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Beauty

Meet MZ Skin.

MZ Skin, you won’t have heard of this brand yet, as it only launched exclusively in Harrods last week. However it’s a brand you need to familiarise yourself with and fast, as we can guarantee you would love this luxury skincare collection to feature on your dressing table.

Known for our love of luxurious things, there’s no surprise that we fell in love with MZ Skin. Founded by Dr Maryam Zamani; a highly respected Ophthalmologist, Oculoplastic surgeon and leading aesthetic doctor. Dr Zamani was inspired by advanced clinical techniques and driven by the frustration of not being able to find skincare that she loves putting on her skin, that looks pretty and that actually works.

Maryam’s extensive experience with oculoplastic surgery and dermatology provides the perfect blend of facial aesthetic treatments that deliver the most natural results, combine this with Maryam’s genuine interest in her clients and you have the perfect formula. What’s more is Maryam has become and advocate user of her collection and recommended routine!

Formulated with research, innovation and pioneering ingredients, partnered with established, trusted actives, to deliver the essence of beautiful skin. The MZ Skin collection features five founding products that form a day and night routine; Cleanse & Clarify, Lift & Lustre, Hydrate & Nourish, Soothe & Smooth and Rest & Revive. All created for a simple yet effective skincare routine. The collection also features Hydra –Bright Golden Facial Mask, Hydra-Bright Golden Eye Mask and a natural Konjac sponge. These eight products are all you will ever need for glowing luminous skin; all under 100ml, perfect for jetsetters or those on the go!

Our writer, Vanessa, had the chance to sit down with Dr Zamani to discuss all things MZ Skin.

What is it for you that makes MZ Skin stand out from other skincare brands?

My products, work, they have specific targets and I’m working from first-hand experience. I’ve worked with damaged skin, I’ve seen the after results of surgery but I’ve learnt that prevention is the key. You don’t need to be 25 to have healthy glowing skin; you just need the right products. I’ve worked endlessly so that I will provide my clients with just that. MZ Skin is a luxury medical skincare brand that works, with feminine glamorous products; it fills a gap that was in the market.

Some of your products have unusual ingredients for example in Rest & Revive, there is placenta? Why have you chosen certain ingredients?

I wanted to ensure every ingredient made a difference to the skin; I didn’t want excess ingredients that had no purpose. I have been researching for years and taken many clinical trials, so for the placenta, stem cells rejuvenate the skin, so to apply this as your night cream, helps your skin heal and recover from the day.

Regarding ingredients, I suffer badly from eczema around my eyes, each one of your products has worked wonders for this, is this something you had in mind or just an added bonus?

Yes, this is definitely something I had in mind, I wanted everyone to be able to use and benefit from MZ Skin. The reason these products are working for your skin, is that the ingredients in them retain and maintain moisture; the ingredients are also of the highest grade and quality. Cleanse & Clarify is also a gentle exfoliator so removes unnecessary layers of skin and dirt without stripping away necessary oils. Hydration is key; especially living in an urban environment. All MZ Skin products have a minimum SPF of 30, as I think this is a factor that is so easily overlooked.

Obviously MZ Skin is a huge part of your life, how do you balance this, along with a family?

It’s very difficult, as I do a lot myself, I’m very hands on. I take my children to school, head to the office, pick my children up from school, do general mothering duties and once they’re in bed at 8pm, I exercise. It’s my release. Then from 9.30pm until around 12am, I work on MZ Skin. It’s busy but satisfying, I have a great team and I’m a multi-tasker, I love it.

Do you struggle to switch off from work?

In London, it’s very rare I switch off; I end up emptying my email inbox before bed. On holiday however, that’s when I truly disconnect from work and relax.

With such a busy schedule, what’s your favourite way to pamper yourself?

Sleep. Sleep is so important, that’s a real luxury to me. I also have a manicure and pedicure every week, that’s my little treat, it keeps me sane!

So, basically, MZ Skin is the perfect combination of science and beauty; created from a medical and experienced dermatology background, it not only feels glorious on the skin but it works wonders, is beautifully packaged, by a woman for women. This is the skincare collection you don’t want to be without.

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#Cocovegan: 3 Tried and Tested Beauty Replacements for Veganuary

We have been going #veganuary mad this month with all sort of tips and tricks on how to make it meat-free til the end of Jan. For those of you who are embracing veganism now or who might be even be thinking about this lifestyle choice beyond the month, we caught up with our vegan expert, Rachael Lindsay, to hear her top three basic beauty buys, vegan-style.

