No8 On our Summer Body List. Shrink the Belly.

No8 Shrink The Belly.


Avon have it all sorted this Summer, getting you Bikini ready and for amazing prices too. You don't have to go to expensive gyms you can do it all at home at your own pace and time. This Summer Avon are sorting your Bums, Tums and legs!! Get your at home gym by flicking through the latest Avon Brochure. Get Avon Active and Love your Body.

Tighten and Tone using the New Active Fitness Ring. This ring is great for bums and tums and inner thigh, the place that is most hardest to tone.Only €13.

The very clever Active Door Exerciser uses a rope and pulley action. You just attach it to any household door and away you go. I love this. I'm not great at sit ups and i find this little gadget very comfortable to use and it is very effective you can really feel it working. It's great for legs too. Only €15.50.

The Tummy Toner with Wheel. Again a clever little device  to Tone And Trim Waist and Strenghten your abs. Only €13

Whilst walking or excising why not wear the New Active Slimming Belt. It increases sweating in the tummy area whilst working out to sweat away those extra inches. I have one myself and believe me when you take it off you are dripping wet and it also helps me support my back whilst exercising. It works. Only €8


Walking gives you an over all workout and a great way to burn calories. Avon's workout flip flops are specially designed to burn calories as you walk. Great for legs and Bum. Perfect to bring on holidays. Toning as you walk and fashionably pretty too. I buy a pair and wear them all Summer. They do the job just as well as Fit Flops. A steal at €26.

Go to Facebook page: Avon Products Dunshaughlin to view the latest Ebrochure and order by Email. Or find your nearest Avon Rep.

bglammy :-) xx

No7 on our Summer Body List Body Moisturisers and Sun Screens

Body Lotions and the all Important Sun Screen,  choose good ones.

Moisturisers and lotions do a lot more than just moisten dry skin. Emollients in the lotions help to soften and smooth the skin. They hydrate by forming a barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture and stop the evaporation of moisture from the skin. This is why it is important to drink plenty of water. Emollients combined with humectants (molecules which act as water magnets) help hydrate the skin. Popular ones in lotions today are honey, lactic acid, glycerin. To get the best out of your lotion  it should be applied within 2 minutes after your shower. The longer you wait the more moisture is loss and your lotion becomes less effective. Exfoliation followed by an intensive moisturiser will have your skin in top shape for the beach an aid in that all important tan. Here are my favourites.

I love Garniers Intensive 7 Days Nourishing lotion. They have for normal skins Aloe Vera. For Dry skin Mango Oil. For Dry, Rough skins Softening Cocoa Butter. For Dry Sensitive skin Honey. For Dry To Extra Dry Nourishing Shea Butter. Ive tried the Cocoa Butter and the Shea Butter ones. I am in love with the Cocoa Butter Dry, Rough Skin one. It is so hydrating. it goes on easily, you don't have to spend ages rubbing it in, it absorbs really fast and you can put you clothes on almost immediately. The Cocoa Butter smell is amazing. By far my favourite Body Moisturiser. And perfect to get your body Summer smooth and soft.

Sun Creams, Lotions.
When you lie out and sunbathe to get a tan your skin does not like it and goes into attack mode to protect itself from burning and damage. The skin goes red. The burning happens when its just too much UV exposure for the skin to handle. All skin types and tones can be damaged by the sun. Redheads, pale and freckled skins are at a higher risk of burning. Sunscreen should be applied 20 mins before exposure to the Sun to allow the product to absorb into the skin. It should then be reapplied frequently throughout the day. Most people rub it on when they get to the beach, jump in the water and get burned and then blame it on the product.You should apply 20 mins before leaving your Hotel and going to beach or pool. Read the instruction on the back for recommended application. Before you go eat plenty of carrots and tomatoes. They are said to contain betacarotene and lycopene which provides internal protection against damage. Take Omega oils as they protect the skin and help to retain moisture. Here is my favourite Sun Screen Products. The one i swear by and have used on myself and  daughter since she was a baby and we lived in Italy. Hawaiin Tropic.

This is the one i swear by, it's gotten me through many a Holiday safely. Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The coconut smell is to die for. .It absorbs quickly and leaves a protective shine which you can see. Keeps your skin well hydrated whilst tanning.

I always start my holiday with this one. For a factor 50 + it absorbs quickly.

This is the carrot oil one and it makes you very brown. I usually end my holiday with this one. Only when i have a tan. But i still,  if i feel shoulders etc are getting to much i use the 30+ there.

Hawaiin Tropic have thought of every thing. Baby faces factor 60+. High SPF and Broad Spectrum protection UVA UVB, non irritating or migrating(meaning wont travel to baby's eyes) waterproof for 4 hours. Has a delicate baby product smell but with a exotic fruit fragrance. I use this myself on my face to start off  with and then go to 30+ and no lower on my face. 

