Our Male Beauty Icons

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beauty, celebrities, male

We often look to female celebrities or public figures as our paragons of beauty and grooming, however there are quite a few men out there whose grooming regime must be even stricter than ours. We thought we’d take a look at the five best-groomed male celebrities in recognition of the hard work they put into looking good…and there’s nothing like having a good excuse to look at a few easy-on-the-eye specimens! Here’s our pick of the bunch:

David Beckham

David Beckham is probably the most well-known, well-groomed male celebrity out there and he’s been making waves since the 90’s (anyone else remember the sarong and painted toenails?!). Becks always looked well turned-out, be it on the pitch for Manchester United and LA Galaxy, next to the catwalk supporting his fashionista wife, or spending a day with his kids at a basketball game. We tip our hat to the ever-tidy facial hair and immaculate skin and hope that he continues to grow old with grace. Us mere mortals can achieve similar results with Decleor Triple Protection Shave Perfector, to soften and protect the skin whilst shaving.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

JGL has come a long way since playing the adorable long-haired Tommy in Third Rock From the Sun and is now making waves in both film and music. His slightly retro style means that he always looks stylish and tidy, with a 40’s style hair-do and classic clothing choices. We think he’s turned into a true style icon and can only see him getting better with age.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto is probably the exact opposite of Becks and JLG, in terms of style, with his flowing golden locks and slightly unkempt clothing choices, but there’s no denying the fact this actor-turned-rocker has the most lustrous mop of hair in all of Hollywood! It’s not often that we’re jealous of a man’s hair (Giselle’s locks are more often lusted after) but Jared is particularly blessed in the follicular region. Keep your own tresses just as beautiful with Dermalogica Shine Therapy Shampoo and Dermalogica Silk Finish Conditioner.

Idris Elba

Famous for playing the ever-crumpled John Luther, Mr. Elba is far more put-togther in real life. Opting for short hair and facial hair, whether it’s on set or behind the decks at his Ibiza DJ residency, Idris Elba always looks cool and collected. His skin is pretty close to immaculate, which we can only assume is due to drinking lots of water and a good moisturiser, such as Decleor Face Skin Energiser Fluid from the Men Essentials range.

Jet Li

Let us blow your minds for a moment – Jet Li, of Romeo Must Die fame, is FIFTY TWO years old! The man looks not a day over thirty, and while we’re sure that a portion of that must be down to good genes and a healthy lifestyle, we still cannot get our heads around him looking so youthful! In fact, when he was dancing up walls with Aaliyah, he was almost 40! Achieve similar age-defying effects with the Decleor AGE Smart Starter Kit.

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Tips and tricks for autumn beauty

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exfoliate, facial, hair, hydration, oil, skin, SPF, water, winter

The nights are drawing in and there is a chill in the air which means only one thing – autumn is here.

As well as overhauling wardrobes, this is the prefect time to adjust your beauty routine, recover from months in the summer and get ready for winter and all it brings.

Cooler temperatures nip at our skin and central heating zaps moisture so we have some top tips to keep you glowing just like the hearty fire burning in your living room.

Have a Facial
Chlorine, salt, sand, sweat, late nights, rich food and alcohol can take a toll on your complexion so get back on track with a luxury facial to transition your skin for the new season.

Revamp your approach
Your skin has become used to warmth and sunshine so is it is only fair you prepare it for the colder months by adopting a regular skincare routine. Consider switching to a heavier, richer moisturiser that soaks in and provides skin with a layer of nourishing moisture when the temperatures really start to dip.

Oil it up
You can also incorporate facial oil into your routine as they are a great way to hydrate and plump the skin keeping in silky smooth and healthy. A little goes a long way and after a couple of minutes you will have the perfect canvas for your make-up.

Exfoliate
Even with regular facials, to save your skin from becoming dull and dehydrated try to exfoliate once or twice a week. This will help to increase cell regeneration and remove dead skin cells that can clog and prevent moisturisers and serums from working. Look for natural ingredients that are easy on the skin and the environment and keep your skin hydrated, refreshed and radiant all winter long.

Mask it
You can prevent dryness and flakiness by using a hydrating face mask on a regular basis. Turn the lights down, put on some aromatherapy candles and relax in a warm bath as the ingredients from the mask sink into your skin and get to work. The Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque is packed with super-concentrated antioxidant vitamins that help calm stressed, prematurely-ageing skin as well as adding that much needed level of deep hydration.

SPF
Whilst it might be cold and cloudy, don’t forget to still wear sunscreen every day!

