I knew I wasn’t feeling like myself, but for a long time I was just putting it down to being tired with work and juggling family life. So many woman are already shattered from looking after kids and trying to be all things to all people, that it’s hard to know what’s ‘normal tired’ and what’s something more. The more articles I read on perimenopause and conversations I had with friends, the more I started to wonder if this is what it was.

I was feeling exhausted physically and emotionally, my cycle was all over the place, my skin, hair and nails had all changed. My skin had become dry, my hair was also dry and brittle and I was losing more than usual. My nails had been incredibly flaky and I could no longer grow them without them splitting. I was waking in the morning to a feeling in my fingers that felt thick and almost swollen, although they looked fine. I couldn’t clench my fist properly.

I also had a weird sensation where it felt like I had burnt my tongue. I now know that this ‘burning mouth’ feeling is quite a common symptom!

In the evenings I could barely keep my eyes open and my anxiety was through the roof! I was also gaining weight, particularly on my tummy and at quite an alarming rate, and it was really starting to get me down.

Keeping track

My cycle was going from anywhere from every two weeks to a window of six weeks, so I was trying to keep a note of it so that when I spoke to a doctor I could give them a clear pattern, or lack of pattern more to the point.

When I called my surgery I was fortunate to get a very understanding GP. She listened and didn’t dismiss me at all, even though I was, in a text book scenario, ‘younger than expected’. (I’m 43, most information suggests 45 as the window to start at). I hadn’t ruled out other causes though, and said we had a history of thyroid issues on my mum’s side. She also agreed that symptoms for this can cross over, so we did blood tests to rule out a thyroid issue.

As most people know, there is no clear test for perimenopause, but they can check FSH levels with a blood test, which is to do with your fertility. Mine came back showing a number not expected for my age. My doctor wanted to re-do the test a few weeks later, to see if it was consistent as they can be so changeable. The results were the same. That, along with the growing list of symptoms I was experiencing was enough for my doctor to prescribe HRT.

Looking back, I think a number of my symptoms have been there for quite a long time and I just ignored them. We are all very different and will have varying journeys but I wouldn’t be surprised if in the future they widen the age bracket for when peri menopause is likely to start.

Starting conversations

I’ve talked about it at length with many of my friends, as I think it’s incredibly important to discuss things like this. Sometimes it’s someone else’s story that can also be a lightbulb moment for you, and can help you to connect the dots. I realised I had more symptoms than I thought after talking to other women about this, things I didn’t even know were part of it. This subject is no longer taboo, it doesn’t have to be a secret.

Your friends and family may also have some brilliant tips for things that have helped them, like supplements or different types of HRT – or even alternatives to HRT. Not everyone wants to go down the same route, so it’s important to discuss and research what’s right for you.

Tips for navigating this life stage

I would say to start with your GP, this is easier said than done in some areas I know. But keep pushing and be clear about how you are feeling. Make notes so you don’t forget anything, that first ten minute appointment is gold so make sure you say everything you need to.

Do the research, read as much as you can to start understanding what is happening to you and your body.

Look at your health in all areas, what is your diet and lifestyle like. What sort of exercise are you doing, do you need to change it up? I have started to eat dinner earlier, go to bed earlier, eat more whole foods and avoid processed foods. Drink less alcohol. Prioritising sleep is a lot more important to me now. Rest when you need to, free time doesn’t necessarily mean it’s time you need to fill or give to someone else. Use it to refuel and refill that cup.

Talk about it with the people you trust. This is also important if you do decide to go down the HRT route, as it may change how you are feeling emotionally for example while your hormones adjust so your friends or family should be aware so they can flag any changes in you.

The QVC products I’ve been enjoying

I’ve been using the Mighty Green CBD Drops 2000mg, they help me a lot when I’m feeling anxious. I love Elasticizer from Philip Kingsley and it’s an absolute must-have. Previously I would occasionally use it, but now it’s a weekly treatment to help maintain the look and feel of my hair.

For multi-vitamins, I take Prime Fifty Multi-Nutrients and I also take Philip Kingsley PK4 Soya Protein Boost Supplements for my hair.

