Sakare Foot Cream: Why you Should be Using it

When it comes to my list of must-have beauty products foot cream is most definitely on it. Although an often overlooked beauty product, it is most definitely an essential one!



Especially with summer just around the corner (and many of you lucky ones will already be jetting off to tropical locations), taking care of your feet should be top of the list. There's nothing worse than lounging around the pool and frightening other holiday goers with your gnarly un-prepped feet. Coming out of the long winter means taking care of ragged toenails, cracked heels and saying hello to the summer sandal season.

The way I look on it you have two options: let your feet get into a state of demise over the winter by neglecting them, making your job so much harder when it comes to prep time, or you can make a little effort now and then to keep the balance, meaning that by the time summer comes around all you have to do is whip out the nail varnish and you're ready.

Let me introduce you to the only product you will need to keep your tootsies in tip top shape over those hibernation months: Sakare Calming Foot Cream. 

The innovative blend of chamomile and calendula means that this cream is extra soothing and not greasy at all. It will soften dry/flaky/tired/walked-out feet and restore them back to their natural beauty. All you have to do is apply to feet before bed on a weekly basis (or more often if needed) and you can say bye bye to cracked heels and flaky bits.

Start using it now and you won't have to grate off all your rough skin with a harsh pedicure (not healthy!) by the time you need to be pool-ready. The beautifully gentle scent of this product is not overpowering and will help avoid any nasty odours, even after a long day of wearing closed shoes.

Ok it's great to look your best when on holls but that's not the only reason for investing in this amazing cream. Taking a few minutes at the end of the day to treat yourself to this pampering treatment is a lifesaver for busy people (especially mums that have been on their feet all day). Not only will it physically help your body to recover but also mentally help to recharge for the next busy day ahead.

Why you Shouldn't be Cutting your Cuticles (& What you Should be Doing Instead)

After going for a manicure recently I noticed that it is standard procedure to completely remove the cuticle from the nail. While this has an appealing appearance, it doesn't seem like the most natural thing, making me question whether this generally accepted method could actually be doing us more harm than good.

After conducting my research (as always) I discovered that cuticle removal is most definitely not good for your nails and can lead to icky infections if not done properly. Technically nail technicians aren't even supposed to do this as it is not on the list of requirements for beauty school tests. I found an interesting article from Cosmopolitan which discusses the issue with the expert advice of Simcha Whitehill, pro manicurist from New York City. Here's are some excepts which will make you think twice before cutting your cuticles:

"The thin sliver of skin along the bottom of your nail bed (aka your cuticle) serves an important purpose, which is to protect you from infection. Otherwise it's a point of entry. And when it's sliced open, because you or some salon tech doesn't know what he or she is doing with the nippers, the flood gates are immediately opened for bacteria and fungus to get inside and infect you." 

"Plus, once you get into the habit of cutting your cuticles, you always have to cut them because they grow back quickly, but not as pretty."

Instead, Whitehall suggests just simply pushing back the cuticles to give a more aesthetically appealing look. I've discovered that using a cuticle oil can help soften the area, making it easier to push back, is the best way to achieve this. I love Sakare Cuticle Oil as it is extra nourishing with its high concentration of almond oil and really easy to apply with the rollerball applicator. I take the oil with me every time I get a manicure (around once every two weeks) and get my manicurist to use it before gently pushing my cuticles back (not cutting them!). So far my cuticles have noticeably diminished and look healthy rather than ragged or raw.

How to Achieve the 'Dewy Face' Makeup Trend

The typical summer trend of dewy skin has come early this year. Get it right and you will appear glowing and healthy, get it wrong, however, and you will look greasy. It's a fine line which can be easily crossed. Don't take any chances and follow these tips to get this trend spot-on...

1. Prime 
This doesn't mean slapping on a primer just before you apply your makeup, it's about sticking to a quality skincare regime so that your skin is naturally primed.  Moisturisation is a must...there's no way the dewy trend is going to work with dry, flaky skin. Find a moisturiser that is best suited to your skin type...I recommend Sakare Hydrating Mineral Complex Moisturiser as it is suited to a wide range of skin types and has additional anti-ageing benefits. Once you have cleansed, toned, and moisturised your prepped canvas is ready for the next stage...



