Creating Bath & Massage Oils – Design*Sponge

Read article : Creating Bath & Massage Oils – Design*Sponge

In 2006, I decided I was ready to move out to the country, get some chickens, grow a garden and trade in my city garb for flannel shirts and muck boots. Luckily for me, out of nowhere came the man who would be my husband and along with him an 11-acre homestead in a forested cove. While I was sold on my man straight away, the added perk of marrying into a country home certainly sweetened the deal. And when I later learned that our neighbor, one of two living down our 1-mile dirt road, was a licensed massage therapist who practiced out of her home, I was so glad I’d had the good sense to say “I do.”

My neighbor, Lynn Bernatsky, was a modern dancer before becoming a massage therapist 24 years ago. Accordingly, her knowledge of how the body functions, and how to best care for it, is vast. A few weeks ago, in exchange for cat-sitting while she and her husband were out of town, Lynn gave me what I can honestly say was the best massage I’ve ever received. While the physical manipulation was exquisite (she’s a tiny thing but can work her hands like a giant!), a huge component of what made the experience so pleasurable was the custom massage oil blend she made.

For today’s Small Measures, I’m sharing Lynn’s tips for crafting all-natural custom bath and massage oil blends at home. I’ve also got her wonderful recipe for a winter blues-banishing blend. We’re two-thirds of the way through the driest season here in the northern hemisphere, so any added moisture right now absolutely helps. Lynn’s tips and blend should go far toward keeping you, your skin and your attitude happy and healthy! — Ashley English

The full how-to continues after the jump . . .

I was so intrigued after my massage with Lynn that I stopped over the following week to ask her about crafting bath and massage oil blends. I’m so glad I did, as she was full of beneficial information about selecting essential oils and base oils, as well as recommendations for reputable companies supplying both. Here are her tips for selection, safety, mixing and storing:

Selection

– A combination of almond and jojoba oils is beneficial when crafting a massage oil blend. The jojoba extends the shelf life of the almond oil, as it is quite stable. Also, almond oil tends to stay on the surface of the skin, and jojoba’s greater absorbency pulls the oil down into the skin, helping it to be less greasy on the surface.

– Lynn has found that smaller essential oil companies tend to have more stringent quality control standards. In her years of work as a massage therapist and an aromatherapist, she has repeatedly turned to the following companies for the highest quality products to be placed directly on the skin:

Safety

– According to Lynn, citrus essential oils intended for use on the skin should always be organic, as such crops are often heavily sprayed with herbicides and fungicides.

– Furthermore, citrus oils are photo-toxic, meaning you can be burned when wearing them if exposed to direct sunlight. As such, it’s recommended that citrus oils not be used if you intend to visit a tanning bed the same day or plan to be outdoors exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period of time. Bergamot is a type of citrus, so look for a bergapten-free oil when ordering this essential oil for skin use; such oils have been processed to remove the photo-toxic constituent.

– Research essential oils you’re interested in using on your skin to see if they’re considered “skin friendly” first.

– Always use a carrier oil (or milk, for a milk bath) when using essential oils. Several of them will burn your skin severely if applied directly. I speak from personal experience on this particular safety issue, after an unfortunate bath several years ago where I dropped grapefruit essential oil into the bathwater, stepped in and immediately felt a horrid burning sensation. Use a carrier oil and save yourself from a similar woe!

– Cinnamon leaf is safe to use in skin applications but not cinnamon bark. The bark should only be used as an essential oil in aromatherapy or in medicinal aromatherapy.

Mixing & Storing

– As you are developing a blend, consider the scents that you are most drawn to. Florals? Citrus? Resins? Let those scents guide you as you craft your blends. If you’re making a blend for someone else, pose this question to them in advance (or be sneaky, if you want to surprise them, and ask someone who lives with them or knows them quite well what perfume or cologne they typically wear).

– When mixing a blend, place the essential oils in your mixing bottle first and then top it off with the carrier oils.

– A pourable measuring cup or a beaker can also be used to first combine the oils and then transfer them to their storage vessel.

– Store custom oil blends in a dark glass bottle. Plastic isn’t recommended, as the volatile oils present in the essential oils can break down the plastic over time.

– Use oil blends within six months, and keep them out of direct sunlight, stored in a cabinet or pantry.

And now, Lynn’s glorious blend, perfect for sending winter blues on their dreary way! Lavender and geranium are considered a balancing combination, bergamot helps in alleviating depression, lime is considered invigorating and cleansing and ylang ylang helps to balance hormones and aid in muscle tension.

