Fenty Skin – Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30

£ 34.50

Fenty Skin – Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Spf 30

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Rihanna’s Fenty Skin has been all over our feeds ever since its launch, but after testing their products, why wouldn’t it be? This moisturiser is invisible across all skin tones, counteracting dehydration and discolouration whilst offering all day universal SPF 30 protection. Clean, vegan, and gluten-free, Fenty offers refillable packaging and proves suitable for all skin types – without clogging your pores. This product is perfect for under your makeup, absorbing instantly without piling up or promoting greasiness. Apply every day for desirable results – just insert the refill into the outer holster, making sure the pump is lined up with the cutout, then push the refill down until you hear a click. Distribute accordingly and you’re good to go!

Hello Sunday – The One For Your Lips

£ 5.00

Hello Sunday – The One For Your Lips Fragrance Free Clear Lip Balm SPF 50

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Hello Sunday is committed to creating products that are mindful of our planet, avoiding chemicals known to cause harm to sea life. Boasting products that are both vegan and cruelty free, Hello Sundays’ creations are super-lightweight and particularly protective. Infused with SPF 50, this lip balm will keep your lips plush all day long, packed with squalane and shea butter to ensure a soft finish you can’t help but adore. You can apply the balm onto your lips as needed  throughout the day – ideally 30 minutes before going outside. 

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen

£ 31.00

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen

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Glow Recipe’s fruit infused Niacinamide Sunscreen is the perfect addition to your summer toiletries bag, designed to chemically boost your skin’s radiance whilst simultaneously protecting your skin via SPF 50. Filled with hyaluronic acid and aloe, this sunscreen is ultra-lightweight and moisturising, eliminating fine lines and wrinkles without leaving a white cast. Shake well before applying, then work in sections as you distribute the product generously yet evenly across your skin. Whilst you’ll have to wait 15 minutes following application before basking in the sun, you can re-apply this product over your makeup throughout the day – just apply little dots and pat them in gently with your fingertips or a sponge!

Nars Cosmetics – Smooth & Protect Primer SPF50

£ 30.00

Nars Cosmetics – Smooth & Protect Primer SPF50

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Everyone loves a little primer to blur their imperfections, pores and fine lines prior to applying their everyday makeup. Cleverly, NARS’ creation of a broad-spectrum sunscreen that doubles up as a primer is both oil-free and weightless. Like Hello Sunday, this product utilises powerful antioxidants to deflect pollution and environmental aggressors, whilst its’ Invisible Defence Technology ensures protection against damaging rays. Apply this product beneath your makeup, or simply, wear it alone for a radiant glow. 

BareMinerals – Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF30

£ 30.50

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF30

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If you’re looking for a dewy skin tint that is both fresh and buildable, Bare Minerals’ Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturiser is ideal. Offering effortlessly natural coverage and mineral-based protection, this gel-like formula will hydrate your skin for up to twelve hours, improving your skin’s texture, reducing breakouts and most importantly, revitalising skin that has been damaged by UV rays. We recommend pairing this product with Bare Minerals’ Smoothing Face Brush, blending a pearl-sized amount evenly across your face. If you prefer to use your fingertips, dot the product onto your cheeks, forehead, chin and nose, then blend outward.

Words By Gracie Eastwood

^{Header Image: Glow Recipe}

The post SPF Infused Products to Keep Your Skin Healthy This Summer appeared first on Voir Fashion.

At the age of 37, Catudal has had a successful career within the health and fitness industry as a personal trainer, nutrition coach, celebrity health coach, and most recently becoming a certified functional diagnostic nutritionist. As the co-founder of Humantra, with Huda Beauty Investments, Catudal has used his own personal battles to educate himself on health and wellbeing, to carefully create a variety of supplement products, in a bid to help people take ownership of their health. Dave in his words, is on a ‘mission to help create the next generation of healthy humans.’

In this digital age, the health industry has become more overwhelming than ever before, as we are overloaded with contradictory information about what is good for us and what isn’t. It can be difficult to make those decisions on how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle, and which supplements and vitamins can help. Humantra’s aim is to help simplify these complexities and offer a way to help people create a solid foundation with supplements addressing these 4 key pillars of health: hydration, gut health, brain health and sleep.

Humantra’s first product – ‘Hydration Hack’ is a plant-based, sugar free electrolyte and antioxidant drink mix with all 6 essential electrolytes, hydrating you 4 times more effectively than water alone. Award-winning performance coach and health consultant Phil Anothony M took to Instagram to review the product as, ‘a new hydration drink that’s backed by science and driven by data.’ Let’s find out more…

How did your Humantra Journey Begin?

That’s a big question but I love it. And really, that’s the point or the mission behind Humantra. It is like an extension of my journey, which came from a pretty hard place, health wise. But it’s been able to help inspire my creation in healthy living in holistic education.

My family was hit pretty hard with cancer; my brother had Leukemia when he was very young and got over it at age nine. He’s a superstar celebrity trainer and now, he’s published a bunch of health books, which is a great success story. But after he was cured, my father, who was literally the healthiest man in the world, never drank, never smoked, took his lunch hours to work out and run; he was diagnosed with terminal cancer when he was only 45, and died in less than a year. It was really crazy times, because he was so healthy, it was just such a shock. I was 17 when he died.

