Author: styleand

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All About Moisture

this post is sponsored but all of the opinions expressed are my own. 

There is nothing more important for a healthy, glowing complexion than making sure your skin is properly moisturized. Dry skin emphasizes wrinkles and creates an aged appearance. The skin on the face is more delicate than anywhere else on the body so it is important to find moisturizers that are effective for you.

In the past, I struggled with dry skin. I used to travel 2-3 weeks per month and found that the change in climate and time on airplanes dried and dehydrated my skin. I tried a variety of expensive oils, serums and creams but my skin continued to be sallow and dry. I discovered Soveral skincare on Pinterest one evening and decided to try it after a bit of research. The first products I tried were the facial oils and moisturizers. I was instantly hooked because after using them for a week I noticed a significant difference in the texture of my skin and received a number of comments from friends and family.

In order to properly nourish the skin, you should cleanse and tone (or, rather, balance the PH) prior to moisturizing. This skin is most receptive at this time so you should first apply facial oil, and then a moisturizer which serves as a protective layer to the skin.

Soveral facial oils are the only oils I have been able to use. They absorb easily into my skin and leave it smooth and hydrated. I used to be against using facial oils because I had tried some that would sit on top of the skin and never absorb. What I have learned since using Soveral oils, is that it is important to use high quality, plant-based oil. Many facial oils on the market today are made of synthetic polymers (which plastic is made from) and petrochemicals (made of petroleum mineral oil)l…which is why they do not properly absorb and, ultimately, do not hydrate and nourish the skin. Soveral blends contain antioxidants and natural vitamins which support an even complexion and firmer skin. They contain a blend of active essential oils which stimulate detoxification and regeneration of the skin.

After applying my facial oil, I like to give it a minute to absorb and then I apply my moisturizer. Moisturizers provide hydration and protect the skin throughout the day.

The Formula 1 and 2 moisturizers have a whipped, luxurious feel. They are made from sunflower seed oil, apricot kernel oil, mango butter and contain active vitamins and essential oils that will help fight against pollution, dehydration, fatigue and stress. One tip in making sure you have the right moisturizer is if your skin feels tight, dry or greasy after 5 minutes your moisturizer than it is likely it is not right for your skin.

Give these oils and moisturizers a try…I hope they will be as effective for you as they have been for me.

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Bisous,
Rebecca

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How to Dry Brush Your Face

this post is sponsored but all of the opinions expressed are my own.

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In my recent Q & A with Alexandra Soveral, one of my followers asked about using an exfoliating cleanser. While Alexandra does not recommend using these products, she does recommend dry brushing every morning so that any dead skin cells are removed from the skin while maintaining the acid mantle (which protects against bacteria, fungus and infections).

Dry brushing has many benefits. It activates the lymphatic system, which helps boost your immunity. It stimulates blood flow which enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells. It clears the sinuses and helps trapped toxins drain from the face.

I dry brush every morning. It takes a little bit of time to get used to it – the bristles feel a bit prickly, but it leaves the skin rosy and glowing. The Soveral facial brushes have been designed not to be too harsh on the skin but effective enough to reap all of the benefits. They come in a set of two and are made lovely olive wood. You should use both brushes simultaneously with light to medium pressure.

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To start, brush the neck with upward strokes towards the glands and back of the ears. Continue along the chin and jawbone and brush all of the way back toward the ears.

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Move to the forehead and brush upwards over the eyebrows and back and forth over the eyebrows. Use firm pressure when going over the eyebrows. Finish by brushing from the center outwards over the entire forehead.

Next, move to the cheeks and brush lightly from the cheekbones towards the ears. Then add a bit of pressure and brush from the corners of the nose towards the ears. Brush the cupids bow and chin (still towards the ears) with regular pressure from the center to behind the earlobes.

To drain the eyes (helps reduce puffiness), lightly brush circles around the eyes starting at the outer corners and working inwards towards the bridge of the nose. Brush in circles over the brow bone, repeat a few times.

To finish, brush over the lips a few times and then gently brush downwards over the glands in your neck using alternate hands. Start behind the ear and push down towards your collar bone.