Banish the Blues Blend

The Goods

• 1 ounce jojoba oil (preferably organic)
• 3 ounces sweet almond oil (preferably organic)
• lavender essential oil: 26 drops
• rose geranium essential oil: 12 drops
• ylang ylang essential oil: 12 drops
• lime essential oil (look for “distilled” lime): 8 drops
• bergamot essential oil (bergapten-free): 6 drops

The Deal

1. Place the essential oil drops either directly into a storage vessel or first into a pourable measuring cup or beaker.

2. Add the jojoba and almond oils. Using a funnel, transfer the blend to a dark-colored 4-ounce glass bottle.

3. If using in the bath, run the bath first. Add a bit of the blend and soak for as long as you’re comfortable. Take great caution when stepping out of the bath, and scrub it down afterward to remove all oil residue.

4. If using as a massage oil, take a bath or shower first. Towel off gently, leaving the skin damp. Apply the oil blend directly to the skin.

If you’re looking to explore aromatherapy and essential-oil use more deeply, here are Lynn’s recommendations for delving into the topic:

What about you? Have any favorite blends or sage, seasoned tips for creating custom massage and bath oil blends? I’d love to hear about them. Otherwise, I think I’ll take a hot shower, rub on a bit of Lynn’s blend and find bliss in the depths of winter.

Images and styling by Jen Altman

RSVP'S Beauty Awards 2016 - RSVP Magazine

Read article : RSVP'S Beauty Awards 2016 - RSVP Magazine

Welcome to your essential beauty bible. Alex Hatton, together with Ireland’s leading beauty experts, brings you the definitive collection of the most effective skincare, body and make-up products on the market.

MEET THE JUDGES
Alex Hatton,  Maura Derrane and Sarah Keary

Our columnist Alex Hatton brings you a collection of the most effective buys in skin and body care. These gems are a must for every beauty buff.

BEST VALUE CLEANSER

Simple, Micellar Water, €4.99 A star budget buy. An express, easy and efficient no-rinse cleanser and make-up remover solution.

BEST TONER

Urban Veda, Purifying Hydrating Toner, €18.99 www.urbanveda.co.uk A simple spritz of this light facial toner hydrates, refreshes and soothes skin.

BEST DAILY EXFOLIATOR

Dermalogica, Daily Microfoliant, €53 An RSVP favourite. This hard working rice-based powder exfoliates dead cells, leaving skin smoother and clearer.

BEST FACE MASK

SkinCeuticals, Hydrating B5 Masque, €58 Beauty editors stock up on this gem because it’s packed with deeply hydrating vitamin B5 to help restore the skin’s natural moisturising factor. Skin genuinely becomes softer and more radiant.

BEST DAYTIME MOISTURISER REFORM

Everyday Moisturiser, €39.99 Everything you need in one jar: it reduces moisture loss, restores the skin barrier function and protects the epidermis against free radicals.

BEST SPF FACE

Eucerin, Sun Protection Sun Fluid Mattifying Face SPF 30, €18.50 A matte melting formula that delivers UVA-UVB protection. Specially formulated for the visage and ideal under foundation.

BEST NECK CREAM

NeoStrata, Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream, €63.95 This cream is your only answer to directly targeting the appearance of wrinkles and creases on the neck and décolletage.

BEST FOR RADIANCE

Murad, Intensive-C Radiance Peel, €65 This at-home peel treatment is packed with a powerful cocktail of glycolic acid, vitamin C and indian fig to brighten, smooth and hydrate.

BEST SERUM

Emma Hardie, The Midas Touch Face Serum, €80 This treatment serum is packed with powerful antioxidants – it’s also super hydrating – and skin feels more subtle, toned and radiant after application.

BEST EYE CREAM

Kinvara, Eye Wow Eye Serum, €29.95 Perk up your peepers with this newbie juice that contains a powerful blend of 11 plant extracts targeting dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.

kinvaraskincare.com

BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCT

Eau Thermale Avène, PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler, €39 Completely fuss-free, just one simple click helps to visibly correct deep wrinkles and furrows around the mouth and nose, the eye area and forehead in just three weeks.

BEST LIP BALM

Nuxe, Rêve De Miel Lip Balm, €12 It soothes, softens and helps rejuvenate your pucker with intensive moisture and a kiss of honey.

BEST VALUE LIP BALM LIDL

Cien Bodycare Lip Balm, €1.59 (for a pack of three) A purse-friendly buy that instantly hydrates parched pouts.

