Magic Mushrooms

The Mushroom Kingdom is huge and enigmatic, even from the point of the view of modern science.

Mushrooms can be highly toxic for one species and enormously beneficial for another, many of them containing powerful antioxidants protecting them from harm. They can absorb and sometimes neutralise toxins, and they are often highly nutritional.

V-Day Lips, B*tch

Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with bae, or just looking for a bae for the day (or night 😉), you need to make sure your lips are looking sexy, plump, and as juicy as Biggie's 1994 banger...

Get Me Bodied | The Best In Bodycare

The body is an area we often neglect when it comes to beauty. However there are a huge number of products out there that not only make our bodies look and feel good, but also provide pampering pleasure. Here are some of my recent favourites...

The Tuesday Tip: Prevent A Patchy Tan

Self-tan is a real godsend during the summer months, however there is nothing worse than rocking the patchy, streaky look. Luckily, there is one easy way to prevent this... exfoliating! Tanning products tend to stick to dryer areas of the skin, so exfoliating your entire body before applying self-tan will leave your skin soft, patch-free and glowing!

For real self-tan success, slather your entire body in moisturiser after you exfoliate. Make sure you pay particular attention to your elbows, knees, ankles, wrists and feet, as these areas are notoriously dry.

A great exfoliator is the Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Buffing Cleanser 150ml (£21.00 Selfridges / $24.00 Sephora) and I would recommend pairing this with the foolproof He-Shi Gold Foaming Self Tan Mousse 150ml (£24.70 feelunique.com). This marvelous moose provides an instant golden colour that helps you apply the product evenly. Its light mousse texture glides over the skin easily and absorbs very quickly - a must when self-tanning. It is also scent-free, contains natural DHA and can be used on the face, as well as the body.

Review: Dr. Andrew Weil For Origins™ Mega-Bright Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask

The Promise: "This Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask helps restore translucency and diminishes the appearance of dark spots while you sleep. Skin awakens radiant and refreshed"

The Price: £48.00 / $74.40 75ml

The Stockist: Selfridges / feelunique.com

The Skin Type: Suitable for all skin-types

The Key Ingredients: Rosa Roxburghii, Molasses, Mulberry and Vitamin C and Chestnut Seed Extract

The Application: The Mega-Bright Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask has such a creamy and interesting texture, that it doesn't really feel like a mask at all, more like a moisturiser.

It has a medium, smooth consistency which glides on to the skin easily. I find myself using a little more product than I do with other masks because my skin absorbs it very quickly. Psychosomatic or not, I've always felt the need to have my skin slathered in a mask when I wear one.

When on the skin, this face mask feels weightless; it is easy to forgot you have it on. That's a great thing considering you don't actually remove this mask. I usually apply it an hour before bed and by this time the mask is fully absorbed, leaving absolutely no marks or stickiness on my pillow.

Now, a moment of silence for the scent. This face mask smells absolutely amazing; fresh, fruity and fabulous! I'm always five seconds away from eating it!

The Results: The results of this face mask are quite instant, showing themselves the next morning. Skin is softer and noticeably more radiant. Post-spot redness also gets lightened, making your spot history less obvious - hurrah!

Now, the results aren't permanent, they go by the following day. However due to the consistency of the product, you could get away with wearing this as a night cream every evening. Failing that you could apply it every other night, or just apply it the night before a special event.

The Pro: Feels weightless on the skin and makes skin instantly more radiant

The Con: The Mega-Bright Dark Spot Correcting Night Mask is expensive, so it might not cater for everyone's budget

PR sample

Ask TBI: Protecting Skin On The Ski Slopes

Question: I am visiting Geneva next month and I've heard that you need to pay particular attention to your skin on the slopes. Is that true? If so, what do I need to do? - Megan, Manchester UK.

Answer: That is very true. High altitudes, intense sunlight and freezing temperatures on the slopes can leave skin dry, sunburnt, cracked and sore. So it is important to keep your skin in the best condition possible.

The biggest threat to skin on the slopes is the sun. Both UVA and UVB rays are intense - especially at high altitudes - and the snow reflects these rays, increasing their power by up to 83%. However, due to the cold temperatures, people don't feel the need to protect themselves. So remember to use a high SPF on the exposed areas of your skin.

