways to reduce the amount of water used by these things;
A really simple yet effective change, add a recycling bin to your bathroom. Recyclable bathroom waste accounts for up to 40% of total landfill waste in the U.K.
Considering refill options or buying in larger size when purchasing often used items. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body oil or lotion and hand wash are all things which lend themselves really well to refill options and who doesn’t love an aesthetically pleasing bottle on display rather than loads of plastic.
If refill isn’t your thing or you want to go further and make even more swaps there are so many eco conscious alternatives to the things we use on a regular basis in our bathrooms. Ditching expensive disposable razors for a metal alternative, changing from a spray deodorant to a cream, or replacing disposable period products for some of the reusable options are all great places to start. There are also some great powder shampoo alternatives and some great bar shampoos and body washes as well.
An added bonus is that some of these swaps is can actually save you money in the long run! I recommend not trying to do everything at once, a small change every so often when you can afford it isn’t long adding up to an almost waste free bathroom.
What swaps have you made in your bathroom?
]]>More so than ever as we come out of the Covid-19 pandemic, people are realising that they need to look after themselves. People are looking for a better work/life balance, improving their lifestyle choices, having a better diet, getting outside more and not focussing on the materialistic things in life as much.There are many ways people practise self-care, from cold water swimming to exercise, from a hot bath to time with friends.
With our busy and demanding lifestyles, whether that be a person working a full-time job or raising small children, it has never been as valuable to look after your body and mind. By recognizing the importance of mental wellness, people are coping with stress, anxiety and fatigue in a myriad of ways.
Reflexology is one self-care treatment that is growing in popularity. Simply put, reflexology is the application of pressure to areas on the feet (or the hands). The theory behind reflexology is that areas of the foot correspond to organs and systems of the body. Pressure applied to the feet promotes the movement of built-up energy and helps the removal of toxins.
This can help the body achieve homeostasis and bring relaxation and healing to the corresponding area of the body. Homeostasis is the ability to maintain a relatively stable internal state that persists despite changes in the world outside.
Although reflexology is not used to diagnose or cure disease, millions of people around the world use it to complement other treatments when addressing conditions like anxiety, asthma, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, headaches, kidney function, PMS, and sinusitis, it encourages the body to return to a state of balance to allow self-healing to take place. It is particularly effective during pregnancy and even can be practised on babies from 4 weeks old.
For my clients, it's the entire experience when getting a reflexology treatment - the sound bath music, the aromatherapy oils diffusing. I recommend essential oils which I tailor to the particular clients I have coming in and the type of balm or oil (Lavender Body Oil) used which is also specific to the client and their needs.
In the past year, I have seen a shift in people taking more care of themselves and practising the art of relaxation. My clients are adopting mindfulness techniques when coping with emotional stress, anxiety and fatigue. They have discovered the benefits of reflexology and how it can work alongside other self-care, and it's paying off.
My advice would be - to learn the cues of your body, have a break from digital devices, remember to connect with nature, use chemical-free products and take care of your body and mind.
Keri Flaherty Reflexology
www.instagram.com/keriflaherty.reflexology
]]>If the research I’ve done has shown me anything is that no matter what you need to achieve there’s an oil to make it possible, everything from balancing hormones to DIY hangover cures. With all the cleaning, cooking and beauty products you can imagine in between.
But how do you get started with such an in depth topic? You would be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. So we have done the research for you.
Here’s our top 4 beginner’s oils.
A fairly obvious but extremely versatile choice. Lavender oil is known mainly for its sleep enhancing properties. It also helps with eczema and psoriasis and other skin complaints.
It has also been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Diffuse before bed or when you feel stressed or maybe add a few drops to your hands and inhale as needed. Lavender is also suitable for use with children.
Other oils to aid sleep
Jasmine, ylang ylang, chamomile, rose
Citrus scents are without fail my go to for diffusing at home, there incredibly uplifting and leave a beautiful fresh scent throughout the home.