BEST BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT

Viviscal, Maximum Strength tablets, 30 capsules, €49.95 The daily cosmetic supplement that nourishes hair from within to give you the luscious locks you’ve always wanted.

BEST DETOX TEA

Miss Fit Skinny Tea, 14-Day Teatox, €24.99 The #1 natural, laxative free teatox programme that allows you to lose up to five pounds in five days. You just sip your way to a slimmer you.

BEST FACE OIL

Kiehl’s, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, €44 A Hall of Fame beauty buy! Just a few drop of this elixir and you’ll wake up to a fresher more radiant face: fact!

Kiehl’s.com

BEST NIGHT CREAM

Lancôme, Visionnaire Nuit, Beauty Sleep Perfector, €74 The skincare launch of the year: this nightly number transforms the quality of the skin while you slumber. it is smoother, more elasticated and radiant upon waking.

lancome.com

BEST PRODUCT INNOVATION

Elizabeth Arden, Superstart, Skin Renewal Booster, €59 Meet the next gen in skincare: the beauty booster! Used just before serum or moisturiser this booster works on the surface layer of the skin to increases its natural defenses and ability to renew.

elizabetharden.com

BEST CLEANSER

Liz Earle, Cleanse & Polish, €21.87 A beauty icon. This hot cloth cleanser leaves skin clean, soft and radiant. Ideal for your morning or evening cleanse.

lizearle.com

BEST MOISTURISER

Crème de la Mer, The Moisturizing Cream, €138 Experience the comforting richness of the famed “miracle broth” in a rich, lux cream. Expect an immediate improvement in moisture levels and radiance. It’s worth every single cent!

cremedelamer.co.uk

BEST BUDGET BODY MOISTURISER

Vaseline, Spray Moisturiser, €7.49 This is the business: a snazzy spray system, that dispenses a moisture rich lotion quickly and evenly for an all over coverage in seconds. Just spray and go!

vaseline.us

BEST BODY MOISTURISER

L’Occitane, Almond Milk Concentrate, €44 A cult classic. Enriched with powerful almond extracts, this milk melts into the skin to help it look firmer and smoother while delivering a 48-hour hydration hit!

uk.loccitane.com

BEST VALUE BATH WASH

Radox, Muscle Soak with Sage & Sea Minerals, €4.44 This bubble bath leaves skin refreshed, soft and squeaky clean. It’s the beauty equivalent of a hug.

BEST BATH OIL

Neom, Tranquility Bath & Shower Oil, €48 This elixir is packed with 19 essential oils including lavender, sweet basil and jasmine. A real beauty treat.

BEST VALUE BODY SERUM

Dove Derma Spa, Uplifted+ Massaging Body Roll-On, €11.99 A nifty roller-ball serum that moisturises and massages as it rolls to improve firmness and elasticity. It also smells divine!

BEST BODY BUTTER

The Body Shop, Spa Of The World, Hawaiian Kukui Cream, €39 The bodycare product of the year: this deeply nourishing emollient is packed with famed kukui oil to restore the skin’s natural suppleness.

BEST DAYTIME BODY OIL

Waxperts, Beautiful Body Oil, €9.99 This multi-usage dry oil contains a cocktail of star active ingredients to nourish, repair and soften skin.

BEST EVENING BODY OIL

Holos Skincare, Good Night Body Oil, €16.90 This Irish holistic hero is all you need for night-time skin moisturising and is made up of a calming trio of essential oils: lavender, chamomile and rose.

BEST BODY SHAPER

Thalgo, Stomach and Waist Sculptor, €44 We love this: it helps to firm the deeper layers of the skin for a tighter and firmer looking waist. Just in time for summer!

BEST BUST TREATMENT

Palmers, Cocoa Butter Formula Bust Cream, €9 A must-have beauty weapon for a perkier pair; specially formulated with pure cocoa butter cream and vitamin E that smoothes on like gel.

BEST HAND WASH

The Handmade Soap Company, Lemongrass & Cedarwood Hand Wash, €12.95 Nourish and revive your paws with this zingy and refreshing hand wash. Buy Irish!

BEST HAND CREAM

Green Angel, Seaweed & Lavender Hand Cream, €20 We’re dedicated fans of this luscious cream packed with minerals and essential oils to nourish your mitts.

BEST VALUE HAND CREAM

Ziaja, Goat’s Milk Hand & Nail Cream, €3.49 A brilliant budget buy: this intensive hydrating formula keeps your paws soft and supple.

