SunScream: Prickly Heat Do's & Don'ts

I haven’t updated this blog in a LONG time. Soz about that but I was planning a little thing called a wedding! I am now Mrs M and loving married life. And I now that wedding planning life has ceased, I have TIME. Time to write!

We’re currently on honeymoon in Ibiza, the White Isle, home to many an amazing sunset and many brilliant clubs. We haven’t been doing the latter of the two, preferring to basically eat great food and chill on our private balcony in the north of the island (BLISS). However, whilst we’ve been here, I’ve had to deal with a little unprecedented thing called prickly heat. I have been COVERED. Arms, legs, body. And it hasn’t been pretty.

I have suffered badly in the past (more so when I was a teenager) and it’s ruined a few holidays as I’ve been so damn uncomfortable. The last couple of excursions abroad have been fine and I’ve only suffered a little bit in the usual places (bit of redness in elbow creases...nothing to write home about), so I thought I’d be sorted for our honeymoon with my foolproof routine. Apparently not.

Over the past 5 years or so, I’ve hunted high and low for sunscreen solutions for my crazy, sensitive, sun-intolerant skin, trying everything from high-end to high street. For the last couple of sun-packed, relaxing holidays, my skin LOVED Green People’s Scent Free Sun Cream, which has no nasties, but then my body thought, NAH, don’t like you anymore.

At this point, I found beauty goddess’ Lisa Eldridge’s sun screen tips, which I have to say are brilliant, and she gives an informative run down of her top products, specifically focusing on different UVA/UVB filters (chemical and mineral) and which work best for different skin types. With these tips in mind, I started to use (long name alert) Institut Estherderm’s Sun Intolerance High Protection Body Spray, which for the past couple of years, has been doing the trick and my skin has been a-ok. So like, clockwork, my skin decided again to say a big FU to the French skincare brand, and have a complete change of heart.

I’ve done a lot of research the past few days. I hadn’t planned to be this productive on honeymoon (I hadn’t planned to be productive at all) but I’ve picked up some good tips, found some links and products which are helping me out of the mire of prickly heat so that I can ACTUALLY DO THINGS in the heat. If you suffer from prickly heat like me, hopefully these will help you out so you don’t feel like a scaly, spotty beast on holiday:

DO

Go to the chemist straight away.

This is something I failed to do this time around, only visiting 3 days into feeling insanely uncomfortable (“It’ll be fine…it’ll go in a couple of days if I stay out of the sun” *eye-roll AT MYSELF*) JUST GO TO THE CHEMIST.

They hooked me up with a steroid/calamine cream called Calmiox which is the shiz, and is like Hydrocortisone with added oomph. My skin is feeling so much calmer after just one day of use…just wish we had more time of honeymoon now to actually enjoy me being prickly-heat free. With all creams like this, the advice is to not use for longer than 3-5 days as steroid creams can cause the skin to thin. 

Keep cool and hydrate

A couple of things I swear by to keep you cool, prickly heat or not, are Avene’s Eau Thermale Water Spray (keep it in the fridge) which is a god send; spray it on hot skin and your body will thank you no end. Your next best friend? Calming Aloe Vera Gel. My favourite is Holland and Barrett’s own (which I’ve also kept in the fridge whilst we’ve been away). Luckily for us, our hotel grows actually aloe vera plants in their grounds, and the owner presented me with a big jar of the natural sap when she knew I was having some skin issues, and it’s been incredible. 

Pick-up some mineral-based suncream

For me, my honeymoon downfall has been my ‘foolproof’ Institut Estherderm sun protection. Don’t get me wrong, it works in some climates. However, it has not been my friend in Ibiza. Queue finding Get The Gloss’ brilliant articles on sun protection ingredients to avoid and a handy list of top sun creams for sensitive skin.

I managed to hunt down a couple of the products mentioned in a pharmacy, so will be testing these out in the last few days of our time in the sun.