I would recommend using a long-lasting SPF, such as Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50 150ml (£25.00 kiehls.co.uk / $25.00 Nordstrom). Whatever SPF you choose, be sure to apply it generously and regularly, at least 20 minutes before stepping out into the sunlight.

The second biggest threat to skin is the cold wind and dry air. Together, these conditions strip skin of its natural moisture, making it dry, chapped and flaky. So it is crucial to keep skin ultra-moisturised during this time and protect it by wearing specialist winter sports clothing. I would advise using creams and lotions targeted at those with dry skin, as these products not only nourish and moisturise the skin, they also help to lock in the moisture.

Ingredients 101: Reishi Mushroom

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: The reishi mushroom (aka the ling zhi mushroom) is a polypore mushroom that grows wild in damp, dark forests on decaying logs and tree stumps.

Location: Reishi mushroom is commercially cultivated in East Asia and North America.

Beauty Benefits: Reishi mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 4,000 years. It is used to treat a wide variety of health conditions - ranging from arthritis to diabetes. However this magical mushroom doesn't just treat the body internally, it also does wonders for the skin and hair.

Reishi mushroom is anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic and it helps to repair skin damage (e.g. sunburn, insect bites and cut and bruises). Now, as fabulous as healing is, it is the anti-ageing benefits of reishi mushroom that make it extra special. The hero ingredient is rich in antioxidants that promote cell regeneration and protect skin from environmental damage. Environmental damage is responsible for accelerating skin ageing, so protection really is everything.

Warnings: Reishi mushroom is safe to use topically. However if you are pregnant, I would recommend consulting a doctor before using it.

Found in: Dr. Weil For Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief Advanced Face Serum 50ml (£60.00 John Lewis / $71.00 Macy's). This lightweight serum helps to calm and soothe the skin, reduce redness and even skin tone. In addition to reishi mushroom, this antioxidant-rich serum contains chaga mushroom and cordyceps mushroom, which both strengthen the skin's barrier and reduce inflammation.

The Gift Edit: Boys

Gifting a man anything that is remotely beauty related can be a difficult task. Luckily there are some beauty products that even the toughest, manliest of men can benefit from. Below are not anti-ageing heroes or pretentious pampering products, but just gifts that are useful and fabulous.

First up is the Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak 400ml (£31.50 John Lewis / $63.50 Amazon.com), a deep heat aroma remedy that is packed with therapeutic birch, juniper, clove, alpine lavender, wild thyme and chamomile. It is perfect for soothing overworked, tired and aching muscles.

Next we have the Vichy Homme Hydra Mag C Invigorating Hydrating Shower Gel 200ml (£9.00 Escentual.com). It hydrates the skin, protects against dryness and  smells amazing! Talking of amazing scents, a good fragrance is an ideal gift. My favourite of the moment is the Hugo Boss Bottled Night 100ml (£54.50 Boots / $75.00 Macy's). This eau de toilette contains tops notes of bitter birch leaves, aromatic lavender and citric lemon leaves, middle notes of cardamom, jasmine and African violet and base notes of musky louro amarelo, vanilla and sandalwood.

Moving on to a more tradition gift set, I recommend the Rituals Pure Refreshment (£17.50 John Lewis). It contains the brand's Blue Dragon Shower Foam, Dragon Scrub, Ice Shower Gel and Cool Deodorant - four gorgeous smelling beauty essentials that are bound to appeal to just about any man. Last but not least we have the Origins Fire Fighter (£17.00 Boots / $18.00 Origins.com). This little miracle takes the sting out of shaving, thanks to hero ingredients chamomile, cucumber and winterbloom. It is the perfect present for men with sensitive or easily irritated skin!

The Beauty Myth: Olive Oil Can Remove Stretch Marks

Verdict: False

Stretch marks are a form of scarring on the skin; they are caused by skin expanding quickly, usually due to pregnancy or weight gain. The problem with removing stretch marks is that they form below the top layer of skin, so topical treatments simply can't reach them to remove them.