BEST FOOT CREAM

Aveda, Foot Relief, €26 For happy hoofs, slather on this deeply nourishing cream designed to sooth the roughest and toughest feet!

BEST NAIL TREATMENT

Sally Hansen, Complete Care 7-in-1 Nail Treatment, €10.99 Whatever your nail dilemma this is the solution: after just three days, nails look shinier, stronger and brighter.

BEST DEODORANT

Sure, Max Pro, €7.35 A summer essential. Simply use before you hop into bed, wash off in the morning and rock off knowing this number will keep you dry all day.

BEST BODY SCULPTING TREATMENT

CoolSculpting, River Medical Group, from €840 A great non-invasive way to reduce fat by up to 40% after one treatment. Results can be seen within 4-6 weeks but as your body ‘gets rid’ of the fat cells you will continue to see results for up to 3 months.

BEST NAIL VARNISH RANGE

SoSu, Nail Polish Collection, €7.99 A digit game changer: gives the look of a gel finish without the need to visit the salon.

sosueme.ie

BEST HAIR REMOVAL PRODUCT

Waxperts Wonder Pads, €9.99 for 40 discs These little wonder pots are a bathroom must-have. Use daily in between waxing, or after shaving to avoid ingrown hairs.

waxperts.bigcartel.com

BEST BODY EXFOLIATOR

Organic Surge, Tropical Bergamot Skin Perfecting Body Scrub, €16.99 This uplifting wonder pot is packed with natural pumice, sweet orange and bergamot essential oils to gently polish and smooth your skin.

organicsurge.com

BEST SHOWER FOAM

Molton Brown, Dewy Lily of the Valley and Star Anise, Bath & Shower Gel, €22 This scrumptious, sudsy shower gel is blended with delicious Lily of the Valley: it leaves a light floral scent while deeply cleansing the skin.

moltonbrowne.co.uk

Sarah Keary is one of Ireland’s most established make-up artists with a background in fashion, television and bridal. Her celebrity clients include Pippa O’Connor Ormond, Kathryn Thomas and Sharon Corr.

BEST VALUE PRIMER

Flormar, Illuminating Primer Make-Up Base, €9.95 Prep and prime to selfie ready skin with this brilliant illuminating base.

BEST EYE PRIMER

Smashbox, Photo Finish 24-Hour Shadow Primer, €23 An eyelid primer that instantly makes your shadow look more vibrant and locks on color for a full 24 hours – no fading, creasing or smudging!

BEST VALUE FOUNDATION

L’Oréal Paris, True Match Foundation, €14.99 This lightweight and silky texture glides on seamlessly for an all-day, buildable coverage.

BEST POWDER

Giorgio Armani, Luminous Silk Compact, €45 We covet this chic compact; it delivers a flawless finish with a gorgeous touch of the famed Armani illumination.

BEST FACE CONCEALER

NARS, Radiant Creamy Concealer, €28 Partied a bit too late last night? Mum’s the word with this lightweight concealer!

BEST UNDER EYE CONCEALER

Clarins, Instant Concealer, €26 This buy just might be your new best friend. It instantly brightens dark shadows so you look refreshed and revived.

BEST EYESHADOW

M∙A∙C, Eyeshadow, €16.50 A highly pigmented powder that applies evenly and blends seamlessly. Available in a host of hues.

maccosmetics.com

BEST GEL LINER

Inglot, AMC Gel Liner No.77, €15 This black glam gel eyeliner glides on like a dream, making it ideal for creating the perfect feline flick.

BEST VALUE LIQUID LINER

Essence, Easy 2 Use Jumbo Eyeliner, €2.89 One of the thickest eye marker pen on the market; accurate lines are super easy to achieve, even if you’re an eyeliner newbie!

BEST VALUE MASCARA

Catrice, Glam & Doll False Lashes Mascara, €4.50 This number scores extra points with its curved brush, which reaches each individual lash in one swift swipe.

BEST BROW FILL

Benefit, Brow Zings, €34 Put your best brows forward with this mini brow salon, it’s complete with all the tools you need for perfect brows!

BEST VALUE BROW FILL

WetnWild, Colour Icon Pencil, €2.49 Give the brows in your life the special attention they deserve with this versatile dual-ended pencil.

BEST VALUE POWDER BLUSH

Sleek, Blush in Rose Gold, €5.49 A brilliant beauty dupe! This longlasting and highly pigmented blush glides on smoothly and packs a great colour punch.