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DON'T

Swim

Yes. Don’t swim. Whilst on holiday. Really it should say don’t swim too much. If your pool is chlorine based, IMO and in my experience, this will only aggravate a heat-rash further.  If you do want to swim, make sure it’s first thing in the morning or last thing at night when the sun is low and isn’t reflecting off the pool. 

Wear anything other than light clothing

Again, a massive fail from me on honeymoon. With being so utterly confident that my skin would be fine (again, insert eye-roll), I brought denim shorts more than light linen dresses. Don’t do it and don’t wear the denim if you have a sun sensivitity. It will only make your skin feel worse! So basically, I have loads of lovely new clothes, that I haven’t even worn…ridiculous. I’ve lived in a linen kaftan for the past week that I bought in a shop in Ibiza Town. Lesson. Firmly. Learned.

Eat processed foods

I eat pretty well most of the time. 80/20 rule and all that. I have however found that eating as well as I can has helped keep my skin cool. I’ve eaten loads of fresh and very hydrating fruits (melon, watermelon) and lots of skin-kind things/healthy fats - oily fish, almonds and avocado. Make sure what you’re eating is an close to it’s natural form as possible.

Exercise

Blocked sweat glands is what causes prickly heat, so to ensure it doesn’t get any worse, avoid excessive sweating. This has killed me whilst we’ve been away. I’ve had grand plans for HIIT workouts and early morning running which have been well and truly scuppered. It really does make things worse so just try and eat as well as you can and walk in the early morning and evenings. You can get back on the exercise train when you’re in in cooler climes. 

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Links which are worth a read for sun-sensitive skin:

• Madeleine's Shaws Guide to Foods That Fight Sunburn
• Get The Gloss' Beginners' Guide To Sensitive Skin
• Get The Gloss' Chemical Preservative News

Do you suffer from the dreaded prickly heat? Has it ruined your time in the sun? Let me know your top tips/products! I'm all ears. 

VITAMIN TALK

Today I’m letting you in on what’s on the shelf in my bathroom cabinet, and talking vitamins and supplements; what I take and why I take them.

As well as eating a pretty balanced diet, and trying to get in as many vitamins and essential micronutrients as I can through food, it can sometimes be a struggle to get in the right levels of what my body needs. I’ve been taking some extra supplements for quite a while now, to help with some specific things in my lifestyle i.e. fatigue and tiredness, to see if these have any effect.

So with that in mind, I’m bringing you a very quick run down of the vitamins I’m currently taking - if I think they’re actually doing anything, if I’ll continue taking them or switch things up.

Perfectil Hair, Skin and Nails

These are like little magical tablets of beauty. I started taking them everyday about a year ago and I’ve noticed such an improvement in everything they claim to help, but particularly my skin. My friend Katie said my skin was looking very healthy and glowy a couple of weeks ago (on what I thought was a bad skin day!) so that was a great boost and nod to the tablets actually doing something. Taking this and eating lots of things like almonds (for that vitamin E fix) have been really helping keeping my hair, skin and nails looking good. A keeper!

Vitamin B12

A relative newbie to my supplement cabinet, I added a separate vitamin B12 tablet into the mix to mainly help with fatigue. I get tired very easily and I’ve noticed a huge improvement from taking these – ain’t so snoozy all the time anymore! And because of this, my overall productivity has been massively up, which is excellent in my books. Two thumbs up.

Cod Liver and Evening Primrose Oil

I’ve taken a combination cod liver/evening primrose oil capsule for years now. For me, it’s a great way to get those omega 3 fatty acids in for bone strength and overall health. Mega winner. However, I might do a month without to see what impact this has or just start taking a pure cod liver oil tablet rather than a mix. Just, y'know, to mix things up. 

