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Beauty

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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.

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.

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

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.

How do you stop your business from drying up? According to Duck & Dry’s Yulia Rorstrom, you make sure it can be duplicated time and time again. We spoke to the founder and entrepreneur about making her business work all over the captial.

“I am always nervous. It is really hard to predict success.” Duck & Dry founder, Yulia Rorstrom, opens up about finding each and every one of her launches just that little bit nail-biting. You’d think her reaction to new projects would be the opposite with four years’ worth of glistening business decisions under her belt, but her modesty just leads me to admire her more. This is not the first time I have met her, and every time I do I am taken aback by her bundles of knowledge and passion. She is remarkable, really.

Soon after Yulia’s first blow-dry bar opened on the much sought after Kings Road, London, it became clear she was destined for big things. We dubbed her the Queen of the Blow Dry, not for effect (at least not only for that), but because she just is. She knows all there is to know about blow dries and up-dos, plus how to make good money from them, and all of that comes despite a background in a completely unrelated field.

Yulia started her career when she graduated from the London School of Economics. She began as a management consultant (and a very successful one at that), advising commercial banks and insurance companies. It wasn’t until a business trip to Japan, a country that had totally nailed the then-unheard-of concept of the blow dry bar, that she realised there was a gap in the UK beauty market.

“It really inspired me there”, she said. “They have a really high concentration of salons per square meter, and I hadn’t seen anything like that before.” Each of the salons had bags of character and personality, Yulia remembers, whether that was due to the interior design, the stylists’ uniforms or the music they played.

Yulia’s journey continued in the USA, where she noticed that similar bars had a real buzz about them. She continued: “When I went, the girls were really excitable and happy to hang out and chat. It was their weekly spot before going out and that kind of buzz and energy was lacking in London. I decided I wanted to combine the two with a strong distinctive brand and a great experience. I thought, I’m just going to go for it and try it out.”

Having seen the wonderful salons Yulia has created over the past four years, we are lucky she bought the concept to the UK, but she is the first to admit it was a scary career jump over to the world of beauty.

She said: “When you’re setting up a business, especially in an industry that you’re not familiar with, you might spend a lot of time thinking about the big picture – the brand, the experience you want the client to have, interiors and look books. What you don’t spend as much time on is the day to day operational grind.”

She continued: “That’s tough at first because you’re not prepared for what it’s going to bring you. Everything from suppliers and staff to clients and landlords. All of that stuff is not particularly sexy or glamorous, but it’s what makes up the business and takes up 90% of your time”.

It was that operational grind, and creating a business model which was actually going to work (whilst holding down a full time job, may we add) which took the entrepreneur by surprise. The business model Yulia created is about expanding the brand and making it work time and time again. She said: “My business model needs a lot of people coming through the doors: visitors, tourists and businesses. We need to capture both regulars and one-offs.”

With stores in Chelsea, Soho, Spitalfields and Oxford Circus, Duck & Dry is now spreading like wildfire; it is interesting to note how Yulia and her team have ensured these people are constantly going out of their way to visit.

Perhaps it has a lot to do with her love for, and knowledge of, the capital which has informed many of her business decisions along the way. “I’ve lived in London for 15 years and I have a very good feel for the city. The places I pick are very iconic. Carnaby, for example – the ‘Welcome to Carnaby’ sign. I saw it when I was at school and now I have a shop there!”

Yulia and her team adapt their concept to suit the demographic of each one of these iconic areas, and to suit the character of the commercial units they fall in love with. The Chelsea store has a town house feel, and Carnaby Street branch is part of a concept lead store in collaboration with Sweaty Betty and Farm Girl Cafe. The Oxford Circus store plays on the fact that you’re surrounded by Fitzrovia and the West End (there are many galleries in the area, so it has a fitting New York loft feel), and the Spitalfields store has a bit more edge thanks to its central market location.

This Spitalfields store is Yulia’s latest venture: a gem hidden within the famous market which opened its’ doors in September. The original brick work has all been retained, but brand colours have been used alongside lots of wood and lots of marble. It has been a huge success so far, but since each pocket of London is very diverse, it was very difficult to predict whether it would be. “I’m not a pessimist but I’m pragmatic”, Yulia explains. “I set expectations lower and I don’t just assume people will find out about my new ventures. I do lots of social and campaigns to give everything a push.”