BEST LIPLINER

Maybelline, Colour Sensational Lip Liner, €5.99 Mirror like colour with reflective shine formula. This literally does not budge!

BEST RED LIPSTICK

Max Factor, Marilyn Monroe Lipstick Collection, €10.99 each This is so special: a beautiful edit of four lux lippies inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s signature rouge pout.

BEST LIP GLOSS

Rimmel, Oh My Gloss, €6.99 Perfect glam on the go! Your lips are instantly drenched with a seriously sexy shine.

BEST FALSE LASHES

Fuschia Make-Up, Faux Mink Lashes, €15 The most glam false lashes a girl can get – and they’re so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing them too!

BEST CELEBRITY COLLABORATION

UD | Gwen Stefani Blush Palette, €42 Such a chic cheek collection developed and designed by the iconic Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay. You need this in your beauty wardrobe!

BEST POWDER BLUSH

Charlotte Tilbury, Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher, €39 This delivers a flattering flush of colour in two easy steps. Blend it on the apples of your cheeks for a just-pinched look. We love it!

charlottetilbury.com

BEST HIGHLIGHTER

Rosie for Autograph, Marks & Spencer, Highlighter Powder, €20 This gorgeous creamy highlighter boosts skin radiance in seconds. A highlight for the highlife!

marksandspencer.com

BEST FACE SCULPTOR

IsaDora, Face Sculptor, €25.95 This wheel of wonder contains a richly pigmented bronzing powder and highlighter, and blush. A musthave for your bag of tricks.

isadora.com

BEST PRIMER

Yves Saint Laurent, Touche Éclat Blur Primer, €38.00 This glitzy gel-based formula creates the perfect canvas for flawless, longer lasting make-up – simply apply and glow!

yslbeautyus.com

BEST MASCARA

Lancôme, Hypnôse Volume à Porter, €27.50 Let your eyelashes take centre stage with this wonder wand that gives lashes length, lift and va-va voom.

lancome.co.uk

BEST LIPSTICK

Shiseido, Veiled Rouge Lipstick, €25 Pucker up with this creamy, satin lippy that locks on to lips in one swipe, delivering an intense colour payoff.

shiseido.com

BEST FOUNDATION

Clinique, Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, €32 This new formula provides a medium coverage, yet it’s so light in texture it almost feels like you’re not wearing foundation.

clinique.com

BEST PALETTE

Pippa for Blank Canvas, €34.99 This is the business: it’s packed with five matte nude toned shadows, a highlighter, peachy toned blusher and contouring powder.

blankcosmetics.com

BEST TAN TREATMENT

Guinot, Huile Mirific, Gold Nourishing Dry Oil, €39.25 A luxurious dry oil that delivers a stunningly sexy shimmer to the skin. A real tanning treat and officially our favourite find of the awards!

Guinot.com

BEST GRADUAL TAN

Karora, Gradual Tan Face & Body, €14.99 Get glowing with a daily dose of natural colour and a burst of hydration. Layer it up for a richer honey-dipped tan.

karoracosmetics.com

BEST BRONZER

Bobbi Brown, Face & Body Bronzer in Medium, €46 A beach bag essential, we adore this light-weight bronzing powder that highlights, colour and contours.

BobbiBrown.com

BEST INSTANT TAN

Cocoa Brown, Instant Tan Bronzing Gel in Shimmer & Matte, €6.99 each This delivers an instant, faux flawless tan and comes in a matte and shimmer finish. Every girl should try this!

cocoabrown.ie

TAN FOR FACE

Garnier, Ambre Solaire, No Streaks Bronzer, Dry Face Mist, €12.20 An ultra fine mist which dries instantly to give a streak free, gorgous golden hue to the face and neck area.

BEST TANNING SUPPLEMENT

Pharma Nord, TanCare, €18.95 (for a twomonth supply) Packed with beta-carotene, these clever capsules enhance the appearance of your skin and will give you a gorgeous golden tan with less sun exposure.

Maura Derrane believes that a spritz of perfume can lift your mood, make you feel confident and indeed evoke happy memories of times past. Maura is also mum to Cal who is nearly two years old. Maura places a lot of emphasis on what skincare products she use on Cal and herself: here are some of her all time favourites.

Perfume –

BEST DAYTIME

Shiseido, Ever Bloom, EDP, 50ml, €76 Modern and feminine, this musky white floral scent is a timeless addition to any perfume collection. It’s a very intimate and smooth scent – and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.

