Sunbeds: Rethink Your Tanning

I went to get my nails done recently and the salon I visited also was a sunbed operator. I spent around an hour sitting there and was really shocked by the number of people passing in and out solely to use these sunbeds. It wasn't just young women who are still naive to the risks posed by UV exposure, but people from all walks of life. I saw women in suits popping in after work, teenage girls who were well under 18, a lady in her sixties making a pit stop while in town shopping. I even met a couple of people I knew including my own cousin! 

I know everyone likes to have a healthy glow but believe me the last thing sunless tanning is is healthy! The statistics are absolutely frightening but why is it that so many of us still choose to abuse our bodies in this way? I have myself used sunbeds in the past, if only a handful of times and yet I have multiplied my risk of developing skin cancer significantly. Even if you only use one sunbed in your life, this 5 or 10 minutes has increased your risk of Melanoma the most deadly form of the disease by 15%. Skin cancer is the most common type of the disease in Ireland yet we hear very little about it. It is also perhaps the most easy type of cancer to prevent. The Irish Cancer Society advises that no one at all should use a sunbed. Some people more than others will be susceptible to the damaging effects. If you have type 1 or type 2 skin there is absolutely no point using one of these devices. If you don't tan in the sun you won't tan in a sunbed. 

Also, if you are prone to freckles and have a history of sun burn you may want to reconsider. People under the age of 18 should under no circumstances use a sunbed and legislation will be implemented shortly to prohibit this. Using a sunbed after 18 is still very risky with research showing that using a sunbed before turning 30 will increase the risk of melanoma by 75%, that is a dramatic increase! The World Health Organisation has categorised sunbeds with the likes of tobacco and plutonium as cancer causing agents. I would plead with anyone reading this post to rethink your sunbed use after learning how high the risks are. Not only is there a significant causal link between sunless tanning and cancer but they also cause ireperable damage to your skin and lead to premature aging. Whatever your age, even if you are completely healthy skin cancer is a threat to you. 

Slicked back hair...Not my fave!

There's nothing I love more than getting my hair done! I love super shiny bouncy hair, it looks so healthy and pretty how I think hair should look! It drives me cray when I stay at my boyfriend's house and wake up to find my hair stuck to my head. Gross! For this reason I am struggling to comprehend why some ladies find this look attractive. I am puzzled. 

The emerging trend of slicked back hair is one that I don't plan on following..ever!! I mean it is fine on a runway where it is designed to look edgy and androgynous but after that I draw a big red line. 

In the last couple series of Keeping Up With The Kardashians I have noticed Kim and Khloe experimenting with this look. If I had a hairstylist at my disposal every morning I probably would be more willing to try new things out too. 

However, I think Khloe is at her prettiest with her shiny, wavy, beach hair I absolutely love it on her. In fact I envy her hair! If you are tempted to try this style I think you should take a lead from Kim, not an ounce of gel or wax in sight! 

Use a volumising spray and slightly back comb section on top of section. Finally smooth the front section of hair back and hold in place with a good hairspray. Do not overdo it with the backcomb and ensure hair is straight and sleek or you'll end  up looking like a star off Toddlers and Tiaras! 

Alexander Wang X H&M

Some very exciting fashion news to report this Sunday! Swedish fashion giant H&M last night at Coachella announced their latest designer collaboration with New York designer Alexander Wang. Wang, who is also creative director at Balenciaga confirmed the news last night on Instagram. The collection is set to include womenswear, menswear aswel as his famous accessories. It is due to be unveiled November 6th and if it is anything like previous collaborations with Versace, Maison Martin Margiela and Isabel Marant it'll be a sell out!

Makeup Bag Essentials: Nude Lipstick

One item which every girl needs in her makeup bag is a good nude lipstick. It is subtle enough to wear everyday and is also the perfect compilment to a smoky eye for a sultry look. My Holy Grail lippie is MAC's Creme D'Nude. 

It is a creme sheen lipstick so you are getting texture aswel as a lovely colour. I find this lipstick is also light enough to wear everyday and I always wear it to work. By adding a nice gloss it is also perfect for creating a night time look, my favourites are Florabundance and CThru. I am quite fair skinned usually wearing NC20 in MAC and unlike lots of pale shades this product doesn't make me look washed out. (It also looks great with a tan).