Holland and Barrett Radiance Multi Vitamins and Minerals with Iron*

A new addition to the mix are the Holland and Barrett Radiance Multi Vitamins. These little guys pack every vitamin and mineral imaginable, with added iron to help with fatigue etc. I’ve been taking these for around a month now and the improvement in my complexion for one has been pretty damn good – paired with the Perfectil Hair, Skin and Nails tablet, this seems to be a dream combo! I've also felt more sprightly on the whole and had bags of energy. Well done H&B multi vits!

What’s in your vitamin cabinet? Let me know what you take as part of your health and wellbeing plan and anything you would recommend. 

A Guide to Healthier Skin

Image source: Pinterest

It’s fair to say my body’s been through the mill a bit and I’ve had my fair share of weird health ups and downs. One of my best pals always used to call me the Allergy Kid in our teens, and for good reason. I was always run-down, had skin woes and pretty bad asthma. 

One of the biggest issues I’ve had though, has been with eczema, a painful skin condition which stopped me from doing a loads of things as a kid. I had a couple of particularly bad episodes when I was around 11/12 (thanks body for giving me this awesome look when becoming a teen, really thank you), when eczema all over my legs became infected after a summer holiday; I shudder thinking about it now. It was not pleasant.

Even though my skin on the whole calmed down into my late teens/early twenties, it then pretty much thought “What can I do next to piss Alice off?” and prickly heat then ensued after every tiny bit of sunshine I came into contact with, leaving me with giant itchy red patches in my elbows creases and behind my knees. I badly wanted to cover them up so that I didn’t look like a ‘freak’ (<<<this? ridiculous) but it just made it worse. 

Over the past 5 years, since my love for wellbeing, cleaner eating and fitness has grown, I can’t even begin to tell you the difference this kind of lifestyle this made to my skin, confidence and general life. So, here I thought I’d share with you some of the best things that have helped calm my skin issues and how they could help you too if like me, you’ve suffered and/or are suffering with a skin complaint. (Disclaimer: I’m in no way a skin expert. These are things that from my own personal experience have helped my skin get healthy). 

Getting my bride on at Charlotte Tilbury

So, as you may have seen me mention (once, twice or a million times - soz), I'm getting married next year! In nine months to be precise, which is a little scary but mega exciting.

I'm getting fully into the swing of prepping and planning (including a big ramp up in training), so when an invitation to have my make-up professionally done at the very shiny and new Charlotte Tilbury counter at Fenwick, Newcastle came through, I knew this would be an amazing opportunity to road-test a few things I had in mind (and also swoon over products I've been dying to try for months. Thank the sweet lord for bringing your brand to Newcastle, Charlotte).

#FiveThings

What a couple of months. So much has happened and there's been a lot of change over a short period of time (that does crazy things to your head!)

Here’s a little look into life lately.

1. Moving on, m-moving on.

I have a new job! After three brilliant years in my previous job, I’ve flown the nest to another super creative communications agency in the Toon. Such an exciting move for me professionally, and it’s great to be spreading my wings. My lovely pals from DC gave me an ace send off - they were obviously sick of my healthy eating chat. 

2. #thislasscan

The running bug has well and truly bitten me again, and thank the Lord as it's just in time for the Great North Run. You may remember last year, my GNR was a bit of a disaster. Actually a massive disaster. But this year will be better as I won't have been poisoned.... I've also been nailing the heavy weights in the gym which I'm super chuffed about, long may it continue. #girlgainz 'n all that!

3. Supercharged coffee
My gym, The Fitness Rooms, opened their food and drink station FUEL@TheFitnessRooms a few months ago, but it's recently been taken over and they've seriously upped their game with a great selection of drinks and protein treats to fuel a good workout. I've been a little bit obsessed with the iced vanilla protein lattes using my favourite supplements brand, the brilliant Genetic Supplements (more on them to come soon). Next on my list to try at FUEL? Their bulletproof coffee.

4. Getting tidy
This book's being doing the rounds on the socials recently and for good reason. The Life Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo looks a decluttering for good with her KonMari technique. Hoping by the time I've finished it, I'll finally get round to sorting the bulk of my belongings that I left at my parents' house when I moved out three years ago (sorry Mum).

