Guest Post: Top Tips for Sensitive Skin

Did you know that sensitive skin is not only caused by your lifestyle and diet but the ingredients found in your skincare products too? If you suffer from sensitive skin, it can be difficult finding the best products to keep your skin healthy and flare-up free.

We’ve put together our top tips to combat skin-irritation and help you select the best beauty essentials for your skin type.

Testing

Testing a product before using it on your skin is extremely important, particularly if your skin is prone to reactions. When using a new product or brand it is advisable to carry out a patch test, this is where you apply a small amount of product onto your skin and monitor the area for 48 hours to see if it causes irritation. Testing is also essential when visiting a beauty salon, whether you’re treating yourself to a facial or changing your hair colour, asking for a patch test will help avoid any unwanted reactions.

Always read the label

If your skin has been affected by certain products and brands in the past, take a look at the ingredients label, you may notice reoccurring ingredients which could be causing the reaction. There are a number of hypoallergenic products on the market which have been specially formulated without harsh ingredients for sensitive skin types.

Make-up

Mineralcosmetics are a popular choice for those who suffer with sensitive skin, as the natural mineral combination is much gentler on the skin. Many brands specialise in mineral makeup and foundations that work in harmony with your natural skin tone, avoiding harsh chemicals and future irritation.

Cleaning and Cleansing

Thoroughly removing your makeup is important to keep your skin looking great. Always remove your makeup before sleeping but try to avoid rough scrubs and harsh makeup removers to do so. We recommend using mild make-up remover face wipes, which will gently remove your makeup, whilst cleansing and moisturising your skin.

Food and Lifestyle

Diet and lifestyle play a big part in keeping your skin radiant and healthy. Drinking lots of water and incorporating regular exercise into your routine are both proven to have a great effect of your skin. Ensuring your diet is full of fruits, vegetables and essential Vitamins such as C and E will help to keep redness and irritation at bay. 

*This is a guest post. The content has been written for the site with my approval. 

Guest Post: Affordable Shopping for New Season Trends

Everybody has that one friend who can waltz into a shop and return after five minutes with bags full of the season’s latest trends...then you hear how little they paid for everything and you’re left bemused and, in all honesty, pretty damn jealous. Well hopefully this guide will give you a head start on kitting your wardrobe out with must have garms for AW13 without the designer price tag!

Animal Print
Just when we thought it was time to trade in that leopard print coat, Burberry rock up at London Fashion Week with a whole host of animal print designs to bring the trend back to life. For those who dare trying, combine various prints into one outfit. When done right, it’s the ultimate style statement for the fashion gurus out there.

1. Iron Fist Leogir Leggings (£25.59) 2. Vila Chee Mini Skirt (£21.99)
3. RVCA Moon Safari Shirt (£27.49) 4. Vila Colorado Shirt (£24.49) 5. DC Bristol Mid LE shoes (£54.99)

Winter Floral
Who said flowers are just for Summer? Next season we are set to see an explosion of wintery floral prints to bring some colour into our dowdy December wear. Ultimately feminine and full of fun, a versatile floral with brighten any outfit.

1. Jorge Gypsy Floral Cut Out Dress (£35.99) 2. Jorge Dream Lover Leggings (£24.99)
3. Loreak Mendian Bahamas Dress (£53.18) 4. Only Shaded Flower Leggings (£12.99)
5. Louche Bali Flower Pastel Floral Shirt (£34.99)

Oversized
Next season is all about slouchy, oversized clothing. Apart from being incredibly comfortable, oversized items can channel a multitude of looks depending on what you wear them with. Keep an eye out for apparel inspired by the days of punk and grunge. Although this was big last year, a more subtle approach to this look is set to be at the forefront of fashion next season.

1. 55DSL Dadrap Dress (£54.99) 2. Traffic People Tribal Dress (£34.98)
3. Cheap Monday Melinda Short Dress (£20.98) 4. Religion Clark Long Sleeve Shirt (£59.99)
5. Ichi Knur Top (£19.99)

Bold Prints

It seems the trend next season is to incorporate exotic Summer colours and eye catching prints into your Autumn/Winter attire. Geometric designs are always popular, and when accessorised with a large statement necklace will give you an outfit to get those fellow fashionistas hankering for your style flair.