Voilà… there you have it, friends. No need for harsh exfoliating cleansers, just these pretty, dry brushes. Shop these and the complete lineup of Soveral skincare products at alexandrasoveral.co.uk or netaporter.com.

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Bisous,

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Rebecca

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Organic Cleansing Essentials 

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One of the most soothing parts of my day is when I start my evening skin care ritual by cleansing my skin. When cleansing my face, it feels like I am washing away the stress of the day and preparing for a relaxing sleep. It’s the moment when I can disengage with everything else and focus on myself for a few moments.

Before I read Perfect Skin, I used to cleanse with Awaken Cleanser every evening and a few times a week, I would use an exfoliating cleanser. I thought it was good for my skin to have a vigorous scrubbing. What I learned from Perfect Skin was that an exfoliating cleanser would actually strip my skin of good bacteria, which makes my skin more prone to breakouts.

Every evening, I use Awaken Cleanser to remove my makeup and cleanse the skin. It has a light, milky texture and is made from aloe vera and sunflower seed oil, which cleans the skin without damaging it. It has the most incredible scent (think lavender and rosemary) and leaves the skin clear and refreshed. While gentle, it is still incredibly effective and is strong enough to remove my eye make up.

2-3 evenings I week, I like to give my pores a deeper cleansing and boost of hydration so I apply Angel Balm after cleansing and leave on for 20 minutes. Angel Balm is quite possibly the most iconic Soveral product and receives rave reviews from beauty editors worldwide. It doubles as a deep pore cleanser and regenerative mask. You can also use it as lip balm and cuticle oil. I keep an extra jar packed in my travel bag because my skin tends to feel a bit grimy and dry when traveling. 

Since I have adjusted my cleansing routine, my skin feels softer and smoother. If your skin is dull, dry or breaking out, I encourage you to try these cleansers. I am confident they will leave your skin refreshed and glowing.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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Perfect Skin, My Go-To Guide for Skin Care

This post is sponsored by all of the opinions expressed are my own. 

There are a variety of reasons I approached Soveral about becoming a brand ambassador. To start, I have been using their products for years and have had fantastic results. The other reason is because I support the entire company philosophy. I try to live by a wholesome, healthy philosophy, especially when it comes to health and skin, and admire their holistic approach.

I believe that health and good skin start from within. I remember going to the dermatologist as a teen… he told me that diet and environment had nothing to do with the way my skin looked. I was immediately suspicious – even at a young age it did not seem reasonable. Fortunately, it seems the more science progresses, we learn that what we ingest and our environment has a significant effect on our health.

Alexandra Soveral is highly educated. She has her Bachelor Honours Degree in Philosophy of Science with an extra module in Biochemistry, BTEC Anatomy & Physiology, ITEC (International professional practitioner) in Holistic Therapies and ITEC & BTEC Advanced Chemistry of Essential Oils. What impresses me as much as her credentials are the fact that she works directly with clients. I like knowing that the person who is creating the products actually helps real clients, hearing about their skin problems and understanding what is effective in treating them. I want to learn as much as possible about taking care of my skin. So, naturally, when it was announced that she was writing a book, I reserved a copy so I would receive it as soon as it was released.

Perfect Skin is an incredible resource for anyone who has skin problems or wants to learn more about the skin. It covers everything about your skin from your genes, the mind-skin connection, hormones, sun, acne eczema, acne, rosacea, psoriasis and cosmetic treatments and procedures. In Chapter 4, She even has a contributor, nutritionist Deborah Ives, weigh in on gut health and the importance of the digestive system.

The book also provides a few recipes that support overall health and wellness. This is an excellent soup to prepare after the holidays or whenever you need a little detox:

Recipe

Savoy Cabbage Soup

1.7 litres of water (1.8 quarts)
pinch of salt
pinch of cayenne pepper (add a tiny pinch and add more if you want since it is very potent)
2 garlic cloves
1 white onion
1 small chunk of ginger, peeled and sliced into thin strips
2 large carrots
1 medium Savoy cabbage, hard stalks removed and leaves cut into fine strips

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Once you read Perfect Skin, you learn so much about how to care for your skin and your health. Perfect Skin is available at alexandrasoveral.com or amazon.com.

