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Beauty

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Beauty

Basic Grooming Essentials That Every Man Should Know

We always know that women are more intricate when it comes to grooming habits, and in all honesty, they are leaner in doing all the stuff. Little do we know that men need it too. The thing is men are not as interested in doing all of it. However, men must spend a little time doing serious grooming.

There are two things that confuse men. One is what they should buy aside from the razor, and two, what should be done apart from washing the face. So to help you with this predicament, continue reading as we have laid out the basic grooming essentials that every man should know and own.

1. An “all-around” shaver

Out of 10 men, there are probably at least 6 men who want to grow their facial hair and proudly brag “No Shave November.”

While there is beauty in men growing their facial hair, it is important as well to maintain a clean-cut beard even when you want to grow it. Having an “all-around” shaver can help you achieve it, especially if you don’t want to spend another dollar in your local barbershop.

What’s good about having an “all-around” shaver is you can use it for all areas in your body. You can always arm your grooming kit with a separate razor, tweezers, and trimmers, but instead, you can opt to save money in buying three different items just for one.

With an “all-around” shaver, changing its head lets you use it as a body groomer, ear, and nose trimmer. It works better and saves you a lot of bucks.

2. Facial wash and scrub

Do not find this surprising as men need to do facial wash and scrub just like women do. Even more so, men need it more than compared to women. Men’s faces are more prone to clogged pores than women. That is why more men suffer from pimple outbreak and acne.

We cannot stress enough how important it is to wash your face daily, but washing does not make it. To achieve a more supple skin, using some facial scrub can aid in removing dead skin cells effectively.

Also, do not ignore the fact that our facial skin is more sensitive compared to other areas of skin in the body. For this reason, you must buy and use sensitive products like the ones offered in Anoque Men’s Natural Skincare.

Pro-tip: Not all products effectively work for everyone, you need to find the one that suits you best, and is comfortable to use. But don’t overdo it, some products are too harsh for you. We suggest that you read the labels carefully and look for primary content like Vitamin C, Retinol, and Green Tea Extract.

3. Shaving Cream and After-Shave Cream

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When men do their hair shaving routine, they want it done like how their old barber does it—the key element to achieve it: the shaving cream. Choosing the best shaving cream product can do magic in attaining a clean and neat shaved beard.

When using shaving cream, it protects your skin from bumps and scars. The cream creates a thin layer of protection to minimize friction between the blade and the skin. Shaving without cream highly irritates the skin, thus creates razor burn, redness, and cuts.

While it is essential to use shaving cream, using an after-shave cream is a must as well. The after-shave cream helps the skin to heal faster. After-shave cream has a hygienic effect as it keeps the pores clean and bacteria-free. Other than that, an after-shave cream has a soothing effect on the skin, and it relaxes the area where shaving is done.

4. Deodorant

Body odor is a big no-no for both men and women. But men sweat a lot compared to women, and this is due to mens’ work environments that usually require more force and energy. Sometimes, our weather condition is a factor as well, such as high humidity or during the summertime that causes us to sweat a lot more than usual. That is why keeping a deodorant and using it is essential.

Also, men must choose and stick to one product brand that they are comfortable with. Frequent changing of body products can alter your body smell and maybe cause you some discomfort in the future.

Choose a deodorant that has antibacterial content as it will fight combat body odor created from excessive perspiration.

Takeaway

There is nothing more important for a person to look neat and clean all the time. And men should not disregard the fact that they, too, need a complete grooming routine as well. This is why having all these basic grooming essentials at hand can help any man practice their grooming skills and benefit from it. There is no harm in being meticulous when it comes to taking care of your body.

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Women Worldwide : Inspired by the healing power of nature with Nav Kaur

Nav Kaur is the founder of Tamaar Skincare, alongside being a qualified pharmacist. Her goal with the brand is to create results-driven skincare products which she achieves through drawing upon the power of natural ingredients and the technology of modern-day science to address your daily skincare concerns.

She personally suffered acne problems growing up and it was this experience that lead her to launching her brand. With some major achievements under her belt already, Nav is a real powerhouse in the world of skincare.

Here, we spent some time with her to find out more…

Tell us about the journey that lead you to launching Tamaar Skincare?

I was always inspired by the healing power of nature, that’s why I turned to herbs & spices to conjure up concoctions for my sensitive blemish prone skin as I grew up as a teen and young adult. My favourite was a turmeric mask made from a mix of turmeric, olive oil, lemon juice and honey with gram flour.

As a Pharmacist, I found more and more people requesting natural alternatives to help with their skin conditions. This helped me identify a gap in the market for natural – results driven formulations. I then spent a number of years in research and development. Over time I identified the power of natural plant extracts and newer biotechnological complexes that have been shown to be equal to, or in some cases more effective than traditional gold standard products that contain harsh synthetic ingredients. With a vision for developing a skin care brand that was gentle to your skin, rich in natural scientifically proven ingredients and accessible to others around the world – Tamaar Skincare was born. I’m proud to say that since launch we have received a number of awards and being selected as a finalist for internationally acclaimed global awards as well as being featured in Vogue and GQ.

Inspired by Innovation: Creating innovative products using biotechnology – I wanted not just to create a natural skincare brand – but to add innovation using biotechnology. This is a sustainable method of cultivating rare species of plant. This only requires a few millimetres of plant to produce a culture which is then incorporated into our formulations. It’s an ethical way that requires no GMO or large amounts of farmlands. I believe it’s the way forward for skincare & beauty.