Don't forget the after sun. This lime Coolada is so refreshing and cooling and fruity with a fragrance so lively and limey. . It is so light and quickly absorbs and hydrates. A cocktail for your skin.  . A must for holidays. Love it!

These are little gems.  Lip Gloss SPF 25. People always forget the lips. These are yummy. I buy the Island Berry and wear it even when not on holiday. It has 12hour moisture protection, broad spectrum UVA & UVB.  Its tasty and glossy.

Check out the huge Range of Products they have, you will be amazed. There are Shimmer Effect ones that make your skin look fab whilst tanning.

Be Sun Safe.
I have medium tone skin and my daughter having a very dark skinned Italian father is very dark. Her skin is dark all year round. when she goes away she goes really really dark. Now i know her skin can take a tan. I always use factor 50+ on her on holidays the whole time and 60+ on her face.  As a toddler i used 100 the whole time.  I believe if you are meant to get a tan you will. If you force it you will burn. From being in the sun for more than a month at a time your skin gets to a point where it doesn't tan any more. My sister who is very fair gets a glow and that is it. My daughter with factor 50+ on will come home extremely Dark because her skin has more melanin and it is happy to tan. With constant use of Sun Creams she has the most even tan you will every see. From her face to her feet  it all matches. I had one lady with a fair daughter saying to me she would not let her daughter get that tanned. I explained, what am i supposed to do? she goes that colour anyway with high SPFS.  What you need to know is if your Sunscreen says SPF 15. That means you have Sun Protection 15 times longer than  the burn factor. So if the temp is 35 degrees with a burn factor of 10 minutes for fair people that means the fair person can be exposed to the sun for 2.5 hrs without being burned. That also means you have to reapply your Sun Screen every 2.5 Hrs when using Factor 15. I personally recommend 30+ for everyone. Also remember Over exposure to the Sun is a SERIOUS Health Threat. Be safe and protected. Calamine lotion is a must to bring with you in case you get burned. Aloe Vera is great but a lot of the ones you buy can contain perfume which can make matters worse.

So now are skin is in great shape and we know how to protect ourselves safely it is time to think about "The Bikini" which brings us to No 8 on our Summer body list, Exercise, Shrink the Belly.

No8 on our Summer Body List Body Moisturisers and Sun Screens

Body Lotions and the all Important Sun Screen,  choose good ones.

Moisturisers and lotions do a lot more than just moisten dry skin. Emollients in the lotions help to soften and smooth the skin. They hydrate by forming a barrier on the surface of the skin to lock in moisture and stop the evaporation of moisture from the skin. This is why it is important to drink plenty of water. Emollients combined with humectants (molecules which act as water magnets) help hydrate the skin. Popular ones in lotions today are honey, lactic acid, glycerin. To get the best out of your lotion  it should be applied within 2 minutes after your shower. The longer you wait the more moisture is loss and your lotion becomes less effective. Exfoliation followed by an intensive moisturiser will have your skin in top shape for the beach an aid in that all important tan. Here are my favourites.

I love Garniers Intensive 7 Days Nourishing lotion. They have for normal skins Aloe Vera. For Dry skin Mango Oil. For Dry, Rough skins Softening Cocoa Butter. For Dry Sensitive skin Honey. For Dry To Extra Dry Nourishing Shea Butter. Ive tried the Cocoa Butter and the Shea Butter ones. I am in love with the Cocoa Butter Dry, Rough Skin one. It is so hydrating. it goes on easily, you don't have to spend ages rubbing it in, it absorbs really fast and you can put you clothes on almost immediately. The Cocoa Butter smell is amazing. By far my favourite Body Moisturiser. And perfect to get your body Summer smooth and soft.

Sun Creams, Lotions.
When you lie out and sunbathe to get a tan your skin does not like it and goes into attack mode to protect itself from burning and damage. The skin goes red. The burning happens when its just too much UV exposure for the skin to handle. All skin types and tones can be damaged by the sun. Redheads, pale and freckled skins are at a higher risk of burning. Sunscreen should be applied 20 mins before exposure to the Sun to allow the product to absorb into the skin. It should then be reapplied frequently throughout the day. Most people rub it on when they get to the beach, jump in the water and get burned and then blame it on the product.You should apply 20 mins before leaving your Hotel and going to beach or pool. Read the instruction on the back for recommended application. Before you go eat plenty of carrots and tomatoes. They are said to contain betacarotene and lycopene which provides internal protection against damage. Take Omega oils as they protect the skin and help to retain moisture. Here is my favourite Sun Screen Products. The one i swear by and have used on myself and  daughter since she was a baby and we lived in Italy. Hawaiin Tropic.

