Tuesday, 4 July 2023

Clear For Men Invigorating Facial Cleanser

skincare

Clear For Men are a vegan and cruelty-free skincare brand that encourages men to speak more openly about their mental well-being. All their products are made in the UK and arrive with 100% Sustainable delivery packaging in which you will find the invigorating facial cleanser sitting securely inside. Cleansing the skin is extremely important to help remove dirt, pollution, excess oil and also reduce impurities and ingrown hairs. 

skincare

The paraben-free cleanser utilises mild cleansing agents to help cleanse the skin without over-stripping it, so your skin should not feel tight or dry after using it. Presented in a bottle with a pump dispenser you get 250ml of this daily cleanser with the label reminding you to take time out of your busy schedule and have some "Me Time". Dispensing a 10p sized amount to damp skin and working the cleanser over the face and neck is all you need for an exceptional cleanse, discover the ingredients listed below:

Aqua - Acts as a solvent for ingredients to dissolve in.

Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate -  Mild cleansing agent that provides a dense and luxurious foam that can easily be rinsed off leaving the skin soft.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine - Mild surfactant and cleansing agent that doesn't over-strip the skin whilst also stabilises bubbles. 

Sodium Chloride - Viscosity controlling salt that acts as a thickener in cleansing formulas.

Glycerin - Moisturiser and humectant that supports the skin lipids, protects against irritation and also helps to restore the barrier function of the skin.  

PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil - Helps oil and water ingredients mix without separating in a formula whilst also being a mild surfactant and cleanser.

Niacinamide -  Multitasker Vitamin B3 that acts as a cell communicator, skin brightener, moisturiser, humectant, support and restores the skin barrier function whilst also improving acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.

Phenoxyethanol - Preservative.

Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer - Viscosity controller that helps thicken the products formula whilst also acting as a emulsion stabiliser to stop water and oil separating.

Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil - Astringent with skin-conditioning benefits whilst also acting as a fragrance. 

Panthenol - Pro-Vitamin B5 that acts as a moisturiser and humectant with anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. 

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera) Juice Powder - Emollient that acts a moisturiser and humectant with soothing properties.  

Benzophenone 4 - Photoprotectant to extend product shelf life and also acts as a color-protectant for products in clear packages. 

Coco-Glucoside - Mild vegetable origin cleansing agent that provides a stable foam to a products formula. 

Glyceryl Oleate - Emollient with skin-smoothing benefits whilst also acting as a co-emulsifier and stabilizer for water and oil formulas. 

Sodium Hydroxide - Adjusts the pH of a products formula.

Citric Acid - Adjusts the pH of a products formula known as buffering.

Argania Spinosa Kernel (Argan) Oil - Emollient with unsaturated fatty acids oleic, linoleic, and palmitic that nourish and moisturise the skin. Antioxidant benefits are also achieved from the vitamin E it contains along with antioxidant phenols caffeic acid, ferulic acid, and epicatechin that provide soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. 

Potassium Sorbate - Preservative.

Sodium Benzoate - Preservative. 

Tocopherol (Vitamin E) -  Fat soluble antioxidant that can easily be absorbed by the skin that protects against free-radicals whilst also having photoprotection properties.  

Hydrogenated Vegetable Glycerides Citrate - Emollient to help keep skin smooth and soft whilst also acting as an emulsifier to help water and oil ingredients mix together.

Citral - Perfumer to bring a scent to the formula.

Geraniol - Perfumer to add a fragrance to the formula. 

skincare

I don't typically reach for or use foaming cleansers in general as they over-strip and make my skin feel dry and taut, this one has been an exception to that rule! It refreshes my skin in the morning leaving it feeling soft, smooth and hydrated all day whilst my evening cleanse is made easier because it removes my daily sunscreen prepping my skin for my night time skincare products. A perfect cleanser that not only cleanses but has additional skin benefits included in its formulation, priced at £19.99 and available here: Clear For Men Invigorating Facial Cleanser x Neil.

