Finding the perfect skincare that goes with your skin type can be challenging, but it must be undertaken to protect the body from age and temperature. However, if you choose the wrong type of products to apply, you may end up with sensitive skin.

Ph. Kimia Zarifi (unsplash)

Skin can be subject to allergies, excessive foliation caused by daily usage of products that irritate the skin, high temperature, dry weather, and eczema.

If you have sensitive skin, finding the right skincare products can be quite difficult.

Many products are too harsh and end up making your skin worse, so you should opt for products made from natural ingredients, such as Misumi’s products. This brand offers expert solutions for acne-prone skin and guarantees effective results.

In this blog post, we'll share tips on how to take care of your sensitive skin. We'll also recommend some of our favourite skincare products that are gentle enough for sensitive skin. So, if you're looking for ways to improve your skin health, keep reading!

Determine Your Skin’s Sensitivity Level

Ph. Feur Kaan (Unsplash)

First, you need to determine whether your skin is sensitive or if you instead have another skin condition. To identify your skin’s sensitivity level, look for clues in your skin pattern and find out if there are differences in the level of your skin.

For instance, if your skin is naturally pale, you can spot some red spots due to irritation. If your skin is of a darker shade, you can notice some itching. To protect your skin’s sensitivity, one must understand the different factors that can affect skin sensitivity.

Not everyone is exposed to the same factors. Some people are affected because of a wrong choice of products, some because of sudden temperature change, some because they don’t like the heat, and others’ skin is sensitive to cold.

Skin sensitivity can be caused by multiple agents, so check which one of them would harm your skin to understand how to protect it. One way to ensure good skincare in the long term is to use the perfect products to protect you.

Sometimes, you can only find what works for them through an experiment with different products and seeking professional help. Whether your skin is dry or oily, a professional can always recommend what goes better with your skin type. Finally, follow a regular skincare routine to keep your skin healthy.

Choose the Right Skincare Products

Ph. Alesia Kozik (pixel)

Choosing the right products is the biggest step when attempting to protect the skin from any inconvenience. If you choose wrong, the skin may experience side effects such as irritations, allergies, and eczema.
Therefore, if you have sensitive skin, choosing skincare products that are gentle and won't cause irritation is important. Of course, you shouldn’t try it out on the entire skin surface all at once, but test out the new skincare products on a small patch of skin before using them all over your face.

This way, you will be protecting your body in case of any side effects, and you’ll find out if this product is the best to use or a must-avoid. Stay away from regular exfoliation when you have sensitive skin because it can affect your skin surface and worsen things. Instead, moisturise your skin and keep it hydrated.

Also, try to look for products labelled “sensitive” or “for sensitive skin.” When in doubt, packages are the answer; they will provide you with the necessary information concerning the products you’re about to try out, including whether they contain harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, exfoliators, or natural and organic elements that can improve your skincare experience.

If you feel more comfortable using natural hacks to take care of the skin, we recommend drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.

Adjust Your Skincare Routine

 Ph. Pavel Danilyuk (Unsplash)

Some people follow a skincare routine to fix their skin from unwanted effects, some simply look for the glow, and others just want their skin to look fine when they go to work.

In any way, it’s important to adjust your skincare routine to your best interest. If you have sensitive skin, there are some steps to follow to ensure a better glow. Try using a gentle face wash that doesn't contain any harsh chemicals nor alcohol, fragrance, or other harsh ingredients to avoid irritation. Instead, apply moisturiser to your skin every day to keep it hydrated, and use lukewarm or cold water to wash your face to ensure the pores’ opening.

Moreover, if you're experiencing redness or irritation on the skin level, avoid rubbing it or applying random products to get rid of it. Instead, try using an Aloe Vera gel to soothe your skin. Many research has shown that Aloe Vera products relieve the skin from any irritation and overheating.

Drink Plenty of Water and Eat Healthily

Ph. Ella Olsson (Unsplash)

A healthy body equals a healthy mind, and your body is nothing but a mirror reflecting how healthy you are. To keep your skin healthy and young, keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily to stay hydrated.
Dry skin is the number one enemy and can cause many complications. Therefore, it is important to drink as much as possible, perhaps squeezing some lemon in your water for a further glow!

And while we’re speaking of keeping it healthy, try to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables instead of processed foods and sugary drinks to get the nutrients your body needs. Keep it energetic by getting enough sleep at night and regular exercise to spend the day refreshed and in a good mood. There’s nothing worse for the skin than having dark circles under your eyes and an exhausted skin covering your body.

