Six Self-Care Hacks That Will Transform Your Life.

Though it may seem a tad indulgent, you must make time in your schedule for a little self-care - no matter how busy you may be. If you aren’t convinced of its importance - remember that self-care can help lift your mood, refocus your mind and can even have a positive effect on your physical wellbeing. 

With that in mind, here are six self-care hacks that can transform your life for the better!

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• Start spending more time outdoors. There are numerous benefits to spending more time outdoors. For example, fresh air can help reduce stress and heighten your senses, meaning that you will feel more energised. If possible, try to start each day with a walk - even if you just walk around the block. 

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• Find time for exercise. Exercising more often is another great way to transform your life and can boost your physical and mental health at the same time. Therefore, you should strive to find a way to get active and feel great this summer - whether you take up running or sign up for a gym membership.  

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• Acknowledge your feelings. We are often taught to brush aside any negative emotions - be that stress, anxiety or anger. However, ignoring your feelings will not make them go away; it just gives them time to fester and intensify. As a result, you must acknowledge any negative feelings when they arise and work towards a healthy solution. For example, sometimes anxiety can be alleviated by simply talking to others and asking for help. In some cases, you may need to seek alternative methods to help keep your anxiety in check - this could include CBD products. Click here to see more information about CBD products and their many benefits. 

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• Drink more water. From an early age, we are taught about the importance of drinking plenty of water. However, that doesn’t mean that we actually ensure we make an effort to drink as much as we should. While this may not seem like much of an issue, poor hydration can lead to many issues - such as headaches and fatigue. As a result, you should strive to reach your daily recommended intake of water each day - you’ll soon notice the benefits. 

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• Put together a wellness routine. A wellness routine will likely mean something different to every person - but whether that entails developing a skincare regimen or signing up for some yoga classes - a wellness routine can help you find numerous ways to introduce self-care to your life. Once you have put together a routine that works for you - ensure you stick to it.

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• Cut the cord on damaging relationships. Not every relationship in your life (whether platonic or romantic) is good for you. For example, if you always feel sad or anxious when spending time with a certain person - it usually means that the relationship is not serving you in the way that it once did. While there are some steps you can take to repair your relationship with a friend, remember, you don’t have to stay friends with someone just because you have known them for a long time. Cutting the cord or distancing yourself from those who no longer lift you up is an essential act of self-care - and you’ll soon thank yourself for it. It also means that you can start investing your time and energy into the relationships in your life that make you happy. x Neil.

Surprising Reasons why your Skin Is Breaking Out.

If you feel as though your skin is always breaking out, then you will know how frustrating this can be. You may feel as though your skin greatly hinders your confidence, and that you are just not able to feel good about yourself, even when you are dressed up for a night out. If you want to do something about this, you need to explore the reasons why your skin is breaking out, so that you can make the right changes to stop your symptoms from being as bad in the future.

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You’re Not Dealing with Acne

To make things more complicated, sometimes the acne that you are trying to treat isn’t acne at all. This can explain why your acne treatments just aren’t touching your symptoms. You may find that your breakouts are popping up all over your body and that you have itchiness too. If this is the case, then you may be suffering from fungal acne instead. If this is the case then you need to try and treat the infection at the source, which is in your hair follicles. Your dermatologist can help you to determine if you have fungal acne or not, and they can even prescribe you something as well, which can really help.

You’re Not Washing your Face Enough

Throughout the day, oil, make-up and even dirt will build up on your skin. If you do not wash your skin enough before you go to sleep, then all of this garbage will in fact transfer to your pillow. When this happens, you will transfer it back to your face again. Dermatologists often recommend that you try and avoid this by washing your pillowcase on a regular basis. If you do this then you should be able to reduce the amount of inflammation that you experience and you can also stop infections too. If you still struggle, then you may be better off changing to a silk pillowcase if possible, as this will reduce friction.

