Beauty Archives - Alison Canavan

Be Nourished, Beauty, Nutrition, Nutrition, Uncategorized

A MUSHROOM SUPPLEMENT WITH A DIFFERENCE

It has been said that bad supplements are like a bad diet and I have to say I agree. Every day I get bombarded by supplement companies with products that promise to be the true elixir for a better life and increased health. The truth is that a good supplement should be supporting a busy lifestyle where someone already has a great diet and way of living.

The landscape of supplements is also changing and food supplements are becoming more important. This is because we are calorie laden and nutrient poor. The soil our crops are grown in can be deficient in essential minerals and nutrients and fast food has become a fast way to poor health.

Convenience is not convenient if it’s costing you your energy, vitality and essential lifeforce. As we now know nature provides us with everything we need the world of plant based food supplements becomes an area of interest and intrigue. The question is how do we harness the best that nature can provide?

For thousands of years mushrooms have been used in healing and medicines and they are being increasingly researched today to assess their importance and health benefits. There are edible, inedible, magic and poisonous mushrooms. Currently there are over 10,000 known types of mushrooms and scientists reckon about 2,000 of these are edible. Although that may seem like a lot, mycologists suspect that this is only a fraction of what’s out there!

For a long time now I have been using mushrooms for medicinal teas and supplementing with good quality supplements that I have found like shitake and reishi in my smoothies. Mushrooms have long been known to boost immunity and overall health. Some of the other benefits that you can expect include increased energy, improved muscle recovery, heart health, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and concentration or cognition. In trials many mushrooms also contain powerful ingredients that have been found to neutralize free radicals.

A new product that I am a proud Brand Ambassador for, Phytality, which means for ‘plants for life’ has a new product called Super Six. It contains six different active extracts from six different types of mushrooms. Each “vegan friendly” capsule contains 300mg of concentrated extracts from the mushrooms, God’s Mushroom (Agaricus brasiliensis), Maitake (Grifola frondosa), Cordyceps militaris, Shiitake (Lentinus edodes), Turkey tail (Trametes Versicolor) and Reishi- “Mushroom of Immortality” (Ganoderma lucidum).

All six of these mushrooms and their extracts have been used for 1000’s of years all over the world by traditional herbalists to promote and support good overall health and wellness. Also, within the past several years, these mushrooms have also been of great interest to many research scientists.

For example, in a 1995 study,* Reishi showed ‘the greatest antihepatotoxic activity and the greatest free radical scavenging activity.’ In other words it helps to reduce free radical activity. At high levels, free radicals damage various structures in your body’s cells. This cellular damage contributes to an increase in your risk for developing many health problems, including those related to aging. This is why decreasing or inactivating free radicals can lead to huge benefits for your health.Reishi is Known in China as the “spirit plant,” as it is believed to relax and fortify both mind and body.

CORDYCEPS

In a 2012 study (2), Cordyceps have been shown to “improve the antioxidation activity in immunosuppressed mice (and to) significantly increase… total antioxidant capacity.”

The great news is that Cordyceps not only helps to neutralize harmful free radicals, it also enhances the activity of your body’s innate antioxidant systems.

Compounds from Cordyceps have been shown to help support balanced blood sugar levels. For example, a study (4) in the journal Biological and Pharmaceutical Bulletin found that a Cordyceps polysaccharide showed “potent hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) activity in genetic diabetic mice,” while “plasma glucose level was quickly reduced in normal and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice.” The study also found that this same Cordyceps-sourced polysaccharide contributed to lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

SHITAKE

Shiitake is probably one of the best-studied mushrooms in the world today. These mushrooms contain a polysaccharide known as Lentinan, (3) which Cancer Detection and Prevention Journal has described as “a unique class of immunopotentiator” that helps to improve the quality of life and extend survival.

TURKEY TAIL

Turkey tail contains a wide variety of phenol and flavonoid antioxidants which help promote your immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the release of protective compounds. In fact, one study (5) detected over 35 different phenolic compounds in a sample of turkey tail mushroom extract, along with the flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein. Reducing stress and inflammation is so important in today’s world. Let’s face it most of us are stressed even when we don’t even feel it.

The busyness epidemic means that our bodies need better support backed by science and research. We need to understand our needs better and a lot of plants have the intelligence to work synergistically with our bodies to help us navigate the modern world with greater ease and pleasure.

