The Powder Room Journal
Ingredients explained, routines analysed, and the questions our community are asking
The Powder Room Journal
Staying hydrated on the go: travel essentials for dry skin
Going on vacation is something we all look forward to, but it often comes with challenges for maintaining healthy skin, especially for those with dry skin types. The combination of changing climates, air travel, and disrupted routines can take a toll, leaving your skin dehydrated and sensitive. However, with the right travel essentials, you can keep your skin hydrated and radiant, no matter where you are in the world. Here’s your guide to must-have skincare items for staying hydrated on the go. Hydrating cleanser: Start with the basics: a good cleanser that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils. Choose a hydrating cleanser that is creamy or oil-based to help maintain your skin’s natural moisture barrier. This will ensure your skin remains supple and hydrated from the moment you cleanse. Intensive hydrating serum: A hydrating serum is a travel essential for injecting a concentrated dose of hydration into your skin. Serums with hyaluronic acid are particularly effective as they can hold up to 1000 times their weight in water, deeply penetrating the skin to provide lasting hydration. Tip: Choose a serum that combines hyaluronic acid with Vitamin B5 or other soothing agents that enhance skin softness and elasticity. Rich moisturizer: Lock in the moisture with a rich, nourishing moisturizer. Creams that contain ceramides, peptides, and antioxidants will help to repair and protect the skin barrier, preventing moisture loss due to environmental factors. Facial Mist: For a quick hydration boost throughout the day, carry a hydrating facial mist. It’s perfect for a refreshing spritz on long flights or after spending time in the sun. Plus, it can be used over makeup without disrupting your look. Tip: Choose a facial mist that contains soothing ingredients like aloe vera, rose water, or thermal water. Overnight Hydration Mask: An overnight hydration mask can work wonders to rejuvenate and deeply hydrate your skin while you sleep, especially after a day of travel. Lip Balm: Don’t forget about your lips! They are prone to drying out, especially in varying climates. Keep a nourishing lip balm handy to ensure your lips stay moisturized and crack-free. Lifestyle tips for keeping your skin hydrated Hydration starts from within, so drinking ample water is crucial. You can also carry electrolytes with you to boost your daily water intake. Avoid long, hot showers as they can strip your skin of essential oils. Opt for shorter, cooler showers instead. Always apply products in layers, starting with the lightest product and building up to the heaviest to maximize absorption and effectiveness. Traveling with dry skin doesn’t have to lead to discomfort or irritation. With these essential products and tips, you can keep your skin hydrated, healthy, and glowing, no matter your destination. Remember, the key to radiant skin is maintaining your skincare regimen, even when you’re away from home.
Are You Following A Pre and Post-Exercise Skincare Routine?
Working out is a great way to improve your health, but it's important to take care of your skin before and after exercising to avoid irritation and breakouts. Exercise can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of water both before and after you sweat. Starting your workout with a clean face is important, but what you do after you sweat it out is just as crucial. This pre and post workout skincare routine will help you get rid of acne and keep your skin looking its best. Before your workout The act of cleansing is important for many different reasons. Cleansing can help to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin, helping to avoid breakouts that may be caused by makeup mixing with your sweat and clogging your pores. So, it's important to clean your face and remove your makeup before working out when you can (and depending on how sweaty you expect your workout to be). To quickly remove your makeup, start by soaking a cotton pad with micellar water and gently rubbing it over your face in a circular motion. Continue until all of your makeup is removed. Then, rinse your face with cold water and apply a simple moisturizer and sunscreen. If you’re going for a run along the beach or taking part in any outdoor class or activity, applying SPF is essential for keeping your skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays. If you don't want to use a moisturizer, you should use a sunscreen with a moisturizing formula. During and after your workout During your workout, try not to touch your face to avoid transferring sweat and bacteria onto your skin. For the same reason, it’s usually best to keep your hair tied back. If you didn’t have time to remove your makeup prior to your workout, now is the time to double-cleanse. Start with an oil-based, makeup-dissolving cleanser before a quick wash with a gentle, water-based cleanser to take care of any excess sweat and bacteria left on the skin. After cleansing, follow with a simple replenishing moisturizer - there’s no need to repeat your entire skincare routine unless you’re working out at first thing in the morning, or last thing in the evening. Save any products with active ingredients for your evening routine when your skin is likely to be less sensitive. Most importantly, hydrate! Replenish your skin, body and mind with water and try to continue hydrating throughout the rest of the day or evening.