Now although olive oil can't remove stretch marks, massaging olive oil into the skin can help prevent further ones forming. This is because olive oil softens the skin, making it easier for the skin to stretch. I love the nourishing benefits of olive oil, however I am not big on applying it directly to my skin. For these reasons I use gorgeous smelling body oils that contain the ingredient. One of my favourites is the Origins Calm To Your Senses Lavender and Vanilla Oil 150ml (£24.00 Selfridges / $25.00 Macy's). This super skin saviour contains soybean oil, olive oil and jojoba oil, which all work together to deeply nourish, soothe and soften the skin. If used daily, a body oil as nourishing as this will be sure to keep stretch marks at bay!

The Beauty Myth: Toothpaste Removes Pimples

The Verdict: False, well...

Some toothpastes can reduce the size of a pimple, as they contain ingredients such as menthol and alcohol that dry the skin and draw out impurities. However using toothpaste will not kill the bacteria causing the problem or prevent future acne. Furthermore, the very ingredients that help reduce the size of pimples, can also dry the skin and cause irritation.

If you are desperate for a quick fix, try using a good speedy spot remover, such as Origins Super Spot Remover 10ml (£15.00 House of Fraser / $15.50 origins.com).

Understanding...Beauty Sleep

The term beauty sleep may sound like it jumped straight out of a Disney movie, however you might be surprised to hear that it actually holds a lot of truth. A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful appearance.

So how can sleeping affect our appearance? Well, without scaring you too much, lack of sleep can cause the following:

- Dark circles
- Wrinkles
- Inflammation
- Dry skin
- Acne
- Bloodshot eyes
- Sagging skin
- Unhealthy skin

To get scientific, our growth-hormone levels are at their peak during the delta sleep cycle, helping to repair damaged cells and tissues - including skin. Some of the damage that leads to premature ageing is repaired during this stage of sleep. So, when you lose sleep, your body misses out on this period of repair, resulting in untreated skin damage. In addition, you miss out on the antioxidant repair of the skin that occurs during this sleep cycle.

Also, when you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more cortisol (stress hormone). Too much cortisol can break down skin collagen (the protein that keeps skin elastic, firm and smooth).

If that wasn't bad enough, lack of sleep can also cause weight gain. Sleep deprivation stimulates appetite because it decreases the level of leptin (the hormone that makes you feel full) while increasing the level of ghrelin (the hormone that makes you feel hungry). Another reason sleep deprivation increases weight gain is simply due to the fact that it makes you tired and less active, so you burn fewer calories.

Aside from effecting your looks, lack of sleep can increase your risk of developing diabetes, effect your immunity and fertility, cause depression and anxiety, and kill your sex drive. So getting your beauty sleep really is necessary for all-round good health and beauty.

Experts advise getting between 7.5 - 9 hours of sleep per night, however the exact amount of sleep needed per night is dependant on the individual.

Now, if you struggle getting a good night's sleep, here are a few things that might help:

1. Try and keep to the same sleeping schedule every night
2. Avoid eating big meals late at night
3. Avoid drinking alcohol late at night
4. Get regular exercise
5. Try and wind down before bed - take a warm bath, read a good book etc.

If you find that a good night's sleep is not providing enough beauty benefits, you may want to give your beauty sleep a boost. There are some great skincare products designed to work wonders whilst you snooze...

Recommendations

1. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (£22.00 Debenhams / $24.00 Macy's)
2. Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night-Replenishing Serum (£36.99 feelunique.com / $49.00 hipapotheca.com)
3. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye 15ml (£24.50 Selfridges / $36.00 Kiehl's)
4. Mario Badescu Protein Night Cream 30ml (£18.95 beautybay.com / $20.00 Nordstrom)

Ingredients 101: Panax Ginseng

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

The Science: Panax ginseng is one of 11 species of slow-growing perennial plants. The root of the panax ginseng is utilised medicinally, however active compounds are also present in all other parts of the plant. Due to its numerous health benefits, Panax ginseng is one of the most commonly used species of ginseng.

Location: Panax ginseng is traditionally found in eastern Asia.

Beauty Benefits: Panax ginseng root extract contains a large number of phytonutrients which stimulate and activate the skin's metabolism and blood flow to regenerate and tone. This is just one of the reasons why skincare brands include the natural wonder in anti-ageing products. In fact, study results suggest that panax ginseng root extract promotes the production of type I collagen! Packed with antioxidants, panax ginseng root extract also protects skin from the free radicals that accumulate due to environmental pollution and exposure to UV rays.