5. One year to go
As if it's now less than a year until we get hitched. Save the Dates are being printed as I speak - can't wait to get those bad lads out the door. Joe and I are having the best time planning (thanks Pinterest) and can't wait to share some snippets of the exciting things we have planned for our big day. Next thing on our list is to get our honeymoon booked up. Did someone say Bali?

Stay tuned for some proper blog posts - some exciting stuff coming up. Watch this space!

Post-Run Recovery Tips

So, as I shared in my April Goals post on Thursday, I ran a half marathon this weekend. And what a half marathon in turned out to be! I somehow (?) managed a new personal best of 1 hour and 57 minutes, which I could not be more over the moon with. All that leg strength work at the gym totally did the business, and I found the run more of a pleasure than a hard slog. Looking forward to taking this strength into the rest of my running and weight training. Happy face.

Now, I've got to say, my limbs are aching already (and I have a cracking blister. Lush.), so I've pulled together some handy tips for post-race recovery. It's one thing to train hard and run a good race, but recovery is a whole other ball game. I regularly follow these steps after a hard training session or race event, to keep my body in top form.

So, here we go - here's how I'll be helping to heal those aching muscles post-run.

Refuel
After 13.1 miles of running, refuelling in the right way is essential for muscle repair and restocking those energy stores.

Something with a high protein and carb content will be key for your first big meal after a race (steak and sweet potato chips, pls) but straight after the race, grabbing something quick like a banana and coconut water is ideal for a quick energy hit. I did this straight after my run and also followed it up with an energy boosting coconutty maca smoothie after my drive back from Sheffield. The maca powder totally hit the spot with it's energy raising properties and even a couple of hours after having this smoothie, I felt totally revitalised. Good old maca.

Stretch
To make sure those limbs don't stiffen up and you don't end up walking around like John Wayne for a week, stretch. Lie on the floor with your legs up the wall, crack out that foam roller! Stretching straight after running is something that I usually forget (tut), so when I've finish a race now, I do a really quick stretch off for 5-10 minutes, and then a more focused stretch about an hour afterwards. I'll also be limbering up with some yoga over the next few days, and in the spirit of my April Goals, stretching it alll out with Yoga with Adriene.

Soak
Get those sea salts to hand and liberally chuck them in a hot bath - the minerals in these guys help to sooth achey muscles and relax the body. I'll be doing the double after my run, and bringing out the Lush bath bombs for a super indulgent second soak. Definitely deserve a bit of indulgence after a long run, amirite?

Relax
My advice? Don't do any exercise the day after the run. Just chill the hell out. Your muscles have been through a lot and they need some time to get to know themselves again. I'll be chilling out, on the sofa and ploughing through my latest holy grail read, Amelia Freer's Eat. Nourish. Glow. This women seriously knows what she's talking about and her practises are helping me no end with my Nutrition Advisor course. Get this is your Amazon basket now, and see what all the hype is about.

How do you reboot after a run or fitness challenge?

The Weekday Face | Beauty

When doing my maquillage this morning, I realised I've pretty much been wearing the same weekday make-up for, well, a good few weeks now.

I work in an office environment, so make-up with staying power is key for me, so I can laugh in the face of the dreaded air-con. It's also super easy to remove - I'm training a lot after work at the moment, whether it's at the gym or training for the Sheffield Half Marathon, and this whole face can be removed in a few quick swipes with some trusty old micellar water before I workout. Bonus.

So, here we go. Here's what's been winning in the everyday make-up dept.

Battle of the Cleansers | Beauty

I've been on somewhat of cleanser quest the past few months. Skincare is kind of a big deal for me and I don't mind spending a bit of dollar to keep it looking on top form, afterall 2015 is about looking after my health and myself (rhyming cringe)

Now I still love a bit of the original Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser, but something about the creamy formula just hasn't been cutting the mustard recently. My skin got a bit used to it, and it just wasn't getting the daily grime off, so I decided to switch things up. Oil, gels, balms; you name it, I've tried it.

