I’m not going on holiday this year, why do I need SPF?

We hear “should you wear SPF everyday?” a lot. The answer is simple: yes! Whether you’re heading for sunnier climates or just chilling in the garden, SPF needs to be a part of your daily routine.

“UVA rays are a year-round skin damager, penetrating cloud and glass and impacting cumulatively beneath the skin’s surface. Think UV “A” for ageing. 365-day UVA protection is particularly important for those looking to prevent and control existing pigmentation.”

Even if you’re just going for a stroll around the local park, your skin is still being exposed to harmful rays. Plus, with sun exposure linked to the appearance of ageing skin, SPF is a great tool in your anti-ageing arsenal to help maintain a more youthful-looking complexion.

“A good UV protection product now multi-tasks, delivering a lightweight, under make-up formula while also giving anti-ageing, anti-pollution, skin radiance and smoothing benefits, alongside the crucial high SPF and UVA filter as standard.”

We love Ultrasun‘s Face Essentials Trio, which boasts three SPF formulas specially designed for your face. Each one goes brilliantly under make-up as they’re super lightweight and sink into the skin quickly, while helping to keep your complexion moisturised. With classic Face SPF 30, a tinted version and a handy Face Mist SPF 50, there’s a formula to cover your skin whatever you’re up to, plus each one is a really quick step to tack onto the end of your morning routine. It’s facial protection without the fuss!

Another area of your face you shouldn’t neglect is your delicate eye area, which is not only prone to fine lines and wrinkles, but can just as easily get damaged by harsh UV rays. Choose a formula that’s designed to treat it, like Ultrasun‘s Eye Cream SPF 30. As well as delivering excellent sun protection, it works to reduce the look of wrinkles around your eyes, giving you instant, long-lasting results.

What can I do about pigmentation? 

From prevention to how to get rid of pigmentation, uneven and patchy skin tone is a big concern. Once you learn what causes pigmentation, the solution seems simple.

“UV rays are chief instigators when it comes to uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation as it sends the melanin-producing cells, melanocytes, into a production overdrive that causes a patchy, uneven, blemished skin tone.”

Using SPF daily is your best defense when it comes to prevention, but how can you help existing pigmentation? Ultrasun has you covered. The Anti-Pigmentation Face SPF 50+ is formulated to help improve the look of the visible signs of ageing, including pigmentation, and features a blend of skin-loving ingredients such as hexylresorcinol and Ecotin. What’s more, this one comes in an amazing supersize, so you can stay stocked up for longer!

Ultrasun’s biggest pigmentation tip? Be careful with your fragrance!

“Sprayed directly onto skin, perfume is so aggressive that it undermines the skin’s ability to protect itself against UV damage. Perfume-covered skin becomes more vulnerable to sun damage. That means the level of protection you get from your sunscreen is diminished. That’s why you often see women with speckled pigmentation patches on their necks and chest.”

What do I do about sunbathing? 

If the sun is shining, it’s fair to say that many of us will want to be outside, and a lot of us probably haven’t protected our skin well in past pursuits of a tan. Luckily, Ultrasun has a range of formulas, including Tan Activators for your face and body, that’ll help to keep you protected while you enjoy the warmer weather. If you’re keen to promote a gorgeous summer glow, don’t compromise on sun protection and instead opt for formulas like Ultrasun‘s Pre-Sun Tan Activator and After Sun Tan Booster, which will work to enhance your natural tan without prolonged sun exposure. Paired with SPF, you’re ready to head out into the sun. Here are some important tips to remember:

It’s all in the application

“Application is key. Apply liberally to all exposed, or potentially exposed parts of the body. The official guidelines state one teaspoon worth for the face. As a rule of thumb, use a teaspoon of sunscreen for each arm, leg, front, back and face including neck and ears.”

Know your skin and your formula

“Choose the right protection level for you, where you are and the temperature. Know the formula you’ve chosen, read the application instructions and, if advised, reapply as required, for example after swimming, perspiring or if you’ve rubbed it off.”

