Five Products to Help You Go Sulphate-Free

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Photo by Matthew Tkocz on Unsplash

In recent years, there has been an ever-increasing focus on “natural” beauty products and many people have overhauled their entire beauty routine to exclude certain ingredients. One of the most maligned of these is sulphate. 

Sulphates are the number one most common ingredient found in hair care products even today, and you know you’re encountering them when you see names like sodium laureth sulphate, sodium lauryl sulphate, and ammonium laureth sulphate on an ingredient label. 

To be fair to sulphates, they aren’t always worthy of the bad press they’ve received – the chemical itself is basically the thing in products that helps to give you a bubbly lather. However, if you’re trying to opt for sulphate-free products, here are some that you can try:

REN Clean Skincare Atlantic Kelp And Magnesium Anti-Fatigue Energising Hand Wash

While some people want a mega-lather when washing their hands so that they feel clean, the ingredients in standard bar soap can be very drying and irritating. This hand wash from REN Clean Skincare is a gentle sulphate-free daily hand wash to deeply cleanse, moisturise and revive tired hands. It helps to repair damaged skin and ensure that your hands are clean and protected. 

Elemis Absolute Eye Mask

Elemis Absolute Eye Mask helps to hydrate and support the eye contour, as well as reducing the appearance of fine lines. It hydrates, nourishes and revitalises the eye area as well as helping to reduce dark circles and puffiness. As well as being free from sulphates, it also contains no parabens, DEA, mineral oil or artificial colours, giving you the confidence that your delicate eye area will be protected. 

Nine Yards Go Loud Volume Shampoo

As we mentioned above, shampoo is one of the most common places to find sulphates and has therefore been the subject of the most scrutiny when it comes to beauty products. This volumising shampoo from Nine Yards has a a mild sulphate free cleansing base, making it ideal for fine, thin or limp hair in need of delicate cleansing without weighing the hair down. The formula is 100% vegan and contains natural extracts of shea butter, gallic rose flower extract, damask rose oil, green tea and aloe vera and wheat protein.    

Refinery Face Wash

Refinery Face Wash is a deep cleansing, sulphate free face wash that will help to balance and purify the skin. It’s packed with bergamot and spearmint to freshen and stimulate skin while the antiseptic properties of lavender and cedarwood help maintain a blemish free complexion. Impurities are washed away, leaving skin clear and revitalised.

This Works Stress Check Gentle Wash

This gentle wash from This Works is designed to be used all over your body and contains  ylang ylang and vitamin B5 for a worry-free wash that won’t damage the integrity of your skin. This all-over daily wash effectively cleanses the skin leaving it protected, comfortable and soothingly scented so that both your skin and your mood feel a little more balanced as you go about your day.

Find the perfect jeans for you

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ankle, authentic denim look, bagging, black, blue, body shape, bold separates, bootcut, botfriend, bright white trainers, chic, colours, comfortable, confident, denim, distressed, effortlessly polished, everyday ease, fitted jacket, fitted shirt, friend, grey, high-stretch fabric, High-waisted styles, indigo, issue, jeans, Jeggings, knee high boots, lift and sculpt, Loafers, masculine edge, modern, oversized sweatshirt, perfect pair of jeans, pull-on waistband, quality brand, research, ripped, skinny jeans, sleek, slim legs, slogan tee, soft sweater, spring, statement belt, statement sleeves, Straight Leg Jeans, style, styles, timeless option, touch of glamour, trainers, tunic top, versatile colour options, wardrobe staple, weekend look, white shirt, winning look, work

Ever looked at a friend and wondered how they always look great in jeans?

Well, we are pretty sure it’s because they have tried on a variety of styles and colours and have jeans that not only work with their body shape but are comfortable and make them feel confident.

From jeggings to skinnies, to bootcut and everything in-between, and we have done our denim research and hope it will allow you to find the perfect pair of jeans this spring.

