Regime Magazine Spring 2023 : simplebooklet.com

CONTENTS2 - REGIME, Spring 2023 REGIME is the official online magazine fordigital beauty blog Regime Skin Care.Editor: Belinda BennettDesign: Belinda Bennettwww.regimeskincare.co.uk© Regime Skin Care & Belinda Bennett03SKINCARE - MAKE-UP - BEAUTY GIFTSWELCOME NOTEA few words from Editor Belinda BennettWe take a look at how to care for your skin aftera long, cold winter. Spring beauty tips and muchmore.A special supplement to mark InternationalWomen's Day.Check out our gift ideas for Easter 2023. Itincludes some egg-cellent deals on makeup andskincare products.Cancer and cosmetics - when the two can gohand-in-hand.05SKINCARE13INSPIRING WOMEN22GIFT GUIDE28OPINIONWe review a complete skincare kit that retailsfor under £10 and a powder foundation33REVIEWSWin a beauty treat on us!62COMPETITIONCancer and Cosmetics - can wigsand make-up spark an obsessionwith cosmetics? Meet the womanwho says it can.We review a powder foundationfrom Max Faxtor's trendingFacefinity range. Check out what wereally think of this product.

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WELCOMEREGIME, Spring 2023 - 3Hands up anyone else totally readyfor Spring! After a long winter, wecould all do with some sunshine.In this issue of REGIME, we channel the spiritof International Women's Day into a bit ofbelated inspiration.Throwing the spotlight on women who haveachieved their work and personal goals, wehope to offer insights into starting a businessand saving for travel. I would like to thank the women whoallowed me to interview them for this specialsection of the magazine. They truly areinspirational. On the beauty front, we take a look atskincare trends for the rest of this year. Asthe weather warms up, you will need tomake a few product switches. Discover howto look after your face - no matter theseason.Makeup-wise, we hone in on palettes anddiscover why they don't always deliver value.In the Opinion piece, I explore cancer andcosmetics. The reviews for this edition include askincare set from Superdrug.As always, there's a competition offering afab beauty gift, not to mention a round-up ofwhat we've been doing since Christmas.I hope you enjoy this issue of the magazineand encourage you to visit our website forregular new features and product updates.Editor & PublisherREGIME Magazinewww.regimeskincare.co.ukBelindaBennett

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SKINCAREREGIME, Spring 2023 - 5How to look after yourskin all year roundSeasonal product switches arerecommended to protect againstthe changing elements and ourskincare routine tips for 2023support this ethos. The trick is to remember to use lighter dailymoisturising products as the weather warmsup and richer creams to provide an effectivebarrier when things cool down. One thingthat must never change - all daytimeproducts should contain an SPF of at least30. Yes, even during the winter months. When it comes to this year's trends, skincareis reverting to tried and trusted basics.Expensive and fad products are off the table. With money tight, nobody has got sparecash to waste on electronic gadgets and'smart' products that under-perform but costa bomb. So, for this guide, we will focus onaffordable but highly effective solutions thatwill deliver results.ExfoliationNever use an exfoliating scrub with anelectronic cleansing deviceApply light pressure onlyChoose an exfoliator that providesmoisturisationRinse well and pat dryIf you want to use an electronic product toexfoliate, use it with a gentle foamingcleanser and for no more than two minutesDead skin cells and layers of baked-on grimedon't just block the pores, they make the skinlook dull. That is why exfoliation is an absolute'must' and our Top Tip for 2023.You don't have to exfoliate every day to revealradiant, glowing skin. Aim for at least twice a week.Tips for exfoliating:

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SKINCARE6 - REGIME, Spring 2023Applying too much pressure whenexfoliating can damage the skin. As well ascausing redness, it can lead to brokencapillaries. Be sensible; go easy. Believe it or not, one of the best brighteningtoners we tested last year was fromPoundland's #6 range.Layering serumsDon't layer more than two serumsChoose products that will offer the biggestbenefits - for example, if you have dry,mature skin, any combination of retinol,hyaluronic acid or Vitamin CWatch the strength - if you are new toserums, don't start with high-strengthproductsYes, you can target more than one skin concernat once.Layering serums isn't new, but it is catching on.The trick here is to always use the lightestserum first. For example, apply a hyaluronic acidserum before you reach for the heavier Arganoil.If the serums you want to use have a similarweight, apply the moisturising one first. Serum tips:An effortless alternative to layering serums is tobuy an all-in-one ACE serum, which isformulated with a combination of vitamins A(retinol), C and E. For regular product deals,follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.Alternatively, drop us a line or subscribe to ourfortnightly newsletter. You know the saying... Don't put off what youcan do today until tomorrow. The trend for brighteningtoners will ensure theproduct continues to be astaple of skincare routinesthis year. Brightening tonersUse morning and night for best resultsVitamin C toners are ideal and have comedown in priceEven inexpensive brightening toners caninclude some powerful ingredients, such asglycolic acid and niacinamideEnsure the toner you use is not drying - lookfor moisturising properties such as aloe veraand hyaluronic acidPopular throughout 2022, the trend forbrightening toners will ensure the productcontinues to be a staple of skincare routines thisyear. As well as reducing the appearance of darkspots, this is a product that smooths the skin -making the application of a serum and/ormoisturiser effortless. We recommend this type of toner for thoselooking to achieve naturally glowing skin.Toner tips:

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It is hard to believe but... Not all night creamsare moisturising. This can be especially truewith anti-ageing products. If you've evertried one and woken up with dry-feelingskin, you will know what I mean.If you use a serum, you should ideally aim touse a cream or gel that will lock that productinto your skin AND deliver moisturisation. One of the best products I've used thatachieves both is cheaper than chips - BootsGlow Peach Jelly Moisturiser. It's £4.50 andcan also be used as a make-up primer. Products that contain cica are a good bet,along with hyaluronic creams and gels. SKINCAREREGIME, Spring 2023 - 7Moisturising night creamsThink of your serum as the miracle workerand the night cream as the enablerDon't waste money on a cream thatincludes SPF for night-time useKeep it simple - a cream that purports totarget multiple skin concerns may notdeliver all-night hydrationDon't be afraid to use a gel overnightNight cream tips:NOTES: Multi-purpose products are under-rated. Cica balms, facial oils and moisturisinggels are all savvy buys.Facial oils, along with gel moisturisers, aregreat make-up primers and can also be usedto target dry patches of skin on the arms andlegs. Some facial oils can also be beneficial tocuticles and nails.As well as keeping things simple, there is justone more very important thing to mention -keep up your routine! Follow the same stepsevery day for best results.

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SKINCAREREGIME, Spring 2023 - 9This emerging fad uses pigments that areneedled into the skin.Semi Permanent Concealer is offered at aselect number of beauty clinics. However, thetools are freely available to purchase online -prompting many to go down the potentiallydangerous DIY route.Experts claim this new trend is an extension ofKorean skincare, best-known for its ridiculousnumber of topical treatments as well asstandard micro needling.We don't recommendsemi-permanentconcealersThere is a new beauty trend sweepingthe UK that promises to conceal darkcircles, uneven patches of skin andother facial imperfections on a semipermanent basis. But, if you wantclear skin, you should think carefullybefore following the crowd.It sees a medium coverage foundation appliedunder the upper layers of the skin tocamouflage problem areas and minimisesigns of ageing. It is said to help reduce theappearance of large pores as well as darkspots.The pigment is worked into the skin using anano-needling technique, often described as'non-invasive'. However, silicone tipped 'needles' penetratethe skin to a depth of 0.25mm. While nowherenear as deep as a tattoo needle, whichpenetrates the skin by 1mm to 2mm, a sloppyor poor application method can causeproblems.Anything that breaks the surface of the skinhas the potential to cause infection and issuesthat can lead to scarring.

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SKINCARE10 - REGIME, Spring 2023Nano needling kits available online, many soldin the form of a needling pen, may not be sterileand may not be suitable for the concealerproduct you use. They may also be labelled as ano-needle tool but, of course, the silicone tipsstill reach into the outer layers of the epidermis. As well as taking a chance on products, a noviceis unlikely to know how much pressure to apply. Base concealer sets are currently selling onlinefor under £30. Nano needle pens are availablefor under £16.But, because this technique requires expertknowledge, it should only ever be undertakenby a qualified beautician. Don't be fooled into thinking you can do ityourself at home - even if pen manufacturerstell you it is safe, gentle and painless. If it goeswrong, you could be left with a semi-permanent look for anything between a fewweeks to a few years. Imagine... with a concealerthat is the wrong shade!Nano needling, per say, has been a popularchoice when it comes to effectively applyingserums and collagen treatments to the face.When it comes to perfecting skin tone,however, there is an easier way...As well as taking a chanceon products, a novice isunlikely to know how muchpressure to apply. If you are concerned abouthyperpigmentation and other telltale signsof ageing, a few tweaks to your skincareroutine can yield impressive results.Regular exfoliation, along with the use of abrightening serum, can lead to a dramaticimprovement in as little as two weeks.