Orange & Bergamot Clean Deodorant Balm by The Natural Deodorant Co

I have been searching for some time now for an eco-friendly vegan variety of deodorant that actually works. I found one that worked but irritated my skin, another that was ok if I didn’t sweat too much, another that left residue all over my clothes…in the end I resorted to a non-vegan brand. And then I discovered The Natural Deodorant Co…

It is totally vegan, palm oil, aluminium and preservative free and comes in a handy pot which you just smooth onto your pits. There is sodium bicarb to absorb odours, magnesium oxide to attract moisture and shea butter with coconut oil for moisturization. I tried the orange and bergamot scent which is zesty without being overpowering and I am shocked to tell you that this vegan deodorant actually works: zero BO nastiness, no flare-up of the armpits and no nasty residue. The Natural Deodorant Co have other scents too such as grapefruit and mint, vanilla and manuka and mint and eucalyptus as well as a dedicated range for sensitive skin and for active bodies. I recommend you check it out.

Jecca Makeup Correct & Conceal Palette

I love a bit of mascara or eye shadow and the obligatory lip pop for a night out but day-to-day I prefer looking natural. But, of course, in order to look completely natural, sometimes I want a helping hand…

Jecca to the rescue! I love this new brand – it is gender-neutral and creates products to tackle every beauty concern, however you identify. It is of course natural and vegan-approved and, having used it for a few days now, is the perfect cover-up for spots, blackheads, under-eye circles and any sort of blemish. It even boasts being a great beard shadow cover if this is what you need. They also donate 5% of their profits to Stonewall making it a laudable and effective venture all round.

Nazan Schnapp Detoxing Cleanser

Finding the right cleanser for your daily routine can be tricky, especially when you are looking out for a vegan-approved item to add to the list of criteria. As with deodorant-gate, I have come across a fair few vegan cleansers that are too aggressive or go too heavy on the essential oils. Not so with my Nazan Schnapp Detoxing Cleanser.

It is perfect for my slightly oily and blemish-prone skin. It contains fresh fruit enzymes for clarification, green French clay for detoxification and gently exfoliates with Musk rosehip. Whilst it has exfoliating properties ideal for oily skin, it also gently hydrates and leaves smoother, glowing skin behind. The Swiss Nazan Schnapp brand is PETA approved and makes products in small batches using organic ingredients. They produce all sorts of wonderful other things too from regenerating gels to eye cream using real diamond powder and toners using rose quartz.

To find out more, visit naturaldeoco.com / jecca-makeup.com / nazanschnapp.com (check out contentbeautywellbeing.com to get your hands on Nazan Schnapp UK stock).

Cover photo credit: The Detox Market

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Essential Beauty Tips Everyone Should Follow

The world of beauty has been booming since the dawn of time, with different trends defining each generation. These trends are developed as a way of enhancing your best features, but there is much more to beauty than applying makeup in the correct way. In fact, much of beauty requires you to take extra care of your skin and to bring out your inner confidence. It can be difficult to keep up with these trends when they seem to move so quickly, but there are some timeless beauty tips that will never go out of style. To help you create the perfect beauty routine, it’s wise to take note of them.

Don’t neglect hygiene

Lots of people suffer from regular breakouts, which can make it harder to feel your best in the skin you are in. Although this is common, many breakouts can be prevented by keeping your skin clean, so that dirt cannot find its way into your pores.

Ideally, you should use a gentle facial wash each morning, and a cleanser in the evening to remove all your makeup before bed.

Moisturiser is key

It is easy to jump on the first moisturiser you see advertised in the media, but there is a lot to be said about finding the perfect match for your skin. Without choosing one based on your skin type, this may result in dry patches and breakouts, rather than soft, hydrated skin. It is recommended that you look at a site like Top 10 Today, where you can read reliable reviews about which moisturiser could be best for you.

Find the right shade

It is not just moisturiser you need to match to your skin, but your foundation must, too. There are countless foundations out there to cover a broad spectrum of skin tones, but finding your shade is only one step in settling on the right one. You should also consider how much coverage you hope to get. For example, those right freckles may choose to opt for lighter coverage, so they can let their freckles show.

Cover red spots

Everyone will have red spots at some point in their life, but it can truly dampen someone’s confidence if these red spots persist. It is always wise to get these red spots checked out by skincare experts, to see if they can help you tackle any underlying conditions. In the meantime, using colour correcting concealers will enable you to hide these spots, without using heavy foundation.

Highlight your cheekbones

There is one beauty trend that has been around for millennia, which is highlighting your cheekbones. Georgian times saw people using rouge on their cheeks, and the current beauty world revolves around enhancing your cheekbones using reflective, pearlescent or glittering pigment. The best thing about highlighter is that it can also bring a youthful look to your face, even if you are feeling run down. You can also use it on other areas of your face, such as your nose and brown bones for a more defined look.

