‘Beautiful Skin Doesn’t Come From Makeup, It Comes From A Good Facialist’

Facials…….My favourite treatment and the reason I got into this industry. You can transform someone within an hour, knock years off them and send them home glowing!! Unlike the French & Americans, British women tend to have them for special occasions and see them as a serious treat rather than the necessity that they are.

We wear our face everyday and it’s the part of us that is most looked at and studied. It is time everyone started to take care of their main asset. Facials are like hidden jewels….you leave with smoother, softer, nourished skin but physically you leave relaxed, energised, released and like you’ve had a full body massage.

The clients I have gained through other clients are always from the clients who have facials. It’s extraordinary but people do notice great glowing radiant skin in others. We all age and we all line but you can do so in such a glossy way that the wrinkles are skimmed over and the whole picture is seen.

‘Ageing is a privilege but ageing with beautiful skin is a triumph’

Why Facials?

Nothing can tone, release, detox, nourish and oxygenate the skin quite like a facial. Products can only go so far in giving you great skin. It is through the preparation and condition of the skin that the products will work to their full potential. During a facial the lymph will be opened and drained, muscles will be lifted, twisted and toned, the sinus’s will be drained, headaches, migraines, fatigue and blinking eyes will be helped on their way out. The neck and shoulders will be released and the skin will be cleanses, prepared and nourished within an inch. There is nothing as powerful in giving results as a facial.

What to Expect?

Now here is where I’m biased (and if I wasn’t then I would be in the wrong job), Facials are my thing! I have never known another therapist to give a facial like I do. However, I am sure there are other brilliant ones and here is what you need to look for when choosing a Facialist.

• Hot Cloths

These must always be used to remove products, NO cotton wool, sponges or heaven help us tissues!! The warmth of the cloths increases the circulation to the skin which helps products absorb better. They are also the most hygienic form of product removal. Cloths should be boil washed with an antibacterial rinse every single time.

• Clean Towels

Sound silly but always clean towels and a slight cleaning obsession is always good!!

• Massage

The most important part of the Facial. It is through the massage that the skin tones, fluid retention drains, lymph is cleared, the sinus pockets are drained, the muscles are released and the contours of the face return. At least 30-40 minutes of pure massage. If not then sadly you’re wasting your money. Look for a therapist who isn’t afraid to touch the skin……it’s meant to be a treatment not a gentle stroke!!!

• No Exfoliation Beads or Grains

These will scratch and damage the surface of the skin and allow bacteria to enter. Any form of exfoliation should be in the form of Acids.

• An Array of Products

Never have a Facial by a therapist or company that only use one or two product companies. You will never get a non biased treatment or product recommendation. I have a few products that I swear by but that is through years of testing. Any therapist worth their weight will recommend the right things for you and not what serves them.

• Massage

I can’t even begin to say enough about how important the massage is!!

What Should a Facial Involve?

– First Cleanse
– Second Cleanse
– Gentle resurfacing treatment
– Toner
– Acid Treatment (if needed)
– Extractions (if needed)
– Application of rich facial oils
– MASSAGE
– Mask
– Hydrating Toner
– Oils
– Serum
– Moisturiser
– Eye/Lip Cream

How Often?

The French are normally every 2-4 weeks, whilst the women of New York are 1-2 weeks!! Ideally you should have a facial every 4 weeks. This keeps up with the cell renewal of the skin, keeps the muscles toned and fluids drained. You sadly can’t take your face to the gym, you have to take it to a Facialist!! However, 5-6 weeks if perfectly fine too. Anything longer than 6 weeks and you’ll almost be starting from scratch again.

Should Your Therapist Recommend Products?