There also great to add to your cleaning regime and I don’t know about you but the right scent in a cleaning spray makes me much more positive about completing the tasks at hand.
It’s also beautiful added to a bath or used for a massage with some carrier oil.
Sweet orange is also known for its anti-anxiety properties and can also sooth blemish prone skin. It is useful however to be careful when applying citrus oils topically even with carrier oil they can cause photosensitivity.
Other oils to uplift
Neroli, lime, lemongrass, rosemary
Peppermint oil is a great oil for improving symptoms of cough, colds and other respiratory issues. Diffuse it in your home to clear congestion and headaches.
Another little known use for peppermint is as an insect repellent which is especially good for wasps and spiders.
Other oils to clear your airways
Eucalyptus, lemon, cinnamon and frankincense.
Tea tree is an excellent addition to your medicine cabinet at home. When mixed with a small amount of carrier oil it can be used to disinfect minor cuts and scrapes and has even been known to speed up healing time.
It can also be used as a salve for skin issues like contact dermatitis or even as a lice repellent for hair.
Other medicinal oils
Lavender, eucalyptus, bergamot, Roman chamomile.
Some of my favourite easy uses for essential oils.
So that’s my top 4 essential oils and a few simple uses to get you started.
Researching other oils and their uses is relatively easy on the internet but you could also pop in or send us a message and have a chat with us about more specific uses.
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Hormones - hormones are one of the biggest causes of acne, it often presents itself as breakouts around the chin and mouth. Its important to use skincare that helps balance you skin can doesn't strip the skin of it's natural oils.
Skin Accumax is a supplement for Acne or Rosacea skin types, Congested/problematic /hormonal skin
Benefits:
Maintains healthy looking skin
Reduces sebum production
Supports skin immunity
Reduces hyper-keratinisation
Anti-inflammatory
Skin Accumax™ has been featured on national news site Daily Express online. Skin Accumax™ was mentioned in an article titled ‘10 best skin supplements for acne, anti ageing, eczema, dryness, and glowing skin in 2021’ as the ‘best skin supplement for acne prone skin.
Digestion - foods high in sugar/ dairy or wheat can cause irritation and high amounts of bad bacteria in the gut and in turn your skin must detox this – often shows up as breakouts on the forehead. I am sure you have heard of probiotics (good bacteria), Skin Clear Biome™ is a pioneering supplement harnessing the benefits of microbiome technology. Formulated specifically for stressed and problem skin balancing the body and skin from the inside out, the innovative microbiome technology.
Dehydration- this is caused from using the wrong cleanser and toner that can be too stripping on the skin or from over exfoliating, it could also be coming from not enough of water and good healthy fats in your diet as they are essential to repair the skins barrier function from the inside. There is also alot of confusion out there that people with oily skin shouldn't use oil based products - this is a MYTH! I've a blog on why oil cleansers work great on all skin types. Skin Omegas are also a great way to hydrate the skin from the inside.
Bacteria or dead skin on the surface of your skin – you need to use a gentle but effective exfoliant that works on the pores to remove excess bacteria and dead skin or any sebum trapped in the pores. Our Cranberry Facial Grains doubles up as a mask and an exfoliator with naturally detoxifying ingredients, which treats inflammation while soothing the skin.
Excess oil – if your skin is over producing oil it can block the pores and cause breakouts Vitamin A helps to balance oil flow and detox the skin. You do not want products that strip the skin, it's all about working towards skin balance and getting the nutrients that you skin needs.
]]>The environment we are in has a huge impact on our skin and so when the seasons change so too does our skin. The skin is the body’s largest organ, and it to adapts how it works
In Winter generally the temperature and humidity drops which can have a drying effect on the skin. We wrap up to keep warm but the face is still exposed to the brunt of cold winds. The skin needs to work harder to maintain hydration. The cold weather can be a trigger for many skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, etc. In Winter you may want to opt for a heavier facial oil/serum to rebuild the moisture in the skin.