Remember your eyes
Cooler weather can be especially cruel to the tender, delicate skin under your eyes. Make sure you use a cream specifically for eyes and to combat dark circles and puffiness apply an eye specific serum twice a day.

A cut ahead
As well as having your hair trimmed to cut away the sun, sea and salt damaged ends, consider going for a restyle. Go on be brave. The long bob is the hottest chop around because it suits all face shapes and can be style sleek and straight or with a sexy bounce.

If you want to be on trend, get your hairdresser to cut to the jaw line and add razor-cut layers or opt for a slightly longer, below-the-chin version if you want to keep the length.

Nourish hair
Start to nourish your locks now in order to prevent winter damage months down the line. To avoid brittle, dry ends apply a deep conditioning hair mask every week and don’t wash and use styling products and equipment on your hair every day.

Look after your hands
Your hands are constantly exposed to the element so to keep them soft and hydrated by regularly applying hand cream. Cold air can make nails more brittle, so file them once a week to avoid breakages and add a little autumn colour with a varnish in olive, plum and navy which are hot right now.

Water, water, water
Keeping hydrated in the summer is easy but the thought of drinking glasses of icy water when it whipping up a storm outside doesn’t appeal. By sipping water regularly during the day you will help maintain good health and energy as well as smooth, supple skin. Don’t over do it on the lattes, instead enjoy herbal tea and water with a twist of cucumber and lemon.

 

Exfoliate the Right Way with Dermalogica

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brush, dermalogica, Dermalogica Pore Control Scrub, Eyes, intensive eye repair, intensive moisture balance, skin

Exfoliating is recommended as part of any successful skincare routine. It clears away dead skin cells, make up and dirt and by improving your skin tone it makes it look and feel smoother and softer.

Whilst there is no doubt that exfoliating brings many benefits, it can be very easy to go overboard and caution should be exercised but we are hear to help you get it right.

Exfoliate in the morning
Your skin repairs and regenerates as you sleep so the best time to apply a scrub is when you wake so it takes way the night before and leaves you fresh faced for the day ahead.

Get it Right for You
Look for round granules that are gentle easily roll on your face rather than ones that are jagged and cause irritation, redness patches and even damage the skin.

Consider Your Skin Type
You need to find the right exfoliator for your skin type or you could do more damage than good.

For dry and ageing skin go for the Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant. Chemical and physical exfoliants work together on the texture of the skin with the help of self-heating technology that is activated when exposed to water. A burst of heat aids the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, whilst vitamins and C reverse the signs of premature ageing.

Dermalogica Pore Control Scrub is great for teenage skin and anyone prone to acne. This gentle lotion helps clear clogging dead skin cells using microbeads and the skin is purified by natural earth clays that soak up excess oil. Licorice, Green Tea and Menthol offer soothing, anti-inflammatory cooling benefits and the Tea Tree oil is antiseptic and antimicrobial so kills bacteria. After use apply the Dermalogica Matte Moisturiser which will mop up surface shine thanks to special oil-absorbers and offer sun protection, something that is important after using a scrub.

Exfoliate As Appropriate
The skin is delicate so doesn’t necessarily need exfoliating daily. Generally once or twice a week is enough to clear dead cells and help regulate the oil levels in your skin, leaving it feel soft and looking smooth.

That said, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is gentle enough to use on a daily basis. Rice-based enzyme powder activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal. The active agents help regulate melanin production whilst clearing away dead cells. A super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed.

Use Circular Movements
Using light, circular movements as you exfoliate is key to success. Spend around two minutes on your face covering your cheeks, chin and forehead before your neck and chest. Rinse with warm water and pat dry using a clean muslin cloth or soft towel.

You can use the Dermalogica Exfoliating Face Brush to help supercharge your routine. Used with the relevant products, the durable, hygienic, nylon bristles loosen dead cells and debris from the skin for amazing, clear results.

Keep Exfoliators Away from the Eyes
The skin around your eyes is extremely sensitive and should be avoided when exfoliating. After you have exfoliated however, do not ignore the eyes. Try patting a little Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair around the eye area, blending inward from the outer corner. This excellent eye treatment is packed with antioxidant Vitamin C and Wild Yam, which help repair prematurely-aging skin and smooth fine lines.

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise
As well as taking away dead skin cells exfoliators can remove some of the skin’s oil so it is vital to prepare and protect your face. Use a serum followed by an age appropriate SPF moisturiser that contains SPF to keep your skin happy and safe.

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance is an ultra-rich moisturiser that is perfect for use after exfoliating. Vitamin C smooths the appearance of dry lines and skin damage, leaving skin soft and supple and soothing Coneflower and Hydrocotyl, combined with extracts of Grape Seed and Wild Yam, help reduce the signs of prematurely-ageing skin, leaving it smooth and firmer-looking.

