Did you know that when you shave your underarms 36 percent of the material collected is layers of skin? That sounds like a LOT of skin to lose, dontcha think? Which probably means it can't be all that good. And it isn't. See those layers of skin are eeee-ssential for protection. Without them, you can say a big hello to moisture loss and irritated, red underarms. Attractive. Through some deodorant into the mix and it'll only get worse. So what's a girl to do—go au naturelle?
Thankfully, no. That won't be necessary if you switch to the new NIVEA Calm & Care Deodorant. It contains a potent blend of provitamin B5 (aka panthenol) which helps speed up cell turnover and replace those missing skin cells, and hamamelis (aka witch hazel), famous for its anti-inflammatory properties. Together they help strengthen skin, decrease irritation and improve the appearance of the underarm area. Schweet. But of course, we wouldn't expect you to just take our word for it. Why not try it for yourself?
WE WANT YOU to join us on the NIVEA Calm & Care Challenge and see what a difference this little beauty can make to your skin. To be in with a chance of being picked to trial the product, simply share with us in the comments section whether you're a roll-on or anti-perspirant kinda gal and why.
NIVEA Calm & Care Deodorant will be available from August 1 in a 50ml roll-on ($3.79) and 150ml anti-perspirant ($4.99).
I used to think that the best thing about airports was the duty free. That and the going somewhere glamorous, obviously. Visions of tanning at the terminal had never quite entered my mind. But now that a FREE pre-flight spray tan is on the cards, the idea of hanging around an airport just got even more exciting. Until Sunday, travellers at London's Gatwick Airport can get a "Gatwick Glow," thanks to St. Tropez. The service is a result of research done by the airport that found people were more confident and happy if they had a pre-hol glow. "Gatwick Glow is designed to give our passengers a boost. We want them to head off on their holiday feeling great about themselves," the airport's Kim Francis told The Daily Mail. Make sense. Now if only all airports worldwide featured the service . . .
Mineral deodorants are having a moment right now. Hot on the heels of the success of mineral cosmetics like foundation and concealer, deodorants are tapping the use of volcanic minerals. The Body Shop was first with its 24-hour protecting DeoDry™ Collection. Free from parabens and aluminium salts, the three-scent range offers effective odour and dryness control, as well as keeping white marks at bay. Good one. This month Garnier launches Mineral Deodorants which include hero ingredient, Mineralite (aka perlite). Mineralite locks in four times its volume in water, is five times more absorbent than talc and doesn't irritate the skin. Offering 48-hour protection, the aerosol and roll-ons are targeted towards white mark protection, intense dryness, skin soothing or being suitable for sensitive skin. Whaddya think? Keen to try?
The Body Shop DeoDry™ Roll-ons ($16.95), Roll-on Refills ($12.95), Deodorant Sticks ($16.95) and Garnier Mineral Deodorant Sprays ($5.45) and Roll-ons ($4.25) are available now. Garnier stockists: 1300 659 259.
Confession corner: how many of you hate the days in between shaving? Some of you might not even leave days because you hate it so much. Everybody longs for the solution to smoother skin for longer, that's why laser's become so popular, but the truth is many can't afford it and it doesn't suit everyone, hence why we return to the trusty razor. But it brings with it one nasty problem: prickly stubble. Enter Dove's new Minimising Anti-Perspirant Deodorant, which, as well as featuring the signature 1/4 moisturising cream, also features the new Pro-Epil complex which works to soften and smooth hair so you don't get that prickly feeling anymore. The moisturising side of things will kick in and make skin feel smoother straight away, but the hair softening can take up to six weeks to take effect. What do you think? Are you interested?
Dove Minimising Anti-Perspirant Deodorant is available in aerosol format ($5.19) and roll-on ($3.99) from July. There are two different variants: Wild Rose and Nature Fresh.
Did you know that every self-tanner is different? Yes, siree — every formula has its own ratio of colours, meaning that the one that looks divinely bronze on your BFF can look totally Oompa Loompa on you. And depending on your skin type, a tanner can leave you with patches or take forev-er to dry, streaking you up. So how's a girl to pick her poison?
If you have dry skin, a gradual tanning lotion is best for you. Moisturising, creamy formulas are the perfect option because, as the product works over time, you won't get that tell-tale patchiness. Try St Tropez Gradual Tan Every Day Body ($33.95).
If you have oily skin, try a mousse or gel formula. Self-tanner is going to take a little longer to dry on you, so spray tans and lotions are more likely to run. Mousses and gels both sink in quickly, so you'll get even results. Try Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Tinted Self Tanning Gel ($42).
