How to Avoid Sunburn & Get a Tan Safely [Health & Beauty]

BEFORE SUN EXPOSURE:

1. Hydrate : this cannot be over emphasized. Drinking lots of water will hydrate your body and your skin - this in turn will help you to get a tan, as hydrated skin reacts to the sun better.

2. Supplements (optional): Supplements help to nourish your skin from within and can help to prepare skin for sun exposure. There are many supplements on the market so do your research first. If you are looking for something natural, why not try a homeopathic supplement such as Himanthia Elongata, a natural algae which contains enzymes that boost the production of melanin. Take, as instructed, for one month before sun exposure, during sun exposure, and for one month afterwards for best results.

3. Tan accelerator (also optional): A tan accelerator works similarly to a supplement - it stimulates the production of melanin and moisturises your skin at the same time, preparing the skin for sun exposure. Elemis tan accelerator has received rave reviews and is available online. It claims to prepare the skin for the sun, moisturise and help to prolong a tan.

                   Elemis website: http://www.elemis.com/bodycare/sunwise.aspx


4. Exfoliate: In order to ensure your tan lasts longer, exfoliate your skin for one month before going on holidays (2 / 3 times per week). Exfoliation will remove the dead skin cells and help to prevent your skin from peeling, thus making your tan last for longer.

5. Eat: studies have shown that eating foods rich in carotenoids, and specifically in beta-carotene (found in some green and orange fruits and vegetables) can have an effect on changing your skin tone. Beta-carotene is a pro-vitamin which is converted into Vitamin A by our bodies and is also a powerful anti-oxidant. It can be found in carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, kale and cabbage. Eating more than the recommended 5 a day however could produce negative effects so remember that moderation is important.

DURING SUN EXPOSURE:

6. Protect: As the Sunscreen Song itself suggests - WEAR SUNSCREEN !! It is absolutely necessary to protect your skin when in the sun, in order to avoid irreparable damage. Start by applying Factor 50, paying careful attention to the face (the skin on your face is thinner and therefore more prone to damage). Do not make the mistake of burning your skin in the pursuit of a colour. Presumably lobster red is not what you had in mind.


7. Moisturise: apply an after sun lotion / moisturiser daily in order to condition your skin and prevent it from becoming dry and flaky (this will only lead to peeling). Continue to exfoliate while on holidays, once per week (scrub gently), and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.


8. Water - swimming can help to tan (or burn) your skin faster as the sun reflects off the water, redirecting the UV rays onto your skin. This means the impact of the sun's rays on your skin is doubled. If you spend a lot of time in the water, pay careful attention to wear a a high factor sunscreen that is waterproof. Try Parasol sun protection, an extreme durability oil which only needs to be applied once per day and is waterproof, as well as acting as an insect repellent.

                                                          

AFTER SUN EXPOSURE:

9. Cold showers: cooler water will not dry your skin out as much as hot water so stick to room temperature or less if possible. After sun exposure, it is crucial to keep skin hydrated in order to keep your tan for longer. Continue to moisturise regularly.

10. Bronzer: enhance your natural glow by using a bronzer (or a light self tan). Highlighter also comes in handy at this point and can give your face extra definition.

11. Wear white! : orange and pink shades can make already tanned skin look darker. White also never fails to emphasize a suntan.

12. Fake it: if all else fails, you can always fake a natural glow, rather than relying on the sun itself. If you have naturally pale skin, don't risk damaging your skin in the pursuit of a tan. Whether you go for a spray tan, a tanning lotion or a tanning mousse, just remember that this will not protect the skin from sun damage. Having a fake tan can sometimes feel like you are already naturally bronzed - don't be fooled! Load up on the factor 50. 

                                           

[Note: This post is designed primarily to help prevent unnecessary skin damage when in the sun. Remember that when you expose your skin to the sun, you are risking damage which can lead to skin cancer.]

Healthy Foods For Glowing Skin [Health & Beauty]

1. AVOCADOS

Avocados are rich in monosaturated fatty acids (healthy fats) and contain biotin and vitamin E - two nutrients which are great for both shiny hair and skin hydration. If you don't like the taste, try making a DIY face mask by mixing the soft part of the avocado with honey or natural yoghurt, apply to skin and leave for 10 minutes before washing.

2. GREEN TEA

Due to its high level of polyphenols, green tea has many health benefits - including helping with weight loss and boosting the immune system. Green tea has also been proven to tone the skin, prevent wrinkles, reduce redness (rosacea), relieve psoriasis and even protect skin from sun damage.