I then got obsessed with nutrition, like, I became absolutely obsessed with health and natural healing and starting to incorporate the power of the mind. I really understood that our emotions were what drives our wellness. Long story short, I got cancer when I was 23. But thankfully, because I had already studied so much about nutrition and the power of healing, I knew that I could heal myself. I had a surgery and then was able to heal from cancer without chemo and radiation, which is a huge, I guess you can say, accomplishment.

To heal, I had to boost my system and fortify my immune system. I had to learn all about herbal medicine and about upgrading our immune system through nature. It led me to the journey of developing supplements that help people.

And finally to where we are today with Humantra. What I really got to realise is through everything, regardless if you’re an athlete, or if you’re working in an office 15 hours a day, the same barrier to your performance is the same thing: hydration. So if you’re not hydrated, your entire system is suffering.

How have you stayed so motivated throughout your personal journey through to Humantra?

It really comes down to the purpose right? I think when this happens to someone – and I’m definitely not the only one who has been through these dramatic, traumatic or significant occurrences in their life – it really makes your life’s purpose unshakably clear. You just know what to do. So I don’t think motivation was ever an issue, I felt like I was made to teach people how to protect themselves from illness.

My mission is to educate and to empower people to make the decisions that worked for me and my client testimonials. Because of what I’ve learned, because I’ve what I’ve experienced, I feel like it’s my responsibility to pay this forward. And, that’s just the most motivating thing; watching people change their life for the better because of the information you’ve given them based on the experience you’ve had.

What has been your biggest takeaway from all the travelling and exploring of different cultures that has helped create your brand?

What I’ve really learned through all of this, is that our emotions drive everything, that our attitude is what makes us sick, or for lack of a better word, bulletproof. I’ve met people who are 102,103, even 105 years old, that did not necessarily live the healthiest nutrition plan. But their mindset was so great! They they just loved life, they didn’t hold on to negativity, they really celebrated the small things in life.

That’s what gave me perspective as a nutritionist to not be too strict on nutrition, but to really focus more on the mindset. So from all my traveling, cultural and nutritional studies, if I’ve really learned anything, it’s that we have to nurture and nourish our mindset and our attitude, as much as we do our physical body. They’re so interconnected, that if we focus too much on calories, proteins, fats and nutrition, we actually miss the point, and we end up stressing ourselves out more. So what I’ve really learned is that it’s all in the mind.

Regardless if you’re an athlete, or if you’re working in an office 15 hours a day, the same barrier to your performance is the same thing: hydration.”

Dave Catudal

Who need Humantra and why?

Everybody needs a mantra; everybody needs to hydrate. So as a nutritionist, one of the things that I look at is blood reports. I’m constantly looking at lab reports and have found that even people who are drinking three litres of water a day aren’t necessarily healthy. They’re not smoking, they’re not drinking, but they’re still dehydrated.

It’s a shock to a lot of people because they say, “well, what am I doing wrong, I’m drinking three liters a day, I’m eating a balanced diet, and I’m still dehydrated, like what is going on.” And the reason why is because the water these days, if you’re living in a big city, which 90% of the population is, the water is filtered and purified, which means there’s no minerals and electrolytes in the water.

So what we want to teach people is to start with the basics. Let’s build up your foundation, and that foundation starts with hydration. We’ve really simplified the supplement journey so you don’t spend money taking proteins, collagens, and the vitamins that still leave you dehydrated.

We are coming out with only one product first. And that’s why everybody needs it. It’s really tackling the biggest issue that people have. If you have a headache, it’s probably dehydration. If you have brain fog, it’s probably dehydration. You know, if you’re feeling lethargic during the day, it’s probably dehydration. So by tackling that you alleviate a lot of issues that people are suffering from.

Following on, the dying question that everyone wants answer to: what’s the correct amount of water you should drink a day?

That’s the million dollar question. If you were drinking water from a spring, from the Alps, in Italy, or in Switzerland, or Germany, or France, or wherever, you would only need to drink about a litre and a half of water a day if you’re just having a normal activity.

But if you’re pushing your limits in the gym, if you’re sweating for an hour in the gym, you’re losing almost a litre of water, you’re losing almost a litre of water overnight from all your metabolic processes. That’s two litres already. And if you’re not replenishing it through high water foods, like fruits and vegetables – a lot of people are just eating processed foods – which there’s no water, then you need to drink at least three litres.

So my short answer is you really should focus on three litres of water a day. But then the next question is, if that three litres of water is purified and lacking electrolytes? You’re still going to be deficient. So that’s where Hydration Hack comes in three litres, plus our product is more than enough.

Tells us more about this Hydration Hack product – does it really hydrate you 4 times more?

It’s hard to quantify hydration, but why we arrived four times, is because you take the average bottle of water and look at the average mineral content in that bottled water, you would need four bottles of standard water to give you the same amount of minerals and electrolytes as one package of Hydration Hack.

If we were to give someone one litre of pure water, versus 500 millilitres of water with our Hydration Hack, we hydrate them two-four times more efficiently than water alone.