I'm guaranteed to love any beauty brand that starts with love. Case in point: Love + Toast. Cute as. This latest range I saw on ELLE and learnt that it ships here. Result! The brand is based out of the Ourika Valley in Marrakech and seeks to employ women to even the out the male/female employment ratio and help sustain the economy. Love + Art blends Moroccan tradition with modern science to create a range of bath and body products that feature ethically harvested plants — meaning where possible, only the seed or flowers are taken in order to continue supply — and essential oils that can be traced from plant to bottle thanks to a process called chemotyping. Totes worth checking out, especially the Moroccan rose bits.
Now, you may of already met REN. She's no spring chicken, after all (10 years in Beautyland = dog years multiplied by 1,000) but REN is someone that you definitely want in your life, hence the introduction/re-introduction. REN came to be when two guys called Rob Calcraft and Antony Buck thought, I know let's make a skincare range because we know soooo much about skincare. (Note: you should have been getting some very strong sarcasm vibes there.) But Antony's wife was preggers at the time and her skin was breaking out with her usual regimen so they thought what the hell. And how grateful are we because a very good, award-winning line of products that bridge the gap between natural and hi-tech was borne. Rob, who I just met today, told me that they insist on calling the line "clean," not organic, not natural, as that's a total grey area. It is, as they say, "skincare as it should be." The range is free from every possible 'nasty' and there isn't a hint of eau de moss in sight (or sniff). It's all 100 percent gorgeously formulated, effective and delicious smelling. Get on board, Vera. You too, Alan.
Psst. Rob also very kindly shared with me that we can expect some total awesomeness to come our way in about two months. Think new gel cleansers, new formulations and some new and super-cute skincare sets: perfect for travel/breaking the ice with REN.
So we've covered the ins and outs of facial exfoliants, now it's time to move onto the body. As with your face, it's important to exfoliate your body regularly (twice a week) to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. This means a new epidermis (top layer of skin cells) can surface and your skin will appear healthy and radiant, instead of dull and lacklustre.
Exfoliating the body also stimulates circulation and helps any moisturising ingredients penetrate deeper into the skin. This is particularly important for more mature skin which isn't as good at retaining moisture as younger skin.
A thorough weekly exfoliation will help stimulate the body's lymphatic system and in turn encourage the release of toxins. Start by dry brushing with a loofah on dry skin, then add a mechanical exfoliant to a body brush or exfoliating gloves and work the product into wet skin using circular motions. (If you have particularly sensitive skin, opt for a chemical exfoliant instead.) Rough areas such as knees, elbows and the heels of your feet may benefit from a pumice stone. Always follow with a moisturiser. And remember, don't over-exfoliate. Do you exfoliate your body weekly?
We’re well into Earth Month now—how are you going making some eco lifestyle choices? If you need a helping hand, we’ve got some green goodies to give away that’ll push you in the right direction.
Up for grabs today (and this is the LAST DAY) is Weleda’s iconic Skin Food (valued at $21.95) which Alexa Chung and Rihanna swear by. It's great as we head into chillier months, particularly if you're prone to dry/flaky skin. It’s an intensive cream that contains lanolin, sweet almond oil, beeswax and chamomile extract to nourish skin. It works a treat around rougher areas like the hands, feet and elbows.
To be in the running to win Skin Food, all you have to do is tell us in the comments section what you had for breakfast this morning . . .
Did you know that when you shave your underarms 36 percent of the material collected is layers of skin? That sounds like a LOT of skin to lose, dontcha think? Which probably means it can't be all that good. And it isn't. See those layers of skin are eeee-ssential for protection. Without them, you can say a big hello to moisture loss and irritated, red underarms. Attractive. Through some deodorant into the mix and it'll only get worse. So what's a girl to do—go au naturelle?
I used to think that the best thing about airports was the duty free. That and the going somewhere glamorous, obviously. Visions of tanning at the terminal had never quite entered my mind. But now that a 
Did you know that every self-tanner is different? Yes, siree — every formula has its own ratio of colours, meaning that the one that looks divinely bronze on your BFF can look totally Oompa Loompa on you. And depending on your skin type, a tanner can leave you with patches or take forev-er to dry, streaking you up. So how's a girl to pick her poison? 
I'm guaranteed to love any beauty brand that starts with love. Case in point: 
So we've covered the ins and outs of 
We’re well into