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SKINCAREREGIME, Spring 2023 - 11Belinda Bennett explainswhy she loves this skincareand make-up productDescribed as part make-up, partskincare, baking oil is something Ihad never come across untilrecently. The name didn't mean anything to me. Notin terms of beauty. You've got to admit, itsounds like something you may pour intoyour chip fryer or use to coat cake tins.But, having used Revolution's breakthroughproduct, I can honestly say it is a cosmetic Ican now not live without.It's so good, I feel like I've been way behindthe curve when it comes to discovering anew beauty must-have.Baking oil is ultimately a blend of natural oils.It has been developed to smooth, nourishand give the skin a radiant glow. Manufactured to complement baking powder(a modern version of loose face powder), whichsets foundation, evens the skin tone andreduces shine, it is the primer with multiplefringe benefits. Revolution says it creates a 'silky smooth base'and 'locks in' a make-up look for all-day stayingpower. But I love it for its skincare properties.The brand sells more than one version of thisproduct, and I have fallen in love with the citrusone - which I initially acquired as a gift (from myother half) in Revolution's Centre Stage make-up bundle. This vegan product contains hydrogenatedolive oil as well as vitis vinifera oil and a host ofother oils, including one derived from lemonpeel. It smells amazing.

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That is why I now use it in the evening as wellas the morning. I apply a layering techniqueand pair it with a hyaluronic acid serum beforeusing a night cream. My skin feels hydratedand soft 24/7.To be able to wear a lightweight powderfoundation at 57 has, quite literally, blown meaway. While 'baking' is a technique that deliverslong-lasting make-up looks, baking oil does alot more. As well as boasting flawless make-up,my face looks radiant.If you are looking to achieve an effortless lit-from-within glow and improve the condition ofyour skin, this product will do it!SKINCARE12 - REGIME, Spring 2023And here's the big deal... I'venoticed that fine linesaround my eyes look muchsmoother. Launched in 2018, I can't quite believe that it'sescaped my attention for so long. Price: From £4.99 to £5.99 for 18mls.The product is sold in a glass bottle with apipette, much like a serum. The consistency -and effect, I have discovered - is akin to the stuffyou find in high-end ceramide capsules. It canalso be likened to facial oil, especially onesmade with Argan extract.For reasons I will explain further down in thepost, I currently use it morning and night. WhenI first got it, I used it in the morning only as aprimer. I apply it to clean skin - around three to fourdrops. I've got mature skin, so a younger personmay need less product. After being massaged into the skin, this productwill initially produce a sheen. This is quitenormal and very similar to the sheen you wouldget after using Elizabeth Arden's Daily YouthRestoring Capsules. I usually wait a minute or two before applyingfoundation, but you don't have to. What I'vefound is that it renders make-up applicationeffortless. Even with use of a setting powder,you can achieve a dewy finish that looks likenatural skin. Because there is no powdery finish, I've beenable to move away from liquid and creamfoundations to Max Factor's fabulous Facefinitypowder foundation. So much easier. As well as being quicker to apply, it's less messy.I literally hate the feel of liquid foundation onmy fingertips. And here's the big deal... I've noticed that finelines around my eyes look much smoother. Their appearance now reminds me of the effectyou can achieve with either a professional facialor very expensive skincare products.

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At just 30 years old, Alice Ebdon isthe entrepreneurial owner of TheLovely Housekeeping Company inDorset.MOTIVATIONAL15- REGIME, Spring 2023 She is a modern Cinderella with aburgeoning can-do attitude. A real go-getter,Alice has built a successful business in thehighly competitive cleaning sector.If you think 'Bless this mess' is purely thedomain of outdated slogans, think again.Where there's muck, there is nearly alwaysbrass - something that isn't lost on the savvymother-of-two.Recognised as an entrepreneur among herpeers, she couldn't be better located tosatisfy the growing demand for high-qualitycleaning solutions. As well as making sure holiday lets inpicturesque West Dorset and East Devonmeet the highest possible standards ofcleanliness, The Lovely Housekeep Companyoffers a raft of specialist services.They include end-of-tenancy and biohazardcleans, as well as professional commercialcleaning.In addition, the business delivers personaliseddomestic cleaning services, oven cleaning(commercial and residential) and carpetcleaning.The Lovely Housekeeping Company has astellar reputation for commercial kitchencleans and preparing hospitality businessesfor life under new management. A business that is changing lives We asked Alice what prompted her to starther own business. "I’ve always had a streak of entrepreneurshipin me following a background in contentcreating and network marketing," sheexplained. "I’ve always strived to createsomething that is recognised and known -loud and proud - and, most importantly, tochange people's lives."In fact, Alice and her band of hard-workinghygiene experts are the go-to team to tacklehoarders' homes and those where theoccupant may need non-judgementalsupport to keep on top of household chores. These are jobs that are undertaken with careand compassion, while always deliveringsparkling results.Facing up to challengesAs with any business, there are challenges.Alice says: "Balancing all the areas of thebusiness at once is like a juggling act!Managing staff, calls, enquiries... The cleaningis the easy part!"There are positives to running her ownbusiness, she points out."The best thing about working for myself isnot having to answer to anyone and knowingwhat I’m building is for my future for myfamily.

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For International Women's Day 2023, Alicewants to give other women thinking of goinginto business encouragement. "My advice to others is to set a plan and make ithappen," she says. "You might fail, but at leastyou tried."You cannot create the life of your dreamssitting at home daydreaming."She adds: "Be professional and start with freeadvertising - there’s so much out there you canuse to create a business."For further information about The LovelyHousekeeping Company, which is based inLyme Regis, visit:Website Facebook TikTok MOTIVATIONALREGIME, Spring 2023 - 16"Also, of course, days off can be taken when Ilike."I am extremely proud of what I’ve achievedin two years, starting from a care assistant toa solo cleaner to a running business with afully booked diary and five team members."If you have the drive to achieve somethingin life, you will do it. There will be bumpsalong the road, but every day is a learningcurve."Growing her businessAlice isn't resting on her laurels. Scaling andgrowing her business is a priority.She said: "We have massive plans to growThe Lovely Housekeeping Company. I want ito be the best company around, offering thehighest standards of cleaning. We want tocontinue our expertise, with lots moretraining. We learn every day."

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MOTIVATIONAL18 - REGIME, Spring 2023Avid traveller LauraTaylor shares topbudget travel tips"Nothing beats the Caribbean sea." Aheartfelt statement shared on socialmedia by globetrotting mindfulnessguru and English teacher Laura Taylor.Of course, she penned the line whileactually being in the Caribbean(Bayahibe in the Dominican Republic,to be precise), adding: "Did you knowthe Caribbean stretches across 29countries? I’ve been blessed to havevisited three of them so far!"Laura may only have visited a small part of theCaribbean but she has, in fact, explored many,many other corners of the globe. Most of her extended trips have been in far-flung, exotic locations - Mexico, India and CostaRica, to name just a few. They have providedstunning backdrops for the images she shareswith her growing, engaged audience. At just 27, she has made travelling a priority. Itcomes first. It is what she is passionate about.But crisp, inviting images of crystal bluewaters, spectacular sandy beaches andmagnificent, towering palm trees aren't theonly reason why Laura has 'fans'. She isn't just a traveller, she is a savvy explorer.It is how she can afford to travel that is winningher so many admirers.Travelling can be reallycheap and easy - if you wantit to be. — Laura TaylorCurrently more than 4,200 miles away from herhome in Dorset, Laura found the time to sharesome of her budgeting secrets with us.