You’re Lacking Sleep

Your body undergoes a circadian schedule every day. Certain activities will occur in the morning and others will occur when you are sleeping. Either way, sleep gives your body time to rest and repair. It will also give your cortisol levels chance to decrease too. If you do not end up getting enough sleep, then this will mean that your body is exposed to way more cortisol than it should be, and this can help to trigger your breakouts. This is very similar to what happens when you are stressed. Cortisol can bind to your oil glands and this can send them into overdrive. This can cause acne and it can also make your symptoms way worse. If you need to use skin products to cover your acne, then make sure that you are using professional skin toners if possible. If you can do this then you will soon find that the ingredients are much higher in quality and that you end up clogging your pores way less too. x Neil.

Skincare SOS: Sure Signs You Need To Get Started Today.

 

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Even though we all have skin (shock horror, right?), skincare is still treated as a largely female issue. Some guys might be championing the cause with male moisturisers and improved awareness but, when you look at the general advertising and the products you need to get a grip on, there are women all around.

Unsurprisingly, these skewed ad campaigns mean that countless guys still feel they’re too cool for toner – and our skin is paying the price. But, look – great skin is as essential to feeling good as getting active, and believe it or not, getting on top of this isn’t going to let the world know that you like a pamper session. Despite the fact that you’ll have amazing skin (maybe you were born with it?), no one’s going to know that you enjoy applying things to your face of an evening. 

So, instead of assuming that even looking at a moisturiser will put ‘skin care’ in permanent marker across your forehead forevermore, consider the following signs that your hesitance to open the skincare door is starting to do some damage. 

# 1 - Dry, flaky skin

Thanks to weather changes and general wear and tear, dry, flaky skin can hit the best of us when winter rolls around, and that can be pretty embarrassing. No matter how much you wipe those spots with a flannel, you can bet flakes have formed again by bedtime. What’s more, trying to simply brush these away could lead to escalating problems, rawness, and an issue that you can bet everyone notices when they meet you. As you can probably guess, skincare is the only way to properly address this problem, with regularly implemented products for dry skin ensuring you can forget flakes at long last. This way, no matter the time of year, you’ve got access to magic that keeps your skin forever looking its best.

via GIPHY

# 2 - A patchy appearance

Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid uncomfortable issues like dry skin, a lack of skincare can still leave your face looking about as patchy as a dalmatian, with angry red patches that people can see from miles away. You could even things out with concealer, of course, but this can be an obvious solution that really does mean wearing your efforts for all to see. By comparison, skincare products like toner that clean and moisturise even patchy skin offer a finish so natural that no one will be able to tell your secret.

# 3 - The fact that you’re reading this article

Of all the signs that we’ve discussed here, none is more pressing than the fact that you’re reading this article. After all, if you didn’t feel that you could benefit from skincare, then you wouldn’t be here. Forget how your skin looks and just permit yourself to embark on something that you clearly believe could help you look and feel better. Your skin, and maybe even all of mankind, will thank you for it! x Neil.

Fundamental Aspects Of Your Health To Keep On Top Of In 2021.

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If we don’t look after ourselves, then we’re not going to be in the best possible position to enhance our lives. We all have a lot going on and a bunch of different jobs to do, but we also need to take a look at ourselves on a personal level. We only get one life, one brain, and one body. If we neglect certain things, that it could come back to bite us later on in life.

The good thing about our physical form and our mental health is that they can be fixed if we want them to. It’s up to us to put in the effort, though. If you actively look to keep yourself in good condition, then you probably will end up doing okay. Here are some of the most fundamental parts of your health to keep on top of this year and beyond: 

Your Physical Fitness

A big part of your mental health and overall health is down to how you feel physically. We have to prime our bodies and get them into a particular way in order to feel better. There’s a reason why we’re told to smile, breathe deeply, stand tall, and puff our chests out – it’s because these actions make us feel better. 

