Organic & Natural Feminine Hygiene..the healthy choice.

www.natracare.com

Article in progress, coming soon, end April 2008.

Therapeautic Skincare Solutions..

Work in progress..for more information please see:-

www.theorganicskincare.co.uk

Breathe new life into your mind, body & soul. 

Top Tips for Spring..

Put that spring back into your step!  How you may ask?

Follow beautycubes Top 10 ‘Feel Fabulous’ Top Tips below:-

Tip 1.

Get your circulation going!..

Our bodies are built for physical activity, and without it can become de-energised and suffer the ill-effects that come with in-activity.  Boost your irculation with two/three times weekly activities such as brisk walking, swimming, dancing etc.  Taking up an activity that you or your friend/partner enjoy, you are more likely to keep it up, and enjoy the long term results.  Exercise boosts the brains production of endorphins - which are necessary for that feel good factor from within.  Combine it with a social activity, and you can double the benefits, and widen your social circle also, see www.ceroc.com for something fun, different and totally addictive!

Work in progress..please come back soon

Elixir of Life - Grander Water www.granderwater.co.uk

Wellness with Water…Grander Water!

Have you overindulged?  Looking to detox?  Well we take you ‘back to basics’ with water, not just ordinary water…but energised! 

Curious, then read on!..

We all know that we should drink more water (the equivalent of 2 litres a day is the minimum daily requirement and that is in winter!).  In todays modern lifestyle its not always easy!  Many of us dislike the taste of water, favouring flavoured drinks instead, which as we all know are often high in sugar and additives that cancel out the goodness of fluids, and their essential health benefits for the mind, body & soul!

So where does Grander ‘Water Technology’ come in?

If you do not like the taste of water or are never thirsty.  Grander uses natural energy to revitalise water whether it is bottled or from the tap.  By making simple changes in your kitchen and adding an energy board by the kettle, you can enjoy ‘revitalised’ and ‘energised’ water every day!  The water will feel smoother and rounder upon taste, aswell as fresher and cleaner.  The body then slowly starts to become thirsty making it easier to increase water intake.

How will the effects of Grander benefit me?

Increased energy levels is one of the most noticeable benefits of an adequately hydrated body.  A Grander Energy Board is the perfect way to energise all the water you drink, just place a jug or bottle on the board for about five minutes and taste the difference.  The board can be used for all liquids, both hot and cold.

To buy an energy board in the UK, or for more details please call 0845 500 1116 (quoting BEAUTY CUBE - ‘Wellness with Water’or e-mail info@beautycube.co.uk with any questions.  Alternatively use the Contact Us section at www.granderwater.co.uk to e-mail your query.

For more information on ‘Wellness with Water’ please see the fact sheet below:-

Question..

How energised is our everyday water?

Our tap water is a far cry from the naturally vibrant and mineral rich water that emerges from a natural spring, which has beneficial qualities well renowned for their overall general health and well-being properties.  Everyday tap water has been chemically treated and/or recycled and can have a counteracting effect on those naturally occuring well-being properties.

‘Water Wellness’ Tips & Facts..

Tip 1 - Natures Natural Number 70!

Your body consists of 70% water and daily the body uses 10 large glasses of water!  Water is necessary to filter and purify our blood 24/7.  This is vital for everyday bodily functions supported by our kidneys, and in turn this natural filtration process services the bodys largest organ, the skin!

Tip 2 - Why is water so important?

Everyday indulgences create a build up of toxins in our systems.  The kidneys purifying functions can only be maximised by an optimal intake of water.  The recommended daily intake is 2 litres a day.

Tip 3 - Get your ten a day!

Not drinking enough causes dehydration which puts the kidneys into ’stress mode’ causing toxins to build up in the body.  As a result the skin and the mind can become sluggish and lack energy.

Do you suffer from any of the following?

• Dry skin, hair and/or nails
• Headaches
• Skin congestion such as spots

Take action, and increase your water intake, and you will see a significant improvement in your overall vitality and skin wellbeing.

Tip 4 - Dehydration Alert!

The effects of dehydration can often be confused with hunger signals!  So each time you reach for that snack - try replacing it with a drink of water or piece of fresh fruit, naturally sweet and just as refreshing!  Aim to make a good start to the day with a glass of water to replace fluids lost overnight, and continue with a glass regularl throughout the day.  Before you know it you will achieve the recommended two litre intake per day easily!

Tip 5 - Fluid Control!