Take care of yourself, and give yourself some breaks throughout the day to meditate, relax and rejuvenate. Stay away from anything that can stress you out, and more importantly, be happy! Your sensitive skin will thank you for that!

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Whether it has been a long day at work or a cosy day at home, you should always look after your skin. Having a favourite moisturiser or hair mask which becomes a staple in your bathroom, is going to make you feel better. So just relax, and debrief on your day as we go through some necessities.

Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash

Our favourite items from The Body Shop are going to help your skin appear, smoother, younger and clearer. Pair them with our top tips to get the best out of your skin.

1. The Almond & Honey Body Butter

Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash

A soothing and thick moisturiser that really does butter up your body as it gives the illusion of silky skin. The scent has nutty, creamy notes and it lingers on your body for days. What more could you want than a product which is going to help nourish your skin, as well as make you smell great for days on end? The same scent also defines other products like shower creams, exfoliators and soaps.

Links to products: Almond Milk & Honey Exfoliating Cream Scrub | Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream - The Body Shop®

2. The Japanese Cherry Blossom Kiss EdT

Ph. Pratiksha Mohant, Unsplash

A beautiful spray edition for springtime. The fragrance is very light, which is perfect for warmer weather. It is a fruity scent infused with notes of strawberries, amber and peony. Smother your body in the matching shower gel or body lotion, and spray with the eau de toilette for a longer-lasting smell.

Links to products: Japanese Cherry Blossom Strawberry Kiss Eau De Toilette 50ML  | Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel - The Body Shop®

3. Hand Creams

Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash

Especially during a time when you are washing and sanitising your hands more than ever, you need to remember to take care of them. Hand sanitisers are known for drying out your skin and they can also cause blisters in some cases. Therefore, The Body Shop hand creams are going to be a lifesaver, making a perfect balance with soaps, gels and sanitisers. These hand creams come in various scents, so you have many options, whether to match with your existing scent or to try something new.

Links to products: Palms & Pinkies Hand Cream Trio  | Joy & Jasmine Hand Cream - The Body Shop®

4. The Tangle Taming, Nourishing Hair Mask

Source: The Body Shop UK

A thumbs up from us. The formula will really help to calm down your wild hair, whilst making your locks glossy and smooth. The mask also comes in a banana scent, really incredible.

Links to the product: Banana Hair Mask- The Body Shop®

All Body Shop products are vegan friendly and made out of all-natural ingredients. They have also started to become a sustainable company by bringing out new ecological packaging to help save the world.

The popularity of K-beauty will see no cease in 2022 and we can already tell you what are going to be the next Korean skincare trends that your skin will love this year.

Courtesy of Atomy

Ruby McGrath, MD of Korean skincare brand Atomy, reveals the latest trends that will be big in 2022.

In the UK, Google research on Korean skincare went up by 200%. As its success and appreciation do not stop, K-beauty does not stop to surprise us. Here we have expert Ruby McGrath, MD of Atomy, unveiling the latest Korean trends for 2022.

'Low-irritation' Cosmetics

“Korean skincare has been influenced by a global skin concern: the so-called 'maskne'. As masks become more prevalent in our lives, it’s having an effect on our skin including dryness, redness, irritation and ‘maskne’. ‘Low-irritation’ cosmetics are designed to soothe angry pores and skin troubles.

Ceramides are incredibly popular at the moment, thanks to their skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why we have added them to every step of our The Fame Skincare Set (£85). Also available to buy as individual products, which includes Toner (£19.50), Lotion (£19.50), Essence (£20.50), Nutrition Cream (£19.50), and Eye Cream (£19.50). Ceramides act as a source of strength that protects the skin barrier and keeps skin looking and feeling healthy.”

'Skip Care'

“Skip care is all about using fewer products to get the same results. A lot of the newer formulations are combining the benefits of several products into one. Not only does this cut down on the steps in your routine, but it also contributes to less waste and fewer carbon emissions in transporting products across the globe, which is a key growth area in the industry. We combined must-have skincare ingredients like Niacinamide, Green tea, Centella, Glycerin, and Oat kernel extract to create an effective do-it-all Absolute Ampoule (£36). With this ampule, you're treating your skin to anti-ageing, soothing, exfoliating, brightening, and acne-busting ingredients. Simply top with your favourite moisturiser and SPF and you’re set for the day!”

