We don’t often have the opportunity to show off our bodies in the UK, so we tend to concentrate more on our face care, but everyone wants that smooth and lustrous skin during the summery months.
We all have the same impulses... just before the summer, we all tend to eat better, exercise more and purchase a variety of concoctions to improve the quality and look of our skin.
To simplify this time crucial yearly exercise, I have put together a simple step-by-step program to achieve the Best You For the Summer.
STEP 1: SHAPE UP!
During these summer months, we all begin to expose ourselves more due to the warmer weather, but also to catch those oh so needed rays, as well as wanting to peel off all the layers we’ve been wearing for the past months. So, we need to look good and be our best selves.
This is the time to eat more greens, drink more water and exercise; but I am not a nutritionist or a fitness coach unfortunately, so in-depth advice on this cannot be offered. But, in order to boost the effects of the healthier you, I can recommend a few products!
My clients seem to mainly be concerned with 2 chief difficulties; these are Slimming and Cellulite. I strongly believe that they have to be tackled with a double-pronged approach; through the healthier lifestyle mentioned above, but also with a little bit of scientific and manual help!
For Cellulite, Slimming and Exfoliation, I adore the Body Glove; it’s silicone so it’s easy to clean and extremely long lasting, and it has two sides for multiple usages! One side is spikey (soft spikes, not painful ones), which improve the penetration of the product applied with it, as well as exfoliating the skin at the same time. The other side consists of firm angular bulbs which are perfectly shaped to break down adipose fat and stubborn cellulite. The real tip to using this glove is to massage in clockwise, then anti-clockwise circular movements to really reach optimum results.
For Cellulite, I love to recommend the Crème Anti-C or the Coffret Anti-C (which is the same product, but with the added double-sided silicone glove). This anti-cellulite cream is a powerful concoction of 11 highly active ingredients, which provides simultaneous action to tackle various causes and effects of cellulite. Used in conjunction with the Body Glove, my clients see real differences within 8 weeks of use!
For Slimming, my choice recommendation is the Crème Amincissante Oxygénante MC110, it’s a mouthful, but it works! This product can also come as part of the duo with the Body Glove as well, known as the Coffret Amincissante. This invigorating emulsion uses concentrated ingredients to work on slimming, toning, firming and regenerating.
STEP 2: MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE!
What’s the point of looking great, if you don’t feel great?
Many of my clients suffer from water retention and poor blood circulation during the warmer months, which makes them feel tired and non-energetic. I’ve always called this the “Heavy Legs Syndrome”, although this can also occur in the arms, and it’s actually quite easy to alleviate! The key is to massage the area and to apply an energising product which will get the blood pumping, and the water to disperse. I love the Crème Défatigante for this, it’s a scintillatingly energising emulsion which immediately feels warm, yet cooling as it works its magic. Applied in the evenings before bed with the Body Glove, my clients feel refreshed and sprightly in the mornings!
STEP 3: SMOOTH THAT SKIN!
Exfoliation, Exfoliation, Exfoliation! The key to a lustrous and smooth skin will always be Exfoliation!
Many of us have tried beautifully scented salt or sugar scrubs, dry body brushes, loofahs, puffs, amongst many other types of body exfoliators. However, just as with the face, the most effective, long-lasting and effective form of exfoliation is still acid exfoliation. We have 2 types of body exfoliators, we have the Lotion P50 Corps, which is a spray-on acid exfoliation; and the Gommage P50 Corps, which is a very gentle scrub infused with the same acids.
The Lotion P50 Corps is an easier to use product, as you simply spray it on! It’s also great for those harder to reach areas, such as the back. I always recommend to use this in the evening, applied after a shower or a bath, and to be used 2 – 3 times a week as you see fit.
The Gommage P50 Corps is a “Double Exfoliator”, it contains the acids which reside in the Lotion P50 Corps, but it’s also a scrub, containing cockleshell; so it’s a manual AND chemical exfoliation. I usually recommend this product for those areas which tend to get more “crackly” than others, such as the elbows and ankles, and it is stronger than its liquid form. It’s also a fantastic choice for treating the skin when it starts to peel and your tan begins to get patchy.
In a cockleshell, the Lotion P50 Corps is a better product to be utilised on a regular basis, but the Gommage P50 Corps is more specific and more instantly rewarding.
STEP 4: OIL CONTROL
The warmth and rays bring many wondrous things, but it can also make some of us sweat a little more than usual.
Some of my clients who suffer with spots on the tops of their shoulders and backs, find it particularly difficult at this time of year. My treatment of bacne is always the same; we need to remove bacteria, control oil secretion, and exfoliate. This is where I love this little gem of a mask, the Masque Bain de Plantes, refreshing, purifying, anti-bacterial and pore refining, this mask can be used on the face, body and hair, so it’s super multi-faceted! So, spritz the Lotion P50 Corps onto the affected area, and apply the Masque Bain de Plantes, leave on for 20 minutes and rinse off! This process should be exercised 2-3 times a week to heal the bacne, but also to keep your skin clear and bacne clear!
Simple!
STEP 5: HYDRATE, RADIATE & PLUMP
Whether you’re sunbathing or not, it’s crucial to hydrate and moisturise your skin, especially when it’s hot! Moisture allows the skin to glow with health, but it’s also a fantastic anti-ageing tool. Just like filling up a balloon with air, the creases iron out; the same happens with your skin. Add moisture to the skin, and your skin will be plumper, firmer and less creased. And, if you are planning on tanning, moisturising the skin appropriately will help you keep your tan for longer, make it more even, and make you happy!
My favourite at this time of year is the Emulsion Corps VIP O2. It’s a spray on emulsion, so it’s really easy to apply, light and non-greasy. It also has the added benefit of containing the Biologique Recherche Oxygenating Complex, which is packed full of antioxidants, protecting your skin from the unwanted effects of the sun, and making your skin glow!
Following these simple steps, you are certain to be looking good, feeling good and enjoy these few months of summer bliss.
We always love to hear from you, so if you have any questions at all regarding anything discussed in this blog, or anything else, please do not hesitate to drop us a line on 020 3358 9998 or email us at concierge@embassyofbeauty.co.uk.