Wanting to give back. I’m passionate about helping to create a healthier, greener world for future generations and we’re proud to team up with B1G1 (Buy One Give One). B1G1 is a social enterprise on a mission to create a world full of giving. All projects selected by B1G1 are in line with the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SGD’s), which represent the global community’s next steps in ending poverty, fighting inequality and injustice and tackling climate change for the next 15 years. Through working with B1G1, for every product we sell, a forest tree is planted to help support the environment.

You’re a qualified pharmacist which means you’re on the front line during Covid-19, firstly thank you, and secondly, how do you manage to juggle that commitment with running the skincare line?

I have a strong and resilient pharmacy team, the true nature of an individual really shines through in times of crisis and we saw that everyone just wants to help and make a difference where they can.

We do see this across the nation and globally, despite being physically apart we have seen the coming together of people as we all share a common goal.

Our organisation managed communications well and were quick to implement changes so that staff and customers can feel safe whilst observing the 2M social distancing. The first few weeks of the lock down ‘the panic phase’ was rather exhausting, and I speak here for many of my pharmacy colleagues across the nation. Here we found a huge increase in work load, as people were panic ordering their repeat medications, purchasing OTC stock, turning to us for support & advice relating to Covid-19. Managing the safe supply of medicines to patients during these times proved challenging. As the weeks went on people had adapted to the changes, understood the government guidelines and work load started to level off somewhat.

I have an amazing team supporting me in my skincare business. I think it’s important to accept areas where you’re not so strong and delegate these tasks to people that have the skills and expertise in that field.

So really it’s the people around me that have made this happen. It’s important to choose the right people who you’re spending most of your time with and also enjoy what you do. I can’t say that my day is all perfect and stress free, but I do continuously evaluate ways in which I can do things better, especially when I feel like a habit is no longer serving me.

Talk us through the average day in your life?

My day starts at 4.30am, this comes quite easily for me being an early bird. I have a morning routine, it’s not necessarily that I’m being productive, it’s just that I like to relax in the mornings and not rush, so this gives me plenty of time to have a slow paced, relaxed start to my day. This usually involves yoga, meditation then

reading a few pages of a book and checking my business emails. As I commute 1 hour to work, I’ll usually spend this time listening to a pod cast if I’m not talking to one of my friends, who are also on their commute. I work 9-6 at a lovely community pharmacy, where over the years I’ve really developed a strong relationship with the local neighbourhood, businesses and GP surgery. In the evenings after dinner, I’ll have another quick catch up on my business emails and then some relaxed bedtime reading before retiring to bed usually at 10pm.

Our readers love to travel, what destination is at the top of your bucket list?

Being a huge yoga fan, I would love to spend some time in Rishikesh, India – the yoga capital of the world. Rishi-kesh is a mountain town in the Himalayas of India, an ideal place to re-connect with nature. However, I’ve also heard that it’s packed full of adrenaline rush activities too – which satisfies a different side of me ☺

What do you do when you’re lacking creativity?

Stop overthinking and just stop what I’m doing. Quiet time, mediation, getting out in nature and then simply getting started without the feeling of needing to be perfect. I recently attended a personal development training day provided by Mindvalley – in Munich – Germany, they spoke about getting your brain into alpha state – this is the state when you’re in a ‘wakeful- rest’ and there’s evidence to suggest this state increases creativity. This can be done in various ways through guided meditations etc. but I find it easy just to play some relaxing background music.

What does self-care mean to you?

Understanding yourself and honouring and loving that. The relationship with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have. I’ve been so inspired by Rumi – a persian philosopher, who quotes ‘what you see in others is a reflection of yourself’. It really all comes down to you, and how you see yourself, this ultimately reflects the space around you. You can let your environment affect the way you think and feel, or how you think and feel can reflect your environment. One thing is for sure, the choice is yours.

With the Covid-19 pandemic my heart goes out to those that have lost loved ones and some not even been able to say their final goodbyes. For the rest of us, there’s been no better time to understand yourself. Pre-pandemic, most of us have been on a work work work treadmill, not really getting anywhere other than just leading ourselves to exhaustion. Now is a great time to reflect on how we treat ourselves and ultimately each other and our planet.

For any aspiring artists and painters, what advice would you offer them in order to build a successful and profitable brand?

Dan Buettner the author of ‘Blue zones’, mentions the concept of Ikigai- which is a Japanese term for –‘a reason for being’. He talks about combining our purpose and passion, with something the world needs. I think currently the world would need art that inspires change or movement.

How much does social media play a role in your company?

Huge- an excellent way to connect with your community – you can respond to any questions promptly. It’s a powerful platform to engage and understand your audience. It helps you to build trust and good relationships overtime.

Outside of work, what do you do for fun?

I love to read, it’s a huge part of my life, reading helps me relax and switch off and stretch my imagination.

Spending time with family and friends keeps me grounded, as they don’t hold back with their honest opinions :). I also practice yoga regularly. I must admit I do love ‘me time’ too’. I love travelling with friends and family, but I have done a couple of solo journeys too which I really enjoyed. My last solo journey was in Lake Garda, Italy in summer 2019

With the current pandemic. How has Covid-19 affected your day to day business? What are your hopes for the future?

All meetings that would have been done face to face are now down online- it’s made us think about what things we can change and what things we can keep moving forward. Our business operates mainly online, which thankfully was not affected negatively due to the pandemic.