BEST FRESH

Tom Ford, Neroli, Portofino Acqua, 50ml, €120 This is Tom Ford’s original Neroli scent with additions of citrus notes like orange and lime. It is the Italian coastline in a bottle and conjures images of orange groves and warm sea breezes.

BEST CELEBRITY

Britney Spears, Fantasy, EDP, 30ml, €27.50 If you like really sweet and chocolaty fragrances this one is for you. With notes of sweet fruits – lychee and kiwi –and gourmande notes of white chocolate, this is a really girly perfume.

BEST SCENTED BODY WASH

Viktor & Rolf, Flowerbomb Perfumed Shower Gel, €45 If you love to start your day with your favorite scent, then a shower gel is the way to go, especially this one with its uplifting notes of bergamot and rose.

BEST SCENTED BODY LOTION

Jo Malone London, Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion, €50 No need for any perfume when you wear this body lotion. It has a brilliant silky consistency that totally envelopes your body with powerful notes which include clove, raspberry and pomegranate.

BEST SCENTED BODY CREAM

Roger & Gallet, Fleur d’Osmanthus Precious Revitalising Balm, €23 This is one the most revitalising scents, with the beautiful fleur d’Osmanthus at its heart, which has a peachy and orangey smell. The balm itself is enriched with precious oils like almond and shea butter, and literally melts into the skin.

BEST REED DIFFUSER

Max Benjamin, Tea Diffuser, €24.95 We adore this reed diffuser; it’s warm, comforting and the on-trend tea notes coupled with the fresh zest of lemon provide a delicious scent for your home.

BEST LUXURY CANDLE

L’Occitane, Lavender Candle, €25 Enriched with relaxing lavender essential oil, this scented candle fills your home with a soothing, aromatic atmosphere for up to 23 hours.

myloccitane.com

BEST NEW FRAGRANCE

Brooke & Shoals, Lemon Leaves, Grapefruit and Green Tea, EDT, 50ml, €60 A totally uplifting and invigorating scent. The lemon and grapefruit are to the fore when this is first sprayed, but it settles on the skin as a soft cologne.

brookeandshoals.ie

BEST ROSE

Juicy Couture, Viva La Juicy Rosé, EDP, 100ml, €85 This is a zesty mix of fruit and jasmine with powdery rose and woody notes at its base. It is a modern and youthful take on a rose scent.

juicycouture.com

BEST FLORAL

Lancôme, La Vie Est Belle Florale, EDT, 50ml, €63 A totally different compilation to the original fragrance. It has more of a zingy scent thanks to the additions of osmanthus and bergamot. A stunning scent.

lancome.co.uk

BEST EVENING

Marc Jacobs, Decadence, EDP, 30ml, €62 A sweet deep perfume with top notes of plum and iris with a woody and amber base. The sweetness still comes through when it settles on the skin. This is a good night time choice and the bottle is a perfume collector’s dream.

marcjacobs.com

Mother and Baby –

BEST BABY WIPES

Water Wipes, Baby Wipes, €2.99 These Irish wipes are perfect for newborn babies as they contain 99.9% water and the only other ingredient is grapefruit seed extract. They don’t have any scent and are very moist, which is exactly what you need for the little ones.

BEST BABY BODY WASH

Mothercare, Little Softie, Top to Toe Wash, €2.50 A paraben-free, no-tears wash that is gentle on both baby and mum’s skin. Suitable to use from birth.

BEST BABY MOISTURISER

La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Baume B5, 40ml, €7.50 This is a multi-tasking hero product. Mum can use it as a body cream and as a nappy cream for their little one. It can also be used on dry or irritated skin. It contains vitamin B5, shea butter and thermal water to soothe the skin. We love it!

laroche-posay.com

BEST SUPPLEMENT FOR MUM

Cleanmarine, Krill Oil for Women, €47 (one month supply) Each capsule is packed with essential Omega 3 Phospholipids combined with vitamin D3, B1, B2 and B6. They help regulate hormonal activity and reduce tiredness. Ideal for women of all ages.

BEST CHILD MULTI-VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT

Vivioptal Junior, €9.95 It is hard to get all the right vitamins into your kids if they are fussy eaters. Vivioptal has a good broad section of vitamins and minerals to help growth and bone development.

BEST BALM FOR MUM & BABY

Nía, Just Balm, €12.95 This balm is a real find: it’s a 100% natural healing moisturiser and is suitable for use on all itchy, dry skin conditions and rashes. Suitable for babies, children and adults.

