Summer Essentials

There are very few things that I could call 'essential when it comes to bodycare products. I am often satisfied with whatever is lying around, but these are the few things I'm loyal to and repurchase time after time. Some date as far back as childhood, others a few months but they all have literally saved my skin in this heatwave now turned monsoon.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Massage Lotion for Stretchmarks - £2.69
Ever since childhood, I've always used Palmer's Cocoa Butter in some form. From using the thick butter that came in a tub as a kid, to the concentrated tube form in my student days it's nice to be using a lighter paraben free formula without scrimping on the moisture. Plus, I've always loved the scent. Some stretch marks have faded over months of using this, but I do think they must be recent for this cream to make a real difference. Particularly after tanning and in the lead up to summer this became a godsend for me, I cannot rate it enough. 

Antipodes Resurrect Facial Toner - £18.98
A good alternative to the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for those with more normal skin. Without a hint of alcohol this will hydrate and rebalance the skin with its impressive organic ingredient list (water, lavender and sage are the first three on the list). In the hot weather this has been very refreshing to use during the day, whilst using this after Clarins Exfoliating Toner works as a great combination every second night. Yes, I've been taking Caroline Hirons' advice on toner, and since then my skin looks clearer and not much makeup is needed during the day. Perfect.     

Mitchum Advanced Control 48 Hour Deodorant - £2.89
I particularly despise using aerosols in any form, but many roll-on deodorants fall flat and I usually concede defeat around April time. I'd heard this brand mentioned on blogs, but I only saw it on the aisles of a massive Boots Store (Westfield if you were wondering) I probably shouldn't go on about a deodorant, but this doesn't leave white marks on dark clothes and allows you to wear light clothes without the fear of unsightly sweat patches.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Protection Lotion SPF30 -£6.14
Okay, I'll admit that I probably don't need SPF 30 but people of colour can still burn in the sun! In 2009 I went to see Blur's comeback gig in Hyde Park and stood in the crowd from about 1pm until 10pm. It wasn't until the next day when I saw the peeling skin on my shoulders and the redness on my back from wearing a cut-out dress. Never. Again.

This is one of the few body spfs that don't make me look ashy or leave a noticeable white cast after application, so I'm sticking to it. It protects from both UVA and UVB rays and I haven't been caught short since using it.

Anna Sui Flight of Fancy EDP 50ml -£22.95, get £12.50 for 30ml here
My signature scent, this just reminds me of summer. About 6/7 years ago I gave this to my mum for her birthday, and I loved it so much I ended up buying one for myself! Fresh and fruity, this has top notes of lemon and lychee whilst not smelling overtly feminine. On me, more of the musk and rose comes through making it much more alluring and subtle than the ostentatious bottle implies. An oldie but a goodie.

There are a few new discoveries that I still have to share, but it's only fair I sing the praises of these gems first, right? Stay tuned.

Peachy Tones

After the lacklustre weather we've been having lately it does seem a bit premature to be rocking summery makeup in the rain, but I have been swayed by these peachy offerings this month.

Ok, I admit that the mask is peach- scented and the lipstick is more of a burnt coral, but still they are part of the same family. These were mostly treats for finishing my degree and I've been pretty pleased with them all.

 I have got at least two face masks on the go, but something compelled me to buy the Origins Drink Up Intensive as the high dose of hydration seemed appealing. It has become necessary if my skin is looking flat or dry, and applying a thin layer once a week leaves my skin glowing, plump and velvety in the morning. The Nails inc. shade You're a Peach was a freebie from Instyle in May (or April?) and managed to give a suitable alternative to a nude nail whilst still being work friendly. I have never really veered towards peachy tones on my nails before; but was complemented on the shade many times and it doesn't clash with my warm toned skin (something that orange nails tend to do!). Here's a swatch.

My stubby dinosaur claws fingers, everybody ;-) But you can see how this shade can suit many skin tones without looking too stark. The polish lasts around 4 days on me with Sally Hanson Double Duty Base and Top Coat. The lipstick I picked up is Vegas Volt by MAC. I feel somewhat late to the party reviewing this, but as this is my first bold MAC lipstick this is truly a showstopper. Ravishing looked slightly corpse-like on me, so Vegas Volt is a perfect substitute for deeper skintones due to the amplified finish. I like to mix things up by lightly dabbing on the lips for a peachy daytime look or applying directly from the tube for a neon orange effect at night. 