Yes Yes Yes!! BUT, only if they are the right ones and ones that you are actually going to use. I would always prefer someone use a great Cleanser & Facial Oil and skip on the rest as long as they have facials. Products at home are essential for keeping and maintaining glowing skin but they must be recommended with the client in mind not a retail target. Sadly, this is where large salons fail, the girls are often poorly paid and it is only through retail sales that they can make money. Never trust a salon that doesn’t pay it girls well and so they rely on sales. There are plenty of these type of salons around, and you’ll know within a few seconds of a therapists hand touching you face.

The idea of a Facial is to serve the needs of the client’s skin and wellbeing (during the treatment and at home). As soon as you have a therapist that is dependent on retail sales you will sadly find they will only be serving the needs of the company they work for. Most large salon owners have switched off from the beauty industry and the amazing results it can bring (mentally, physically & emotionally), they just use their businesses and the girls they employ as cash cows. As a client you should walk out of the salon feeling amazing and feeling like your skin has had an incredible treatment/workout, you should feel special and relaxed……if you don’t then you’re in the wrong place.

There is so much potential to achieve amazing results for the skin during a Facial. Great home products are essential but a Facial is the ‘Magic piece of the Puzzle’. Now we are in spring it’s a great way to boost you skin and have a great Facial. I only offer one type of Facial and that’s ‘A Bespoke hour Facial’….which is and should be different every time you have it. The main principles are the same but the products, massage and concerns will always be slightly different depending on the skin and the physical health of the client.

You wear your face everyday and none of us want to age badly. Take a leaf out of the French & New Yorkers book and treat your skin with kindness, a little bit of love and find yourself a Facialist!!

Victoria xx

Note: I have just added a powerful yet gentle Acid treatment onto the Facial (if the client needs or would like it), it is an amazing way to get rid of the build-up of deed skin cells, rejuvenate and really bring about a glow to the skin. Your skin will never be smoother or softer. Please ask if you would like to know more.

Note: I am always happy to help anyone get the best from their products. Please ask when you see me or email me any questions.

Happy New Year!!

There is so much talk about ‘New Year Resolutions’, which is something that I don’t really believe in. Resolutions normally require giving something up or making such drastic changes that they are never sustainable. Personally I think it should all be about ‘Taking Up’. Taking Up something in your life that is going to bring a positive result and that is easy to stick too. That’s what this Blog is about…….taking up a few simple things that will help lead to Glowing Skin from the inside out.

I have ‘Taken Up’ quite a few things over the years, and have managed to stick to them. All the things make me feel better on the inside & out and I have turned them into habits. Taking up one/two (these may not be thing I do but something that takes your fancy) things in 2016, that will help you feel better and result in Glowing Skin will be such an accomplishment. Below are a few things that I do, plus a few things that I’m trying to do!! They are all very simple, easy and can become part of your daily routine:

• 100 Top Dips

Anyone who does Pilates with me will know how much I love these!! The only day I didn’t do 100 was on the day I gave birth….bizarrely I didn’t feel up to them!! I was back doing them almost as soon as I gave birth. Strangely, I found doing them when Fenwick was poorly in hospital very comforting, positive and like meditation.

Toe dips are a Pilates exercise that fire up the stomach muscles, help stabilise the Core, Pelvis, Spine & Shoulder girdle. It also helps to boost digestion and keep the gut working properly. Perfect to do upon waking. Strong Core muscles are vital to everyone but a healthy gut is the start of good skin. Toe dips or an equivalent Core exercise every morning is so beneficial. Even if you were to take up doing some simple stretches, within a week you will feel the difference. Please ask when you’re next in and I will always help.

• Handful of Nuts & Seeds

Every single day, including brazil nuts, almonds, sunflower & pumpkin seeds. Please read back over my last Blog on the ‘The Benefits of Eating Fats’ to get the full explanation! However, just note that good fats in the diet will result in soft, calm, plump and glowing skin. Within 2 months of eating these everyday my skin changed and my hair became so much thicker.