BEST SPF FOR CHILDREN WITH SENSITATIVE SKIN

Bioderma, Photoderm Kid SPF 50+, €20.50 This not only contains a high protection sun screen but also protects sun sensitive and intolerant skin. Visible when applied, it is also water resistant and fragrance free.

BEST BABY OIL

NAIF, Soothing Baby Oil, 100ml, €14.95 Baby oils are great to use after a bath when baby’s skin is still a little damp. This one by NAIF is perfume and preservative free, and is really gentle with ingredients like cottonseed oil, which is easily absorbed into baby’s skin.

naifcare.com

BEST SPF FOR CHILDREN

Vichy, Idéal Soleil for Children, SPF 50, €21.50 This milk gives vulnerable skin high protection from the sun with mineral ingredients. It can be used on face and body and is very easy to apply.

Vichy.ie

BEST SLEEP AID FOR MUM

This Works, Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, €19.50 This is a great product to help you get some valuable shut eye. It contains essentials oils of lavender, vetivert and wild chamomile to relax both body and mind.

thisworks.com

BEST FOR STRETCH MARKS

Clarins, Tonic Body Treatment Oil, €47 This oil is amazing. It is full of pure plant extracts like rosemary and hazel to protect the skin’s barrier. It also smells really therapeutic and is really soft and silky.

clarins.co.uk

Gadgets –

BEST MAKE-UP BRUSH

Cailyn, O! Wow Brush, €29.99 This brush is incredible: it feels like velvet yet it is densely packed with ultra fine fibers that facilitate an airbrushed foundation application.

cailyncosmetics.com

BEST PRO MAKE-UP BRUSH SET

Blank Canvas, 12-piece “My Face and Eye” Professional Set, €89.99 This brush set has every tool you need for painting the perfect face. From blending and contouring to lips and eyes, your make-up application will be a joy.

BEST BRUSH TRAVEL SET

Nima Brush, “Girls on Tour” Travel Set Collection, €55 This is the best travel size pro brush kit on the market. A gorgeous edit of seven must-have brushes for on-the-go application.

BEST SONIC SKINCARE KIT

Clarisonic, The Smart Profile Kit, €249 The original and still the best. The oscillating head cleanses six times better than hands alone and is so effective that skin on the face and body is more receptive to creams, serums and moisturisers.

BEST NEW SKINCARE BEAUTY GADGET

Darphin, L’Institut Facial Sonic Cleansing and Massaging Expert, €149 This sonic cleanser and massaging expert works on two levels. Firstly, the brush cleanses the skin. Now for the magic: the kit contains a smooth steel massaging head that deeply delivers moisturiser to boost microcirculation and relax the facial muscles. Genius.

BEST HOME PEDICURE

Emjoi Micro Pedi Nano, €39.95 It exfoliates and removes dry, rough skin while being gentle on your feet; leaving your heels and soles soft and so summer-ready.

BEST WONDER WAND

M2 Beauté, M2Brows, €130, from The Derma Clinic, Dublin A precisely engineered brush with a rich serum that you apply to those places where you would like to optimize your eyebrow growth. Expect supermodel bushy brows in just four to six weeks!

5 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Stress and Relax Completely

Read article : 5 Simple Ways to Get Rid of Stress and Relax Completely

When was the last time you had a quality time dedicated to relaxing? The modern age we are living in forces us to spend more time at work, and since one day has only twenty-four hours, the contemporary “average Joe” chooses to renounce relaxing time in favor of work. Stress is on the rise for the past decade, and according to several statistics, around 80% of workers today are exposed to this condition.

Of course, there is an option to avoid stressful situations, but rather often, this is not possible. Stress is eating us from the inside out and makes our lives miserable if we let it take over. Still, devoting some time of the day to immerse yourself into relaxation is a good solution to battle stress, calm your nerves, and make you feel better.

The only important thing is, that you need to schedule that time and prioritize it. Don’t avoid it – it’s time for you to start caring about yourself.

Cancel all of your obligations tonight, and organize a relaxing and stress-relieving time.

When is a good time to relax?

Basically, any time can be determined for this. In general, I recommend the evening, or at least sundown when the city life is slowly losing its pace. There is also this soothing feeling, coming from the absence of daylight, which will help you to unwind while your body triggers the relaxing mechanism as it prepares to go to sleep.