Our Guide To Post-Summer Hair Healing
It should come as no surprise that summer can take a toll on those delicate strands. While the memories of sun, sea and sand are slowly drifting, you may find your hair is lacking a little lustre. Both the salt from sea and chlorine from pool water can totally suck the life out of your hair, and let’s not forget constant UV exposure from the summer sun. These factors penetrate the hair strand and can leave you with brittle, dried out hair. Let’s look at them in more detail: Salt Water Sunny ocean dips, the sweet smell of salt lingering in the air and the soft sand between your toes. Picture perfect! Not to ruin the mood here but salt water is most likely one of the most nutrient stripping substances for the hair and skin. It literally strips moisture from the hair strand which, with constant exposure, can lead to splitting, breaking and even increased dandruff. Chlorine Pool days for life! Comfy sun loungers, pool cocktails and the occasional dip to keep you cool. Be wary as chlorine is one mother sucker for stripping the hair of natural oils which can leave your hair feeling dry and course. Since chlorine is a chemical substance, it very often can have a chemical reaction with your hair colour which is not ideal if you’ve spent time and money getting your summer colour just right. Sun Who doesn’t love the natural highlights from the summer sun, save us a trip to the salon any day! While sunshine is natural, it does contain immense levels of UV rays that damage the hair with long daily exposure, just as it does your skin. What the UV rays do over time is weaken the protein structure of your hair which makes it prone to dehydration, breakage and elasticity loss. So as you can see one or a combination of two or all over the summer period can really do a number on your hair. However, we’ve got the perfect solutions to get your hair feeling and looking on fleek! Ditch the heat Yes, yes we know, how could we possibly go without! Just think of it as taking your hair on a long vacation where it gets to relax and unwind with a zero-tech policy. Consistent heat exposure will only contribute to the vulnerability of your hair and also interrupt it’s recovery process. At Powder we are all about embracing natural beauty so go on, ditch the heat stylers and go wild, we dare you! Mask up Masking up is one serious golden nugget, on the hair of course not the face! A high quality, nourishing and reparative mask can do absolute wonders for bringing life back into those strands. Think of hair masks as a nutritious boost for the hair, like a gourmet meal but upping the game a little. While hair masks are recommended 1-2 a week, we suggest increasing it 2-3 times week for a short period of time to give your hair some extra love. Hair Oil One might think a hair oil can be counterproductive if you have oily scalp , but we promise you that once you hair oil you won’t go without! Regardless of whether you have an oily scalp or not, the strands of your hair can still be depleted and weakened. A high-quality daily hair oil, full of nutrients and hair-loving yumminess, should only be applied from the lower mid strand to tips of the hair where it needs extra attention, keeping away from the scalp. Some other techniques to consider are using a daily UV hair spray for constant protection, conditioning first before shampooing and then again after to lock in moisture, using a clarifying shampoo to remove build-up of products, eating a healthy omega-rich diet and taking a natural hair supplement to feed from the hair from the inside out. Check our range of best-selling haircare from global cult conscious brands... Only at Powder Beauty.
In Conversation with Yasmin Al Mulla - Honouring Emirati Women's Day
Yasmin Al Mulla is an Emirati style icon, entrepreneur and creative driving force behind home-born contemporary ready-to-wear label YNM. A true humanitarian, Yasmin is a committed supporter of local UAE charities as well giving her time and proceeds from YNM to national goodwill initiatives. Yasmin is the epitome of the modern Emirati woman while remaining true to her culture and heritage, she has succeeded in bridging the gap between East and West. Representing the nation of the UAE, that embodies and has spearheaded empowerment and diversity for women in the region, Yasmin is truly inspiring and is setting a benchmark for other women in the process. Q: Yasmin, can we just say you are truly remarkable. You represent so much growth and diversity of women in the UAE. Tell us what drives you and what keeps this passion alive? A: Thank you so much for your kind words! My main three sources of motivation are divided into three categories, I owe it to all to my surrounding, community, and country! My biggest goal is to represent our beautiful UAE globally as I truly believe it’s the best way to pay back to my beloved country. Q: How do you see Emirati women represented now across the globe, do you feel the perspective has changed? A: No, to be very frank it’s not a new thing to witness the beautiful achievements of our incredible women. There have always been strong, independent, and successful Emirati women around us. Q: How have things changed over the years to create more independence