'Scalpcare’

“In Korea, we devote as much TLC to the skin on our head as we do to our facial skincare routines, and this is only going to become more dedicated in the New Year. It’s the scalp that really controls the health of the hair. So what’s going on in the follicle and the skin around the follicle could make the difference in whether you’re losing more hair, or maintaining your hair, and whether you have healthy hair or brittle hair. Our Scalpcare Set (£23) includes a shampoo and conditioner that incorporates Niacinamide, Neem, Arnica, Shikakai, Avocado, Henna, and Biotin to cleanse, nourish and balance the scalp.”

Oral Care

“In Korea, we are very thorough when it comes to our dental hygiene. Multiply the dedication we have to our skincare by 10! We clean our teeth after every meal as well as after drinking coffee and often carry a toothbrush around with us in our bags. In some places, you can even find free toothbrushes in bathrooms. Our Atomy Toothbrush (8pcs at £8) have super slim, flexible bristles with an anti-bacterial membrane for more effective removal of plaque and also to keep the toothbrush itself clean in between uses. Our Propolis Toothpaste (4pcs at £4) uses green tea and propolis extract as they are effective in minimising bacteria growth, as well as reducing bad breath.”

The Need-To-Know Ingredient

“Last but certainly not least we have the need-to-know ingredient for 2022. In 2021 Korea saw a large increase in supplement consumption, as our knowledge of the benefits of inner health and wellbeing for our outer, increases. Ellagic acid acts as an antioxidant and can decrease levels of inflammation to protect against disease. It can also help lighten your skin by blocking the activity of an enzyme involved in melanin production, as well as moisturising skin from the inside out, which is why we use it in the form of our Pomegranate Mixed Fruit Jelly (60 sticks at £58). Not only will a daily dose give you skin benefits, but studies
suggest that ellagic acid has excellent hair growth-promoting activity.”

Thanks to Ruby and Atomy, K-beauty has no secrets... at least for now.

To boost your health inside and out in 2022, discover the range of Atomy skincare and wellness products online.

Hair Growth & Density Treatment by Freshly Cosmetics is a hormone-free product, so it improves hair loss caused by hormonal, nutritional and inflammatory causes, without hormones or rebound effects!

This hair treatment is made with 99% natural ingredients, so when you stop using it your hair will not fall out or loose density.

The Hair Growth treatment is a 360º serum that combines 10 potent, natural actives that have been proven to improve hair loss. Its pioneering technology is encapsulated in a vegetable delivery system which acts as a vehicle for the active ingredients to reach the hair follicle, increasing growth by 10%. It packs a big punch, delivering an evidence-based injection of vitality, volume, density, and shine to lacklustre locks, and fine hair textures. 
 
The serum improves hair growth from the root and reduces hair loss in a powerful yet gentle way, without side effects, thanks to its high-quality plant active ingredients. The formula delivers antioxidants to strands, regenerating overall hair health. It is perfect for all hair types, including curly boys and girls. It is also suitable for sensitive skin and is pregnancy-safe. As with all Freshly Cosmetics formulations, it is also vegan and cruelty-free.

Hair Growth & Density Treatment is effective, vegan and sustainable and highly recommended.

The Benefits

• Increases scalp circulation
• Reduces hair loss by 53% in 45 days and by 75% after 90 days
• Provides energy and strength so that hair grows healthier, stronger and thicker
• Smart Growth Activator combines the action of two active ingredients, turmeric peptide and Scutellaria
• Increases hair density and volume by 69% after 90 days and by up to 88% after 120 days thanks to the active ingredient Azuki Sprout
• Increases hair resistance by 31% thanks to the active ingredients Amla and maca proteins
• Increases the number of hairs in the growth phase (anagen phase) by 49% after 150 days, and by69% in 90 days of continuous application • Increases shine by 29% and reduces grey hair by 8%
• Longer, stronger and shinier hair thanks to the action of the active ingredients azuki sprout, microbiota modulator and hair anti-ageing complex

Hair Growth & Density Treatment, £29, Freshly Cosmetics® | The best natural and healthy cosmetics

October is an important month for us as we celebrate Black History Month. Fashions Finest salutes this month by celebrating big and small realities in the beauty and fashion industry with you all.

Ph. Rodnae Productions, Pexels

The contribution of the Black communities in the UK has been underrated or simply unseen for too long. Yet Black Britons have enriched our cultural landscape and economy with vibes and stories coming from afar. Fashions Finest wants to celebrate black innovators and strong business women who make our life more beautiful.

Every month tinges with different colours and surges as the flag for a cause. Fashions Finest's Black History Month is a journey across people and ideas fueled by a courageous entrepreneur spirit and passion.