Coffee and Tea although widely considered the ultimate traditional English refreshment!  These diuretics actually deplete the body further of water faster than generally we realise.  Try and moderate your intake to one or two cups per day or supplement with herbal and/or fruit teas.

For any questions regarding ‘Your Beauty’ & ‘Water Wellness’ why not e-mail your question to the team here at beautycube, and we will be happy to advise you further. 

Please use the Contact Us section or e-mail beautycube direct at: info@beautycube.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you :-) 

With just over a week to go..use the tips below to ’shine like the star that you are’ throughout the festivities.

Stand out from the crowd with these sensational pre-party ‘dress to impress’ tips!

Beauty Cubes ‘Girls Head to Toe Party Checklist’!

Tip 1 - ‘Knock em dead with Stunning Legs’!

Too late for tanning, no time for waxing.  Go back to basics with good epilation - use a hair removal oil for a closer and smoother finish.  Perfect those ‘pins’ with some sheer tights in nude or natural which will complement any ‘little black dress’.  Remember for open toe sandal party feet, closed toe tights are a no no!  Go for the open toe variety - good old M & S do the best! - www.marksandspencer.com  Finally, dont forget to colour dress those toes, red is ultra glam or go for silver or gold for a more subtle compliment to any outfit.

Beauty Cube Tried & Tested:-

King of Shaves, Shave & Moisturise Shaving Oil for ultra soft & silky skin.  Contains Calming Aloe Vera, Soothing Cammomile & Nourishing Vitamin E - www.shave.com

Tip 2 - Glow, Glow, Glow - Ho, Ho, Ho!

Gently exfoliate and use a hydrating facial mask the night before, and get a good nights sleep for maximum results!  This will ensure the skin has a dewy finish, and act as a perfect pre-party foundation base, one that will help your foundation sit evenly on the skin, and last all night!

Tip 3 - Perfect a ’Cheeky Rosey’ Glow bee sunkissed under the mistletoe!

Dazzle with a splash of colour or two!  Use a soft brush on the apple of the cheeks, and apply bronzer to the contours of the face and decolette area.  For cheekbones and the decolette areas use a large contouring brush, and for concentrated touches of subtle colour use a small contour kabuki brush.

Beauty Cube Tried & Tested:-

‘Baby Buki’ Brush by Bare Escentuals - ideal choice and most generic use for all of the above - www.bareescentuals.com

Tip 3 - Sparkle, Sparkle, Sparkle!

For that finishing touch use an all over body shimmer brush for a fabulous sparkly finish.  Apply all over the decollete area, and on the arms for a fabulous glow!

Beauty Cube Tried & Tested:-

Gold Shimmer Brush from Linden Leaves Gold range - www.lindenleaves.com

Tip 5 - ‘Little lip pot of Magic’!

Plump up those lips with a natural three in one salve, gloss and plumper.

Beauty Cube Tried & Tested:-

The Lip Plumper pot by Rhodes to Heaven from their pure radiance category - www.rhodestoheaven.co.uk

Contains natural peptides to minimise, smooth and improve fine lines on the lip area.  Beeswax & Vitamin E provide protection & Fruit Wax with Castor Oil give us girls shine, shine, shine!

Have a Shiny, Sparkly, Sensational Season Ladies!

Finally - Beauty Cubes Top Tip!:-

Calling all Dance Floor Diva’s!..dont forget to add Party Feet - Invisible Gel Cushions by Scholl to your beauty essentials shopping list!  Will help to minimise that burning sensation in the balls of your feet, so you can party all night, and carry on shopping by day! - for more info visit www.scholl-footcare.com in their shoe comfort category UK or visit your nearest Boots store.

Achieve beautiful glowing skin in time for the forthcoming party dress season!

As the nights draw in and we turn up the central heating, our skin naturally starts to suffer, lack lustre and loose that ’feel good’ glow!  Also in the winter lessened activity as we head for the TV and couch on those cold, dark evenings!  Our skin gets generally sluggish, which minimises the brightening skin benefits of  a summertime good all round circulation.  With the party season drawing near, the sudden ‘glam fix’ required for that little black christmas number can leave you feeling less than ’skin fanatastic’!  So what does one do?

Follow my five fabulous skin ‘pick me up’ and maintenance tips below and be the belle of the ball right the way through to New Year!

Tip 1 - ‘Get Brushing’!!!