When it comes to body moisturiser I want something quick and easy, so Korres Hyaluronic Plumping Body Serum is great.

For my face I always turn to Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, but I recommend upgrading to the Ultra Rich formula if you need an extra moisture boost.

For more stories, advice and interviews, head to the Menopause Your Way Stories hub. To browse and shop a curated edit of menopause products, visit the Menopause Your Way page on QVC.

The content of the QVC website is for information only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the QVC website.

We understand there’s a lot of information out there on the menopause. You can read through the NICE guidance on menopause management, as well as the NHS overview on the menopause.

The post All about my perimenopause journey appeared first on Stories.

Retinol
Known by many as a wonder ingredient, retinol pretty much does it all – it can help smooth out the appearance of fine lines, even the look of skin tone, give your complexion a gorgeous glow and so much more. The thing we love most about this ingredient? Everyone can benefit from it, no matter what their skin type!

That’s why we love this dynamic duo from Murad, which will boost any complexion with the power of retinol, providing day-to-night care that will slot seamlessly into your existing routine. There’s a serum for the day and a night cream for the evening, each formula infused with retinol, so you can really try it out to see what it does for your skin! Just remember to add SPF to your routine to protect your skin from sun exposure, and you’re good to glow!

Collagen
Renowned for its bounce-boosting properties, collagen has been a buzzword in the beauty industry for years and shows no signs of slowing down. Hydrating, smoothing and oh-so-versatile, it’s in everything from face creams to daily supplements, and boasts benefits for your skin’s tone, texture and radiance.

And what better to celebrate this incredible ingredient than Elemis‘ renowned Pro-Collagen range? This duo boasts Pro-Collagen Night Cream and Superfood Midnight Facial that will work together to quench your skin overnight and leave it looking radiant by morning – just in time for that sunrise!

Vitamin C
Speaking of sun, we dare you to find a skincare ingredient sunnier than Vitamin C! Sure to give your complexion a brightening boost, this is one ingredient you’ll want to have in your skincare stash whatever the weather.

Amp up your whole skincare routine with this four-piece collection dedicated to this radiant ingredient, courtesy of Perricone. Complete with moisturisers for day and night, as well as serum and eye cream, it boasts everything you need to reveal your skin’s radiance throughout your whole skincare ritual.

Glycolic Acid
For amazing exfoliating benefits, look no further than glycolic acid. Also known as an AHA, it’s an ingredient that works to slough away dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking brighter and more even, as well as warding away pesky blemishes that can be caused by flaking skin. It doesn’t have to be harsh either – depending on the concentration, glycolic acid-infused skincare can be used every day to get your glow on and help you feel skin confident.

Alpha-H‘s lauded Liquid Gold range is ideal for harnessing the power of glycolic acid and discovering your skin’s luminosity. This three-piece collection will bring a bit of bottled brilliance to your regimen with iconic Liquid Gold treatment, an all-in-one toner, exfoliator, serum and moisturiser, as well as Golden Haze Face Oil and Liquid Gold Firming Eye Cream to target every inch of your complexion with glycolic acid goodness.

Ceramide
Just think of this wonder ingredient as your skin’s personal shield! Ceramide is the perfect preventative against environmental stressors as well as moisture loss, making it a silent hero in skincare that you’ll want in your arsenal!

This trio from Skinsense makes ceramide the star of the show, with a day cream, treatment mask and eye cream that are each designed to deliver hydrating, radiance-enhancing benefits to every inch of your complexion. The ideal starter set to find out if ceramide works for you, this collection is just the thing to slot into your skincare regimen.

SPF
Where would we be without it? Whether you’re stepping out into a hot summer’s day or you just want to prevent fine lines from forming, SPF is an essential in your skincare routine. But not all SPF is created equal – if you want to avoid the notorious stickiness SPF has a bad rep for, look no further than our selection.

Ultrasun is legendary for its luxurious, non-greasy formulas that feel good on the complexion without compromising on protection against UVA rays, which is why its facial formulas are loved by so many. This supersize duo of Anti-Pigmentation formulas boasts an impressive SPF 50+ and both clear and tinted formulas, specially formulated for your face, so you can enjoy incredible protection for a long time.