Protect more vulnerable areas

“For women it’s more likely on the shins and feet. The most common site for men to develop a malignant melanoma is on the chest, back and scalp. Lips are often forgotten and with no natural shade like the lower lip, the upper lip area in particular shows ageing from sun damage quicker.”

To ensure you’re covered from top to toe in stellar SPF formulas, why not check out Ultrasun‘s six-piece Discovery Collection? Boasting two formulas for the body, face and lips, every inch of your skin can be covered, so all you have to do is step out into the sun and enjoy.

Stay protected this season and check out the rest of the Ultrasun range here.

The post Your SPF FAQs with Ultrasun appeared first on Stories.

Looking for walking confidence?

If you need a little extra support to stay sweet on your feet when out and about, a walking stick is the way forward. Designs like the Dynamo Swing Cane are great for giving you the feeling of extra support, as it boasts a clever articulating foot that pivots forwards and backwards to provide more contact with the ground. We also rate the JML Clever Cane Adjustable Walking Stick because it’s free standing, but features a second lower handle. This’ll come in use when standing up or sitting down to give you that extra feeling of security.

Give yourself a little extra reach

Yes, you might not be as bendy as you were when you were a teenager, but don’t let that slow you down! Giving your back a good scrub in the shower is difficult even for the most flexible of people, which is why we love the JML NuYou Body Brush. Not only does it help you get to all those hard to reach places, it’s the ideal way to help exfoliate and smooth your skin because it rotates, so every shower will end up feeling like a trip to the spa.

For peace of mind

Health is something that becomes more of a concern as we get older, so we’re arming ourselves with handy at-home medical devices, just to keep a little eye on things! Homedics are great for this. The Oxywatch Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is compact and simple to use, clipping neatly and painlessly onto your finger to get an accurate reading. It’s a fantastic way to keep track of your blood oxygen levels, and won’t take up too much room in the cupboard either. If you’re feeling a little peaky, taking your temperature is a great place to start. This Infrared Ear Thermometer not only features the same one button design, but has a jumbo screen so you can easily read your result – even if your glasses aren’t lying around nearby!

Seeing clearly

Whether it’s a menu in a dark restaurant, small instructions on packets or your latest sewing project, being able to see clearly helps us in all manner of places. JML’s Mighty Sight Light and Magnifying Glasses are a must-have in our handbags and around our homes now. Not only do they make everything a bit clearer with their magnifying lenses, but the built-in lights help illuminate whatever it is you’re looking at. They’re rechargeable too, so say goodbye to faffing with batteries.

Ready to workout? 

If you want to work on strengthening your core and back stabiliser muscles, we’ve got a simple way to do it! The SpineGym Core Exerciser is lightweight and easy to assemble, so no worries there, plus it lets you do low impact exercise while standing and you’ll be well supported with its double pole design. Helping to improve balance, speed and posture, it’s a great all rounder to add into your daily routine.

There we have it! There are lots more handy gadgets on offer for you to discover in our Living Aids department, and be sure to check out our Health & Wellbeing edit for even more inspiration.

The post Your guide to independent living appeared first on Stories.

Taken as a supplement, vitamin C, an essential vitamin, contributes to protecting cells from oxidative stress, reduces tiredness and fatigue, helps maintain the normal function of the immune and nervous systems, as well as playing a role in the production of collagen for the normal formation of blood vessels, cartilage, skin, bones, teeth and gums.

Also known as ascorbic acid, this wonder vitamin often crops up in formulas that target your skin’s brightness. Yep, we’re talking about the glow! These products work to hydrate your skin while leaving your complexion with a brightened, radiant appearance. They’re particularly great for dull, lack-lustre skin. Dull skin can affect any skin type, so vitamin C-infused formulas that target brightness are designed help to lift your complexion, while also addressing your other skin concerns. No wonder it’s so popular! You’ll find vitamin C in everything from cleansers and face masks to serum capsules and peels, so it’s fairly easy to introduce into your existing routine.

