2017’s hottest trend: Athleisure

Every fashionista has their down days — the days we spend in comfy leggings and oversized tees. But what if we told you that our off-duty faves are this season’s hottest trend? Now, we can step out in trainers, leggings, loose-fitting tees and even jogging bottoms all in the name of Athleisure, officially our favourite EVER trend.

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Of course, you can’t just crawl out of bed, throw on some loungewear and expect to become an instant fashionista. You can also use the likes of Padel, who offer guidance and information from every major top brand including – ADIDAS, Head, Bullpadel, and Babolat who will always aim to offer these to you at the lowest prices, with rapid dispatch and free/next day delivery as well.

While the basics of any look are comfort classics, you’ll need to style it right to create a perfectly polished look. Here, Daniel Footwear – retailer of Ash trainers — explains the basics of Athleisure to take your look from slob to sass.

The must-haves:

To conquer the Athleisure trend, you’ll need a selection of style staples in your wardrobe. Make sure you’ve got:

• A bomber jacket — HUGE in 2016 and set to be even bigger this year, the loose-fitting, bulky shape of a bomber is a must for creating this look. For a feminine look, choose fresh pastel shades.
• Leggings or joggers — we’re not talking your old gym wear here. Instead, invest in a pair of branded leggings or jogging bottoms that are tapered and cuffed for a close fit.
• Sports tops — cropped tops and hoodies are perfect when paired with a pair of leggings or jogging bottoms and bomber jacket. If you’re not quite ready to show off your tum, opt for a loose-fitting sports jersey with mesh detailing.
• Trainers — forget heels, this trend is all about a great pair of trainers. The more sports-inspired they are, the better!
• With these basics in place, you can create the ultimate sports-luxe look or carry them through into other outfits. For example, why not wear your trainers with a flirty, feminine day dress? The juxtaposition will cement your status as the ultimate fashionista!
• Athleisure is such a versatile trend and much of its fun lies in its flexibility. That said, it’s wise to keep our golden rules in mind:
• Accessorise, accessorise, accessorise! — sportswear is generally quite plain, so make your outfit pop with jewellery. Think 90s throwback gold hoops and choker and delicate gold necklaces.
• Wear a coat — one of the easiest ways to take your look from the gym to the street is to wear a coat. Whether it’s a loose-fitting, vintage-inspired denim or bomber jacket or a longer, open duster coat, they’ll add to your look on cooler days.
• Cover your bum — if the thought of wearing leggings fills you with dread, tie a checked or denim shirt around your waist. Acting as a super-cool, bottom-covering skirt, it will tie in with your look without cramping your style.
• Keep your workout clothes separate — if you are going to the gym, keep your workout wear separate to your Athleisure wear so as not to cross-contaminate fashion with fitness.

Is this a trend you would willing embrace?

*this post contains PR samples/Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise

How moisturising your skin can prevent ageing

Have you ever looked at a mirror, saw your reflection and felt surprised at how you look? You might be one of those individuals who wishes that he or she could look ten years younger than their actual age. While some may be blessed with genes that allow them to pass off as younger than, the truth is you really cannot stop your skin from ageing. 

By the time you turn 30 (earlier for some), there is a big possibility that your skin will change its appearance. Aside from the fact that your skin, like any part of your body, will naturally age, there are also habits that we do that can contribute to our skin ageing. 

Are you one of those individuals who skips putting on sunscreen each day? Then you should know that not putting that on is one of the biggest reasons why your skin is ageing. The sun’s rays are very harsh for the skin and just might be the number one cause of ageing skin. And don’t think that you can skip it just because you see that it seems like it would be a cloudy or rainy day. Or maybe you feel like you don’t need it as you are cooped up inside your office all day. If you are staying near a window, the sun’s rays will still reach you. 

You need to make it a habit that you incorporate putting on sunscreen as a daily habit before you get out of the house or before you start doing your chores for the day. Doctors suggest that you need to get a sunscreen that has at least 30 SPF to ensure that you are protected from the sun. 

It’s also important to drink plenty of water and eat the right kind of food. Many might be forgetting that the largest organ in the body is the skin. In the same way that your diet affects other body parts, then you should know that the food you intake also affects how your skin looks. Drinking at least a litre a day and eating plenty of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be of great help if you are aiming for younger-looking skin. 

Aside from what you put in your body, another equally important thing to focus on is what you put on your skin. There is something you can include in your skincare routine that is simple enough but is sure to show amazing results. Studies show that having well-hydrated skin prevents wrinkles. 

This means that you need to diligently moisturise your skin every day. When you moisturise your skin, the water content is trapped thereby keeping your skin hydrated. One of the moisturisers you can try is castor oil. Its properties are not only for improving the fine lines and wrinkles in your face, but it can even reduce the visibility of your scars. 

There are many companies selling castor oil, so here is a list of the best castor oil brands for you to choose from. Check out the site as it not only lists the brands but even gives the benefits of castor oil not only for the skin but your hair and nails as well. 

*this post contains a sponsored link

Omorovicza - Brand Focus

There are a few brands that I am loving right now and Omorovicza is one of them. I only discovered Omorovicza towards the end of 2016 and since then, I have used up and repurchased a few products, something I rarely do. 

So Omorovicza which is pronounced Oh - more - o - veet - za as the kind lady at the Liberty counter taught me how to say. Inspired by tradition, guided by nature and spearheading the concept of Mineral Cosmetology, the Omorovicza skincare range has a rich, romantic heritage. It was founded by a young couple, Stephen and Margaret de Heinrich de Omorovicza, who met in Budapest. 

