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Biovene Barcelona 's beauty products are fabulous in every way. Besides the important fact they are ethically sourced and never tested on animals, the high quality products come with a very reasonable price tag.  Biovene produce a range of organic, natural skincare, haircare, lipcare and suncare. All products are manufactured using minimal packaging material while bottles are made from 100% recycled material. The company is all too aware of the harm cause by plastic pollution which includes the fact that over 700 different marine species are killed either by plastic ingestion or entanglement, resulting in more than 100 million animal deaths a year. A shocking figure. Two-thirds of all seabird species are also affected. For example 98% of albatrosses have ingested plastic while 40% of their chicks die when fed this by their parents. Unlike humans, wildlife cannot discern plastic from digestible materials so if something resembles food then they assume it is food. Jellyfish-eating species including ocean sunfish and sea turtles, mistake plastic bags and balloon ribbons for jelly medusae, while animals including cows and dogs often eat plastic contaminated with human food.  If you haven't already done so, then do give Biovene products a try. Available from their website the products are suitable for various skin types including sensitive, oily, dry or combination.  These five ‘perfume power moves’ are all you need to keep your fragrance lasting longer in the warmer weather.
TikTok Hack According to TikTok, there’s a clever fragrance hack that’s a sure-fire way to make a fragrance last longer. It's simple! Just apply a little makeup primer to your pulse points, eg wrists and neck, before spritzing on your perfume. Since primers are designed to grip makeup, they also help 'anchor' your fragrance to the skin. It’s a neater, non-greasy alternative to Vaseline, and popular options like the e.l.f. Power Grip Primer or NYX’s Face Glue Primer are proving especially effective at a low cost. Money Saver’s Hack 'If you don’t want your expensive fragrance to go to waste when you’re wearing it in warm weather, but don’t want to fork out for extra products, then there are cheap and free hacks you can adopt,”'says Jonny Webber from PerfumeDirect.com 'A great money-saver’s hack for making your fragrance last longer is turn your clothes inside out and mist the lining, especially blazers, cardigans or the lining of the current trending wide leg trouser. Fabric holds scent even longer than skin but spraying directly can stain delicate materials. With your scent in your clothes’ lining, you create a lasting scent ‘halo’ around yourself without dousing your skin or risking fabric marks. And it leaves a subtle trail of luxury as you walk by.' The Fragrance Expert’s Hack Here’s one the French swear by. Using discovery sets are great for lots of reasons, says French-born perfumer Aude Asklöv, but she says think about how different notes work in a perfume or when fragrance layering. 'Think of perfumes as a wardrobe with different options for different occasions. Discovery sets or collections of complementary scents are ideal for this purpose, offering variety while maintaining harmony within a brand or fragrance family.' She adds: 'Today’s fragrance enthusiasts curate collections tailored to their daily lives and this also ties into the rising trend of fragrance layering, allowing individuals to build personalised scent profiles. For example, a zesty citrus for energising mornings, transitioning to a romantic floral for daytime elegance or an afternoon outing and finishing with a seductive woody note for evening.' The Science Hack Chill your fragrance before wearing. Sounds weird but there’s science behind this hack! 'Pop your perfume bottle in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before you apply it on hot days,' says Jonny. 'The cold helps stabilise the fragrance molecules, especially citrus and floral notes that tend to disappear fast in heat. Perfume is not a fan of sunlight or heat anyway so always store them in a cool, dark place to preserve the formula.' Gen X’s Hack This time-served hack has been passed from generation to generation. Create a fragrance balm by gently melting a mini pot of Vaseline, or scrape out old, unused lip balms decanted into a small travel pot, add your favourite perfume, chill in the fridge and voila! A bespoke longer lasting solid perfume balm that you can easily carry around with you day and night. Fragrance clings better to oily or well-hydrated skin, so this creates a sort of base that slows down evaporation, meaning scent lingers hours longer without needing to reapply. Bonus tip: spritz perfume on your hairbrush too - fabric and hair hold scent better than dry skin alone. There is an ‘art’ in wearing perfume well, says PerfumeDirect.com’s Jonny. 