This is the one i swear by, it's gotten me through many a Holiday safely. Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The coconut smell is to die for. .It absorbs quickly and leaves a protective shine which you can see. Keeps your skin well hydrated whilst tanning.

I always start my holiday with this one. For a factor 50 + it absorbs quickly.

This is the carrot oil one and it makes you very brown. I usually end my holiday with this one. Only when i have a tan. But i still,  if i feel shoulders etc are getting to much i use the 30+ there.

Hawaiin Tropic have thought of every thing. Baby faces factor 60+. High SPF and Broad Spectrum protection UVA UVB, non irritating or migrating(meaning wont travel to baby's eyes) waterproof for 4 hours. Has a delicate baby product smell but with a exotic fruit fragrance. I use this myself on my face to start off  with and then go to 30+ and no lower on my face. 

Don't forget the after sun. This lime Coolada is so refreshing and cooling and fruity with a fragrance so lively and limey. . It is so light and quickly absorbs and hydrates. A cocktail for your skin.  . A must for holidays. Love it!

These are little gems.  Lip Gloss SPF 25. People always forget the lips. These are yummy. I buy the Island Berry and wear it even when not on holiday. It has 12hour moisture protection, broad spectrum UVA & UVB.  Its tasty and glossy.

Check out the huge Range of Products they have, you will be amazed. There are Shimmer Effect ones that make your skin look fab whilst tanning.

Be Sun Safe.
I have medium tone skin and my daughter having a very dark skinned Italian father is very dark. Her skin is dark all year round. when she goes away she goes really really dark. Now i know her skin can take a tan. I always use factor 50+ on her on holidays the whole time and 60+ on her face.  As a toddler i used 100 the whole time.  I believe if you are meant to get a tan you will. If you force it you will burn. From being in the sun for more than a month at a time your skin gets to a point where it doesn't tan any more. My sister who is very fair gets a glow and that is it. My daughter with factor 50+ on will come home extremely Dark because her skin has more melanin and it is happy to tan. With constant use of Sun Creams she has the most even tan you will every see. From her face to her feet  it all matches. I had one lady with a fair daughter saying to me she would not let her daughter get that tanned. I explained, what am i supposed to do? she goes that colour anyway with high SPFS.  What you need to know is if your Sunscreen says SPF 15. That means you have Sun Protection 15 times longer than  the burn factor. So if the temp is 35 degrees with a burn factor of 10 minutes for fair people that means the fair person can be exposed to the sun for 2.5 hrs without being burned. That also means you have to reapply your Sun Screen every 2.5 Hrs when using Factor 15. I personally recommend 30+ for everyone. Also remember Over exposure to the Sun is a SERIOUS Health Threat. Be safe and protected. Calamine lotion is a must to bring with you in case you get burned. Aloe Vera is great but a lot of the ones you buy can contain perfume which can make matters worse.

So now are skin is in great shape and we know how to protect ourselves safely it is time to think about "The Bikini" which brings us to No 8 on our Summer body list, Exercise, Shrink the Belly.

No6. Polishes and wraps. Latest Nail Trends.

Fancy Feet, Latest Nail Trends.


Here is a look at the Latest nail Trend for summer that you may want to try after you have performed that all important Pedicure. You can have a Salon Pedicure and have fun then your self trying out the latest Trends.

Trendy Nail Wraps are available at Salons, there are beautiful designs for you to choose from. The wrap is applied by heat. They are extremely long lasting especially on toes. If you wear open toe shoes a lot during the Summer then these will last you a long time. I had mine on for a month. There are cheaper versions around but they don't last as long. You can get Toes or Finger Nail Application. You can also get the Half cut ones as seen in this photo with a Gel or Acrylic application over it.

crackle Nail Polish is also very popular this season. A base colour is applied followed  by the crackle colour, which is formulated to crack up on the nail when dry hence the name, then a top coat applied.  Depending on how you apply it it can give a Zebra effect or Cheetah effect. Above is some of  OPI's Crackle collections. You can create many different looks .Above is a black crackle with Pale Pink or Fuchsia Pink or Silver base colour. And a blue crackle on a Light Blue base colour. Great for toes and Fingers.

Tribal Nails have become very Popular and are the Latest Trend at the minute in Nails. Striping brushes are great for achieving this look.

Neon polishes are back and are on Trend for Summer. So many great colours to choose from.

Colour Blocking as inspired by the Fashion Trend for this Summer  is extremely in right now.  Paint a white base and let it dry.  Paint on blocks of colours of your choice  where you want and then go over with a black striping pen to make the colours stand out, be as creative as you like.  Great for toes and Fingers.

Now we have our Fancy Feet, What about Moisturiser and the all important Sun Screens, which brings us to No7 on our Summer Body List, Moisturisers and Sun Screens.