   
Most of these have been on heavy rotation throughout May and June, so this could serve as a monthly favourites of sorts. But generally I am in a bit of a make up rut as I want to be more bright and summery, but the clouds have other ideas... here's to a bit more sun!

Hair Oils

 

Using hair oils can either be an expensive investment or a budget fix depending on the products used. Brands such as Moroccan Oil have capitalised on this as the focus lay towards quality ingredients, but surprisingly the most hyped up oils tend to be loaded with silicones. As I have afro hair that gets dry quickly, I try to avoid these in favour for more nourishing options. Here are the oils that tend to work well for my hair.

Macadamia Healing Oil Spray - from £10.58 here

Alas, this is one of the silicone sprays, however this still delivers on the moisture and shine. I tend to use this when blow-drying my hair and the process is quicker as a result. It is lightweight and is perfect for fine hair - the spray gives a large amount of oil so I would suggest spraying into the hands and working your way through the ends. Despite the benefits of the macadamia nut, I probably won't repurchase this because of the silicone content.

Coconut Oil (pictured in clear jar)

However unassuming this may look in the old Nutella jar, this has become my saviour in recent months. The coconut oil is solid at room temperature and I warm it in my hands to work into the hair after and between washes. It also imparts shine and texture to the hair (I never like my hair bone straight anyway) especially when used for braid outs. This method of applying coconut oil to freshly washed hair and plaiting my hair for the night leaves me with the most gorgeous curls in the morning. This oil however is very thick, so it can help to tame unruly hair and not a lot is needed. This can be found in health stores (or Amazon) and is a multi use product - an absolute bargain.

An honourable mention goes to castor oil (another health store buy) as my mum has used it in my hair for years. I credit castor oil for my fast hair growth and for soothing any scalp problems. The only downside is that it smells pretty awful, but if I find any nice smelling versions, I will share them on here. I want to try pure Argan oil from Melvita next, but I have no excuse until I use up the Macadamia oil  Are there any oils that you can recommend?  

Hair Talk

I'm in a bit of a rut when it comes to my hair - since having it relaxed (chemically straightened) I've only alternated between a bob and a shoulder length cut. For my next trip to the hairdressers, I've been thinking about getting a pixie crop like Jessica Chastain, putting box braids in like Beyonce on that trip to Cuba or simply growing it out to see if I can get to bra-strap length. I can't decide for a full 5 minutes, so I thought I'd let you in on the products I use on a regular basis.

My hair is quite thick and can get unruly past shoulder length- I remember wash days when I used to get tangles as large as my fist! Now I take care to use nourishing products with less silicones and more natural products, which is why I use the Ojon Damage Reverse range. I first prep the hair before washing with the Restorative Hair Treatment (£16). This comes in a solid paste that you have to warm in your hands to get a nourishing thick oil. The chocolatey tobacco scent isn't to everybody's taste but I do love it and it comes out after shampooing anyway. There is an alternative with a more vanilla smell for those that can't handle weird smells that you can now get as a gift with purchase on the website, but I feel that the original one imparts more moisture onto the hair. It tells you to leave for 20 minutes but as my hair can get really dry I do stretch the waiting time by at least an hour.

Next, I wash my hair with the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo. No other shampoo has left my hair so soft and shiny and the inclusion of castor seed oil amongst many others allows it to fully nourish the hair. Since taking this photo, I have purchased the full size and have not been this happy with a shampoo for a very long time. The range may be pricey, but I have found that ordering from the Ojon website allows you to trial new products and they often give generous samples with your purchase. Other options incluse purchasing mini tester bottles, which can be found in the bigger branches of Boots or on the Ojon website.

For conditioner, however the Ojon Damage Reverse one is just ok, I just had better results using the TIGI Catwalk Oatmeal & Honey Conditioner - which you can get from TK Maxx from £5.99. As this is a salon quaity product it leaves the hair baby soft and makes detangling a breeze. This is also formulated for damaged hair and the Oatmeal and Honey range has quickly become a family favourite (never leave your expensive products in the family bathroom!) Another budget conditioner that does the trick without weighing down the hair is the Aussie Miracle Moist Conditioner. Although I wouldn't recommend the shampoo, this range is great for hydration, especially for afro and  chemically damaged hair.