Why Sleep is the Most Important Tool in Your Beauty Arsenal

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healthy, skincare, sleep

There are a number of fundamental things that the body needs in order to remain healthy. Good nutrition from a balanced diet is essential to give your body the building blocks for growth and a strong immune system, whilst exercise is vital to ensure the health of your heart and lungs, as well as fighting fat build up which can put a strain on your internal organs.

What is just as important as nutrition and a balanced diet, and maybe even more so, is sleep. The human body uses the time of rest to rebuild itself, and give your heart and blood vessels time to repair, reducing the risks of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.

Sleep is also important for the brain. Think of the human brain like a computer; it only has so much processing power and if you overload it for long periods of time, it will crash. Sleep allows the brain time to process the events of waking life, and also triggers the release of certain hormones which are essential to healthy growth and development, especially in children and teenagers.

From a beauty point of view, there are a number of reasons why good sleep is important. Eye bags are exponentially worse after little sleep because the area is comprised of fatty tissue which fills with fluid when fatigued. On days when sleeplessness is unavoidable, a product like Decleor 2-In-1 Dark Circle and Eye Wrinkle Eraser can be a real lifesaver.

A lack of sleep can also cause a sallow, lacklustre appearance to skin, especially when your sleep is interrupted over a long period of time, such as after having a baby. A product like Decleor Extreme Brightening Essence is a 30 day treatment intended to intensively brighten the skin as well as balancing the complexion and reducing the appearance of hyper-pigmentation.

There are ways that you can improve the quality of your sleep, too. Clean, crisp sheets are always nicer to slip into than a hastily made bed and a silk pillow case can reduce the risk of waking up with deeply embedded lines on your face, which can sometimes take until lunchtime to smooth out. Dermalogica Extra Firming Booster is a powerful product which will diminish the appearance of fine, dry lines and is particularly good for mature skin.

Lack of sleep is also proven to adversely affect the mood, adding to the formation of frown lines and wrinkles. Everyone feels better after a good nights’ sleep and rolling out of bed feeling refreshed is bound to have a knock-on effect for your positivity and mental wellness.

A good night cream will give your body a helping hand with regeneration and cell communication, so using a product like Decleor Sublime Re-Densifying Night Cream is a must. Enriched with Iris, Frankincense, Immortelle and Camomile essential oils, this product with nourish and protect the skin while you sleep.

So, mist your pillow with lavender oil and snuggle down for a good night’s sleep – your face deserves it!

Discover the uses of Coconut Oil

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coconut oil, hair care, moisturising

Mention coconut in the UK until recently and the chances are it would mostly conjure up the smell of sun cream, the lure of a hot, white beach or possibly an image of someone trying to break into a hard brown nut. But over the last year or so, coconut oil is now hitting the mainstream as a health and beauty product with far more to it than the smell of a summer afternoon cocktail and baking your body safely in the back garden. Coconut – and specifically coconut oil – is being revered as a great way to keep skin, hair and body in tip top shape.

Coconut oil comes as a solid block which warms in the hands to a soft oil. Below are some of the ways people use it as alternatives to other products or as a treatment in its own right.

• Coconut oil can make an excellent skin moisturiser or massage oil. Mix it with skin safe essential oils to enhance the smell or add additional benefits to your massage.
• A natural deodorant for people who dislike or cannot use shop bought products. The natural smell of coconut oil is ideal for disguising body aromas.
• As an alternative to hand cream it is quick, convenient and perfect for keeping in a jar by the sink for when hands feel dry and damaged after washing up. It is rich and intense and moisturises deeply. The same applies to feet; rub the oil in to dry or hard skin on the foot after removing the worst affected areas with a file, cover with socks and allow to soak in.
• Coconut oil works well as a hair repair mask to put life and shine back into dry or damaged hair. Many people use it as an occasional deep soak for hair to replenish oils and protect hair. It is also excellent as an emergency frizz fix; rub a small amount into over fluffy dry hair to bring back shine and control.
• Use coconut oil as an emergency shaving cream as it will protect the skin both during and after shaving.

If you are going away and need to travel light, a small jar or bottle of coconut oil would make the perfect accompaniment and cover many of the beauty needs you are likely to have on your trip. Being hypoallergenic and with so many rich, skin nourishing benefits, it is already widely used as the base for many skincare products such as the Dermalogica Super Rich Repair Cream for dry or dehydrated skin. However, as with any product or new substance, even coconut oil can disagree with some people, so always check it carefully on a small patch of skin first to ensure no reaction develops.