We don’t always have to fight life and battle with our health. Knowledge truly is power and when you begin to educate yourself about food and the plant world, you can begin to make smarter choices for yourself.

PHYTALITY Super Six stockists https://www.greenlightsupplements.com/

Boots Ireland
Duggan’s Pharmacy , Renmore , Galway
Salthill Pharmacy , Salthill
Matt O Flaherty , William Street , Galway
Matt O Flaherty , Barna , Galway
Matt O Flaherty , Moycullen , Galway
Matt O Flaherty , Eyre Square , Galway
Matt O Flaherty , NUIG , Galway
Matt O Flaherty , Terryland , Galway

REFERENCES/STUDIES

Post sponsored by Phytality

November 5, 2019/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Beautiful, Be Happy, Beauty, Healthy body

COSMETICS: MAKING THE TRANSITION TO NATURAL & NON-SYNTHETIC

Where do we start! The benefits of changing your makeup cosmetics to natural and non-synthetic are endless from Mascara, lipsticks and liners. You name it.

It’s important to consider changing, especially when you think that we put these items on our most delicate skin tissues every day! The eye and lip area, we essentially consume lip colours, can absorb these products’ ingredients into the system. Where synthetics are difficult for our system to breakdown, they can build up or can become irritants and allergens to us. Again we ask ourselves, if there is a pure, clean and beneficial equivalent, why would we not change our habits?!

My preference for the first thing to change would be your foundation. From self-experience and through guiding clients, the change to the skins condition can be positively huge! With using natural and organic skincare in professional treatments and advising homecare for the past ten years, I have seen the benefits to better hydrated, balanced, soothed and all round happier skins. Then, we undo it all with a foundation full of ingredients that go against our skin goals: dehydration, congestion of blackheads and breakouts, sensitivities / redness can creep back in and the battle to balance it with a facial begins again.

So what are the ingredients in natural foundations that we can achieve optimal skin health I hear you say:

Vegetable oils: Apricot Kernel, Avocado oil, Argan kernel oil, Shea Butter, the list goes on. They provide the skin with antioxidants through abundant vitamins, essential fatty acids to give the skin nourishment, flexibility and softness. A plumped skin with vegetable oils is a smooth skin.

A synthetic version: Polymethyl Methacrylate – plastic filler for lubricating and smooth finish. Big problems in cosmetics are plastics, especially these micro plastics which are detrimental to our environment and the food chain. These are washed down the sink and cannot be processed. These plastics are found in fish. We eat fish.

Silica: A mineral derived from plants such as Horsetail. Enhances health of our connective tissue, mattifies / aborbs sebum and sweat, softening.

A synthetic version: Dimethicone – silicon derivative for an occlusive or masking effect; filler effect; barrier; mattifies. The issue is that it locks in moisture, sebum, bacteria, pollutants to the skin and therefore breakouts and congestion are more common, especially those prone to imbalances, e.g. teenagers at puberty.

Plant alcohols: These components create essential oils and preserve products. They are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and give a natural scent to the product. You will see this written at the end of the ingredients list, for example: geraniol, linalool, limonene, etc.

A synthetic version: Phenoxyethanol – a synthetic alcohol to preserve, stabilize and scent. It can irritate / sensitise the skin leaving it feeling and looking tight. Capillaries can weaken and redness may persist on the skin if it is constantly irritating the skin everyday.

Vegetal Hyaluronic Acid: A carbohydrate and humectant (attracts water) that behaves like a sponge attracting water to itself and expanding to hundreds of times its original weight. This has beneficial effects for supporting connective tissue and visibly plumping and hydrating the skin.

A synthetic version: Glycerine – if a synthetic form of glycerine is used, its humectant properties will give a soft feel to the epidermis but it is so strong that it actually leaves the tissues below quite dehydrated and tight (lacking water). If glycerine is in the ingredients list, it’s always good to ask if it is of chemical or vegetal / plant origin. The natural glycerine is very gentle.

My top picks for natural and organic foundations are from Couleur Caramel:

Hydra Jeunesse – Inca Inchi oil, a peruvian oil high in essential fatty acids to soften and nourish the skin. Hyaluronic acid to smooth, plump and hydrate. Gives beautiful radiance and glow.