3. TOMATOES: 

Tomatoes contain antioxidants which may help slow down cellular damage from free radicals. They have also been known to add moisture and radiance to skin, as well as fighting acne. Eat them raw for maximum effect or use in a face mask. (Tomatoes contain vitamins A, C and K)

                     

5. SALMON 

Salmon can improve skin elasticity, slowing down the aging process to keep skin young and glowing.

Eat with: brown bread, crackers / cream cheese / basil, blinis with creme fraiche, scrambled egg, pasta salad, or poached eggs with dill sauce.

6. EGGS

Eggs are high in protein and biotin...nutrients which will nourish both your skin and hair. Plus you can cook them in so many different ways, depending on your taste.

Recipe for colcannon cakes with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce (above): http://www.bordbia.ie/consumer/recipes/eggs/pages/colcannoncakeswithpoachedeggs.aspx


7. WALNUTS

One of the world's healthiest nuts, walnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids - known to help hair grow faster and to keep skin young. Toss them in a salad or eat them on their own as a healthy snack.

8. BLUEBERRIES

Another powerful anti oxidant, blueberries are rich in fiber and in vitamins A and C. If you suffer from acne, broken capillaries or splotchy skin, the nutrients in blueberries will help. Eat them on their own or mix with natural yoghurt and muesli for a healthy and delicious breakfast.

9. CUCUMBERS

Often referred to as a superfood, cucumbers are made up of 95% water, as well as being a good source of vitamins B and C. Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, cucumber skin can be used to relieve skin irritations and sunburn. Place two cucumber slices over eyes to reduce puffiness.

Easy appetizer: slice and add cream cheese and a basil leaf for a tasty dinner party snack.

10. WATER

Better than any moisturiser, water will hydrate your skin leaving it refreshed for longer. When your skin is dry, it’s less resilient and elastic, making it prone to wrinkling.

                                              Try fruit infused water as a fun alternative: 
                         http://mehaffeymoments.blogspot.fr/2014/04/fruit-infused-water.html

How To Get Healthy Hair [Beauty]

1. NO HEAT TOOLS: Straightening and curling your hair using heat tools WILL damage your hair over time. Try your best to limit or cut out heat styling to prevent damage and drying out your hair. There are lots of heatless hair tutorials on Youtube.


2. BYE BYE BLEACH: Bleaching your hair will dry you hair considerably and can damage it over time. Plus these effects are difficult to reverse. If you bleach your hair, make sure you condition, treat and try to stay away from styling tools to limit damage.


3. TREAT - don't just use a conditioner, which only works by coating the hair in product - also use a treatment to keep hair healthy. Use weekly and you will notice a gradual restoration of damaged hair.


4. WET HAIR: Hair is most fragile when wet, so when you get out of the shower, carefully comb it with a wide toothed comb starting from the ends and working your way up. BE GENTLE. For an even less damaging effect, use a 100% cotton t-shirt to srunch your hair, rather than drying hair with a towel - this will eliminate frizz.

5. SULPHATE FREE: Use sulphate free shampoo and conditioner. Sulphates add a foaming effect to hair products, making hair easier to lather (also used in washing up liquid) but it is not a necessary ingredient and can be damaging to your hair. There are a lot of sulphate-free alternatives available.


6. COCONUT OIL: Nourish your scalp and the ends of your hair using extra virgin coconut (or olive) oil. Heat a small amount in the microwave, massage into scalp, leave in shower cap for an hour and wash out thoroughly (shampoo twice so hair is not oily). This process is known to condition hair and to speed up the process of hair growth if done regularly (once-twice per week).

7. NOURISH: Take hair and nail supplements to feed hair with the right nutrients (available in pharmacies/health food shops). Look for biotin, vitamin B, omega 3 - or a combination. These will help rebuild the protein which your hair is made of. Also try to include healthy fats and protein in your diet for optimum effect.

8. HOMEMADE HAIR MASKS: If you are on a budget, try a homemade hair mask to keep your hair in good condition. Ingredients can be found lying in your kitchen cupboard.


 9. HOT HOT HOT: In the same way that hot styling tools damage hair, any extreme temperatures will dry out and weaken hair. In the shower, try not to use water that is too hot, or alternatively blast hair with cold water at the end of your shower (30 seconds) to give it shine. If you blowdry your hair, blast hair with cool air after using a hot temperature setting.


10. TIME: If you follow all these steps, you should eventually have the healthy hair you hope for. Don't expect to see a change straight away. Be patient and you will notice a huge difference over time.