• Chia Seeds

For almost 8 years I have included 2 tbsp of Chia Seeds every day in my diet. I will do an entire Blog on these sensational little black seeds. I couldn’t be without them, not only are they one of the highest sources of Omega-3 around, they also contain high levels of iron and fibre. Meaning, they help the smooth running of the gut and digestive system but they also help soften, plump and smooth the skin.
I order these in 2kg bags from: www.infinityfoodwholesale.co.uk

• Glass of Warm Water with Lemon

This is something I am trying really hard at achieving. I was great at drinking warm water (with or without lemon) between Christmas and New Year, because I felt it cleansing and medicinal with all the rich foods. Now into 2016, I am aiming to drink a large warm glass with fresh lemon everyday. It really is a ‘Magic Drink’!! It cleanses the liver, detoxes the digestive system, packed fully of Vit C to help boost collagen and smooth fine lines, and reduces inflammation in the joints and its antibacterial. Skin Glow in a glass!!

• Almond Butter

I have between 1½/2 tbsp a day ( I have actually been monitoring!!) . As well as the incredible skin glowing properties of almonds, it also helps to balance blood sugar levels, reduce sugar craving and lower blood pressure. PERFECT!

• Green Smoothie

Huge fan of my Nutribullet, it is the most used appliance in the kitchen. I will try to have a green smoothie every single day, to increase my dose of vegetables, blueberries, nuts and seeds. I may have one for breakfast if I’m in a rush, for a quick simple lunch or as a snack. Here’s what I normal put in:
– Handful of Spinach
– Handful of Kale
– Handful of frozen blueberries
– 2 tbsp of Oats
– 2 tbsp of Chia Seeds ( only if I haven’t had them in my morning porridge)
– Handful of Nuts (only if I haven’t already had them as a snack)
– 1 Tsp of cocoa powder (lowers blood pressure, stabilises blood sugar and tastes incredible)
– 1 banana (if it’s for breakfast or if I am working late and need extra energy)
– Almond milk
This is a real skin and immune boosting smoothie.

• Going outside for 5-10 minutes Everyday

Whatever the weather I will aim to get outside for at least 10 minutes (ideally 30mins). Just being outside really does make you feel better. As well as a vitamin D surge, it also boosts the circulation (great for the detoxing of the lymph for the skin), stimulates the bowels/digestion and lifts the mood.

• Double Cleanse with a Cleansing Balm

Every evening I do this, it’s like a mini facial. This will help maintain the oil levels of the skin and latterly make it glow! I do a full ‘Self Facial’ every week….ideally people would have a Facial 4-6 weeks, nothing transforms the skin like a proper facial.

• Facial Oil Every Evening

I have turned the massaging of facial oil in to my skin into such a habit that I would feel lost without it. It really does work and the results are visible within a few days.

• Body Brush

I have been known to take my Body Brush away on holiday!! I have dry brushed my skin for so many years, and I still love it. I normally do this every morning before getting in the shower. Great for skin tone, the appearance and feel of the skin and such a super boost to the circulation. I only started because I read that Elle Macpherson does it daily……that was 10 years ago….if it’s good enough for Elle……

• 1-2 litres of Water

I do struggle with this one. It’s my aim for turn this into habit for 2016. At work I get there easily, but when at home I tend to forget. Water Water Water…..no more need be written….we all know how good it is.

• A Handful of Spinach & Kale Everyday

I am actually going to do an entire Blog on how sensational Spinach & Kale are for you. Every single day Fenwick and I have a large hand full of each. Obviously, Fenwick’s are a little smaller, but I try and get it into his lunch and supper. Spinach and Kale are the highest super veggies ever……the whole body and skin will be thankful to have these everyday.

• A Handful of Blueberries

Again dear Fenwick is included in this!! Blueberries are little balls of powerful goodness. I use the Waitrose Essential frozen blueberries, and either add a large handful to porridge, puddings, or smoothies. Here’s why:

– Highest antioxidant level in any fruit or veg
This helps to combat the free radical damage to cells and DNA. Which basically means it slows down ageing!!

