Relax

Take it easy, summer is coming!

Happy bank Hols

Max Factor new lip gloss

Cosmetic brand Max Factor has announced the launch of  Fluid Rouge, a collection of five new shades added to the Colour Elixir Gloss line. Containing a combination of smoothing mineral oil, nourishing candelilla wax and shine enhancers, the glosses provide a creamy high-pigmented colour and come with a specially designed sponge applicator to ensure the right amount of product is applied. New shades include: Polished Fuchsia, Enchanting Coral, Delightful Pink, Luxurious Berry and Luscious Amethyst. 

Launch date: June
Prices: £7.99
Stockists: nationwide
Twitter: @MaxFactorUK

All about Cholesterol

We constantly hear about cholesterol in relation to our health so what is Cholesterol and how does it effect our body.

Cholesterol is a Lipid (fatty substance) and alcohol/steroid  that is vital for body function. Cholesterol is made in the liver, but also present in some food.
Cholesterol is carried in the blood by proteins which combine to form lipoproteins. They form as harmful Lipoproteins ( LDL) or protective Lipoproteins (HDL) or commonly known as bad and good Cholesterol.

LDL = Low Density Lipoprotein = Bad Cholesterol
LDL carries Cholesterol from your Liver tio the cells that need it. If there is too much Cholesterol for the cells to use it builds up in the artery walls, which can lead to disease.

HDL = High Density Lipoprotein = Good Cholesterol
HDL carries Cholesterol away from the cells and back to the Liver where it is broken down or passed out of the body as waste.

High Cholesterol can cause a build up in the artery wall which will restrict blood to the heart, brain and body. This can increases the risk of narrowing of the arteries, heart attack, stroke and blood clots.

Causes of High Cholesterol
Excessive Saturated fats in diet -Red Meat, Cheese, Milk, Butter 
Smoking - Acrolein stops HDL (good cholesterol) transporting to the Liver
Diabetes - High Blood pressure
Family history - risk can be passed on
Menopause
Ageing
Low activity
Excessive consumption of Alcohol
Under active Thyroid Gland
Kidney probs

Cholesterol levels 
Total Cholesterol should be below 5
LDL (bad) Cholesterol  should be kept under 3
HDL (good) Cholesterol should be kept under 1

Reducing Cholesterol
Need to lower the intake of Saturated fats and increase the intake of HDL (eg porridge, oat meal, fish and omega 3, walnuts ,almonds and olive oil)
Do regular exercise
stop smoking 
reduce alcohol consumption

It is best to try and reduce Cholesterol by diet and lifestyle changes, but if the levels are very high
a Dr may prescribe Statins.Like any medication they can have side effects.
Hope this helps explain the ins and outs of Cholesterol.

Sun alert

The sun is out at last, dont forget the sun burns and damages the skin even on our fair isle.
So always use a sun screen on your face and neck and anywhere the sun can catch. Best to go SPF 30 and above.

inspiration

Best way to apply fake tan

With better weather on its way and thinking about getting those legs out on view. A bit of fake tan is the best way to get summer ready. My tips to applying the best tan is to think ahead and get your skin prepared and apply it gradually over a week.

• Exfoliate your skin well ( a good rub with a towel will suffice) before applying tan
•  massage in a body lotion after shower/bath for a couple of days before applying tan.
• Ready for tan - remove all rings and run some warm water in basin.
• take about a walnut size of tan and mix it together with normal body lotion
• Apply this by rubbing in both hands then work one leg at a time massaging vigourously
• avoid knees and ankles until used all the cream on hands, then rub over knees and ankles with excess 
• Then repeat this process on other leg, and add a little less to body lotion per arm, but still massage vigorously. If you want to do all the body start by using excess tan/moisture per limb and spreading on to stomach ,back ,neck and shoulders etc.(watch out not to stain inside of arms and I suggest a tan specially for face, I tend to just warm my face with bronzers rather than fake tan.)
• When finished applying very quickly wash your hands with soap and the warm water ready run in basin. Dry hands and then put your rings back on.
• Repeat this process daily until got the density of tan you wish. Once that is achieved just top up your tan every other day or two days.
• 
  

I tend to go for the summer skin tans that give a subtle tan like Johnsons Holiday Skin, but be wary as some tans are darker that others so adapt accordingly and please wash those hands thoroughly to avoid that awful staining.

Best Global Spa's

As Voted by Conde Nast travellers best Spa awards.
Thought I would share these amazing locations. Feeling like a pamper break.... Well we can dream! 





Most Avant-Garde Clinic - Lonhea, Switzerland
Best Value For Weight Loss - Absolute Sanctuary, Thailand
Most Consistent High Perfomer - IN:SPA
Best Healthy Hideaway - Vamizi Island, Mozambique 

Most Effective Reboot - Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman 

Most Soulful Spa - Song Saa, Cambodia 

Best New Destination Spa - Vana, India 

Beauty

Gorgeous Neon Nail Colour

Nail brand Opi has announced the launch of neon nail lacquers, the brand's first full-size neon shades comprising: Life Gave Me Lemons (lemon-lime); You Are So Outta Lime (lime); Juice Bar Hopping (tangerine); Push Pur Pull (purple); Down To the Coreal (coral); Hotter Than You Pink (hot pink) and Put a Coat On!, a white base coat that instantly boosts neon colour.

Launch date: 14 May
Prices: £11.95
Stockists: nationwide
Twitter: @OPINAILS

Inspiration

Dreams 

Hold fast to dreams   

For if dreams die 

Life is a broken-winged bird 

That cannot fly. 

Hold fast to dreams 

For when dreams go 

Life is a barren field 

Frozen with snow.

by Langston Hughes