We’re in times where technology is accelerating like never before and we must continue to allow this to grow and serve humanity in a positive way. I hope that businesses will allow for new ways of working, e.g. working from home where possible to help reduce carbon footprint. Of course we don’t want a world where we can’t travel or meet our colleagues and loved ones, but we can surely look at ways we can reduce unnecessary travel and make our roads safer for bicycles. Technology has transformed the ways of business. I hope that businesses are quicker in embracing these advancements, this doesn’t mean people will be out of work, business leaders should collaborate with staff and work together to re-design job roles. My hope is that businesses will prioritise ways to become greener and more sustainable, with strategic planning and governance, inspired, not just for profit, but driven by a ‘good for all’ purpose.

Favourite quote:

‘It is not the strongest of species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but those that are adaptable to change – ‘Charles Darwin’

Find out more...

hello@tamaarskincare.com

www.tamaarskincare.com

Instagram: @tamaarskincare

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6 Top Benefits of Liposuction (and How it Works)

For some people, even a dedicated regimen of diet and exercise won’t get their body where they want it to be. Reaching an ideal weight doesn’t always result in the imagined body shape, either. Stubborn pockets of fat can be challenging to address when someone is already doing “everything right” otherwise.

That’s where alternative fat loss solutions come into play. Liposuction is one of the most commonly performed fat reduction treatments. This procedure helps to eliminate persistent fat deposits and results in a slimmer and more proportionate shape.

Below, we’re outlining 6 of the biggest advantages to removing fat with liposuction and sharing more about the procedure so you can make your most informed decision.

1. Boost in Self-Confidence

When you’re doing all you can to get into the best shape of your life, it’s disappointing to still be dealing with stubborn pockets of fat.

While you can’t target specific areas of fat in the gym, you can target them on the surgeon’s table with liposuction.

The best part is that the liposuction procedure will reveal all the dedication you’ve been putting in all along, rather than hide it.

2. Treat Problem Areas

Liposuction isn’t designed to be a cure-all weight loss solution. It was created not to reduce fat all over, but rather to eliminate fat in specific, targeted areas.

There is no other procedure available that can treat specific zones of fat the way liposuction does. The doctor can use this treatment to zero in on common fat pockets in the stomach, upper arms, butt, thighs, and even in small places like beneath the chin.

3. Reshape Your Figure

Even at your goal weight, your body might not look the way you imagined it would. Liposuction can take that image and make it a reality by giving you the proportionate body you deserve. To add to this, liposuction can even be combined with liposculpture, which transfers fat to other areas that might need more of it.

4. Halting Fat Production

Since liposuction completely removes the fat cells, there’s a much lower chance that fat cells will return to those specific areas. Continued diet and exercise will help maintain these results.

5. Stimulating Collagen Growth

If you opt for a newer, laser-assisted liposuction treatment, you can also stimulate your body’s production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that keeps skin plump, firm, and free of wrinkles. As collagen slows with age, laser liposuction can give the body a much-needed collagen boost.

6. Improving Overall Health

Whether you’re looking for liposuction in San Antonio or in your neck of the woods, you’ll find an improvement in your overall health after the liposuction procedure. One study even found that patients with high levels of fat cells in their body can experience an average of 43 percent reduction after undergoing liposuction treatment.

How it Works

It’s important to have a full understanding of what happens during the liposuction procedure before deciding if it’s right for you.

First, you’ll be sedated through an IV or given general anesthesia. This can depend on your personal preference and the preference of your medical provider.

Then, the doctor will create small incisions in the areas that are to be treated.

Through these incisions, the doctor will insert a cannula to suction out the fat cells in the area.

In traditional liposuction, the fat cells will be manually loosened by the surgeon. Other variations of liposuction, like ultrasonic or laser-assisted liposuction, may include liquefaction of fat cells via laser or sound waves.

The incisions will then be closed up and the procedure is over. The swelling will slowly go down over a few weeks. Patients should prepare to miss at least one week of work, though some may need more.

Liposuction: Your Solution?

Hopefully, the above points have helped you determine whether liposuction is the right solution for your stubborn fat deposits. With just a short procedure and a few weeks of recovery, you could look in the mirror and see the slimmer, more proportionate figure you’ve always wanted.

If you’re interested in the procedure, speak with your medical provider to learn more about the options available to you.

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Lockdown Your Skincare

There’s no better time than the present to lockdown your skincare and get on top of a new longer-lasting routine for cleansing, toning and moisturising your skin.

Take this opportunity to try different skincare products and see how they react to your skin whilst you’re not out and about. If something looks good, feels good, and produces the results you are looking for then you know you have chosen the right skincare product for you.

We have popped a ‘lockdown listicle’ together for you with just six skincare products including: beauty balm, organic moisturiser, buttermilk cleanser, skin serum, overnight lip mask, and a vitamin sheet face mask.

Lockdown Listicle

Nini Organics, Infinity Beauty Balm, £54, www.niniorganics.com

Including oils like Tamanu oil, with its anti-inflammatory and SPF properties this oil will protect and repair skin. Cucumber oil is highly moisturising for dry, dehydrated, damaged & irritated skin, perfect to soothe. This transformative balm to serum has also been infused with NINIs sensitive herbal blend specially designed to heal. Delicately scented using Rose Damask & Orange Essential Oil. Cucumber seed oil pulls in hydration whilst hibiscus extract helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Organic cold pressed Carrot seed oil & Rosehip oil helps to rejuvenate skin and reduce scars. Senna pod seeds can mimic hyaluronic acid making this balm super hydrating, whilst a base of unrefined organic Shea butter & Cacao butter provide a protective veil.