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Benefits Of Using Coconut Oil For Skin

Eating coconuts promotes several health benefits. However, applying coconut oil on your skin can help boost the skincare benefits it provides. Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that help smoothen, moisturize, and beautify skin. You can even find different skincare products with this component as the main ingredient. Continue reading to know more about the many benefits that coconut oil has in store for your skin.

Soften Skin

Rough skin is a product of dehydration. Dry skin is prone to itching and cracking. Severe cases of skin dehydration might also lead to bleeding and infection. Use coconut oil for skin to help combat this predicament.

Take a small amount of coconut oil and rub it between the palms of your hands. Apply the organic skincare product on affected areas like your face, arms, and feet.

Coconut oil is also an ideal solution for imparting additional moisture to hardened and cracked feet. This skin condition can happen because of constant stress on your feet. Otherwise, extremely dry feet might also be an outcome of cold weather.

But take note that coconut oil is not a “cure all” solution for all skin problems. With that said, you can still use this naturalcompound on your cracked feet. However, the cracks might not vanish without the help of other skincare solutions. Nonetheless, regular use of this organic skincare product will help your feet and other areas of the skin to soften over time.

Moreover, use coconut oil with natural exfoliating agents like salt, sugar, and baking soda to help remove flakes from the skin. Leaving these particles may cause them to block pores, which can lead to other concerns like acne and blackheads.

The comforting nature of this natural oil, combined with the organic exfoliating material, will leave your skin soft with an even tone. This solution is an ideal choice for people with dry or sensitive skin.

Treats The Scalp

White flakes falling on your shoulders might make you think that it’s snowing outside, even if it’s still the middle of summer. Dandruff comes from the production of excess sebum on the scalp. But some folks are more sensitive to sebum in this area of the skin.

The sensitive scalp can become inflamed, itchy, and red. When the body detects this irritation, it sends signals that indicate to the brain that skin cells should be shed more rapidly than usual. This method is an attempt at shedding the irritant, but it causes dandruff instead.

You can use coconut oil’s moisturizing nature to help reduce the irritation on your scalp. Start by heating three to five tablespoons of organic coconut oil. Apply the natural skincare product on dry hair. Do this procedure before going to sleep at night.

If you’re worried that the oil will make a mess on your bed and pillows, cover your hair with a shower cap before going to bed. Your hair should become less frizzy when you wake up in the morning. Moreover, your scalp will thank you as it acquires more moisture during the night.

As a word of caution, it can be challenging to remove all the coconut oil from your hair after treatment. Thus, it’s best to apply this organic substance when you’re not going to be in a hurry for the next day.

Be patient when using coconut oil in treating the scalp and removing dandruff, as positive results might not appear overnight. But keep applying this solution, along with other proper skin care techniques, to ensure your scalp and other areas of the skin stay healthy and irritant-free.

Helps Treat Skin Disorders

Skin ailments can lower your confidence. You’d rather hide your skin from the watchful eyes of the public than show off your features to the world.

As per a post from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), coconut oil contains vitamin E. This vitamin helps improve and maintain excellent skin health. Take advantage of this nutrient to help improve and treat skin disorders like:

● Acne● Eczema● Psoriasis● Skin cancer

But the positive effects brought about by coconut oil and its vitamin E content may differ for each person. Consult your doctor first before applying skincare products with coconut oil to check if the organic substance can help improve your skin condition.

Removes Makeup

Removing all makeup before going to bed is crucial for excellent skin health. You can buy cleansers on the market to remove cosmetics from your skin. However, some of these products may contain harmful chemicals that are not ideal for individuals with sensitive skin.

Makeup removers for sensitive skin are already on the market, but some products still have synthetic ingredients, which may cause damage to people who are allergic to these substances. If you think the risks are too high when shopping for the right makeup remover, consider using coconut oil instead.

Coconut oil is a gentle yet effective makeup remover suitable for all skin types. But remember to be extra careful when applying this organic oil around your eyes. Wipe it off with a clean, damp, and warm face cloth afterwards.

Helps Heal Wounds

Studies show that coconut oil can help accelerate wound healing. One particular research published by the Department ofBiochemistry at the University of Kerala in Thiruvananthapuram, India, showed that virgin coconut oil used on laboratory rats with wounds tended to increase collagen levels and improved antioxidant status. These characteristics of the oil help produce essential proteins that aid in accelerating wound healing.