 Use this lipstick with Stripdown liner to create the perfect nude lip, Kimmy K eat your heart out!

Bargain Buy: Penneys Clutch

Purchased the most gorgeous beaded clutch bag in Penneys today and had to blog about it! The beading and detail in this bag is absolutely fabulous, you really could pay anything for a piece like this.

 

It encompasses coral, turquoise,mint, olive, gold, silver and pink so you will be able to match it with a lot.

 

I really think it is the perfect going out bag for holidays and the bright colours will really pop with a tan! At only €11 it's a real bargain so get into your local branch ASAP cos they're gonna sell out!

Product Review: Rescue Oil

I embarked on my weight loss journey in February and in just a couple of months have lost a stone. I now have more energy, my fitness has improved and my clothes continue to get looser. However, one unexpected side effect was the development of stretch marks on my hips and the tops of my thighs. I was quite surprised as this is normally something you'd associate wih pregnancy and weight gain and I have been really good consuming litres of water every day and using a good body lotion also. As I plan on continuing with my weight loss journey I decided I had better find a solution for this little problem. I spotted Rescue Oil when perusing the cosmetics aisle at my local supermarket. 

The first thing that jumped at me was the price, at around €9 for a 150ml it is about the same price as the tiniest bottle of another well known body oil. Excellent value for money! I decided to take a chance and pick up a bottle. It's been around a month since I began using this product and I have to say I am really impressed! What were once angry red marks have faded to a pinkish colour and hopefully with continued use will become hardly noticeable. More importantly no new stretch marks have developed! I have used this oil twice daily on the specific areas and have even added a few drops to my bath once or twice for extra soft skin. You can also use it on very dry skin, blemishes and as an after sun treatment so I will definitely be packing it in my suitcase for holidays! It is such a great multi purpose product it is really worth trying for yourself. I have even used the excess product left on my hands after use as a leave in treatment for split ends! (It doesn't recommend this on the box but it hasn't done any harm!) The oil itself is pleasantly scented and glides easily into the skin. As with all oil based products I would be careful of clothing when applying, I tend to apply when I've got my pajamas on! I really should have taken pictures at the beginning to show the difference but will post some in a few weeks to show the improvement with prolonged use. 

Despite using this product every day I still have about a quarter of a bottle left after a few weeks use! I would definitely recommend this as an addition to any girls body care routine even if you don't have stretch marks. 75% of all women will get then at some stage so prevention is definitely better than cure! I would definitely recommend buying this and seeing for yourselves. It is a great multi purpose product at a fantastic price, what's not to love?!

The Kardashians Take Thailand!

They have had some truly amazing vacations from Bora Bora to Santorini, all recorded for their TV series of course! The family jetted off to the Far East last Wednesday minus brother Robert and Kim's soon to be hubby Kanye. The girls shared pictures of them waiting to board their jet in LA and later made us all extremely envious when our Instagram feeds were bombarded with bikini pics of the genetically gifted siblings.

 

While Kim chose to cover up while visiting temples in the country she had no problem showing her post baby body off in a series of shots posted today while wearing a bikini top by Aussie swimwear brand N.L.P. 

Khloe really stole the show while paddle boarding earlier in the week when she wore a Stampd bathing suit, all of her slaving in the gym is really paying off! 

Your Comprehensive Skincare Guide!

Skincare for the Irish Women.

Skin care experts throughout the globe will give different guidance on skincare essentials and skin care routines, it can be quite confusing to comprehend all the different information and create a routine that will fit in with your lifestyle.

 

Here at Beau Heaux Blog we have created a basic, achievable skincare routine to suit Irish skin and lifestyle.

 

We believe the key to a long-lasting suitable routine is as follows;

·         Fits with your daily lifestyle.

·         Targeting main concerns and delivering results.

·         Works with your budget so it is maintainable.

 

 

Most Irish women do not have time for a time consuming daily skincare routine so we have devised a routine that can be completed twice a day; taking 3 minutes in the morning and 6 minutes in the evening - we have tried and tested this routine and with a bit of practice it is very maintainable.

The main concerns ladies come to us with is sensitivity, dehydration, dryness or premature ageing, as this is a basic skin care routine these concerns can be targeted with specific moisturisers, however a more advanced skincare routine can incorporate different serums, exfoliants and masques to speed up progress and results.