Why is Humantra different to any other supplement brand?

What my mission is with Humantra, and what I believe really is our USP, is that we’re a supplement brand, with the foundation of us being health educators. That’s what Humantra is here to do; we’re here to educate, we’re here to guide. We do sell supplements, of course, but they are in alignment with the education that we’re providing. We don’t feed customers what’s currently marketing and selling in the health sector like some brands might.

From Humantra’s point of view, we’re really looking at it from a different perspective. We’re saying, what do humans need right now? What is going to make them healthier? And so that’s what drives us. I like to think of us as we’re education first and product second.

What benefits should we be seeing after taking Humantra’s Hydration Hack?

The exciting part about the Hydration Hack is that you feel better right away. And again, in full transparency, we almost can’t take credit for that as a product because that’s just how it feels to be hydrated. Not many people know what it feels like to be optimally hydrated and our product finally allows people to feel that so the benefits start right away. We want to make hydration easy and it so happens to be that Hydration Hack is also delicious.

A lot of people are writing to us and saying “I can’t believe it but since starting the hydration hack, my headache is completely gone.” Or, “Since starting the hydration hack, I’m able to focus a lot better.” Of course it is the hydration hack, but what they’re really experiencing is just being properly hydrated. And so that’s the aha moment that we really wanted people to experience.

We’re helping them solve their problem with a great product, and now they’re able to incorporate optimal hydration as part of the things that they’re focusing on to be a healthier person.

What flavours does Hydration Hack currently come in?

Our first two flavours are Himalayan Lime because we have Himalayan salt in it. That’s one of the key ingredients to electrolytes and sodium. The next flavour that we have is Berry Pomegranate; it’s a beautiful red as we actually use freeze dried beet root powder to colour our Berry Pomegranate and it’s just high in antioxidants. It tastes so good, it’s refreshing it doesn’t have any aftertaste, like a lot of these other supplements have because they use artificial sweeteners.

What is one message you would like to send to our readers?

Take responsibility for your health! We are a society that likes to look for shortcuts or outsource our health. Nobody knows your body better than you. Be a more educated consumer, do your research, don’t just see an influencer doing something and say “Oh, that must work for me.” Try to find out the reason behind it.

Words by Lucy Rosenberg

_{Header Image: Humantra Hydration Hack}

The post An interview with Dave Catudal: Humantra Has Your Ultimate Hydration Hack appeared first on Voir Fashion.

We are all well aware of the dangers of social media, and what it can present as a constant reminder of comparison. Often it has led many of us to feel unsatisfied with our lives, how we look, how we feel, what we’ve achieved; the list goes on.

If you were to honestly ask yourself ‘Do the people I follow online make me feel good about myself or push me to be the ultimate version of you?’, most would agree no. That is part of their job description; they are there are marketing experts to encourage you to buy items to live their perfect lives.

I’ve done it, my friends have, and I’m sure you have to. However, you grow to realise no matter how much you buy or do to feel like these people online; you never get the satisfaction you were looking for long-term.

I’ve watched the reality program Made in Chelsea on and off since it started, finding entertainment in their lives, following some of the cast on Instagram to see where they got their clothes from. There where it began for me at least following Mimi Bouchard.

While she had a relatively short stint on the program, I continued to follow her on my feed simply because I liked her style.

Mimi Bouchard, Mimi Method

However, as time passed, I noticed a definite change she began a journey of self-discovery. It’s noticeable to see that Mimi isn’t your average influencer shouting ‘look at me’ on Instagram but instead radiates the bliss of what you can achieve when you truly accept yourself. Now if you were to go onto her feed, you would find someone who is actively using their online space for good.

Mimi Method, Bouchard’s wellness platform she created earlier this year amid lockdown, is a space for your self-discovery teaching you how to become the best version of you, and ultimately to find that self-satisfaction many of us have been trying to achieve for so long.

We spoke to Mimi on how she started this journey, how she began her fast-growing platform, and finally, how during yet another lockdown we can genuinely use this time to transform ourselves into a content being.

You’ve been on a long journey from being on reality tv to where you are today, what would you say has been the driving moment or factor towards your amazing transformation? “The driving factor that led towards my transformation was realising that I am 100% responsible for my life. We all are. I wasn’t acting in alignment with my truest self, and I reached a point where I realised that there was more in this world for me. The reality show was a blessing in disguise, as I was so naive when I first started. It taught me to grow up and to be wary of who I trusted. The more I leaned into doing the things that made me feel good, the more I transformed into who I am today. I truly believe that understanding there’s a better life for you out there, practicing discipline, and creating healthy habits that keep you on track is the key to success. Meditation, reading, movement and eating quality foods are a few things that helped me transform from the inside, out.”

Could you explain Mimi Method to our readers? How would you say it differs from other health and wellbeing programs and sites? “Mimi Method is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on the following three pillars – Move, Nourish and Transform. Mimi Method bridges the gap between weight loss,

mindset, fitness, manifestation and nutrition. My guided meditations, healthy recipes and at- home Pilates workouts are all in video form. The program is all-encompassing because I’ve realised that people experience the greatest changes when their body and mind are in alignment with one another. Unlike other programs out there that focus on one area, Mimi Method ties the three most important aspects of transforming your life under one roof.”