Additionally, coconut oil has antimicrobial properties to help prevent infection in wounds. The existence of harmful bacteria can become a significant risk factor that complicates or prevents the normal wound-healing process.

An Excellent Moisturizer

All skin types should have ample amounts of moisture to remain healthy. Don’t think that you don’t need the extra moisture if you have oily skin. You should still give yourself the gift of healthy moisture instead of the excess dampness delivered by sebum.

Consider using coconut oil to maintain a healthy amount of moisture on your skin, especially if it looks and feels dry. Moisturize dry skin with this organic oil and its rich vitamin E content.

Take note that you don’t need to go overboard with the application of coconut oil to moisturize your skin efficiently. You only need to apply a small, pea-sized amount to the area of your choice. You may also choose to leave the oil on your skin overnight.

Eventually, the skin absorbs the oil to take advantage of its healthy properties. You can use coconut oil in places where there’s dry skin, such as the knees, elbows, heels, and face.

As a bonus, coconut oil is also an excellent lip moisturizer and cuticle cream. Apply the oil at any time of the day on your lips and nails for that extra luscious shine.

Helps Remove Eye Bags

Stress and lack of sleep can cause bags to appear under your eyes. Sleep deprivation and the pressure of everyday life may reduce hydration in the area around your eyes. Remember, the skin in this area is thinner than other parts of the face.

Make sure you take extra care of the skin around your eyes. But you might not want to spend a significant amount of cash on high-end eye creams, especially if you’re following a tight budget. Coconut oil can be an ideal yet low-cost alternative to these expensive eye care products.

Moreover, you can obtain excellent value for money when you buy coconut oil for your eyes. You only need to dab a small amount of the oil around your eyes after your nighttime routine and before going to bed. That tiny amount should keep the skin in this area plump with hydration.

Furthermore, adding more moisture near your eyes helps improve other conditions like crow’s feet and fine lines.

Made For Deep Cleansing

Many individuals might believe that coconut oil can only remove dust, dirt, and other unclean particles on the skin at the surface level. But this natural oil can also remove these unhygienic substances from the deeper recesses of your skin.

Use coconut oil to remove excess oil, along with other unclean substances from your skin. This eliminates nasty grease and grime to let you flaunt fresh-looking skin full of hydration and nutrients.

If you wish to use coconut oil for deep cleansing, apply half-a-teaspoon of the organic skin care product on your skin. Gently massage it by rubbing your fingers over the oil and skin for a few minutes. Next, place a warm cloth over your face and keep it there for about 30 seconds. Remove the fabric afterward and wipe away any excess oil.

You will see how clean and revitalized your face will feel after using coconut oil. You may also apply ice on your skin after deep cleansing with this oil to help minimize pores.

The Takeaway

Several health benefits are in store for individuals that use coconut oil for their skin. This organic oil can help remove skin imperfections, treat dandruff, and moisturize the skin deeply. The various healthy components of this natural skincare product can produce amazing results for different people. Consult your dermatologist for any concerns about the use of coconut oil in daily skincare routines.

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#GIRLBOSSESOFGREATBRITAIN: The One With A Holiday That Turned Into A New Life

House of Coco had a chat with Kristina Spionjak, (spionjak.com), a publicist specialised in helping creative minds ‘tell their story’ to their target audience in the most compelling, distinct and relevant way, about wanderlust (a girl after House of Coco’s heart!) and how to make it with only £200 in your pocket.

HOC: Kristina, tell us about your business and the journey that got you here?

KS: I came to London in 2009 with just £200 in my pocket. I didn’t speak any English and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I had come for London for a two week holiday, went back to Zagreb and then moved over!

The first thing I did was to work as an au pair which really helped me to learn the language and understand your culture. After that I was unsure of what to do next. I was over qualified to work for free and didn’t want to take a job where I’d be scraping £6 an hour, so there was no other option than to start my own business.

Back home in Croatia I worked in Political PR and a friend of mine there was a fashion designer and asked me if I would promote them in the UK market. I gave it a go and really enjoyed it, so I decided to start offering PR services.

HOC: That’s amazing, how did you go about building a name?

KS: The first obstacle was to find clients so I could make money! I started running PR workshops and teaching people how they could do their own PR, but my workshops were structured in a way that once they were over, they would realise they still needed my help to navigate the ins and outs and shoals of PR. I gained my first two clients shortly after by only charging £200 a month, which is now ridiculous! I put together my portfolio and then it started rolling in earnest.

We have our 5th anniversary this March and I have a small team and very capable team now built around me!

HOC: How did your friends feel when you came to the UK?