She continued: “We do a bit of everything, from cocktail nights to gallery takeovers.” To date, Yulia has enjoyed collaborations with the likes of Adidas, Barbie, Boden and Batiste (to name a few), and it is one of her dreams that the list will never stop growing.

The recipe seems to be working a treat: choose your locations wisely, don’t just expect your ventures to work and push them on social ’til you’re blue in the face. Do you have a favourite store, we asked? “Chelsea was my first, so I have a certain attachment to it. But it’s not my favourite. That’s like choosing a favourite child!” Spoken like a true businesswoman.

Head to the new Duck & Dry Spitalfields store now, or stop by Duck & Dry Oxford Circus on 16th October for a free Elan Cafe hot chocolate with every blow dry.

Our teeth are the first thing that someone sees when they are talking to us, and if our smile is wide and our teeth are white and bright then they light up our entire face.

The look for 2018 is to have a perfect ‘celebrity’ smile and we at #TeamCoco HQ are wholeheartedly into looking after our teeth, we follow some hard and fast dentistry rules to get that all-important bright smile.

We spoke to dentist to the stars Dr Richard Marques about how to look after our teeth correctly, what we should be using to achieve perfect white teeth, any trends we should be in to, and also who his famous clients are.

How long have you been a dentist to the stars?
It’s been around five years now, and with each year, more talent seem to be stepping through my door, which is fantastic.

Where is your surgery/clinic based?
It’s on Wimpole Street in the Harley Street District of Central London.

What is your most requested treatment?
At the moment, a lot of my customers are chasing the ‘Meghan Markle’ Hollywood smile. We offer the Enlighten Teeth Whitening Treatment that can whiten up to 16 shades both easily and safely so that’s a really popular one. After the initial appointment, whitening can be done at home so it’s super convenient.

What is your number one tip for cleaning teeth correctly at home?
I always recommend people to use an electric toothbrush. Ultimately, they make brushing easier meaning you can worry less about technique. They help you to maintain consistent pressure so you’re not brushing too harshly and many have timers so you know when you’ve brushed for the optimum amount of time!

Is there anything we shouldn’t be doing when we brush our teeth?
Never brush too aggressively as it can be really harmful to gums and actually start to damage the precious enamel coating of the teeth.

Can you suggest any foods to stay away from that stain the teeth?
Any highly pigmented food can stain the teeth. The biggest culprits are blueberries, beetroot, tomatoes and dark sauces such as balsamic vinegar and soy sauce. Dark drinks like tea, coffee and red wine can also stain, so always follow with a good swish of water!

What product(s) would you recommend to get perfect white teeth?
Depending on the level of results you’re looking to achieve, it’s always best to consult with your dentist and look at a professional whitening program. But day to day, a consistent oral health routine is genuinely your best bet at maintaining a naturally white smile!

What product(s) do you use personally use from your own range?
I regularly take my Co-Enzyme Q10 supplements to help maintain the strength and health of the gums, and I always use the 100% Natural Whitening Peppermint Charcoal Paste to polish my teeth before a night out or TV appearance etc.

How long should a professional whitening last?
This depends on how well you look after your teeth and the condition they’re in when the whitening is done. It also depends on the type of treatment you have – it could last 12 months or it could last a few years – everyone is different.

Are you developing any new products that we can expect to see in the future?
This year we launched the Peppermint and Strawberry Charcoal Toothpastes in the By Richard Marques range so that’s been a big focus, but we’re always looking at new product ideas and developing the range to fit consumer demand, so watch this space!

Dr Richard Marques products include Natural Whitening Peppermint Toothpaste (£24), Natural Whitening Peppermint Charcoal Toothpaste (£29), Natural Whitening Strawberry Toothpaste (£24), Super Strong Natural Whitening Mouthwash (£24), Co-Enzyme Q10 Supplements (£34) plus a number of bundles/collections from the above including toothpaste bundles (£44 – £58) and more. All available online from Dr Richard.

Well-known names that are clients of Dr Richard include Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw, Olivier Proudlock, Binky Felstead, Pete Wicks, Louisa Johnson, Jamie Redknapp, Russel Tovey, Tom Daley, Sinitta, Rosie Fortescue, Eyal Booker, Alex Bowen, and Olivia Buckland.