So, following my extensive research, here's a line-up of my three current favourites.

The New Essentials | Beauty

Ah payday, that wonderful day every month where everything is great with the world. Then you go to shopping. And then you have no money because you've splurged on hair and beauty products. But, you look great for the rest of the month. A weird all round win-win situation.

I purchased a few much-needed staples this payday - some different iterations of favourite products and some brand spanking new things to try.

Here's the lowdown.

Top 5 Holiday Heroes

It's that time of year again pals. The clocks have sprung forward signalling the start of summer. Thank the LORD.

Well it definitely ain't feeling like summertime here, so a couple of weeks ago, me and Joe escaped the freezing cold climes of the North and headed off to catch some rays in the Canary Islands.

Firstly, going on holiday in March threw me completely; the idea of having a holiday so early on in the year just felt damn wrong, but it was actually just the ticket. We spent the week chillin' out max, eating great food and suppin' on cocktails poolside. Also, I drank my weight in Watermelon Margaritas (best drink EVER, definitely one to try and recreate).

Hot and sunny weather means a whole different kind of beauty routine to the norm, so here are my top five holiday hero products to help keep you looking cool in the heat.

Sun Protection: Institut Esthederm Sun Intolerent High Protection Body Spray
My skin and the sun really aren't the best of friends. I love the sun but the sun don't love me. I suffered terribly with infected prickly heat when I was younger, thanks to my very weird skin (I had bad eczema as a child, and my skin became really un-absorbent and I get blocked pores very easily). I still suffered badly with prickly heat through my late teens and early twenties, trying every product I could get my hands on to help sun intolerant skin like mine survive in the heat. A few products have eased my troubles short-term, but none quite like the Sun Intolerant Protection Body Spray by the French brand Institut Estherderm. This has literally changed my life. I know that sounds dramatic but it really has. Even up to a couple of years ago, I would get prickly heat as soon as it got 20 degrees+, coming out in an awful rash despite slathering on what I thought would help prevent it. I used to feel terribly self conscious about this and had covered it up wearing long-sleeved tops. Just plain awful. I discovered this bad lad whilst checking out Lisa Eldridge's (girl crush) favourite sunscreens video, where she mentions IE. She explained their sun care range was great for people with problem skin, so I hopped on down to my local Space NK where a sales advisor pointed me in the direction of Sun Intolerant Protection Body Spray. I used this first in California in September and then again in the Canaries, and boy does that stuff work. No sign of the nasty prickly heat rash, so I actually managed to enjoy these holidays properly. Pricey yes, but totally, totally worth it.

Hair Care: Lush Shampoo Bar
No one wants to be lugging around a big old bottle of shampoo on holiday. Even miniature shampoos don't quite tick the box for me. Enter Lush Shampoo Bar in Godiva. This jasmine and nut-oil packed gem of a product is easy to sling in your washbag for your holiday, and very long-lasting. I washed my hair everyday and the bar didn't even seem to lose it's size and shape at all. How incredible? It lathers up well and leaves your hair feeling clean and light. And as with all Lush products, you can imagine this smells pretty great. My advice? Pair your bar with the great little tin that Lush stocks to keep it dry and last even longer.

The tropical blush: Benefit Coralista
Sunshine for me equals sun-kissed skin and a bit of shimmer for the ultimate holiday make-up look. Now as I don't tan at ALL, Coralista is the perfect flush of colour to help me cheat that healthy holiday glow. The warm coral tone lifts the whole look of your face instantly. This will be my go-to summer blush.

The perfect lightweight base: Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour CC Cream
Full coverage foundation in the sun is a massive no no. You want to keep your look fresh and simple, so when Lily mentioned Bourjois' CC Cream I knew this could be just the thing to keep my skin looking shipshape in the sun without having to pile on a heavier base. Available in four shades, the lightweight formula blends easily into the skin with fingers, and as you'd expect a CC cream to, it corrects any pigmentation/redness issues in the skin for a light and fairly long-lasting make-up base. A winner all round in my book.