Meet Tiph'arah

Tiph'arah is a UK-based haircare company born in Coventry, Midlands. The brand moved its first steps in the intimacy of a house - to be more precise - a kitchen. Jessica Oduro, the founder, was looking for intensive and natural options that could keep her Afro hair nourished and hydrated for longer. Failed to do so, she started to experiment with natural and organic ingredients at home until she found the right formulation for glorious hair. 'Tiph'arah means 'glory' in Hebrews, in fact! Tiph'arah's hair butters aim to strengthen the hair strands, hydrate and promote healthy growth. The product range, consisting of three types of hair butter (Shea Cocoa Mango, Paw Carrot and Shea-Mang AVO'), is made with 90% of pure and organic ingredients from Ghana and the remaining sourced in Europe at high standards.

Meet Aviela

Aviela (read [a-vee-el-ah]) is a word used in Northern Ghana for 'good', 'nice' or even 'beautiful'. This word conveys very positive vibes. Aviela is the child of Patricia Monney who, during a family holiday in Ghana in 2007, was introduced to the power of raw, unrefined shea butter to heal her little daughter's ankle. Patricia learnt about shea butter anti-inflammatories properties and, once back home in the UK, she focused on expanding her knowledge on shea butter. She found a way to work the natural ingredient without compromising the natural properties and qualities of shea butter. The solution was her kitchen helper which gives Aviela products that superb weightless whipped consistency. Aviela offers a range of skincare and body care for all skin types with 100% pure, unrefined shea butter. Patricia sources her shea butter ethically from a cooperative of 25 women from the village of Gurugu in the Northern region of Ghana.

Meet Pamoja

Pamoja (read [pam-oh-jah]) is a Swahili word meaning 'together' and is inspired by formulator and founder Sarah Taylor's Tanzanian/British heritage as well her skin journey. During pregnancy, she experienced severe sensitivity and succeeded in finding the solution by herself. She worked on her own products and formulations gaining also some spotlights in national magazines.

This independent, black-owned company offers natural skincare with high performance and quality standards. Cruelty-free and environmentally friendly, Pamoja takes equal care of sensitive skin and the environment with sustainable packaging, ethically sourced botanical ingredients and zero palm oil. Sarah thinks that 'everyone deserves to feel good and that when you are kinder to yourself, it will help you be your very best.' For Sarah 'Black History Month is an opportunity to be more inclusive, to shine a spotlight on the contributions and the challenges we face so that we can better understand our collective history every single month of the year.'

Meet Wax + Wraps

For many of us, the pandemic represented a forced stop; however, this suspended time allowed us to reset priorities and rebuild ourselves. This happened to Jaqueline Shaw with Wax + Wraps. The fashion expert and entrepreneur overcame the COVID-19 backlash thanks to her acumen and love for fashion design. She realised how many people get interested in handmade and sewing during the pandemic and she also noticed how popular were and are still crafting subscription boxes.

Jaqueline, who has an MA in Ethical Fashion, is passionate about Africa and traditional fabrics. She put this personal love in her own subscription box by sourcing unique textiles printed, woven or knitted by hand in African states and regions. 'Other sewing boxes do the job but they are all very similar and I felt that they don’t inspire me to learn more about the people or even to source responsible fabrics and textiles too. My Master's degree in Ethical Fashion from the UCA Epsom, taught me that in this fashion industry, WE the consumers are the change we want to see. We are responsible for the impact of the industry on our planet and our purchasing decisions can build or break the industry. And its environment impact.'
Jaqueline thinks that 'Africa is Fashion's Future' and has been spreading awareness at previous London Fashion Weeks and events in Africa and the States. We could not but totally agree on that. Her sewing box does not just quench our thirst for crafts but also disclose stories from beautiful lands and people as no other service does.

Saka Luxe Beauty

Many feels puzzled by the length and complexity of cosmetic labels. This exact reaction is behind Saka Luxe Beauty, a UK natural hair and skincare company founded in Bristol in 2020. Available on Etsy, eponymous of everything handcrafted, the brand's ethos is based on creating simple and affordable products to moisturise and nourish hair, beard and body. Every jar of butter, every bottle of oil is handmade in small batches to ensure a caring and luxurious feel.

Jessica, Patricia, Sarah and Jacqueline are just four of the many black businesswomen that turn their creative verve or necessity to express themselves and made a living from their passion. Black History Month is important to us because the majority of the black-owned businesses are too small to gain the deserved visibility on the media and still struggle in this overcrowded industry.