Body Brushing is a simple but effective way to boost your natural circulation, which in turn speeds up cell turnover and renewal.  This basically results in clearer, smoother and fresher looking skin.  At the same time a boosted circulation enables maximum effectiveness of your bodys natural ‘waste disposal system’ - your lymphatics to break down toxins which can cause puffiness, sallowness and in some areas build up of fatty tissue other wise known as ’sponginess’ or the dreaded cellulite!

 Tip 2 - So whats the best type of brush to use?

You do not need to spend the earth on these, the bathshop area of your local department store should stock loofah and spa accessories.  Otherwise try your local pharmacy or beauty centre, salon, or spa.  The best ones are made of naturally sourced bristles, and wood from sustainable sources.  For recommendations please see the foot of this article. Brushes can last for years if you look after them, wash after use in warm soapy water, and leave out to dry naturally.

 Tip 3 - Where do I start?

Always start brushing from the feet upwards, working with the natural contours of the body, and most importantly in the direction of the natural blood flow always towards the heart.  Never againgst!  This will ensure maximum comfort throughout the treatment, and ensure the best results.

Tip 4 - How much pressure do I use?

This will vary from person to person, initially you may like to keep the pressure quite light until you get use to the feel of the brush.  On subsequent treatments you can up the pressure slightly.  Do not be too over zealous on your first couple of treatments as the skin can come up red in certain areas, particulary around the decolette area - the skin here is naturally more sensitive.  This reaction is perfectly normal, in fact a pinkish appearance in the skin is quite normal as the brush stimulates the circulation, and draws blood closer to the skins surface.  This is a sign that the treatment is working, and the heightened colour will soon subside after treatment.

Tip 5 - When should I body brush?

This again is quite personal and will vary.  Some people enjoy body brushing so much that they do it every day!  The best time is either on dry skin prior to showering followed by your favourite exfoliating treat - for extra skin conditioning benefits.  Or I personally like to apply some ‘energising’ in the morning or ‘calming’ at night toning/conditioning massage body oil onto damp skin after a bath or shower.  I then body brush until the oil is mostly absorbed into the skin.  This certainly ensures that the moistursing, and sensory therapy effects of the oil are experienced at their maximum.  Resulting in an intensive luxury treatment suitable for use up to three times a week.  Dry skin brushing can be done every day, and is best done in the morning - physically and mentally it will ensure that you wake up after feeling energised!  This should take five minutes out of your everyday morning routine.  Try for a month and see the difference:

• Smoother skin
• Clearer skin
• Tighter skin
• Reduced puffiness
• Slimmer feel

So ladies, get brushing and get sexy for the festive season!

Take it a step further…

If you find body brushing awkward to do yourself or would like to enjoy an intenser type of treatment, contact a local massage therapist.  Most would be happy to do an all over body massage with the brush.  A great stress reliever, and also soothing for aching muscles after the gym!

For more information on body brushes and related spa accessories see:

www.urbanspauk.com - information site only but UK stockists list featured.

Lastly:

5 Fabulous Party Tips :

• Dont leave things to the last minute try and paint nails the night/day before.
• Do pluck your eyebrows but not an hour before!  Try and do these a day or so prior to the day so any redness has time to go down!
• Apply fake tan on the morning of the day of the party, that way you can shower away in the evening before you go any tell tale smell!
• Always have a light meal before you go as you never know what the food will be like there.  That way your stomach is well lined before the alcohol to come!
• Drink wise alternate alcoholic ones with a glass of water here and there. Alcohol is very dehydrating, and keeping your water intake up will help keep your skin ‘tip top’! and also reduce the painful hangover thats to come!

Drink wisely, and stay safe, roll on December! Ho, ho, ho!

Achieve beautiful hands and nails that say what you want about you!

With the winter fast approaching the need for greater seasonal hand and nail care is essential. Do you suffer from dry skin, dehydrated cuticles, hang nails, flaking, brittle and discoloured nails? If you do then keep reading for beauty cubes ‘back to basics’ tips on all round hand and nail care.

TIP 1 - ‘beauty comes from within’ - review your diet

Are you getting enough vitamins, minerals and protein? The essential ones for skin, and nails are A, C & E along with calcium, selenium and essential fatty acids, otherwise know as omega 3. These will all maintain overall skin and nail health, and good sources of these to include in your diet are:

• low fat dairy products. i.e. natural yoghurt
• cereals (sugar free variety)
• carrots, leafy greens - spinach is excellent & broccoli too
• sweet potatoes, excellent baked or roasted
• forest fruits, i.e. strawberries, blackberries & blueberries
• mixed nuts such as brazils, almonds, walnuts & pecans (unsalted)
• cold pressed vegetable oils i.e. extra virgin olive, add to salads and soups
• poached salmon, grilled tuna, roast turkey
• raw seeds such as pumpkin, sunflower, sesame and poppy seeds, add to salads and/or dressings

Tip 2 - ‘water alert’ - choose your fluids wisely

Cut down if you can on caffeine and alcohol, which naturally dehydrate and draw nutrition away from the skin and its associated cell membranes. Opt if you can for antioxidant rich beverages such as green and white tea, and naturally sweet antioxidant rich fruit juices such as pink grapefruit, orange and apple.