Compact Foundation – An all in one full coverage product with an apricot powder base to give a lessened dewy look compared to Hydra Jeunesse. It uses Shea Butter, Apricot Wax, and Jojoba giving fatty acids, vitamins and antioxidants to the skin while providing long lasting and professional wear. Popular for brides!

September 3, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Happy, Beauty, De-stress, Healthy body, Healthy mind, Treatments, Yourself

MASSAGE THERAPY

Qualified therapists use their extensive knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology to carry out Massage treatments. The massage is the manipulation of the soft body tissue that is used to enhance a person’s health and well- being.

Most of you will remember when you were younger and perhaps fell or hurt yourself, having your Mother or Father hold you, or rub the injured part of the body, “to make it feel better”. Touch is a huge part of healing in general and Massage is one form of healing as well as being a relaxation and stress relieving treatment.

There are many different types of Massage and each one works in its own unique way. For example:

Aromatherapy: The therapist uses essential oils and it is the oil as well as the massage technique that’s work with the individual to relieve stress, provide relaxation etc.
Sports Massage: Will usually be concentrated on a particular part of the body that is causing a problem.

Holistic Massage: Your therapist will first sit down with you and discuss your Lifestyle in detail, then they will run through a questionnaire to determine if a Massage is suitable for you or not. They will discuss your Lifestyle with you and suggest numerous ways that you can improve or change things to make your Life better, this combined with the Massage will have a more effective outcome.

Massage is suitable for most people but there are certain contraindications when a person should not have a Massage. It is advisable, particularly if you have a Medical condition to first get advice or written permission from your Doctor or discuss this with your Therapist before booking an appointment.

Some Contraindications:

Fever.
Cardio Vascular conditions.
High blood pressure.
Contagious diseases.
Recent surgery.

Some people are unsure how the treatment is carried out and often have some undue concerns. Before the Massage begins the therapist will leave you to undress in private then you will lay down on a plinth or massage table. During the Massage you will be discreetly covered by towels or a cover and only the part of the body that is being massaged will be exposed as the therapist begins to oil your body and begin the treatment.

The Massage relaxes muscle tissue, which diminishes tightness or tension in the muscle. It improves circulation pushing oxygen into cells and helps to eliminates any toxins or waste from the body. There are several benefits to be gained from having regular Massage treatments. Massage can help to relieve chronic pain and having a therapeutic Massage can enhance your overall sense of wellness.

Some of the many Benefits:

Improves lymphatic drainage.
It enhances your joint mobility.
Relieves muscle tension and stiffness.
By helping you to relax, and unwind.
Relieves headaches.
Reduces anxiety.
Insomnia.
Back, and neck pain.
And much more.

When Massage relieves stress, it helps the body, as a whole. It will also increase your self-esteem, help you to relax and bring clarity to a troubled mind. It has so many benefits on an emotional and physical level. It is appropriate for adults and children alike and is also suitable for pregnant women. (unless otherwise advised by a doctor)
It is so much more than “Just a massage”, it is a whole life change with wide spread benefits.

September 1, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Beautiful, Beauty, De-stress, Essential Oils, Yourself

THE JOYS OF NATURAL PERFUMES

Working with and learning about firstly natural skincare products; secondly discovering professional and natural makeup, it was only natural to complete the triangle with natural fragrances.

Over the past few years, I have lost interest in dousing myself in the usual front runners of perfumes and opted for more natural and subtle fragrances. I suppose the main reasons for my change of heart would be:

The amount of synthetic ingredients perfumes can contain.

They can be so over powering to the senses (ever been knocked sideways by a stranger passing you who has most obviously bathed in a bottle of Eau de Parfum?).

Photosensitivity: I have met far too many women with strong pigmentation on their necks where they have sprayed perfume for years for it to have only reacted to UV and damaged the skin.

Shopping for and discovering natural perfumes has awakened my senses in the best way possible and has me enjoying spritzing liberally once again. Natural perfumes simply use organic plant alcohols with 2 or 3 essential oils. Essential oils are classified as base, middle or top notes which classifies the staying power of a scent: base notes linger, top notes will disappear more quickly. Many citrus notes are top; some floral and herbs middle; base notes can be more woody, pungent. Oils have synergy so there is usually a mix of notes in a perfume.