If you work out a little more and become more active this summer, then you’re going to be in a much better place to deal with whatever life throws at you. It sounds basic, but you’ll be in a much better headspace as well as a physical one. 

Your Hearing And Balance

It’s very easy to take certain things for granted in life. Our hearing is one of those things. You need to be careful – you don’t want to be choosing a hearing aid earlier than you expected due to your own actions. Sometimes, we cannot help things like hearing loss, but just be careful not to exacerbate certain issues. It can have a serious effect on so many other things in life such as balance, perception, and self-esteem. 

Your Teeth

Your teeth are essential to living life conveniently and comfortably. We’re in a time where we can get a lot of work done, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be careful. If you’re playing sports – protect them. If you’re not brushing often enough, then absolutely remedy that. You only get one genuine pair.

Your Social Health And Confidence

Confidence in life is so important. If we aren’t confident, then we don’t stand a chance. Work on ways to big yourself up! Try new things, see your friends, achieve goals! Social anxiety can be a real issue, so if that side of life is flaring up, so what you can to reach out to people that WILL help you and allow you to progress. If your confidence is good this year, you’ll be able to achieve anything. It’s very easy to say that you’re going to have a good year and your confidence will skyrocket, but you need to actually do something about it. Don’t be afraid of failure/embarrassment and participate in all kinds of things! x Neil.

LoveLula Beauty Box April 2021.

The element of surprise each month is welcomed by natural beauty lovers in the UK and international, when receiving the LoveLula beauty box full with organic goodies. The monthly beauty box features exciting brands and their products that are available from the easy-to navigate LoveLula website, whilst also introducing products to you that you may not be aware of to purchase. The selection of products you receive each month are varied whilst there are many subscription plans available for you to choose from (details at the end of blog post) to enjoy your delivered beauty box. Disclaimer: I received the beauty box free as part of the LoveLula accredited blogger program, this does not influence or change my honest opinions expressed in my blog posts. The links used are not affiliated and are only used for you to discover the products.

What Is Inside The LoveLula Beauty Box April 2021?

The LoveLula beauty box April 2021 arrives in secure recyclable packaging and each product inside is protected by the recyclable filling to keep your products valued at £59.00 in tip-top condition. The printed card inside details all the products included whilst also including a voucher code that can be redeemed if you would like to purchase any products from the brands included. The products featured are as follows:

Nourish the lips with emollient-rich oils when applying the 100% natural and vegan-friendly crazy rumors black cherry lip balm. The pocket-friendly lip product instantly nourishes on application while the black cherry aroma is juicy and sweet - the fragrances used in all crazy rumors lip balms are created from fruits, vegetables, and spices while no synthetic fragrances are used in their formulas. Protect the lips from external exposures such as dry air, cold temperatures, and any factors that draw moisture away from them causing a drying effect. Apply during the day to act as a nourishing barrier or apply to the lips overnight for a nourishing lip treatment, a wide selection of natural flavors are available from the crazy rumors range so im sure your find one that suits your taste, don't eat it wear it!

The Inika long lash mascara is certified Halal and is vegan-friendly alternative that contains a pure mineral enriched formula. Suitable for sensitive eyes, the dramatic black formula coats each lash easily without clumping, bleeding, or flaking off making it a must-have mascara for beginners or pros. The wand and tapered brush is excellent in distributing the product on the top and bottom lashes while it effortlessly combs through to create length and volume. It does not leave the lashes feeling crispy after the dry-down and even though its not waterproof it still performs pretty well against other mascaras that are. Trusted worldwide, INIKA is one of the worlds highest certified makeup brands that you should defiantly seek out to explore their full range of products.