– Strong bones & Teeth
Full to the brim of iron, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, zin, Vit K and Vit C. This helps to build and maintain strong bones (one of the reasons Fenwick has them).

– High Fibre and Low Sodium Levels
Help to lower blood pressure and balance blood sugars.

– Prevents Heart Disease
High fibre, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin B6.

– Prevent Cancer
Sky high levels of antioxidants have been proven to help prevent inflammation and slow down & prevent tumours.

– Constipation
The fibre in the skin really does help keep a healthy gut and digestive system! Which in turn help flush toxins away and help the skin glow.

– PREVENT WRINKLES!!!
High vitamin C levels help with the production of collagen, so in turn the skin is smoother, softer and lines decrease.

However, please note……although Fenwick has a little handful a day, I still have yet to find any magical washing powder to remove the stains these berries cause….many an outfit has been ruined in the quest for health!!

• Limit my Coffee to One Cup

I could drink coffee all day!! However, I now just have one full caffeinated lovely coffee in the morning. I look forward to it (ideally in peace and quiet!) and drink it slowly. After that it’s herbal teas or decaffeinated. Caffeine dehydrates the body as so in turn dehydrates the skin, and over times increases the lines and wrinkles. Why are all lovely things bad for us?!?!

• Eat 3 Balanced Healthy Meals (& 2 snacks)

To be fair I have always done this, but I have made a point to never miss a meal or snack and to make sure they have a balanced level of proteins, fats & carbohydrates. I don’t’ count calories (I haven’t time to even begin with that fad) and I don’t excluded food groups. Clean healthy food will never make you fat, it’s the junk food and yoyo dieting that does. Keeping the blood sugar constantly balanced throughout the day prevents the increase of insulin in the body and so helps keep hormones level. Vital for good skin and happy mind.

• Keep Away from Bad Energy

This may seem a bit of a wishy washy one, but Stress is the Disease of Modern Life. Stress is also one of the biggest killers, causes of illness, depression and ageing. Only surrounding myself with kind, positive and supportive people really has and does lower my stress levels. I am so lucky at work to have the most wonderful clients. At times in my life I truly don’t know what I would have done without them. Even Fenwick’s life has been touched by the kindness of my clients and friends. His world revolves around his ‘doggie’ that was so kindly given to him. He would be lost without it and I would be lost without lovely people in my life. The saying:

‘Only Surround Yourself With Radiators Not Drains’

This is something I now stick to. Unless your life is made better by someone/something being in it, then it is probably best to remove them and the situation from your life. We all have stress in our lives, work, home etc but by removing stress where you can and letting go of things that do you no good, really is good for the skin, soul and health.

Even as I write this I know it may appear that I have some serious habits!! I also have the same amount of time as everyone else. I have done all (or at least attempted) of the above for years before having a baby and have carried on since Fenwick. I think it’s a case of priorities, yes I love glowing healthy skin, but more than that I love how all of the above make me feel. I like feeling physically strong, healthy and nourished. Putting the effort and time into a few (or all of the above) makes me really happy. I have learnt over the years that we are all more than just mothers, wives, girlfriends and our jobs……no one else will do it for you, you have to put yourself first. To Glow from the inside out is really about taking up a few little things this year for you. Even if it’s one thing, before you know it you’ll feel the benefits and within a month it’ll be such a habit that you will never stop. That is why Massage, Facials and most beauty treatments really come into their own…….it’s spending a little bit of time on yourself, away from everyday life.

I wish everyone the Happiest New Year and a wonderful 2016. Here’s to a Glowing Beautiful Skin in 2016 and a handful of spinach!!

Victoria xx

Healthy, glowing and radiant skin starts with proper nutrition and digestion. You can use all the expensive creams, lotions and potions but if your diet is bad your skin won’t be great. The cell renewal process of the skin takes about 4 weeks, so a change in the diet can take a little while to get the results but you will and it is worth it.

