We want to share with you our ultimate A-Z guide of beauty, from ingredients and qualities, to products and brands.
We will bust beauty myths, share inside secrets, get scientific at times, and give you some of our top recommendations, that will hopefully help your beauty needs and choices.
A
Acne n. 1 in 20 adult women suffer from acne, and even more get the occasional spot or blemish outbreak. Clay, Charcoal and Oil based products are all great for tackling acne and spots. It is not caused by poor hygiene, contrary to many things you may hear. Outbreaks can be due to your lifestyle; diet, stress etc as much as your skincare regime, so whilst treating or responding to spots with products is great. Think about looking after yourself on the inside as prevention too. Shop Acne products
Aromatherapy n. The combination of essential oils to harmonise your body and mind. Aromatherapy Associates are of course a go to brand for some home therapy, their bath oil is a hero product. TIP – you apply the bath oil to your body before getting in the bath, the soak then helps your body absorb the benefits and the smells are gorgeous.
Avocado n. Native to Central America, the most popular ‘Hass’ from California in particular. It was no wonder the health conscious Cali residents reaped the benefits in the forms of smashed avocado delights to eat. However the healthy fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants are incredibly beneficial for skin, hence it becoming a beauty product favourite. TIP – try an avocado filled product for hydrating the skin, it is also good for wrinkles! Shop our Avocado filled products here.
B
Bath n. v. To have a bath or bathe is something we often forget to make time to do, or opt for a shower instead. However a bath can do many things that will benefit you inside and out. The water will soak deep into the skin, giving your skin the hydration that it needs and often lacks. A bath oil will also increase the capability of water holding in your skin. Submerging in water can reduce pain and calm your nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety. Many bath products will also have hidden qualities, like moisturising and amazingly sleep aids. Shop to find your perfect bath product here.
C
Charcoal n. A porous black solid, consisting of an amorphous form of carbon, obtained as a residue when wood, bone, or other organic matter is heated in the absence of air. It is the beauty ingredient of the moment, and this is because activated charcoal targets the bad toxins your skin is exposed to breaks them down, and clears the pores of them. Essentially it is a purifier and therefore people can use it almost anywhere; their skin, hair and teeth to achieve results. TIP – it can even add volume to your hair!
D
Dark Circles n. We’ve all had dark circles under our eyes, whether we are a bit run down, tired, or naturally have a darker ring under our eyes, it’s a common problem, but there are measures we should take to help. The 3 most important tools to have are; a good eye cream, sleep and a targeted dark circles product for those particularly bad days. The area around the eyes is very thin, a specific cream for your eyes should always be used, not a regular face moisturizer. Sleep can often be easier said than done, but there are many natural aids available these days that really do work. A targeted product used routinely can actively reduce and cover the appearance of dark circles, for brighter eyes. TIP – a little white highlighter in the inner corner of the eye, gives the appearance of wider, bigger eyes. Shop our eye products here.
E
Emma Hardie is first and foremost a person, she created her range as self healing products during a time of illness, she was in search of one product that had the benefits and the results she desired. She studied up, and formulated Emma Hardie the brand. It’s results driven products combine her knowledge of the skin’s anatomy and the benefits of botanicals to get as Emma says an ‘Amazing Face’. This luxurious British skincare brand is suitable for everyone. It is a firm favourite with all the Bath & Unwind ladies (and gents!)
F
Foot Care your feet are especially important to take care of, the skin here is much thicker and deserves specialist attention. It is in fact 1.5 mm thick, which is 30x thiker than the thinnest skin on your body, which is around your eyes and is just 0.05mm thick. Margaret Dabbs fabulous feet range, is a must have for achieving beautiful healthy feet. TIP – shoe shop in the afternoon, it is when your feet are most swollen, so at their biggest. If a shoe fits you then, it’ll fit you any other time, buy them.
G
Glycolic Acid may sound scary, but it can work miracles on the skin. It’s molecular make up is so small, that it works so deep into the skin, treating lines and wrinkles, brightening skin and rejuvenates skin cells. Alpha H’s Liquid Gold is an overnight treatment that includes 5% glycolic acid and is a beauty miracle worker, it can be quite tingly and for those with extra sensitive skin, try their new gentler version Liquid Gold Rose. Remember though it is a treatment that has exfoliating qualities, it is not a toner, and not suitable for daily use. Shop their whole Liquid Gold range here.