KS: It was wasn’t a great surprise to most of them. I’d already lived in three different cities! Croatia is very small, so after two years in its capital Zagreb it felt like you knew just about everyone and especially in the Media industry. The city felt small and I wanted more.

I remember when I came here on holiday. I was in Camden market and there was a mad mass of energy and rushing people. I knew then that I wanted to move to London for sure. Now that I live here, more people live near me in North West London than in the whole of my country! I took a leap of faith and it has paid off.

HOC: It must have been full of challenges, any tips to share?

KS: Yes. It was a rollercoaster, and even now I still have ups and downs. You need to have patience most of all!

You should also surround yourself with people who are informed and are hungry to keep learning. I read three books a week (I use an app that neatly summarises a book I’m interested in to decide if I’ll read it) which really helps me to manage my time well. In most cases, books can be written in twenty pages! I like to read psychology, behavioural sciences, economics and self-development books — the standard fare for PR where you need to know and understand your audience.

As a consultant, I often need to know about lots of different areas and background that I wouldn’t necessarily normally come across. I always like to be prepared before a consultation and will always recommend them to other professionals if I see that I’m not the best person or match for them or their project.

HOC: I think people forget how, while running your own business is an education in itself, you have to keep learning alongside it. You mention surrounding yourself with great people, do you have any mentors?

KS: I have a couple of mentors whom I unexpectedly discovered by chance! While I was still figuring out what I wanted to do, I taught Croatian and made a friend who is a property developer. He runs an old fashioned business and it was so useful to get his perspective and insight on my business; it’s great to discuss ideas with someone from a completely different industry. It really opens your eyes and helps you see from outside the bubble, in.

Another friend of mine is a marketing and PR manager who helped me define my brand strategy. I also have a number of people I work with like my creative copywriter and others who are fantastic to talk to and bounce ideas off. The people around me are mostly male, which is a coincidence.

HOC: Interesting that your mentors are mostly male! How do you find working in the industry as a woman?

KS: This industry is actually very female orientated with not many male clients! That said, I feel there are lots of differences between men and women in business. Women seem to be more caring of what’s going on but men just want to get it done!

HOC: What’s the next adventure then?

KS: I’ve already bought a place here in London so I’m trying to make this city my home and let it settle in. I’ll definitely be travelling somewhere or living elsewhere for a few months when the opportunity occurs and to check it out!

We love your attitude and approach to life, Kristina and can’t wait to see what you will do next! We don’t know about you but Kristina’s story has got us wanting to pack up and move abroad in search of adventure…

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Tips for Nailing the Most Popular Hair Style

Whether you like experimenting with new hairstyles or you just fancy a change, you’ll never struggle for inspiration. With so many on-trend styles out there, you’re spoilt for choice with your next hairdo.

But which are the hottest trends for 2019? And how can you nail these looks to perfection?

Below, we show you how (and if you want to take your hair styling to the next level, don’t forget to kit yourself out with all the professional tools available at places like Capital Hair & Beauty.

Easy Bangs

Bangs can really change your overall look, but you don’t need to sacrifice your long hair in order to do this. Longer bangs can really bring this style to life, adding an extra dimension to your long locks. Just keep them easy to style by having them longer and drying them to either side of your head. This creates a gorgeous, flowing and elegant look.

Cute Crops

If shorter hair is more your thing, why not take inspiration from Kate Hudson and opt for the choppy crop? It’s short but still boasts plenty of sex appeal – if not more! And the beauty of this is that you can wear it lovely and choppy one day and super sleek and chic the next!

Textured Bob

Fancy cutting your hair but don’t want to go too dramatic too soon? Then a bob may be the perfect in between.

Textured bobs give you some real sass and don’t take much maintenance. Keeping this choppy look rather than opting for the poker-straight style really gives it some style and is ideal if your hair boasts some great natural waves.

High Ponytails

This retro look is so in right now. In fact, the 90s is dominating many trends this year. So start slicking back your hair into a high ponytail – Ariana Grande style.

Messy Bun

You’ll probably see the majority of women with longer hair adopting the messy bun for summer. It’s low-maintenance and helps keep you cool. Plus, it flatters the majority of face shapes. Megan Markle’s also a huge fan, so that’s good enough for us.

Just make sure your hair’s textured and has a few curls then scrunch back without much thought to achieve the messy-yet-gorgeous finish.

Wrap It Up in a Scarf

Hair scarves are all over the place and are another ideal item for those warmer summer months when you can’t stand your hair being on your face. Go bold and patterned and start experimenting because there are no rules when it comes to this trend. Keep some fringe out, tuck it all in, tie your hair up or leave it down. The possibilities are endless!