Acrylic nails can be enchanting and wonderful. They suffer and persevere through the hardships of the day. False nails are what you need them to be, in any case, and can be somewhat hard to expel. When it comes time to evacuate your acrylic nails, it is imperative to do it appropriately so you secure your normal nails and fingernail skin. The paste used to hold the acrylics is solid. While it might be conceivable to slacken or tangle the nail, it can cause issues for your common nail surface. Here we have the best tips, tricks and solutions as how you can get beautiful and attractive nails at https://www.bestadvisor.com/how-to/how-to-take-off-acrylic-nails.

Incorrectly removing acrylics

It can harm the normal nail, leaving it little or scratched. It can likewise harm the fingernail skin, also, tearing your nails can be somewhat difficult. To expel your acrylic nails, you have to delicately disintegrate the paste that holds them set up. It’s in reality quite basic. Begin utilizing little scissors or nail scissors to trim the nail as quickly as time permits. Keep a spotless towel or plastic sack on the outside of a table to avoid surface harm or harm to the surface.

Acetone nail polish remover

Fill a small glass bowl with acetone nail polish remover. Before dipping your hands enough to cover your nails, use a little petroleum jelly to cover and protect the cuticles and finger pointers. Immerse your fingers in nail polish removal and allow sitting for about fifteen minutes, until the glue on the nails has completely dissolved.

Wash your nails altogether to expel all nail clean remover marks. Your common nails will probably be dull and bright, so you douse some olive oil completely to help them rehydrate and give them a slight sparkle. Give your nails a chance to sit for 20 minutes in a cup of olive oil so the two nails and fingernail skin are fit as a fiddle. Line this up with a decent hand lotion connected to the hands nails and remember the fingernail skin.

Broken due to weakness

On the off chance that your nails don’t develop well or are regularly broken because of shortcoming, it is a smart thought to utilize acrylic nails to improve the appearance. Be that as it may, since it is counterfeit, you ought to in the long run evacuate it. Pick an agreeable table to sit on to evacuate acrylic nails. Spread the outside of the table with layers of waste sacks or papers so the table does not harm the surface.

Use nail clipper

Use a nail clipper to cut the acrylic nails to their minimum size so you can remove them without any discomfort. Select the nail polish remover with acetone content and fill it with a bowl solution. Apply a petroleum jelly coating around the nails and gently soak your nails in this removable solution so that the glue slowly dissolves. Since you apply jelly, your skin will not dry out.

Note that petroleum jelly should not be applied to acrylic nails. The reason for this is that it will act as a waxy surface and will prevent the removal of these areas and will not cause the glue to loosen. You need to soak your nails in solution for about 15 to 20 minutes.

A revolution is brewing, and it’s shaking up the menstrual-hygiene market in one super-absorbent splash.

We know what you’re thinking, period pants sound a little…icky, but in a modern world of work hard, play hard – where bleeding women everywhere have stuff to get done, hassle free periods are more desirable than ever. Joining the menstrual cup as an alternative to traditional (and wildly uncomfortable) sanitary products, leak-lacking underwear is the new kid on the period block and they’re eco-friendly, too. Research suggests that the average female spends 12-16k menstrual products in her lifetime. As a non-degradable single use item, women are personally and unknowingly contributing the equivalent of 67k plastic bags to our oceans and landfill sites and paying over £18k for the pleasure. Depressing, isn’t it?

And that’s where ModiBodi comes in. Made with three layers of super slim fabric technology made from bamboo and Merion wool, the ModiBodi range spans from swimwear to sensual and are available for all absorbency levels, so you can pick and choose the undies which are right for your lifestyle and your flow (especially useful for those heavier days). Designed to hold up to 20ml of liquid there’s really no need for scratchy sanitary pads or tampons as additional protection, these babies have got you fully covered. The top layer fights bacteria, the middle layer absorbs and locks away fluid and the extra waterproof bottom layer keeps you super secure and leak free, always. You heard right, not one crimson betrayal.

For the eco-conscious among us, period underwear is fast becoming the more considered choice. With a production process involving oil extraction and polyethylene, it’s estimated that each pad takes over 500 years to biodegrade, causing unimaginable landfill waste, pipe blockages and ocean sewage (research found that nearly half of British women flush their sanitary items down the toilet).