Not sure where to start? We’ve picked some of our top vitamin C-infused formulas to make things easier!

Cleanser

Starting your morning with a vitamin C-enriched cleanser will help you on your way to a radiant day. SBC’s Vitamin C Foaming Cleanser works to deeply cleanse your skin, without stripping its natural oils. It helps your skin to look balanced and refreshed, while maintaining a lit-from-within glow.

Serum

When it comes to serums infused with vitamin C, there’s something to suit every routine. For an amazing all-rounder, offering brightening, smoothing and refining benefits in one, we’re so excited to share the launch of brand new Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum from Elemis. Packed with vitamin C, it not only gives your complexion a luminous boost, but it helps to resurface your skin and blur the look of pores for a beautiful, refined finish.

This brand new launch is available as part of our Today’s Special Value that pre-launches on the 18th July – an impressive five-piece Dynamic & Resurfacing Collection from Elemis, full of skincare icons like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream in your choice of formula, and a duo of indulgent bodycare treats in a choice of stunning scent. It’s available to buy early at an incredible price, so why not try out brand new Dynamic Resurfacing Super-C Serum for yourself?

We also love Murad’s Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum. Enriched with gold-stabilised vitamin C and glycolic acid serum, it’s designed to combat the appearance of dark spots and give your complexion a radiant finish.

If you want to maximise the power of a good snooze, overnight formulas are a fantastic choice. Jane Scrivner‘s Circadian Encapsulated Optimised Vitamin C Paste and Night Therapy Antioxidant Serum with Elasta-Derm C from Nassif MD both work while you slumber for that “beauty sleep in a bottle” feel.

More of a morning skincare fan? Skinsense’s Anti-Ageing Vitamin Complex works to brighten your complexion and add luminosity. SBC has you sorted too, with Super Boost Serum. Blended with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and squalene, this serum helps to hydrate while bringing serious glow.

Exfoliators

A must-have step in any anti-dullness routine is an effective exfoliator to help rid the complexion of any dead skin cells or build-up that may be standing in the way of you and your glow.

Algenist’s Blue Algae Vitamin C Correcting Peel offers a more gentle alternative to a face scrub. Its liquid formula works to peel away dullness, revealing a brightened, more balanced-looking complexion that feels super soft.

Looking for a hit of vitamin C that exfoliates and brightens in one? Origins’ Ginzing Brightening Serum boasts 5% retexturizing complex, which works to give you radiant, smoother skin in a flash.

Moisturisers

A vitamin C-rich moisturiser? It’s got to be Perricone. Infused with vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid, Photo-Brightening Moisturiser also boasts SPF 30, making it a great day-to-day formula. It sinks quickly into the skin, so there’s no faff in the mornings, and gives your skin a big boost of hydration before you go about your day.

For something a lot lighter, look no further than M. Asam’s versatile Vitamin C Moisturising Face & Body Gel. With its quick-absorbing, fresh texture, it’s ideal for sunny days or for those with oilier complexions, offering a refreshing boost of moisture and a beautifully smooth finish that you can even take to your body too!

The extra boost

Still feel like you need more brightness in your life? Try introducing an eye cream into your routine. The Vitamin C Bright Eye Cream included in this set from M. Asam is specially formulated for your delicate eye area, working to give it a luminous look while targeting fine lines. And if you’re into your SPF (a must for sunny weather!), why not introduce a hit of vitamin C to your skin while you’re protecting it? M. Asam’s Vitamin C Protective Fluid SPF 30 offers both broad spectrum sun care and skincare benefits, so you can sap up all that sunny goodness without the harmful rays!

There we have it! Getting your daily vitamin dose can be as easy as A, B, C. For even more vitamin C-rich formulas, discover our full range here.

The post The lowdown on vitamin C appeared first on Stories.