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Enjoy reading, friends!

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Bisous,
Rebecca

 

 

 

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This post is sponsored but all of the opinions expressed are my own. 

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Super Women Need Super Hero

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Ladies, we are all juggling…the career, the family, the appearance, the everything. Each morning, we don our invisible capes and proceed to deliver amazing results across multiple areas of our lives. This year, I have committed to carving out time for a weekly beauty ritual that leaves me feeling refreshed and my skin positively glowing and Super Hero product is the finishing touch in this routine.

I have been using Soveral products for a number of years but only started using Super Hero last year and I am hooked. If you have been traveling, are not sleeping well or just need extra moisture in your skin, then I encourage you to try the Super Hero plumping potion…it will change your skin. Living in Miami, my skin is used to a lot of humidity and tends to get dry when I am in other climates so I always travel with this to keep my skin hydrated.

Super Hero is a potent plumping potion made of antioxidants and natural vitamins from Siberian Ginseng, English Pomegranate and Italian Grapefruit. It also contains a form of naturally derived Hyaluronic Acid which gives skin a smoother texture and younger appearance. The addition of a topical prebiotic helps balance the skin’s natural microflora which gives you a clear complexion and even skin tone.

Super Hero comes with a bottle of plumping lotion and 3 infused gauze masks. If your skin needs a bit of reprieve, try incorporating Super Hero into your weekly skincare routine. Your friends will ask why you are glowing!

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To learn more about or to shop, visit alexandrasoveral.com.

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Bisous,

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Rebecca

 

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9 Important Skincare Questions Answered

this post is sponsored but all of the opinions expressed are my own

Friends, I am excited to bring you today’s post. I have gotten the inside scoop from Alexandra Soveral, founder of Soveral skincare about the questions you sent in from Instagram stories. I learned so much reading her answers and I know you will enjoy learning more as well.

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If you are new to Style & Life…a quick recap. Soveral skincare was founded by Alexandra Soveral. Alexandra received her Bachelor Honours Degree in Philosophy of Science and studied how the use of genetic engineering of flora will affect the world in future generations.  Alexandra became aware of how irresponsible science is being used within the skincare industry. She decided to marry her interest in science with that of natural skincare and set up her own research lab into natural raw ingredients and their benefit on human health. After four years of research, Soveral was founded in 2005.  This independent research has evolved since then and has become a fundamental part of what makes Soveral. As well as being a cosmetic product formulator Alexandra Soveral is also an Aromatherapist and Facialist, therefore focus was given to treatments as much as the product range and they too have evolved along the years.

 

I hope you enjoy reading this post…my mission at Style & Life is to bring you the products I use, love and know will work for you. Keep reading for some incredible advice.

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1. There is mixed advice about using an exfoliating cleanser…what do you recommend? Is there a benefit to having a texture in your cleanser or does it damage the skin?

Over cleansing is possibly the worst thing we can do for the skin. The idea that our skin needs to be exfoliated and be cleansed with solvents and other harsh chemicals (even natural ones) is a made-up solution to a non-existing problem. In fact, not cleansing the skin at all is better than over cleansing it. The health of our skin is derivative to the condition of its acid mantle that should be a healthy PH of around 4.5, which is a bit acidic and the right environment for good bacteria to thrive. A higher PH will create an environment for bad bacteria and other pathogens such as viruses to start colonies.

Another reason to not over cleanse and exfoliate is that we have just the right amount of skin layers that we need… we are perfectly designed, let’s not interfere with it. Each and every one layer we produce as its own function, even the almost dead skin cells.  

If our skin has become overly dry and flaky, then doing a gentle salt exfoliation is good, simply massage fine sea or mineral salt onto wet skin and rinse off. A daily dry face brushing routine should ensure that any dead cells that are ready to be shed off are encouraged to do so, leaving the skin clear to breathe. The Soveral Natural Face Brushes are designed to do so and come with full instructions.

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2. Is having sunscreen in your moisturizer/primer/foundation enough or do you need to a separate sunscreen daily? If so, what brands of sunscreen do you recommend since most have so many chemicals?