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MOTIVATIONALREGIME, Spring 2023 - 19She said: "I'm always asked how I can affordto travel so much and my answer is alwaysthis... Travelling can be really cheap and easy- if you want it to be. You just need to make ita priority."Budgeting for travelFor Laura, budgeting for travel is a constantin her life. During the months of the yearwhen she is in the UK, she saves every pennyshe can."When I’m at home, I make sure my rent isunder £400 a month so I can save more toleave sooner," she says. "The budget used tobe £250, but times have changed. "I rent a place that’s fully furnished so I don’tneed to buy furniture or accumulateanything that’s hard to store or willdepreciate in value."I don’t own a car, TV, etc. and I’ve actuallynever bought anything brand new. I put anaffordable amount into my savings every payday or invest in premium bonds so I can’taccess my money until I go away. Theamount will vary but, as long as I putsomething away, it all adds up."Laura says she is careful "not to spendmoney on things I don’t need - for example,new clothes, beauty products and homedecor". "I only buy what I need when saving, then Itreat myself to some new clothes before I goaway travelling."If you don't currently save your change, youshould. Laura points out, she puts every lastpenny of her spare change into moneyboxes. She once travelled Las Vegas on it!"I tell myself, if I need it, I can take it backout," she admits."Then, when I’m wanting to take some, I have adiscussion with myself - to see if what I want themoney for is worthy of reducing my travel fund."Keeping travel costs downLaura has lots of tips to share about economisingwhen abroad."I eat street food or buy from beach sellers or foodtrucks," she says. "I also go to street markets orsupermarkets - things can be as cheap as pennies(fruit and snacks) and, on average, a small meallike a hot dog or veggie snack can be £1."I also talk to locals or walk around an area to findcheap restaurants. However, cooking cansometimes be the cheapest option. All you caneat buffets are my fave! "These are ways I’ve made my food bills cheaper."

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However, she adds: "If I have a choice, I prefermy own space. I seem to find rooms as cheap asa hostel or for just a few quid more. If I had tostay in a hostel I would, but I usually find ways ofmaking cheap rooms work."Airbnb is one of her go-to brands for discountedaccommodation. Laura says, the discounts areespecially good for monthly stays. "Camping is super cheap," she adds. "You canrent tents or just buy your own. Dependingwhere you are, you can wild camp - an amazingexperience! I’ve lived on campsites."Laura also advocates finding work withaccommodation provided. MOTIVATIONAL20 - REGIME, Spring 2023There are downsides to travelling cheap. "Itisn’t all rainbows, and it’s not for the faint-hearted," Laura says. "But, for me, thebenefits and learning outweigh thedrawbacks."When it comes to accommodation, Laurahas some interesting tips - including ways tostay in places for free.If your budget is very tight, you may want totry a couch surfing app. "You can stay onpeoples couches, floors, garages, evengardens for free. I’ve been doing it since2015," she admitsOf course, with travel comes the opportunityto connect with new people. Over the years,Laura has made friends with people fromaround the world and, naturally, they areonly too happy to put her up if she happensto come their way."It is another incredible way of travelling forfree and saving money in between places,"she says.It isn't all rainbows and it'snot for the faint-hearted.But, for me, the benefits andlearning outweigh thedrawbacks.

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MOTIVATIONALREGIME, Spring 2023 - 21Laura initially got the travel bug in her teens.Having grown up in a busy seaside town, shehad no problem finding work in thehospitality sector. By the time she was 18, cashearned waiting tables or serving people inshops was earmarked for travel. And all theskills she learned in her hometown havecome in handy when looking for work abroad.These days, Laura takes her work with her.She is an online English teacher, which givesher the freedom to earn wherever she is inthe world - so long as she can access theinternet.For all the hundreds of thousands of miles shehas travelled, reminders of home are oftennot that far away. In fact, while on a beach inMexico she bumped into a Dorset shopkeeperand a Devon-based artist. Naturally, theytreated her to a drink!Laura isn't just a traveller, she is recognised byher peers as kind, caring and thoughtful. Sheis beautiful inside and out. Her confidenceand travel ideas are an inspiration.Laura regularly shares useful travel tips onInstagram. You can find out more or followLaura the Explorer here. ABOVE: Laura lounging on a palm treein the Dominican Republic.

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Below: Cath Kidston's iconic Beauty Cottage Patchwork Picnic Tin Set.Includes: 100ml shower gel, 75ml body lotion,50ml body scrub and two 80g bath fizzers.Cruelty free.GIFT GUIDEREGIME, Spring 2023 - 23Below: Bomb Cosmetics' Three Little Birdsgift set. Handmade wrapped bath bombs.Pack contains five bath bombs in a prettygift box.Above, right: Looking for a retro gift?Check out Bath Bunnies. 15 lotus scentedbath pearls. Rabbit shaped - a great nochocolate Easter gift idea.Follow us on Twitter @CareRegimefor the latest deals on Beauty Gifts

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Above: Aveeno Daily Moisturising Steps skincare regime set. Includes body wash, body lotion and hnd cream. Nourishes sensitive and dry skin. Above: Rituals Karma Good Deeds Hand Balm .175ml with Holy Lotus and OrganicWhite Tea. GIFT GUIDE24 - REGIME, Spring 2023 Below: The Ritual of Sakura large giftset from spa brand RIUALS. Includesextract of Rice Milk. Containsingredients known to relax and calm.Below: Transformulas MarineMiracle Crème. Super skin hydrationand firming treatment for dry andtired skin. 50ml.

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Above: Sanctuary Spa's Jar ofTreats. Vegan and cruelty free. . Left: Profusion Cosmetics -Aqua Gems. Five shade glittereyeshadow palette. Channellingaqua marine. GIFT GUIDEREGIME, Spring 2023 - 25Left: Baylis & Harding's Boudoire Rose luxury pamper gift box set with twokeepsake boxes.Right: Baylis & Harding Wild Fig &Pomegranate Light Up Bubble BathDecanter. This gift is vegan friendly.Below: Sanctuary Spa'a Mum to Be heart boxgift set .350ml. Vegan pampering products forgreat skin and relaxation.

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Belinda Bennett onhow she became abeauty addict When I was diagnosed with a rarebreast cancer, becoming a beautyaddict was the last thing on mymind.Surviving long enough to see mygranddaughter grow up, getting myfinances in order and making it throughgruelling treatments just to give myself halfa chance were what kept me awake at night.That's what I was focussed on - surviving. My mum was diagnosed with a different,'lesser' breast cancer when I was 14 - and shedidn't make it. My dad died from acomplication of leukaemia treatment threeyears later. What if I just have bad genes?How I looked - or would look - wasn't part ofmy psyche.Will my body be able to cope with chemo?Will the drugs even work? What if my stage 3cancer progresses to stage 4, renderingsurgery a non-starter? OPINION28 - REGIME, Spring 2023Those were the all-consuming thoughts thattook up residence, like squatters, in my head.The same depressing thoughts that everyonediagnosed with advanced cancer must have. I can't have factored in how I'd feel whenwhen I was bald. Or the notion that 'lookingnormal' would make me feel 'normal'. Or howa pandemic would frighten me as much asthe diagnosis I had been given. All thatheaped on the terrifying realisation that thelives of vulnerable people like me were littlemore than collateral damage for a flailinggovernment cornered into following right-wing diktats.Cancer and beauty websitesThere was never - not ever - an inkling that Iwould swap the morale-boostingcamaraderie of online cancer and CEVforums for the pages of beauty websites. But,that's what happened.

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OPINIONREGIME, Spring 2023 - 29Make-up, by contrast, was a hideousconcoction of not a lot - and none of itmatched. My collection comprised bits andbobs with a gunky, definitely germ-ridden,mascara. The only thing I always used andalways replaced was eyeliner. Black, ofcourse. Very occasionally, mostly in thesummer, sapphire blue. Either way, ageing. I seem to recall reading something thatsuggested mascara should be replaced everythree months to prevent infection. The fear of inviting a potentially fatal bug onmy low to no-immunity body must havebeen what drove me to a cosmetics website.That desperation to live and be beautiful.How it extended past mascara to includeprimer, finishing powder, setting sprays andthen an all-consuming passion foreyeshadow palettes is beyond me. There is probably a simple explanation. Onethat a psychologist could no doubt explain ina single sentence, I would imagine. They'dhave to see the extent of my addiction beforereaching that, or any other, conclusion, ofcourse. I blame it on my wigs. They weren't expensivebut they were good. In fact, if you didn't know,you may have mistaken them for my own hair. My real hair, which in all honesty was like strawafter years of bleaching, was non-existent fourweeks after my first infusion of Taxotere andCarboplatin (TC). It had started to 'thin' within 10days of my first dose. I doubt the Herceptin andPerjeta I was having at the same time helped,either. Truthfully, I mostly wore a wig for rare socialmedia updates. Let's face it, there weren't anyspecial occasions to attend during lockdown. I went au naturel indoors and relied on hats andbandanas for hospital appointments. But when I did wear a wig... I wanted to lookgood. And that's where it all started; my addiction tomake-up.An indicator could be the fact that I was alreadya skincare devotee. My regimen notched up agear or three as I approached my 40s. It gotmore even elaborate when I hit my early 50s.