Tip 3 - ’smooth your troubles away’ - gentle exfoliation is key

Use a good exfoliator once a week, to slough away any dead skin cells that make the skin look dull and slow down cell renewal. Gentle stimulation of the skin will improve circulation, and ensure a speedy delivery of nutrients to the cuticle and nail bed areas. This weekly treatment will also allow a greater absorbtion of any hand cream applied thereafter on a daily basis. The product ingredients will penetrate deeper into the base cells, which in turn will ensure the best results from your selected hand treatment.

Tip 4 - ‘a girls best friend’ - crystal files are your secret weapon!

These really do work! They seal the end of the nail free edge, and keep nails looking tidy and neatly shaped if used correctly. Its best to file in one direction in 3 simple steps, side to middle to side, up, across and down. For a natural look shape in an oval finish, and for a more polished and professional finish go for a square shaped look. Remember to always file first before immersing the hands in water or applying any topical treatments.

Tip 5 - ‘the final finish’ - pure white

For natural looking, white nail tips, use a slice of lemon or the juice on a regular basis as a add in treatment, to soak the nails in a small bowl of lukewarm water. Do for a maximum of five minutes, which will ensure that its gradual, and natural whitening effects over time will result. The water will also soften the cuticles, before any exfoliation or treatments to follow this take place.

Dont forget - ‘a girls golden rule’…

Always apply a good quality hand cream daily, ideally first thing in the morning to protect and last thing at night to repair. Watch this space for beauty cubes review of the best hand creams available. Pair with this another handbag essential, a white nail pencil to use under the free edge of the nail. These are great while you are on the go and my best revealed secret yet for naturally healthy looking nails. With this you wont need to apply varnish again, unless for a special occasion, and your nails will be in a much better condition as a result. The chemicals in nail polishes can strip the nail of natural oils, causing dry and brittle nails over prolonged use with time.

and finally…

beauty cubes top tip: apply hand cream before applying those marigolds and washing up! The heat from the water will allow for greater absorption of your products ingredients, also a great ritual for those that easily forget to apply their hand care daily! Alternatively invest in some natural cotton gloves, and use with your favourite hand cream while watching tv, doing the housework or whilst asleep etc… zzzZ..girls get your beauty sleep too for improved results!

Beauty & Well-Being tips on your big day!

Its that time, youve spent weeks preparing for your special day. You may have even booked a make-up artist to take care of your final look… but, how do you ensure that feel good factor, get glowing skin, and radiate ‘gorgeousness’ all day long?

Tip 1 - Wake up with water!

As soon as you wake up drink plenty of water to keep you well hydrated before the champagne bucks fizz starts flowing!

Tip 2 - Feel good from within!

Even if you’re not a breakfast person, do eat it today! You have a long day ahead, and need to keep blood sugar levels balanced, this will help keep nerves under control!

The following are good recommendations:

• porridge (hot or cold - soak overnight and mix with a handful of fresh fruit - berries are tastiest, and most nutritious all year round, use frozen if not in season). If you prefer plain a teaspoon of brown sugar, and a pinch of cinamon adds subtle flavour.
• wholemeal toast with freshly sliced banana.
• poached egg on a bed of fresh spinach.
• smoked salmon, and cream cheese bagel or crossant.

Tip 3 - Result, radiant skin!

As soon as you wake-up refresh your skin by splashing your face with cool water, and carry out your normal daily cleansing routine. Apply your regular moisturiser at least twenty minutes before applying any concealer or foundation - your pores need time to absorb the product, and close before any make-up application.

Tip 4 - The eyes have it!

Use a good eye cream or gel to wake-up, and hydrate the delicate eye area. Apply with a light tapping motion around the opital bone, and again allow time to absorb. These actions will lock moisture into the skin, and create a good base for dazzling, and lasting eye make-up all day, and night long!

Tip 5 - All day glamour!