Warmer months can contribute to break outs, we sweat more in the warmer weather and the sebaceous glands produce more sebum, this can contribute to blocked pores. Generally there is more sunshine in summer months and while we are eager to enjoy the rays, one of the main contributors to premature skin ageing is sun exposure. It’s important to wear an SPF daily - even on overcast and cooler days. Gentle and regular exfoliation is really important, this aids cell production helping dead skin cells shed and boosts collagen production.
Skincare is not just about what products you put onto your skin, what we put into our bodies as you know is also so important. Don’t get stuck in a skincare rut and remember to check what it is your skin needs and adapt your routine to suit your skins needs rather than repurchasing the same products each time.
Visible light is that from the sun or your smart phone, invisible light cannot be seen such as UVA and UVB rays. The wavelengths of UVA and UVB rays vary from 100 nanometer to 400 nanometer. The next colour spectrum is blue light which measures from 380nm to 500nm, it’s been proven that blue light with a wavelength between 380nm and 400nm is harmful to your skin. The risk seems to decrease as the wavelength gets closer to 500nm.
While blue light is actually essential for our natural sleep pattern, and if you are exposed to it late in the evening it can disrupt your sleep. The lack of sleep is not good for your skin, and blue light has been linked to hyperpigmentation and brown spots. It breaks down collagen, skin looses its elasticity causing fine lines, speeding up the signs of aging.
Using a blue light screen protector on your phone and devices is an inexpensive way to cut down exposure. Most devices will let you adjust the light settings, this is also much easier on the eyes than blue light.
The best way to protect your skin is to use a good broad spectrum SPF and build it into your daily skincare routine. I use Shade Sunscreen which is broad spectrum, has an SPF25 and available in 15ml or 100ml.
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So I'm editing this post as I do now make a hand sanitiser but the rest of this blog still applys!!!
Washing your hands with soap and water reduces the amount of germs and chemicals on your hands, using hand sanitiser is NOT a substitution for washing your hands.
Only when soap and water are not available is it recommended to use a sanitiser which has a minimum of 60% alcohol. Studies show that hand sanitisers can reduce the number of microbes on hands however they do not eliminate all germs. Hand sanitisers work well in clinical environments such as hospitals, however may not be effective when hands are greasy or heavily soiled.
Wash your hands in clean running water avoid using a basin or sink of water as hands could become recontaminated. The surfactants in soap lift the microbes from the skin and by creating a lather and scrubbing your hands you create friction which helps move the dirt and germs. Make sure when washing you get the backs of the hands between fingers and under the nails. Then rinse your hands under running water. Dry your hands thoroughly afterwards germs can be transferred more easily from wet hands.
And I do not recommend you make your own unless you actually know what you are doing. Here is a great video with Greg Dickinson joined by Dr Alexander Edwards, Associate Professor in Biomedical Technology from Reading School of Pharmacy interview/video of why you shouldn't!
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/science-and-disease/watch-make-hand-sanitiser-shouldnt/
]]>Greenwashing is a term used to describe a false impression or providing misleading information about how a company's products are more environmentally sound. There are no regulations around using the term for natural or organic for cosmetic products. For example, a 100ml Lavender Hand Cream with 0.1% of organic lavender, they are within their right to label it “Organic Lavender Hand Cream”. And don't think for a second that if comes in a green and white bottle or in a brown paper bag that it is any different.
There are governing bodies out there such as the Soil Association and COSMOS which offer Organic Certification. For me as a small brand which consists of a team of one, they just have too many holes they want me to jump through and they charge royally for the pleasure. This may change down the line as the brand grows.
Another factor to think about is that not all ingredients can be organic – non-agricultural ingredients such salts, clays and minerals are not grown so therefore cannot be organic. And it is one of the main reasons you don’t find organic plastered all over The Natural Beauty Pot labels. The butters, carrier oils and essential oils I use are all organic (with the exception of Rose Damask as it is already so expensive the last 2.5ml bottle I seen was £24.95).
