One of the the clearest signs of spring is when the sheep come down to lower pastures and have their winter fleece shorn away. Well, just like a sheep coming down from the grazing pastures high up in the mountains, I too have been shorn.
Recently, the hairdressers, along with beauticians and other non-essential shops opened again and the mass parade of people heading out to try to create some appearance of a groomed state was nothing short of biblical, such was the need for beauty maintenance.

I was among the masses, though I did wait for a week or two until the initial surge died down a little. As I was going to have my haircut, I thought I would have a shave as well and rid myself of the beard that manifested on my face when I was shielded for several months last year in the first wave of the pandemic. I did it more or less out of boredom and curiosity, in equal measure. I kept intending to shave it off again but a day would lead to a week and then a month and before I knew it, here I was a year on and it was still there.

I had no emotional attachment to it, the way some men do to there beards, so in a moment of ruthlessness I took some clippers and a razor to it and suddenly it was gone. For those of you without the inclination, let alone the capacity, to grow a beard, I will tell you it is a very strange feeling to suddenly feel the skin in your face again after such a long time. To feel the sharp edge of your jawline and the smooth contour of your cheek is a bit of an alien experience for a day or two. But it’s gone now and clean shaven is how I will be for the foreseeable future I think, until boredom and curiosity creep on again, that is!

So here I am, like a sheep in my summer coat, ready for pastures new, ready to get the summer started. How about you? Did you get a new ‘do’? How did it turn out?

Talking about getting ready for summer, there are a couple of Todays Special Values coming up later this week that I know you’ll love.

We have to look after our skin and our bodies all year round, but when it comes to the summer and we are exposing more of it, that skincare becomes even more important.

Two brands are bringing us very special collections that can help.

First up, SBC, who are bringing us a four-piece Propolis Body & Hair Collection, featuring a host of pampering formulas from the bestselling Propolis collection, including a brand new Propolis & White Willow Body Wash and the Propolis Moisturising Gel, both in supersizes, plus a Scalp Care Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner to help sooth sensitive scalps.

Derived from the beehive, precious propolis is one of nature’s finest ingredients, renowned for centuries, making it no surprise that SBC’s Propolis Collection has long been one of their bestsellers. This set is a must-have, whether you’re new to the range or a long-term fan, and will help you to combat stressed, sensitive skin.

The Moisturising Gel lasts three years unopened and one year after opening and boasts an easy to apply formula, with no expert knowledge required. In the warmer months, place the gel in the fridge for an instant cooling effect on application.
The brand new Propolis & White Willow Body Wash is a powerful formula that works to break down dead skin cell build-up and congestion in the pores, to help reveal clearer looking skin with improved texture.

The Today’s Special Value contains:
1 x NEW Propolis & White Willow Body Wash (1000ml; supersize) – works to soothe your skin and leave it delicately scented. Formulated with white willow, salicylic acid and propolis, blended with tiger grass and feverfew
1 x Propolis Moisturising Gel (1000ml; supersize) – a highly moisturising, lightweight, non-sticky gel that is quickly absorbed, and is ideal for sensitive skin types, as well as being especially beneficial for dry skin. Can be used as a face mask, make-up primer or face and body moisturiser. Enriched with natural propolis amino acids, minerals, vitamins and bio-flavonoids
1 x Propolis Scalp Care Shampoo (500ml; full size) – infused with white nettle, ginger, grapefruit, fennel and propolis, this silky shampoo is formulated to help care for a dry or sensitive scalp while it works to deliver soft, manageable hair. Ideal for the whole family and even those with sensitive skin
1 x Propolis Nourishing Conditioner (500ml; full size) – this creamy conditioner is formulated with an indulgent blend of honey, vitamin B5 royal jelly, propolis, argan oil and vitamin E to leave hair looking glossy and feeling silky smooth. Ideal for everyday use and great for the whole family

Next up is the truly wonderful Abi Cleeve, who will be joining us all through Sunday 2nd May with a well-timed Ultrasun Today’s Special Value (pre-launching on air at 9pm on Saturday 1st May). If you are going outside at all, even on a cloudy day at this time of year, you need to be wearing sun protection!

Created by Swiss suncare experts, Ultrasun brings us once-a-day sun protection that works for all kinds of lifestyles. This Today’s Special Value certainly caters to your lifestyle, with three different options available. So which Ultrasun are you?

1) Family
2) Sport
3) Glamour

Simply choose based on how you want to be spending your summer!

The Family option:

It contains the Family SPF30 Pump (300mls), which is especially suitable for sensitive and allergy prone skin, but not only that, it’s water-resistant too, so it’s perfect for protecting you and your little ones!
It also has the Face 30 Pump (100mls). This is a non-greasy and fast absorbing cream that helps protect against the visible signs of photo-ageing. Suitable for sensitive skins and can be applied every day under your makeup!
And last but by no means least, Lip Protection SPF 30. This shields the lips from UV damage, whatever the temperature! It contains Vitamin E and blackcurrant seed oil for intense moisturisation and it’s fragrance free.