What I love about the simple formulas is people’s reaction on smelling a scent: it stirs an emotion and takes them back to a memory of something or someone. The obvious benefit of natural perfume is the organic agriculture behind the ingredients and the non- use or need of any synthetics. Our skin absorbs so much of what we apply to it (and how many products do we apply a day?), and one must take into account what we also breathe in when we spray perfumes.

The staying power of a natural fragrance will never be as strong or as long lasting as the synthetics, but then again, spraying onto the pulses and hair and enjoying the scent won’t be so damaging to our health or the environment so I’m quite happy about a little re-spray half way through my day!

There have been controversial ingredients used by perfumeries in the past, and still possibly today, such as musks which are derived barbarically from deer and civet cats. The argument here is obviously that that is a natural derivative but I think the earth offers us enough notes in plants to leave the animals out of it. With synthetic perfumes, you just don’t always know what exactly is in them so isn’t it easier to read a label of transparency, understand it and know what you’re wearing is good for you… body and mind!

When it comes to ingredients I just can’t deny how lovely it is to read such a simple and short list:

Alcohol (plant)
Cornflower Water
Labdanum
Patchouli
Clary Sage (Pure Patchouli perfume Acorelle)
All ingredients from organic farming made from organic ingredients

Just this 2017, V.Claire Natural Cosmetics introduced natural perfumes, Acorelle.

There are 9 perfumes divided in effects of Energizing, Balancing and Soothing… Let your senses guide you to your favourite!

August 31, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Beautiful, Beauty

6 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO GET RID OF OILY SKIN

Oily skin isn’t always a bad thing. It can give you occasional breakouts, but it doesn’t mean that it can’t do anything good for your skin.

Having oily skin can slow down the rate of skin aging. One good reason is the protection the oils provide for your skin.

They form a barrier to combat pollutants, UV rays and other environmental stressors. Apart from that, having oils on your skin can also mean constant moisture.

You’ll look glowing, too.

These benefits, however, are only possible if your skin is well taken cared of. Oily skin can cause mayhem without the right products or proper skin care routine.

When there’s too much oil, your pores can easily get clogged, especially if it gets mixed with dirt, makeup residue and dead skin cells.

So, to make sure that doesn’t happen, you need to cleanse it, preferably twice a day. This is to make sure that there’s no dirt or makeup residues that can clog your pores.

Toning and moisturizing are important as well. These two steps can bring back the moisture your skin loses each time you cleanse.

Although your skin is capable of restoring moisture by itself, it can actually take quite awhile. By toning, you’ll be bringing back that lost moisture quickly.

Sun protection is important, too. A good sunscreen can help you combat excessive oil production while making sure your skin stays protected against the sun’s harmful rays.

And if your skin is already suffering from the consequences of not doing any of these skin care steps, such as acne, acne spots and dull skin, you may need to use something more potent to bring back your skin’s healthy complexion.

This includes investing in the top vitamin c serum for face. Vitamin C serums have the ability to brighten the skin, including any dark spots you may have.

They can also tighten up pores and even out your skin tone. In addition to that, they also have anti-aging benefits by boosting your skin’s collagen production.

The more collagen there is in your skin, the more supple, elastic and younger-looking it will become.

Now, if these steps overwhelmed you- don’t fret. Here’s an infographic to guide you in getting rid of oily skin.

August 19, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Beauty, Essential Oils

10 AMAZING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR BEAUTIFUL AND FLAWLESS SKIN

Essential oils are growing more and more popular these days. And if you’re a beauty enthusiast, you’d know how in-demand they have become, especially to those who have acne prone and sensitive skin.

However, since essential oils come in a wide range of varieties, you have to know first how to find the best essential oil that can address your needs.

One of the things you have to consider is the essential oil’s purity. Since there is no strict guideline as to what makes an essential oil pure, your best bet is to buy from retailers that specialize in selling oil. They are more likely to be involved in the processing of the oil.

When buying, you should also be more thorough in checking and reading labels. Look for the manufacture and expiry dates as well as the origin of the oil. Read the list of ingredients so you’ll know exactly what you’ll be getting.

Take note of what tests the oils have undergone as well as their grades. A product that has a therapeutic grade or clinical grade is considered superior to other brands.

In addition to assessing the quality of oil, you need to know what type of oil you should invest in when it comes to your skin.

The list below can help you get started.

The oils listed help with everything rom acne to firmer skin and oils like camomile have been shown to help reduce scars too. Theres an oils for every skin ailment so find what suits you.