'Pulse points are classics for a reason. But in hot weather, try spritzing behind the knees or around the ankles. These spots warm up more slowly, releasing the fragrance gradually throughout the day. A subtle waft every time you cross your legs or kick off your sandals. And don't rub – spritz and let it settle. We’re all guilty of that automatic wrist-rubbing move post-spray, but rubbing breaks down the perfume’s top notes, shortening the scent’s lifespan and altering the intended fragrance.' More fragrance advice, latest perfumes and aftershaves at www.perfumedirect.com Echoing the aromas of designer fragrances at budget-friendly prices, UK based Rebel Aromas focus on ethical beauty, offering vegan-friendly and cruelty-free perfumes. Not only that, THEY SMELL FABULOUS! I am astonished. Totally.   This isn't my first foray into the world of 'dupe' fragrances. I have tried a couple of others because they were touted as being 'just like the real thing'. To me though, they smelled of very little and an hour after spraying them on, there was no fragrance left. Perhaps that's why when I heard about Rebel Aromas, I thought, here we go again. I know, that's what you get for being cynical. Oh, I am running ahead of myself here. Perhaps some of you reading this don't know what a 'dupe' is - it's easy, they are labelled as such because of how similar they smell to iconic brands. Rebel Aromas offer an affordable alternative without compromising quality. So, what are some of the fragrances they offer? I'll start with Millionairess because it is super-gorgeous, magnetic ,alluring yet bold with floral and sensual base notes of patchouli and honey that define its luxurious character. Inspired by Paco Rabanne's 'Lady Million', you're going to feel pretty high-end if you choose this one with no worries about a designer price tag. If you are the kind of girl who wants to make a statement, this one is for you. Dark Opium is, as you may guess, inspired by Yves Saint Laurent's Black Opium, a perfume which I have long loved. Top notes of coffee, pink pepper and orange blossom meld well with middle and base notes - vanilla, cedarwood and musk -to provide an intriguing yet seductive aroma.  Rebel Riviera captures the essence of Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino, fresh, citrusy, floral with more than a hint of rebellion. This is an exotic fragrance, possibly thanks to the addition of cruelty-free white musk. This one is great for daytime wear, it's sure to power you through from start to finish. Forbidden Fruits, an eco-friendly blend of pure botanicals inspired by Jo Malone's English Pear and Freesia, is sweet, fresh and totally captivating. Spritz in the vicinity of others and you will definitely get compliments. This one is elegant and sweet, capturing the essence of spring time whatever time of year you choose to wear it.  Rebellious Beauty is inspired by Lancome's La Vie Est Belle. This crisp, invigorating scent with top notes of pear, blackcurrant and iris is completely captivating, almost defiant. This perfume shouts fun and should be worn by those who know what they want and won't stop until they get it! The last Rebel Aromas perfume that I can tell you about is the feminine fragrance Rogue Whispers which captures the spirit of Carolina Herrera's Good Girl, a perfume I adore. Rogue Whispers is confident, bold with rich base notes which include tonka bean to add sweetness, depth and warmth. To sum up, I think Rebel Aromas has a fab range of perfume dupes, at prices which mean you can splash out and buy several to see which suits you best. Details of pricing and how to order on website www.rebelaromas.co.uk disclaimer: I received samples from Rebel Aromas but views are my own.  Everyone knows how important a good night's sleep is but unfortunately for many, it isn’t as simple as just getting into bed and nodding off. Sleep is just as crucial for our health and wellbeing as oxygen and water, but the trials and tribulations of modern life can make it almost impossible for most of us to achieve a full night of quality sleep. Whether it’s worrying about the cost-of-living crisis or stressing about work, you’re not alone. According to The Sleep Charity, 40% of people in the UK suffer with sleep issues and don’t get the recommended 7-9 hours per night. Never fear. Help is at hand from Claire Logan of boutique bath, body and home fragrance brand, ARRAN Sense of Scotland. Here are her top tips on giving your bedtime routine a major makeover to help calm, relax and prepare for that all-important sleep, as well as sleep-busting products to help improve the quality of your ZZZs.  