How To Look Good Naked [Health & Beauty]

1. MOOD LIGHTING. It's amazing the things that can be enhanced thanks to the art of carefully arranged lighting. If you are in a romantic setting, go for an orange glow by investing in fairy lights or candles which will make you look smokin' hot. I'm not even joking - this actually will make a difference to how you look.....(naked).

"I was under the impression when Aunt Irlene told me about the first time a boy's gonna take you on a date, it's like, why would they not, like, there should be mood lighting." Shoshanna, Girls

 

2. WORK OUT. Let's not beat around the bush here. If you want to look really good with little to no clothing on, you have to do some sort of physical exercise. Go for a run a few times a week, join a zumba class or do some sit-ups before you go to bed each night. Try not to overthink it, just do something that you enjoy and that gets you sweating.

  
3. EAT WELL. This follows on from exercising. Theoretically speaking, it's not complicated. If you want to look good, you need to feed your body with the right nutrients. Don't make the mistake of going on an extreme diet as this will only be counter productive and you will end up sobbing to yourself as you go through an entire loaf of bread. Mmmmm gluten.

         

4. FAKE A TAN. You don't need a tan to look hot naked, just for the record. However, it is proven that a tan can reduce the appearance of cellulite and make you look slimmer, so this could work in your favour. If you have a tan already, well then lucky you. If you do not, fake one. 

5. LINGERIE. If your plan to look good naked involves you first stripping down to your underwear, do it like the French and invest in the perfect lingerie. If you want to look great on the beach, then spend a little extra on a bikini that you can't wait to wear. Hang it somewhere you can see as motivation. 

6. WAX (and exfoliate). This is optional. However, waxing will last longer than many other forms of hair removal (unless you have the money to splash out on laser). Smooth skin feels great. Exfoliation also does wonders. Make a homemade scrub using sugar and olive oil combined and scrub away rough skin, followed by a moisturiser. Contrary to popular belief, exfoliation WILL make your tan last longer so continue the process on holidays.



7. CONFIDENCE. Willy Wonka was right, confidence IS key. And will take you a long way in a lot of domains. The most important thing about looking good naked is feeling good naked. Every single person in the world has insecurities - do not dwell on them. Stop reading the Daily Mail online and magazines which tell you that "real women" look a certain way. Love yourself more than anyone else and it will pay off. Society is messed up, hold your head high and do your best to ignore the critics.

8. FROLLIC. Who doesn't enjoy a good naked frollic every once in a while? Naked frollicking is a fun activity, even more than skinny dipping.

                                    "You're right Mabel, this is oddly liberating"

 

How To Get Stuff Done [Lifestyle]

A guide for the modern procrastinator:

1. MAKE LISTS. The simple satisfaction you get from crossing something off a to-do list is similar to the satisfaction you get from straightening magazines on your coffee table to form perfect, symmetrical lines.... (JUST ME?)

2. EXERCISE (for 20 mins). Enough to get your mind pumped, but not enough to get your body pooped. If you're finding it difficult to concentrate, this should help you re-focus. Go back to your task with a fresh perspective.

3. MAKE YOUR BED. First thing in the morning. This will leave your bedroom appear way tidier than it actually may be,  as well as cleansing the soul. Now go get stuff done.

(Obviously the effect on your mood is greater depending on how nice your bedroom is to begin with)

4. BLOCK ALL SOCIAL MEDIA. NOW. Try leechblock for safari. You could also remove the apps on your phone (you can always reinstall them at a later point). Relish the brief moment of serenity that follows...

5. DO NOTHING (for 15 mins). Before you begin a task, do absolutely nothing for 15 mins in order to clear your mind and think of what you must get done and how you're going to go about it. After the 15 mins is up, you should feel less distracted and more concentrated on the task at hand.

                     
6. TURN OFF YOUR PHONE (or at least turn it on silent). It will only distract you if you hear it beeping every 5 mins.

 (When you turn back on your phone you will notice that nobody that interesting texted you anyway)

7. USE A PLANNER. As well as looking super cute in your handbag or on your desk, this will keep you on track in getting all your stuff done. Having an organised planner is pretty much the same as having an organised mind. Note down important dates and deadlines. You can customise your own (there are loads of online tutorials and videos on Youtube).

8. REWARD YOURSELF. After getting all that stuff done, it's important that you acknowledge how amazing you are and treat yourself to that large slice of gateau which has been staring at you in the kitchen for some time now. You deserve it.