1.5% of the sales of this cleanser goes to support Mind via Work for Good. #takefivechallenge

Saturday, 24 June 2023

REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence

skincare

Prepping the skin to aid in better absorption of your skincare products, the REN Clean Skincare Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence is an ideal product to use. Cleansing the face and then proceeding to use a toner if you wish, the essence is the next product to apply before your serums and moisturiser. Essences typically absorb deeper in the skin to provide a moisture boost whilst depending on what ingredients they contain to provide a treatment whilst supporting the skins barrier function. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

The perfect canvas smooth, prep & plump essence is featured in a glass bottle that easily dispenses the desired amount of three drops when turning upside down. Featuring four key ingredients which are hydrating bio-fermented hyaluronic acid, smoothing bio-fermented polyglutamic acid, plumping bio-fermented microbial extract and the pollution protecting marrubium extract, this essence not only delivers on its promise of smoothing, plumping, and prepping the skin but it also helps strengthen the barrier function which is extremely important.  

Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Marrubium Vulgare Extract, Sodium Gluconate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Ethylhexylglycerin , Sodium Polyglutamate, Parfum, Citric Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Polyglyceryl 6 Oleate, Bacillus Ferment, Sodium Surfactin. 

The essence presents itself as a watery serum texture but glides over the skin easily with a slight scent that can be detected, but this soon fades when patting into the skin every morning and evening. It absorbs pretty quickly to leave the skin feeling hydrated and smooth but does not leave any stickiness or greasiness, just perfectly prepped skin. I have used this over two months and have applied numerous products over it and have not experienced any piling or balling up of products, it beautifully works before and in synergy with your skincare products! Priced at £43.00 and available here: Perfect Canvas Smooth, Prep & Plump Essence x Neil. 

Thursday, 15 June 2023

Lose The Weight And Also Keep It Off With These Tips

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Losing weight isn’t always easy but it can be done with the right attitude and approach. What’s most important is that you are consistent and that you don’t give up trying. You’ll be so proud of yourself as you see the pounds start to come off. 

Not only lose the weight but then make sure once you hit your weight loss goal that you maintain a healthy weight. You may want to work with your doctor about what’s recommended for you and your body. In the meantime, here are some tips for losing weight and also keeping it off for the long run. 

Walk & Move More

If you want to lose weight and keep it off then you should focus on moving more daily. You can do so by taking a nice walk or by taking breaks during your workday to get water and stretch your legs. You can even use your lunchtime to stay active and exercise if you so choose. The point is that you want to avoid living a sedentary lifestyle and instead find and make time to exercise and move more. 

Pay Attention to Your Food Choices

Lose more weight and keep it off by paying attention to what you’re eating and putting in your body for fuel. It’s essential that you eat breakfast to get off to the right start and to maintain your energy. You can also try a meal replacement option such as save and slim if you are having trouble controlling your cravings. Otherwise, you can also try to eat more slowly and mindfully so that you are making wise choices in the moment and can recognize when you feel full so you can avoid overeating.  

Go by How Your Clothes Feel

Another top tip here is to go by how your clothes feel and are fitting. You want your clothes to fit just right so you can feel more confident. Wear clothing that not only looks good on you but feels good on you too. Put on your clothes and go by how you feel in them and then wear them with confidence. Instead of getting rid of the smaller-sized clothing if you don’t fit in it yet, hang onto it while you work on losing weight and then keep trying it on until you succeed with and reach your weight loss goal. 

Weigh Yourself

An important step in the process of losing weight and keeping it off is to weigh yourself. You need to be honest with what you weigh so you can begin to shed the pounds and feel great in your own body and skin. Step on the scale right away in the morning which is the best time to weigh yourself so you can have this top of mind as you go about your day and can then in turn make wiser food choices.  

Less TV & Screen Time

Watching too much TV and having too much screen time can make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off. Instead, you can participate in other types of activities that might bring you more joy. For example, you can head outside to spend time in nature, have coffee with a friend, or go shopping for yourself to treat yourself. Maybe make time for some of your favorite shows or sports and take back more control over your own TV time at home. 

Reduce Your Stress

Stress can make it difficult to lose weight and keep it off. Therefore, you must find ways to manage and reduce it for the best outcome. Instead of worrying or feeling anxious you can meditate, journal, pray, or exercise. The spa or nail salon is also a great place to relax and wind down. It’s essential that you not let stress build up and that you continue to work through it and release it. You’ll feel much happier and healthier when you rid yourself of the stress and focus on being happy, friendly, and graceful. 

Conclusion

These are great tips to apply and use in your life if you’re trying to lose weight and keep it off. You can do it if you put your mind to it and are committed to seeing the scale go in the right direction for you. Once you reach your goal weight then remember to focus on living a healthy lifestyle and maintaining your weight so that you are healthy and feel great. Don’t be too hard on yourself as there may be some days where you indulge a bit. What’s most important is that you try and don’t give up on yourself, x Neil.