Keep to a Sleep Routine Routine is a great place to start when you’re trying to improve your sleep. Decide when you want to wake up and work back from there. You should aim for between 7-9 hours a night to boost your circadian rhythm and get a properly restorative sleep. Try to get up at the same time every day if possible, including weekends. Being consistent with your sleep schedule helps reinforce your body’s sleep / wake cycle. If you don’t fall asleep in around 20 minutes or so, get up and do something to relax yourself rather than getting frustrated, which can be counter-productive. Go back to bed when you feel ready for sleep but try to keep to your scheduled wake-up time. It’s also important to think about your activities before bed and incorporate these into your sleep routine. Certain activities like high impact exercise, watching TV or learning a new skill, can be mental stimulants, not only keeping you awake for longer but also reducing your sleep quality. Swapping them for something more therapeutic, for instance, restorative yoga, breathing exercises, meditation or reading, sends a signal to the brain that it’s time to wind down and switch off. Avoid going to bed when hungry or too full as this can affect the quality of your sleep. Limit alcohol and caffeine as the stimulation they provide can take hours to wear off. Wash the Day Away Life can be busy so it’s important to destress and relax at the end of every day to improve your sleep. Start your evening routine by washing the day away with a bath or shower – Claire’s advice is to try to make time for a relaxing bath before bed at least once a week. Hot baths may reduce blood pressure and it’s also thought that a sweat from a hot bath can burn as many calories as taking a walk, a brilliant added bonus. Adding the right products will enhance your bath time experience, so try a detoxifying face mask and heavenly scented bath salts. Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes to allow the healing and relaxing properties to take effect. Transform ordinary bathing into a ritual bath, a ceremony to clear toxic energy and let go of anything that isn’t serving you. Use your bath to help set new intentions. Focus on what’s troubling you and add fragrances that will help deal with that. Lavender and Chamomile is great for relaxing while citrus aromas lift spirits and rejuvenate. You can also try writing your troubles down and burning them with a candle, a physical symbol of letting go, before getting into the bath to cleanse and rejuvenate.  Create a Bedroom Sanctuary One of the absolute best things you can do to reduce stress and promote good sleep is create a space dedicated to relaxation. Making your bedroom strictly a sleep sanctuary is a great way to sleep train your brain. If you don’t have the time or budget for a full refresh, here are some quick, affordable update ideas. Start by clearing clutter. Less is definitely more when creating a bedroom sanctuary. It’s much easier to fully relax in a space without clutter; a minimalist style is key for engendering a serene and calm environment without over-stimulating the brain. Banish light-emitting electronic devices that are proven to be disruptive to sleep. Add clean crisp bed linens in classic white for a luxury hotel feel. Channel tranquil vibes when thinking about bathroom décor, neutrals, pale blues and serene greens are known to promote a soothing atmosphere, whilst nature-inspired colours such as earthy browns, soft greys and sage greens give off an organic and calming effect. One of the easiest things to do is open the window daily to let in some fresh air. You can also try adding air purifying plants to help focus your mind. Easy to care for plants such as succulents are great for adding a touch of colour as well as being decorative and helping create a healthy environment. Introduce scented candles; a de-stress double whammy of calming fragrance and soft, ambient lighting. Worried about naked flames? Diffusers have the same effect and you can add in mood lighting with fairy lights or a dimmer lamp. You can also try is pillow or linen spray made from organic or natural ingredients. Spritz on bedding, soft furnishings or towels when required. A lavender pillow spray or pulse point oil can help reduce sleep anxiety and improve sleep quality. Some Sleep Essentials Ideas to Try