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The time I spend on beauty is time I am notwasting thinking about defeat - death.Although I completed cancer treatment 18months ago, my chances of long-termremission aren't fantastically great. Thesurvival rate for my cancer was 3 per cent notthat many moons ago, as recently featured onCall The Midwife.It includes nigh-on 60 palettes, not to mentiona vast array of foundations, brushes, spongesand all the other cosmetics that go intocreating a fully made-up look. I've progressedfrom piles of products on plastic vegetableracks to cube storage units. Big ones. The over-arching theme of the make-up looksI create with all these products is centred onanti-ageing. Looking younger makes meforget the fragility of my own mortality. I'm 57,by the way.I use contour products to artificially lift theface, brow pens and waxes to provide a frame,graduated eyeshadow themes to give theimpression of depth and mask hooded lids,and a range of products, including topicalplumpers, to define the lips. Sometimes, I spend more than an hour on asingle look. It's not just about looking youngerand healthier - and less likely to drop dead atany minute. It is about diverting negativethoughts to positive ones.OPINION30 - REGIME, Spring 2023Fear of death and beautyLooking younger makes meforget the fragility of my ownmortality. It is only thanks to science and the progress ofsystemic treatments and protocols that it isnow a 'whopping' 50 per cent. There is still halfa chance it's going to kill me. I think about thatwhen I'm getting ready for work, when I lookinto the faces of my loved ones and especiallywhen I'm around people who just assume I'vebeaten it.

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And, of course, it doesn't have to be mind-blowingly expensive. Top eyeshadow palettes can easily retail for£70+, but just-as-good dupes routinely costunder a tenner. OPINIONREGIME, Spring 2023 - 31I'm never going to be the 'other side' of cancer,not until the disease has won or somethingelse kills me.As the third anniversary of my diagnosisapproaches, that worry about when and howthe cancer could come back really bothers me.The Doom Scrolling has increased. My anxietyis pretty much through the roof. So, honestly, treating myself to yet morebeauty products is what is going to take mymind off it.That date will be blurred by a succession ofhighly-anticipated deliveries that will give meno end of pleasure. From the initial unboxingto the first 'try', it's going to be exciting. LikeChristmas, but better. This isn't a pity party. It is a celebration of thepower of beauty. It's warpaint.I can't be the only oneThere is a big emphasis on beauty in the'cancer world'. If you've undergonechemotherapy, for example, you are almostcertain to have been signposted to a freebeauty course. Some are run by local groups and others bynational charities, such as Look Good FeelBetter. The aim is to make you feel more positiveabout yourself at a time when you probablycan't face a mirror. To ensure you give beauty achance, many courses throw in fabulous freebundles of cosmetics supplied by leadingbrands.

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OPINION32 - REGIME, Spring 2023 The one I received even included a super-sizedbottle of Cartier perfume!I was already a make-up addict by the time I attended one. However,it taught me plenty of new tricks. It makes me wonder, how many women whopreviously couldn't be bothered with cosmeticsgot switched onto beauty during or just afterchemo?For me, make-up isn't just to be worn. I likelooking at my collection, in much the same waya stamp collector would pore over their bestfinds. The colours, the palette designs, the shimmers...They fascinate me. I love them!And, of course, while I do wear make-up mostdays, I don't always go for elaborate looks.How many others just like me are out there? Iknow they exist, and I want to reach them. If I find some, I will add a Cancer and Beautysection to the forum on this website so we candiscuss all things cosmetics together. Cancer is a dark, pessimistic blighter. Butbeauty makes stone cold, difficult days so, somuch brighter. Belinda Bennett

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You will note that the product sizes are small,making them ideal for travel or simply giving aglow-boosting regimen a try. If your skin needsa pick-me-up after all the festivities, this set isdefinitely worth taking a look at. How long each product lasts will depend onhow often you use them. We estimate, you willget around two weeks' worth of skincare out ofthis collection if used most days. If you mix andmatch the products with your existingskincare essentials, they could last up to amonth.We test a completeskincare set that retailsfor under a tennerSuperdrug has gone out of its way tooffer more skincare bundles over thepast year - including a few of its own.Its Naturally Radiant Get the GlowCollection retails at £9.99 but, in therun-up to Christmas, was on offer forunder £8. We snapped one up andput it to the test over the festiveperiod. Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Cleanser(muslin cloth supplied) - 30mlNaturally Radiant Glycolic Toner - 30mlNaturally Radiant Glow Soothing FaceCream - 50mlNaturally Radiant Glow Intense Shot(serum) - 15mlThis four-piece collection includes:This represents all the products you will needfor a routine.REVIEWREGIME, Spring 2023 - 33Hot cloth cleanserWhat Superdrug says: "Awakens the skin’snatural glow, smooths, tones and brightens."Our verdict: Removes baked on make-up andgrime effortlessly. You only need to use a smallamount, massaged into wet skin, to benefitfrom a deep-down cleansing facial.

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REVIEW34 - REGIME, Spring 2023 If you want to lift the look of your skin and giveit a glass-like smooth finish, this product doesthe trick. Perfect for prepping the skin beforeusing a make--up primer. Overall: It works.Leaves the skin feeling super-clean and freshas well as hydrated.This product is a great alternative to acleansing balm and as good as branded hotcloth cleansers we've tried in the past.It definitely smooths the skin. As for toningand brightening, we think you would have touse the product for longer than two weeks tonotice a real difference.The only drawback with this cleanser - andthe same goes for the glycolic toner in thecollection - is the fragrance. While notoverpowering, it is akin to a men's aftershave.Fragrance-free or a citrus scent would workmuch better. Overall: A good product.Glycolic tonerWhat Superdrug says: "Formulated with aunique energising complex and infused withKiwi Fruit and Mulberry extracts. Highlyconcentrated in Glycolic Acid, a powerfulAlpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), the refreshingtonic also refines pores, moisturises the skin'ssurface and smooths fine lines, providing abrighter, healthier and more youthfulcomplexion.Because of the results you can achieve with aglycolic toner, this product is likely to beused most days and, therefore, last the leastamount of time. The trick is to be economicaland use the product sparingly. We applied itwith a cotton wool pad, being careful not touse too much product.Our verdict: Smoothing and refines pores.The toner left the skin feeling fresh, clear andvery smooth. Noticeable difference in skin tone (it wasmore even) after one week's use. However,the aftershave-like fragrance detracted fromthe overall experience. Face creamWhat Superdrug says: "This soothing prebioticface cream helps to nourish the skin andreduce irritation and redness, leaving skinfeeling luxuriously smoother and softer."Our verdict: The cream has a medium toheavy-weight, rich consistency and feels verysoothing on the skin. It has a balm-like finishand, another plus, delivers a slight blur effect.The generous-size pot means this product islikely to last the longest. Best used in smallamounts if applied before make-up to preventpilling. This cream left the skin feeling soft andradiant. Perfect for no make-up days.Overall: Reduced redness and deliveredsoftness. Good moisture barrier and ideal foruse over a serum.The glycolic toner

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REVIEWREGIME, Spring 2023 - 35SerumWhat Superdrug says: "This prebioticconcentrated booster transforms dull anddehydrated skin and blurs imperfections. Skinwill be left feeling clearer and brighter,restoring the skin’s natural glow."We had a problem getting this product out ofthe bottle. It has the consistency and look of oldfashioned shampoo, complete with silkysheen. It was gloopy, making it very hard to draw theserum up into the pipette. Hence, we haveonly managed to use very small amounts onthe skin. Our verdict: Unable to reach a conclusion dueto the lack of product used. This is a shame because of the claims that ittransforms skin and blurs imperfections. We thought the Naturally Radiant Get theGlow Collection from Superdrug delivered onnearly all of its promises. For under a tenner, it was well worth buyingand kick-started a glow-boosting routine forthe start of a new year. In fact, we were so impressed, we plan to givethe brand's hydrating skincare collection a trynext. There is nothing in this set that you wouldn'tuse. The cleanser is a stand-out performer and wealso rate the toner and face cream. For £9.99,what's not to love?We would recommend this set for travel or asa pick-me-up. It's also a great way to get into aroutine - so, if you are new to skincare, give it ago!