2. Foundation
Avoid thick, matte foundations, and opt for lightweight, moisture rich ones instead. I love Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum. It's an ultra-light, radiance-enhancing foundation that also offers decent coverage. Apply with a foundation brush, working up to your desired look.





















3. Blush 
In keeping with the natural look, choose blush in a peachy-creamy shade that won't make too much of a statement. You want to look naturally flushed, and so liquid or cream based blushes are a good option. Apply with fingers or a beauty sponge. Maybelline Face Studio Master Glaze (in Coral) will help you get the look.



4. Highlight
The most important thing to remember here is to use sparingly and only on the tops of your cheekbones. Avoid products with glitter or that are too oily. Urban Decay Naked Illuminated is a safe bet.

Why 2016 is the Year to get Healthy (and this means your skin too)

I have lost count of the number of times at new year I have promised myself a new healthy start and it just hasn't happened. Taking up a new fad diet or intense exercise regime on the first of January every year unsurprisingly just never stuck and so eventually I gave up trying. This year I have discovered that the road to success starts with something that those workout DVDs and magazines won't tell you about: moderation.

Here's how you can stop feeling guilty about breaking your new year's resolutions and start taking steps towards a more well-rounded, healthier you:

Body - Yes everyone wants to beat the bulge after Christmas but it doesn't mean that your only option is to start the cabbage soup diet. You may lose weight on a fad regime but it will all backfire when you put all the weight back on once you stop. The key is to allow yourself to eat everything you want but only in moderation. Listing foods as "forbidden" in your mind will only make you want them more! Regular exercise is not only good for losing weight, but also for keeping you healthy. If you feel the need to start going to an intense spin class everyday after work then by all means do it but it doesn't have to be all or nothing. Do something everyday that makes you break a sweat, it could even be a quick walk around the neighbourhood, a game of tennis, or running after small children! Doing a little something on a regular basis will make you feel healthier and happier.

Mind - Let's cut to the chase...you're not going to completely change your personality or outlook on life in those few seconds between the 31st December and the 1st of January. What you can do is start listening to yourself and working out what it really is that you want to make happen this year. Find some "quiet time" for yourself every day to sit and reflect on things...no tv, phones, or conversations...just you and your mind.

Skin - I can't stress the importance of having a good skincare regime in place. If you still haven't invested in one then now is the time. Looking after your skin will not only keep it healthy and protect against the signs of ageing, but will make you feel pampered and taken care of. A skincare regime doesn't have to consist in a hundred different stages taking up your whole evening, just a simple cleanse, tone, and moisturise will suffice. Your face is something worth investing in and so spending more on a luxury brand will pay off in the long run. I recommend my favourite brand, Sakare, as their products are of the highest quality and get visible results in a short space of time.

Why Xmas is the Time to Treat Yourself (& how Sakare can Help)

I don't know about you but I'm burnt out. On top of my usually jam-packed schedule I've had to single handedly prepare to host Christmas at my house (for the first time) and buy presents for everyone that will make this year the best year ever. Let's just say it's not easy and juggling that with trying to ensure that my two boys are having the magical festive time that they deserve is almost impossible. Today after completing almost all of my missions before the big day I decided that it's time for some me time.

Mums at this time of year function on overdrive simply because they have to. Christmas parties, trips to visit Santa, present buying, food planning, decoration perfecting...it all gets too much at some point and now is the time to let it all go!

Focus on taking a breath, a moment of quiet for your brain and body to melt away the stress and actually enable yourself to start to enjoy these precious family moments. My top tip for relaxation is to treat yourself to a luxurious bath product and soak your troubles away (with a glass of wine, of course). Light candles, send the kids (and husband) away, whatever you need to do to find a real moment of peace in this busy time.