and opportunities for Emirati women across different industries? A: As I just clarified, Emirati women have been pioneers in all fields ever since. We are privileged to grow up in a country where women are being supported and appreciated in all sectors, and industries. Today, we have Emirati Ambassadors, CEOs, Ministers, Entrepreneurs, and many other leading roles. They all represent our drive towards giving back, and they all take part in launching any new concept, sector or initiative. The UAE brings nothing but magnificent opportunities on daily bases. Q: What does it mean to you to be an Emirati woman in these current times? A: Being an Emirati woman means that you are strong, capable, worthy, and valuable in all forms. I am thankful for the priceless opportunities, overwhelming support, and perpetual privileges. Q: Where do you see the future of Emirati Women heading in the country and even the region? A: I am very proud of every single Emirati woman out there. They are all contributing in a way to represent this beautiful country in all sectors. I truly look forward to witnessing all her magnificent accomplishments — She is remarkable, extraordinary, and impressive today and forever Q: What is it about Emirati women that makes being cultural and modern look so seamless? A: The beauty that falls between cultural and modern looks is truly indescribable. From a personal perspective, I truly believe in connecting both elements to create your own style! And from a career side; my aim was and will always be to connect the beauty of my Emirati traditions with today’s mindset. Through my collaborations; my aim was and will always be to connect the beauty of the brands (brands we relate to, and grew up endorsing) to the legacy of the local community — Merging both cultures is a celebration by itself. Q: Lastly, you are stunning! Can you share your favourite beauty secrets with us? A: Thank you so much! Beauty starts within, as a long-term advocate of health and fitness I truly believe in “you are what you eat”! And I have maintained a plant bases, gluten, and refined-sugar-free diet for many years now, and that’s in addition to my workouts and strength training, yoga, and meditation. I do focus on nourishing, nutritious and wholesome food and I believe that consuming everything in moderation is key. In addition to the above, I am a huge skincare enthusiast, and huge wellness product lover! Read more, understand your needs, skin type, and body type. But to start correctly, drink lots of water, sleep 7+ hours a day, and never start your day without a proper sunscreen! Follow @yasminalmulla to stay up to date on all her aesthetically perfect posts and @ynmdubai for her ready-to-wear collection.
Discover the Clean Swaps You Need For a Celeb-Approved Skincare Routine
Who doesn't love a celebrity skincare line, especially when it's the queen of all things fabulous Kim K! We expected nothing less than streamlined, elegant packaging and full glow-out results to get as close to Kim K's perfect porcelain skin as possible. We investigated further and are giving you the lowdown on the best 100% clean alternatives. SKKN Toner features “antioxidants, enzymes, and AHAs to enhance radiance and glow". Powder Clean Swap: Codex Antu Radiance Mist features a patent-pending AntuComplex™ formula that is clinically proven tp refine the appearance of pores, hydrate and soothe. The proprietary AntüComplex™ is packed with the power of bio-actives from three Patagonian plants which, along with beautiful hydrolysed hyaluronic acid, soothe irritation and reduce inflammation while supporting the skin’s microbiome. SKKN Exfoliator “is double mechanical and enzymatic exfoliating scrub that gently helps promote skin resurfacing to leave the skin feeling soft and smooth”Powder Clean Swap: Our OSKIA’s multi award-winning Renaissance Mask gently resurfaces and enhances cell turnover to leave the skin radiant and refined. Made with naturally-derived ingredients such as AHA’s, Papaya Enzymes and Probiotics. As the SKKN Exfoliator contains perfume/fragrance that can irritate sensitive skin, you can rest assured the Renaissance Mask is suitable for all skin types. SKNN Face Cream “An indulgent and comforting face cream enriched with a powerful postbiotic to help promote overall skin nourishment for a more youthful look.”Powder Clean Swap: Taking a deeper dive into the ingredients of SKKN Face Cream we found it contains quite a few comedogenic oils which mean it isn't suitable for most skin. A wonderful alternative for all skin types, and is non-comedogenic, is the Nue Co. Barrier Culture Moisturiser that is brimming with Prebiotics, Probiotics and Postbiotics that repopulate the skin barrier with good bacteria. SKKN Eye Cream is “a gentle yet efficient peptide eye cream that helps preserve elasticity and acts to reduce puffiness and the appearance of fine lines around the eye's most delicate areas.”Powder Clean Swap: A wonderful concept and some great active ingredients however some filler ingredients were found. The Oskia Eye Wonder is 99.27% natural with naturally-derived antioxidants, nutrients, and peptides. 