Kimberly Sayer, Ultra Light Organic Moisturiser (SPF30), £27.70, www.lovelula.com

A lightweight, protective day cream with mineral sunscreen, easily absorbed and will not clog pores or cause breakouts. Contains Lemon Oil, which detoxifies the skin, helps stop too much oil production, and will help dry up acne and pimples. Oat Beta Glucan helps protect the skin against UV-A oxidative stress. Kimberly Sayer uses non-toxic sunblock derived from minerals Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to offer UV-A and UV-B protection from the sun without irritating the most sensitive of skin.

Organic Apoteke, Buttermilk Cleanser, £41.95, www.organicapoteke.com

Organic rose oil soothes the senses as it balances dryness and builds the skin’s capacity to retain moisture. Its gentle exfoliation action and anti-oxidant rich formulation leaves the skin renewed and replenished.

Vitamin C within the Damask rose oil has nourishing properties, smoothes wrinkles, improves circulation and has a delicate scent. Buttermilk powder gently exfoliates and moisturises the skin, and soy oil is rich in essential fatty acids.

SHIRO, Kombu Skin Serum, £68, www.shiro-shiro.co.uk

SHIRO’s best selling serum is formulated with a hero ingredient Gagome Kombu. Enriched with nutrients deep from the sea, it consists of fucoidan and alginic acid to help skin stay firm and supple.

W7, Sweet Dreams, Overnight Lip Mask, £5.95, www.w7cosmetics.co.uk

Strawberry flavoured lip mask to restore and replenish dry, tired lips with vitamin E, aloe vera and grape seed oil. Apply liberally to lips before going to sleep and wake up with a soft, subtle pout!

Pixi, Vitamin C Mask, £10 (for 3 sheet masks), www.pixibeauty.co.uk

If you are missing shopping in and around Carnaby or Soho right now, then Carnaby beauty favourite Pixi is suggesting the Pixi Vitamin C Sheet Mask, which brightens and de-puffs the skin through both vitamin c and caffeine extracts. The Pixi sheet mask awakens the skin for an enlivened glow, it instantly hydrates the skin, provides an anti-oxidant boost and is fully paraben free.

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Taking Care Of Your Locks In Lockdown

We’re talking salon haircare at home this month, because who hasn’t seriously considered cutting their hair during lockdown? Let’s take a look at some of the latest salon haircare products available online that we can use at home to get us feeling fabulous for a night on the sofa.

#TeamCoco are starting to take matters into our own hands, so what better way than listening to what the experts are suggesting. We have compiled a few of our fave at home haircare products for lockdown.

AZURE, new, natural, sustainable. Haircare by Planet Friendly Beauty

AZURE – a revolutionary new haircare line which is natural, vegan and free from sulfates, parabens and silicones has been unveiled by Lesley Clarke, co-founder of the Nicky Clarke hairdressing, haircare and styling empire.

Promising highly effective, affordable haircare which is also kind to the planet, AZURE’s 14 shampoos, conditioners and hair styling products have been developed using Lesley’s 30 years of industry insight and market-leading expertise.

Naturally-sourced ingredients are combined to create a truly holistic collection of products developed to rectify the most common hair complaints including frizz, split ends, flyaway hair and protection from the elements.

Rescue And Repair – the ultimate secret weapon to repair split ends and damaged hair. We are all over this at #TeamCoco. The Rescue and Repair Revolutionary Shampoo and Conditioner, Leave-in Conditioner and Intense Mask have been specifically formulated to seal down hair cuticles that have been damaged through colouring, bleaching, and excessive heat from styling tools.

Priced from £9.99 (each), available from www.boots.com

The Hair Boss, Double Hair Mask

For a deep conditioning hair treatment use an intensive, hydrating mask. The
Hair Boss Double Hair Mask offers a two-step treatment, which instantly nourishes and repairs hair from damage caused by over-styling or bleach. Perfect for a night in front of the TV!

Priced at £13.31, available from www.superdrug.com

Christophe Robin, Temporary Color Gel

The Christophe Robin Temporary Color Gel is an effective solution for a custom natural colour. This direct hair colour coats the hair fibre with colour pigments without modifying the hair’s structure. It immediately covers greys and adapts to the natural hair colour. Each shade blends into the base for a subtle, natural-looking result. The colour then evenly fades each time the hair is washed, hence avoiding the vicious circle of the root effect.

There are 4 shades: Golden Blonde, Dark Blonde, Light Chestnut, Dark Chestnut. Each shade was developed and formulated to adapt to any hair colour.

Priced at £30, available from www.lookfantastic.com

Centred. Unwind, Detangling Primer

If like us you are always wearing your hair in a bun during lockdown, then you are likely to need this detangling primer when you eventually take it down!
Centred. is a sustainable, luxury, vegan and honest hair wellness collection for stressed out scalps. Created by Laura Tudor and with creative direction by Kieran Tudor (principal stylist at Josh Wood Atelier) using premium plant-derived ingredients. Centred. is on a mission to encourage self-care, scalp care and wellbeing while also improving hair health and strength from the inside out.

This superfine mist, enriched with vitamins, tames unruly knots, locks in moisture and protects the hair from damage without weighing it down. Orange flower water, aloe vera and chamomile condition the hair and calm and soothe the scalp. Glycerin and panthenol help detangle and retain moisture, whilst vitamin E protects from sun damage.

Priced at £18 (100ml), available from www.wearecentred.com

Jolen Crème Bleach

We couldn’t write a haircare feature without including general body hair, could we! So, if you’re in desperate need of lightening your facial hair, brows, arms and body then check out Jolen Crème Bleach.