Thermal Cleansing Balm (5ml) - It this is this product which started off my addition to Omorovicza and it is a multi award winning product. Designed to remove all traces of make-up, including waterproof mascara, whilst caring for the skin, this black balm features Hungarian Moor mud which works to detoxify your skin by drawing out any impurities that are clogging up your pores whilst almond oil replenishes the moisture levels in your skin. 

My skin adores this Moor Mud and what's more, it is enriched with a high concentration of minerals such as zinc, copper, magnesium and calcium which work to improve the production of collagen, strengthen the skin's barrier and fight against free radicals.  After using my skin is so soft and smooth to the touch, it never feels as though anything was on my face, to begin with.

Queen of Hungary Mist (30ml) - I absolutely love facial mists and have featured a lot of them on this blog, but this mist is quite different to anything else I have used.  Taking its inspiration from a perfume first created in the 14th Century for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary, this refreshing mist is infused with Orange Blossom, Rose and Sage Waters which both purify and tone, whilst its Hydro Mineral Transference™ System works to deliver minerals deep into the skin for long-lasting hydration. 

The rose-scented mist rejuvenates the skin and senses to restore a soft, supple and fresh complexion and is a welcome wake up for that mid-afternoon slump. This mist is said to be Ideal for combination to normal skin types.

Omorovicza Refining Facial Polish (30ml) from the You Beauty Advent Calender  - This Facial Polish is enriched with calcium and magnesium to exfoliate the skin's dead cells and impurities, leaving pores purified. 

 Again the Hydro Mineral Transference™ helps the minerals to deeply penetrate into the skin and its unique formula also contains exotic fruit extracts which plump and tone skin, whilst strengthening the surface barrier to improve firmness.

Miracle Facial Oil (30ml) - If you are a fan of facial oils then this is one you definitely need to try. It has been infused with a unique blend of vitamin-rich Sea Buckthorn Berry Oil which works to rejuvenate the complexion alongside the natural plant-derived Bakuchiol which works to help reduce the look of wrinkles. 

A lot of people are unsure about using facial oils because there is an assumption that they are greasy and leave a film on the face, however this one absorbs so quickly there isnt enough time to leave a greasy film anywhere but what it does do is help shield the skin from environmental stresses and promotes collagen production to reveal firmer skin with increased elasticity. The use of Rosehip and Sweet Almond Oils are used to replenish and moisturise

Illuminating Moisturiser (30ml) - This is a cream which is ideal for dry skin, it is rich and luxurious and incredibly nourishing. Again using the Hydro Mineral Transference™ System it delivers minerals that can be absorbed by the deeper layers of skin. It is fortified with Ruby Crystal which works to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles alongside Apple Pectin and Plum and Almond Oils to provide long-lasting hydration.  

What I love about this moisturiser is that when applied to the skin, it almost feels like a cocoon and as it absorbs in, the soft and suppleness of the skin in amazing.  I have dryness on both my cheeks and forehead and it can be a nightmare to control with the changes in weather, what I have found with this cream is that if I lather it on and allow it to sink in slowly, it works wonders.

Omorovicza Cleansing Foam (25ml) is from the April Lookfantastic Beauty Box (here). This foam removes make-up, dirt, grime and impurities without stripping the skin of moisture and is devoid of harmful sulfates. 

Using white lupin to energise and revitalise whilst copper gluconate detoxifies the end result is skin which can breathe, it isn't dried out and I am always in two minds about moisturising as my skin is so soft after using. The foam once activated is a soft baby blue colour and has that spa scent to it and I absolutely adore it.

The final item is one which is fairly new to me but is one I loved from the minute I tried it and that is the Moor Cream Cleanser. Described as being a classic cleanser with a twist, it is ideal for sensitive and dry skin. 

Harnessing the purifying powers of the mineral-rich Hungarian Moor Mud which comes from Lake Hévíz, the largest thermal lake in Europe, the cleanser delivers a deep pore cleanser and dissolves anything in its path - makeup, dirt, grime and even the most waterproof of mascaras are all removed. Using a cooling blend of Camphor, Peppermint and Eucalyptus Essential Oils the skin is left feeling not only soothed and revitalised. I am a huge fan of this cleanser and just love how it makes my skin feel.

I am sure you can tell by now just how much I adore this brand and how amazing I think each one of these products are. I love the simplicity behind the ingredients but how effective they are. If I have peeked your interest then you can find this brand sold on LookFantastic, Cult Beauty, Feelunique, SpaceNK, John Lewis and House of Fraser with products priced from £10 right up to £300 there is a whole host of products waiting to be tried.

Have you tried anything from Omorovicza before?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise

LOOKFANTASTIC X BENEFIT LIMITED EDITION BEAUTY BOX

We all know how much I love a Beauty Box and when it is combined with a brand I absolutely adore, I am more than giddy.  Today Look Fantastic have launched their first limited edition Beauty Box of 2017 and it is a collaboration with Benefit Cosmetics UK, a brand I absolutely adore. The #LFXBENEFIT Beauty Box is described as being the ultimate kit for a perfect makeup base - get your brows on fleek and make your skin glow!

This limited edition box is not only really pretty but it comes with beauty cult-favourites as well as carefully selected bonus treats which will enhance and replenish your beauty regime and with a limited number of boxes available, you’ll need to be quick!

Worth over £60.00 you can grab the box for £35.00 including free delivery (if you already subscribe to their beauty box you can get your hands on it for £30.00) right here.

What do you think?

*this post contains PR samples unless indicated otherwise