As there is an emphasis on oils in my haircare routine, I'll let you in on the other products I use in a later post. Hint -  they are much cheaper and easier to use!

Forgotten Favourites #3

Well, I did say I would post more often.  Here are a few things I have rediscovered over the last few weeks. A few were buried in favour of other alternatives, others have become more necessary as the days get warmer, but there were definite moments when I wondered how I forgot about these gems...

Nars Sheer Glow in Tahoe- £30.50

This foundation has sat unloved for quite some time, as its medium to full coverage became unnecessary when my skin got better this year. After snubbing it for YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat in the winter, I crawled back when the colour match seemed more summer appropriate. I will say, that using the Real Techniques Stippling brush has made the world of difference as I can get that dewy glow whilst using less product - and it sits better on my skin compared to using a buffing brush.


Avene Hydrance Optimale Moisturiser with SPF 20 - £14.50

I have used this consistently last summer, but during the winter I used cleansers and moisturisers that sought to block environmental damage, like the Murad Essential C Cleanser and Ren Hydracalm Day Cream. Obviously as the sun started to make an appearance, I shopped around for alternative Spfs and had a nightmarish consultation where I walked out white as a sheet! Needless to say, if it ain't broke, why fix it? Having to wash my face in a public toilet is not a good look. This Avene moisturiser delivers on the spf protection without the chalk face or scrimping on the hydration. It caters to those with dehydrated skin, so for under £15 it's a steal. Get thee to Boots!

Elasta QP Olive Oil and Mango Butter Moisturiser - £3.99

For the last 2 or 3 months I had been exclusively using oils on my hair. Even though they are natural and moisturising, you can overdo it. I found over time that between washes applying oil became less effective and the buildup makes the hair less manageable. Enter Elasta QP. This sherbert-smelling moisturiser leaves hair managable and non-greasy. It works with curls instead of weighing them down and is useful in moisturising the scalp.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo - £13

I know I previously spoke of this product here, but it's not actually finished, surprisingly! I think at that time I was slathering it over my face instead of pinpointing the areas that need it most. This won't necessarily banish a spot overnight, but after a breakout there is still a significant difference as the blemishes reduce in size. This helped a lot during my stressful phase, but I wouldn't recommend it for sensitive skins at all.

Hope you enjoyed this, as I am just getting back in the swing of things. Over and out.

May Update

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been buried by work and general tiredness. This summer I'm hoping to achieve a few milestones, the obvious one is graduating this summer. The others involve gaining confidence, losing at least one dress size and jumpstarting the career I want so watch this space! The last few months have been beyond stressful, and I have already begun rewarding myself with little goodies that will be shared soon enough!

My skin has improved so much over the last year, but other things that I would have previously shrugged off, like the efect of foaming cleansers and the advantages of oils I have now taken  on board. Exam period has brought on some spots, but thanks to a few tweaks to my routine, it hasn't been as bad compared to recent years and the scars are fading faster. 

Expect more posts as I actually feel more confident about my blog and sharing my opinions on things. Let me know if theres anything in particular you want me to address, as I have been avoiding certain subjects like hair even though mine is actually in good condition. I have been in a negative headspace over many months, which probably has reflected on previous entries. So please consider this a fresh start as I look forward to what comes next!

Thanks for reading x

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion Review

I have always been picky about using skincare with natural ingredients but I haven't really shared much about body lotion yet. Mainly this is down to me suffering with eczema during the winter, but this product has pretty much cleared that up. I've been using more body creams to prep my skin for summer, but judging from today's flutter of snow it's not too late to start now!

Aveeno Daily Moisturising Lotion has been an absolute godsend during the dry months, as its active ingredients help to keep skin hydrated and the fragrance free formula doesn't irritate my skin. It is a thick cream which easily absorbs into the skin and leaves no residue. Unlike other products, its 24 hour claim is accurate, no dry patches were to be found and my skin did improve after 2 weeks. After using this regularly for a week, I stopped experiencing any flare-ups or dry patches so this really helped me during the winter.