This home-kit for body hair bleaching is a great alternative to a salon treatment in the comfort of your own home. This creates the perfect base for makeup or self-tan as your facial or arm hair will blend seamlessly into skin.

Priced at £4.35, available from www.boots.com or www.superdrug.com

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Eight Of Our Favourite Hand Creams For Dry Skin

I don’t know about you but my hands are feeling a bit raw. Clean…but a tad dry. Due to the coronavirus fight instructions, I’m washing my hands more than ever and it’s beginning to take its toll. Now, I am all for this sanitising business and I’ll sing Happy Birthday three times instead of two to make sure my hands are bacteria and Coronavirus-free but I’ve been going through my hand creams and moisturisers like never before.

Part of me is glad; I know I’m not the only person to have this realisation and truth be told we don’t care for hands half as much as we should. Think of the skincare regime we give to our face every day and night; do we do this for our hands? I don’t know about you but I always forget. Anyways, here’s a few of the hand creams I’ve used over the years and some I’m adding to online orders for contact-free delivery now.

Kind Natured Moisturising Hand Cream

I think I received my Kind Natured hand cream as a gift – and the irritable person that I am, I probably laughed, thinking what an odd birthday present. But the joke was on me because little did I know how wrong I could be. This is one of my favourite hand creams. I keep mine right by my kitchen sink so I make sure to use it after every hand wash. Choose from Shea and Macadamia or Coconut and Manoi (this is the one I have and love it) and at £4.99, you’ll thank me later. Kind Natured products are vegan friendly too.

Available to purchase from Kind Natured or Boots websites – £4.99.

Amanda Harrington Universal Rescue Cream

Aptly named a “rescue cream” as my poor hands are definitely in need of it. Are yours? Not only great for moisturising your hands in general, it is also a great product for nourishing your skin in those extra dry areas. I can hear your elbows and and knuckles rejoicing in particular. The sweet almond oil not only makes your hands smell great but it also leaves your skin feeling soft and supple – take that, hand sanitiser. Vegan friendly and it is tan-compatible for those of you who are a fan of the brand’s tanning products.

Available to purchase from Amanda Harrington’s website for £16.

Jurlique Jasmine Hand Cream

Let your poor (but clean) hands absorb this nourishing hand cream from Jurlique. The rose scent is really popular but personally I prefer the smell of jasmine; great for generating a feeling of calm, this could also benefit a lot of us who might be getting a bit anxious or stressed from being in lockdown. Perfect for ridding your skin of any dryness or redness that is probably being cause from more frequent hand washing, leave your hands feeling hydrated and silky smooth.

Available to purchase from Jurlique, LookFantastic and FeelUnique’s websites for £18-35 (depending on size).

Heath Hand Salve

Heath’s biggest selling point is its non-greasy texture; making this hand salve a handbag staple. Well, a bathroom staple now we aren’t going out but you know what I mean. After a day’s worth of washing and sanitising, your hands deserve this moisturising balm. It includes shea butter and pro-vitamin B5 to soften and hydrate the skin, while the inclusion of Allantoin helps soothe the driest of hands. It’s not so essential now we are in lockdown but the hand cream also has Pollustop® in it, protecting your hands too.

Available to purchase from Heath, Selfridge’s and John Lewis’ websites.

Von Norten Lavender and Bergamot Hand Cream

Another cream to calm you doing amidst this corona panic: Von Norten’s lavender and bergamot cream offers a relaxing antidote to any anxiety and stress you might be feeling. Can I just bathe in this then? It also includes cocoa and shea butter; almond oil; sunflower oil and vitamin D so it is packed full of ingredients to leave your hands feeling soft and supple. Your skin will immediately absorb the oils and nutrients within the cream, hydrating and nourishing them.

Available to purchase from Von Norten’s website.

Ashley & Co Soothe Tube

The ideal treatment for hands and cuticles which are in need of a little TLC. Ashley and Co.’s Soothe Tube is rich and nourishing, packed full of a combination of shea butter, camomile extract and vitamin E. With this many nutrients, your hands are in for a treat, ready to absorb so much goodness. It’s a great everyday essential for those on the go but is also a handy staple to have around the house, given the amount we’re washing our hands right now.

Available to purchase from John Lewis’ website for £13.60.

Goldfaden MD Hands to Heart Anti-Aging + Brightening Hand Treatment

Goldfaden MD is here to rescue any rough, dry hands with its Hands to Heart Anti-Aging and Brightening treatment. It’s a little pricier than the other hand creams (£37) but it’s one of my favourites as I really feel my skin absorbing the moisture and they feel hydrated for a long time afterwards. The cream is also infused with retinol and hyaluronic acid, which is perfect for combatting dry or rough skin and the niacinamide and orrganic red tea extract help reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven skin tone. So it’s more of a hand cream with a boost – not necessarily your everyday product but definitely one to consider getting if you want the added benefits.

Available to purchase from LookFantastic’s website for £37.

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea™ Hand Cream

We can always rely on The Body Shop for on-the-go essentials and hand cream is no exception. Their selection of hand creams come in a variety of scents; I personally love the Fuji Green Tea™ as its refreshing but you can choose from almond and honey to mango – it’s your preference. It’s the perfect size for fitting in your bag, although this is less necessary in the current climate. As well as hydrating the hands and having a light, non-greasy texture to the cream, it also contains Community Trade shea from Ghana. The main selling point of this cream is its price – it is a small tube than the other hand creams but it’s also just a fiver (a very appealing price right now).

Available to purchase from The Body Shop’s website for £5.