What made you want to create Mimi Method as a platform? “For the past six years, I’ve been on my development journey where I’ve completely transformed my mind, body and diet. It was a process that took a lot of trial and error, and I wanted to create a platform where I could share all of my knowledge with my followers in one cohesive place. I also love the community that the Mimi Method platform has fostered, with girls all over the world sharing similar values and supporting one another on their personal growth journeys. Seeing these girls that subscribe to Mimi Method transform right before my eyes is truly the most rewarding part of it all – I love going through my DMs! There’s always a new heartwarming story to read. “

Mimi Bouchard, Mimi Method

For readers who aren’t familiar with mediation and its purpose, could you explain a little about why you started, what it brings to your life, and how you think it could help others? “The purpose of (my kind of) mediation is to train your mind to start thinking differently. Honestly, it’s more like hypnotherapy, but I don’t use that word much because it can scare some people off. I use mental rehearsal in a lot of my guided meditations as this is one of the best ways you can reprogram your mind to start choosing differently in your day-to-day life. We are all conditioned with beliefs, and most of us don’t realise that we have the power to change them. Meditation is so powerful and has completely transformed my life. I started meditating because I used to find myself falling victim to my emotions and letting them control me. Meditation is a tool that allows me to regain control over my mind and be less reactive. It’s also taught me how to breathe and refocus during moments of stress and anxiety. A lot of my meditations on Mimi Method are focused on the law of attraction to manifest your goals. I believe that everyone can find value in meditation, especially during these uncertain times, where so many things feel out of our control. I have truly created my dream life, dream body, dream relationship, dream career through doing inner work like this. “

What are your tips for people wanting to create their businesses from scratch? How did you find your niche and hone down on what you wanted to make? “I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. I dropped out of college during my freshman year because I knew I was destined to do something different and forge my path. I hated rules. I wanted to be my own boss. One of my biggest tips for people wanting to create their own business is to take the risk and JUST START. Once you launch your business, you can always pivot and grow based on the feedback you receive. I found my niche in the health and wellness / personal development space because this was an area that I was truly so passionate about – I was always eager to learn about it and naturally wanted to share what I discovered. I knew I wanted to create the Mimi Method platform because I wanted to help other women tap into their innate power, transform their minds and bodies, and finally start living the lives of their dreams. I did it… so I knew I could teach it. I love helping people, and seeing my work change lives.”

A lot of our readers will understandably be struggling with being out of work, among many other things, during this crazy pandemic. How have you personally dealt with the Coronavirus pandemic, and what do you recommend to people who are feeling overwhelmed with it all?

“I’ve dealt with the pandemic by sticking to what I know makes me thrive: my healthy routines. My morning routine really helps me start my day off on the right foot, as well as feel a sense of normalcy and control. Meditating and moving daily helps my mindset too. It is easier said than done, and there are certainly days when I feel overwhelmed and anxious. On these days, I try to carve out some time for myself to get back to ME, the person I want to be. On these days, I try to practice discipline with a side of self-care, whether it be reading a good book while walking on the treadmill, meditating and doing some Pilates, or cleaning the house. I always feel like cleaning and organising helps my brain. My recommendation to anyone out there feeling overwhelmed: meditate. Trust me; you can control your mind more than you could ever imagine. You can completely reinvent yourself by the end of 2020 by doing the inner work. I almost feel guilty for saying it, but 2020 has been one of the best years of my life. I have had the time to delve into personal development, even more, I finally had the time to start my new business, and my relationships have a new depth to them. You can decide what you make of this year. “

At this time of year, a lot of people are getting colds and illnesses, let alone perhaps having Coronavirus. What are some tips you would give for when you’re feeling physically not well enough to move or meditate? How do you keep yourself from feeling guilty? “Great question! It’s so important to listen to your body and honor what you’re feeling. I try my best to act intuitively and listen to what my body is telling me it needs. If I’m feeling tired or under the weather, I’ll take it easy and maybe do some relaxing stretches. If even that feels like too much, I’ll nourish my body with healthy foods, hydrate with lots of water and be sure to get plenty of rest. I try my best to remind myself that no one is perfect 100% of the time, and there is no reason to feel guilty over this. One key area I focus on is my bounce back rate, meaning if I fall off the wagon or feel “off” for a day that’s okay, but what matters is how quickly I can get back on track. Remember, everyone is human!”