Top Knots

Yet another trend we’ll see trying to avoid the sweaty-hair-stuck-to-our-faces look is the top knot. However, this is far removed from the perfectly-preened bun. This is a DIY bun that looks effortless because it isn’t perfect. If there’s a little bit hanging out and a few wispy bits around your face – you’ve nailed it, girl.

So there you have it – the top trends that are ridiculously easy to replicate this year. And have you noticed what the common denominator of them all is?

They take minimal effort and aren’t about grooming yourself to perfection. Hallelujah!

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Future Therapies : New You Who Dis

Prepare to uncover a whole, new you, as the ultimate in complete body rejuvenation therapy arrives in the very heart of Leeds…

Ever wondered the secret of how Ronaldo gets match fit, or pondered how Kate Moss manages to be so consistently picture perfect when she arrives on a shoot? Despite their careers being poles apart, the answer is both one and the same. Say hello to Cryotherapy.

Future Therapies are bringing the first whole body cryotherapy chamber to Leeds on the 6th November, ushering a new era for the city’s health, beauty and rehabilitation industry. Hot on the heels of the recent Manchester launch, the Cryo Arctic will be one of only two such machines in the North of England, further cementing Leeds fast-growing reputation as a tech pioneer.

The ultimate hero product

The Cryo Arctic Whole-Body Chamber works its magic by exposing the user to extreme cold temperatures of between -120° and -150°C, which reduces the skins surface temperature to around 5°. The treatment is non-invasive and helps to boost well-being and motivation, and can invoke feelings of euphoria immediately after, while a multitude of other benefits begin to kick in.

Collagen production is instantly encouraged, which helps restructure connective tissue, leaving the skin refreshed, appearing clearer and more plumped. The chamber also aids sports recovery, allowing the user to feel revitalised and ready to compete again with all cylinders firing. Any muscle or tissue inflammation within the body is reduced, allowing injuries to heal faster and more efficiently.

The Cryo Arctic also assists weight-loss by speeding up metabolism, with a three-minute session burning anywhere between 600-800 calories, which is the equivalent of running five miles. But, there’s more to cryotherapy than beautification and sports rehabilitation, as the treatment can reduce chronic pain and fatigue, in turn assisting numerous medical conditions, including arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.

A Cryo Penguin machine will also be available, providing localised cryotherapy that can help treat skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and acne, as well as a diverse range of treatments including body sculpting and cryo facials and facelifts.

The clinic will also be home to a brilliant LED face mask, with three settings to help combat anti-ageing and acne, as well as deeper wound healing.

Astonishing results

Future Therapies will reside at 9 Central Arcade, where supervised Arctic Whole Body Cryotherapy Chamber treatments will be available alongside more high-tech, cutting-edge equipment.

EECP (Enhanced External Counter-Pulsation) Cardio Therapy has been clinically proven to provide safe and effective treatment for numerous conditions, including coronary heart disease, dementia, diabetes and Parkinson’s Disease. Widely used in hospital across the world, it works by pumping blood around the body, removing grease and sludge to relieve a variety of symptoms, including heart pain and shortness of breath.

The results can be astonishing when used over a period of time, and courses can be tailored to the individual to complement existing treatments and medication. EECP Sports Therapy allows the user to experience the benefits of an intense workout, while the heart rests, resulting in increased levels of energy and reduced recovery time between workouts.

VIP guests

Future Therapies is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Sara Turner and Debra Lister, who teamed up with Poundworld Founder, Chris Edwards, and ex Poundworld Director Ian Hamilton. Together, they plan to open 44 additional Future Therapies clinics across England over the next few years, creating close to 1,000 jobs.

Having owned XS Hair for 20 years, Sara wanted a new challenge and founded Cryotherapy UK in 2015, to provide localised treatment at a time when the technology was relatively unknown outside medical circles in the UK.

Today, it’s the go-to treatment for many high-profile celebrities and sports stars, who want to look and feel their best at all times. Since the VIP launch of Future Therapies in Manchester back in September, the clinic has seen the likes of boxer Anthony Crolla and Coronation Street’s Cath Tyldesley drop in to experience the whole body cryo chamber.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Sara said ‘’Interest in cryotherapy has increased ten-fold in the last 12 months, and so I can’t wait to bring it to back where it began in my hometown of Leeds. Interest in our Manchester clinic has exceeded expectations, and we’ve had such a variety of clients through the doors, from premier league footballers to city centre workers looking to pamper themselves or recover from injuries.

‘’The scope for different treatments at Future Therapies is huge, there really is something for everyone, whether it’s a monthly beauty treat or regular therapy to treat a serious condition. Leeds has always been an early adopter of all things new, and we’re proud to be a part of that with this innovative, game-changing technology.’’