No5 On the Summer Body List, Pedicure.

Pedicure, Put Your Best Foot Forward!


It's time for that all important pedicure. The feet are out every day. You can head off to the Salon and get a peddie or you can try it your self at home.  A Salon pedicure for very dry callused feet would be a Callus Peel Pedicure as seen on Celebrity Salon  rrp€40. Patches are placed on the bad areas and left for 15 mins as an extra treatment in a  normal pedicure procedure and the hard skin is then scraped away. Much gentler treatment. Very effective,would highly recommend it. There is also the Fish Pedicure which has become popular. You put your feet into a tank of Guarra Fish. These fish have no teeth they suck off the dead skin. There more commonly known as cleaner fish. In the wild you will see them hanging around whales  cleaning them That's how they live. They have been used for treatment of eczema and psoriasis earning them the name "Doctor Fish" If you cant  get to the Salon, here is  the DIY version.


10 Steps to the perfect Peddie.

1. Have a good look at your feet if you think you have a Nail Disease or Ingrown or Corns leave alone and head to your chiropodist for specialised treatments. If you have athlete's foot , fungal infection or verrucas there are many treatments available in your local Pharmacy. Get advise. Treat this problem first before attempting your pedicure, you can contaminate and reinfect yourself fungal infections can spread to your finger nails. A therapist will not perform a pedicure on you if you have any of the above it is against Health and Safety in the Salon. Scholl have a Fungal Nail Treatment available in Pharmacy's.
2. Soak your feet in a basin of tepid diluted Savlon or Dettol. get a disposable orange wood stick and clean under the nails while in the water. Dry your feet.
3. Have a look at rough skin and heavy calluses. Use your foot file. File the very hard areas.
4. Put cuticle remover around your cuticles. Sally Hansons Instant Cuticle Remover is very strong. Takes 15 seconds or so to work. It's made from Potassium Hydroxide so be careful. 
5. Rub your feet in circular motions with a foot scrub, concentrating on the hard bits on heels and toes. Can use Scholls' Rough Skin Remover or Body Shops Peppermint Smoothing Foot Scrub.
6. Now the nice bit soak your feet in your Foot Bath of eg Body Shops Peppermint reviving Foot Soak or any bath salts you may have at home. If you have a foot spa turn it on, let it bubble away. Relax and enjoy because you have work ahead.
7. Rinse and dry your feet. As you dry around toes concentrate on  the cuticles. A lot of the cuticle will come away. Make sure to dry in between toes. A lot of Athlethes foot problems are caused by not drying in between toes. A little foot powder can solve this. Use your pumice stone to smooth rest of hard skin which should be soft now.
8.  Cut with clippers straight across then file the toenails straight across. Never file or cut too short or file too low at the sides, this can cause ingrowns.
9. Begin your cuticle work, most of the work should have been done for you. Gently push the cuticles back using an orange wood stick to loosen dead skin. If you have a metal cuticle pusher wash after in warm soapy water and set it in Savlon before drying with kitchen towel and putting away. 
10. Massage your feet with Foot lotion eg, Body Shop Cooling foot lotion. Massage the cuticles as well. You should preform a Peddie once a month to keep feet happy. Every day after your shower for maintaining your work you should apply Scholl Instant Recovery Cream.

Now if you are going to polish you need to prepare for polishing.

• Your toes will be oily from the Foot Lotion, wipe over with some Nail Polish Remover. Don't get it on your cuticles.
• Buff your nails with a 3 way buffer or white block to smooth out ridges and remove shine. The cleaner and smoother the nails the longer your polish will last.

Apply your base coat, your 2 colour coats followed by your top coat preferably quick drying. Try and leave a minute between each coats to allow to dry. 

Now your Feet are in top shape why not turn them into "Fancy Feet". That brings us to No6 on our Summer body list. Polishes or Wraps, Latest Trends in Nails for Summer.

Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment.

Scholl Foot scrub.

Sally Hanson Cuticle Remover.

Foot File.

Body Shops Peppermint Foot Soak.

Why not treat your self to a Pedicure Kit. Has everything you need to do your at Home  Peddie. This one is the Body Shops Deluxe Foot Gift. It contains, Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion, Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue, Peppermint Reviving Foot Soak, Peppermint Smoothing Foot Scrub, Spoon Foot File and No more rough Stuff Pumice.

One of the best Peddie around this Summer is the Callus Peel Peddie. Check out the video!

No4 on the Summer Body list: Cellulite.

Don't Pack The Peel.

Ahh! The dreaded cellulite, the scourge for Women everywhere. 90% of us suffer from it and hate our bikini because of it.  Lets banish it and leave it at home.

Cellulite: The Facts.