We invite you to have a look around and discover the authenticity of these companies and that of many similar ones. As you and we shop independent and black-owned, we can support these individuals and make a little but significant change in their lives, ours, and the way we shop.

Fashions Finest is happy to bring you these personal stories and call all the black-founded companies to get in touch to join us and build together a network of creators beyond Black History Month.

A cool breeze on bare skin in summer, a warm hug in winter. Linen is the fabric chosen by Marta Cernovskaja for her brand Lemuel MC with sustainability and transparency at its core.

The best investment for Summer is a trusty sunscreen that never let you down (in protection). If you are like us and ask more about your skincare, you are likely in the look for something that does more for your skin and the environment. SOS SPF 50 checks all these boxes.

Sensibio H2O Cleansing Micellar Water has a new dress. Bioderma Laboratoires has launched a brand-new Limited Edition 1L Pump for its micellar water.

Although very common, skin issues like dryness and itchiness should not be skated over. With quick relief and long-lasting hydration, LOTIL skincare has been helping people for over a century.

K-beauty, K-pop, K-drama. That 'K' means Korean - precisely, South Korean - and it is the signature of the 'hallyu' wave: the proud spread of Korean culture and lifestyle. Korean beauty and skincare have gained popularity and success across the globe but what is the secret of this massive success?

K-beauty is on everyone's lips and faces! Korean beauty spread and conquered the market and the public. However, K-beauty secret is beyond kawaii and colourful packages.

Photo by Polina Kovaleva, Pexels

K-beauty is about a minimal look and a radiant beauty that comes from within. Korean skincare secrets are passed on generation after generation, rooted in traditional wisdom and generous use of natural ingredients. The Korean skincare we all love is the combination of this familiar past and today's most advanced technologies. Here are the other 'K-secrets' explained for you.

Mother Nature's Gifts

Photo by Tea Creative|Soon Chung, Unsplash

K-beauty takes the very best from Nature with botanical extracts and fermented ingredients that create enzymes breaking into new and effective substances. Of the many key ingredients, snail slime and bee venom could refrain the most squeamish of you but they are safe with visible results! Korean skincare benefits also from brightening rice, mung bean, known anti-oxidants green tea, turmeric and ginseng, and superstars mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) and cica (Centella Asiatica).

Hi-tech But Affordable

Photo by Jocelyn Morales, Unsplash

Koreans know well what goes onto their skin and they always look for the best; they are exigent customers. To satisfy their need, Korean cosmetic companies invest in new technologies and formulations to deliver what is expected and build up the result from the inside. The competition is high as the variety of products, yet the prices are never over the top. Korean skincare is for everyone's wallet.

Great Skin For All And Customisable Skincare

Photo by Anna Shvets, Pexels

It is not just a matter of money! Korean skincare is for everyone's skin type, even the most sensitive. With 56.8% of the Korean population suffering from sensitive skin, K-beauty pays a load of attention to hypoallergenic formulations with less harsh chemicals and more active ingredients from natural sources. A staple in Korean skincare is its routine made of 10 different steps. This routine would sound very long in today's hectic lifestyle but it is not as strict as it seems. These 10 K-beauty steps are not daily and can be customised to fit one's routine and skin necessities.

Effective Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Photo by Polina Kovaleva, Pexels

Constant research and powerful ingredients are at the base of Korean cosmetics effectiveness. K-beauty high performance can be explained also by these facts: K-beauty is made to prevent rather than treating skin issues when it is too late; plus, skincare products are developed to hydrate, nourish, strengthen and re-rejuvenate from within. Korean skin products are more than a trend and go beyond skincare. They are 'cosmeceuticals', beauty products with a therapeutical side.

The cultural aspect cannot be undervalued. In fact, Korean men and women - think about popular K-pop boy band BTS - learn how to take care of their skin earlier and with constancy. An early start, protection from harmful sun rays, and a religious regime prevent skin from showing ageing signs too soon.

Photo by Sunny Ng, Unsplash

Cutting-edge formulas, appealing products - like skin patches, sheet face masks and packs - and the right dose of kawaiiness in creative designs are the recipe for this skincare. K-beauty owns a lot to Mother Nature and as such tends to be very gentle with our environment with cruelty-free formulations and investment in recycled and biodegradable packaging. Sometimes, this is the case of I'M FROM, the k-beauty addict can see where the key ingredients come from.

K-beauty shows that healthy-looking skin is achievable by everyone. It is a philosophy and a way of living: slowly, with patience and respect as Nature teaches.