Hannah Do is the founder of Thank Your Skin , a beauty blog dedicated to provide honest skin care advice and information. She aspires to help her readers achieve their most beautiful skin by sharing personal tips learned through both years of experience and thorough research. Check out her latest article about Best Products for Rosacea . You can find her on Twitter , Pinterest and Facebook

June 14, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Beauty, Healthy body

WHY CHOOSE A NATURAL COSMETIC?

So why should you choose a natural cosmetic. In this article Dearbhla looks at what is actually in our products to help you make more informed choices.

If you had the choice of drinking a glass of tap water, recycled and filtered with added minerals such as chlorine and fluoride or drinking a glass of alpine water, rich in essential minerals from the earth, which would you choose?

It is not always possible to have the purest alternative at our fingertips because we live in a world of mass industrial industries where ingredients can become the least important part of a product and marketing along with gross takings become the top priority. But what happens when you do have the choice: when certified products created as naturally as possible are offered alongside the marketing monsters? You then hold the power, an effortless gesture of turning around these products and reading the ingredients lists to compare:

OPTION 1

Aqua / Water, PEG-8, Glycerin, PEG-60, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Poloxamer 124, Citric Acid, Chlorohexidine Digluconate, Parfum / Fragrance

OPTION 2

Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter Orange) leaf/twig extract*, Aqua/Water/Eau, Sodium Chloride (sea salt), Potassium sulfate, Citrus aurantium amara (Bitter Orange) leaf/twig oil*, Lippia citriodora (Verbena) flower/leaf/stem extract*, Malva sylvestris (Mallow) flower extract*, Lotus corniculatus (Birdsfoot-trefoil) flower extract*, Equisetum arvense (Horsetail) leaf extract*, Medicago sativa (Alfalfa) extract*, Viscum album (Mistletoe) extract*, citral°, geraniol°, limonene°, linalool°

*Organically farmed ingredients, °naturally preservatives occurring in essential oils

The above are two toners, option 1 being a generic cosmetic brand (pharmacies), option 2 an organic, 100% natural and certified brand called PHYT’S which is considered a natural cosmetic (beauty salons, health stores).

The price difference of only a few euro higher for the natural cosmetic option presented in a clouded glass bottle. This is so UV light will not affect the plant extracts versus a clear plastic bottle for the first option. The main reason that interests us in option 2 is the results the skin will receive from these ingredients: improved circulation, hydrated skin through pH balance, reinforced connective tissue. Every ingredient has a beneficial effect.

WHEN DID THE IDEA FOR PLANT BASED COSMETICS START?

The idea of using a plant based natural cosmetic is not new, as for thousands of years skincare and makeup have been used by men and women alike through the power of herbs, vegetable oils, and pigments from both plants and the earth. Unfortunately with industrial revolution and petro-chemical developments, we lost touch with our roots through the 1900s: products became more about a promise through synthetically created components which mimicked the natural of times before. Thankfully, at home and internationally, there has been a revival of tradition: plant extracts from sustainable, organic and fair trade farming; certifications of purity and quality obtained by companies to guarantee their ingredients; strict criteria that disallows synthetic fertilizers in farming, or strong chemicals used to clean equipment in labs; and absolutely no testing on animals.

At V.Claire Natural Cosmetics we work with PHYT’S organic skincare, Couleur Caramel natural makeup and Acorelle natural perfumes and professional waxing. We are beauty and skin therapists; we are passionate to bring out the best in every skin; loyal to the purist and most professional ranges we can find; and obsessed with every cosmetic and ingredient we work with and provide to you.

Maybe the simple question is: why choose synthetic, when you can choose a natural cosmetic? We would love to hear from you so comment below with any questions or comments you have!!

Dearbhla Lyons

Training & Development

V.Claire Natural Cosmetics

June 9, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Be Beautiful, Beauty, Healthy body

HOW YOUR THOUGHTS AND EMOTIONS IMPACT YOUR PHYSICAL WELLBEING

Every thought we have impacts our emotions, every emotion impacts the physical (you only have to think of a traumatic experience and what happens? There is a sudden and obvious rise in your heart rate a bubbling sickness in the pit of your stomach) and every physical response impacts our behaviour.