• Doesn't matter what age you are, young women can get it too.
• Doesn't matter what size your are slim women get it too.
• Exercise and dieting alone will not shift it.
• Yes! Men do get it. They have thicker skins so their cellulite is less visible.
• Women have more fat than men 20%-25% so there is more to be trapped.
• It effects circulation and lymphatic drainage and prevents the body metabolizing  it.

So What is it?

Cellulite is formed when hard fat deposits get trapped in the mesh like fibrous connective tissue in the first Subcutaneous layer of the skin. It creates the dimpled lumpy effect we can see.

 Why do we get it?

Certain lifestyles encourage it. Smokers, those of us with a poor diet. A sedentary life style. Stress. Female hormones Oestrogen and Progesterone if unbalanced. Alcohol consumption.

How to leave it at Home!

All is not lost, there is still time to shift it before you have to get into "That Bikini".

• Body Brushing, it stimulates the blood flow and smooths out the skin by helping the lymphatic system drain away the toxins.
• Improve your diet and Lifestyle, avoid alcohol, cigarettes and unhealthy food.
• Body Wraps. See what your local Salon is offering regards Wraps. It usually involves bandages or plastic wrap binding the body and creating vasodilation encouraging Lymphatic Drainage. Wraps are using seaweed, mud, algae or clay are most effect. 
• TMT: Transcutaneous Mesodermic Thearpy is also available at salons. It's a treatment using electric pulses to allow the improvement of the  absorption of products by 400%. It firms skin and reduces cellulite. It's painless and non invasive.
• There are a lot of products available from Pharmacy's creams and gels.
• Increase your exercise, get moving.
• Detox, 
• Increase your fruit intake, vitamin rich foods, vitamin E and A.

Some products available.

• Soap and Glory have now introduced their Intense xs Sit Tight. Circa 360 massage rollerball/applicator. Stimulates circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage and promotes body contouring. Twist the head into on position and squeeze out product and massage. rrp €20.
• Nivea Q10plus goodbye cellulite gel cream. Have heard reports of amazing results with this product and it also wont break the bank. rrp €14. 

At Home Fixes:
Masks: Kitty liter mixed with water, spread on legs and bottom and wrap in cling film, 20 mins and wash off.
Warm coffee grinds rubbed onto legs and bottom and wrapped in cling film, 20mins and wash off.

Best Tip: Disguise it. If all else fails Disguise it with Spray Tan.

 Body brushing followed by a mask, followed by cream or gel treatment every night and you should be all packed and ready to go!

Nivea goodbye cellulite cream.

Sit tight intense xs.

Body Brush.

Now we have tackled the Cellulite check out No5 on our Summer Body List. That all important Pedicure and lastest trends for toes and feet.

Summer Body!

NO3. Hair Removal. Fuzz Free Holiday.


We all know the different types of Hair removal by now. Depilatory  creams. Shaving, Waxing, Epilators, Laser Hair Removal. It's a bit late to start the Laser treatments if you are flying off to the Sun June/July. It can take 6 to 12 treatments to complete the permanent hair removal. Something to think about during the cold months when we are covered up and have time to do it. If you have the money and it works it's a great investment. If you are a lover of your razor and a lucky hairless person that can shave once a week then you are all set. Or a Depilatory  Cream lover and can get away with once a week use then great! Some of us are not so lucky. We spend our lives removing hair and have to do it when on holiday as well. When in the sun  Depilatory Creams are not an option. You have exposed yourself to Sun all day and you  really don't realise just how much until that night. I have seen nasty burns and blisters on ladies who used Depilatory  creams while on holidays after sun exposure.  If you have to shave do  it at night before bed and never before getting into the pool or the sea. I have seen many a rash on women's legs who have gotten into the sea after shaving very unpleasant.  Waxing has to have 24 hours in between sun exposure.  For me i like to be waxed top to toe a few days  prior to jetting to the sun either by  strips or machine. I usually pack my epilator with me as well just for those stray hairs that may pop up especially  if away longer than 2 weeks. If i see any i zap them at night so i have a good 6 to 10 hours before sun exposure. A tweezers is handy for the odd hair. I would advise a Brazilian or Hollywood a few days prior to going. You don't want to have to worry about that area while away. It's the worst to maintain while away. Creams or shaving gives you a lumpy red rash for the world to see. Waxing is awkward in that area and you can end up bruising yourself and it being tender for a few days with your bikini rubbing off it. Believe me i know i have done it all. I have shaved and jumped in the sea and ran away screaming with the pain and ending up with an itchy red rash. I have used Depilatory cream on my bikini area and also thought i could do my own Brazilian but with cream. Lets put it this way. I had to bring a glass of water into the bathroom and pour it on me while peeing because it was too painful to pee as i had burned myself rather badly. Let cream get on delicate areas they always warn you  about on the packaging. I have performed my own bikini wax and ended up so sore  and bruised i had to wear swimming shorts to cover up.  It's a war ladies and we have to know what to do.