Mimi Bouchard, Mimi Method

You’re very open and honest about your continual journey to be kind to yourself and continuing to transform, despite having moments where you return to old thinking and feeling insecure. Could you explain to us your old mindset versus your mentality now? “In my old mindset, I was overly self-critical and was always so hard on myself. I used to approach exercise and health from a place of hating my body and wanting to change it desperately. Once I altered my thought patterns and approached health and wellness from a place of love and self-respect, everything clicked for me. I was finally treating my body well because I was so grateful for it! This healthy mindset not only made the journey so much more enjoyable, but I was also finally seeing the physical results I had always wanted. Working on my mentality has truly changed my body. It sounds crazy, but I no longer hold the emotional weight that I used to. Meditating on changing old unhealthy habits like overeating helped me too when it comes to weight loss. There are certainly moments where I find myself falling back into old thought patterns, but I am now able to catch myself and redirect my thoughts before falling too deep down that rabbit hole. I truly feel like this “new me” mentality is the real me. I just had to unlearn what I was conditioned to be my entire life. “

As someone who personally struggles with body dysmorphia, and at a time when exercise is made even harder, how do you tackle negative thoughts towards body image? “Oh girl, I feel so much love and compassion for you! I know how it feels. I’ve made so many strides in regard to my body image and learning how to love myself, but I still have moments where I’m affected by body dysmorphia too. One thing I do is practice gratitude towards my body because even on my “off” days, I can recognise that I’m so lucky to have a body that is healthy and able. Learning to extend more love and gratitude towards my body has helped me heal past disordered relationships with food and body dysmorphia. I’m also a huge advocate for intuitive eating. When I’m eating intuitively, I feel more connected to my body and feel as if I can trust my body. Lastly, doing the work that I know makes me feel unstoppable. Meditating daily, moving daily, and simply being who I want to be, even if I don’t feel “there” yet.

Your podcast The MIMIBEE Podcast is a somewhat supplement to Mimi Method, what’s your favourite podcast, and who do you hope to interview on it in the future? “This is such a tough question – I loved so many of the 210+ episodes of The MIMIBEE Podcast! One of the coolest episodes I’ve recorded was with Ed Mylett – episode #153. I find Ed to be so inspiring while remaining incredibly down to earth and open about his journey and experiences. Episode #101 with Kathrin Zenkina was also amazing. In the future, I’d love to interview Dr Joe Dispenza. His teachings are fascinating, and I’m obsessed with all of his work. I live by so many principles I’ve learned from him, and I’m going to one of his week-long events in January.”

Finally, what’s the development of the Mimi Method going to look like? What can people look forward to seeing? “Mimi Method is growing and evolving every single day. The platform already looks different than it did when I originally launched it in late June. I’m constantly striving to elevate the platform and am always listening to feedback from my amazing subscribers. One of the most recent changes is that I received my Pilates certification through Equinox, so I’m taking the workouts to the next level. Another recent addition to the platform is I’ve started to create scheduled calendars and programs based on goals and skill levels, such as a “7-Day Schedule for Beginners” or a “2-Day Weekend Reset”. I’m always looking to improve the Mimi Method platform, and there are so many exciting initiatives coming down the pipeline in the next few months! After launching a few short months ago, we already have thousands of subscribers and an amazing community. These girls are the ones that motivate me the most to keep going. Their positive feedback drives me.” You can find Mimi on @mimibouchard, mimimethod.com, and The Mimibee Podcast available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Interview by Hayley Barnes

Images via Mimi Method

The post How Mimi Bouchard Became Her Superwoman Self, and How You Can Too appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Along with a nation-wide lockdown, the current Covid-19 outbreak has also brought a new meaning to word face masks. What was once a beauty product featuring in our skincare routines and self-care weekends has become a facial protection barrier from contracting the Coronavirus.

These face masks come in different forms, from the paper and the homemade cloth mask to the surgical and N95 mask. Face masks have become a required accessory to wear when going outside, but what happens when this protection mask leads to a skin breakout? Voir fashion speaks to Dr Elizabeth K. Hale on the impact of face masks on your skin how to prevent, combat and treat possible breakouts.

We spoke to Dr hale on the possible cause of skin breakouts or irritation after wearing face masks. We were surprised to hear the problem might not be the face mask, but the state of your skin and the weather as it relates to your skin type when wearing the mask.

Generally speaking, the skin is most sensitive and most prone to irritation when it is dry and dehydrated. So theoretically, if the weather conditions are dry or if we are indoors with the heat on with no humidifier, our skin is going to be at greatest risk. Hopefully, as the weather warms up, and the air is not as dry, we should better tolerate wearing masks. However, one thing to be aware of high pollen counts accompany springtime, so our skin may be more sensitive and reactive than in another season. Also, people who are getting acne under their masks may find the opposite; the warm, humid weather may contribute to worsening breakouts, so look for a mask that is not too tight and occlusive.

Now that we know the causes, how can we prevent skin irritation or breakouts as not wearing a mask is not an option? Dr hale speaks on the importance of maintaining your skin barrier as this is your skin protector.

It’s essential to keep our skin barrier intact, so outside irritants and allergens are less likely to bother us. The way to do this is to use a gentle cleanser (think Dove), make sure to moisturise ideally with a moisturiser containing sun protection (think EltaMD, Cerave) and avoid products and procedures that can injure the skin barrier. For example, on a regular day, products with glycolic acid and retinol or exfoliative sonic brushes may have a role in our skincare regimen; during the time of wearing masks, we should cut down or hold off for now, so our skin barrier is not impaired. Also, avoid heavy make-up; the extra occlusion provided by the mask is going to congest your skin, leading to breakouts.