Post-Holiday Hero: John Frieda Frizz Ease Nourishing Hair Elixir*
The hot sun and all that swimming can leave your hair feeling a little dry, and when I got home, I lathered on John Frieda's Nourishing Hair Elixir. I've used a few hair oils before, but this is lovely and lightweight, and where other oils have made my hair feel greasy, this didn't at all. The Frizz Ease range caters more for curly and frizz-prone hair, but this was perfect for me to return my hair to it's smooth and glossy state.

What are your holiday hero products?

Inspiration: Daydream, I fell asleep and met the flowers.

When I was in Oxfordshire visiting my sister around a month ago, I took these photos of the blossom trees in her little village; everything I love about Spring. Also, the weekend I visited saw the annual Ducklington Fritillary show taking place. I love village events like this...tea and cakes in the village hall, Church members selling souvenir tea towels...just brilliant. Properly English.

© Alice Mary Barnes, 2011.

Paris Fashion Week: Celine

Celine A/W 11/12

Since Phoebe Philo took the reigns at Celine in 2009, the shows have usually been my highlight of the season. For Autumn/Winter 2011/12, Philo has surpassed herself and delivered, in my opinion, her best collection so far for the French house.

Inspired by vintage car upholstery, Celine's woman was firmly in the driving seat and in control: the outwear was just beautiful - the long coats in particular have overtaken my favourites at Aquascutum, and the wood panelling print was genius. Although minimal once again, everything was wearable,  extremely chic and brilliantly cool. And also, love seeing Myf Shepard back on the catwalk again! Such a beauty.

Such a chic colourway.

All images © fashiongonerogue.com

London Fashion Week: Jaeger, Jonathan Saunders and House of Holland

London Fashion Week is a great passion of mine; I worked backstage at some fantastic shows between 2008-2010 and it was incredible being able to witness first hand the vast amount of work that goes into putting a fashion show together (I loved it so much, I based my entire final major project at university around it!). Whilst it is incredibly sad not working on LFW currently, it is interesting to have a different view on it this time - from blogs to tweets, it is great to have the time to sit and sift through everyones comments on every show (and to be able to watch most of them online!) Here are my favourite shows so far...

Jaeger

Stuart Stockdale is no reiventing the wheel here, but is creating fabulous wearable and commercial clothes for a mass audience. Stand out pieces; the hot pink silk shirt, the beautiful outwear, the tomato red colour pops and the return of shearling! (and great casting again by my former employer Russell Marsh).

Jourdan Dunn / Maddie Kulicka

Suzie Bird / Marike Le Roux

Auguste Abeliunaite Tomasuite / Sara Blomqvist / Maddie Kulicka

Jonathan Saunders

One of the most genuine designers I have ever met, it was an absolute pleasure to work on Jonathan's shows for  2 seasons and work alongside his partner Adam, who is a very dedicated hard working associate casting director (and former model for Dries, Prada etc!)

This was Jonathan's best ever collection on my opinion; the use of colour in the tropical prints was transfixing and the shapes very wearable and;  Love the Louboutin shoes as well! 

Suzie Bird / Melissa Tammerjin

Kirsi Pyrhonen / Fabiana Mayer

Sara Blomqvist / Janice Alida

Marike Le Roux / Jourdan Dunn

House Of Holland

Somehow looking at this collection reminded me of Luella: for a cool young British girl who takes inspiration from her country's icons and puts a twist of things - tweed paired with striped socks and neon trims, a fantastic collection. Love love love the 'Hawt Couture' tee - a must have!

Tali Lennox / Jessica Clarke

Amanda Norgaard / Kelli Lumi / Auguste Abeliunaite Tomasuite

All photos © Style.com