Sunscreen should always be applied for when we unavoidably must be in sun, such as when on a boat, out shopping or sightseeing all day. When getting out and about your day choose to be in shade rather than being in the sun wearing sunscreen. The toxins they have and the way they block the skin is not healthy in so many ways.

We must also try to get a bit of sun every day without sunscreen, Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise, even in regions of the world where there’s a lot of sun. Vitamin D deficiency impairs the immune system… cancer is a deficiency of the immune system! In my book Perfect Skin, I give very clear guidelines on how to benefit from the sun in a safe way.

My favourite sunscreen is from Green People.

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s3. How much water should we drink every day for healthy skin?

In general, between one litre and two litres, very much depending on the size and structure of the individual. Everyone is different so no one guideline fits us all. It has to do with size and metabolism. Some people drink a huge amount of water and still have dehydrated skin. One must ensure that our gut is healthy to make good use of the water we drink.

Some people think that their skin is dehydrated when in fact it is dry. When the skin has a film of dry skin and its flaky, it means that its dry and dry skin needs oil whilst dehydrated skin needs moisture.

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4. What is the story with retinol…is it as effective as people say it is?

Retinol is very effective at accelerating the rate at which skin cells divide. New cells get pushed to the surface quicker because new cells are being born from underneath at a much faster rate. What usually takes 28 days will take 20 or 15 days, depending on the strength of the Retinol. This is what causes the peeling that sometimes occurs when using any Vitamin A product. The cells that are then on the surface are younger and the skin looks… of course, younger. However, those young skin cells are not fully formed and not able to cope with environmental stresses such as UV light, pollution, bad bacteria, etc. In my view, the interference of the rate at which cells divide is never a good thing for our general health and considering that Vitamin A (what Retinol derives from) is absorbed into the body through the skin tell me that there may be potentially dangerous health risks with prolonged use of high dosage topical Retinol products. Lastly, the overuse of Retinol may also exhaust the skin to the point of causing premature aging… this I have seen happening in many of the skin consultations I do, clients come to see me that is no longer responsive to Retinol and are left with aged, dull and tired looking skin.

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s5. How often should we get facials? Do you believe extractions are beneficial? I hear mixed thoughts.

Good face massage is wonderful and if we can get it once a month then that is the ideal. However, facials that consist of extractions, peels or anything else abrasive are best avoided altogether. Extractions were invented by skincare brands wanting to sell you products and treatments. When a pore is extracted, all the sebum is removed from it, this sends a message to the sebaceous gland to produce more sebum, in a few days the pore is filled again. Meanwhile, the wall of the pore is exposed to oxygen and this makes the cells inside the pore harden in order to protect the body from anything entering, such as viruses and bacteria. With constant extractions, the inside walls of the pores will become like the skin outside, causing permanently enlarged pores. The whole idea of extractions does not make any sense. The best thing is to remove just the first layer of sebum by using the Angel Balm, the fats in it will blend with the sebum which is then removed with the hot face cloth. This way every day we are just removing a layer, encouraging the pore to slowly shrink. This may take a few weeks so we must be patient and remember that for those already enlarged pores there’s not much we can do but to just keep them clean daily.

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6. What is the best body moisturizer?

I prefer a body oil because it’s much more effective. Make sure to use a plant oil and not a petrochemical. Massage onto wet skin straight after the shower and towel dry as normal. It’s a game changer!

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s7. Is it beneficial to have a separate Vitamin C product in your skincare routine?

Vitamin C in a high dose becomes an acid solvent for the skin, so no, I really don’t think it beneficial. Vitamin C is a good antioxidant for the surface of the skin but only in small doses, which are present in most natural products. Collagen is made in the Dermal layer, pro-collagen molecules are formed with the use of protein and Vitamin C, these will only reach the Dermal layer through the delivery of oxygenated blood to the skin. Ensuring a diet rich in lean protein and plenty of Vitamin C is essential. This coupled with good daily massage to bring the blood flow to the skin is what will encourage the production of collagen and elastin fibres. Remember to always massage the skin with a good face oil, never when its dry in order to not stretch it.

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8.  What is your opinion about microneedling?  

Anything that causes inflammation is not contributing to our health in the long term. Also, I have had many clients who have had all kinds of infections and adverse reactions.