Sophie, customer

“Once we hit spring and the days get longer, I’m back to my Ultrasun. I always make sure that there’s SPF on my face. It’s really crucial, I find.”

Sophia, model

“I like to massage my skin to prevent ageing. I tend to turn to gua’sha or face massages. There’s a lovely tool from Gatineau that I use to massage my face with every evening.”

Nicola, model

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a few lines and wrinkles! That’s life, and it’s going to happen. It’s everything that’s mapped out in my face that’s a history of me. I think we should all embrace them and make them look as moisturised and as healthy as possible. I think if I’m hydrated, I like to make sure my skin is moisturised. I use a lot of oils and as many natural things on my skin as I can. I think as long as your skin’s hydrated and moisturised, you can look good at any age.”

Jackie, presenter

“I don’t really tend to go for manicures or facials. I like to do those things at home in front of the television or in front of the fire. I get all of the gorgeous QVC products out and have a little pamper at home!”

Clare, guest

“In terms of my beauty regime, I like to think it’s something that’s very much incorporated with the wellbeing and wellness aspect. I do dry body brushing. So I take a dry body brush, just before I shower, and I brush in circular motions all the way up from my feet up towards my heart. It just gets the circulation going and then you get in the shower and you feel totally invigorated.”

Shanti, customer

“If a product is effective and you can see the difference, you feel better. Like with my hair for instance, when I wash my hair, putting things in it like Elasticizer helps it to go well, and I feel better.”

Sophia, model

“I use SPF from Ultrasun all year long. That’s a must, because the sun shines no matter what the season is and the rays are not very helpful when it comes to preventing ageing. If anything, that’s one of the worst things you can do – not use SPF all year round.”

How do you fit beauty into your wellbeing routine? Take a look at our Health & Wellbeing department for more inspiration.

The post Feeling fabulous from the inside out appeared first on Stories.

Alison, customer:

“If I know I’m going to have a busy day ahead, I’ll just have five minutes meditating and clearing my head after I’ve dropped my youngest off at school. It just helps me get myself sorted for the day ahead.”

Alex, presenter:

“There are various things I can do to look after my wellbeing. Sometimes it can be as simple as having a bath and a glass of wine, closing the door and pretending my family don’t exist! Sometimes, it can be going for a walk with the dog and getting some fresh air. I find that just getting out of the house can really clear your mind.”

Shanti, customer:

“I use candles. I always burn them as I drift off into meditation, I like that. Anything like aromatherapy and essential oils really makes me feel better and calmer.”

Anne, presenter:

“I think it’s so important to be looking after yourself. It’s not necessarily about having some big goal. For me, it’s just being able to get down on the floor with the grandchildren and play around with them. That’s what’s important to me right now.”

Jane, customer:

“I love to sew. I’ve got sewing machines and I have fabric and I have patterns. I love making things. Making things to me is a real benefit to my wellbeing, if I make something and I’m happy with it. The other thing I like to do is read and listen to music. If I’m feeling tired and I don’t want to sew, I’ll read a book and put on some music on my Amazon Echo. I’ll just ask for an album that perhaps I remember from when I was a teenager.”

Clare, guest:

“I find the thing that helps calm me in those really crazy moments is just having a little rollerball in my handbag that’s got some essential oils in it. I have different ones for different moods. If I want to feel grounded, I’ll have something like ginger and lavender. I just roll them on my temples, my forehead and my wrists and take a nice inhale.”

Julie, customer:

“For me, it is having that time in the evening when the children have gone to bed just to switch off.  I don’t look at my phone. I watch TV or I read a book, and that is my time, and I wont deviate from that. It keeps me going and I look forward to that.”

Anne, customer:

“I just remember – be nice to yourself, and you will snap, because its human nature, but do not beat yourself up about it. Take a deep breath, find the good thing that happened in that day and move on. Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a new day.”