Waxing Advice 

• Don't wax if you have been on a sun bed or exposed yourself to the sun 24 hours prior.
• Don't wax over moles, cuts, bruises, abrasions, injuries.
• Don't let Therapist wax you if you see  pubic hairs etc on her pot.
• Do exfoliate 3 days after the treatment and continue to do so in between waxes.
• Do moisturise after waxing, preferably a light moisturiser with Aloe Vera or Tea Tree.
• Do avoid Hot Showers, Baths, saunas, Jacuzzi, sunbeds for at least 24 hours.
• 
  

At home Waxing.
Veet or Nair  have a range of Wax Strips for you to try.  But Veet have introduced their Easy Wax Electrical Roll on Wax Kit. This is as close as your are going to get to Salon results at home. It is an Electrical unit that you insert a cartridge containing  the wax, you plug it in and it heats up to the proper temperature. You roll onto your leg. It rolls a thin film the precise amount needed. Then you place your strip on and smooth in the direction of the hair and pull in the opposite direction. There are after care wipes to soothe and clean when finished. Lasts up to 4 weeks and lifts hair as small as 2mm. It is like what Salons use. Only it's for your personal use. The refills have different size heads. Wider for Legs and Arms and Thinner for Bikini and underarms. I think it's a great little gadget and very handy. you only need to invest in the unit once and buy the Refills there after. Easy Wax Starter Kit is rrp €40, Easy Wax Refills come in Arm and Legs and Bikini and Underarms rrp €13.95. Can be found in Boots.  Use it a few days prior to jetting off and maybe pack a few strips for maintenance. But remember wait 24hrs before sun exposure. If you know you are heading on a trip the next day, not at the pool or beach you can wax the night before and cover up the day after.

Shaving.
Shaving has come a long way and is very handy while on holidays. I wax but some times while on holiday I'm in between waxes so i shave. I love the Gillette Venus Range. Venus Embrace, Spa Breeze or Venus Breeze. Gem of a product you can take on holiday with you. The Breeze range have gel bars in the blade so you don't need to use or bring shave gel or foam with you. It comes with a plastic holder with suction pads on the back which you stick on the shower wall for storage. It leaves your legs smooth and soft. It soaps as you shave so you always have soap on the area you are shaving. Great for under arms too. You get 2 blades as well. I brought one on holiday with me and i ended up bringing it back with the new blade unused and i was away for a month. That's how long it lasts. Just remember to leave in it's holder, don't leave it  in the  shower sitting in water, you will ruin it,  the gel bars melt.  Perfect for holidays, small to pack in your suitcase." Shes got it, yeah baby shes got it". RRP €14. Never shave before getting into the sea!

Epilators
Love my Epilator. Braun Silk Epil Wet to Dry. Unbelievable, Amazing. With regular use i found my hair growth has lessened because it is so proficient in removing the hair, better than any strip. I had the original one Braun SilK Epil. Came with adaptor cord and different heads for Face, Underarms, Bikini and Legs. So painful that i only ever braced myself and used it  on my legs. I know women who bought Epilators and never used them after the first go. Epilators do hurt. I wont lie to you. But Braun have made it easier with their Wet and Dry. It's best one. It's rechargeable, you can use it under water in the bath so it does not hurt as much, comes with an Led Light so you don't miss a hair. Lightweight  in your hand. Has loads of attachments. Each one has 4 0r 7 attachments depending on your budget. Mine is for the Body only. It removes hair 0.5mm as small as a grain of sand. It massages as the tweezers pulls the hair so it is not as painful. Comes with carry case and Olay Wet Wipes for pre Wax Clean and After Wax Soothe. It recharges with your shaving light which is handy if you take on holiday for top ups. Prices range from €80 upwards.

Veet Easy Wax Roll On.

Gillette Venus Breeze Razors.

Braun silk Epil Wet to Dry.

Now we are smooth and hairless and know what method we will use and what  we will take with us on holiday to continue to be hair free.  Check out NO 4 on our Summer Body List: Cellulite, products and Treatments.

Summer Body!

2. Exfoliation/ Face and Body.


Exfoliation: The natural physical process of losing dead skin cells from the stratum corneum layer of the epidermis is called desquamation. Exfoliation is a technique used to accelerate this process. It is normally carried out after the skin has been cleansed and toned, and before a mask or other facial treatments. It also facilitates the absorption of products applied post- exfoliation such as serums, and moisturisers. Everyone needs to exfoliate, all ages. People with dry skin especially need to. It will help with cell regeneration. Exfoliating regularly will improve the appearance, radiance and health of your skin.