The Sports Option:

This option contains the Face and Lip protection as above, however it has the Sport Gel SPF 20 Pump (300mls). Designed for those who enjoy sports, water sports and being generally active in the sun, this is a fast-absorbing, clear, non-sticky, non-greasy gel that’s water-resistant and perspirant resistant. It’s also great for men who have a lot of body hair as it doesn’t clog up the skin the way creams can. (I won’t say if I am speaking from personal experience here!)

The Glam Option:

We are getting something quite new with this one! Once again your Face and Lip protection are included (as above). Your body protection this time though is the Glimmer Max SPF30 Pump (300mls). This provides you with fast-absorbing, non-sticky, non-greasy UVA and UVB protection with lamellar technology and reflecting pigments for beautiful shimmering protection for sensitive skin. This is super sparkly, with three times the sparkle you normally get.
Just to let you know that this Glimmer Max completely sold out when it was available on its own in a 150mls size, so I suspect this TSV option may well sell out very quickly!

Remember this is a once-a-day application that gives you UV protection all day (though a second application is recommended in extreme conditions). Also, with a two year shelf-life after opening, you can keep on protecting yourself and your family season after season.

Here’s what Abi had to say to me when I chatted to her about this Today’s Special Value:

“This is the big Today’s Special Value of the year – a chance to stock up on your favourite formulations to get you and the whole family through the summer season. Whether you want to sparkle in the sunshine, or want an easy, fast-drying gel or something super-sensitive for the whole family, we have an option for you… and it’s on Easy Pay interest-free instalments!! Let’s get summer started!”

When you are getting summer started and are going outside to relax in the sun, where better place to do it than on the Todays Special Special Value I will be pre-launching live on-air on Friday 30th April at 9pm?

It is the Eleanor Double Hanging Cocoon Chair from Innovators, created in high-grade aluminium and steel with faux rattan ropework. It boasts plush, removable deep-filled cushions and is designed to sit two people side by side. This summer, sit back, relax and unwind after a day of pottering or an evening of entertaining in this elegantly designed, double hanging chair.

The gentle sway of the chair and the sprung attachments will allow you to truly relax after a few hours on your feet, or why not start the day in the chair with breakfast al fresco? If entertaining is on your list of must-dos this summer, then take note – your friends and loved ones are sure to arrive early to bag their place on the Cocoon chair too!

It is available in a choice of two neutral colours, Dark Grey or Mocha, so it can be easily incorporated into any space. Plus, it’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, so it will look as good on your deck or patio as it will in your conservatory.
Don’t hang around though, because the single version of this chair, the Holly, has sold out every time it has come to air so I’m sure it’s big sister will be just as popular with us all spending more time outdoors!

Whilst you’re out in the sun, you might like to create a space in which you can spend even more time, so here’s a few extra ideas that might help:

Fancy not only dining but also cooking al fresco? What about trying out the Kaloroc Electric Barbecue? It’s certainly a lot cleaner and quicker than a traditional one!

While you’re there, why not take some shade under a parasol that has built in lights so you can stay out in the garden for even longer, with the Innovators 2.7mtrs LED Solar Parasol?

Go on, create that extra room outdoors and really make the most of being outside this summer!

Let me know how you’ve got your summer started.

Until next time,

Miceal X

The post Let’s get summer started! appeared first on Stories.

Rather than waking up with a pillowcase of smeared skeleton, or – even worse – aggravating your skin by scrubbing with cleansers that aren’t quite up for the job, make sure you’re prepared. Stock up on cleansers that will make light work of heavy duty make-up, with minimal effort required.

The post Heavy-duty cleansers to help remove Halloween make-up appeared first on Stories.

Fashion’s palette this season has expanded to include ‘neutrals’ of browns, coppers and rusts, and the nail colours on offer have followed suit. Meanwhile the common-place glitters that are a given for A/W are updated to include bright colours, metallics in all colours are a perennial hit, and pared-back nudes are a chic, minimalist option.

Discover our edit of the new-in shades that will keep your nails looking on-point this season.

The post The nail shades we’re wearing this season appeared first on Stories.

Eye creams can do a myriad of tasks – they brighten and disguise dark circles, they reduce lines and wrinkles, and lift and firm your eyelids. They’re almost paramount to creating a smooth base for eyeshadow and concealer. If you haven’t had enough sleep, or need to look less tired like, right now, an eye cream is the place to start.

Make sure your eye cream can keep up with the rest of your skincare, with our edit of the ones that work the hardest.

The post The eye creams you need to fake eight hours sleep appeared first on Stories.

If you suffer from mild to moderate dryness in your skin, the first place to start is skincare, as even the best foundation can only sit so well if your skin hasn’t been nourished beforehand. But once you’ve got your skincare covered, which foundation type is the best for your dry skin? Bobbi Brown’s Senior Pro Artist Amy Conway recommends looking for liquid formulas, as “they are packed with more moisture and often have so many nourishing ingredients”. She lauds the Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40: “it’s a treatment and foundation in one, which leaves the skin looking radiant and plump whilst locking in all the moisture to the skin. The sheer to medium coverage of this formula is so great to wear everyday and build up for evening also.” And with regards to ingredients, she adds ” the Cordyceps mushroom in this formula acts as an energy in the skin to ensure the formula looks radiant and glowing all day long.”