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REVIEW36 - REGIME, Spring 2023 We reveal the BESTpowder foundation we'veever testedSold with an application sponge, which fitsneatly into the compact, the foundation canbe also be applied with a brush.Sold with an application sponge, which fitsneatly into the compact, the foundation canbe also be applied with a brush.Liquid and cream make-up can feelheavy on the skin and easily clogpores if not properly removed. Thatis why powder foundation iscurrently on-trend.It's lightweight, easy to apply and offers lightto full buildable coverage. With naturalmake-up looks currently very popular,pressed powder is one of this year's must-have cosmetics.We've tried stacks of powdered foundationsover the years, but there is one that standsout. Max Factor's Facefinity PowderFoundation. It offers all the coverage you need, iseffortless to apply in a jiffy and comes in astylish black and gold compact with a mirror.The brand says this product won't feel heavyon the skin, is buildable and, get this,comprises a 'moisturising formula'. It alsocontains sunscreen with an SPF of 20.No powdery finishWhat we love about this powder foundation isthat it is so fine, if applied correctly, you won'tbe left with a powdery finish.It also eliminates shine and delivers a mattefinish that is long-lasting.The formula doesn't sit in fine lines and creaseseither, offering that flawless finish often sohard to achieve with run-of-the-mill mineralsor powders. Currently available in 11 stapleshades, the foundation is priced between£6.99 and £11.20.

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Whether you find yourself rushing in themornings or apply your makeup on-the-go,Max Factor Facefinity powder foundation willmake your life easier. The slim compact will fitin any bag and the product takes just secondsto apply. We achieved our look in less than aminute!Stockists include Amazon, Boots andSuperdrug. If you are tired of messy liquid and creamfoundations and want to make the switch topowder, we recommend Facefinity. REVIEWREGIME, Spring 2023 - 37While the shade choice is limited comparedto some liquid foundations, and the Ivoryshade is too dark for most people with fairskin, we found one that was perfect for palecomplexions. Max Factor's pro application tip is to applywith the sponge from centre of the face,taking the product out to the jaw andhairline.However, we applied it with a brush andthink prep is everything when using any typeof foundation. We used this product with the bakingtechnique, applying a facial oil to clean skinfirst. We also set the finished look with adewy finishing spray. If you have oily skin, this foundation workswell with a light daily moisturiser or primer.The result for us? An even, lightweight finishthat covered imperfections withoutdisplaying a 'caked on' look.CoverageMax Factor says its Facefinity compactfoundation delivers full coverage.While the product is certainly buildable, wewent for a medium coverage finish. Quick and easy to achieve, this level of covercan always be finished with loose settingpowder. You can also use a concealer first to ensure anyimperfections are blurred before thefoundation is applied. Facefinity foundation is versatile. For thosewho prefer liquid foundation but demand anexpert finish, this pressed powder can be usedto set make-up. If you currently use a mineralor loose powder for this purpose, it is worthmaking the swap. Use it anywhere

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We meet a womanwho is living proof!A patchy frost crisscrosses thepathway to a remote cottage on theoutskirts of a coastal town in the ruralSouth West. The dusting of whiteglistens in the harsh early morninglight. I can hear its stone-coldcrispness being crushed beneath mysize five UGGs as I take the first ofmany steps up a steep drive to a well-maintained stable-style front door. I've taken a crack-of-dawn bus ride andtrudged what seems like miles to meet awoman who shares my belief that 60 is thenew 40. Waiting to greet me and looking decidedlynervous is Sarah*, who sent me an email afterreading on this website about how I becameaddicted to beauty products during cancertreatment.She went out of her way to explain heraddiction to cosmetics was not caused byillness. BEAUTYREGIME, Spring 2023 - 39Keen to find out more, I asked if she would bewilling to meet up. She was - and that's how Icame to set my alarm for 5am and take anhour-long journey to her home.I am immediately struck by her sleek, blondehair and glass-smooth complexion. As weexchange pleasantries, I wonder what shethinks of my efforts to roll back the years andwhether or not they meet her expectations.She ushers a lively small dog into what lookslike a kitchen and leads me to an unexpectedlymodern lounge. It has bi-folds that separateher neutral living space from the spectacularscenery outside. Even on a cold winter's day,the room is bathed in natural light. It's the sortof light that can emphasise even the mostsubtle signs of ageing. She has few.Faint crease lines look as though they havebeen expertly flat-ironed at the outer corners ofher eyes and I note the makeup she is wearinghas been purposely applied to look natural.

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"I rarely wore make-up and, I suppose, I justdidn't appreciate how much first impressionscount when you are connecting with newpeople. I was relying on learned sellingtactics in an environment that wasincreasingly focused on networking. It didn'tclick where I'd gone wrong until it was toolate."Sarah stresses: "I am not saying looks areeverything in sales, because they are not, butfeeling confident about yourself is reallyimportant. I'd lost that confidence. You haveto be comfortable in your own skin to be ableto speak with confidence about the productsyou are selling. The two go together. I cansee how my sales started to slide before I waslet go."Sarah's redundancy came at what shedescribes as 'an awkward age'."I was 52, so no spring chicken," she tells me."I'm single and have two grown-up children,so I have to be self-sufficient. The prospect ofhaving to start again filled me with dread. Iimagined people judging me for my age andstruggling to find a decent job. It was soul-destroying. I didn't think I could face it."BEAUTY40 - REGIME, Spring 2023 I am practically hugging an extremely welcomehot brew before she slips into an oversizedarmchair facing the sofa she directed me to."I'm 63," she declares, and I want to gasp. Shedoesn't even look 43. In fact, had I been meetingher under any other circumstances, I wouldhave guessed she was in her late 30s. "I'm 57," I tell her, feeling very inferior. Looking younger for confidenceI was intrigued by her obvious success increating a look that defied her years by decades.How did she do it and, importantly, why?Sarah's initial trepidation appears to vanish likethe lines on her face."I am one of those women who prefers peopleto guess my age. I don't normally volunteer it,"she points out with a wry smile. So, what was it about my story that resonatedwith her?"I haven't had cancer, unlike you," Sarah tellsme. "Apart from the odd cold and Covid, ofcourse, I very rarely get ill. But I did have a lifeevent that caused me to take a long, hard lookin the mirror. I realised that I didn't look how Ifelt. I was starting to age, and it depressed me. Itmade me want to do something about it."Sarah tells me that the 'life event' she refers towas work-related. "I was made redundant," sheimparts. "It wasn't from a particularly senior rolebut it paid well and I'd worked hard to getwhere I was. "It hurt to have that taken away. I guess, at thetime, I was looking for the 'Why me?' reasonsand felt my age must have had something to dowith it. I worked in sales and spent a lot of timemeeting people and engaging in face-to-facemarketing. I wouldn't say I'd 'let myself go' but,compared to most of my younger colleagues, Iwas veering towards frumpy.

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So what changed?"Bills!" she tells me. "They weren't going to paythemselves. I had to get another job to keepthis house. I knew, if I didn't do something tohelp myself, I'd be pushed into a low-payingjob and struggle to meet the mortgagepayments. It was a sink or swim situation."BEAUTYREGIME, Spring 2023 - 41"It is all about ingredients and layeringproducts in the correct order," she tells me. "Isaw an improvement in my skin tone less thantwo weeks after starting to take skincareseriously. After that, I was determined to tacklefine lines around my eyes and to get my skin tolook plumper."She says she read the original Beauty Bibleand, apart from layering serums for morebenefits, started wearing day-timemoisturising creams with SPF and drinking'much more water'."It definitely flushes out toxins that can makethe skin look dull and patchy. Nowadays, I evendrink a glass of water before I have a coffee."My go-to skincare ingredients are hyaluronicacid and vitamin C. Retinol brings me out inred patches. I am not swayed by patented,scientific-sounding stuff, because I know whatworks for me. I also know I can maintain myskincare routine because it is alwaysaffordable."Making beauty countSarah says she had a 'lightbulb moment' whilescouring the internet for a simple anti-ageingskincare routine."I was lining up some job interviews and didn'twant to look my age. I came across a link to aYouTube video and found myself watching apodcast about the benefits of exfoliation. Iguess, I was hooked after that. I realised thatcleansing, deep cleansing, is the key toensuring anti-ageing treatments are given thebest chance to work. I'd never thought aboutdead skin hampering the process beforewatching that video."

