Hello everyone!

I want to share a few head-to-toe winter skincare tips. Cold temperatures and low humidity levels result in dry air that draws moisture away from the skin. Harsh winter winds and dry indoor heat can exacerbate the problem. Skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may also flare up during the colder months.

Here are some head-to-toe tips:

Body and face

Lukewarm water is considered to be the right temperature for your skin. Moderately warm water will give the best skin care results. It effectively removes dirt from your skin without destroying the oil balance of your skin.

If your serum/moisturiser doesn't contain active ingredients such as Vitamin C or Retinol, you can apply it to damp skin. This is because damp skin is easier to penetrate than dry skin. 

You still need to wear sunscreen in the winter. Even if it doesn't feel warm outside, UV rays can still penetrate your skin and cause damage.

Lips

Cold weather can cause the lips to lose moisture, leading to chapped and cracked skin. You should exfoliate your lips regularly, to remove dry skin and prevents chapped lips. Lip balm is a must-have for the winter season. Anytime you spend time in the cold, dry air, you'll need a lip balm to keep your lips soft and hydrated.

Hands

Use glycerine soap and lukewarm water every time you wash your hands. Wear gloves outside and rubber gloves when cleaning. And apply an ultra-rich overnight hand cream to moisturise your hands and cuticles overnight. Moisturising products that contain urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid will help prevent cracking.

Knees and elbows

Your knees and elbows are more prone to dry, rough skin. Look for a lotion designed for dry skin. To make sure you don’t miss any sections, apply moisturiser all over your body and then apply a second layer to your knees and elbows. 

Feet and heels

If you have dry or flaky skin, gentle exfoliation can help remove roughness caused by dead skin cells and reveal smooth skin underneath. If you apply lotion to your feet at night, you can wear cotton socks over it. This locks the moisture in all night so your skin has a chance to absorb the lotion.

Related posts:

Winter care tips for dogs

How to prevent and soothe dry winter skin

Tips for staying hydrated during the colder months

Talk to you soon!

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Hello everyone!

Winter weather is finally here. This week is forecasted to be yet another cold, windy and stormy one, here in Malta. I previously published articles about preventing and soothing dry winter skin and, I also shared tips for staying hydrated during the colder months. Today, however, I want to focus on our beloved four-legged friends.

Winter care tips for our dogs are fundamental to keeping them safe this season. Many dog owners mistakenly believe that because their pets have a coat of fur, they can tolerate the cold better than humans. This is not always the case. Like us, our pets are used to the warmth of indoor shelter, and cold weather can be as hard on them as it is on us. 

If it’s too cold for you to stand outside without a coat, it’s probably too cold for your dog too, so pay attention to their behaviour while they're outdoors. If you notice your dog whining, shivering or appearing anxious, it’s time to bring them in.

So how can we protect our dogs in winter?

Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that keeps them warm naturally, even in very cold temperatures, but dogs with thin coats may need to wear a sweater or coat when out for walks. However, coats will not prevent frostbite on the ears, feet or tail, so even with a warm coat, don’t keep your dogs with short/thin hair out too long in cold temperatures. Try to walk your dog/s in the late morning or early afternoon hours when temperatures are a little warmer, and avoid early morning or late evening walks. Don’t leave them outdoors for long periods. 

Place your dog’s bed in a warm spot away from drafts, and add some blankets. Additionally, make sure you have pet-proof heaters and fireplaces to keep your pet out of harm’s way.

Just as we tend to develop foot cracks in winter, dogs can also suffer from cracked pads. You can massage coconut oil on your dog's paws and, you could also apply paw balm, such as this DIY vegan paw balm.

Enjoy the winter weather and pay attention to your pets' well-being by keeping them warm and safe.

Talk to you soon!

Hello everyone!

Never mind diamonds, shapewear garments are a girl's true best friend. Shapewear works like magic underneath your clothes. They give your entire body, a confident hug and an hourglass shape. 

If you are in the market for body shapewear, then there are many options available that will fit your style and needs. Shapewear is available in a diverse range of styles, shapes, colours, patterns, and types. Nowadays it has found its way into most women's wardrobes. You can purchase body-shaping garments online from the comfort of your home from reliable sellers like Shapellx.  Shapellx is known for its iconic, and effective shapewear, great fit, second-skin feel, and lasting quality. The brand is loved and trusted by women worldwide. 