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s9. What are your top 3 recommendations for healthy skin?

Eat a healthy and varied diet, as plant-based as possible and with plenty of good fats.

Make good sleep a priority in your life.

Massage the skin daily with a good vegetable face oil and keep it moisturised at all times.

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We hope this post was helpful to you. If you have other questions, leave them in the comments below and we will answer them for you! To shop Soveral skincare products, visit http://alexandrasoveral.co.uk/ or below.

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Bisous,

Rebecca

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New Year, New Beauty Ritual

This post is sponsored but all of the opinions expressed are my own. 

And just like that..we are into the New Year with goals, intentions and resolutions at the forefront of our mind. This year, I am not setting resolutions, I am focusing on how I want to feel, who I want to be and building everything I do around that. Some of the key things I want to be are healthy, peaceful and organized. Like all of you…I am juggling. Family, work and blog take time, energy and effort and I tend to put myself at the bottom of the list of priorities. In order to feel the way I want, I am blocking off time on my calendar for this lovely beauty ritual I have created and am sharing with you.  

There are only a few things I enjoy more than lighting a candle, brewing a cup of tea and spending the evening applying face masks.  It is the ultimate luxury and relaxation and leaves me feeling refreshed and relaxed…like I did something really good for myself. While doing this little beauty ritual, I will read a magazine or watch an old movie…something that is enjoyable and not stressful.  

My ritual begins by lighting a candle and brewing a pot of Soveral Tea, a refreshing blend of verbena, melissa and peppermint that promotes good digestion, and, in turn, healthy skin. The tea leaves are picked from Alexandra’s family farm in Portugal where the soil is rich in minerals…which I find truly luxurious.

For my mask routine, I start by massaging Awaken Cleanser into my skin and removing with a hot damp face cloth. Then, I will lightly splash water, apply Angel Balm and perform a Soveral massage to my face, neck and décollaetage. Angel Balm is the most versatile skin care product I have ever used. Not only does it give your skin an in-depth cleansing, you can use it as a mask that will nourish, balance and regenerate your skin. You can also apply it to your lips or cuticles for hydration. The bonus…it smells positively amazing (think geranium and rosemary)  so leaving it on is a pleasure. When you purchase Angel Balm, it comes with a cotton washcloth…after 20 minutes, simply rinse the cloth with hot water, leave on the skin for a few seconds and then remove the mask. 

The next step in my ritual is to apply the Volcano Ash face mask. This face mask is made with palmarosa to regulate sebum and stimulate cell regeneration and peppermint to serve as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory. It has a soft consistency as you apply it and then it firms into a light layer that you need to remove with a washcloth. I leave it on for 20-30 minutes and when I remove it, my skin has a clean, firm feeling and healthy glow. I then close my eyes and apply the Floral Rain toner.

I will then do another small massage as I apply either the Midnight Oil or Forever Young face oil…I use 6 to 8 drops and massage until all of the oil is absorbed into the skin. 

To final step in my beauty ritual is to use a Super Hero infused gauze mask. Super Hero is a concentrate I use when my skin needs an extra dose of moisture.  It contains Hyaluronic Acid, which transforms skin and gives it a plump and radiant finish. I leave the gauze mask on for 20-30 minutes and do deep breathing exercises the entire time the mask is on. It is the perfect way to end this evening of bliss. Once I remove the mask, I pat any remaining product into the skin and then apply my Forever Young eye cream and Mandarin Kiss lip balm. 

My husband went to watch a football game on Monday evening so I had the house to myself. I had a wonderful evening with my little beauty ritual. Not only did I feel more relaxed, my skin felt clean, healthy and was glowing.  On Tuesday, I had three people ask me what I did to my skin because I looked so refreshed!

I know you are busy, I know you are juggling…however, you deserve to feel beautiful. I encourage each of you to carve out time for yourself to create a ritual that leaves you feeling peaceful and invigorated.

To shop these products and the full Soveral line, visit alexandrasoveral.com.uk or via netaporter.com.  If you have any questions, feel free to email me at info@styleandlife.com or via direct message on any of my social media channels.

 

Bisous,
Rebecca

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