Thursday, 20 June 2024

The Health Benefits to Your Mani/Pedi

How amazing is the feeling of getting a manicure and a pedicure when you need a little self-care? It feels like being able to relax, to feel pretty and to feel like you are in control of something. In a world so full of fear and anxiety, being able to take an hour or two to allow someone else to take care of you can feel unreal; as if it’s not something you could have ever dreamed of. And yet, did you know that your mani pedi session can do so much more for you than make you look pretty?


Most people view their appointment with a nail tech as a way to have professional looking nails, but it’s also the first thing to be cut from the budget when times are tough. Right now, it feels like times are always tough, so you won’t opt to pay for the HEMA Free Builder Gel or the additional spa package that often comes with a pedicure. You might even feel too guilty to pay for it in the end. Either way, you need to think about why you should KEEP your mani pedi in your budget. We’re here to tell you that it’s perfectly fine to indulge a little if you can’t indulge a lot. You should remember that both manicures and pedicures come with health benefits. Don't believe us? Let’s dive into the benefits of both.

Image source: Pexels


  1. You’ll have smoother skin. You know that one of the most comfortable things to have is smooth, comfortable and hydrated skin. The first benefit of getting your nails done - hands or feet - is the benefit of smooth, healthy and rejuvenated skin. Hands are always being worked and often, worked far too hard. You need to have your skin looked after and any reputable nail tech will take care of more than just your nails. They’ll be looking to hydrate your feet and hands, ensuring that the skin is effectively cleaned. They will remove all of that dirt and grime build up on your hands and the same can be said for your feet. No reputable nail salon is going to focus on the nails and nothing else; they will ensure that your hands and feet feel healthy and well cared for, too.

  2. Leveling out your feet. Did you know that a pedicure can balance your weight better? The pedicure you love will help you to level out the surface of your feet and help you to distribute your weight more evenly. This will reduce the risk of wear and tear on joints and decrease the likelihood of accidents and reduce the health impacts on your spine and any headaches. In other words, your pedicure is going to help you to correct your posture and get your feet leveled by a nail technician or increase your chances of being healthier.

  3. You will improve your blood circulation. When you go and get your nails done, your technician gives you a massage. This massage will help you to do more than just relax. They are there to help to promote healthy blood flow. This is necessary all year round. An increase in blood circulation can help your body to distribute heat during the colder seasons, and it's going to make you feel more energized and awake. Increased blood flow can also help to reduce any pain that you may be feeling in your hands, feet and legs, which can make a very big difference to your overall mental and physical health. It's also fantastic for your heart. If being at the nail salon is going to be a good thing for your cardiovascular system, then surely you should be booking your appointment yesterday. You don't have to allow your body to become a dumpster, and if you know that the blood is pumping better, you're going to get rid of the waste out of your body and look good for it at the same time.

  4. You're going to be able to prevent infections. With the help of a mani pedi, you will be able to prevent infections and make yourself feel so much better.Fungal infections happen to thrive in dark, damp spaces, which often ends up being your shoes. As you're constantly exposing your feet to moisture, it's very easy to develop fungal infections on your toenails. Nail technicians are very familiar with feet, therefore they will be able to ensure that they spot any infections in the beginning stages before they spread. Going for regular pedicures can ensure that you don't end up susceptible to any further issues. 

  5. Say goodbye to Calluses. Calluses on your feet are caused by repeated pressure. They have the potential to become very painful, and they can be removed by your nail technician if they know what they're doing. Nail technicians can also help you to prevent getting calluses because they'll scrub off the dead skin cells on your feet, so you don't need to worry about having dry and flaky feet anymore.

Image source: Pexels


  1. You are going to feel far more productive. Just going to get the manicure yourself. Ensures that you are taking time out to do something that's just for you. Don't think of it as keeping you from doing the important tasks, but giving you time to sit down and relax and take a breath. Taking a break, even if it is just to get your pedicure done, is known to increase and improve productivity. This means that you're allowing your mind to refresh. Think about the way that your computer acts once it's booted up after a long time. That’s like your brain. Keeping yourself and your mind busy at all times can result in a decrease in your attentional resources. You don't want to be decreasing your focal capacity, so make sure you're taking breaks.

  2. You will ease any anxiety. When you are forced to spend time away from your phone and your screen, you end up disconnecting. Getting your nails done means that you can't sit and scroll on your phone. Being present and away from your phone gives us a moment to relax and clear your mind. It's a very small way to improve your mental health, your attention and allow your brain to release that melatonin at night to help you sleep. The more time you spend away from your phone doing activities such as mani pedis, the less time that you are building up your anxiety.

  3. It's a stress reliever. The massages that you get during a mani pedis are going to help your blood circulation, but that's not all. Massages can help you to destress and relax. The fact that your hands are completely occupied and you're disconnected from your phone gives you a moment to be present and enjoy your massage properly. Getting your nails done is your time, and being able to destress yourself is going to give you a clearer mind from all of the tasks that you have to do.