13 active ingredients work together to firm, lift and recharge your delicate eye area through the deep layers for long-term benefit.. SKKN Hyaluronic Acid Serum “A multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid serum designed to serve as a daily water shot for the skin.”Powder Clean Swap: A great alternative that is purer in concentration and ingredients is the Moon Juice Plump Jelly Serum is a lightweight serum with Hyaluronic Acid and PGA Peptide to synergistically hydrate cells repairs and protects the skin from daily environmental stressors with a combination of hydrating elements and signature adaptogenic herbs. Suitable for all skin types and pocket friendly! SKKN Vitamin C8 Serum “A powerful serum featured with a high dose of vitamin C8 that helps boost collagen synthesis and slows down the appearance of ageing”. Powder Clean Swap: We love Vitamin C and it’s definitely a staple in our routine. With majority of Vitamin C ingredients being prone to going rancid and losing effectiveness, we always opt for shelf-stable C products such as our Holifrog Sunnyside C Glow Serum. Labelled as “A serum so smart it should be wearing a lab coat.”, it’s concentrated optimum percentage of 15% Vitamin C, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and L-Ascorbic Acid are combined with 3% Tranexamic Acid to effectively interrupt two skin pathways. SKKN Night Oil “A nourishing elixir that works overnight to help deliver youthful-looking, even, and radiant skin by morning.” Powder Clean Swap: Another one on the SKKN line that contains comedogenic oils that could worsen acne-prone skin and cause congestion. We love our Codex Beauty Labs Bia Nourishing Facial Oil formulated with high-dose antioxidants, moisturising and balancing oils plus essential vitamins for a healthy non-comedogenic glow. SKKN Cleanser “A cleansing and hydrating formula that helps to purify and condition the skin while retaining moisture in the upper skin layer, leaving it clean and supple.” Powder Beauty Swaps: The holy grail of cleansers for all around makeup, SPF and residue removal, Holifrog Kissimmee Vitamin F Balmy Wash is a waterless balm-to-milk cleanser that emulsifies easily when mixed with water. Formulated for purification without the harshness, nourishing oils and antioxidants protect the skin while breaking down makeup and other pollutants.
Three Top Tips for National Wellness Month
With the wellness industry worth an estimated 4.5 trillion, it’s safe to say that investing in yourself has never been more important. In an over-saturated market, it can often feel over-stimulating and confusing, and sometimes pricey, to give yourself the gift of wellness. Thankfully there are plenty of ways you can achieve an optimal quality of wellness without the hefty price tag and doubt. We’ve narrowed down our top 3 methods of wellness just for you! Healthy Eating Our daily nutrition is top of the list for a reason. Feeding our body with nutrient-dense and nourishing wholefoods is amazing for our energy levels, hormones and overall health. While living in an on-demand society where food is ready at our door within 30min, it can be tempting to order at the touch of a button. However, takeaway food often contains pre-packaged ingredients, unhealthy oils and methods of cooking, as well as lower nutritional value while being more costly in the long run. While the ease and flexibility are there (and sometimes that’s a necessity), there is lots of fun and therapy involved in cooking for yourself. Eating healthily doesn’t have to be restrictive, there are plenty of delicious, easy wholefoods recipes to follow that can cater to all dietary requirements. We are loving Dubai-based fitness trainer Baraa El Sabbagh free recipe e-book full of indulgent wholesome healthy dishes! Movement All forms of movement whether it’s dancing, cardio, pilates and especially walking, have scientifically proven benefits for both the body and mind. When we move our bodies through physical activity we stimulate the lymphatic system, which is our primary immune-fighting system that supports all other organs in their processes. Physical movement also releases endorphins, our happy hormones, and gives us a break in the day from work and tasks. A minute of movement is better than no movement at all! We are loving Shahad Nazer for her beautiful aesthetic and tips on Yoga as well as her meaningful affirmations. Rest and Digest With a world of information at our fingertips, it seems as if we are always on-the-go and overloading our brains with constant stimulation. Whether it's from work, social activities and especially technology, we just never seem to stop. This creates a flight or fight response in the body which eventually becomes our consistent state of being. While we may feel we have the capacity to tick all the boxes, often times more than not, we are just living in survival mode. The reason this is not a good thing is because out flight or fight response is only meant to be activated in a moment of danger or threat. This increases our adrenaline and gives us a false sense of energy. As our bodies work as a whole, then every other system in the body gets affected. Ways we can change this is by allowing and giving ourselves permission to slow down and be present Powder’s recommendations to implement this month - Take it easy, slow down and enjoy the process!