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BEAUTY42 - REGIME, Spring 2023 How many years does Sarah think her earlyefforts knocked off her appearance?She is brutally honest. "About five, I'd say. Afterthat, the routines I adopted merely sloweddown the ageing process. Exfoliation is centralto my cleansing and, over the years, productshave become a lot kinder."I tell her she looks in her late 30s and shelaughs."Really? I've always aimed for the mid-40s.""That includes the exfoliating face wash."I don't purchase by brand, just ingredients. Forexample, I use a high-strength vitamin Cserum and will buy whichever one with thesame strength is the cheapest. I mostly buyonline for convenience but also stock up whenI'm shopping in a big town or Exeter."The combination of great skincare and carefuluse of makeup has worked in Sarah's favour.She told me that, after all her worrying, shefound another job in sales 'quite quickly'.However, with renewed self-confidence, itwasn't long before a career change beckoned.She is now a middle manager in the tourismsector.Anti-ageing cosmeticsSarah tells me that she loves make-up butattempts to keep what she wears to aminimum. She rarely experiments."Too much make-up is ageing," she says. "Istick with powder over facial oil, a light dustingof bronzer on the cheeks, mascara and amedium pink lip gloss. I rarely weareyeshadow."That intrigues me because I lean heavily on eyemakeup to achieve a younger look. "Not everyone can get away with it," she tellsme. "What I do try to do is change the shade ofmy face powder according to seasons. I tend towear the palest in winter and the warmestshade in the summer. It is an easy way to berelevant with cosmetics and project a healthylook. Of course, having clear skin and keepingpores in check are very important. I also keepan eye serum in the fridge and use it overserums as part of my evening routine."What makes Sarah feel she is addicted tobeauty products? "Because I have to have atleast two of everything, at all times," shereveals. "As soon as I start using a product, Ibuy another. I am so invested in what I haveachieved that I can't bear the thought ofbreaking a routine because an ingredient I relyon is not available. I've got two of each serum,each moisturiser and everything else I use.

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As told to Belinda Bennett. Sarah asked usnot to use her real name in this feature. Want to share your beauty story? Get intouch with us for a no-obligation chat"Wanting to look younger can become anobsession but it probably takes up 15 to 20minutes of your life a day. When you see howsuch a small investment can make a bigimpact, it's easy to keep doing it."She adds: "And I think face powders havebecome a lot finer. They are easy to set with oilsand sprays, and you don't get that caked lookthat can emphasise a person's age."BEAUTYREGIME, Spring 2023 - 43"Definitely," says Sarah. "Women are moreaware of what works and what doesn't, andgood skincare doesn't have to cost a lot. I thinkwe are all much more switched on when itcomes to knowing about the damaging effectsof the sun. Even relatively cheap moisturisersnow include sunscreen. "There are so many free tutorials out there thatcan help someone get started on the anti-ageing journey that more and more people aredoing it - even men. "I think I still look like I'm in my forties but Ileave other people to reach their ownconclusions. Is 60 the new 40?

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BEAUTY44 - REGIME, Spring 2023We feel your pain! Howto cope with theembarrassment...If you are nursing a black eye, Isympathise. Mine is currently a putridmixture of red, dark grey and yellow.It's Day 7 - and I can't wait for my faceto resemble something nearing ahuman being again. It has been a long week of double-takes, stares,awkward questions and even some time offwork. It has also been a week when I'veskipped most of my skincare rituals and had todo without eye makeup. It's been agony, interms of looking like utter crap. No, I wasn't punched or slapped. I didn't walkinto a door. And nor have I recently undergoneany surgical procedures.The cause of my hideous injury happened earlylast Wednesday morning. I felt completelyawake at the time, and had already let the catout and enjoyed my first coffee of the day.Disaster struck at 5.45am when I let the catback in. In a doomed effort to try and save time, I shookthe treat tin in the direction of the window. Itworked wonders - Flo was back indoors andthe window shut in five seconds flat. The onlyproblem was, the treat tin was empty.I felt a pang of guilt, watching Flo sniff aroundtrying to find a Dreamie. Her little faceeventually looked up at mine, as if to say:'You've tricked me, you nasty person.' So, Idecided to run, tout suite, from the living roominto the kitchen to get her breakfast out of asachet and into her bowl.And that's when it happened... I tripped overmy flared pyjama bottoms and, as I tried tosave myself, tripped AGAIN over the hallwayrug. My forehead took the full brunt of the fall,smacking down on skirting with such force Iam amazed I wasn't knocked out.

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Never be tempted to have tattooed eyebrows.Even if yoI read up on concussion, coldcompresses, warm compresses and when toseek medical help. But... the upshot was,there's not a lot you can do to speed up therecovery time.Apparently, the bog standard healing processtakes about two weeks. TWO WEEKS!In the meantime, the best advice on offer (fromthe NHS, among other healthcareprofessionals) is to rest, take painkillers andwear sunglasses to hide the embarrassment.Shades are a no-go area for me at this time ofyear (winter). My eyesight is terrible at the best of times, andthe vision I've got I need to carry out everydaytasks. I definitely don't want to risk another fall.So, apart from spending Thursday lolling abouton the sofa - bar trips to the mirror to charthow my black eye was progressing - I've had tocarry on as normal.BEAUTYREGIME, Spring 2023 - 45The pain was instant, quickly followed by anegg-like bump that extended from my righttemple to the brow bone a couple of inchesbelow. There was no blood, but I knew I'd reallyhurt myself. A fractured skull was my worstfear, at that point.After a bit of moaning and groaning to myself,I managed to get upstairs to tell my other halfwhat had just happened.He was still in bed but stirring because weboth had to be at work by 7am."I can't see anything. You will be fine," heassured me.Two paracetamols later, I was at work andgetting on with the day. It was only when I rana duster over a mirror that I got a shocking,unexpected surprise - the start of a black eye."Nasty. That will go all the way around," myboss quipped.The thought of looking like a panda or a victimof domestic violence ensured that I wastrawling the web for quick black eye remediesfrom the moment I got home. Treating a black eye

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There is no easy way to overcome themortification that accompanies facial bruising. Iguess, you just have to go with it, laugh thewhole thing off - even if it hurts - and pray toGod that your bruise is one of those that just sohappens to disappear in much less time thantwo weeks.In the movies, black eyes are vanished awaywith dark shades or makeup. I daren't tryconcealing this shiner with camouflage creamfor fear of the pressure making the injury evenworse. It is a real case of 'chin up and carry on'. In themeantime, of course, I am super alert to all triphazards and have solemnly pledged to neveragain try to run in a confined space when asimple very slow walk will suffice. After all, if I'd been running just that little bitfaster or was a few years older, it could havebeen lights out. Permanently. Here's to this black eye being my first and last!That means going to work, travelling onbuses and doing the shopping.I'm surprised at the number of people whohaven't hesitated to ask how I acquired theinjury. I've lost count of how many times I'vere-told the story. And, I can't help wonderingif any of those who've heard it secretly doubtit is true. The only place that seemed happy to turn ablind eye was... My doctor's surgery! Noquestions there, but I was quick to impartthe whole sorry saga while undergoing anannual check-up.In terms of 'progression', the blacknesspeaked on Day 4. Since then, the pigments in the bruise havechanged. There is now more yellow than black. I amquietly confident things will look a lot betterin a week's time. BEAUTY46 - REGIME, Spring 2023Dealing with the embarrassment

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From lawyers to elite athletes, there is no endof inspiring success stories out there. Sharingthem will serve to motivate womeneverywhere to harness their strengths and aimhigher.But just how high should women aim inbusiness - and is the effort worth the endresult?If you work for someone else, possibly not. I've worked with female entrepreneurs ineverything from telecommunications and e-commerce to law. One thing I've learned isthat those who achieve the most, includingthe right work-life balance, are those who havetaken their ideas and ambition and startedtheir own companies. INSPIRE48 - REGIME, Spring 2023 Belinda Bennettexplains why you shouldbe an entrepreneurOver the past few weeks, youprobably heard a lot about womenwho have broken down barriers toachieve success in a multitude oftraditionally male-dominated spheres.I'm not talking about freelancers, who oftenfind themselves trapped in a new kind ofinequality, or those who bog themselves downwith 'forever' side hustles but women who havetrusted their gut instincts and gone the fulldistance. These are people with recognised, legitimatebrands, offices, staff... The Full Monty. Having agreat vision is often only part of what drivesthese women.For some, it is about wrapping work aroundother responsibilities or coping with a hiddendisability or illness. For others, it is aboutwanting to do things differently or to supportgood causes. The founder of one of the UK's most successfullaw firms launched the business whilegrappling with a serious cancer diagnosis andjuggling work and parenting.