Initially setting up a skincare routine is an investment but the cost thereafter for maintenance and result progression is affordable if products are used correctly and by the right amount. The average Dermalogica skincare product will last 4-6 months depending on its purpose.

 

 

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With basic skincare most women will fall into one of the following Dermalogica categories depending on their concerns, each category has a specific range recommended to target those needs.

 

Sensitive	Dehydrated	Dry	Ageing
Ultra calming	Standard Range	Standard Range	Age Smart

 

 

 

Basic Morning Routine

Skincare Product	What is it for?	Why do I use it?	What Results will I See?
Cleanse 2minutes	A gentle, water soluble gel/cream that lifts dirt & debris from the skins surface	To clean oil etc from the skin and prepare a clean base for products to follow	A cleaner, healthier skin delivering more results as a clean base will absorb following products easier
Tone 30 Seconds	Reduces appearances of enlarged pores & hydrates	To complete the cleansing routine	Smoother, softer skin with reduced appearance of open pores
Moisturize 30 Seconds	All skin types will benefit from miniaturization because they contain the types of ingredients research has shown help your skin look healthier and younger.	Used daily, moisturizers improve your skin's healthy functioning and keep it feeling smooth and soft.	When you use the right moisturizer for your skin type, you will see smoother, radiant skin that's hydrated and healthier. You can choose a targeted moisturizer to treat premature ageing, breakouts, sensitivity etc.

 

 

Basic Evening Routine

Skincare Product	What is it for?	Why do I use it?	What Results will I see?
Cleanse 2.5minutes	A gentle, water soluble gel/cream that lifts dirt & debris from the skins surface	To clean oil etc from the skin and prepare a clean base for products to follow	A cleaner, healthier skin delivering more results as a clean base will absorb following products easier
Exfoliate1 minute	Exfoliation gently removes built-up dead skin cells, revealing new skin.	Exfoliating eliminates this build-up of dead skin cells, which otherwise would cause clogged pores, uneven skin tone, dullness, and deeper wrinkles	Daily exfoliation with can unclog pores, reduce redness, blackheads, and breakouts, diminish wrinkles, build collagen, and improve uneven skin tone.
Tone30 seconds	Reduces appearances of enlarged pores & hydrates	To complete the cleansing routine	Smoother, softer skin with reduced appearance of open pores
Eye Care 30 seconds	Reduces puffiness, dark circles and signs of premature gaining	To target specific eye concerns	As an eye product is specifically designed for the eye care (thinner skin) you will see much more results than if you use overall moisturizer on this area.
Moisturize 30 seconds	All skin types will benefit from miniaturization because they contain the types of ingredients research has shown help your skin look healthier and younger.	Used daily, moisturizers improve your skin's healthy functioning and keep it feeling smooth and soft.	When you use the right moisturizer for your skin type, you will see smoother, radiant skin that's hydrated and healthier. You can choose a targeted moisturizer to treat premature ageing, breakouts, sensitivity etc.

 

 

This routine can then be extended to a more advanced or target routine if time and budget permits by introducing more products and steps.

 

 

FAQ’s

1.     How often should I have a facial?

Industry experts will recommend you receive a professional facial every 4-6 weeks however if you use the correct products and maintain a regular skincare routine at home you could easily maintain the results of your professional facial for 6-10 weeks.

2.     Should I change moisturizer after a few months?

You should rotate your products within the same range if your skin condition changes and when the weather changes, your skin therapist can advise you of this as it is often specific to your skin.

3.     How often should I exfoliate?

Again this is specific to you skin and environment, some exfoliators are very gentle and are used every day and others are much abrasive and can be used 1-2 a week. Ask your skin therapist what would best suit you and your lifestyle.

4.     Do all moisturizers contain an SPF?

No they don’t.  You can apply a SPF under any moisturizer and it will not take from its benefits. As a nation we do not wear an SPF daily, even though we may not be in direct heavy sunlight it is essential to wear one not only for sun damage protection but also to avoid premature aging.

5.     How do I know what my skin type is?

Your skin type is determined by your genes, the most accurate way to determine what skin type you are is to have a full Dermalogica Skin Analysis and Mapping done.

6.      What is the difference between skin type and skin condition?

Your skin type cannot change it is determined by your genes ie oily, dry normal, combination etc however your skin condition is changeable and correctable, a skin condition could be sensitive, hyper sensitive, ageing, congested or breakout.