If you have dry skin, Amy also recommends using a brush to apply your foundation, as “a brush will always give you the most flawless finish”. She adds: “A top tip for dry skin is to apply with a brush, and then use the warmth of your hands to press the formula in throughout, for a really dewy finish.”

With Amy’s advice in mind, we rounded up the best foundations for dry skin below.

The post The best foundations for dry skin appeared first on Stories.

Bareminerals‘ National Education Manager, Anna McCann Ellerington, says the trend has been building since the beginning of the year: “We first saw the metallic trend start for SS19. Soft metallic eye make-up was spotted at Paris Fashion Week, whilst shimmery smoky eyes rocked the NYFW shows.”

Since then it’s a trend that has only gathered momentum, as some gorgeous metallic products for eyes and lips are hitting the shelves, in warm, neutral shades that make us look forward to the first pumpkin spice latte of the season. Anna notes: “as we move into a/w the pallet inspiration of deeper, rich hues – copper, bronze and crimson – captures the spirit of the autumnal season. Imagine an oak tree just as the leaves begin to fall.”

Anna adds that it’s easy to make this look work for you: “the beauty of metallics is that they are so versatile.” With supremely wearable looks for day and evening, she suggests: “For a more every day dialled-down look opt for a soft diffused wash of colour to the eyes and lips.” Or, if you want to take it up a level for a statement look, Anna advises creating “a monochromatic look by using the same tones on the eyes and lips. Or to focus on one feature, try wearing a bolder lip or eye.”

Armed with Anna’s tips on how to wear metallics, we’ve compiled a list of the on-trend metallic make-up you’ll need to get started.

The post Metallic make-up: the most wearable trend for AW19 appeared first on Stories.

The act of pressing or ‘scraping’ (as it’s called in the practice of Gua sha) can also help to encourage your skincare product to penetrate deeper and target the areas that need a little extra attention too.

Perfect if you’re feeling stressed, tired or puffy, a small-but-mighty crystal might be just the thing to help you up your beauty game, as not only can these mystical stones increase the absorption and efficacy of serums and oils, they also do a great job of relaxing facial muscles and targeting any tension. Plus, they feel cooling and refreshing on the skin – just what you need if you’ve got an early start or are in need of a pick-me-up.

As an act of self-care to enjoy a moment of calm and clarity before bed, and to help your skincare products work harder and absorb quicker, these crystal tools are a real game-changer in any beauty routine.

The post The crystal facial tools to take your skincare to the next level appeared first on Stories.

Combination skin is typically characterised by an oily T-zone – your nose, chin and forehead will be more prone to shine and make-up separation, aka. sliding off your face a few hours after application – paired with drier skin on your cheeks (and sometimes chin as well).

With all of these different factors to take into account, it can be hard to find a foundation that suits combination skin types. We enlisted the help of Bobbi Brown’s Senior Pro Artist Amy Conway, who told us what to look for when searching out the best foundations: “Water-based products are so great for combination skin types because it boosts the skin with water as opposed to oil, which helps to balance both dehydrated and oily areas.” she says. Amy’s go-to for combination skin is the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation SPF15: “It’s perfect as it’s a water-based formula that controls oil whilst hydrating, for an all-day wear that is natural and fresh-looking. I love it for an everyday foundation as it’s so seamless on the skin.”

If you have combination skin, Amy also recommends using a brush to apply your foundation: “Applying with a brush is always best for combination skin types to ensure you get an even finish that will last throughout the day.” If you’re wondering which type of brush, Amy adds: “a brush like the Full Coverage Face Brush is great for this as the bristles give a buffed-in application and creates that airbrushed look to the skin.”

With Amy’s advice in mind, we rounded up the best foundations for combination skin below.

The post These are the best foundations for combination skin appeared first on Stories.

This beauty hero is also crucial for helping to extend the wear of your make-up, and create a barrier between the skincare you’ve applied, and the make-up you’ve chosen to use after. It creates a smooth base that evens out skin texture, so you’ve got the perfect blank canvas to work on.

We’ve compiled our favourite problem-solving primers, each specifically formulated to target a specific skin concern. If you have more than one complexion quandary, choose a few that suit your needs that you can layer up or mix together.

The post The multi-tasking primers to solve your skin concerns appeared first on Stories.

Commonly found in the form of L-ascorbic acid, it can help to protect your skin against the free radical damage and environmental aggressors that can reduce your collagen supplies, making it a sought-after skincare ingredient. In short, if you’ve noticed your skin looking dull and lacking in vibrancy, vitamin C could be for you to help get that bounce back.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve rounded up our four favourite serums (and we’ve thrown in a moisturiser for good measure) that harness the power of vitamin C to deliver a little more pep to your current beauty routine.

The post The five vitamin C skincare picks to try for dull skin appeared first on Stories.