I hope this helps, as I did struggle a bit to find lotions that were fairly inexpensive but didn't irritate the skin. At the moment, the whole Aveeno range is on offer at Boots and you can get this lotion for just over a fiver! Are there any other ranges you'd recommend for sensitive skin?

NOTD - Perfectly Nude

Whew, it's been a while since I've done one of these! After years of picking up dirty looking browns, milky tinted lacquers and eventually settling on Essie's Chinchilly even though it's mink hue didn't quit suit me - I may have found the perfect nude nail polish. It's not even from my favourite brand, Nails Inc. either.

Rimmel London 60 Second Nail Polish in Caramel Cupcake - £3.69

This claims to be a one coat nail polish, but with this particular shade it can get streaky so two coats would be best. The thick brush and quick-drying formula makes this a doddle, as the brush covers the whole nail in one stroke. Despite the application being a bit fiddly, the main reason I felt compelled to post is the colour and the fact this is 6 days into the manicure! Long-lasting, flattering to darker skintones and under £4? An absolute bargain.

Unlike a lot of nudes, there is a suitable amount of pink to save the polish from looking muddy. It is considerably darker than most nudes on the market and are also less expensive than the decadent Estee Lauder  polishes I had my eye on. There are more nude polishes in the range, so do have a nosy if this one doesn't quite suit you.

Also, some may notice that my layout has had a bit of a re-jig, I hope you like it!   



First FOTD and March Update

Hey all, I have been buried under a mountain of reading, but I really wanted to show you what I actually use on my face. After my last post about not being brave enough to post pics of myself very often, I decided to bite the bullet. Since then, my skin has improved thanks to rosehip oil (review coming shortly) so I can finally rock the low coverage glowy look. Yes, even though it's snowing right now... *rolls eyes*

I'm always about low maintenance and am in full on study mode, so no blusher, highlighter or contour was used here- I give good cheek. For foundation I used the YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat in BD60 (yes I bought the full size) for a barely there look. This can only be a winter shade for me as you can get a serious glow-face with this and it looked too yellowy on me in the summer. With the Real Techniques Stippling brush this goes on like a dream, it is a bit liquidy in texture but this brush is best for not wasting product and building up the coverage without looking cakey.

L-R: MAC Eyeliner in Teddy, No. 7 Eyeshadow Blend and Contour Brush, NARS Bladerunner Eyesadow Duo, NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in Rust, MAC Studiofinish Concealer in NC45, YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat in BD60, Real Techniques Stippling Brush

In my haste, I forgot to photograph the lipstick I have on - it's Syrup by MAC and it's my go to for a neutral look. I tend to stay away from nude lipsticks as my lips are quite pigmented, but this is a perfect 'my lips but better' shade for me. I am in two minds about the StudioFinish Concealer, it can be a bit garish if you don't set it (my MAC Fix powder has mysteriously disappeared, boo) so I just used it under my eyes leaving some dark marks visible. For blemishes, it is amazing, but its thick texture requires more work to warm up the product and blend into the skin - time I just didn't have.

As for eyes, I wanted an easygoing glossy lid, so I opted for the NYX Chubby Eyeshadow pencil in Rust, a warm reddish-brown shade all over the lid with MAC Teddy liner for some subtle definition. I don't particularly think black eyeliner suits me and my teenage grunge days are over, so this is a firm favourite of mine. In the crease, I used the dark maroon shade in the NARS Bladerunner Eyeshadow Duo - sadly discontinued, but definitely worth tracking down. It has a touch more brown than the NYX pencil but still has that red undertone to soften any edges and give definition to my hooded eyelids. For that I use the No. 7 Eyeshadow and Contour Brush - a clear dupe for the MAC 217 brush for under £10.

Also, another thing I didn't photograph was my mascara! I just haven't found a perfect one so Lancome Hypnose Star is currently filling the void. As luxe as and novel as it is, it clumps up my lashes like no other and I wouldn't recommend it. As of now, I've just bought a mini of the Benefit They're Real mascara, so I'll let you know how that goes.

So, I am incredibly low-maintenance and everyone now knows my secret! I am a bit proud that I managed to upload a picture where you can still see acne scars - I know this is a beauty blog, but at the same time, I'm not really aiming to look flawless here. This is my laid-back face, maybe I'll just
surprise you with my going out look some other post!