I would love to hear your thoughts do you opt for brands who use organic ingredients? Do you only buy from brands which have been certified?
]]>Firstly it’s important to use the right type of brush, there are various types of Kabuki brushes my favourites are the flat top Buffing cruelty free brush which I stock from My Flawless. Or EcoTools also have a great Retractable Kabuki.
DON’T Apply make up straight after moisturising the mineral foundation will cling to the cream and appear to heavy
DON’T plonk the brush in the middle of your head/between you eyes
If you are used to applying a liquid foundation this is going to feel strange for the first 10-20 times, but don’t let that out you off once you have the hang of it you will be able to apply make up much faster.
The beautiful thing about mineral foundation is that it is so versatile whether if you just want a light dusting to even up your skin tone, or if you want a full face of make up for a night out both are achievable!
]]>Rant over I promise but it got me thinking how does a consumer know if a brand is meeting the requirements they need to? So I’ve put together a few tips on what EU brands should be doing
Every cosmetic product on the EU market must have a CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) which is compiled by a toxicologist, if a product contains water it will require additional testing. Once the CPSR is completed a PIF (Product Information File) is put together it is then registered on the CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal).
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, curiosity is how we learn! Never have I been offended by someone asking if my products have been tested.
]]>Traditional cleansers (think the water-soluble ones, in cream, gel or foam textures) primarily work with surfactants – ingredients which easily remove makeup, oil and dirt, but which can also leave the skin feeling tight and dry after cleansing. Not only is this uncomfortable, but it can actually cause your skin to break out; the dryness can stimulate your skin to increase its oil production, leading to an imbalance which can cause blemishes, blocked pores and blackheads.
With that in mind, it’s so important to use a cleanser which maintains the natural oil balance of the skin, instead of stripping it away. And oil cleansers, despite what you might think, are just the ticket! Oils not only moisturise, they are also lipophilic, which means that they are attracted to the oils on your skin, including sebum, which is the excess oil that causes those pesky breakouts.
Oil cleansers can also include surfactants and emulsifiers, to allow the oils, makeup, debris and dead skin cells to combine with the water and wash off easily; this is how cleansing oils can remove makeup and daily grime without stripping the skin of its natural oils. Plus, they’re a great and gentle way to effectively melt away waterproof mascara.
But what if you have oily skin, we hear you ask?
Oily skin will likely find that an oil cleanser is the best thing for them to use, even if your natural reaction is to steer clear of adding more oil to the skin. Many cleansers on the market treat oily or acne-prone skin by drying it out; however, when skin recognises this, it works harder to produce more oil to rehydrate the skin – thus causing a vicious cycle of trying to battle the excess oil whilst causing it to continue production.
A good-quality, carefully-formulated cleansing oil will not block your pores or cause an imbalance of the skin, regardless of skin type. The cleansing oil is attracted to the oil on your face, and they bind together, meaning that as you wipe away the oil, you’re also removing the daily build-up, all without dehydrating the skin.
Cleansing oils can be used in the same way as other facial cleansers, and they’re great for removing stubborn ‘long wear’ makeup products like long-lasting lipsticks and waterproof mascara. Simply apply a small amount to damp skin, and spend a minute or two gently massaging it into the skin and all around the eyes, working it into the eyebrows and eyelashes to lift up all the makeup effectively. You can remove it with cotton facial rounds, or to get deep into the pores, use a hot cloth to leave your skin feeling lovely and clean. Follow with a splash of cold water to refresh and close the pores – and it really is as easy as that.
]]>With some easy-to-follow tips and great skincare from The Natural Beauty Pot, you can enjoy some at-home facial massage, every day.
Facial massage is actually much easier to do than you might think, and adding it into your daily routine (even if just for a couple of minutes) can be extremely beneficial for your skin.
