This week Steph from Beauty Guru has shared some of her beauty “first aid” tips …
Some days the art of grooming feels like a burden. While I’m all for looking and feeling wonderful (using the tools and products that are comfortable for you), there are certain beauty ‘ailments’ that can cause endless frustration and downright embarrassment. After years of experimenting, I have found some pretty decent solutions to some of the more common beauty emergencies. As well as working as a makeup artist, I have a long history in the pharmacy industry; here I discovered some excellent tips, and some products that are must-haves for any beauty first aid kit, here’s my first three …

Chapped lips

Despite owning enough lip balm to supply a small village, I still get the odd bout of chapped lips, usually in winter.
My first and most crucial tip: do not lick your lips. Saliva will dry them out even more.
Choose a nourishing lip balm with a natural base. I have tried everything, and I find that products like Chapstick and Blistex only provide surface protection. If your lips are severely chapped and flaky, apply a very thick layer of balm and leave it to soak in for ten minutes. Gently exfoliate your lips with a facecloth or soft bamboo toothbrush, and repeat the process if necessary.
Some lip products like matte liquid lipsticks will dry the lips out, so give your lips some love and apply lip balm after wearing lipstick and/or liner.

MY FAVOURITE LIP PRODUCTS

Green Goddess Hemp & Manuka or Hemp & Peppermint lip balm for soothing, repairing moisture that lasts.
Karen Murrell has a range of gorgeous natural lipsticks for nourishing colour.
I also use good old coconut oil on my lips and if you have the time try making your own natural lip balm.

Dry, flaky scalp

Dandruff is a bit of an embarrassing topic, but my years in pharmacy taught me that it’s incredibly common and easily treated. If your scalp is simply dry and flaky switch to a natural shampoo that is sulphate-free and use a scalp treatment like the one from Holistic Hair.  Note: Using a Dandruff shampoo from the supermarket it will fade your hair colour like nothing else. If you have a lovely chocolate brown or vibrant red tone that you want to keep fresh, invest in a coloured natural shampoo or mask from a shampoo shop to avoid colour fading. Some other scalp tips:
– Avoid super hot water on your scalp. I do this in winter sometimes, and it makes my scalp dry and irritated.
– Minimise use of dry shampoo and hairspray.
– Do a moisturising coconut oil massage on your scalp, and leave it in for fifteen minutes before shampooing out. Coconut oil also has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.
If your scalp is flaky AND is itchy, sore, really oily, or has scaly patches, go and talk to a pharmacist. You may need an anti-fungal shampoo, or you may have to see a doctor for a prescription solution.

Ingrown hairs

Of all the beauty dilemmas listed here, ingrown hairs are my absolute nightmare. Especially in the bikini area.
With any hair removal comes the risk of ingrown’s, and they are difficult to prevent and treat. For me, they happen no matter what I do, but certain things do help. Try using Paula’s Choice BHA Gel, it gets right into the hair follicle and clears out the pore. I use this over problem areas a few times a week.
If you shave, change your razor regularly. Use a shaving oil or coconut oil to assist the process.
I also recommend using an exfoliating glove in the shower every few days and applying a lightweight moisturiser after showering. If you’ve just had a wax, avoiding tight clothing, exercise, and excessive heat for the next 24-48 hours can help prevent ingrown hairs from forming.
**While I have shared my own tips and knowledge here, I must emphasise that I am not a trained health professional. Please contact a pharmacist, doctor, or dermatologist if you require expert advice.
Steph x

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