Before you swear off the outside now that the doctor has recommended avoiding make-up. Dr Hale understands the role make-up plays in your life, and she has suggested alternative ways to slay your look while still protecting your skin.

I have been telling my patients and friends to play up your eyes, this might be a time to try Latisse as our eyelashes have become our greatest accessories! As far as make-up, less is more now! Look for a lightweight tinted sunscreen, which can provide a little colour and extra protection.

As we have stated before not wearing a mask is not an option because as much it may affect your skin the latter puts you in a greater risk of contracting the virus, and I don’t know about you, but I’d rather weather the skin irritation. Thanks to Dr Hale, you may not have to choose the greater risk, she gives a skincare routine after taking off your masks to repair the damage on your skin during the day.

Gently clean your face when you remove your mask and apply a lightweight moisturiser after cleansing. Now might be a good time to try a hydrating skin mask with hyaluronic acid to restore hydration to the skin. If you are breaking out, while it may be tempting to use an acne mask, these often contain acids which may further irritate your skin barrier.

What if you are already experiencing a rash or skin irritation because of the mask. Dr hale has advised on how to identify it and the steps to take and skincare ingredients to use to mend your skin.

There are two main types of skin issues resulting from wearing masks all day.

The first is irritation, rashes and skin sensitivity. For this, avoid irritating products, use gentle cleansers and moisturise! Try to protect the skin barrier!

The second common skin annoyance from all this mask-wearing is acne or breakouts. This is more common in people with oily skin and those wearing heavy make-up under their masks. These people should consider cleansing with salicylic acid wash and look for an OTC acne product like Differin or speak to a dermatologist about getting a prescription like Epiduo or RetinA micro to spot treat the acne lesions. Just remember, when treating acne, less is more – if you apply too much of an acne product, you will dry your skin out too much, leading to further irritation and peeling.

Find out more from Dr. Elizabeth Hale here, on her instagram: @dermdrhale

Words by Precious Njoki

Graphics by Georgia Walters

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The post Dr. Elizabeth Hale Tells All on How to Prevent Skin Breakouts While Wearing Face Masks appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Yoga is physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India. However, in the last few years as the practice of Yoga moved more to the west. It has diversified into different kinds of Yoga. These days you can practise everything from Ariel yoga to Goat Yoga. Although the practice of Yoga has moved greatly from its origins, the benefits are undisputed by its practitioners. Today, Voir would like to introduce you to face Yoga, from the expert herself Danielle Collins.

Danielle Collins has made a name for herself as the world’s leading expert with 15 years’ experience teaching Face yoga to millions worldwide. She has been published in hundreds of leading publications such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The Telegraph and The Daily Mail. Today The Danielle Collins face yoga method Ruchika Sharma is the world’s largest face yoga class with 600 teachers Worldwide.

So, what is Face Yoga?

According to Danielle Collins, it’s a natural way of looking and feeling younger and healthier. It’s a combination of Face exercise, face massage, acupressure, relaxation and wellbeing.

Face yoga works by toning the facial muscles using facial exercises which in turn boosts your collagen and elastin production, but to receive the maximum result of this holistic practise the female entrepreneur encourages a daily practice of face Yoga, SPF and meditation. The use of Gua Sha and jade rollers are also encouraged as she believes they add another dimension to our daily skincare routine.

After graduating from college, Danielle turned to natural and holistic methods to heal herself after suffering a condition to which she was told there is no cure. After healing herself, she studied these methods and focused on spreading her healing through Yoga. That is when The Danielle Collins face yoga method was developed. A completely natural holistic way of having great skin but it is so much more than that it is also a vision of self-love with a ‘toolbox’ of techniques to use every day, so we are in control of our own faces and our wellness too.

One of the leading problems this practise tackles Is wrinkles and age lines. However, face Yoga not only reverses these problems, but also calms the mind promotes glowing skin and helps the face to look healthier and relaxed. On the hearing of wrinkles and age lines, you may think that face yoga is not for you and is a practise you may want to take up later in life. If you are much older, you may also think it is too late for you, but as Danielle encourages, It’s never too early or never too late to look after your skin. Age is not the only cause of wrinkles; She alerts us on the dangers of sun damage, stress, sugar, caffeine, smoking and lack of sleep. Plus, as we grow Older, Danielle informs on the natural loss of muscle tone, collagen and elastin production, poor lymphatic drainage and sluggish circulation.

Although the results speak for itself for Danielle, the ultimate goal is to help people feel good on the inside. Wellness and self-care always come first. She hopes to give people a tool for life to help their skin look and feel the very best version of themselves using the healing power of their own hands. Beyond her practice, she is a mother to two children here are other things we found out about Danielle.

1. What is your favourite quote?

This too, shall pass.

2. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Our greatest wealth is our health.

3. What is your favourite exercise routine?

Daily Yoga, I love it!

4. What is your favourite beauty product right now?

Fusion by Danielle Collins. It’s vegan, organic and certified by the soil association. Plus works perfectly with Face Yoga and for my sensitive skin.

5. Who is your biggest inspiration?

Over the years, I have learnt to see inspiration in every person I meet.