Mastering The Art of Beauty Self Care – Celebrity Edition
Self-care is the ultimate expression of truly loving yourself. It can present itself in a number of ways through personal boundaries, physical activity, self-development and spiritual growth. It’s a multi-dimensional, broad-spectrum approach to living a life that is vital to your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Renowned psychologist Sanam Hafeez explains how beauty self-care can be both soothing and calming, “On a deeper level, it makes you feel like you’re honouring yourself aesthetically, by taking time out for yourself. Those few minutes, if spent going through the steps in a rhythmic, calm, and purposeful manner, can almost be meditative.” We look at some celebrities who reach the leader board in ultimate beauty self-care. A Worthy Skin Care Routine: Frank Ocean Renowned singer and award-winning artist, Frank Ocean swears by his daily ritualistic skin care routine to keep him feeling confident. Although in his early 30’s and looking no older than 19, Ocean is probably one of the most committed male skincare addicts out here, as quoted in GQ “I need the night cream because when I wake up, I feel very beautiful, moisturised, and ready to have people making eye contact with me. That’s the life hack right there.” Shop all of Powder’s obsession worthy skincare right here. Purposeful Dry Body Brushing: Gwyneth Paltrow Probably the most efficient, and purse-friendly, way to stimulate your lymphatic system and reduce cellulite, dry body brushing is definitely up there with mastering self-care. Dry brushing should be done pre-shower and according to Paltrow “It's an amazing way to exfoliate your body. You take the dry brush and, starting at your feet and working up, sweep it all over your body in light, firm strokes, always brushing toward your heart. It's fantastic for circulation and it helps smooth cellulite. I do it every night before I get in the bath.” We are sold Gwenny, you had us at 'amazing'! Shop the most-wanted body brush here at Powder. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gwyneth Paltrow (@gwynethpaltrow) Body Self Maintenance: Serena Williams A body care routine that ticks all the boxes, Williams is an advocate of regular exercise, no big feat for the tennis champion, coupled with nourishing oils to keep her skin supple and her mind centred. “I think self-care is very important to prioritize in life. When you make time for yourself, you feel like the best version of you and that extends into other facets of life. My self-care routine varies — whether I’m trying a new product or staying loyal to my feel-good classics like coconut oil, I always carve out moments to tend to myself and nurture my body.” No debate here, we love those precious stolen moments lathering indulgent oils all over. You can find our range of luxury body oils to pamper your skin, and mind, here. Nourishing your body: Jennifer Aniston All hail the queen of self-care, Jennifer Aniston. From journalling and meditation, to yoga and breath-work, queen Aniston has stolen the number one spot. Aniston swears by a nourishing her body internally just as much as externally. Growing up with a super-strict health fanatic mother, she said “It was no fun to come to my house because it was all cardboard-tasting foods. When I moved out, my big rebellion was to stock my fridge with food that had taste–I bought every cereal I’d ever wanted and other crap. Eventually, I started to feel like crap. I went to a nutritionist and realised that my mom had been doing me a favour. I committed to being mindful of what I put into my body.” A big advocate of natural supplements and clean protein powders, she focuses on maintaining a good balance to keep her feeling and looking amazing at 53! Shop our range of Aniston-worthy clean supplements and protein powder here.
Hot-Girl Summer 2022 Beauty Trends To Get Ready For!