The latest launch from Ohh! Oils Of Heaven is their jojoba oil or known as simmondsia chinensis seed oil that is the fixed oil expressed or extracted from seeds of the desert shrub. The golden oil is highly stable even in hot temperatures and is similar to human sebum which enables it to balance the skin making it a great choice for oily skin types. On application it forms a semi-occlusive layer which can stop moisture-loss from the skin keeping it hydrated while also it can absorb into the skin to improve softness and suppleness. The oil can be applied to bare skin, after your serum and moisturiser to seal over these products, and can even be applied to the hair to improve condition and shine. 

Suitable for day and night care, everyone needs a jojoba oil product in their collection to either use daily of for an extra-care treatment.

The J.R.Liggett's mini shampoo bar sampler provides a collection of six bars that are made to be good for the environment and healthy for you without sacrificing fragrance and function. The shampoo bars are hand-cut and made with a unique formula of pure vegetable oils that wont strip the natural oils from your hair. Massaging the bar into wet hair to lather up the formula you can choose to use: Original, Herbal, Tea Tree & Hemp, Moisturising, Coconut & Argan, or Jojoba & Peppermint. I was surprised on how great they cleanse the hair while also leaving it feeling hydrated and conditioned, the bar sampler is ideal to find which shampoo bar works better for you before buying the full-sized.

How To Purchase The LoveLula Beauty Box?

The total value of the LoveLula beauty box April 2021 is £59.00 while the many subscription plans available for the UK and International customers are varied but are excellent value for your money!

UK:                                                                   

Just Try One Box £19.95                              

Monthly Recurring £14.95                          

3 Months £42.60 (save 5%)                         

6 Months £80.70 (save 10%)

12 Months £152.50 (save 15%)

INTERNATIONAL:

Just Try One Box £24.95

3 Months £52.50

6 Months £100.00

12 Months £200.00

*Prices Correct At Time Of Writing - April 2021.

Enjoy the selection of products for yourself, or buy as a gift for someone else to enjoy, when purchasing or subscribing to receive a beauty box to your door. I wonder what the May beauty box will contain and what will be featured for you to discover products you may not be aware of to purchase? Purchase the LoveLula Beauty Box April 2021 available here: LoveLula 

Enjoyed this post? Get informed by future posts by following me to receive email updates here: Follow Me x Neil. 

Inspiration to Help You Get Active and Feel Great This Summer.

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To look good, you need to feel great, which is why it is crucial to stay active to feel at your best. Being physically active is an excellent way to perfect your physique and benefit your overall well-being as it can be a powerful stress reliever. As the lockdown restrictions are finally starting to lift, you may be looking forward to the prospect of getting outside and enjoying more exercise. After so much time spent indoors over the past year, it is only natural being active outside in the sunshine is such an appealing idea. If you are looking for opportunities to get fit and feel great this summer, here is a little inspiration to help you do just that:

Take up a Team Sport.

Playing a team sport has many benefits. Being part of a team and enjoying being active is an excellent opportunity to get social and meet new people. Taking up a team sport will make it easier for you to stick with staying active. You will be committed to training at specific times each week and playing matches, which is helpful if you usually struggle to keep to your exercise routines.

There are so many different team sports to try, so there are lots to choose from. You may even want to take inspiration from the teams you enjoy watching on the television. If you are a fan of New Zealand rugby, you could have a go at playing rugby yourself and seeing how it feels to be part of the action. If there was a sport you enjoyed at school, such as football or hockey, you might even decide to revisit it and rekindle your passion as a way to get active and out into the fresh air.

Take a Dip in an Outdoor Pool.

Swimming is an excellent all-round exercise that is perfect for both a cardio workout and toning up. As swimming is a low-impact activity, it is something that most people can do as a great way to stay fit. If you want to enjoy a different swimming experience and get out in the fresh air, you could look for lidos and outdoor swimming pools in your area. You may even have a freshwater swimming lake near you that is suitable for outdoor swimming. Swimming is a perfect exercise for people that hate the feeling of getting hot and sweaty when they workout, as you should be able to stay cool in the water while you get fit. 