Sleep Essentials from ARRAN Sense of Scotland Lavender has long since been used to aid sleep, whilst spearmint is said to improve memory and balance hormones. Escape to your own island spa with ARRAN’s Glen Iorsa range. It's the perfect fragrance for soothing anxiety and promoting tranquillity. ARRAN’s Apothecary collection is inspired by the ancient crafts of the alchemist, tried and trusted remedies which act as an antidote to modern living. Try the Apothecary Seaweed & Sage range created with clary sage to promote restful sleep by helping to reduce the effects of stress. ARRAN Sense of Scotland creates bath, body and home fragrance collections inspired by and proudly made on the Isle of Arran. For three decades the family-run company has created evocative scents from its Home Farm factory, an old dairy farm near historic Brodick Castle. From the freshwater spring to a pinch of seasoned gorse, there’s a bit of Arran in every single product. images: all courtesy of ARRAN Sense of Scotland   When it comes to reading glasses, I choose Sight Station because their styles are trendy, fun and fashionable. When the store I used to buy them from closed its doors, I contacted the lovely people at Sight Station to ask where my nearest stockist was. Not only did they reply oh-so-promptly, they also sent me a couple of pairs to try out. Sight Station have styles to please even the fussiest wearer - round ones, square ones, classy ones, preppy ones .... do have a look at their website. They are ... well... spectacular ! You will find something you love, I promise! Remember, specs change the way you see the world and the way the world sees you
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Reading glasses are not suitable for driving or distance vision. Seaweed has been used for wellbeing and in skin and hair care for thousands of years, but why is it special? What are the potential benefits of adding it to your skincare routine? Read on to find out ...  The skincare experts at ARRAN Sense of Scotland share their knowledge on the beauty benefits of seaweed, as well as picking the best seaweed products from their range. One of the best sellers from its apothecary range, ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s Seaweed and Sage collection is available across a range of hair and skincare products. Sage and Seaweed soap, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion are formulated with purifying and mineral-rich seaweed extract as well as sweet-smelling lemon, geranium, and orange for a revitalising start to your day. Seaweed extract is an excellent skin and body care ingredient, it cleanses and detoxifies while also increasing moisture and reducing pigmentation. Cleansing and detoxing One benefit of seaweed is that it cleanses and detoxifies naturally. In some forms it can be used as an exfoliant to brighten skin clearing build-up of dirt and bacteria to uncover radiant looking freshness. The Apothecary Seaweed and Sage Bath and Shower Gel is available at £14.00. https://arran.com/products/apothecary-seaweed-sage-bath-shower-gel Reduces inflammation Do you suffer from redness and irritated skin? Opt for skincare products containing seaweed which contains natural anti-inflammatories and is rich in vitamin B to soothe and calm skin. The Apothecary Seaweed and Sage Hand Wash and Hand Cream is available at £14.00 online: https://arran.com/collections/seaweed-and-sage Helping balance oil production Seaweed is thought to cut down the oil film on skin, helping it to naturally balance the production of oil, making it great for acne prone, oily or combination skin types. The Seaweed and Sage Body Lotion is available online at £14.00. https://arran.com/products/apothecary-seaweed-sage-body-lotion Fight free radical damage Seaweed aims to deliver antioxidants to protect against external damage caused in our everyday exposure to external factors such as UV rays and pollution. The Seaweed and Sage Soap is available at £8.00 online. https://arran.com/products/apothecary-seaweed-sage-soap-300g Strengthens hair from within Take advantage of the fruits of the sea ARRAN Sense of Scotland’s seaweed infused products. The Apothecary Sage and Seaweed Shampoo and Conditioner are available at £14.00 each at https://arran.com/collections/seaweed-and-sage Claire Logan, of ARRAN Sense of Scotland, said: “Being an island, Arran is surrounded by the sea and it’s healing properties, not just the fruits it bears but also the benefits it has for general wellbeing. Reflecting summertime and seaside visits that often ensue, it’s a great time to take a look at the benefits of seaweed for skincare and haircare, uncovering just what’s in this special ingredient that makes it so nourishing. Thanks to its unique combination of wholesome properties - antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals and fibre, seaweed is one of our favourite ingredients that goes into our naturally nourishing skin and hair care products. I did not receive products in exchange for this write-up - I ljust like them! Many of us have problems with our hair - whether it's lacklustre, skimpy, falling out or just simply doesn't have the - 'oomph!' - that we want. No need to fret though, because Hair Gain says all that could be a thing of the past .... read on for more  Backed by trichologists, Hair Gain hair care range combines the clinically-tested AnaGain™ ingredient . Derived from organic pea shoots, biotin, selenium and zinc all contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Yes, the pea shoot is small but jolly mighty when it comes to hair loss. Its super powerful phytonutrients are clinically proven to stimulate fuller and thicker hair at the root.  Why does our hair fall out or get thinner as we age? It isn't unusual and happens to lots of people. There are many reasons. It can happen when we are stressed and of course starting to lose our hair makes us more stressed. Bad situation. When stressed, different things happen to our bodies, not just the outward signs that you might be aware of like poor sleep and the familiar frazzled-brain feeling but it can affect your appetite which often has a knock-on effect on our hair health too. Calories, ie energy, are required for new hair follicle growth and if you experience extended periods of inadequate calorie intake, this can make horrid things happen to your hair. If you find yourself eating less, your body starts to conserve calories you eat for vital bodily functions - that's the brain, heart and liver. Not hair growth, that isn't at the top of the list. Some real life, 'before and after' stories are on site here > Hair Gain  Taking time to de-stress is important for mood, sleep and hair. Try to give yourself an hour every day to unwind and relax. This should help alleviate unnecessary adrenal strain and help keep your hormones balanced. Read a book, have a bath, practise mindfulness or yoga. Sleep can help improve hair health, too. Try to sleep in a cool, dark, well-ventilated room and add warm milk or herbal teas to your bedtime routine to help you relax.  And here's a thing. Did you know, water plays a key role in the health of your hair? Not only does water make up approximately 55% total blood volume, the key fluid for nourished hair; it is also necessary for hair follicles to grow optimally - new proteins can only occur in the presence of well-hydrated cells. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, experts say at least two litres daily.
Then there's tea or coffee, a different story. Try and keep a check on how much you’re drinking, because too much isn’t good. Tea and coffee act as diuretics and drinking more than three cups daily could be more dehydrating than hydrating. if it's a problem for you, swap your caffeinated cups for herbal teas and non-caffeinated brews. Hair Gain has lots of useful information about hair health on their site, do take a look. I'm giving some of their lovely goodies a try and will report my findings in a couple of months or so. #Advertisement Promotion The lovely people at INIKA don't compromise on quality or performance. Better still, as far as I'm concerned, their products are 100% naturally derived and cruelty free. None are tested on animals or contain ingredients which are a result of animal cruelty. They sent me samples of their Bold Lash Vegan Mascara, Curvy Lash Vegan Masacara and The Mascara, which I was happy to test.
Bold Lash Vegan Mascara
Wow, dramatic! This deeply pigmented formula glides on smoothly, instantly amplifying lashes by coating every one with glossy black pigment. Even for those with sparser lashes this helps give a voluminous appearance AND it protects lashes too while the large brush separates and coats individual lashes. It contains certified organic Magnolia Bark, Vitamin E and Sunflower Oil. (£27) Curvy Lash Vegan Mascara With a plant-based, smudge-proof formula and a purpose-built curling wand, this mascara coats every lash evenly. Enriched with certified organic Carnauba Wax and Vitamin E, this curling mascara does as it says and flares out lashes holding them in place with a deep dose of pigment. (£25) Did you know, INIKA'S organic make-up range has won a plethora of awards - over 35 in total - for product excellence and innovation, beating big name brands in open categories. If you are eco-conscious, it makes sense to choose INIKA for 100% natural, ethical cosmetics. All INIKA products are 100% naturally derived, Certified Vegan & Cruelty Free |