Follow these useful make-up tips for a lasting look, and professional finish.

• Use a tinted moisturiser instead of foundation, apply concealer only where necessary and set your look with a translucent powder for a shine free finish.
• Invest in a professional set of brushes, and sponges for an even and professional finish.
• Use a natural blush on the apple of your cheeks, and add all over glow with a bronzer suitable for your skin tone - apply to the areas of your face where the sun would naturally kiss - your cheekbones, temples, centre of nose etc. Use a large brush, apply sparingly and blend well.
• For a perfect pout apply a touch of foundation as a base before your lip liner. After lip liner is applied, set with a little translucent powder. Apply a moisturising shade of colour, blot with tissue, set again with your powder, and re-apply the colour again.
• For those with no veil, complete your look with a touch of clear gloss. Alternatively for a more subtle shine, apply a small amount of your favourite lip balm.

and finally..handbag essentials!

• blotting rice papers for a shine free zone, and picture perfect!
• lipstick, a girls best friend!
• handbag size perfume spray, be ’scent-sational’ all day long!

Enjoy your day, and congratulations from beautycube!

This post is dedicated to Nicole and her big day 16th September 2007.

Banish those tell tale signs of Fake Tan in an instant!

Q - Whats the secret to a lasting fake tan thats even in its finish?

Rule 1 - Select the right formulation & do a patch test.

There is no end to the selection of fake tans available in todays market.  All vary in ingredients and texture, and come in the form of gels, lotions, sprays and creme formulations.  Always select the right product for your overall skin type.  Use the following as a guide only:

• Normal to dry and/or sensitive - use a light lotion or spray.
• Combination or oily  - use a light lotion or gel.
• Dry to very dry - use a rich creme formulation.

Unless you have used the product before, always where possible do a patch test.  An ideal place to test the product is the wrist area or for the face behind the ear lobe.

Rule 2 - Preparation starts with good exfoliation.

Preparation is key here, always prime the skin before each application by exfoliating according to your skin type.  Think of it as preparing a surface, as you would with an undercoat of paint.  The surface in nearly all cases must be sanded to ensure a smooth application, and several layers applied to ensure an even finish of colour.  Exfoliation is recommended for any skincare regime to rid the upper surface layers of the skin of dead cells.  Use the following as a guide for regularity:

• Normal to dry and/or sensitive - Once a week.
• Combination or oily skin - Twice a week.
• Dry to very dry - Three times a week.

Pay particular attention to areas particularly prone to dryness.  These are your elbows, knees, hands & feet (in particular in between the fingers and toes!)

Rule 3 - Never rush a fake tan application!

Take your time, and start on your most exposed larger areas first.  Apply with even strokes paying particular attention to the areas of your body where the sun would most naturally catch.  Use remaining traces of product sparingly on smaller areas, and around hairline if applying to the face.  Keep blending the product into your skin until totally absorbed. 

Rule 4 - Always finish by washing your hands!

For sunkissed hands, once final traces of your fake tan have been removed.  Use a cotton pad with a small amount of product, and apply to the backs of your hands, blending well into the wrist area.

Rule 5 - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

The skin is the bodies largest organ and water is a staple requirement in maintaining healthy thirst quenched skin.  Keep your skin tip top and apply moisturiser daily after showering or bathing.   Remember to include regular exfoliation in your weekly skincare regime.  This in the long run will speed up cell renewal which in turn brightens the skin giving you an underlying healthy glow!   Star time saver tip!  If unable to exfoliate prior to a fake tan application, always apply moisturiser as a base to ensure a smooth application.

beautycube’s recommended exfoliators:

1. Star Buy! Linden Leaves Herbalist Flax Seed Body Polish.  Natural gentle exfoliator which soothes & heals (flax seed oil), moisturises (shea butter), and regenerates (calendula).  Suitable for all skin types. www.lindenleaves.com 
2. Spa Buy! Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub.  An intense luxury treat which contains a carefully blended herbal infusion.  Heals (rosemary) , cleanses (cammomile) and soothes (extract of Aloe).  Glycolic acid smooths and brightens the skin.  Suitable for sun damaged and blemish prone skin. www.jmsreurope.com
3. Shopaholic Buy! bnatural Brightening Shower Scrub.  Light and fresh with skin brightening properties.  Invigorates (green tea), moisturises (honey), & soothes (aloe vera).  Suitable for normal to dry skin types. www.tesco.com

Ask beautycube! 

Have a question on the above tip of the month?  Please e-mail info@beautycube.co.uk