Summer 2022 is round the corner and we’ve collated the hottest beauty trends to get you in the loop! Luscious Lips Soft, smooth and juicy... The ultimate accessory this summer is the perfect glossy pout and it requires a little more care than a standard lip gloss. Sun exposure, travel, dehydration and some cosmetic ingredients can often dry out your lips. By introducing a lip exfoliator 2-3 times a week to remove uneven texture and following up with a lip mask can keep lips smooth and hydrated. If your daytime lipsticks/gloss don’t already contain SPF, it’s a good idea to keep an SPF balm on hand to apply first and reapply as necessary throughout the day. Natural Dewy Skin The secret is to start from the base and build upwards for the ultimate long-lasting dewy look all day. Beginning with a balancing cleanser topped up with some Vitamin C powder for a gentle buffer and glow. Following with a hydrating antioxidant serum to penetrate the deep layers before applying a non-greasy brightening moisturiser. For additional antioxidant boost add a nutrient-dense face oil, making sure to top off with a broad spectrum SPF for the day time. Glazed Donut Makeup Think Hailey Bieber and all things sweetly glazed... Glowing, plump with a sheen natural finish, it’s the ultimate no-makeup makeup look. The key to the glaze is to layer your no-makeup makeup in the right order. After fully prepping with skincare, we recommend starting with a silicone-free radiance priming serum followed by a natural-look skin tint for light coverage. For glazed cheek-bones look no further than a functional liquid highlighter and a soft-touch highlighting powder for a t-zone finish. Pink, Pink, Pink! We’re talking Pink lips and cheeks but not just any pink! Think glossy strawberry hues and varied shades of rose. Pink is THE summer season colour! When going for a glossy sheen lip look with buildable colour go for a liquid lip balm or for a more natural gloss try out a tinted lip oil. For that semi-matt finish you want to make sure you have some hydration in there so opting for a tinted hydrating balm that has buildable colour is a great option. For the ultimate pink cheek you can go full matt with a pigmented cream-based colour or keep it glossy and sheen with a nourishing stick blush. The Ultimate Eyeliner We are talking all things winged and black. From experimental asymmetric shapes to the classic cat eye, black liner is back. While the smokey eye will always be hailed as an all-time favourite, Summer 2022 bringing back the flick. First step is the ultimate base, an eye primer to keep oils at bay followed by a nude eyeshadow to set the lid. When creating these beautiful summer eyeliner shapes sticking with a liquid eye liner is a must. Follow through with black as night mascara, keeping the eyelashes simple so the eyeliner can be the main attraction. Body boosters Summer bodies on the go! Whether it’s in the privacy of your own back garden or lounging on the beaches of Greece, smooth healthy skin is on the horizon. The perfect pairing of Jasmine scented body polish to exfoliate and anti-inflammatory hydrating antioxidant body wash to keep your skin well-fed. Topping it off up with the delectable scent of sandalwood body glow oil for glossy sealed in moisture to give you the ultimate glowing summer skin.
The Sun & Skin Factor - Skin Cancer Awareness Month
With summer poking its sunny head round the corner it's a good time to brush up on some sun and skin facts. With May being Skin Cancer Awareness Month, there's no time like the present to get informed and implement safe practice while being sunny side. Who doesn't love a sun-kissed glow we ask! However with that sun-kissed glow comes harmful UVA/UVB rays which not only accelerates skin ageing but also alter the skins DNA which can lead to serious precancerous and cancerous lesions. SPF can be a pesky process while sunbathing and spending time outdoors, however, it is necessary to proactively protect your skin to keep it looking young, healthy and keep skin cancer risk at bay. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can negatively affect the skin. It could cause premature ageing, sunburn, and precancerous and cancerous lesions. UVA may cause accelerated skin ageing and pigmentation, while UVB can cause sunburn and can cause your DNA strands to break. SPF works by two methods, either by blocking the sun's rays with an opaque coating on the skin (physical sunscreens), or by causing a chemical reaction so that the UV rays are absorbed and transmuted into another type of energy (chemical sunscreens).SPF numbers can be confusion so let's put it this way - the higher the SPF number means the greater amount of protection you’ll get. SPF numbers vary which tell you the level of protection you can expect. Low-protection is considered anything with an SPF below 15, medium-protection ranges from SPF 15 to 29 an an SPF between 30 and 49 offers high-protection. With SPF50 being the highest, it is considered to block out 99% of UV. While there are other contributing factors, it's important to take additional precautions which we've narrowed down for you so you can both enjoy the sun and be safe! Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that covers UVA/UVB, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are considered broad-spectrum and preferable for pregnancy. Apply your sunscreen before you throw on your cute swimwear, preferably 30min before sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours as the sun can dry it off and especially if you sweat, remembering to apply equally and evenly. While applying water-resistant sunscreen which is highly recommended for pool and beach days, you would need to reapply sunscreen after every contact with the water. Staying in the shade during peak hours normally between 10am-2pm, in countries where the summer days are long this extends to 4pm. Wear a large brimmed hat that covers sensitive and easy-to-burn areas such as your face, ears and neck. About 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate the clouds and the snow while sand and water can reflect the sun's rays. So don't be fooled and keep applying that sunscreen! We understand that not all sunscreens are created equal. It can be hard to find a trusted brand that offers genuine broad-spectrum protection that allows you to be safe in the sun but that is also non-sticky, won't leave a thick white cast or clog your pores! We've rounded up the best SPF's for you here at Powder Beauty.
Keep Calm and Ramadan On....