Be Inspired by Wimbledon

Everyone loves to watch Wimbledon on the television while enjoying some strawberries and cream. But, if you want to get fit this summer, why not take inspiration from Rafa Nadal and co, and get onto the court yourself? Tennis is an ideal summer sport and a great way to mix exercise with seeing friends in an outdoor setting. You could even bring out your competitive side and challenge your friends to a match or two over the next few months.

It is important to speak to a health professional if you take medication or suffer with an illness before participating in any physical sport. Anything that gets you moving such as a daily walk has been shown to have a positive impact on your mental health as well as your physical health, just don't forget to enjoy yourself whichever daily activity you wish to choose. x Neil.

JOIK Organic Sunless Tan Facial Drops.

Easily achieve a sunkissed and natural looking tan when incorporating the JOIK organic sunless tan facial drops into your skincare routine. The buildable and gradual formulation easily allows you to customise to your chosen shade by either leaving the skin with a sunkissed tone or with repeated applications you can succeed to be bronzer. Read on to discover how to use and why i love this organic and vegan-friendly product, disclaimer - the links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to find out more. 

What Is Inside The JOIK Organic Sunless Tan Facial Drops?

I have used many self-tanners for the face and unfortunately some have left my skin feeling overly dry after application, but not this one! Incorporating hydrating factors with two ingredients that play a role in achieving and building a sunless tan look, the full ingredients are as follows:

Aqua - Solvent for ingredients to dissolve in.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice* - Moisturiser with anti-inflammatory benefits that supports the skins repair and regeneration cycle.

Dihydroxyacetone - All sunless tanners contain DHA, a colourless 3-carbon sugar that promotes a chemical reaction with surface cells of the skin (this is the sunless tan colour you see) DHA does not damage skin as it only affects the outermost cells of the epidermis (stratum corneum).

Glycerin - Natural moisturiser found in the skin, it keeps skin lipids saturated and protects against irritation while also supporting the barrier function. The humectant and hydrating properties are ideal for dry skin sufferers. 

Erythrulose - Eco-cert approved, the fermented derived natural keto-sugar is a self-tanning active that does not cause skin dryness but provides a longer lasting tan. It usually is used with DHA in the same formula to give you a faster result. 

Sodium Levulinate - The salt of levulinic acid, a synthetic organic acid that helps condition and soften skin while also acting as a preservative in a formula.

Sodium Anisate - Acts as a antimicrobial/antibacterial preservative and is typically paired with the ingredient above. 

Trehalose - A type of sugar that has water-binding properties to hydrate and moisturise the skin. 

Sodium Benzoate - Preservative to help your product stay nicer for longer and has to be paired with the ingredient below to boost its effectiveness.

Potassium Sorbate - Preservative to keep your product nicer for longer.

How To Use The JOIK Organic Sunless Tan Facial Drops?

Presented in a bottle with a pipette dropper tool-similar to your current serum or facial oil the sunless tan facial drops can seamlessly be added into your skincare routine with ease. Preparing the skin before application is an essential factor to achieve an even colour by gently exfoliating the face and neck to remove any built-up dead skin cells so the tan does not cling to any dry patches and you have a smooth canvas to apply the product on. Placing your dispensed lotion, gel, or cream moisturiser in your hand and then using the pipette tool to dispense 3 drops for a light-to-medium result or 6 drops for medium-to-dark, you can then mix the formulation together and apply to the face and neck evenly. 

Washing your hands after you have applied will help to not cause staining and the tan typically develops within 4-6 hours for you to see your own customised sunless tan.

I like how hydrating the JOIK organic sunless tan facial drops leave the skin feeling and it can easily be used in the morning before applying your chosen SPF (don't mix with your sunscreen it will dilute it) or applied overnight after your anti-aging serum/treatment (just allow 20 minutes for those products to work) to achieve a natural looking tan all year round, priced at £33.00 and available here: JOIK Organic Sunless Facial Drops. x Neil.