How will you unwind this May? Take a look at our Health & Wellbeing department for more inspiration.

The post Let’s take a moment to destress appeared first on Stories.

Tiffany, Junior Footwear Buyer

“Naturalizer is a great addition to the QVC footwear portfolio! The brand offers premium product with leather uppers and linings that are stylish while also offering clever contour technology for all-day comfort, with a wide variety of sizes, fits and styles across the range. There’s something to suit everyone.”

Georgia, Junior Cosmetics Buyer

“We are super excited to be launching the luxury cosmetics brand Code 8. Their mission of “simplifying make-up to give us more time to make the most out of life” absolutely delighted us. We also loved that their founders are real women, whose careers were not within the beauty industry, simply striving to spread positivity of self-worth and image through the use of cosmetics. This was then only amplified by beautifully-packaged, high-performing formulas, which have been designed to be inclusive regardless of age, skin colour and look preferences. We cannot wait to delight the QVC customer as much as we have been curating this range.”

Cristina, Junior Fashion Buyer

“We are delighted to be re-launching Du Jour, the perfect pick-me-up that we all need right now, full of vibrant colours and striking prints that will allow our customers express their personality and unique style. It’s landing just in time for summer, garden parties and getting together again! It has everything from cotton tees and trendy (yet comfortable) wide leg trousers to dresses in different lengths that are easy to wear. It has also been sourced with recycled fabrications where possible, as we consciously try to make better choices for the environment.”

And coming soon…

Laura, Skincare Buyer

“Murad combines clinical science with high-performance formulas to help people achieve their healthiest and most beautiful skin. Murad offers innovative skincare for every concern, and each product is efficacious and hard-working, which is what our customers are looking for within their skincare regime.”

Katherine, Junior Skincare Buyer

“The historic Parisian brand, Darphin, offers luxurious formulations containing the purest, most concentrated plant essences sourced from the best crops. Ideal to complement any skincare routine, Darphin’s active ingredients when combined with the expert Kinnesio massage movements help to leave skin feeling rejuvenated.”

Well, there’s plenty there to get you started! Be sure to check out the rest of our favourite finds here.

The post The buyers’ favourite discoveries appeared first on Stories.

Philip Kingsley

Lauded “hair guru” Philip Kingsley is one of the most iconic names in the industry. Trained as a trichologist (an expert on the hair and scalp), Philip Kingsley went on to treat the tresses of celebrity clients over his 65-year career, even creating formulas for some of Hollywood’s most famous names. Today, brand president and trichologist, Anabel Kingsley, keeps her father’s legacy going with the latest generation of at-home haircare.

What to expect: targeted formulas and treatments favoured by Hollywood royalty. We’re not joking! Philip Kingsley’s iconic Elasticizer was first formulated for Audrey Hepburn to keep her hair looking healthy in between shoots, while Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo evolved from a formula favoured by Sir Laurence Olivier.

Our top picks: Coconut Breeze Supersize Collection and Pure Silver Shampoo and Conditioner with Damage Defense.

Percy & Reed

A haircare brand founded by two of London’s leading hairdressers? You can’t go wrong. Paul Percival and Adam Reed share decades of experience and have garnered a fair few A-list fans, so it’s no wonder Percy & Reed has become the icon it is today. After partnering with business woman Shannon de Boissard, the brand now boasts a team of hairdressers to make sure each product offers great results.

What to expect: easy-to-use formulas, because Percy & Reed makes haircare simple. The products are designed with everyone in mind – from beauty buffs to haircare novices. Plus, each product is infused with a delicious scent, and the packaging will bring fabulous design to your dressing table.

Our top picks: Essential Styling Collection and Ultimate Volume Collection.

Olaplex

You know how it goes. You have your hair done at the salon, and never get it quite the same at home, right? Wrong! In-salon brand Olaplex started back in 2014, focusing on making healthier-looking hair more achievable, even after colour treatments, thanks to its series of innovative formulas. From treatments to oils, glossy, more-managable hair can be yours with ease.