One of the tell tale signs of someone in this state of fear is the automatic switch on of the fight or flight response. Emotions kick in – panic, fear and the physical response will be sweaty palms, feet etc.

The core of my treatments are based on Noetic Science, how energy effects matter.

Noetics has been around for centuries with the likes of Aristotle, Socrates and Einstein all being very familiar with its philosophy (E=Mc2 )

For me this philosophy has encompassed all of my learning over the last thirty years which was why I coined the term Noetic Therapy for the treatments I created that read implicit tissue memory – (The Fifth Concept, The Spinal Code & Bowensense)

Every thing has a vibration – Vibrations resonate at different speeds and as human beings we pick up vibrations. They affect how we feel, what we think and how we act. A good example of this is when we listen to music. Soft gentle music can soothe us into a state of relaxation and vibrant upbeat music can make us feel happy and energised. Loud screeching head banging music on the other hand can give some people a headache and immediately make you feel tense.

Have you ever had the experience of someone being in a room and literally lighting it up with their presence? They are the life and soul of the party! These are the people who are on our wave length and can motivate us with their positivity but there may be other times when some one has walked in to a room and you could cut the atmosphere with a knife. They emit negative energy and drain you, these types of people I call ‘Emotional Vampires’

I have been called The Skin Psychic before, a term that I am not really comfortable with but I understand that with the tools I have. I teach to observe what is happening with an individual emotionally, mentally and physically, it may seem that way. I can categorically say, I do not work with spirits at all, I work intuitively with energies and reading the body in a way that has been fine tuned over thirty years, I have studied genetics, counselling, homeopathy, nutrition and fascia as well as skin behaviour through specific thought patterns and experience. I read and study the physics of micro organisms to study heat and energy communications in the body. I have also taken pictures of feet, ears and faces over the thirty years of people from all walks of life and environments worldwide and this is where my interest lies.

Intuition is something we all are gifted with. It is not some hippie fad or new age crap that the sceptics like to throw out. In fact, my favourite clients are the ones who are defensive or what I call ‘blockers’. You see, there are some that live in fear, you often find the people who shout the loudest, hurl negatives and try to devalue what you do are the most fearful, they go on the front foot and try to ‘derail’ which to the most part they succeed, however I can see through that and there are reason’s for it. I would often say these individuals are ‘not ready’….yet!

The intuitive mind is something we all have, yet ignore and not trust. The process of tapping in to a sense or feeling is a gift. Within my Spinal Code treatment and The Fifth Concept my fingers ‘see’ and ‘feel’ what the body tissues, muscles, tendons and fascia are telling them. I communicate with my clients body, I do not just go on what my clients tell me in consultation but what I see in body language, what I hear in voice tone and speed of speech and what I sense in the fingers, how the communication of body tissues act within treatment, and believe me they do communicate. I have been able to tell from my Spinal Code treatment if clients have emotional issues linking with a particular parent, if they have had a blood transfusion or if they have emotional traumas, just by feeling implicit tissue memory (this is the memory of an experience laid down in the body tissues)

Chain reactions within the body happen as soon as negativity hits. This can be in the form of stress from environmental factors, emotional factors or physical factors.

So remember your thoughts reflect in your beliefs, your beliefs reflect in your feelings and your feelings reflect in your behaviour – make them good ones!

#FeelGoodFriday

Find out more about Marie here

June 2, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Beauty

SUSAN JANE WHITES GREEN BEAUTY SOLUTIONS – MIDNIGHT FACE SERUM

For my new weekly #FabulousFriday blog I’m going to ask the kickass ladies I love about their views on beauty and in particular natural beauty as one of my main aims is to help people reduce their toxic load!

I’m delighted to introduce a new contributor to BeComplete Susan Jane White who will be sharing some of her green beauty tips alongside some of her tasty recipes in the coming months.

Here’s what Susan Jane has to say on Green Beauty

Obnoxiously priced, commercial face creams are designed to separate you from your money and your brain cells. We all know the brands I’m referring too #sexyswipe.

You want to stay young? The answer is not giving hundreds of your hard-earned dollars to some marketing head-f**ck who abuses our vulnerabilities. Nor is it wearing lamé drainpipes and a sleeve of tattoos, like something Electric Picnic heaved up.

The secret to ageing gracefully my friends, is owning it. Wear those wrinkles like you made them! They are there to tell twenty-year-old twits not to mess with us. So go rock them.