  4. You can improve your confidence. Let's be honest, the aesthetics of getting your nails done is a great way to improve your confidence. Mani pedis are a great advantage of self-expression and you get to choose the colors and the designs that you want as well as the length and the shape of your nails. The choices that you have when it comes to nail customisation are huge and you can give off a sense of style and personality as a result. Expressing yourself through your nails can also help you with matching your clothing. For example, if you love to have dark red nails, having a power suit while you wear those nails in that colour can really help you to feel more confident. The best part is that your hands are nothing to be self-conscious about because your nail technician has made them soft, giving you that fresh coat of Polish and removing any hangnails or imperfections. Any presentations you do at work and every hand you shake are going to see these nails looking beautiful.

  5. Improving your self esteem. Sometimes it's not easy to practice self-care, however, doing so is a great way to improve your self esteem because you're going to be investing time and money in yourself for a change. When you invest in yourself, you also send yourself a positive message that you matter. You are worth the cost and that's going to leave you feeling out of Queen. Nice nails also lead to compliments from others which can also increase your self esteem and make you feel good. Why wouldn't you want to feel good?


The health, both physical and mental benefits of a mani pedi are going to last you for a long time. It forces you to take that step back and often that's something we forget to do in the fast-paced world that we're living in today. You never had your nails done before then maybe it's time you go and get your appointment booked now.


















*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Friday, 31 May 2024

Boots Mens Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box 2024

I love a good grooming box for the man in your life and the Boots Mens Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box is quite something.
Boots Mens Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box 2024


With Father's Day here in UK being on 16th June, this makes quite the gift. Worth almost £120, the Boots Mens Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box is on sale and it is priced at just £38.00.


Inside this carefully curated mens beauty box edit, you will a total of 9 products, with an incredible 6 of them being full sizes and here is what you will find.

What’s inside:

  • Liz Earle Mens After-Shaving Moisturiser 50ml – FULL SIZE
  • BARBER PRO Anti-Ageing Vitamin C Sheet Mask 23ml – FULL SIZE
  • Dapper Dan Signature Style Shaper 100ml – FULL SIZE
  • Bulldog Lemon & Bergamot Roll on Deo 75ml – FULL SIZE
  • No7 Derm Solutions™ Calming Gel Cleanser Suitable for Sensitive Skin 200ml – FULL SIZE
  • First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair pads 28ct (90.72g) – FULL SIZE
  • Lab Series Daily Rescue Face Lotion 7ml
  • Kiehls Ultra Facial Toner 40ml
  • Shiseido Ultimune Serum 10ml
The Boots Mens Edit Limited Edition Beauty Box is on sale and it is priced at just £38.00.


*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Thai Square Spa Traditional Thai Massage

Last week I had the most amazing visit to the Thai Square Spa in central london for a traditional Thai massage.
Thai Square Spa Tradition Thai Massage
Whenever I am stressed, I hold it in two places - my jawline and my shoulders, the latter which aches and can make me grimace as I carry my rucksack too and from work, lift anything slightly heavy or stretch. So I was really looking forward to it.

The spa itself is absolutely stunning, taking in an eclectic mix of Thai, Roman, and Turkish spa décor. As you walk in there is an instant feeling of relaxation as you leave all your stress at the door and are submerged into the most wonderful scents of Jasmine that fill the air. The building itself, based on Northumberland Avenue, did in fact used to be a Turkish Bath and those features have been kept to really give it that feeling of luxury.

Inside the spa there are Four Traditional Thai Massage treatment rooms, seven Ritual Massage rooms and one vast VIP suite treatment room with private relaxation zone and steam room. The changing rooms which are the most wonderful vivid red decor have everything you need to get changed into your provided massage clothing - in my case because it was a traditional Thai massage, this is done over clothing, rather than directly onto the skin.

The traditional Thai massage is described as being both exotic and unique with the treatment bringing together a traditional Thai massage with deep tissue, pressure point and ancient stretching techniques. Designed to release tension, increase vitality and flexibility as well as to create a wholeness of the mind, body and spirit.‍ If you’ve ever had a Thai massage before, you’ll know that the therapist will get into all those nooks and crannies to release pressure and tension, so it isn’t the massage you would choose if you want a thoroughly relaxing experience, instead this is the massage you choose to release all that built up tension, rid your body of aching shoulders, tight muscles and soreness.

The treatment starts with the washing of your foot, which a good friend of mine told me is done to bring purity and leave bad luck at the door - whatever the reason, it was delightful, and I say that as someone who hates feet or anyone touching mine. The next part of the treatment is to take your place on the massage table, the instructions on how to lie down and relax are clearly given and then my therapist, a simply wonderful lady who constantly checked the pressure she was applying was okay - it can get quite intense if there is some tension that needs to be released by the way. Throughout my massage, she worked on my feet, lower and upper legs, my arms, my back and my shoulders, which even with the slightest bit of pressure was painful, until magically she did something to release the pressure and the pain simple evaporated - a week later and still no shoulder aching or back pain. Once my therapist had finished, I turned over and she continued with the massage on my head (heavenly), the front of my shoulders, arms, legs and this time ankles before the final part of the treatment. At this stage you sit up and the stretching begins of absolutely every muscle you have in your body, or at least that is how it felt, and again that tension had all disappeared and with it, came the reminder from my therapist that as I hold my stress and troubles in my shoulders, I need to do my stretching every single day to help manage it, even if it’s just five minutes of my time.