For years many people have shunned away from fats in the diet, thinking they will pile on the pounds, increase cholesterol and blood pressure. This is all not true. The right kinds and right amounts of good fats will actually help you lose weight (or maintain), lower your cholesterol and can help stabilise blood pressure and blood sugar levels. However, it is the incredible effect on the skin that we are interested in for this Blog.

Years of low fat dieting (and dieting in general) is shown on the face. Sallow, hollow, dull and dry skin is the result. We all want our skin to be plump, glowing and radiant. By going down the fat free or no fat route you will not achieve great skin, however much money you throw at products.

Each skin cell is surrounded by two layers of fat, this is the cell walls. Known as the phospholipid layer, it is made up of the fats we eat (or don’t) eat in our diet. The more good fats we eat the plumper and more radiant our skin is.

Which Fats to Eat?

The most important fat to include in your diet is Omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is Omega-3 that becomes part of the cellular structure of skin and thus making it plump and of good quality. Omega-3 also has anti-inflammatory & antioxidant properties and can help reduce spots and breakouts. Essential fatty acids cannot be made in the body, so have to be included in the diet. If not, the skin will show dryness, spots, redness and generally look dull and lifeless. EFA’s also help with hormone function/balance and moods. It is thought that a diet high in Omega-3 can help with depression.

Where to get Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids

• Oily Fish – sardines, maceral, salmon, sea bass etc

• Nuts

Almonds (my favourite)

Full of Vitamin E to help prevent ageing. Protects the cells from damage and is a powerful antioxidant. I have almond butter on toast every single morning (unless I have eggs cooked in coconut oil).

Brazil Nuts

Just 2 a day will supply all the selenium your body needs. Selenium helps repair cell damage, support the elasticity in the skin and prevent ageing. I eat my two every morning whilst making breakfast. After a week it just becomes a habit, but a good habit.

Walnuts

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids to keep the skin healthy and glowing, but also reduce inflammation. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of walnuts help prevent breakouts, so great for skin prone to acne, spots and redness.

• Seeds

Sunflower & Pumpkin Seeds

These are a powerhouse of Vitamin E, to help maintain the moisture in the skin and protects from free radical damage. I add one dessert spoon of each of these to my smoothie every day.

Chia Seeds

I will actually do an entire Blog on these sensational little black seeds. I couldn’t be without them, not only are the one of the highest sources of Omega-3 around, they also contain high levels of iron and fibre. I could go on and on about Chia Seeds but just take note and get them into your daily diet. The best find I have ever had for my skin!! I take 2 tbsp of chia seeds per day without fail.

I order these in 2kg bags from: www.infinityfoodwholesale.co.uk

• Grass-fed Beef

It is worth the extra money for the skin and health benefits. Grass feed beef contains less saturated fat, more Omega-3 oils, more linoleic acid (which helps reduce heart disease and cancer) and it is high in Vitamin E. Perfect if you don’t like fish!

• Avocado

Incredibly high in Vitamin E, as well as maintaining moisture levels of the skin from the inside out and keeping the skin hydrated. Sadly, this isn’t my favourite oil to eat, but I try to eat at least 2 a week, mashed up on toast with good olive oil, sea salt and black pepper…..it’s the only way I can take it!!

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a perfect was to fill your body with essential fatty acids. What isn’t there to love about coconut oil?! It is anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and can boost the immune system. This is the fat to include if you suffer from breakouts, candida, spots and dry skin. In fact, everyone should include this in their diet for glowing skin and general good health!! I cook with coconut oil. Eggs, stir-fry’s, potatoes etc. It is an easy oil to squeeze into your diet, cheap and found in Waitrose…..what more could you want!!

How Much?