Here’s just a few of the benefits that regular facial massage can bring:
Our lymphatic system drains away toxins and reduces puffiness and congestion, but it can sometimes become stagnant in our facial muscles. Massage is a great way to give it a helping hand, as it encourages the lymphatic flow to kickstart and get to work. It also works to give your circulation a boost, promoting cell renewal and reducing dullness in the complexion, giving you back a gorgeous natural glow.
As you’ll probably already know, massage on any part of the body reduces stress and tension – and your face is no different. If you find yourself clenching your jaw out of stress, you’ll find that facial massage can really ease the tension and the aches that this can cause, loosening the jaw and helping you to feel more relaxed.
Massaging the face can also help improve the muscle tone, and help prevent skin from sagging – think of it as a facial workout!
With all of these benefits literally at your fingertips, we encourage you to give facial massage a go. You don’t even have to make it a separate step in your regime; you can incorporate it into your regular cleansing routine or when moisturising. Just remember to use a product with plenty of slip, like an oil cleanser/balm or facial oil, to avoid dragging your skin as you massage it.
Here’s our step-by-step guide:
Forehead: Use your fingertips to make small circles on your forehead, working across the skin. As a guide, always stroke in an upward motion – we want to go in the direction that we want our skin to stay, which is not down!
Eyes: Using your ring finger (generally the weakest finger, hence least likely to pull on the skin), tap lightly around the eye, and make small circular or stroking motions above and below the eye, remembering to include the brow bone area.
Cheeks and sides of face: Again, using those upward strokes, use your entire hand to apply light pressure to these areas. Use your fingertips in a circular motion (as you did for the forehead), or try making a loose fist and using your knuckles to massage deep into the muscles along the sides of the face – this is great for lymphatic drainage.
Jawline: Use long, upward strokes from the bottom of the neck, up to your jawline to create movement and improve circulation. Around the lower edges of your face, try pinching the skin in a gentle motion to encourage definition in this area.
Will you be trying these facial massage techniques? Let us know how you get on!
]]>My first concern was when using soy wax it must be heated to 70 degrees centigrade (this will vary depending on the wax), when creating a skincare product essential oils are added at the final stages when the product is at its coolest (generally 25-30 degrees).
Essential oils have different compositions, so when an oil is heated it will react depending on its structure. This will depend on the specific oil and its properties but some will evaporate, some will lose any therapeutic benefits and some can become toxic. Remember just because something comes from a natural source does not mean it cannot be harmful.
I still went ahead and made test candles with essential oils which I knew were safe to do so and I’ll be honest the results were disappointing I had to use ridiculous amounts of oil to get a good scent throw and even then it did not smell like the essential oil.
My next avenue was to look at fragrance oils, these are specifically for candles and are compatible with wax, high temperatures and being burned. I want to create candles which are safe and give off a subtle scent without overpowering the room. My advice if you would like to burn essential oils is to use a diffuser!
If you have ever purchased one of my candles you’ll have seen the CLP information (Classification, Labeling and Packaging), it’s not the prettiest of labels with lots of text but it’s a legal requirement. Every candle (unless un-fragranced) should have warning information and it must be visible when the candle is upright (so not on the bottom!). I work very hard / diligently to adhere to regulations at all times and it's disheartening when lots of companies don’t.
Regulations are there for the good and wellbeing of the customer, yet they are often being blatantly ignored by companies who can afford to comply. Or when companies know it is in the best interest of their customers to display this information as regulations stipulate, yet they choose to ignore it, you have to wonder why.
]]>Most candles on the market are made from paraffin wax, paraffin is a petroleum waste product and has to be deodorized and chemically bleached before it can be made in to wax. (source http://www.anapsid.org/cnd/mcs/candles.html) When paraffin wax is burned it creates highly toxic benzene and toluene (known carcinogens).