With the Holy Month of Ramadan reaching it’s half way point, it’s a good time to reflect on we’ve been feeling over the last couple weeks and to set some intentions for the remaining period. Fasting not just a spiritual detox but also a cleanse of the body and emotions. With modern-day lifestyles we can often find ourselves out of balance and Ramadan is the perfect opportunity for a reset! Common detox symptoms can include anything from mood swings, hunger pangs, intense cravings, fatigue and brain fog. This is the body’s way of telling us that it is cleansing, repairing and regenerating. Scientifically fasting for 30 consecutive days has the below proven benefits: Boost cognitive performance. Protect from obesity and associated chronic diseases. Reduce inflammation. Improve overall fitness. Support weight loss. Decrease the risk of metabolic diseases. There are ways in which we can support ourselves through the month of Ramadan to keep a beautiful balance for our mind, body and spirit. Keeping our eating habits healthy, our glucose levels stable and not overeating all contribute to a calmer state. Here we’ve listed our top tips and tricks! Breaking The Fast Hydration is key when breaking the fast. Starting off with a large glass of warm water (ideally 500ml), adding a squeeze of fresh lemon/lime for additional hydration and a pinch of Himalayan Salt for a mini dose of minerals. Taking your time to sip your drink to allow your stomach to begin its functioning. Prayer & Meditation The period of prayer and meditation right after breaking the fast is a great time to allow the digestion system to wake up to get ready for the meal ahead. There’s no rush! Take your time, allow your body and mind the time to reflect on the fasting day past and how you felt throughout the day. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect to yourself. Eating Iftar When it comes to eating your first meal after a long day of fasting it’s always beneficial to start small and slow. Its proven that consuming a liquid dish first allows the body to accommodate the intake of foods for the night ahead without being overloaded. This could look like a bowl of broth (Vegetable or bone broth), green juice or protein shake, all which are full of nutrients. After which if you still feel hungry you can go straight for the main dishes keeping in mind not to overeat. The night is young and there is plenty of time to have your main meal slightly later! If you do choose to eat a big meal straight away, it’s always good to start off with veggies/salads first to keep those glucose levels in check. (Fried and sugary foods are best avoided) The Rest Of The Night & Suhoor Eating every so often throughout the night can impact our digestive systems and the body’s ability to keep balanced in it’s regeneration process. Try to keep a generous gap between your Iftar and Suhoor meals to give the body the opportunity to rest and digest. This will allow for better absorption of nutrients, keep your bowels moving effectively and healthier sleep patterns. Focus on hydrating! Often we feel hungry when in actual fact we are thirsty! For Suhoor try to have your meal at least 2hrs before going back to sleep, keeping the meal light and easy digestible but also energy balancing for the day ahead. Exercise Keeping active during Ramadan is a great way to balance the mind and body. Gentle exercises such as Pilates, Yoga and Walking are great for keeping the body active without over straining. Supplements Supplement are a great way to support the body through the fasting month. Taking them at night with your meal is the best way to ensure optimal absorption and also not irritate your gut lining. Some of our top picks to keep the body and mind balanced as well as support you looking and feeling amazing can be found here.
Give the Gift Of Conscious Beauty This Valentine's
The month of love is upon us! While we believe in love every day of the year, there is no better reason than to celebrate extra love than the month of February! Whether you are looking for someone special, a bestie or a little treat for yourself, we've rounded up a selection of the perfect Valentine's gifts. Holistic Silk Anti-Ageing Silk Eye Mask Filled with real lavender to invoke calm and a deep relaxing slumber which in turn boosts energy levels the next day. With a weightless feel and soft velvet ties for an adaptable, non-restrictive fit we promise you it will become a staple in your bedtime routine.Codex Beauty Bia Pamper Kit Codex Pamper Kit is a go-to simple but luxurious gift, suitable for treating anyone on your list (or even just for yourself)! Featuring a patented, bio-active blend of Irish plant extracts inspired by traditional Herbal medicine, the Bia line is designed to not only moisturise skin but create a protective, water retaining film.Malin+Goetz Dark Rum CandleChannel warm, exotic and seductive vibes with this best-selling candle which captures the essence of long days spent in the tropical sun and late summer nights with friends. With 60 hour burn time of natural wax, you can keep relighting this handmade full-bodied scented candle. French Girl Lumière Shimmer Moonlight Pearl Body OilThis buildable body oil highlights your skin with a just a hint of shimmer while deeply nourishing and