After the treatment, I was taken to the most relaxing lounge where I sat and enjoyed herbal tea in absolute silence and comfort, on my own with no phone pinging or ringing, no emails demanding my attention. Utter bliss and I could have sat there all day. 
Thai Square Spa Tradition Thai Massage
Thai Square Spa Tradition Thai Massage
Thai Square Spa Tradition Thai Massage
Alongside the Traditional Thai massage, there is a whole host of other treatments on offer to choose from and I’d gladly make my way through each and every one of them, such is the feeling of being made to feel truly welcome as though you’re the most important person in the building.






*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.

Top Bathing Accessories for a Self Care Night

Many of us are working more than one job, we have children, we’re holding down the family home, we’re trying to socialise, we’re trying to stay fit, we’re trying to work on ourselves. It can all seem a bit much right? Which one do you feed more than others? How do you prioritise all of them?
Top Bathing Accessories for a Self Care Night
image credit


What did we miss off that list? Self care. With being so busy and hectic all the time, we often overlook the importance of checking in with ourselves and making sure other specific needs are being met. An indulgent self care bath routine with the very best bathing accessories can act as a reset, resulting in us feeling more energised and de-bloody-stressed.

Why Do We Need Self Care Nights?

Selfcare, many moons ago, got a bit of a bad rep for being a guilty pleasure, it was seen as self indulgent. However, we’re pleased to report this is a thing of the past! Self-care is actually a very important part of living a healthy, happy lifestyle. Looking after yourself both mentally and physically is crucial to functioning at your best.

Self care doesn’t have to involve a huge time commitment, if this is something that was holding you back. Take a bath routine for example, no more than 1 hour, a few candles, some music or a show, maybe a drink, and your favourite bathing accessories. You’ve got yourself the ultimate reset there!

Bathing accessories can be used time and time again, they are an investment in yourself. Some self care activities will come at a bit of an expense, however, purchasing, for instance a luxurious bath sponge, will see it serving you for years.

Bathing Accessories To Add To Your Routine
Bathing accessories can aid your skincare routine, provide massaging qualities, act as a relaxant, actually the possibilities are endless. Boost your self-care routine with these bath accessories that will help relax and de-stress you with every bath time!

Bath Sponge
A bath sponge is a great bathing accessory because it helps exfoliate the skin, removes dead skin cells, and improves circulation. It produces a rich lather, enhances the distribution of soap, and reaches difficult areas for a thorough clean. Additionally, bath sponges can provide a soothing, massaging effect, making the bathing experience more relaxing and enjoyable.

Bath Pouf
A bath pouf is a great bathing accessory because it effectively exfoliates the skin, removing dead skin cells and leaving the skin smooth and refreshed. It produces a rich lather with a small amount of soap or body wash, ensuring even distribution and a thorough clean. Bath poufs are also gentle on the skin, making them suitable for all skin types, and their soft texture provides a pleasant, massaging effect during use, enhancing the overall bathing experience.

Exfoliating Gloves
Exfoliating gloves are excellent bathing accessories because they provide effective exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother, healthier skin. They enhance blood circulation through gentle scrubbing, which can leave the skin looking more radiant. These gloves are easy to use, fit snugly on the hands, and allow for precise control, ensuring thorough cleaning of all body areas. Additionally, they can help improve the absorption of skincare products applied after bathing, making your skincare routine more effective.

Loofah
A loofah is a great bathing accessory because it offers excellent exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin cells and leaving the skin smooth and revitalised. It creates a rich lather with a small amount of soap or body wash, ensuring an efficient and enjoyable cleansing experience. The natural texture of a loofah provides gentle scrubbing, which can improve blood circulation and promote healthier-looking skin. Additionally, loofahs can reach difficult areas, ensuring a thorough clean, and are environmentally friendly when made from natural fibres.

Self Care Tips To Make The Most of Your Bathing Accessories and Time

Designate a special place for your bathing accessories, maybe keep them on a self purely dedicated to you, or fill a drawer with separators and label them by use.

Create a bathing accessories inventory, you will constantly see new products you wish to purchase, keep a log of the ones that are maybe past their best and look to replace them ahead of your next self care night.

Make your bath time a non negotiable, whether you live on your own, with a partner, maybe your parents, ensure this is a time you are able to solely prioritise you and your bathing accessories.

If you want to invest in any of the bathing accessories mentioned above or explore even more, head over to Soinvogue. With their list of essential bath accessories, you’re well on your way of instilling the value of self-care in even the smallest and simplest of acts.



*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.
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