For this three-part feature, Joyce will be looking at three different skin types. In this first part we explore makeup and skin care for African-Caribbean skin. Parts II and III explore white and Asian skin respectively.

Everyone’s skin is different

Years ago, most makeup found on beauty counters was aimed at people with white skin. Now we’re finally starting to see decent makeup ranges for all skin tones, it’s time to look at maturing skin with a more specialist approach. 

…it’s time to look at maturing skin with a more specialist approach.

When it comes to both makeup and skincare, what worked for you at 25 doesn’t always work so well at 55. And Caucasian skin at 55 is very different from African-Caribbean or Asian. 

In this first part of three on how to choose makeup not only for your skin colour, but also as you age, Joyce Connor takes us through what makes African-Caribbean skin unique. She also gives her recommendations on a skincare routine, and the best products for maturing African-Caribbean skin.

Check out Silver’s very own Pro-Ageing Stem Cell Regenerator Serum

Firstly, at what age does African-Caribbean skin start to change and show signs of age?

All skins are different. African and Caribbean skin will start showing signs of age at around 55 years of age. Obviously this is a generalisation, but it’s a reasonable rule of thumb.

Heading into our fifties and beyond, what is the best skin care routine? 

As our skin ages we need to use different skincare routines to those we had when we were younger. 

African-Caribbean skins tend to be oiler because of the higher melanin levels, but this reduces with age. Using a nightly facial oil containing vitamin C will brighten skin in winter. 

A weekly refining mask for those with slightly oiler skins is advised. Exfoliation is important for all skin types to increase the penetration of oils and serums.

What type of makeup should those with African-Caribbean skin avoid?

As our skin ages we need to be aware of the makeup choices. African-Caribbean skins need to step back from caked-on foundation, and a wash of base colour looks more natural. 

Avoid using black pencils on eyebrows and opt for a dark brown powder instead.

With all skin tones, the clue is in softening the approach. Steer away from black, and avoid heavy foundations etc. Let the more natural, beautiful you shine through!

Joyce’s recommendations for African-Caribbean skin

Skincare and beauty routine

1. Nightly facial oil 

2. A weekly refining mask

3. Exfoliation for greater skin penetration

4. A wash of base colour rather than heavy foundation

5. Brown for eyebrows

A few suggestions for your skin

Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum £77

Vitage Renewal Antioxidant Treatment Mask £24

Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub £120

EX1 Cosmetics Invisiwear Liquid Foundation 14.0, £12.50

Armani Eye & Brow Maestro £32

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Oil, £67

Joyce Connor

Joyce Connor has been working in beauty and makeup for over 25 years. She was living in New York when she started out, and would visit every single makeup counter to try out different looks, and to learn about the products. Now UK based and bringing her passion to help other women look and feel great.

The post Expert advice on choosing makeup and skin care – Part I, African-Caribbean skin appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Men’s health in winter is vital to keep on top of, and self-care for men can be overlooked. But with the added pressures of the cost-of-living crisis, investing in yourself is more important than ever before.

You don’t need to replace your usual hobbies – instead, try to see a new routine as an enrichment to the way you live now. It’s never too late to start caring for your body, health, and mind. Here’s how you can get started and feel better this winter.

Self-care for men: Four simple steps towards becoming your best self

1. Style your hair

Refreshing your hairstyle can be one of the most effective ways to feel better. Winter often calls for major haircuts, especially if your hair is dry or starting to grow out beyond a length that’s easy to maintain.

By styling your hair, you can feel ready to tackle almost anything the day throws at you. If you’ve had your confidence knocked by a period of thinning or balding, specialised products like hair building fibres could help you to get back on track and feel unstoppable again.

2. Find a winter skincare routine

Your skin and hair might need more maintenance through colder weather, especially if you’re working long hours outside. Following a skincare routine will help you show off that healthy glow all through the season, no matter how extreme the outdoor conditions become.

Nourished skin not only helps you to appear healthy but could even make you look younger too. Of course, there’s a confidence-boosting element to having clear skin, too. When you feel more presentable, especially at work, you’ll be able to handle any task with enthusiasm and vigour.

Read more: Collagen for pro-ageing skincare

3. Improve your posture

The way you carry yourself could influence the way you feel throughout the day. Scientific studies suggest that improving your posture not only helps your body but has been linked to higher brain processing speeds and positive mood changes.

And improving your posture couldn’t be more straightforward. A few of the quick ways to fix your posture include:

• Sit properly: If you have a job that requires you to spend a lot of time sitting at your desk, this is vital. Try to sit with both feet on the floor, with your legs uncrossed. Your shoulders should be relaxed, and if possible, try to keep your knees facing forward.
• Stand tall: Thinking about improving your posture will naturally improve it over time. Concentrate on how you hold your shoulders and back, even when you’re doing something as simple as making a coffee.
  Work your muscles: Did you know that one of the biggest causes of joint and muscle pain is a lack of movement? Get up, shake out your legs, or hit the gym – you’ll notice the benefits quickly.