At present there are no guidelines to how much to consume per day or week. I personally try to include good fats where I can in my diet. I have almond butter for breakfast, nuts & seeds in smoothies and snacks, I eat oily fish at least 2/3 times per week and cook with coconut oil. My weight never really changes (if it does it is because of increased sugar consumption!!), my skin is always soft, glowing and good (most of the time) and my hair grows quickly and since upping my intake it seems much thicker and better quality.

Over the years I can take one look at someone skin and see if they are not eating essential fats and dieting without balance. Fats in the diet are a necessity, not just for the skin but for hormonal and mental balance (hence why people on diets are grumpy, snappy and miserable!!).

It is not fat the makes you fat!! I love fat and have full fat organic milk, organic butter, oils, nuts & seeds and oily fish. Eat it wisely, eat it regularly, take exercise and take care of your skin externally. All the products in the world won’t give you glossy, glowing and age proof skin…..but a balanced diet high in omega-3 will without a doubt help.

Don’t strive for a sunken hollow face, aim for a radiant plump and glowing complexion. Enjoy those nuts (salt free!), roasted potatoes (in olive oil) and salmon this Christmas and add “Increase good fats into my diet” in your New Year’s resolutions!!

Happy Eating,
Victoria xx

Please Note: To help the omega-3 metabolise in the skin it is also important to have the nutrient Biotin in the diet. This can be found in egg yolks, sweet potato, chard, tomatoes, avocados and almonds.

Please Note: The reason I drink full fat organic milk, is that it is higher in Omega-3’s, full of Vitamin A and E. It also contains higher levels of calcium and less sugar.

I am all for being practical when it comes to Christmas presents. I tend to buy things for people I wish I had. I am then always so proud that I actually give them to the person intended!! As for what I would like myself, again it is practicality the whole way. Being given beautiful products has always been my favourite gift. So I figure a list of things that I love, might be a list of things you will all try and love!!

My List:
It is my addiction and obsession, here is the list of my top favourites and a sure way to happiness (for my skin!)

• SUTI Cleansing Balm
I seriously can’t have enough of this bliss in a jar. Leave on for half an hour during the second cleanse and it is a masque and treatment in one.

• Pixi Glow Tonic
Amazing stuff and such good value. I use once/twice a week to brighten, glow and rid the face of those dead grey skin cells, perfect for those Autumn/Winter months.

• Caudalie Beauty Elixir
My everyday spray tonor. I use morning and night and never tire of the beautiful smell and soothing it brings to the skin.

• Suti Nourish Face Oil
Morning & Night I use this. I actually start to panic when I’m running low on it. Oils nourish, smooth and make the skin glow. Just what we all need!!

• Serozinc
A must have for EVERYONE!! At £8.50 is affordable for everyone too. Heals, repairs and soothes……what more do you want in a can?!?!

• Almond Butter (Crunchy)
I eat enormous amounts of this stuff everyday. Skin health starts internally and almonds are incredible for the skin. Waitrose £3.99…..why wouldn’t you?!

• Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Oil
My obsession with this incredible product still hasn’t left me. I used it all the way through my pregnancy and have yet to find anything that comes close for softening and smoothing the skin.

• AHA Liquid Gold
Will have to do a whole Blog on this incredible product. IT IS SENSATIONAL. I use once/twice a week and it has transformed my skin.

• Jo Loves
Anything by Jo Loves. Jo Malone is back but better than before and stronger than ever. The bath & shower gel in ‘Green Orange & Coriander’ is my daily wash!

• Les Exclusifs Chanel Perfume (a secret one from this range!)
I was introduced to my favourite ever perfume by one of my most glamorous and beautiful clients. Unfortunately, she also has exquisite taste that is expensive, and boy is this expensive!! This perfume make me happy with each spray, it is without a doubt the most incredible fragrance I have ever smelt. I have never had more compliments when I wear it. Infact, I have been stopped numerous times by men to ask me what it is, so they can buy it for their wives!! Seriously!! Sadly, I won’t tell anyone……somethings are best kept a secret!!