Warnings: None. The CIR evaluated Panax Ginseng Root Extract and found that it is safe for use in cosmetic ingredients.

Found in: Origins GinZing™ Energy-Boosting Moisturiser 50ml (£23.00 Debenhams / $26.50 Sephora). It is a lightweight face cream that instantly hydrates the skin and leaves it with a lovely healthy glow. It is the perfect morning pick-me-up and, like all Origins products, it is formulated without parabens, phthalates and other harsh chemicals. It is also oil-free!

Faithful Four: Hydrating Face Masks

Origins Drink Up Intensive

Promise: “This intense moisture replacement mask with Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oil deeply and instantly quenches compromised moisture reserves and builds a reservoir for tomorrow”

Price: £22.00/$24.00 100ml

Purchase: Debenhams / Macy's

The Origins Drink Up Intensive is an amazing hydrating mask that - as name suggests - acts like a drink for the skin. The mask is designed for overnight use, which is great as skin goes into repair mode whilst you sleep. The only downside to this is that you need to avoid sleeping on your side until the mask is fully absorbed or has dried - I mean the mask is designed for your face, not your pillow!

Drink Up Intensive has a thick, creamy consistency that applies effortlessly and it smells absolutely amazing. It is incredibly hydrating and moisturising and is great at ridding your skin of dry patches. The best thing about this product is the way you look the morning after - you wake up with plump, buttery soft skin!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque

Promise: “Formulated with drought-resistant Fountain Plant, this new addition to Kiehl’s iconic Ultra Facial range replenishes skin’s water reserves for long-lasting hydration and healthy looking skin”

Price: £28.00 / $35.00 125ml

Purchase: kiehls.co.uk / Nordstrom

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque doesn't just hydrate, it boosts skin’s ability to retain water! It is formulated with drought-resistant Fountain Plant, which replenishes skin’s water reserves - resulting in long-lasting hydration.

The mask has a gel-like consistency and it is very lightweight so, unlike some masks, it doesn't feel at all heavy on the skin. Not much product is needed to cover the entire face and, although the product feels quite tacky when applied, it absorbs in smoothly after 20 minutes.

Like all hydrating face masks, the Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque is designed for dry and dehydrated skin - however it also works well on oily and normal skin types. This mask does everything it promises - it has you waking up with soft and ultra-hydrated skin that lasts. It also contains 125ml worth of product, so you'll be in hydration heaven for a very long time!

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

Promise: “This facial mask delivers an intensely moisturising, cleansing and antioxidising treatment. It is the ultimate solution for spots and blemishes”

Price: £21.99/$39.00 60ml 

Purchase: Antipodesnature.com / hipapotheca.com

Using 100% natural ingredients, the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask not only hydrates the skin, it heals it. It contains a base of Manuka Honey, an ingredient native to New Zealand. Manuka honey is famous for its powerful healing properties - so much so that Māori people have been using it in this way for centuries!

The mask has a very thin, creamy consistency that glides onto the skin easily! It smells sooo good, however if you don't like the smell of honey, you sure as hell won't feel the same! It makes skin super-soft, plump and very hydrated. And, thanks to the healing properties in manuka honey, this mask helps to treat acne and skin damage. In fact, many people recommend using this mask as an emergency sport treatment, as it reduces redness and pimple size!

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Mask

Promise: “The infusing texture of Hydraphase Intense Mask envelopes the skin in a thermal bath and releases high-performance hydrating ingredients [Hyaluronic Acid Fragments] to immediately infuse and retain water in the skin for optimal hydration”

Price: £15.50/$30.00 50ml 

Purchase: escentual.com / amazon.com

The Hydraphase Intense Mask is perfect for those with sensitive skin - which is no surprise considering it comes from sensitive skin saviours, La Roche-Posay. It has a lotion consistency and is very lightweight - which is great for getting in and around the eyebrows (an area prone to dryness). Unlike the other masks featured, this one isn't supposed to be washed off. After 10 minutes, you just have to remove the excess product with a tissue or cotton pad.

It hydrates a little less then the other contenders here, however it is the ultimate treatment for dry and flaky skin. So much so that I would say it smooths more than it soaks! Regular use of this winter wonder will keep your flaky skin and dry patches at bay...I promise!