If you want to get a better picture of the different products available on the website, check out the brand's best sellers in the shapewear sale collection. Shapellx also sells gorgeous, fashionable, yet comfortable bras! Let's face it, most bras feel like torture devices; with hardware that digs into our skin and the feeling of being pinched and squeezed. That is one of the reasons why many women are going braless. However, going braless is not for everyone! You may have large breasts and feel more comfortable with support. Or you might be small-chested and rely on bras for lift and shape. Shapellx bras are very different from your average bra. 

CoreSculpt™ Seamless Lace Racerback Bra

The CoreSculpt™ Seamless Lace Racerback Bra is both sexy and comfy. With light to medium support, it has a super smooth, seamless look and feel. This bra also features sweat-wicking technology, odour-resistant yarn and 4-way super stretch that fits like a glove.

Available in Very-peri and Pink

CoreSculpt™ Sexy Lace Low-Cut Bra

The CoreSculpt™ Sexy Lace Low-Cut Bra is another sexy and comfy bra. It features delicate sheer lace in a low-cut neckline. This bra gives you wireless comfort with adjustable straps. It also has a 4-level band-adjusting hook-and-eye design for a tailored perfect fit. It fit from size S to 3XL.

If you want the benefits of wearing shapewear, but do not want to wear multiple layers of clothing, a built-in shapewear dress might be just what you are looking for! Wearing built-in shapewear dresses is an alternative to wearing shapewear underwear.

Shapellx Contour Built-In Shaper Dress

If you want to look flawless in a dress, the Shapellx Contour Built-In Shaper Dress is just what you need. The design features 360° tummy control and boob support. Made to adjust to your body perfectly. This shapewear mini dress features mid-firm control for ultimate smoothing power. It is both a pretty outfit and comfortable shapewear in one garment! You can wear it on its own or style it with other pieces. Style the same piece with many different outfits in different ways and you'll have a totally different look. 

Shapellx Fit Everybody Smooth Ruched Shaping Dress

The Shapellx Fit Everybody Smooth Ruched Shaping Dress is another gem available on the Shapellx website. This dress shows off every curve of your body for the most flattering look. It features 360° tummy control and boob support and, removable built-in padding, so you do not have to wear a bra underneath! Mid-firm control for ultimate smoothing power. This dress is ruched all over the front and back with a snug yet stretchy fit. It has a flattering body-sculpting silhouette with a square neckline.

Available in Black, Royal Blue and Brown

Of course, to make the shapewear last longer, it's important to stick to the care label recommendations:

• Hand wash
• Do not dry clean
• Do not iron
• Do not bleach
• Do not tumble dry

Subscribe to the Shapellx newsletter for first access to sales and offers, and get 10% off on your first order.

Do you like the bras and shapewear dresses I showed you in this post? Share your opinion in the comment section below!

Hello everyone!

Seasonal influenza (flu) viruses typically circulate in the autumn and winter months; during what’s known as the flu season. The exact timing of the flu season varies, but it usually peaks between December and February. 

Here’s what you can do to stay healthy...

Image by Freepik

These are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and help prevent the spread of the flu:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use a hand sanitiser.
• Wear a mask in crowded spaces, such as public transport.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid sharing food, drinking glasses and eating utensils.
• Regularly disinfect your home and belongings, such as doorknobs, light switches, etc.
• Stay home if you are unwell to prevent the spread of germs.
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever goes down unless you need medical care.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with a tissue, sleeve or elbow.
• Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

In the articles below, you will find tips to help you get rid of flu symptoms rapidly!

Best teas to fight cold and flu symptoms

How to relieve sinus pain and pressure

DIY: All-natural vapour rub

Essential oil blends for cold and flu

Tips for staying hydrated during the colder months

Additional tips:

Suck on hard candy

Cough drops are good for soothing a dry, irritated throat and reducing that constant urge to cough. However, all hard candy will promote saliva production and provide moisture to relieve a dry cough.

Gargle with salt water

A saltwater gargle is usually a sore throat remedy, but it’s worth trying for coughs, too. While salt water may not provide immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water, gargle and then spit out the solution.

Take care and talk to you soon!