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INSPIREREGIME, Spring 2023 - 49Another woman started a ground-breakingevents business after being diagnosed withautism. They had to break through multiple barriers tocreate their success but got there becausethey had the talent and drive to 'make it'.Would they have achieved the same level ofsuccess in someone else's organisation? That is a question I would like women toponder and then ask themselves: Could I startmy own business? YES!I will cite my own experience of leaving themedia industry to work as a freelancecopywriter. When I registered as self-employedeight years ago, I had visions of managing myown workload, increasing my income anddictating the hours I worked. 'Freedom' is whatI had in mind.What happened? Instead of having one boss, Ifound myself with more than 20. Rather thanworking a 38-hour week, I ended up glued to acomputer screen for 14 hours a day - every day.There was no freedom to pick and choose. Yes,it was financially worth it - just - but thepressure to please all of the people all of thetime meant I barely had time to come up forair. It was all-consuming, and not in a healthy way.The fact that I was diagnosed with cancer in2020 says it all.Equality and businessJust one in three entrepreneurs in the UK is awoman.According to HM Treasury*, the UK lags behindwhen it comes to the number of womenrunning their own businesses. In 2019, just 5.6per cent of females were at the helm of theirown brands. At the same time, the figure was15 per cent in Canada, 11 per cent in Americaand nine per cent in Australia. Coincidentally, it was noted that most of thoseregistering as newly self-employed in the UKwere women. This is unlikely a positive sign.The gig economy, more outsourcing and theswitch away from traditional employmentterms could be driving the trend.Some women register as self-employed towork freelance, many hoping it will give themmore flexibility. Others apply for jobs that thenrequire them to register as self-employed. The problem with self-employment,particularly for women, is that it can beunpredictable, reduce financial security andlimit opportunities. What's more, it can extend the number ofhours worked with little to no additionalfinancial reward.

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50 - REGIME, Spring 2023INSPIREI've often said that, during my career as ajournalist, I was like Bridget Jones on steroids. Iwas hungry for success. Totally driven. I wantedthat next big story first, I wanted the by-line, Iwanted the top job... Truth was, the latter justwasn't going to happen. Having the ability and drive to succeed doesn'tmean you will. And being the first in and lastout of the office every day doesn't do you anyfavours in the long run. Being 'too keen' can beas unattractive as useless. Especially to bigfirms.So, why waste all that energy trying to 'make it'on other people's terms?If you have got the ability and new ideas, stoptrying to impress your male bosses and startyour own business. A proper business.Got an idea? Before you book an appointmentwith your bank manager, get professionalsupport.Check out what's on offer at Business and IPCentres and make the most of local andnational mentoring schemes.Have a clear business plan with achievablegoals that you can build on. Importantly,believe in yourself. If you know you can do it,others will too.If I had my time again, I wouldn't waste threedecades trying to impress the unimpressible.I'd take a passion and make it a business.Get resources.Starting a business

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While highly collectable, not to mention a topgift option for beauty lovers, the makeuppalette is a staple of almost every cosmeticshaul. And the ever-popular eyeshadow palette isn'tthe only big seller. All-in-one options, which include cosmetics forthe face and lips as well as the eyes, and theburgeoning face palette, often containingcontour pigments, are claiming a bigger shareof the beauty market. In financially stressedtimes, multi-purpose cosmetic options can feellike a real bargain.If you have ever trawled online retailers for asingle eyeshadow shade, you will know howlimited your options are. Especially when itcomes to powdered products. So, palettes canseem like a lifesaver.MAKEUPREGIME, Spring 2023 - 51Often gorgeously packaged and boastingeye-popping colour themes, you would beforgiven for thinking a palette delivers aboveand beyond individually retailed single-colour products.Sold in a range of sizes, from quads to megabundles that can include over 100 pigments,it is easy to fall for this type of makeup. After all, you are getting so much for yourmoney - right?Wrong!Do makeup palettesoffer value for money?The global beauty market ispredicted to grow to record levelsafter a Covid-induced slump in 2020.Soaring sales are being driven in partby an insatiable desire for luxuryproducts and cosmetics that includean ever-proliferating array ofmakeup palettes.

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MAKEUP52 - REGIME, Spring 2023Star-studded collaborations, trendy themenames that press all the right buttons and, ofcourse, packaging that wouldn't look out ofplace if displayed like an ornament all ensurethe makeup palette is a best-seller.As with any product, there are pros and cons tocosmetic purchases. While the all-in-one palette can save you tonsof cash, if you can find a colour theme thatcomplements your skin tone and meets yourmake-up preferences, the eyeshadow paletteisn't always such a good buy.How many of the pigments are you likely touse? Be honest with yourself. What is thepoint of spending more cash on somethingthat just looks better when, in all honesty,you are only going to use a few of theshades? Take a look at the palettes youcurrently own and count the number ofpigments you have never used or only triedonce. Bigger isn't always better.Not enough mattes. This is a huge issueand something that can easily beoverlooked in the rush to snap up a bargain.We've seen palettes offering just one or twomatte shades, with all the others beingshimmers and foils. If you look at the colourthemes offered in a palette, ask yourself ifthe included mattes will provide adequatebase and transition shades. Witheyeshadow increasingly being used as aliner, consider if a shimmering shade isreally suitable for your skin. Those withmature skin should be particularly cautious.Eyeshadow palettes take up more spacethan you may realise. As well as posing astorage headache, they are less portablethan single products. How manyeyeshadow palettes do you own that won'tfit into a cosmetics bag? If you are afrequent traveller or like touching up yourmakeup on the go, a smaller product canbe the better buy.It's not environmentally friendly to behoarding products you never use.Unless you are a collector, here are some of thereasons why bigger palettes may not be such agood buy:1.2.3.4.Can you see the potential issues?Not enough mattes. This is ahuge issue and somethingthat can easily be overlookedin the rush to snap up abargain.What's wrong with palettes?If you are searching for products that willcreate a particular look, a quad comprisingmatching shades is probably all you need. But,for just a little bit more cash, you can bag 18, 24,32 or even 40-plus stand-out shades. Allpackaged in appealing palettes that boast theWOW factor. What's not to love?Well, plenty.

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MAKEUPREGIME, Spring 2023 - 53All-in-one palettesWhile empty palettes are easy to source,pigments to put in them are harder to comeby. Custom palettes aren't cheap, either.But... They are the future. Imagine beingable to pack a palette with products youknow you are going to use. An offering thatcombines pans containing everything fromfoundation to shadows is the ultimatesolution. A simple book-style palette manufacturedfrom compressed cardboard and containingnearly everything you need to look gorgeousis often a great buy. Lightweight andportable, this type of product is also easy tostore. An added bonus is that it will save youthe expense and inconvenience ofpurchasing multiple cosmetics. But, step into the world of concertinaedplastic all-in-one makeup kits and you mayhit a snag or two.We've sample purchased a couple of best-selling palettes and found issues you areunlikely to discover until it is too late.They are heavy. Even very small palettes canweigh too much to make them a viableoption for travel, especially air travel. Bearthis in mind when viewing productdescriptions that use the term 'travel'. Itcould merely be a reference to the dinky size.Too many shimmering eyeshadows.Products that are partially inaccessible. Pull-out and lift-up drawers may look good inmarketing images but wait until you try touse make-up in the back row.Applicators not fit for purpose. Many of thecheaper sets include sponge-tippedapplicators rather than brushes.Pan sizes that are too small to effectively use.This issue is mostly confined to contourproducts.Difficult to open quickly.Problems include:1.2.3.4.5.6.As well as all the drawbacks listed above, multi-purpose cosmetics don't always deliver when itcomes to quality. Shadows, for example, may offer poor coverageor excessive fallout. Not all products are madeequal, we've discovered.