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LUST-WORTHY SPAS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

AS WINTER FATIGUE SETS IN, IN A MAJOR WAY, YOU MAY FIND YOURSELF DREAMING OF BETTER AND MORE RELAXING DAYS. HOW NICE WOULD IT BE TO HAVE THAT UBER RELAXING MASSAGE, OR PERHAPS TO GIVE YOUR TRESSES THE NEW LIFE THAT IT NEEDS.

IF LIKE US, YOU’RE IN SERIOUS NEED OF SOME PAMPERING – HELP IS AT HAND! ONCE THE GLOOMY, DARK WINTER IS OVER AND YOU’RE OFF TO YOUR HOLIDAY WITH THE FAMILY, YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO INCLUDE A GOOD MASSAGE AS A PART OF YOUR ITINERARY. WHEN YOU CAN’T ALWAYS ENJOY THAT TYPE OF LUXURY TREATMENT, DON’T MISS OUT ON THAT CHANCE NOW THAT IT’S RIGHT AT THE TIP OF YOUR FINGERS.

TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR JOURNEY, BELOW IS A COUNTDOWN OF #TEAMCOCO’S TOP PICKS FOR THE MOST LUST-WORTHY SPA EXPERIENCES FROM AROUND THE WORLD. THIS LIST IS CURATED FROM ONE OF THE BEST TRAVEL RESOURCES THAT YOU CAN TRUST, SO YOU’RE GUARANTEED THAT THESE ARE AS TRUE AS IT COULD BE.

EVEN IF THEY SEEM A LITTLE OUT OF REACH, OUR STUNNING SELECTION WILL NO DOUBT INSPIRE YOU TO INDULGE YOUR SENSES THIS NEW YEAR. 

CHECK-OUT OUR TOP-PICKS BELOW!

When you hear of the Intercontinental chain of hotels and resorts in the world, one of the very first things that come to mind is luxury. This, you’re promised too, in their Bora Bora resort.

Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort and Thalasso Spa are known for being one of the best resorts in Bora Bora. Their spa is the only spa in the entire country that drives fresh seawater from 3,000 feet below the surface to use as healing waters for treatments such as, hydro-massage baths, pearl rain massages, and a ‘water journey’ treatment. With this natural source, you’re guaranteed a fresh and purely healing experience, without all unnecessary chemicals.

This includes deep-relaxing jacuzzies and cold seawater pools with massaging jets. Enjoy massages and beauty treatments with Tahitian oils in treatment rooms located in the overwater villas with glass floors whilst watching fish swimming below. How amazing would it be to have a massage with a view! This isn’t something that you can wake up to, every day of your life. It’s a perfect treat too, post-pandemic as of writing, to ease yourself of all those anxiety and stress that you may have accumulated.

Ofutei selected onsen ryokan, Hiroshima Prefecture

Hotel Ofutei in Tomonoura Onsen, Hiroshima, offers sea views from both private-use and open-air hot spring baths. Enjoy clear sunlight and sea breeze mornings whilst bathing in the luxury roof-top open-air baths overlooking the calm sea of Tomonoura. Alternatively, the private open-air baths enable guests to soak in hot waters overlooking the Seto Inland Sea in piece whilst soothing and relaxing the mind and body. visithiroshima.net/

Energizing Tokyo at the Palace Hotel, Tokyo

Palace Hotel Tokyo is getting into the spirit of wellness in line with the Olympic and Paralympic games 2020. The hotel has set up a wellness getaway that comes replete with an a la carte menu of fitness pursuits to refresh the body and mind and allow visitors to experience the city in a very active healthy way. Guests can choose from a range of treatments from zen meditation, Japanese tea ceremony experience, Japanese seitai acupressure, massages and more.

Detox at Osmosis Day Spa, Sonoma County, California

With five secluded acres of creekside property, Osmosis Day Spa is extensively landscaped with five distinct Japanese garden areas. Owner Michael Stusser was inspired by spas he discovered in Japan for soothing pain, calming nerves, cleansing and brightening skin. Experience a restorative treatment overlooking the meditative gardens and bathe in a mix of fine cedar shavings, rice bran and plant enzymes where temperatures reach up to 48 degrees. To help cool you during the experience an attendant applies cold cloths and offers sips of ice water.

Lazy You Spa at C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado

C Lazy U Ranch is a luxurious dude ranch offering an upmarket yet authentic wild western experience. The spa is set within beautiful log cabins next to Willow Creek, surrounded by acres of untouched land. Its signature treatment is the Cowboy Copper Tub Soak where guests can relax in a bathtub and enjoy incredible views of the Continental Divide mountain range, in complete peace and tranquillity.

The Lodge at Edgewood, South Lake Tahoe, California
Located on the shores of South Lake Tahoe, The Lodge at Edgewood is home to 154 luxury rooms and suites each boasting their own fireplace and private deck or terrace. Nestled in a private area on the second floor of the Lodge is the Spa at Edgewood Tahoe—an 8,500 sq. ft. space that offers guests uninterrupted serenity amongst a peaceful and inviting atmosphere. With a stunning streamlined design aesthetic influenced by the innate beauty of the area’s natural surroundings, the Spa at Edgewood inspires relaxation, rejuvenation and inner balance. tahoesouth.com

Majorelle Spa and Salon at Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara, California

Majorelle is an intimate spa comprising four treatment rooms, a courtyard and a circular-columned waiting area inside the stunning Martin Lawrence Bullard-designed Hotel Californian. This dazzling spa offers a comprehensive menu of treatments, from aromatherapy and skincare rituals to couples’ packages and massages. The interiors are inspired by the Moorish cities of Spain and Morocco, while one-of-a-kind spa treatments can be tailored to your personal needs.