restoring the skin. This beautifully packaged treat is also our go-to choice for a gift that’s guaranteed to be appreciated and loved.KNC Beauty Lip Mask (Box of 5)This 20-minute transformative lip mask hydrates, smooths and softens lips for a perfectly plump pout - no needles required. Ideal as a primer before applying lipstick too, especially a matte formula. Valentine's lips commence!Holistic Silk Limited Edition Lavender Make Up Bag Blue Waves Silk BrocadeAdd a touch of glamour to your daily essentials with this beautifully crafted, Lavender-scented makeup bag. A gorgeous gift of love for yourself or a loved one.French Girl Jasmine Sea Polish Smoothing TreatmentSensual and feminine, this lush body polish is the perfect skin smoother year-round. Instantly carrying your senses to a Provençale spa day, the FRENCH GIRL Jasmin Sea Polish is a Valentine's must-have.Holistic Silk Velvet Jade Hot Water Bottle Perfect for keep you or that special someone warm on those chilly lonely nights away or to snuggle up to together on the couch watching your favourite film. Additional benefits of soothing common ailments such as stomach, back and neck ache. A luxurious self-care investment. Slip Silk Eye Mask BlackThe perfect partner to your Slip Silk Pillowcase, the Slip Silk Sleep Mask guarantees luxurious bedtime pampering night after night or can be used for a bit of extra fun. Give the gift that keeps giving to yourself (and your loved ones)!ILIA Beauty Meet The MinisSometime's the perfect gift comes in the smallest packages. A thoughtful and wonderful start to going clean beauty with the cult global brand ILIA. Achieve a fresh, natural look with ILIA’s best-sellers. Shop the full range of Powder Beauty Lifestyle and Gift edit here....Also be sure to check out our curated Men's selection here for that special guy!
Antioxidant Skincare + Five Tips for Your Best Summer Skin
What’s the big deal about free radicals? If you’ve ever bought a product that boasted free radical fighting properties, you may already have some inkling that they can be an enemy to happy, healthy skin. What you may not know is why it’s important, and what to do about free radical damage. If you’ve got questions, we have answers. Here’s what you need to know: So, what are free radicals anyway? Basically, a free radical is a molecule that is missing an electron and, as a result, will aggressively steal electrons from other molecules. When this happens in the skin it creates damage to the cell membranes, disrupting healthy skin function and cellular turnover. Why does this matter? Well, because over time, this can lead to all kinds of unwanted skin issues, including premature aging, increased sensitivity, irritation, age spots, dullness, and dryness. Yikes! So, what can you do to protect your skin from free radical damage and promote a glowing complexion this summer? Here are our top tips: Up your antioxidant factor Generally speaking, antioxidants are the superhero ingredients that take on free radicals; repairing existing free radical damage as well as preventing future damage to the skin. We’ll talk more in depth about a few of our favorites but when shopping for antioxidant skincare, experts cite Vitamins A, B, C and E as being key ingredients to look for, as well as resveratrol, coenzyme q-10, and polyphenols, like green tea extract. Stay on top of SPF UV exposure is top contributor to free radical damage, so sun protection is crucial. By applying an SPF of 30 or more daily and re-applying every two hours, you will help prevent not only free radical damage but discoloration, inflammation, sun damage and skin cancer. Swap heavy creams for lighter weight hydrators Hotter temperatures may make it tempting to skip your moisturizer, but bear in mind that the skin needs hydration just as much in the summer. Rather than forego this step in your routine, try opting for a lighter weight cream or even gel hydrator. Many brands offer multiple moisturizer options, making it easy to adjust according to your skin’s seasonal needs. Boost daily with Vitamin C If we could choose just one antioxidant for glowing, summer skin, it would be Vitamin C. The benefits of C are numerous, but when it comes to fighting free radicals, Vitamin C helps to not only repair existing damage but also boost the skin’s immunity against future exposure. Bonus: Vitamin C is naturally brightening and promotes collagen synthesis for an overall more youthful complexion. Brighten and repair with Vitamin A Another favorite free radical fighting antioxidant we love is Vitamin A. This super ingredient often appears in skincare as retinol, which comes in a variety of potencies, depending on the product. Retinols work well to repair damaged skin and promote cellular regeneration while you sleep. Vitamin A and its derivatives help with healing free radical damage by keeping the skin functioning at a youthful rate, and encouraging the growth of new, healthy cells. Other things to know As with all skincare, antioxidant products work best when used consistently. Think of them as nutrition for your skin, and try to apply ingredients like Vitamin C daily, for best results. Although free radicals are unavoidable in our environment, you can do a lot to prevent their damaging effects with just a few good products.