“Other toxic chemicals that may be present in the paraffin mixture and released through burning include: Acetone, Trichlorofluoromethane, Carbon Disulfide, 2-Butanone, Trichloroethane, Trichloroethene, Carbon Tetrachloride, Tetrachloroethene, Chlorobenzene, Ethylbenzene, Styrene, Xylene, Phenol, Cresol, Cyclopentene. Some of the toxins are found in other products such as paint, laquer and varnish removers– that’s potent and powerful stuff!” https://keeperofthehome.org/toxins-in-candles-sad-but-true/
“Petro-soot from paraffin candles gives off the same soot as the exhaust of a diesel engine, and is considered just as dangerous as second hand smoke, causing problems from headaches to lung cancer. Paraffin fumes have been found to cause tumors in the kidneys and liver of lab animals.” https://nourishingourchildren.org/2011/12/13/candles/
Many candles have wicks which contain heavy metals such as lead “A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air, says the CPSC, which is why they banned lead wicks in 2003. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and numerous health problems.” https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/are-your-candles-toxic
Knowing this it’s not surprising how my body reacted to candles! It is only in the last few years that I have given soy candles a go and I actually thoroughly enjoy the soft scent they offer. The wax comes from Soybeans a natural, renewable source grown widely. A candle made from soy wax burns cleaner with little soot released as the candle burns, with paraffin candles often create a significant amount of black soot that collects on the jar, as well as on your walls and other surfaces of the home.
Soy candles typically last longer than a paraffin candle of the same size, according to Planet Green.
Have I convinced you to convert to Soy Candles yet? On another day I’ll tackle the Essential Oil vs Fragrance Oil in candles!
]]>In terms of facial moisturisers, most are made up of oil-in-water emulsions consisting of tiny droplets of oil held in a water base. To prevent the oil and water from separating or deteriorating, manufacturers add stabilising ingredients, such as emulsifiers and thickeners.
Think of how your skin turns prune-y after a long bath or shower, the excessive water is not hydrating your skin externally. Your skin needs oil to be healthy (yes even if you have naturally oily skin), it benefits from the nutrients and vitamins in the oils and extracts.
Cosmetic moisturising products which have a water base need preservatives, to stop them being contaminated by micro-organisms. Without preservatives, bacteria would rapidly spoil the product, and can even cause it to become a risk to health. So with a completely oil based product we do not need a preservative, we do add vitamin E to add to the shelf life of the product.
Finally packaging! We all have the best intentions in the world but how many of us actually thoroughly wash our hands, and thoroughly dry them before popping your hand into the moisturiser jar? When moving to facial oils I specially opted for a pump so your fingers cannot go into the jar meaning this is no longer an issue. And I felt a pump was a better choice than a pipette as there is nothing more devastating that product spillage!
]]>Our body needs water or other fluids to work properly and to avoid dehydration. That's why it's important to drink enough fluids. In climates such as the UK's, we should drink about 1.2 litres (six to eight glasses) of fluid every day to stop us getting dehydrated. Try keeping a bottle with you throughout the day.
Getting enough sleep has a huge impact on your body and skins performance. Not only will it keep dark circles at bay but reduces stress which is a primary cause of acne. It is recommended that we get 7-8 hours sleep a night.
I’m not saying go on a diet but make healthier choices when picking your snacks and meals. A bad diet can cause breakouts and make skin appear dull. Making sure you get enough fruit, veg, nutritious food will do wonders for your skins appearance.
As we get older our skin loses its elasticity. Exercise increases the circulation which encourages cell production; this in turn regenerates the skin! Blood carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including the skin.
]]>Fast labels allow you to select the size, the label type (as we create skin and body products we need them to be water proof) so I opted for vinyl. And they even let you pick whether you want to receive them on rolls or flat sheets which is great as you can choose depending on what way you wish to store them.
Having placed my order I was really delighted with the quick turnaround (I have issues in the past labels taking weeks which is not ideal for a small business) and I am really impressed with the quality of the labels, they have a beautiful matte finish perfect for the high end look of our frosted glass bottles!
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