If you're going to do a bath properly then you absolutely have to use Sakare Soothing Shower Oil. Although the name suggests that it's only for use in the shower this is misleading as it is actually the best bath oil I have ever come across.

Add to a hot bath and be amazed as the water turns silky smooth with the most relaxing smell. It can't be described you just simply need to experience it for yourself! This product is extremely luxurious but at the same time extremely practical...it's a bath oil, body wash, and moisturiser all in one. Not forgetting that it can also be used for your daily shower even if you aren't taking a time-out bath. 

This is one present that you shouldn't wait until Christmas to unwrap...go and treat yourself to something a bit early...you deserve it and trust me, it will help you get through what's to come!

Good luck to all of you out there hosting your first ever Xmas dinner (me included), and to all others...hope you have a fantastic Christmas with lots of magical moments!! 

Sakare Bath & Body - The Ideal Xmas Gift

If you're stuck for what to buy this year then look no further than the bath & body range at Sakare. There is something for everyone whether your grandmother, sister, neighbour, cousin, manicurist or doctor.

Everyone loves some pampering body treats at Christmas time, especially those with a luxury tag on them. After testing out their products over and over I can safely say that Sakare is up there with the top names in luxury beauty products from all over the world.

Not sure what someone's preferences are when it comes to their beauty regime? Stick to these 3 foolproof products and you will be sure to impress them this year...

Deep Cleansing Salt Scrub - Most people exfoliate occasionally and even if your gift receiver doesn't they will love how soft and refreshed their skin feels after this scrub. Rich in minerals and almond oil which nourish skin leaving a healthy glow.

Soothing Shower Oil - This product is the equivalent of a luxury massage although at home in your shower! High concentration of Vitamin E helps your skin to repair itself and injects moisture meaning that you won't need to use any additional lotions afterwards. Lather up in the shower or use as a bath oil for ultimate pampering. 

Luxuriating Body Butter - A good quality body butter is an essential that every woman should have in the bathroom cabinet. This butter is extremely moisturising but also easily absorbed by skin and will leave you feeling silky smooth for at least 24 hours. Works well with all skin types, including dry and sensitive.

If you want to see someone's face light up this Christmas then you know where to go.... Stick to these 3 top gift ideas and you won't go wrong.

Why I Decided Against Botox

As a middle-aged woman with natural lines and wrinkles I would be lying if I said I hadn't seriously considered botox at least a few times in recent years. I've always taken care of my skin, using quality products and sticking to a skincare regime, but there's only so far that can go. Genetics play a huge part in how your skin ages and unfortunately for me I have inherited pronounced wrinkles from both sides of the family tree.

After making enquiries at various different clinics about Botox, I decided that it just wasn't for me...injecting strange chemicals into your delicate facial skin just seemed a bit extreme and I felt that there must be some other way. Another aspect that I was keen to avoid was the "plastic" look, the tell tale signs that you've been under the knife in some way or another.

Searching the internet for alternatives only brought up loads of gimmicky products with high price tags and absolutely no guarantee that they would actually work. Stumbling upon an online forum with real women asking real questions and getting real answers for all their beauty dilemmas I decided to pose my burning question. Some of the replies I received suggested using the BOTANOX range from SAKARE. Now, as you may know, I'm not a stranger to the Sakare products (I basically live for them and can't shut up about them) but I had never tried this range before, naively thinking that it would not be able to replicate the results that I would get from plastic surgery.

Six months down the line I am sitting here writing this post with different skin to what I had before I discovered the amazing range. Even after two weeks of using the Botanox Serum every night before bed I noticed a significant reduction in fine lines and wrinkles that I thought only possible through more extreme measures. You may remember that I exclaimed my love for this product in a previous post, but never had I before announced just how far I had come to going under the knife for the sake of beauty. It's not worth it and there are alternatives!

All of the products from the Sakare Botanox range are created to get serious results and are crafted by leading scientific skincare analysts that really know their stuff (hence the slightly higher price tag). Invest in this range and you most definitely won't be disappointed. You're welcome for the tip!