How do you rate these products, have you used them before?

Wishlist: Monochrome Minimalism

 I know that I primarily talk about beauty on this blog, but technically this was also intended to include fashion. But I've also been put off from doing the obligatory OOTD and haul posts, mainly because I'm a big old scaredy cat. The picture on my banner is the closest to an outfit post that I've ever gone and the main reason is that I'm not quite there yet with my style and how I look. I play it safe with what I actually wear whilst pining for the slightly out-there pieces that will undoubtedly turn heads (but not necessarily for the right reasons). I'm also in the middle of losing weight and the once effortless and enjoyable shopping trip has turned into a minefield of "Will this even fit across my chest?", "I look like a sack of potatoes in this" or "This really isn't a size 16" moments.

 So with that in mind, I was hardly going to get involved during Fashion Week and start posing outside Somerset House. But then something beautiful happened. Instead of longing for clothes so far out of my price range I could cry, the emphasis had shifted to accessories. Designers such as Philip Lim and Nicole Farhi had incredible wool-trimmed shoes, impressive clunky heels and beautifully made bags that really made an understated dress stand out on the catwalk. I had already begun veering towards a minimalist approach with my wardrobe (being between sizes helps in this instance) and shopping for accessories puts an end to the neverending gamble of "Will this even fit me in 3 months time?" So here is my more affordable edit of monochrome accessories.

 These picks are inspired by Jil Sander as white accessories just give a clean look to almost any outfit. After the New Year, I had started seeing a few style bloggers with pointy white shoes - and I loved how edgy they look, even when paired with boyfriend jeans! Everyone who knows me can tell you that I don't really manage that well in high heels, so the wedge is a good compromise and these H&M ones are the best I've seen. As for the bag, I do love Zara for their selection of good quality leather bags. Yes, the colour choice is highly impractical, but it is such an attention grabbing piece as the clean lines just exude pure minimalist sophistication. Just watch where you put it! As you could probably guess, these are part of the "I'm too chicken to wear these outside" camp. But I'll try and revive my purse strings so I don't just admire these from afar. But for those days when I don't want to look like polished prefection, I chose these:

  I wouldn't categorise myself as a hipster, but I did live in denim shirts and high top Nikes before they were considered the epitome of East End Cool. This would tie in quite nicely with what I already own, with the option of dressing up with a velvet maxi dress or something less casual. The Monki Lollo Shoes have patent toecaps (which don't show up well on the picture, sorry) and the added platform is a real bonus due to my aforementioned heel problem. I'm scared that this messenger bag will go the same way as the white leather/rose gold hardware 'it' bag last year and disappear when I finally get my funds together. Pictured here, it has the same structure as a paper bag for an understated minimalist look, but it has a shoulder strap for when you need to pare it down a bit. These picks are my attempt at minimalism, but here's a couple more if you wanted something inbetween:

These accessories are more of a work option, but the monochrome detail makes them more versatile across different looks. I could pull off these slingbacks with a Cos dress or a pair of vintage  dungarees; the two-tone satchel with a two piece floral suit or my casual weekend uniform (band tee, skinny jeans and Vans if you were wondering). Either way, this is a combination of the two previous states, the aspirational meets the accessible. The clean lines are still visible but the heels are manageable for everyday wear and the bag is a patent cream rather than white leather - much easier to clean.


 Multi-functional and practical - just don't all rush out and buy them at once until I get my own, okay?

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz VS Benefit Sunbeam

After using the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz non-stop during the summer, it soon became clear that I needed a winter appropriate highlighter as a subsitute to a deeply bronzed highlight. Enter Benefit Sunbeam.

These are my favourite highlighters to date as often I find powder highlighters to look ashy on my warm toned skin. Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is a cult product with Topaz being the deepest shade of four.  Its creamy consistency means it applies effortlessly, leaving a bronzy sheen that looks more luminous as opposed to glittery. It suits me best with a tan, but for a natural highlight, this is perfect for those with deep skintones.

Sunbeam is a more flattering shade (think more golden than bronze) and helps to give a hint of depth and colour to the face, perfect for winter. It comes with a brush inside the lid, which comes in useful as the product is much more liquidy compared to the Becca formulation. The microparticles seem slightly chunkier, so the effect is less subtle despite appearing much lighter.