On the other hand, if there is no possibility to separate some time for yourself in the evening, daytime is also suitable. Just remember to cover your windows. The color of the sheets covering the windows should not be aggressive, such as red or orange; choose a calming color such as cream or purple. It will bathe your room in butter-shaded color and calm you.

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For a start, put some relaxing tunes on, and set up the atmosphere. Luckily, the Internet is full of meditation tunes which can be used for free. Find the one which reflects your mood and suits you best.

1. Wash away the stress

Simple lying on the couch and resting is a good practice in the prepared scenery. But, to relax and shake down all of that stress, you must do something prior enjoying in your peaceful oasis. Start with a warm bath, scented with a few drops of essential oils. There is one simple rule that must be followed – don’t think about anything. Concentrate on the warm sensation of water on your skin.

This will help you not just to relax your muscles, but the clear your mind as well. Try to endure as high temperature of the water as possible, but be careful not to burn yourself. Hot water can help your blood course faster, making muscles supplied with oxygen more efficiently, and thus more relaxed.

In case that you have chosen the shower over a bath tub, there is an Eastern wisdom about meditation which can suit perfectly to this situation. The feeling of your worries being washed away can be achieved if you focus on your senses. In order to improve this state, try closing your eyes.

2. Relaxing your body even further

After the relaxing bath, some people have the energy to do the things they like, and some people want to go even deeper. Many turn to sleeping, the body’s natural regenerating mechanism. It is ok, but today we’re here to reach the deeper levels of relaxation. To get there,  a massage is the next step.

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Since this is a guide for relaxing in your home, you’ll either order a masseuse to come to your house or get a massaging chair. If you are lucky enough to possess this wonderful chair, you just strap in and hit “play.” The speed, pace, and intensity are not universal, so you will need to experiment, and to see which mode suits you the best.

Another add-on for ambient and overall improvement is scented sticks. Those can be bought anywhere, and the choice of the type of scent is left to you. However, pine, lavender, and bergamot are good to start with. Their primal purpose is to enhance meditation and give you additional focus, but the purpose of relaxing is also notable.

3. Being creative

The next thing might be your favorite and possibly forgotten hobby. We all have that one thing we used to do daily, but we simply lack the time (willingly or unwillingly) for it. Whether that be calligraphy, maintaining your mini Zen garden, or playing an instrument, there is only one rule; do it.

Again, it is not the point of creating wonderful pieces of art; it is about you doing something that makes you happy. If you do not have any hobby, I recommend you to try painting. It is easy, and there are no rules or limitations. You do as you please, and quite often, being creative will make you feel better. Painting has a psychological effect of relaxation.

Research results published by the Society for Personality and Social Psychology are stating that people’s perspective can be changed if we practice hobbies on a daily basis. It might seem like a long-term goal, but you have to start somewhere, right?

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4. Have a delicious meal

A perfect relaxation isn’t complete without a proper meal. Regarding the type of food you like and if you like to prepare it yourself, get your food ready and waiting. We all love pizza, of course, but as I said, take it a bit further.

Italian food is rather easy to prepare, and since it utilizes light ingredients such as pasta and chicken meat, it will not make you feel heavy after eating. One of my favorites is definitely Cauliflower Penne Puttanesca, a light, vegetarian pasta, which requires about 25 minutes to prepare.

Of course, this exquisite meal should be paired with the matching wine, and if you can obtain a bottle of Villa Bucci’s Riserva, Verdicchio dei Castelli from 2009, it will be simply put, perfect. Wine is a somewhat sensitive drink, so it should be cooled to exact temperature (around 15°C). Luckily, there are many wine coolers & fridges which can do this for you. As a good wine enthusiast, I’m sure you already have a cooler. If not, consider having one.

5. The end of the night

After a good meal, you can spend the rest of the evening as you like. Personally, I love to take another round of easy massage while watching a movie or a TV show. In general, avoid watching TV while eating, because you won’t enjoy it as much.

Also, a good book is a great suggestion, and whether that be something new, such as “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough, or something more classic, like Shakespeare or Charles Dickens, the decision is yours. After reading, you can go to sleep, satisfied and happy; after all, you did something wonderful for yourself.

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Spare some time for yourself every week

It is not as much about the bathing, the wine, and food, as it is about YOU doing something you are not doing every day. After an evening spent like this, you will finally see the world as it really is, beautiful, colored and sparkly.

But you did not change it, you simply swept away the heavy clouds of every day stress and troubles, and this enthusiasm is really contagious. The next thing you will want to do is to prepare a similar evening for your loving person, knowing how good it feels. Always have the time for yourself!