• Health
Without our health we have nothing. Money can’t buy health back. Good food, daily exercise, good living and loving what you do I think really helps in achieving good health. I wish good health for everyone. At the end of the day it’s all we have.

• Love
Love is what fuels the soul. I’m a big fan of love…..a hopeless romantic. There is nothing better for the soul!! So excited to spend time with the people I love this Christmas!! As Fenwick’s second Christmas, this one is going to be amazing!! Never have I know a Christmas tree to be so exciting to anyone, heaven help us when presents appear!!

There is so much excitement around Christmas but for many people it is one of the saddest and loneliness times of the year. Christmas lists aside, I feel very blessed to have a funny, kind, beautiful and healthy little boy, an incredible family, wonderfully special & fiercely loyal friends, the most amazing supportive clients and a job I bound out of bed for. I wish everyone all they wish for and more……and I hope a cheeky little jar of Almond Butter & a Facial Gift Voucher makes it into everyone’s stocking!!

Victoria xx

Happy Christmas xxxxx

Cleaning the skin can be an absolute minefield. Creams, gels, washes, oils, balms…..the list goes on. When it comes to cleansing, keep it as simple and natural as possible.

No foaming washes please!! These strip the skin and turn the skins acid mantle alkaline, which is a haven for bacteria.

No facial wipes please!! These just smear the makeup and dirt over the face whilst covering you in a layer of mineral oil. Yuck.

I swear by and think that every skin should be using Balm Cleansers. They cleanse the skin thoroughly, removing all traces of makeup, eye makeup, dirt and oil but without drying or stripping the skin.

Choosing a plant-based oil Cleansing Balm will also nourish and treat the skin too. No mineral oil cleansing balms please! Cleansing Balms start in a solid or semi solid state and turn to oil with the heat of the hands and the massaging of it into the skin. They do not affect the pH levels, resulting in cleansed, calmed, soft and protected skin.

Please note:
• Apply cleansing balms, oils and creams to dry skin with dry hands.
• Fresh facial cloth/flannels each day to remove the product.
• Soak the cloths/flannels in warm water and wring them out before applying to the face.
• Buy lovely cheap chunky flannels and just pop them in your daily washes.
• Cheap but brilliant at removing makeup and with the added benefit of gentle exfoliation too.

The Morning Single Cleanse

Cleanse once. You must, it removes all the sweat and toxins from when you have been sleeping. No need to do a double cleanse but you must cleanse once. Go for a cheaper balm here, as there isn’t really hard work for it to do.

I recommend
• Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm (£15.50 per 100ml)
This would be my morning cleanser of choice. I use this one every morning. It turns from a balm into oil and then emulsifies with water to turn it milky. I love the feeling of water on the skin in the morning, so I massage quickly in with hands, remove with a clean flannel and then rinse with water.
• Champneys Super Rich Cleansing Balm (£15.00 for 100ml)
• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (£22.00 for 125ml)
• Boots Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm 65ml (£8.99) This is a great purchase for first evening cleanse and morning cleanse.

Evening Double Cleanse

• First Cleanse
This removes dirt, grime, all makeup (including waterproof mascara) and excess oil. So I recommend using a cheaper cleansing balm. Ideally, the one that you use for a morning cleanse.
• Second Cleanse
The Balm you use for this 2nd cleanse really wants to be the best you can afford.
Think of the second cleanse as a treatment for the skin. It is far more than just a cleanser. It will nourish, soften, smooth, soothe and balance. Take your time with the second cleanse and really massage the face with it.
Please note that using cleansing balms saves on eye makeup removers and a little always goes a long way, so actually work out very economical.

My two favourites are:
• ‘Suti Cleansing Balm’ (£33.00 for 50ml)
Pure luxury and my favourite smelling product ever. I use it by the bucket load in Facials at the salon!!
I can’t recommend this product enough, especially for skins suffering from breakouts, dryness, flushing and hormonal changes. Quite expensive compared to some BUT a little goes a very long way and it lasts for ages.