The Scandinave Spa, Whistler

For long-haul travellers, skiers and snowboarders the Scandinave Spa hydrotherapy offer an effective way of releasing tensions in both the mind and body. The cycle of hot-cold-relax is proven to both energize and rest the body, improving blood circulation and activating the lymphatic system to help detoxification. Hot cycles take place in eucalyptus steam rooms, outdoor hot baths, Finnish wood-burning saunas or dry saunas. The spa also hosts a Nordic waterfall, rain showers and cold plunges, after taking a plunge to relax beside an outdoor firepit, in one of the solariums.

Vibrant Salon and Spa Fredericton

In Canada, New Brunswick is a must-visit. Fredericton, in particular, has all the sights for you to delight in.Especially if you’re one who enjoys outdoor activities, there’s always something for you to indulge in, with the best views that nature can offer. This is Canada, after all. From hiking to mountain climbing, kayaking, and whale watching, there’s something for you to get busy with, in every day of your journey.

Taking a break from all the nature activities, you deserve to give yourself that pampering, too. Vibrant Hair Salon Fredericton, your full-service beauty bar and spa, is a must-visit.

In Vibrant Hair Salon, they have a commitment to love their guests and community. When you walk into Vibrant, the goal is to make you feel at home, feel comfortable, and leave everything else behind. We guarantee you leave with amazing hair and a smile. If it’s hair care, makeup, laser hair removal, waxing, gel polish manicure, gel polish pedicure, nail art, eyelash extensions, facials, hydra-facials, lash lifts and more, an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere for you in this beauty bar is guaranteed.

Takeaway

You deserve that treat from time-to-time. After working long hours day and night, when you travel, don’t just immerse yourself in the culture or in the lifestyle of the locals. As you get busy with touring your destination, you may also want to cap the day off with a good spa. From massages to a salon service, give yourself that tender loving care that you so deserve. Plus, how often is it that you can say that you’ve actually visited some of the best spas in the world? When you’re there, don’t miss out on that once in a lifetime opportunity.

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#CocoCrush M.O.B. Collection, Beauty Bottles

All we need at the moment is to read great uplifting stories about nice things that are happening in the world, which let’s face it are few and far between in the current climate.

So when we heard about a fellow British business that loves travel as much as we do, and works hard to make the environment a better place, #TeamCoco wanted to find out more.

M.O.B Collection bottles are a selection of travel-sized bottles to take on your travels, they are perfectly formed to replace the expensive travel minis, which means you no longer need to buy disposable plastic bottles that will be binned after your travels. And, yes we are fully aware that travel is off the cards for the foreseeable, but it’s not off the cards in the very distant future, and what better thing to do whilst in lockdown than to plan your next trip and be prepared for holidaying in style.

My Own Brand (M.O.B.) Collection was originally created to make it easier for people to decant their favourite products and take them on the go. The aim of the M.O.B. Collection designers was to encourage people to reuse each bottle with skincare, haircare and beauty for each adventure and trip they take.

Each bottle is made of HDPE (high density polythene), which is the safest plastic available because it is non-reactive and also environmentally stable, giving off no harmful fumes into the environment.
The bottles are all made in the UK, are leak proof, recyclable, BPA free, and come pre-labelled.

The best news about these little travel-sized bottles is that throughout the Covid-19 crisis people are using their M.O.B. Collection bottles to store soap and homemade hand sanitiser, plus people are also decanting their own shampoo, conditioner and body wash and are posting to friends and family that are running low with their own products, meaning that many people are using these bottles during the immediate lockdown situation.

So, if you want to support UK businesses at the moment, and are looking to spread your wings once you are able, or if you want to help family and friends by decanting your own beauty products to use now, take a look at M.O.B. Collection for some inspiration.
Priced at £2 – £2.50 per bottle, available from www.mobcollection.com

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How To Boost Your Mood Through Fragrance During Quarantine/Self Isolation

Amidst the chaos in the world right now, many things are being forgotten about (its Mothers Day this Sunday, you’re welcome for the reminder) but beauty lovers may be aware that today (March 21st) is National Fragrance Day.
Which in the grand scheme of things may not seem important, as most of our worlds have been turned upside down, yet fragrance can actually help you feel better whether you’re WFH, self isolating or quarantined.
We are seeing an increasing amount of #SelfCare posts on social media to support both mental and physical health during this strange and challenging time. From home-workouts, skincare routines, healthy recipes and ‘how to’s on how to keep motivated; all of these things help give us a little dose of normality and positivity.
It’s all about ‘Making the most’ of a global pandemic which is a good idea but in retrospect it also has us applying unnecessary pressure to ourselves in already tenuous times.
Going back to the basics is good for both our mental and physical health, as we won’t feel the need to carry the weight of the world on our shoulders.
All of our senses play a huge part in our lives and its important we don’t go into a sensory overload, meaning we need to treat each sense with care. With that said our sense of smell is often overlooked and its during times of anxiety and stress that this primitive sense is actually heightened. We all know that fragrance doesn’t only make us smell good but it has the ability to make us feel good too. So without wasting time, invest in your favourite perfume at Rosa Salas Perfumes. You will get a huge range of perfumes made with the best raw materials and fragrance oils available.
Fragrance whether in perfume, candles, diffusers essential oils or cooking products can affect the memories in our brain and have the ability to elicit a range of emotions. Fragrance is how brands entice us into stores, is why aromatherapy is a holistic treatment, is why we are drawn to certain people and can generally affect our judgement and decisions; this is why we should consider how the scent of our homes and ourselves can affect us during this global crisis.
Orange, jasmine, geranium, sandalwood, lavander, lemon, mandarin, grapefruit, mint, vanilla, cinnamon and yang yang are all ingredients that can help boost your mood.
Below we have complied a list of ten mood-boosting fragrance products to help have a positive impact on your emotions and mindset during a time when life may seem overwhelming.