Slim Leg Jeans
If you are looking for everyday ease, this timeless option is for you. Team slim leg jeans with a smart top and fitted jacket for work and a match with a long-sleeved t-shirt and fancy flats to create an effortlessly polished weekend look.

Bootcut Designs
You might think this style isn’t ‘in’ but it’s actually a really versatile option that is sleek and modern. Flattering for all bodies shapes, the bootcut jeans are great worn with heels or boots as they lengthen your legs and instantly slim your figure. Go for a dark denim option and try a number of brands to get the best fit for you.

Jeggings
When it comes to being comfy, things don’t get better than jeggings. The combo of pull-on waistband and high-stretch fabric means jeggings hug your body and if you go for a quality brand, bagging isn’t an issue. While you might not get away with jeggings in the office, they are perfect when worn with a tunic top or an oversized sweatshirt and bright white trainers, you are onto a winning look.

Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans are a wardrobe staple that aren’t going anywhere, so get involved. High-waisted styles offer a flattering fit and give the illusion of long legs, whatever your shape. Blue, black and grey are all versatile colour options and matched with statement sleeves or bold separates, you can look chic from morning to night. Loafers give you a masculine edge, heels create leg length and knee high boots add a touch of glamour.

Super Skinny Jeans
One step on from skinny jeans, these beauties are offer maximum style with minimum effort. A sharp, white shirt, pair of flat ballet pumps and a red lipstick are all you need to make this a statement look.

Straight Leg Jeans
Cut slim and straight from the hip to the ankle, straight leg jeans offer a really authentic denim look. The sleek lines are forgiving and a high-rise fit that lifts and sculpts your bottom, you will look and feel fab. Wearing a soft sweater over a fitted shirt and adding block heel boots is simple but effective.

Boyfriend Jeans
For cool chic, look at boyfriend jeans. Whether they’re indigo, distressed, ripped or low slung, the baggy boyfriend style offers a modern twist on classic denim. Pair with a slogan tee, statement belt and trainers and you have the ultimate combination of chic style and fashion comfort.

In summary, straight-leg and skinny jeans are really flattering styles and a great place to start when it comes to denim, but why not be brave and try something new this year?

Team Beauty

Insomnia and what you can do about it

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alarm clock, alcohol, anxiety, black out blinds, caffeine, children, clean, comfortable, day, devices, ear plugs, essential oil, eye mask, GP, insomnia, irritable, lavender oil, life, lighting, long-term basis, meals, misery, mobile phone, paper, self-perpetuating, shift work, sleep, stress, thick curtains, tired, Tvs, warm drink, worries

Struggle to fall asleep night after night?

Wake up in the early hours and just can’t nod off again?

Simply don’t feel refreshed when you get up in the morning?

It could be that you are suffering from insomnia, which is thought to affect up to one in every three people in the UK at some point.

There are no official statistics to suggest how much sleep adults need because we are all different but the suggested average is between seven to nine hours. It can be detrimental to get caught up with numbers because the main thing is getting enough good quality sleep so that you don’t feel constantly tired throughout the day.

We all have the odd night of bad sleep, maybe when we are stressed, anxious or excited this doesn’t cause serious problems, but persistent insomnia can affect all aspects of your life, from your energy levels, appetite, mood and relationships.

Signs that you might have insomnia include:

• difficultly falling asleep
• waking up several times during the night
• lying awake for long periods at night
• waking up early in the early hours and not being able to go back to sleep
• not feel refreshed when you get up
• feeling constantly tired and irritable in the day and unable to concentrate

This can be caused by many factors, including stress and anxiety, an uncomfortable bed, a bedroom that’s too light, noisy, hot or cold. Lifestyle factors like shift work, jet lag, drinking alcohol or caffeine before going to bed can also play a part.

Mental and health physical conditions, as well as some medications, can also interfere with sleep on a long-term basis.