4. Consider nail care

Low temperatures and harsh, dry air have been proven to cause skin irritation and even eczema flare-ups during winter. If your hair and skin are suffering, your nails will likely be too – since they’re made of keratin, the same key protein in hair.

Nailcare is not just for women. If you’ve got a partner at home, they’ll likely notice any time and effort you might put into cleaning and restoring your nails. Once you know that you’re not walking around with dirty nails anymore, there’s bound to be an inevitable confidence boost too.

A final note

You don’t need to change much to feel more energised through winter. By taking care of your skin, hair, and body, you’ll notice benefits that seep into your emotional well-being too.

Read more: Are men bad at self care?

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Not everyone is locked down, but more of us are spending time at home. And hey, the rule of six is a teeny bit restrictive. So here’s some things to do at home, online, with friends, or on your tod.

1. Pizza in a box to your door

No, we don’t mean delivery pizza. We mean the fun of making a pizza, with all the basic, traditional ingredients delivered in a box. The boxes come with balls of dough to make the base, plus tomato sauce, fresh basil, mozzarella, parmesan etc.

The best bit here is that you get great pizza ingredients. And then get to add your own toppings without breaking the bank. Call us old-fashioned but we don’t think adding olives and extra cheese to a pizza should cost the best part of a tenner on top. Fun to do as a group, fun with famalam. And stand away from that pineapple.

Comes in two sizes –
The Due – for two at £17.50
The Famiglia – for four @ £27.50
www.dough-re-me.co.uk

2. Cocktail making and exclusive masterclass online

There’s quite a few box kits out there with the ingredients for specific cocktails, with a recipe card included. But this one is a bit different, and we love it. Watch the video.

We like this because it comes with an online masterclass. Learn how to make it like a pro, with a proper class from a highly experienced cocktail master! Great fun to do as a group online. Love that they offer non-alcoholic options too, as it’s Stoptober.

You pay for the class, which is £100 for 45 minutes, but obviously you can split the cost with chums.

Use your own ingredients, or they have box kits starting from £30
www.mixologygroup.co.uk

3. Make your own Indian feast – spice kits and recipe box

Everything you need to make an authentic Indian feast at home. The kit includes a recipe booklet to start you off, and six exclusive spice blends, created specifically by Mandira. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Gluten, nut and preservative free.

The kit contains onion bhaji masala, chicken or meat masala, Bombay potato masala, chilli masala, chai masala and garam masala. Cook up a Ruby in your bubble.

Spice kits £21
www.mandiraskitchen.com

4. Messy Halloween baking, with little kids (or big kids)!

This is a really fun activity bundle for Halloween, complete with a spooky mummy biscuit baking kit, monster slime popcorn kit, and monster biscuit bag craft activity. Each box fits though your letterbox and comes with everything you need to make monster slime and spooky biscuits, as well as a kit for decorating.

Fun with friends, but probably more fun with little fingers. Something to muck about with the children or grandchildren.

Halloween Activity Bundle £19.99
www.craftandcrumb.com

5. Whisky Festival in a Box, with tasting boxes

This is a fairly large scale event and one for those who love a drop of malt or peat or whatever. It’s a three day festival with tastings classes online, but also quizzes and other stuff. Everything will be available online and for free all weekend. But if you want to join in the tastings, you buy a box for £35 for one of the sessions.

The boxes include six whiskies, a tasting glass, can of Larkfire Wild Water for Whisky, a pin badge, and a pipette. Themed tasting sessions include Scotch whiskies, Asian whiskies, world whiskies etc. A whisky lover’s dream. If you miss it live you can watch it afterwards.

Whisky Festival in a Box, 16 – 18 October 2020
www.thewhiskylounge.com

6. Luxey grooming kit for men – because good hands are important

It’s not just women who like to look and feel good. Treat your hands to a bit of love – especially as you’re washing them so much more.

This kit includes things like hand scrub and cream; grooming items such as clippers, scissors, tweezers etc; and a nifty little pouch. Maybe not exactly a party in a box, but a box to prepare you for a party!

Available from Boots – the Champneys Men Deluxe Grooming Kit £14
www.boots.com/champneys

7. Cove Vodka cocktails in a box – Cosmos or Royales?

Nice and straightforward, this is cocktail combos in a box. We loved the look of a few of these cocktail boxes and kits. But came down in favour of the Cosmo, or maybe the Royale. We like it classic and classy, what can we say? Also how cute are those little bottles of Cointreau?!