Words by Precious Njoki

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Face Yoga: The Natural Solution to the Wrinkles and Age Lines With Danielle Collins appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Currently, in the UK, there are an estimated 1.3 million CBD users with a total of 6 million using CBD products in the last year. Most commonly bought as oil, Cannabidiol Oil is an extract from a Hemp or Marijuana plant which in the UK, can only be legally purchased if it’s from the hemp plant.

One of the biggest questions asked by first time CBD users is whether it will get you high. The answer is no, the THC from these plants is what provides the high you feel from smoking a joint, not the CBD.

Medical experts have suggested that CBD oil provides many health benefits such as, improving sleep, reducing anxiety, reducing inflammation, and pain relief. Some professionals have noted how CBD can change the way your brain receptors respond to serotonin, the chemical linked to mental health. One study in the US found that a 600mg dose of CBD helped people who suffer from social anxiety give a speech. CBD has also been found to help with pain relief, particularly after cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

CBD can be taken or applied in many different ways. Most popular products incorporate CBD into oils or gels that can be applied to the skin. Other ways include, taken orally through capsules or as a liquid that is sprayed into the mouth. A typical dose of CBD is between 20-50mg so for some products you may need to weaken it or possibly add more, always check the product details.

CBD affects each person differently so it is important to note that if used regularly, there can be side effects. People have noted feelings of dizziness, hallucinations, low blood pressure, and withdrawal symptoms however not enough research has currently been undertaken to suggest these are common side effects for a high proportion of users.

Check out our top picks for the best CBD products:

Hop & Hemp

This one is number one purely for creativity. The guys over at Hop & Hemp have created the first-ever non-alcoholic CBD beer. Each bottle has 8mg of CBD in so there’s room for a few after a long day. They currently have an IPA and lager, but with big retailers set to stock them in the coming months, we’re sure they’ve got a few more flavours up their sleeves.

Shop at Hop & Hemp here

Apothem Labs

Another UK based brand, these guys have stuck to the more traditional route of oils with a blend of CBD and botanicals. This brand is more on the pricey side but you do get value for money with each product containing at least 1500mg of CBD. Not only do they oils, but they also stock bath salts and creams, so there’s something for everyone.

Shop for Apothem Labs here

Pollen CBD

Already a firm favourite with many CBD users, Pollen CBD is a side project from the creators of alcoholic gummy makers Smith & Sinclair. The guys now also making vegan CBD gummy sweets and drink drops that incorporate fruit extracts to ensure they taste delicious.

Shop their range here

Yuyo Botanics

Founded in Tennessee by two women, these guys are really stepping up their game with their turmeric salve which is ideal for aches and pains at the end of the day. Their CBD salve contains turmeric, cayenne, menthol, and aloe vera so its packed full of goodness.

Shop here

Words by Grace Dembowicz

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post The Best CBD Products for Anxiety and Depression appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Mind, is a mental health charity, providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding. Their mission is to offer support and respect to everyone experiencing mental health problems. The organisation also has an online mental health community Elefriends. A safe space where anyone aged 18 and over with experience of a mental health problem can share their story, connect with others, access Mind’s more extensive information, resources and give support in return. Find out more at mind.org.uk/community.

Voir has spoken to Stephen Buckley, head of information at Mind, to shed some light on the situation and how we can cope with life after the lockdown.

We spoke to Stephen on the cause of rise in stress and anxiety in returning to the workplace, and how to remedy this. He acknowledges that ‘change and uncertainty are difficult for most of us to deal especially now when we don’t know what the future looks like. He continues to state that “The coronavirus outbreak will have a long-term impact on our economy – we’re likely to see another recession as the nation attempts to get back on its feet. We know there is a strong link between issues like debt, unemployment and poor housing to poor mental health. So, it stands to reason that factors like job insecurity, unemployment, low paid work and redundancy could have a knock-on impact on mental health.” Stephen also emphasises on the efforts of the organisation to campaign on issues like housing and benefits as these kinds of factors, disproportionately affect people who have existing mental health problems.

If you’re really feeling stressed, Stephen recommends many yoga and meditation. You can find many yoga and meditation classes centred on anxiety and stress online and look to incorporate these practices in your daily life. Here are a couple of YouTube videos of meditation and yoga to ease anxiety and stress.

Meditation for Anxiety by Yoga With Adriene

Meditation for Inner Peace by Yoga With Adriene

The best way to keep your anxiety in check according to Stephen, especially regarding this crisis is to stay well informed. Seek only reliable information and not rumours to keep you updated. Also, avoid dwelling on the issue his advice is that we should take a break from it and only check when necessary.

Another trick that helps is to focus on the positive What has been beneficial for you during this lockdown. Have you finally watched that Netflix show you didn’t have time for? if you haven’t here is Voir’s top picks of Netflix shows to watch. What about that book you have always wanted to read?

Voir’s Recommends;

1). https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/a-netflix-guide-to-quarantine-chill

2). https://www.voirfashion.co.uk/post/8-books-to-read-before-watching-the-movie-version

Also, focus on what you look forward to once we are outside, be it dinners at restaurants, the hair appointment you plan to make as soon as they will let you or even getting to see your friends in person and not through a screen.