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Use-by datesMAKEUP54 - REGIME, Spring 2023Does the palette include enough mattes?Will you use all the themes in the palette?You may have been drawn to a product byone or two stand-out nudes, but what aboutthe carnival theme that comes with it?Is it easy to use and portable?Would it be more cost-effective to buy asingle shade, if that is all you are looking for?Makeup palettes can deliver value for money.Savvy purchases are those that meet yourneeds while also reducing the amount youneed to spend. What to consider:1.2.3.4.Of course, not all make-up palettes are equal.Some will always be better than others. Thechallenge is finding one that you will get plentyof use out of.What disappointed us about the productswe purchased was that there was alwayssomething missing that would have made akit more useable. For example, onecontained everything except mascara.Another omitted eyeliner. So, even if you buya set that purports to include everything, youmay still need to make additional purchases. There was always somethingmissing that would havemade a kit more useable.It's not all negativePressed powder palettes have a good shelflife, but it's not ever-lasting. Once opened,you can expect products to maintain theirpigmentation and quality for a year. Forhygiene purposes, even if you are rigorouswhen it comes to cleaning brushes, a paletteshould be replaced after 12 months. A collector, of course, is unlikely to part witha palette. However, if you buy cosmetics touse them, it is sensible to recognise you maynot get the most out of a purchase in just ayear.

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The goal was to encourage more women toconsider starting their own business and tofollow their dreams.Talking to us to share their individual storieswere business owner Alice Ebdon and avidtraveller Laura Taylor.We also put together a brief guide to startinga business - with resources included. The theme of this year's global event was#EmbraceEquity. It encouraged everyone togo beyond equal opportunities to includefairness. It was all about getting the worldtalking about why equal opportunities aren'tenough. People start from different places,so true inclusion and belonging requireequitable action.REGIME ROUND-UP56 - REGIME, Spring 2023Here's what we've beenup to since the New Yearissue of REGIMEWe marked International Women'sDay on March 8 with a series ofmotivational features, each designedto encourage women to aim higher. For clarification:Equality means each individual or group ofpeople is given the same resources oropportunities.Equity recognises that each person hasdifferent circumstances, and allocates theexact resources and opportunities needed toreach an equal outcome.

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One of the things that concerns us is that,overall, engagement appears to have stalled.This could be down to our content, so we will bemonitoring this - to ensure the tick itself isn'tthe problem. What if people aren't engagingbecause they don't agree with the blue tickscheme or think, because we've got the tick, wedon't need the support?Over on Facebook and Instagram, engagementis up - with not much extra effort being put inon our part. We owe small businesses BIGthanks for this - for sharing our posts andmaking our Facebook page, in particular, look alot more supported.Our video production has been limited.Affliate link-wise - we haven't promoted manydeals so far this year. This is simply because, upuntil the past week, there haven't been verymany worth sharing. We hope, as Easterapprocaches, things will continue to improve. REGIME ROUND-UPREGIME, Spring 2023 - 57We have continued to pay the secondrichest man in the world a tenner a monthfor our blue tick on Twitter.The benefits? Not many!Other than looking pretty, it has raised postimpressions by a disappointing level.Probably by around five to 10 per cent, in ourestimation. We don't see any evidence thatmore people are finding us via hashtags. Infact, if anything, our posts seem to be stuckin the #MHHSBD community.Other than looking pretty, ithas raised post impressionsby a disappointing level - fiveto 10 per cent.Blue tick news

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For each letter, we have created a separatesocial media graphic to highlight a post onour blog.For example, O was for an opinion piece andM was for moisturiser.Engagement for this challenge has beenhigh and it has totally been worth all theeffort. It has also driven some traffic to ourwebsite.On our website, we have moved the 'News'and blog section towards the top of thehomepage. It includes an automatic carouselof recent stories and we hope thisencourages site visitors to stay on ourwebsite for longer. So far, so good. One of ourbetter changes, that's for sure.REGIME ROUND-UP58 - REGIME, Spring 2023Recent website changesand #MHHSBDparticipationWe have been taking part in MyHelpful Hints Small BusinessDirectory's #AlphabetChallenge onTwitter.For the first few months of the year, we addedonly a few videos to TikTok and YouTube.We produced a special video for InternationalWomen's Day.As you can imagine, competition for views withthe #IWD2023 and #EmbraceEquity hashtagswas stiff. Our contribution probably got lostamong so many others. For next year, we willhave to come up with something truly uniqueto punch through and reach a wider audience.The fortnightly newsletter continues to attactmore subscribers - although we've been carefulnot to put out a newsletter for the sake of it.Hence, there has been intervals as long as threeweeks.With more beauty deals around, it will mostlikely revert to fortnightly.

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As well as appealing on an ethical level, itticks another box with its Cruelty-Freepledge - meaning not one of its products istested on animals. Initially popular withthose who choose not to eat animal-derivedfoods, 'vegan' is now a universally acceptedand liked aspect of modern beauty.What sets the German brand apart frommost of its UK-based competitors is that itdelivers multi-purpose cosmetics in palettesthat include pull-out and sliding drawers. Itpacks an awful lot into relatively smallpackaging. Its classic set is available in bothvegan and non-vegan formats. For thepurpose of this review, we test purchased theformer.GENERAL BEAUTY60 - REGIME, Spring 2023We take a look at thisvegan travel makeupset from ZmileVegan makeup is popular andoffered by a growing number ofbrands. ZMILE Cosmetics is one ofmany keen to please a burgeoningnumber of consumers who just don'twant animal derivatives in theproducts they put on their faces.24 eyeshadows5 blushers5 tinted lip balm pots4 lip glosses4 sponge applicators,4 makeup brushes1 bronzer1 highlighter1 eyeliner pencil1 built-in mirror1 hair combPresented in a branded glossy case with a silvertrim running around the middle, this product isgood-looking. In fact, it's too attractive to be hidden away. I'vegot mine on my dressing table where it looksamazing. Measurements (when closed): 11.5cm x 19.5cm x4.4cm It includes:

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While the case is very difficult to open, it isadorable. It's sleek, smart and clever. Twoeyeshadow palettes slide out to reveal makeupunderneath and three drawers can be pulledout to provide access to even more cosmetics.ZMILE has managed to deliver an almostcomplete makeup set in a slim bundle that issmaller than the standard, traditional jewellerybox.The eyeshadows are not the most pigmentedI've ever used but they are nicely buildable.More mattes would have made the kit extraversatile. As with the face powders, the shadesare up-to-date and suitable for all occasions andseasons. I would say, the makeup is ideal forthose with light to medium skin tones.This set is so beautiful to look at that I hesitatedbefore testing the products. I am hoping that,with use, the case will become easier to open. GENERAL BEAUTYREGIME, Spring 2023 - 61This vegan makeup kit is small but filledwith tons of makeupExcellent choice of eye and facepigmentsDecent quality eyelinerPlenty of lip productsGood-looking caseProper, good-sized mirror on the inside ofthe lidCase can be re-purposed when all themakeup has been usedItems missingThe product is described as ideal fortravel but it is heavy. I'd describe theweight as substantial for the size of thecase - certainly not something I'd bewanting to lug around with everythingelse you'd need for time away from thehome. The mirror is real and the potscontaining lip balm are made from glass.The case is hard to openSponge applicators are dated. This kitwould benefit from more brushesNote: The product description says the kitalso includes a mascara and a further pencilbut these were not in our box. Importantomissions.Price: £18.99 to £21.99.ProsConsOur verdictAbout ZmileZMILE is an off-shoot of cosmetics companyBriConti GmbH, which has a three-decadehistory in the beauty business. Based near Hamburg, ZMILE was launchedto bring all-in-one makeup sets to themarket.

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COMPETITION62 - REGIME, Spring 2023Win a beauty gift tohelp you embrace thenew seasonThe prize will be either makeup or skincare,or a combination of both - and we will try totailor it to your personal taste. To be in with a chance, you need to be asubscriber of our fortnightly newsletter.Signup on our website here. The sign-upform is at the bottom of the page. We will choose a winner from our list ofsubscribers. They will be notified by email, somake sure you check that our newslettersdon't end up in your spam folder.Please ensure you sign up with a valid andactive email address. You must live in the UKto be eligible to win the prize. Brush away the winter blues with areal beauty treat for Spring. Indulgeyour inner goddess with a selectionof cosmetics designed to ease thetransition to warmer weather.We notify winners by email, so please ensureour newsletters do not end up in your Spamfolder. We've had one or two past winners failto claim their prize!We know that a change of season is the besttime to pep up your look. If you are short ofcash right now, this competition could saveyou mega bucks. Closing date: May 30.Our previous competition winners havereceived everything from Elemis collectionsto spa sets and all-in-one make-up sets. Weliaise with winners to ensure they receive aprize they will use.We hope you take the opportunity to join in.Our newsletter focuses on beauty featuresand deals. Good luck!

Regime Magazine Spring 2023

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