Wednesday, 14 June 2023

Pulling Your Life Back Together After An Injury

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Image Credit

If you’ve been injured, then you likely have first-hand experience of how life-changing and debilitating a serious injury can be. Your first port of call is to seek medical help, but many injuries involve a long recovery time. In some cases, the injury can be permanent, meaning that you have to adjust your life to suit your new circumstances.

Pulling your life back together can seem like a daunting task, but it is possible to enjoy a good quality of life and recover some of your independence.

Financial Recovery

Injuries can happen for a variety of reasons, but often they occur due to something that wasn’t your fault. One of the most common causes of serious injuries around the world are car accidents.

In this situation, it is sometimes possible to recoup your financial losses by getting compensation. Depending on what happened and how your life has been affected, you may have to tackle medical bills and loss of employment. While money won’t reverse what happened, it can help you to better manage your life and give you one less thing to worry about.

Chronic Pain

Some injuries can cause chronic pain that stays with you even after the initial wound has healed. Medication can help with this, but physical therapy is often the best way to recover functionality and reduce your pain. If you train your body to cope with the injury, then you will get stronger and be able to do things you never thought you could.

Another option is to find an osteopath near me who specialises in this kind of pain and injury. They will come up with a treatment plan that can relieve your pain and help you to manage it more effectively.

Self Care

As well as looking after your physical and financial well-being, you also need to think about the mental and emotional effects of your injury. Many injuries stem from traumatic events, and the pain and change in your life can also be traumatic in itself. Talk to someone about what you’re going through, whether it’s a doctor or a trusted friend. The important thing is not to isolate yourself and feel alone.

Self-care also means bringing some normalcy back to your life. So, if you like to look good and keep on top of your personal grooming, this doesn’t need to change because you have an injury. If you look better and feel more confident, then you will feel more like yourself.

You should also consider picking up new hobbies. You might have to change your hobby or career, depending on your current circumstances, but this doesn’t have to mean that you lose out on them entirely. You’d be surprised at what you can achieve, even with a severe disability.

Working out is a good option, as you can adjust your fitness routine to suit what you can do. It’s also good for your physical and mental health and can help your recovery. No matter the hobby, make sure that it’s something you fall in love with. x Neil.

Saturday, 27 May 2023

By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream

skincare

Featured in an air-less pump to preserve the effectiveness of the 0.03% retinal it contains, the By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream supports and improves the skin overnight. Remembering that "Retinal" is the next step up from "Retinol" and is able to perform 11x more effective, the night cream also contains 1% Bakuchiol that not only has its own anti-ageing benefits but also has calming and soothing properties. Night creams have progressed from just being emollience products that feel thick and greasy on the skin, now they contain active ingredients to treat and improve specific skin problems overnight.

The night cream is ideal for those who don't have the time to apply various products because it cleverly contains a cocktail of ingredients to meet your skins needs in one-step, featuring:

Moisturisers, Humectants, Emollients: Glycerin, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Betaine, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl Alcohol (non drying), Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Glyceryl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Trehalose, Behenyl Alcohol (non drying), Glucose, Fructooligosaccharides, Butylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Beta-Glucan, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Ceramide NP, Collagen, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8.

Anti Acne & Skin Brightening: Niacinamide

Antioxidants: Bakuchiol, Tocopherol, Centella Asiatica Extract. Hydroxyacetophenone. Laminaria Japonica Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract.

Soothing & Calming: Beta-Glucan, Centella Asiatica Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-8. Eclipta Prostrata Leaf Extract.

Cell Signalling: Retinal, Adenosine, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide. 

skincare

The yellow colour of the night cream is the natural state of retinal as there is no added colour in the formula along with no added fragrance. The cream is rich in texture helping it to glide over the skin with ease on to clean skin whilst one pump is enough to cover the whole face, it is noted if you have sensitive skin or if you are new to vitamin A products then apply twice a week for 2 weeks and then progress to 3 times a week for 2 weeks until your skin accommodates to applying every night. I love how quickly this absorbs without feeling heavy, sticky, or greasy and is the perfect night cream to include in your evening skincare routine for a revitalised complexion that will greet you in the morning, just don't forget to apply your broad spectrum sun protection to protect you throughout the day. Priced at £29.58 and available here: By Wishtrend Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream Don't forget to use discount code by clicking on the affiliated link here: BLONDEMALE1 x Neil. 

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Maira Gall