What to expect: that post-hairdresser, fresh feel after every use. After all, many salons offer Olaplex treatments too! The brand boasts a curated collection that focuses on strength, smoothness and shine. Even better, it’s great for all hair types and dilemmas, from over-straightened or dyed to untouched hair that just needs a bit of oomph.

Our top picks: No 3 Hair Perfector and No 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment.

Hairfix

Established in 1999, Hairfix is a favourite among those wishing to improve the look of thinning or damaged hair. Ageing and styling can not only take their toll on your locks, but on your confidence too. So, whether you’re after hair that just feels healthier or you’re looking to put some va-va-voom back into your ‘do, Hairfix’s caring range will have something for you.

What to expect: hair confidence in a bottle. You’ll find intensive formulas that give a boost from roots to ends for thicker, healthier-looking hair. More oomph in your hair means more oomph in your mood, and you won’t be able to resist flicking your tresses at any given opportunity.

Our top picks: Volume and Treatment Collection and Intense Defence Follicle Tonic.

Color Wow

Created by industry leaders Gail Federici and John Frieda, Color Wow’s range is designed to leave both coloured and non-treated hair with serious wow factor. Prioritising vibrant shades and a sleek, silky finish, each product is formulated to give you locks you’ll love. From shampoo and conditioner to treatments and root touch-ups, this range has your routine sorted from start to finish.

What to expect: a dream routine for colour-treated hair. While the products work equally as well on untreated hair, we can’t ignore how much our dyed tresses love Color Wow. Each formula works to bring back that “just got my hair done” vibrancy and helps to keep your ‘do looking fresh between visits to the salon.

Our top picks: Dream Coat duo, Root Cover Collection and Style on Steroids Texture & Finishing Spray.

Be sure to check out our full haircare range here for even more unmissable brands.

The post Our haircare icons appeared first on Stories.

Self tan can seem like a bit of a minefield. It comes in myriad formulas with something to suit every skin tone, type and application preference. But where do you start? Here’s our picks, along with our simple self-tan routine to help you achieve that golden goddess look.

Preparing your skin

Exfoliation and hydration are key to an even-looking, patch-free tan. Gatineau is our go-to brand here, with a selection of formulas on tap. The AHA Body Treatment Duo features Therapie Corps Energisante Exfoliating Body Polish, which works to slough away dead skin cells with exfoliating blackcurrant fruit powder and AHA, along with the Body Lotion with AHA, which helps to restore any lost moisture while also working to leave your skin feeling smoother. Areas like elbows and knees are stain-prone, so give them a thorough going-over with the exfoliating mitt for soft skin.

Now you’ve scrubbed, it’s time to moisturise to avoid the dreaded streaky finish. Gatineau’s Tan Accelerator is designed for skin pre-sun exposure, but quickly absorbs into the skin and brings a healthy hit of hydration, making it a great choice for self-tan preppers too. Apply to dry skin after exfoliating, focusing on any dry patches, elbows and knees, give it a few minutes to absorb, and you’re ready to go.

Get set, GLOW!

Your next step is to pick your formula, and there’s so many to choose from!

An instant tan takes you to maximum glow in one application, with the colour developing within hours. Just apply a layer, do the classic self-tan waft before getting dressed and voila. The Amanda Harrington Bronze & Blend Body Set is an excellent choice if you feel less confident with application as it goes on with a guide colour. You can see exactly where you have and haven’t tanned, and then you can confidently leave it to do its job.

Last minute party invite, or running a bit behind schedule? The Moroccan Tan Dry Oil is our top pick for those who may (like us!) leave things until the last minute. After application, just wait a few minutes for it to dry, and you’re good to go. You’ll be ready to show off those limbs in no time.

Be sure to use the mitt that comes with these instant tans… your palms will thank us later!