• Benefits: 
• dead skin cells, grease and debris are removed from the surface of the skin.
• fresh new cells are exposed, improving the appearance of the skin.
• skin preparations such as moisturising lotions are more easily absorbed.
• the blood circulation in the area  is mildly stimulated, bringing more Oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells and improving the skin colour. 

So exfoliation at least once a week is important. You cant expect to get a great tan on your body if your skin is covered in dry patches and dead cells. It is important that you start now to get your skin in good condition so it can absorb those sun cream for the protection you need while sun bathing.

Types of Exfoliants.


Biochemical skin peels: Natural acids (alpha-hydroxy acids-AHAs), derived from fruits, sugar cane and milk and applied as a mask. The acids dissolve the dead cells. Eg: Clarins Gentle Facial Peel. It comes off like your peeling your skin. With all peels i would recommed a patch Test prior to application.

Pore Grains: These are the most popular exfoliants, a base cream or liquid containing tiny spheres or polished plastic or crushed nuts or seeds, massaged in circular motion over the skin surface. EG: St Ives do a range of scrubs made from Apricot seeds and one i have used my self for years. Great for sensitive, dry, combination skin. Just pick the one to suit your skin type.

Clay Exfoliants: Gentler clay exfoliants have a clay base which is applied as a face mask. As it dries the clay absorbs dead skin and sebum. The mask is then gently stroked away with a sponge or cloth. Great for oily problem skin. A good one is Neutragenas  Visibly Clear 2in 1.

Mechanical Exfoliation:  Or Facial brushing, softens and cleanses the skin. Dead cells  and excess sebum is removed as the soft hair bristles rotate over the skin surface.  an eg of Mechanical would be Nutra Sonic. But personally i prefer a manual face brush which is inexpensive and you use it with you own cleanser. Just as effective.

Health and Safety: Too vigorous or over use of exfoliants can cause the formation of broken capillaries, avoid delicate eye area, pustular skin should not exfoliate, uncomfortable, lesions might burst.
NB: Exfoliants for the Body should not be used on the Face, their action is not as gentle.


Now are faces are exfoliated and looking radiant, What about your Body? 
The Body Shop do a fabulous range of Body Scrubs. Their Mango Body is my favourite. It's fruity with real Mango Seed Oil. Leaves skin really soft. Also their Coconut Body Scrub is to die  for, the scent and the softness after. Also all ingredients are natural and Fair Trade.

How to Make your own Body Scrub. 

• You Will Need: Oil, either Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Baby Oil..
• Bowl,
• Spoon.
• Either Salt or Sugar.

Sugar is gentler than Salt. If you are very sensitive use Brown Sugar. Normal Table Salt is OK. If you want stronger use Sea Sat. Don't use Salt on cuts or abrasions. If stings wash off immediately.
Use 1part oil to 2 parts salt or sugar. Mix in bowel. Now dampen your body and take a hand full and rub all over in circular motions. Have your bath filled. Now care fully step in and relax. Remember oil is slippy so have an anti slip mat in your Bath.  You can use exfoliation mitts while in bath for extra help.When done rinse off.
TIP: Make up enough and fill a jar that will last a couple of weeks.

Spa Treatment at Home: I wash my hair, put on hair Mask or conditioner and wrap in a warm towel ,Wash cleanse face put on Face Mask. Use foot scrub on feet, put cuticle softener on cuticles. Now body scrub. Hop in bath and relax with candles and peace and quiet. Now rinse body face and hair in bath. While wet rub in Baby Oil. Hop out Pat body dry. Wrap up in towels. Dry feet, push back cuticles, File nails, rasp feet and moisturise. Now push back cuticle on fingers(using different pusher) and use cuticle oil on hands and feet. Now Moisturise every were. Do this once a week and you will Glow all Summer long.

Warning: Oil and baths do not mix. Make sure you clean out the Bath after, it can be very slippy for the person coming after you.

Body Shop range of Body Scrubs.

Nutra Sonic Mechanical Face Exfoliant.

St Ives range of Facial Scrubs, Pore Grains.

Clay Exfoliant, Neutrogena 2 in 1.

Mechanical Exfoliation. A facial brush, use with your cleanser.

Salt/ Sugar Scrub. Batch made to keep for a few weeks.

Body Brush, used for exfoliating body. Use with body scrub or alone.




So Get Scrubbing! Check out No3 on our Summer Body List, Hair Removal.

Summer Body!

1. Detox. Lets get Started.

Detoxification is the cleansing of the bowels, kidneys, lungs, liver, blood, skin,

Our body is a master at cleansing itself, we have the liver, lungs, kidneys, bowels, skin, blood, lymph working away daily to do the job for us. But sometimes our system gets overloaded with what is around us and what we are putting in to us. Detoxing is a way to jump start our systems to start working for us. Giving your body a kick into action to eliminate those toxins which are making us feel tired, cranky, achy. Our skin is irritated, dull. Hair is limp. Removing certain things from our diet will kick start the process such as Meat, Cigarettes, Alcohol, Processed Food, Dairy, Too much white bread. All these things act as toxins when consumed too much. Increasing Vegetables especially green ones, fruit and water will give us the kick we need and start to eliminate those toxins.