I’ve taken to making my own beauty products from natural, cold-pressed oils. Yup. Green beauty is trending, not because it’s non-toxic and kinder to the environment. Green beauty is trending because it works.

[bctt tweet=”Green beauty is trending, not because it’s non-toxic and kinder to the environment. Green beauty is trending because it works. ” username=”alicanavan”]

Check out this deep, penetrating night serum. My skin drinks it up with gratitude. No amount of crème de la whatsies can achieve the same glow I get from one week on argan oil. Yes, argan can sometimes smell like a wet barnyard animal. But you will expertly highjump this nasal challenge by adding grapefruit essential oil and the spectacularly-perfumed tamanu oil.

Grapefruit essential oil is a brilliant astringent to help seduce large pores and zits. Tamanu delivers a consignment of protective antioxidants, and is traditionally associated with improving scar tissue. We like the sound of that. Both tamanu and argan have vertiginous amounts of vitamin E, and 0% synthetic gunk. Vitamin E is important to our ageing skin because it helps protect against the chaos that free radicals unleash. We can’t stop ageing, but we can slow it down.

I share the task of DIY cosmetics with friends to reduce the cost. It makes sense to do a large batch of face serum, and dole them out to a group of friends. Maybe your pals will do the cacao body butter, or other similar treat in return? Score! Another tip is to store the oils in the freezer when they are not in use, which will substantially extend their shelf life.

Midnight Face Serum

6 months supply

20ml cold pressed argan oil

5 drops grapefruit essential oil

2 teaspoons cold pressed tamanu oil

Mix the oils into a 30ml bottle dropper (available online and at pharmacies). Shake. Store in a cool place, or refrigerator alongside rosewater or other toners to assist with its application.

May 12, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison

Beauty, Healthy body

A NATURAL FOUNDATION THAT PLUMPS, HYDRATES AND IS ANTI- AGING TOO!

THE NEW HYDRA JEUNESSE NATURAL FOUNDATION BY COULEUR CARAMEL

As we move into spring it’s the perfect time to lighten the load in every way. Spring is the perfect time to spring clean our mind, home, wardrobe and even beauty routine.

During the winter months I tend to use a slightly heavier foundation so at Springtime I like to make a switch and lighten my make up. As everyone knows I’m a huge fan of topical health and wellbeing and by that I mean the products we put on our skin.

Our skin is our largest organ so a lot of the toxins go straight into our blood stream from the products we use. Recent research by Bionsen, a natural deodorant company, found that the average woman’s daily grooming and make-up routine means she ‘hosts’ a staggering 515 different synthetic chemicals on her body every single day.

Becoming more mindful of this will help your overall toxic load. Even if you switch just some of your skincare to more natural alternatives you will be doing something great for your overall health and wellbeing.

I have teamed up with Couleur Caramel – a 100% natural and organic make up range to tell you about their new foundation. Couleur Caramel helped launch my book last year (buy here) along with Phyts natural skincare as there’s a chapter on natural beauty in it (BUY HERE) and I have been using their products and working with them ever since.

This foundation is light and fresh but it also has sufficient coverage. In this picture I was tired, had a cold sore and some spots as I have been travelling a lot and my body was screaming at me to rest. As you can see it gives a really nice healthy glow. There is absolutely no filter used here either and its before I powdered.

It has been formulated with natural hyaluronic acid, Juvenessence (brown algae) and organic inca inchi oil. The main thing I need with my own skin as I age is plumping and hydration and this does both because the hyaluronic acid plumps and hydrates the skin and the Juvenessence and inca inchi oil nourishes and protects against the signs of aging (sign me up!!). The result is velvety smooth skin and a glowing, revitalized complexion.

You can set this with their silk powder, which is so incredibly fine, natural and effective. It literally disappears and does a great job at setting your foundation. I struggle finding a good powder that doesn’t sink into the fine lines and wrinkles especially around the eye are but this a goody!

This natural foundation comes in 6 shades; No.21 Porcelain, No.22 Rosy Beige, No.23 Skin Beige, No. 24 Sand, No. 25 Ash Blonde, No. 25 Amber Blonde €34.00

Check out Couleur Caramel for stockists nationwide or buy online and Couleur Caramel is also available in Nourish Stores nationwide

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March 14, 2017/0 Comments/by Alison