Prefer something more subtle? Gradual and buildable tans work over time and offer more customisation when it comes to colour depth. Tan-Luxe has really nailed gradual tans. The aptly-named Gradual Radiance Tanning Lotion can be used in place of your normal body moisturiser to give a subtle golden glow, while the Super Glow Hyaluronic Serum duo offers an easy-to-use, buildable, natural-looking tan that slips seamlessly into your current routine.

Gradual tanning isn’t just for the body, there’s some great face formulas too. The Tarte Brazilliance Overnight Mask gives you the best of both worlds – instant colour payoff that’s beautifully buildable, while Tan-Luxe’s Pepta-Glow 360 Peptide Creme Gradual Self Tan takes the place of your normal moisturiser for a sun-kissed glow that deepens day by day.

Want your face to have that holiday-fresh look now? Drop formulas like Tan-Luxe’s Anti-Age Rejuvenating Serum Facial Drops or the Bronz Express Magic Radiance Drops are added to your moisturiser and work to give you a glow within a few hours. Plus, they’re simple to use and you can easily control the depth of colour by adding more drops for a deeper tan look.

Keep the glow going

Tan maintenance couldn’t be easier now too. Moisturise daily, exfoliate regularly and top-up your tan as desired. It’s really that simple!

You can check out our full range of self tan here for even more glow-grabbing formulas.

The post Top tips for your at-home tan appeared first on Stories.

How do you like to exercise?

Nicole, model:

“As I’m getting older, stretching is the most important thing for me. I find that just simple stretching can help me feel like I’m more in control of my body, because it’s like you become more aware of it.”

Alison, presenter:

“I introduced Aero Pilates, the Rebounder, into my routine, because sometimes the weather is just too bad to go out and have a walk. I’ve found it’s fantastic for tummy exercises and I love the fact you can lay down but move like you’re on a trampoline. It helps my back!”

Andii, model:

“I love zumba so much and thankfully I’ve found a really good teacher. I love her style of zumba and the music she tends to use – it goes all around the world! It’s also a workout for the brain, as you have to memorise the steps.”

Angela, customer:

“I like when my clothes feels good, and that’s my motivation for keeping fit. It won’t happen if I just stay sat on my backside on the couch, so I’ve got to get up and do something. I got into running after having my second child. For a time I was running by myself, but then that got pretty boring. I saw some people doing Park Run and I thought why not have a go at that?”

Anne, presenter:

“I want to attack my posture more, I want to strengthen my core, and how will that actually work? Is it going to be Pilates? Is it going to be zumba? I do love a boogie! If it includes dancing, that’s great.”

Charlotte, guest:

“One of my other favourite things to do is ending the day with some yoga stretches to really relax the body. Stretch out those tired, achey muscles and calm down the mind before you get ready for a peaceful night.”

Glenn, guest:

“Exercise is one of those things. Lots of people think, “I can’t run”. I can’t run, after two minutes I feel terrible, but actually, if you run for three to four minutes, all of a sudden you find that what used to feel terrible, starts to feel good.”

Wendy, customer:

“I’m actually going to try and prioritise getting a little bit more exercise. I have a Leg Master at home and I’ve been trying to jump on that every now and then to firm up my legs. I also want to do a little bit more walking with my partner and his dog.”

What about getting outside?

Nicola, model:

“Once you get outside, you never regret it. It’s the first bit that’s the most difficult, which is motivating yourself and making yourself do it. You never regret it, you always feel better.”

Anne, presenter:

“I love the great outdoors – don’t care what the weather, I love to be out and about. That’s what’s important to me, and that’s what I’ll be focusing on going forward.”

Charlotte, guest:

“Starting the day, waking up, being outdoors in the fresh air, getting your body moving for half an hour or 45 minutes is one of the best ways to start the day. I live in London, and I’ve made it my mission to find little places I can go where I can find those green spaces. It’s very easy once you start looking – you’ll suddenly discover little gardens around or a walk down by the river.”