H
Honey is very good for your skin, its natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties target all of this; dull complexion, dehydrated skin, dry skin, aging skin, acne and more. Noble Isle’s Heather Honey Hand Lotion takes all those qualities to leave the softest honey scented hands. It is also adorable and aptly sourced from Heather Hills Honey Farm in the Highlands.
I
Invisibobble the ultimate hair tie. They create cord-like hair ties that are kind and fashionable to your locks. They leave no kinks and don’t pull on your hair and come in 4 types. ‘The Original’ is of a thickness your average hair tie, ideal for everyday use. ‘The Power’ is for those big messy buns, or for ladies with particularly thick hair. ‘The Slim’ is ideal for big pony tails and putting all your hair up but for lighter or finer hair. ‘The Nano’ is a minute version, it’s perfect for children of half up do’s or particularly thin hair. TIP – if your band starts to stretch, pop it in some boiled water and it’ll spring back to its size.
J
Joico this salon hair care brand, are leaders in professional hair products that are designed and formulated for strong healthy hair. Their K-Pak range is perfect for rebuilding, protecting and maintaining beautiful and healthy hair. TIP – get 20% off Joico on Bath & Unwind today.
K
Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic skin disorder and affects 40% of adults (and up to 80% of adolescents). These painless tiny bumps usually on the upper arms, thighs and cheeks, can leave the affected area dry and rough. People often don’t recognise them as a skin condition, but just a case of bad skin. There are many products designed to reduce the appearance, Ameliorate have a whole range to tackle the issue, they are approved by dermatologists and achieve great results.
L
Lemon flavours, smells and extracts are often used in the world of beauty. It’s naturally high in vitamin c, and citric acid, so will replenish the skin of vitamin c, and over time brighten your skin. A face mask like Ren’s Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask is filled with lemon and other citrus fruits, allowing the skin to absorb the goodness can remove dead skin cells, and brighten the skin. The natural qualities encourage cell turnover, essentially creating younger looking skin.
M
Moisturisers are one of the most important parts of your skincare routine. Replenishing moisturise and hydration into the skin is the key to healthy skin. Think of all the elements and things you expose your skin to that takes its natural moisture; weather, foods, face washes, make up. There are 6 types of moisturisers you should have and use in the correct and targeted areas and times for the right levels of hydration;
- A daily face cream, this should be aimed at your skin type of concerns ie dry skin, fine lines etc.
- An eye cream, this area is so delicate and thin, you need a specially formulated cream. It will make a big difference to lines and bags.
- A night cream, a special formula for your face that works overnight, and has time and nothing on top of it to work deep in your skin.
- Hand cream, like your face your hands are almost always exposed, and they touch and handle a lot of things, they can dry out or get rough so quickly. An everyday hand cream and special hand therapies can keep hands soft.
- Body Moisturiser, aside from the summer or on holiday, people often neglect hydrating their body. There is a lot of surface area of skin that is usually in contact with clothing fibre’s that can be irritable or dry.
- Foot cream, a rich formula to target the thick skin that is constantly being worked; walking, running, standing, bad shoes… so many things can affect your feet, they need extra special care.
You could also classify a serum as a moisturiser too, these are used before your face moisturiser and are formulated to work and soak deep into your skin.
N
Nuts from almonds, hazelnuts, macadamia’s and their oils, products that use nuts as ingredients are naturally filled with proteins, all of which when used on the skin and hair can fill, thicken, smooth and plump.
O
Omorovicza Hungarian skincare leaders, they base their formulas on the rich healing power of Hungary’s thermal waters. TIP – Omorovicza are a great choice for anti-aging targeting, their products are filled with their special benefits.
P
Peppermint the freshness of peppermint is a well known quality, but the things that are lesser known like its antiviral and antibacterial properties and it’s high in Vitamin A & C, making it a great choice for wanting to achieve clean, bright and calming skincare results. Dr Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap takes these benefit and its multi-purpose ability means you can use it on your hair, face, hands, clothes, floors, literally almost anywhere.
Q
Queen of Hungary Mist this product is Omorovicza’s hero product. The mist revitalises and balance PH levels of the skin (we always keep one at easy reach in the office!).
R
Rosacea is a skin condition in the form of an inflamed red rash on the face, usually around the nose and cheeks, common in women over the age of 30. It can be a painful and embarrassing issue that doesn’t have a cure. Thankfully, Balance Me’s Rose Otto Face Oil is a great option for calming and reducing the visibility of rosacea. TIP – diet is a major catalyst for flaring up rosacea, keep a food diary to identify what your skin reacts to (healthy foods like avocados can even be to blame!).