Whatever the cause, it can be frustrating but there are ways to deal with insomnia.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine and large meals late in the evening.
• Just like with children, set a bedtime and stick to it and do the same with waking – even at the weekend.
• Relax before you go to bed and turn off all devices and TVs.
• Get an alarm clock rather than using your mobile phone to wake you up as having it on can distract you.
• Have a relaxing, warm bath before bed and add lavender oil to the water as this essential oil can aid sleep.
• Make sure your bedroom is comfortable, clean and the temperature is set correctly.
• Use thick curtains or black out blinds in your bedroom so that the least amount of sunlight is let in.
• Try an eye mask or ear plugs if you get woken often by noise.
• You might be tired but try not to sleep in the day.
• Write a list of worries, if you have any, so they are down on paper and not in your head. Look at areas in your life that are bothering you and getting you down and maybe find ways to deal with them.
• If you really cannot sleep, get up, have a warm drink in low lighting.
• We know we make it sound easy but try to relax and don’t get stressed about not sleeping as this becomes a self-perpetuating cycle of misery.

If things don’t settle down, go to see your GP who will try to help identify and treat any underlying health condition, such as anxiety, that may be causing your sleep problems and then look at other changes that can be made.

Sweet dreams.

Get your family healthy

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Growing up in the 21st century often seems to be more about iPads, junk food and computer games than the great outdoors and being active, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

As parents we all want the best for our children and getting them off the sofa, eating well and actually moving is key to this.

As there is less time, and resources, at school for PE and games, this is falling more at the feet of families but that is no bad thing. As well as being great fun it is also the chance to spend quality time together and bond.

We have put together some easy steps so you and your family can get fit and healthy.

Eat a Variety of Foods
We hear it all the time but it is vital that you and your family eat a well balanced diet so you body has the nutrients it needs to work well. Cut down and processed foods, take-aways and try to cook from scratch when you can. If you prepare meals together and eat together, this can really help promote healthy attitudes and patterns. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, this can include:

At breakfast chop four large strawberries on porridge or have a vitamin rich green smoothie
Include six baby carrots, slices of red pepper and a banana in lunch boxes
Snack on an apple, some nuts or blueberries
At dinner include broccoli (about 2 big spears), a cup of salad, or a serving of peas and sweet corn.

Drink the healthy way
Try to limit fizzy drinks, juices and squashes as they adds calories and no real or important nutrients.

When you’re really thirsty, water is the best option. Not only does it stop you feeling thirty, it prevents you from feeling light headed and keeps your organs, including your brain, healthily

Children also need calcium to build strong bones, and milk, cheese and yogurt are good diary options and leafy greens, seafood and legumes are also calcium sources.

Listen to your body
Some parents might think about this but it is key to talk to children about what it feels like to be full. Don’t make it an issue but do point out how your tummy feels when it is comfortably full and when it is too full. Sometimes, children and adults don’t know when to stop eating and over time this can lead to health problems including weight gain.

Limit screen time
This term that is banded around a lot, but does it actually mean? Quite simply screen time is the amount of time spent watching TV or DVDs, playing video games and using a smart phone, tablet or a computer. The more time you spend sitting-down doing these activities, the less time you are being active doing things basketball, bike riding and swimming. Try to reduced screen time, not counting computer use related to school and educational activities, and look at other ways to spend time together.

Get moving
Whilst getting your offspring out of the house might feel like a struggle, it is well worth the battle. We all know how hard to can be to go back to the gym after a break, and it can be just the same for children. Find something that is relatively easy to pick up, that is fun and where you can offer encouragement. Go to the park for a run around, join a local football team, try a trampoline park or go for a bike ride together? The more you do it, the more they will enjoy it and want to take part.

Active family holidays where you are walking, cycling or boating are not only good for all of you but also create fun memories that will last forever.

Being a fit, healthy family opens up many choices for all of you and will hopefully lead to a long, healthy and happy life together.