Jackie, presenter:

“When I was 40, I took up running and that completely changed my life. I really value it for my mental health, as well as my physical health. I just feel that as I start to get older, I need it more. I need the exercise more. I need the fresh air more. I need the good food more than I did when I was younger.”

How will you exercise this April? Take a look at our Health & Wellbeing department for more inspiration.

The post Finding your exercise spark appeared first on Stories.

Spring has well and truly sprung now, and it’s time to update your make-up look to suit the brighter days and warmer weather. We’re thinking plenty of glow, long-lasting formulas that’ll stand up to sunny days and pops of colour. With that in mind, we’ve picked our top formulas that’ll have you ready for the season in no time.

The base

When it comes to a long-lasting base, a good primer is always our first step, and as always, Benefit delivers! We know you love classic The Porefessional Primer, but now there’s a new version that’s perfect for this time of year. The Porefessional Lite Primer is silky smooth and lightweight on the skin, so you can feel fresh and ready to go! 

We’ll be topping it with Ex1‘s Invisiwear Liquid Foundation. Now, this is a high-performing foundation. It works to create the flawless, photo-ready look that we love, but without feeling too heavy on the skin. It’s designed to be long-lasting too, perfect for those office-to-dinner date kinda days.

Need a little extra coverage? If you want to add some camouflage to dark circles, why not go for Benefit’s Boi-ing Bright On Concealer? It works to brighten up your under-eye area while bringing plenty of hydration, making it the perfect way to cover up any late nights spent out in the garden or entertaining friends!

The eyes

Fed up with panda eyes as soon as we start to get into hay fever season? No worries, we’ve got the goods to keep your eye make-up looking fabulous, no matter how much pollen is around! Mally’s Evercolor Shadow Stick Extra is the ultimate in multi-tasking, long-wearing eyeshadow. Once applied, these creamy formulas set in 45 seconds to give you a wash of buildable, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, crease-proof colour. 

A big liner fan? We love the EmphasEYES High-Definition Eyeliner from Tarte. This duo features formulas in Black and Brown, perfect staples for your make-up bag, plus they work to create that sharp, defined line that’ll set your look apart!

When it comes to mascara, we’ll be reaching for Bad Gal Bang Waterproof Mascara from Benefit. It has the same great volumising, lifting and lengthening formula that you know and love, but is made to withstand the heat with it’s water-proof formulation. Also ideal as we come into the emotional wedding season… 

The colour

Sun’s out, bronzer’s out! Let’s face it, it wouldn’t be spring without a little touch of tan. Packed full of shea butter, Mally’s Bulletproof Powder Bronzer is finely milled to blend seamlessly and smoothly into the skin. It’s designed to not settle into fine lines and helps to leave your skin looking hydrated for that ultimate sun-kissed look!

Nothing says glow-getter quite like Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick. It’s a classic for a reason – imparting a sheer flush of colour and plenty of radiance to boot. The five shades can be swirled together for a soft highlight, or used individually as eyeshadows too, so not only is it a spring must-have, but it’s a big multi-tasker too!

The lips

Are you more of a lipstick or a gloss kind of girl? Either way, we’ve got the perfect formulas to see you through the warmer months. When it comes to our lips in the sun, it’s all about hydration, and Doll 10’s Smooth Assist Lipstick brings it by the bucket-load. Working to create a plumped-up, hydrated lip look with plenty of definition and volume, this serum lipstick is a great way to perfect your pout. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen, caffeine, shea butter, mango butter and coconut oil!

If you’re going for gloss, make it this duo from Tarte. With H20 Balm Lip Tint and H20 Gloss, this combo works to bring plenty of moisture to your lips, while rehydrating and improving the look of fine lines. Add in the gentle flush of colour and mirror-like shine, and you have a beautiful lip look that’s ever-so comfortable to wear day-in, day-out.

What will you be doing for your spring make-up look? Don’t forget to check out our Beauty department for even more inspiration.

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