We say try a few of these kits with friends, either online or together in the flesh. Not exactly challenging, but fun, and quality ingredients.

Cove Cocktails Cosmopolitan Kit – contains enough for four cocktails £30
www.devoncove.co.uk

8. ESPA – the full body pampering experience in a kit

Literally launching today (2 October), this is the ultimate in spa at home luxury. Those that know, know that ESPA is guaranteed to make you feel magical. And this collection includes an embarrassment of riches. Spa night at home with girlfriends? Absolutely perfect for this. Crack open the champagne and revel in the goodies, which include body polish, serum, hair mask, Gua Sha tool for massage, plenty of creams… grownup sleepover anyone?

Create a sanctuary at home from top to toe – The Complete Retreat Collection £180
www.espaskincare.com

9. And relax, with this gentle box of relaxing goodies

If you’re looking for something a bit more holistic and relaxing, this is the one for you. Particularly if you fancy a bit of me-time. The box contents have been selected to give you seven ways to reduce stress, relax the mind and soothe a tired body.

The box contains a wellbeing rollerball, heated eye mask, rose quartz crystal, singing bowls download and mint tea. Something to take along to your small yoga group perhaps, or just indulge yourself with at home. Ommm.

RRP £25 available from
www.sensoryretreats.com

10. Make your own gin with botanicals

Missing your favourite gin bar? Did you know it’s pretty easy to make your own gin blend at home, champions? This box comes with a recipe booklet and a bunch of fragrant botanical ingredients in little tins. Which you can use for garnishing your already-made gin, or make your own. Everything you need is included.

Gin Botanicals Tin with 7 Botanicals, £24.99
www.spicekitchenuk.com

11 Time of Your Life beauty boxes

TOYL is a beauty subscription box created specifically for mature skin. Packed with beauty products, specifically chosen for our age group and themed to meet your beauty needs throughout the year, TOYL is unique. The luxey, high quality contents are always worth over £100, and each month you receive products relevant to the time of year. From a shake-up of skincare in the Autumn, to travel products in May, glamour in December and home spa for January.

Monthly box subscription only £35, cancel any time
www.toyl.co.uk

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I’m a bit of a spa lover – one of my favourite things in the world is having a massage. But that’s because my back is always in shreds. Too many hours at the laptop.

I’m not particularly high maintenance. I love lash extensions, because I’m a lazy moo when it comes to makeup, and it means I don’t have to bother with mascara. And I like getting my nails done, and hair of course. But I’m not bigly into tanning or facials. So I thought I’d pick out the things that I’m really missing, and see how I got on at home.

Colouring my hair

I keep my hair blonde – my natural colour is a dark blondey mouse, the colour of wet sand. In the old days I’d have styled out the roots in lockdown and gone all balayage baby. But these days the roots are some dark blonde, some grey, and some white. And really patchy. I’m not quite ready for that yet, the white wings like bloody Dickie Davies.

I know salons are open soon, but I couldn’t wait and decided to bust out the box colour. Hair stylists everywhere are groaning now and putting their heads in their hands. But actually, this was ok.

I chose Clairol Nice n Easy Ultra Light Ash Blonde – because I’ve used the brand before and guessed I wouldn’t react to it. Also the ash part I was hoping would stop my hair going brassy yellowy blonde. Whacked it on, and was instantly impressed with how much better it was than box stuff used to be.

No rank smell, nice creamy stuff that was easy to apply. No purple splodges where I inevitably spilled it on the bathrooms tiles. All in all pretty straightforward.

VERDICT

So you can see in the picture that the colour isn’t uniform, which is actually a good thing. Where it’s gone really light is basically where my white wings are, so it’s gone much lighter there. I’m not unhappy with this at all, but it’s not like going to the salon and having that whole nice experience where someone does your hair. I missed the interaction, and stuff like someone else washing your hair, which I love! I’d do this again though, definitely. Worth the risk.

Getting a massage

So this is a biggie for me. I love, love, love massage. I try and get massages every month, absolute minimum. I’ve got a bad back, and I’m a massage connoisseur. And I’m really missing someone kneading the knots out of my shoulders and thoracic area.

I tried the HoMedics Gel Shiatsu Back & Shoulder Massager chair thing (£299.99). And oh my word. This has been an absolute lifesaver during lockdown. It’s got several different functions – shiatsu massage setting, rolling setting, heat – and I can quite literally sit on it and slide into a coma. It’s lovely.

If you position yourself right, you can get a really deep knuckling right in the knotted areas, and this has two sections. So you can get your back done, and there’s a top unit too for neck and shoulders.

I’m going to keep using it, even when I can get a salon massage again, because the de-stressing aspect of this is enormous. It is permanently on the sofa now, and I often have a bash after a day in front of the laptop. I’m a drooling fool within about ten minutes. Better than five gin and tonics.