• Emma Hardy ‘Moringa Cleansing Balm’ (£38.00 for 100ml) A delight to use, just gorgeous.

Cleansing Balms help to clean, nourish, soften and balance the skin. It may seem strange to begin with but stick with it, you will never look back.

Balm Cleansers are without a doubt my favourite products. They can be expensive and take a little more time, although well worth the money and effort.

You wear your face everyday and want it to look good well into old age. This really is the time to use your ‘rainy day’ fund!

Victoria x

This is something I am asked about almost weekly, even before I had Fenwick. What to use and do to prevent and help stretch marks.

My answer has always been the same…..NATURAL NATURAL NATURAL!! When you’re pregnant your hormones levels change (don’t we know it!!) and so too does the skin. Your poor tummy is being stretched beyond belief and the thought of stretch marks lurking in the shadows is pretty much the cherry on the cake with everything else we are going through.

I do have a huge belief that there is a genetic role to play in stretch marks. My mother and sister both didn’t get them and I have been lucky enough with this pregnancy to not either. However, I did take really good care of my tummy, hips, thighs and breasts for a good three months before falling pregnant, during and three months post pregnancy.

Lots of women buy into the ‘Bio Oil’ advertising. This is the one product I really DO NOT recommend. Bio Oil is made up of a substance called mineral oil. Mineral Oil is a man-made product that is a by-product from the distillation of petroleum. There is nothing in mineral oil that will care, protect and prevent stretch marks or help with current ones and scarring. Mineral oil just sits on the skin like cling film and has absolutely no benefit to the skin. It is cheap and companies use it to bulk out their products and thus make a bigger return. Please do not put any cream or oil on the skin with ‘mineral oil’ ‘liquid paraffin’ or ‘paraffinum liquidum’ in the ingredients list.

You really want to be using natural plant based oils, especially when pregnant. They are more expensive but they work. Plant based oils are absorbed and so can work on cell repair, they are full of essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. These are all needed when the skin has increased sensitivity due to raging hormones and is stretching at a rapid speed.

This is what I did/used throughout my pregnancy:

• Balance Me ‘Super Moisturising Body Oil’ (£24.50 200mls)
I used this every morning after showering on tummy, hips, thighs and breasts. The neroli in it smells divine and it is light enough to dry quickly. My skin felt like silk after using this.

• Waitrose Bottom Butter!! I know this sounds crazy, but I adore the richness of this balm. It is primarily olive oil and smells incredible. I used this every single evening. I wore an old t-shirt to bed to prevent oils stains, as I really did lather it on. At £3.25 it also is affordable to use in outrageous amounts.

• I took a ‘Prenatal Vitamin’ supplement 3 months before, throughout and 3 months after pregnancy.
• I use the homeopathic remedy ‘Calc Fluor’ which helps with the elasticity of connective tissue (which helps prevent stretch marks). Note, please see a qualified homeopath before taking remedies.
• Vitamin C. I took extra Vit C as it helps with collagen production.
• MorDHA fish oils.
• I steered away from sugar (it was so hard!). Sugar is metabolized via the kerb cycle and this releases free radicals which break down connective tissue. You want all the strong connective tissue you can get when you bump is growing!!

The above all worked for me and I would do/use the exact same again. However, I would say that even if you have stretch marks the above would still be beneficial. Massaging natural oils rich in essential fatty acids will help keep the blood supply flowing as close to the stretch marks as possible and help the tone and feel of the skin.

I have a pigmentation mark under my right eye from my pregnancy. I think of it as my ‘Fenwick Scar’ and I am proud of it. Shame on anyone who points it out, how rude! Stretch marks are just scars of the amazing achievement that your body has been through and you should be proud. If anyone comments about them, let it be water off a ducks back and remember the amazing child you have created. You and your body are incredible and your scars prove you’re a hero!!

Victoria