Top Swatch- Benefit Sunbeam

Bottom Swatch- Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Topaz

Also, check out my photography skillz! Hardly admirable, but last time I tried to capture Topaz on camera, it didn't go so well.

As the Becca Review is the most viewed post on this blog, I thought it'd be best to upload a proper swatch as it's oh so beautiful.



Unfortunately, Becca seems to be in trouble as it seems impossible to order these online in the UK right now, so I am starting to ration the stuff for special occasions only until summer (or when I can afford the massive £33 bottle). Until then, Sunbeam will fill the void as it is the perfect golden shade without going too bronze. Mine is an InStyle freebie from November, but for the full size 13ml be prepared to shell out £18.50. Considering my 15ml travel sized Shimmering Skin Perfector cost me £10, I can't help but feel like I'd rather invest in Becca. 

I thought I'd do a side-by-side comparison as others consider these as dupes, but they are completely different when applied onto the skin.

Which do you prefer? Or do you have a HG golden highlighter recommendation? Share below!

Sea Bath Inspired Brightening Facial

You may not know this, but I am originally from Caribbean descent. When I was six I vividly remember visiting my mother's hometown, eagerly sniffing the fresh air and looking across the coast towards the Caribbean Sea. Well, on a few occasions we trundled off to the beach for an old fashioned Sea Bath, which basically meant swimming (or playing as I couldn't quite swim yet) in the natural salty seawater.

One of the benefits was that sea salt is very good for the skin, as well as seaweed and citrus fruits which help to brighten the skin and help fade blemishes. This has since resulted in my sister going through mountains of salt and lemon slices trying to emulate this, but for those strapped for time (or lazy like me) here's my take on it:

Step 1: Cleanser
For this a cream or balm cleanser would be best. One product that I tend to forget about is the No. 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser, but this is incredibly nourishing and makes your skin glow after using it. It comes with a muslin cloth, but I tend to use it with a flannel to help open the pores. Unfortunately I chucked out the box months ago and I can't find an ingredients list- but the thick formula does remove makeup effortlessly and is a good buy (especially with a Boots £5 off voucher).

Step 2: Salt Exfoliant
You could literally go all natural by scooping some salt into a container with some lemon juice. But I tend to use Ocean Salt Facial Scrub from Lush instead as it contains organic lime in vodka, avocado butter, coconut oil and seaweed in addition to the expected sea salt. For those with sensitive skin, this can be very abrasive, so I would encourage those to go into Lush and do a spot test before buying.
I tend to apply this like a mask around my face, so that a thick layer sits on the skin when dried.

  This lets the natural oils sink in whilst the salt detoxifies the skin. After 5 minutes splash water on your face and gently make small circular motions as the Ocean Salt dissolves off your face. I did cover my undereye area with the salt but have no intention to exfoliate there- I've found that rinsing it off after 5 minutes significantly reduces my dark circles.

Step 3: Facial Mask
Clay masks can come in handy for congested skin - I use the Origins Clear Improvement Mask as it helps to clear pores and makes them appear smaller. I got this before Christmas and have used it regularly as the charcoal mask really tightens and has helped with blackheads (sorry).

Extras

Technically, you can resume your normal skincare routine after this, but to keep with the theme, I used The Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner followed by REN Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream. The Seaweed Toner actually feels quite soothing after the mask, otherwise I'm not really a fan. It's formulated for oily blemish-prone skin which I don't have, but it still does the job.

I've spoken about the REN Hydra-calm Global Protection Day Cream before, but this is in their sensitive range and I love this moisuriser to bits. It's a very hydrating balm and only a pea sized amount is needed for the whole face. To be honest, I have been saving this for certain occasions as this is a sample size and the 50ml bottle costs £27. This cream does contain anti-oxidants to combat UV damage and Omega 3 and 7 to act as anti-inflammatory ingredients. This shows that REN is a natural brand with quality ingredients, so you do get what you pay for.

If anyone is near a tropical location, do go for a dip in the sea as seasalt also aids circulation and boasts other health benefits. Other things to look out for are natural sulphur springs as they also improve the skin, but just reading this and sitting in my cold bedroom makes me long for summer.

Any family rituals you'd like to share?