This washable alternative makes for the comfiest nights and days whatever your flow, without the trickiness of menstrual cups. And with an average shelf life of two years, the initial investment (£15.15-£25 a pair) speaks for itself in the long run. The ease of sailing through the day without a panicked waddle to the bathroom is a special kind of freedom and the level of absorption is a little bit like magic. No uncomfortable shifting and readjusting necessary, just a secure, taboo-breaking approach to periods and the freedom to travel on long-haul flights and cramped, cross-country buses completely freak-out free. Not all of us manage the luxury of a period-free holiday, and those travelling for months on end will know the woes of backpacking and beach hopping along sun-soaked coastlines, where dozing in the sand poses a special kind of risk. ModiBod’s hi-tech swim technology is a suitcase must-have for lighter period days or extra back up. Water-resistant and super-fast drying, their sleek swimwear range helps to ensure endless beach bum moments whatever the time of the month.

If you’re sick of staining your best underwear, striving to take an environmentally friendly approach and quite frankly, would like a more comfortable female existence, these sassy wide-fronts will change your period game for good.

It’s often said that a city is defined by its neighbourhoods, each one brimming with the culture and character of those that inhabit it. The Distillery District in the heart of Toronto is a neighbourhood well worth a visit, jam-packed with creativity and style.

The site, former home to Gooderham & Worts distillery, has been transformed into an inspired blend of Victorian Industrial architecture and stunning 21st century design and creativity. The result is an internationally acclaimed, pedestrianised village of one-of-a-kind stores, shops, galleries, restaurants, studios and cafes.

Check out Team Coco’s best places to visit in The Distillery District:

Soma
Calling all chocolate lovers, for a truly rich chocolate experience you need to visit Soma. This factory store has expert chocolatiers on hand to point you in the direction of some the finest chocolate treats. Make sure you try their Spiced Mayan drinking chocolate, its got a real kick!

The Ordinary
This cult beauty brand is anything but ordinary. The Ordinary’s products are described as “Clinical formulations with integrity” by the company itself. The brand is completely vegan and 100% cruelty free which is why their budget skin and make up collection is one of the hottest ranges on the market. Products often sell out within hours of hitting the shelves because they work and don’t break the bank. Invest in one of their $7 foundations and $5 Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum.

El Catrin
This Mexican restaurant has a lively and fun vibe. El Catrin offers authentic, traditional and modern Mexican dishes all created by Olivier LeCalvez, one of Mexico City’s top chefs. It took three Mexican artists almost 100 days to create the dramatic floor to ceiling murals that fill the walls. The cocktails here are off the hook and a fully stocked tequila and mescal bar occupies the length of the restaurant. It’s well worth the visit.

The Spirit of York
This craft distillery specialises in producing a gin, a vodka, a whisky and an aquavit. Visitors can settle into the cosy round bar in the centre of the room and sample the products. All of the spirits are made from 100% rye grain and expert distillers are on hand to talk you through the process and flavours. The most impressive part of the Spirit of York’s cellar door is the huge glass wall at the back where you can view the working distillery. Settle at the bar with a drink and watch the spirits being made.

Arta Gallery
Arta Gallery offers an impressive collection of contemporary work by both Canadian and international artists. Under the leadership of Director, Fay Athari the vision is to bring art to our daily lives and make talented artists accessible to the Toronto community. Art consultants are on hand to help you find the latest emerging artists and recommend some of the finest artistic works to accommodate your taste and style. The gallery also boasts an art bank where you can rent an outstanding collection of art works for your home or office.

Team Coco travelled to Toronto courtesy of Tourism Toronto www.seetorontonow.com

Now that winter is in full swing, we’ve got our eyes on sunnier destinations. If you’re looking at the good old holiday counter and browsing for your own place in the sun, then definitely check out the new Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso.

With stunning views of the sparkling Gulf of Aegina, and with one of the biggest spas in Europe, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso is the perfect getaway to relax and rejuvenate in the heart of the Athenian Riviera.

In ancient Greek the word ‘thalasso’ means ‘sea’ and the word ‘therapia’ means treatment — and so Thalassotherapy uses the healing powers of the sea to create a series of wellness treatments that are not only utterly refreshing, but also use mineral-rich ocean ingredients to really give you that all natural Mediterranean glow. Sounds lush? Well, the Divani Apollon Palace & Thalasso resort has the biggest Thalassotherapy centre in Greece (the only one in Athens might I add) if you’re in the mood for some much needed pampering, definitely an lose yourself to the healing powers of the sea.

Outside the spa, the hotel also offers holistic wellbeing packages that include consultations, private training sessions, and fitness regiments. Perfect if you’re feeling inspired to add some much needed self-care into 2019.