Follow on social – @futuretherapies

Future Therapies launches in Leeds on Monday 6th November, with bookings available now.

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Is There A Natural Deodorant That You Can Take On Holiday?

Taking our body out of its comfort zone into a sweaty, humid, sandy or dry atmosphere can mean we don’t feel our best on holiday. So a good deodorant is VITAL when travelling somewhere lovely and hot.

While there is a fantastic movement to consider the environmental impact of what we eat, wear and do…until recently, I wasn’t too bothered about changing my deodorant from a bog-standard one to a natural version.

Here is why I changed my mind:

  • Traditional antiperspirant deodorants contain aluminium! It is the main active ingredient that stops sweat. Studies are still being carried out but there is some evidence to suggest that aluminium is linked to breast cancer, and that we shouldn’t be stopping our body from the natural detox process of sweating!
  • Lots of deos, and just beauty products in general, contain parabens. Again, more research is needed but these guys enter our bodies and stay there, potentially causing cancers. They also have been found in the bodies of marine animals who probably ingest them through waste in the ocean L
  • I want to avoid palm oil! Most of us have heard about how bad palm oil is for the environment, causing ‘green deserts’ of palm plantations where native animals and plants can’t survive and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions through the clearing of forests.
  • Lots of regular deodorants are not vegan. That’s because lots of the ingredients have been tested on animals. Buying a deodorant which has no ingredients tested on animals means it is guaranteed to be cruelty-free.

The solution is natural deodorants, those that avoid the products mentioned above and are vegan-certified. However, I have tried a few of these and often they are not good at preventing body odour – a disaster when on holiday somewhere hot.

Luckily the Natural Deodorant Co. has brought out some cute little travel-size deodorants that actually work. They have the perfect sizes for a weekend trip or a two-week journey and will be allowed in hand luggage in case you need to freshen up mid-flight.

I tried out their active range since these are specially designed for high-sweat situations. They come in four flavours and use sodium bicarbonate to destroy bacteria. You will probably find you love some of the smells and aren’t so keen on others. For example, my fave is the mint and eucalyptus for its refreshing scent whilst I am not a massive fan of coriander so find the coriander and lime a little too herb-y.

Having tested these natural active deodorants out in some seriously hot countries and on some long, sweaty runs, I can guarantee that they will keep you smelling fresh – quite amazing considering the pure, natural ingredients involved.

Prices start from £2.50 and stockists include: naturaldeoco.com, glasshouseshop.co.uk & Planet Organic.

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Beauty

Women Worldwide: Felicia Bland on creating positive beauty with Millie’s Best

Speaking with Felicia V. Bland, is like speaking with a ray of sunshine. She is a breath of fresh air and positivity amidst an increasingly cynical world, and she radiates this attitude through her own business as well. Mille’s Best, named after her grandmother and inspired by her own daughter, is an amalgamation of all the positive values that Felicia stands for. Aside from selling sustainable organic hand-crafted products, she has also created a support network of female artisans — each one promoting empowerment, diversity, friendship, and sustainability. Why buy your soap from anywhere else?

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Millie’s Best?

I am a creative person, that loves food, beauty, art, reading, traveling, learning new things & doing crafts. I was born, raised and currently reside— in New Jersey, USA. In 2014, I started experimenting with handcrafted soaps & delicious body butters. I took a variety of professional courses on cold process soap making, hot process soap making, and essential oils in New York City. The Youtube handcrafted soap gurus Soap Queen’s Ann Marie Faiola, was one of my 1st great online teachers. Then I started to make, gift, donate & sell my handcrafted skincare products away to family, friends & to a local school for a fundraiser.

My love for healthy, handcrafted, natural and organic skincare products inspired me to start Millie’s Best. I come from a lineage of naturalist, creatives, hand-crafters, and business women. The company is named after my grandmother, Mildred. She was a beautiful, elegant, spiritual and creative person with gorgeous skin, and her skincare routine was natural and uncomplicated. She was a seamstress that designed, made and sold her own clothes. My daughter, Beauty, is a beautiful & elegant creative soul, that loves skincare, makeup, beauty, fashion and the arts, she currently has her own Mink eyelash business. She keeps me up to date on current beauty trends, social media and she inspires me daily. She was the one who encouraged me to start and continue to grow my company.

Could you run us through how your products are ethically and sustainably made?

