Neal's Yard Remedies 'Healing Foods'

For the last week or two I've been reading my way through Neal's Yard Remedies 'Healing Foods'*. I feel like this book has been all over blogs lately, but I couldn't not mention it as it ties in so well with an ethos about food that I've been focusing on for the last couple of months; nutrients over calories. 

Grey Areas

I've spent a little more time than necessary pondering where the body ends and the face begins. Not for any great philosophical purpose, of course, but in regards to where skincare should go. This might be blindingly obvious to some, but I have a habit of halting my cleanser, toner and moisturiser at my jawline. However the décolletage (neck, shoulders and upper chest area) is apparently one of the first places to show ageing and can also be prone to congestion.

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer

I have a real beauty-soft-spot for NARS, particularly because they seem to make a concerted effort when it comes to shade ranges in base products. When I heard they were launching the Radiant Creamy Concealer, touted to have a 'luxurious texture and luminous finish...with hydrating, multi-action skincare benefits and light diffusing technology', it shot to the top of my shopping list and I had a feeling it wouldn't disappoint. 

Complexion Duo

The pros say it's best to have two bottles of a foundation in different shades to mix and match throughout the year; but skin doesn't just change in shade, it can change in type and texture too. Case in point: my beloved NARS Sheer Glow started to sit a bit more heavily on my skin. Rather than setting it aside until it suited my skin again, I got my mixing hat on and found its perfect match. 

Not For Me's

I'm not one to give up on a product easily (usually because I think I'm doing something wrong) but sometimes you just have to admit defeat. Here are the latest four that have been tried, tried again, and chalked up to the 'not for me' list.

DIY Relaxing Bath Soak

I'm a big fan of Epsom Salts. Just another name for magnesium sulphate, soaking in them is said to boost magnesium levels which can help you to sleep and soothe tired muscles. Clean & Lean author (one of my favourite 'health' books), James Duigan, rates them for encouraging 'the body to shed toxins quickly, boosting digestion and reducing cellulite'. But they aren't terribly glamorous so here's a ridiculously easy method for pepping them up a bit.