VERDICT

This is an expensive gadget but if you’re going to use it a lot, probably well worth the cost. I found that I needed to play around with the controls and my position in the seat to ensure it hit all the right spots, but it didn’t take long to work that out, maybe two sessions. Obviously you’re missing human contact here, and you’re sitting up, rather than lying down. But the massaging action of the nobbly bits is really good. Very impressed.

Something else for my back

Someone ages ago recommended the Shakti Mat so I got one to try. This is essentially an Indian bed of nails to lie on, and works by stimulating blood flow around your back and body, easing blood back into tight muscles. The reason muscles ache and get tight is because of lack of blood flow. It’s why you go red when you get massaged.

Anyway, we were a bit sceptical, especially as when you touch the spiky bits it’s really, well, spiky. But somehow once you spread weight across the whole mat it’s not only bearable, it’s really nice. You get kind of rushes of heat, feel your skin and muscles warming up. Then you relax. I thought I’d hate this and actually loved it.

I also really like the ethics behind the production… “Shakti Mats are handmade by 72 women in an all-female purpose-built workshop. The word ‘Shakti’ in Sanskrit is a feminine principle, and symbolises empowerment, abundance and change. It is with these principles that we run the workshop.” There’s a whole welfare and funding program thing going on here that’s really commendable.

VERDICT

Apparently you can work up to standing on this for the reflexology vibe. Yeah, nah. Tried that and felt I was okay not working up to a daily stand on a bed of nails, although the others tried it. But lying on it, naked skin, yes. I’d really recommend this. It’s really good to use just before yoga, although I don’t know if that’s appropriate, but I liked it. Actually just writing about it now has made me want to go and lie on it again.

Gel nail manicure

I touch type and have to keep my nails really super short but I love having manicures and a have a gel set when I can. I’m guilty of picking off the gel varnish most times rather than going back and getting it soaked off, so I don’t do it regularly. But I like having pretty nails, and having gels is great because they last for yonks and they’re nice and shiny.

So I bought some kit off Amazon, figuring how hard can it be? I got a Bellanails Professional LED Nail Lamp, and a handy tool kit with all the stuff to do manicuring and removing the polish after. I also got some Bluesky products – the Bluesky base and top coat bundle was good, and then I bought a few gel colours, same brand. And some decent acetone. All in all, it was about £60 I think.

And so one Saturday morning I laid it all out on the table and had a bash at doing my own manicure and gel varnishing job. It was quietly satisfying, and I actually ended up with a pretty good set of nails.

It’s fiddly, I’m not going to lie. And it’s also really easy to get nail varnish on your cuticles etc, which you’ve then got to clean before zapping under the light. Because then it’s set super hard. It’s not like normal varnish where you can go in with an earbud and tidy it up. Once it’s zapped, it’s there for good. I nicked myself a couple of times with the cuticle clipper things too, but I got used to handling that as time passed.

VERDICT

This is great if you’re really super into having good nails without too much aggro. I mean, I wouldn’t want to have a bash at doing my own acrylics or anything, but this was totally doable. Pictured is my first attempt, and my second attempt was better a couple of weeks later. I forgot to take a photo though. But one of the nice things about having a manicure is all the other stuff that goes with it. The chit chat, the hand massage, the not having to do it. This is nice, but I’d definitely rather be in a nail place having someone else do the do.

Finally, lashes

Right. So I bought the ICONSIGN Lash Lift Kit off Amazon having watched this pop up about a billion times in my Facebook feed. The idea is that you increase the curl in your lashes (like you would get from using eyelash curlers) but it’s permanent. It’s a perm. Literally.

I’m going to tell you straight away that I haven’t managed to give it a bash. I couldn’t even get the funny little plastic things to stay on my eyelid, let alone glue my lashes to them to perm them.

I ended up throwing the plastic thing across the room like a five year old. So as at the time of writing, I can’t tell you much about this. I might give it another go and see if I can get this to work because I have heard good things. If I have any success (or otherwise) I’ll update this article.

If anyone has had a go at the lash thing and wants to let us know how it went, do comment below. I’d love to know!

THE TAKEOUT

So all in all, I guess you could say that with time and patience it’s possible to create most of those spa type experiences at home. The big thing missing of course, is the pleasure of other people. Chewing of the fat whilst your hair is coloured and cut, drinking coffee whilst your nails are made beautiful. Giving yourself up and lying in bliss whilst someone quietly works the knots out of your back and brings you a glass of water.

I am reasonably happy with all the things I’ve tried, but with the exception of the back massage things, I’ll definitely be going back to my favourite stylists as soon as I can for the rest of it.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post Reviews of home spa options – massage, nails, hair, lashes. Here’s how it went appeared first on Silver Magazine.