S
Sachajuan is the ultimate S in our beauty alphabet. It is a Swedish professional hair brand. Their products are formulated with their famous Ocean Silk Technology, developed with Sea algae that boosts moisture, shine and the beauty of the hair. Their philosophy of Stil means style in the brands native tongue Swedish. Essentially they wanted to create straightforward products that will allow your hair to take on the day. They certainly did that, these gorgeous products are a firm favourite with the Bath & Unwind Beauty experts.
T
Thalgo French skincare experts who also use their knowledge and understanding of marine qualities to the skins advantage. The plasma make up of the skin is almost identical to that of the sea and by using the minerals and extracts from the sea, they infuse their products to enrich your skin with the nutrients it needs and more. Their anti-aging rich formulas are a real treat, they feel opulent and get incredible results. Their combination of spa style products, scientific grounding and their beautiful feel make them so popular and deservedly so. TIP – Thalgo have specialist spas that use more of their scientific formulas for the most unique and indulgent treatments.
U
Urban Living Almost 60% of the world live in a city or urbanised area. That has increased by 20% in the last 40 years. Our beauty basics; cleansing face, moisturising, shampooing, conditioning etc haven’t really changed in that time, but our products have to adapt to our beauty problems and concerns that we now face due to the exposure to these new pollutants. British Skincare Brand Oskia, have created a City Life range that restores and replenishes what our urban life takes away. Its very clever stuff and an important measure we should be taking.
V
Volume having too much, or not enough one of the biggest hair issues/ obsessions people face. Our tips for achieving sleeker hair are;
- Use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to add more moisture at the point of washing, which should reduce the natural dry body of your hair.
- Avoid blow drying your hair, effectively you are artificially drying it out, let it dry naturally.
- For extra measures use an oil on the ends of your hair. Rub just a little into your fingertips and work from the end upwards, staying away from your root.
- Use hair treatments 2-3 times a week, make the time to give your hair the extra hydration it needs to de-volume.
Our tips for volumising your hair;
- A specialist shampoo and conditioner are your best bet, avoid anything with an oil in, keep shampoo specifically to your roots, and conditioner just to your tips.
- A roller brush, a hot air brush, a classic roller, used on your parting whilst drying and or styling will give you a boost. Making time to blow dry can really make a difference.
- Volumising spray, salt spray are great extra’s for those with really limp hair who need that extra help, they can leave your hair sticky though.
W
Wellbeing is key, beauty really does start from the inside. Making sure you are rested, getting the right nutrients, hydrated and energised are easier said than done. Giving yourself a little extra help in terms of sleep sprays, supplements, teas can give you the boost you may not be getting. This Works Sleep spray is a miracle worker, a few spritz before bed can send you off into an easy happy lul, the sleep power plus spray will keep releasing the sleep aiding scents through the night to keep you asleep.
X
XYL is a common sight in a beauty ingredients list, such as; xylitylglucoside, xylitol, anhydroxylitol. Most of these pass over our heads, but it is important to look at our ingredients and know what we are using, or most importantly what we shouldn’t. The big ones to avoid include; Phthalates – a chemical used to soften plastic, but is often put in moisturisers, hairsprays and perfumes, Toluene – a type of petrol or coal tar, it is often put in nail products, Parabans – a preservative, it may lengthen product life, but is very dangerous to your health if absorbed by the skin. And in case you were wondering what the XYL ingredients were; xylitylglucoside = a wheat sugar, ethylhexylglycerin = a conditioning ointment , anhydroxylitol= a sealant for moisture.
Y
Yes To is a skincare brand that make unique formulas from fruits, vegetables and natural goodies to nourish and protect hair and skin.
Z
Zinc and Zinc Oxide is a brilliant beauty ingredient. This earthy mineral is full of neutralising and healing qualities. It can help acne, reduces pigments, dark spots, rashes and redness (it is particular good for nappy rash), prevents bacterial infections, is a highly effective natural sunscreen and also boosts collagen production, making it an anti-aging wonder too. Our Zinc filled product recommendation and conveniently another Z is Zelens Aka-Siso Reviving Mineral Shower.
Shop this blog here;
Products for Keratosis Pilaris
Nut filled products; almonds, hazelnuts,Omorovicza
Omorovicza’s Queen of Hungary Mist
Urban Living Protection
1 Comment
You are so knowledgeable! So many goodies to learn about. Loved this post. Can’t wait for the next ones!
Wishing you beautiful skin,
Ash 💕