First up is Tiziana Terenzi the brands scented candles are handmade in Italy using innovative design and high quality materials. The candles are toxin-free, have a 120 hour burn time and have a wooden wick which replicates the sound of a log fire. The ‘Ischia Orchid’ candle has notes of rose, violet, sandalwood and of course the rare ischia orchid.

Next is Mizensir, a brand created by Master Perfumer Alberto Morillas, who is the nose behind some of the worlds most iconic fragrances; CK One, Acqua di Gio and Gucci Bloom, to name a few. The brands White Neroli fragrance has notes of calabrian bergamot, Tunisian neorli and orange blossom which are perfectly balanced with incense and musk.

Carolina Herrera’s new venture into make-up is beyond exciting and if the brands cosmetics are is delightful as their fragrances, we’re all in for a treat. ‘Virgin Mint’ is aromatic and fresh, so much so that it smells like freedom; compiled of mint from Morocco, Italian bergamot, mandarin, vetiver, Egyptian geranium oil, spearmint and musk.

Up next is Maison Francis Kurkdjian and no we’re not going to recommend Baccarat Rouge (as beautiful as it is) this time. A la Rose is a captivating yet soft scent that boasts two types of rose; rose Damascus and Turkish rose absolute, this powdery blend of roses is mixed with the citrus notes of bergamot, orange and lemon along with woody notes of cedar.

Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino Acqua fragrance is part of the brands Private Blends collection and has you dreaming of the azure waters. Bergamot, neroli, lemon, orange blossoms, amber wood and white musk compose a fresh and bright citrus fragrance that isn’t overwhelming so is perfect for enclosed spaces.

YSL Caban is one of the 5 fragrances in the Le Vesitiaire des Perfumes collection, the fragrances are all interpretations of a statement piece of the couturiers wardrobe. Caban is sensual, sweat, and creamy fragrance with a coconut note to it that will have you reminiscent of sunshine holidays. With pink pepper, rose, tonka bean, caramel, vanilla and incense it evokes comfort and fond memories. You can also opt for the Caban candle which will have your home smelling like summer.

Roja Dove Parfums has scents for every occasion that play on emotions and memories so its no wonder the fragrance houses ‘Beguiled’ has fallen into our list. A blend of bergamot, lemon, tangerine, jasmine, raspberry, pink pepper and ylang ylang create a sweet, elegant and feminine yet contemporary fragrance that turns heads and has great silliage.

Shalini Parfum Paradis Provence, is an aromatic creation of lavendar, thyme, sunflower, orange blossom and jasmine. Described by Shalini herself as ‘the fragrance of the eternal summer, of our youth, our imagination and our passion’.

Atelier Cologne’s 2010 launch, Orange Sanguine has an orienal base of amber, tonka bean and sandalwood yet thanks to notes of orange, jasmine and geranium this fragrance is refreshing and energetic.

Dipytque’s best seller Baies is also available as an hourglass diffuser. Simply turn it over to begin an hours diffusion cycle and enjoy the sensory experience. Baies is a fresh bouquet of roses and blackcurrent; a sweet yet aromatic creation.

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Luxury Haircare

We all like a little bit of luxury in our lives these days, so why not treat your hair exactly the same way and invest in a luxurious product to make your hair look and feel super luxe.

#TeamCoco has chosen just four haircare products that will make your hair look and feel like a million dollars!

FEKKAI – Brilliant Gloss Multi-tasker Perfecting Crème

This wonderful multi-tasker is a moisture-packed versatile finisher with a soufflé-like consistency, which incorporates French cold-pressed olive oil to impart high-shine and protect against frizz.
Priced at £22 for 120ml, available exclusively from Selfridges and feelunique.com

MONAT – Blow Out Cream

This silicone-free formula reduces the blow-dry time and restores softness and shine for the perfect blowout that lasts, without leaving product build-up or weighing down the hair. MONAT’s Blow Out Cream contains dermofeel sensolv, a natural silicone alternative that is 100% natural in origin.
Priced at £30, available from monatglobal.com

ARBONNE – True Hair Replenishing Mask

This intense replenishing mask transforms dull, thirsty hair with nourishing hydration. Working with the steam from the shower, this rich and creamy formula leaves hair feeling incredibly soft, smooth, and manageable with a glossy finish. It contains moisture boosting botanicals like pea protein, sustainably sourced baobab, and ashwagandha root for deep hydration that quenches the thirstiest locks. This restorative mask moisturises without weighing hair down for a healthy looking shine from root to tip.
Priced at £36, available from arbonne.com

Shea Moisture – Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleansing Shampoo

New to the collection of haircare products, Shea Moisture has introduced this wondrous shampoo, which gently cleanses as it removes build-up from styling products and soothes dry, itchy and flaking scalp. Equally, with the special blend of soothing African black soap, bamboo charcoal, tee tree oil and willow bark extract it strengthens hair by sealing in natural moisture, and helps calm scalp irritations for healthy hair with a brilliant shine.
Priced at £10.99, available from lookfantastic.com

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