Millie’s Best is currently an exclusive skincare online platform that offers a variety of luxurious, natural, vegan, organic, handcrafted artisan beauty products from different artisans in North America. I partner with some wonderful women with great brands. Some of my partners are Jillian of Butter Me Up Organics from California, Melissa of Elegant Rose Boutique from Michigan, Stephanie of Code Skincare from Florida and Tammi of Hanna Herbals from Illinois. They make their products in small batches, with lots of love. Each artisan has their own eco-friendly processes that are both ethical and sustainable. They use natural sustainably sourced, cruelty free ingredients with certified organic ingredients in small batches.

I would like to give a special Shout-out to all the handcrafted artisans throughout the world; your creativity, pride, devotion & commitment to your craft & the handcrafted industry is amazing and inspiring.

Why should we choose handcrafted soap?

You should choose handcrafted soaps because they are luxurious, delicious, & eco-friendly; they are made in small batches by handcrafted artisans. The artisans use high quality ingredients, beautiful natural oils, delicious butters, luxurious milks, fresh botanicals and natural essential oils. Handcrafted soaps are gentle, moisturising and safe. The pH of handcrafted soap is between 8-10, which is safe to use on the skin. Handcrafted soaps are free from harsh chemical detergents, hardeners and synthetic lathering agents. These harsh chemical ingredients can be drying and irritating to your skin and dangerous to the environment.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced as an entrepreneur so far?

My biggest challenge as a new online beauty and skincare entrepreneur has been managing all the social media outlets, marketing and selling online effectively. I am currently learning how to balance learning and applying all of this new tech, website & social media information. It is an exciting and ever-changing time for online entrepreneurship.

What advice do you have for women who would like to become a GirlBoss like yourself?

Sometimes failing is a blessing and sometimes losing is winning but never give up. There are some talented & amazing women, that never act on their dreams & give up on their dreams because of the fear of failure. Some fail and stop pursuing their dreams. Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before the light bulb worked, but to him each failure was a lesson. I have come to learn that failure can teach us a lot of lessons, that enables us to learn & grow.It is a blessing to be able to start all over again,because you still have the beauty of the breath of life; do something even if it’s small. Take a class, get a mentor, start the business, but do something to act on your dream consistently. All true creatives, hand-crafters & entrepreneurs know that the winning is in the growth & perseverance.

www.milliesbest.com

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Beauty

#CocoBeauty: Sparkle This Autumn

We’re taking all our summer feels from #TeamCoco straight into autumn, with a giant sparkle theme. Brighten your beauty wardrobe with a few new additions to make your skin and hair sparkle like the star that you are.

Our favourite hair products are from the Fudge Professional Paintbox collection, every colour is seriously sexy, and we absolutely love Purple People.

Priced at £9.25 each, the 10 creative semi-permanent conditioning colours by Fudge Professional can be purchased from Feel Unique and Look Fantastic online.

The only sparkle we are looking to cover our body with is the Absolute Aromas Relaxation Salt Scrub. This scrub contains a soothing aromatherapy blend to deep cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise the skin, whilst also comforting the mind. It cleanses the skin until it naturally sparkles.

Priced at £15.50, the addition of pure Himalayan salt, known for its detoxifying properties, and moisturising oils such as Sweet Almond oil, Jojoba oil and Evening Primrose oil are ideal to replenish the skin. Available online from Absolute Aromas.

The only makeup brushes we want to use this autumn are from the EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Kit. The kit holds all the essentials in one little storage tray, perfect for early morning beauty regimes.

Priced at £5.99 for the kit, it includes an angled foundation brush, blurring brush, defined crease brush, angled liner, and a full blush brush. Available from 1st November at EcoTools online.

For your lips this autumn we’re into some proper sparkle by Beauty BLVD with their perfect Glitter Lips. With 19 colours to choose from there’s almost certainly a glitter for you!

Priced at £12.50 each, this innovative product will revolutionise lip colour as you know it. Available from BeautyBLVD online.

For some serious added sparkle to your gorgeous face this season you need to try WUNDER2 Cosmetics Glitter Gelly, with it’s effortless application this little treat is sure to add something rather sparkly to your makeup.

Priced at £14.95 each, Glitter Gelly offers five distinctively different shades to choose from including; amethyst, aquamarine, citrine, diamond, and 24 karat. Available online from Wunder2.

The highlighter to beat all highlighters this autumn can only be Fenty Beauty Killawatt Highlighter CLF Edition. It will definitely add a sublime shimmer to your makeup routine this season.

Priced at £26, 100% of every purchase of the highlighter will benefit the Clara Lionel Foundation to help those in need. The foundation was set up by Rihanna in honour of her grandparents, it supports education, health and emergency responses worldwide. Available from Harvey Nichols stores and online from Fenty Beauty.

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