Feeling worried is normal from time to time, but if it starts to impact your day-to-day life, Mind encourages you to speak to someone you trust and contact your GP (many can do a consultation over the phone or by video).

You can also head to these pages on the Mind website for more information:

1). www.mind.org.uk/coronavirus

2). www.mind.org.uk/stress

3). www.mind.org.uk/anxiety

Mind has confidential information and support line:

• Mind Infoline- 0300 123 3393 (lines open 9am – 6pm, Monday – Friday)

• Contact Mind’s Media Team for interviews or further information on 0208 522 1743.

• For out of hours support, call 07850 788 514 or email media@mind.org.uk.

We need your help to support people with mental health problems right now. To donate to Mind’s emergency appeal, visit www.mind.org.uk/donate

To access a range of free images to accompany mental health news stories, visit:

time-to-change.org.uk/getthepicture

These images have been developed by Time to Change, a campaign to change how we all think and act about mental health problems. Time to Change is led by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and funded by the Department of Health, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund.

Words by Camila Karalyte

Graphics by Georgia Walters

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The post Avoiding The Lows Of Life After Lockdown According To The Professionals appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Professional dermatologist Elizabeth Hale tells us everything we didn’t-but-need-to know about protecting our skin in isolation…

I know the last thing I think after my daily cleanse, tone, and quick pat of tanning facial oil (to save me from looking like the corpse my natural skin-tone seems to want me to look like) is…

‘Well, it’s time to slap on the factor 50 for my half-hour run under the typically British overcast sky today’.

Unless you have the advantage of an SPF moisturiser, with the short periods of time we are currently spending out and about, it makes sense that for most of us, in our current list of priorities, making sure our skin is protected from the sun has even dropped below shaving our legs.

Well, ladies, after speaking to clinical associate professor of dermatology and board-certified dermatologist; Dr Elizabeth Hale, we can confirm that it’s time we re-thought our priorities- or at least re-gigged them- here’s what she had to say!

1). Do we still have to use SPF when we are stuck indoors?

Believe it or not, we do! Firstly, if we are anywhere near windows, Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays pass through windows and can contribute to development of wrinkles and age spots by breaking down collagen and stimulating melanin. UVA rays also can contribute to the development of skin cancers. Furthermore, there are some data that visible light (which we are exposed to by indoor light) can also stimulate pigmentation and make conditions like melasma worse.

2). Will the lack of sunlight affect our skin? How do we avoid this?

For me, this is more of a mental and emotional issue than a truly physical or medical one. Sunlight can stimulate Vitamin D synthesis, which is important, but it is completely possible to get our Vitamin D through our diet and/or vitamin supplements. I am more concerned about the effect the lack of fresh air can have on our psyche. Exercise and fresh air are both known to have a positive effect on the way we feel and also on our skin by stimulating circulation and deep breathing. So even when indoors, try to get some exercise and get the blood (and the dopamine!) flowing.

3). Does our skin tone matter when you choose an SPF?

Regardless of our skin type, we all need SPF. People with darker skin tones are not as likely to sunburn, per se, but UV exposure can trigger hyperpigmentation and even ageing of the skin in all skin types. Fortunately, some of the newer SPF formulations do not make the skin look pasty and white, even those with Zinc Oxide which in my opinion is the best ingredient in SPF. So we can all wear them! There are also some bronzing powders which contain SPF which are very popular.

4). Is there any specific order to applying our skincare?

Yes. After cleaning the face in the AM, apply an antioxidant serum and then a broad-spectrum sunscreen. That is all I am doing now while indoors. Makeup, if you are wearing it, goes on after our sunscreen. At night-time, after cleaning the face, a small dot or retinol if your skin can tolerate it, followed by a night-time moisturiser.

5). What are the essential vitamins we need to include in our daily skincare routine?

There are many excellent antioxidants, but the most classic and well-studied are Vitamin C and Vitamin E. Some of the newer ingredients to look for are bakuchiol (which is derived from bachi seeds) and topical melatonin.

6). Do you have any skincare beauty hacks you would recommend while we are stuck indoors?

While we are stuck indoors could be a good time to do hydrating masks for our face (or even our hands and feet). An ingredient to look for is hyaluronic acid which is often present in bio-cellulose masks. There are some new masks containing CBD which might be interesting to try while we are quarantined, to see if it has a calming effect on your skin.

7). What are your recommended beauty must-haves to survive Quarantine?

Example/ Eye Cream/ Night Cream etc: I cannot survive without Colorescience Total Eye to help minimise the tired eye look. I love Skin Better Alpha Ret as my nightly retinol. And Sente Dermal Repair Cream to help my skin repair overnight. Oh, and NARS creamy concealer, don’t leave home — and don’t stay home — without it!

Find out more expert advice from Dr Elizabeth Hale at https://www.completeskinmd.com/ or on her Instagram @dermdrhale

Words by Ella Winfield

Graphics by Katie Janes

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The post Do We Still Need To Wear SPF While Being Stuck In Doors? Experts Say Yes! appeared first on Voir Fashion.