Some people experience headaches when Detoxing from lack of caffeine and change of Diet. Some people loose weight because of the change to a Healthier Diet without them even knowing. Some people get spots which is a huge indicator that you really needed to Detox. We need to Detox on a regular basis to keep everything running smoothly. Bread is the enemy. It starts in the digestive tract and the Gluten in the Wheat irritates the gut and it becomes indigestible and ends up as a toxin in our blood. So white bread should be eliminated from our Diets. Cows milk is the most common food allergy. Most of us do not possess the enzyme needed to digest it. It is described as a Super Food but half of us cannot even digest it.. It is a great source of calcium though. The Skin being the biggest organ in the body and also a main organ in the elimination of Toxins needs a boost too. We need to Detox in and out. 

How To Detox? 10 AT HOME WAYS!

1. Diet: Eliminate caffeine, cigarettes, processed foods, white Bread, Dairy. Eat plenty of Greens, Broccoli, Sprouts, tomatoes, garlic, onions, raw carrots. Eat plenty of washed Fruit.
2. Water: Drink at least 8 Glasses of preferably bottled still water a day.
3. Lemons: Have a slice of lemon with hot water 2 times daily instead of coffee. Morning and late afternoon to flush out toxins.
4. Herbs: Drink green tea  a natural antioxidant. Milk thistle drops in water to flush the liver, Dandelion roots, Burdock.
5. Supplements: L-Glutamine an amino acid to break down toxins.
6. Exercise: Get moving and sweating, sweat the toxins out.
7. Dry Skin Brushing: Is an upwards massage with a dry brush (which you can buy in a chemist) towards the heart to promote the flow of blood. Start at your feet and work your way up. It's great for cellulite too. Do it before your bath or shower.
8. Hydrotherapy: Take a very hot shower for 5 mins followed by a clod one for 30 seconds. Do this 3 times and then wrap up well and get into bed for 30 mins. 
9. Detox Bath: Add 2 drops of Geranium oil, 2 Drops of Rosemary oil, 2 drops of Juniper Berry oil and 2 drops of Lavender oil to your bath. Rosemary: helps to clear your head and revive the body, Juniper: wakes up a tired body and mind, lifts your spirits, Lavender: has so many uses it soothes skin and helps you get a restful sleep, Geranium: Refreshes.
10. Detox Face Masks: Once or twice a week give your face a good cleanse. Soap and glory do  No More Clogs rrp £11.00. Take a grape size, wet the face and scrub until you feel a heat building. Leave on for 5 mins and used the sponge provide and sponge and rinse off. Body Detox Mask: The Body Shop make a Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask for the body. It detoxifies and deep cleans your skin, drawing out impurities, 100% Natural Use once weekly before showering.

Check out what treatments your local Salon is offering like Detoxing Wraps eg: Eminence Cucumber Mint Body Wrap. Lets get Detoxing and in the process maybe loose a pound or two to be Summer Body Ready. Check out No 2 on the list: EXFOLIATION.

Running, sweats out toxins.

Detox Face Mask.

WATER, 8 Glasses a Day.

Hot Water and Lemons.

Brush for Dry Brushing.

Herbs.

Fruit and Vegetables.

Summer Body 2013

Summer Body!!

With Summer Fast Approaching it is time to get off the sofa and shake the winter blues. Lets face it we still feel like it is Winter with the odd burst of Sun so if you haven't started your to do list then all is not lost. We are all in the same boat. We don't want to get caught out now do we?  Time to get prepared!! I have compiled a list of what we need to do to get ready and shake off that Winter skin and blues  and get Summer Body Ready.  Ready for those strappy shoes, shorts, dresses and the dreaded BIKINI AAAARRRRGHH! So get ready ladies to emerge from that towel and be Sun Goddess Ready. 

1. Detox. Lets get Started.
2. Exfoliate/polish Face and Body.
3. Hair Removal. Fuzz Free holidays.
4. Cellulite Help! Don't pack the peel.
5. Pedicure: Put your best foot forward.
6. Polishes or Wraps. Whats in for Summer, Latest Trends.
7. Body Moisturisers and Sun  Creams.
8. Exercise, Shrink the Belly.
9. Summer Wardrobe, What to bring?
10. Be Bronzed, Self Tanners.
11. Holiday Hair, Fight the Frizz, Summer Hair Trends.
12. Make up: Your holiday make up bag!