1. Numph Emma Dress (£38.99) 2. Vero Moda zigzag leggings (£14.99)
3. Motel Rocks Hollyanna Print Dress (£34.99) 4. Ted Baker Keicon Kaleidoscope Bag (£27.99)
5. Yumi Printed Top (£17.49)

And remember it’s not always the clothing that makes an outfit, accessorising is the key to a successful style. Use an oversized handbag or bold coloured shoes to make a statement. Team plain clothing with large jewelled necklaces or an extravagant headpiece to add a quirky edge to your look. Don’t forget it’s not always designer or high street stores that hold your every fashion need, having a rummage in charity shops, boot sales and vintage fairs could result in you finding your favourite piece of timeless treasure!

Natalie Gale  is an online content writer for Surfdome.com. Surfdome specialise in the latest fashions and best equipment for extreme sports such as skating, surfing and snowboarding

Featured post by Sarah Fielding: From Summer to Autumn, Just Add a Jacket

With the change of season we're all very quick to think we must ditch one seasonal wardrobe to switch for the new season. If only the climate was that simple. Weather is unpredictable at best during the change of seasons and so there is rarely a clean break between one and the other. When it comes to the end of summer, we're not always that keen to put away those bright and breezy pieces anyway. Fortunately adding a layer or two can be the perfect solution and there are so many different jackets out there that it is easy to transform a summer look into something that will work for autumn too.

Working week

When it comes to your working week, over summer dresses or smart trousers and short sleeve blouses have probably paid a major part in your work wear wardrobe. There is no need to ditch them for your black trousers and jumpers as soon as the kids return to school and autumn begins. Adding a blazer style jacket adds both shape to your figure and can transform your summery work looks to smart autumnal outfits in an instant.

Sunday brunch

Those gorgeous cream chino style trousers that you've been enjoying all summer are still the perfect choice for a weekend get together with friends. Here you can again a blazer style jacket or go for a pretty boucle style collarless jacket for a classic elegant style statement. Something like the Bonmarché Textured Classic Jacket is a pretty additional layer.

A walk in the park

Days strolling with the dog in the summer are full of relaxed cropped trousers and tees. When it comes to autumn the days can be a bit cooler and certainly there is more chance of a spell of rain. It's not always cool enough to make the switch to chunky knits but an extra layer to keep out the wind and rain will be a welcome extra layer. A lightweight parka such as the Bonmarché Metallic Lightweight Parka will work with your crops or jeans easily.

A night on the town

There are some gorgeous relaxed waterfall and kimono style jackets available these days and they are the perfect cover up for a night on the tiles with your friends or a romantic date with your partner. Why not throw one of these on over smart summer Capri trousers and a pretty blouse? The David Emanuel Soft Waterfall Jacket is a pretty and bright choice. Add a pretty scarf or wrap for extra warmth when you leave the restaurant or pub too.

Autumn nuptials

Not everyone gets married in the summer and for autumn weddings there is the extra challenge of having to prepare for cooler weather. Your favourite summer wedding dress can still serve you well right into autumn. A tailored jacket is a perfect layer up for autumn weddings. It offers a formal look as well as adding curve appeal with its nipped in waist. A softer alternative to a jacket is a smart jacket style cardigan knit so consider these as well.

A weekend away

When the schools are back in for the autumn, it's the perfect time for the rest of us to take a quick getaway. So many more of us these days are making the most of everything Britain has to offer when it comes to holidays that a long weekend in the Lake District or exploring the stunning countryside in Scotland for example is just the ticket to enjoy the autumnal colours as they start to come in. Don't let the slight chill in the air put you off your exploring when a smart fleece or gilet can add that extra warmth you need. They look great with the relaxed cropped trousers you've been enjoying all summer and will be just as comfortable come winter with a sweater underneath.

*This is a post written by Sarah Fielding