Ready to put these wonder ingredients into your skincare recipe? Tune into our weekly show to find out about these fabulous formulations, plus discover them and much more right here at QVC.

The post Incredible skincare ingredients for your routine appeared first on Stories.

Concealer is one of those make-or-break make-up items. Applied well, and you’ve got a brightened, perfected complexion that should last you the day. Applied haphazardly, and you could end up with a skin tone that looks uneven or blotchy. Luckily, we’ve got our make-up masterclass to help you with all things concealing. The formulas Like foundation, concealer comes in an array of formulas. Liquids, creams, sticks… and that’s before we get started on colour correcting, brightening and coverage. Think about your skin concerns. Are you looking to conceal blemishes and redness, brighten under the eyes, or play around with contouring and strobing? Liquid formulas like Doll 10’s HydraLux Smoothing Concealer are great all-rounders. With different levels of coverage available, they’re a fabulous option if you want to cover up the odd pesky spot while also concealing under the eyes. Liquid concealers are great for contouring too, as they buff out really nicely. Creams tend to be fuller coverage but easy to blend, making them ideal for blemishes. If you love that full-on flawless effect, a cream concealer like Lord & Berry’s Flawless Concealer is one to add to your kit. Plus, you can apply a small amount using a detail brush and blend out for a seamless finish. Stick concealers are the epitome of make-up on the go. Just draw on where you need the extra coverage, and blend out with your finger. You get a great deal of coverage with a stick formula, such as the Bareminerals Barepro Full Coverage Concealer – something to bear in mind if you’re only after a gentle brightening effect for under the eyes. When to apply concealer This is often up for debate, however the general consensus is after foundation, if you’re choosing to wear any. Your foundation will even out your skin tone first, while concealer will target any areas that need extra coverage. Applying concealer onto bare skin before foundation could end up in over-application and a cakey complexion. If you’re not a foundation fan, go straight in with your concealer after your moisturiser or primer, and buff out the edges for a naturally-perfected finish. Where to apply concealer Are there any areas of redness or blemishes peeking through? Conceal them! Under eyes in need of perking up? Add concealer. Want to create a more chiseled face shape? You guessed it, concealer! How to apply concealer, however, differs depending on the look you want to achieve. Covering redness and blemishes Less is more when it comes to blemishes. Too much concealer can look cakey, and draw the eye directly to the area you’re trying to conceal. Apply a high coverage concealer like Bareminerals Original Liquid Mineral Concealer sparingly with a small detailing brush and work layer by layer, blending out well. If you need more coverage, go in again. Once you’re happy, set with powder to keep your concealer in place. Brightening the under eyes For this delicate area, go with a long-wearing liquid formula, like Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Flawless Wear Concealer or IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye. It won’t drag on sensitive skin, and aim for one slightly lighter than your skin tone (but be careful about going too light – we’re talking about one shade). Apply straight from the tube in a V shape, starting at the corner of each eye and going down towards the top of your cheekbone. Once on, use your finger or a small brush to dab in the concealer until blended, as this will be kinder on the skin. This’ll also prevent the product from spreading, so you can be sure it stays in the right area. If you’re prone to creasing, a translucent powder will help to keep everything smooth and settled. Strobing and contouring This is not for everyone, but strobing and contouring with concealer can have a great effect and it’s pretty easy to do once you’ve got the hang of it for a high-impact, full coverage look. Strobing uses a lighter concealer on the higher points of the face, where you’d naturally catch the light – cheekbones, chin, nose and forehead to name a few. Contouring uses both a lighter concealer to create the illusion of light and a darker concealer to create depth around the temples, cheekbones and jawline – the results can be very flattering and complement the natural curves of your face. If it’s on your to-try list, go lightly, with a buildable formula like Tarte’s Shape Tape Concealer. You can always add more concealer, but it’s harder to take it away. Don’t forget to blend well too. Aim upwards and outwards, keeping away from the centre of your face for the most natural finish. The real key with using any make-up formula is to practice and have fun with it. The more you do it, the easier it’ll become, and you’ll be holding your own make-up masterclass in no time!

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