Swimming dramas - my endless quest to find the perfect goggles

I started swimming around 6 years ago. At this point I maybe did max 50 lengths, breast stroke, head above water, stopping every 10.

This required no specialised equipment beyond a swimming costume (at this stage I probably wore the dreaded tankini)

At a year in, I decided goggles would be quite helpful to stop other people's splashing causing chlorine blindness, and so for this purpose, any old goggle would do.

It was around 4 years ago that things got serious, I was swimming 4 or 5 times a week (although it took another year for me to be able to swim front crawl properly), and my hair, skin and eyes were suffering.

After MANY ear and sinus infections, I decided that it was time for a swimming cap, ear plugs, and nose clip to add to my swimming armoury - which at this stage only consisted of goggles and now a swimming costume.

It was at this point that I realised even all these items were not made equal.

I had ear plugs that fell out, degraded after a weeks use; nose clips that pinged off after the first length and snapped when placed back; swimming caps that disintegrated on contact with chlorine, developed holes with the stretching needed to get it over my hair, tugged said hair and rode up so I resembled Tommy Cooper by the end of my swim; and goggles that left indents so deep they looked like bruises or didn't suction so leaked and rendered them pointless.

After much research I found various solutions

Ear plugs

No contest - Speedo ergo ear plugs. They last ages even if they do discolour slightly.

Nose clips

Yet again, they have discontinued my favourites. I managed to bulk buy a few from America but sadly not enough. It was the Speedo liquid comfort nose clip - check regularly as sometimes the Ebay listings reappear!

I have had to go back to the Speedo universal nose clip, which works well, but loosens fairly quickly. Not a patch on the liquid comfort though.

Swimming caps

I now only wear long hair swimming caps. There is a strange extra bump at the back which your bun fits nicely into. This means that your hat and hair stays in one place, isn't tugged or damaged, and if your hair doesn't move, your goggles don't move.

I used to be a die hard fan of the ishka long hair swimming caps but they have since been discontinued. I have found an amazing alternative by TYR which is available from Proswimwear (where I make many swimming purchases)...here

Googles

This is an ongoing quest. The issue with swimming for long periods of time on a regular basis, is that the constant force of plastic on sensitive areas (around the eyes) will lead to some nasty looking dark circles, and long term, can actually move the fat around the eye and create permanent indents, as well as creating extra tension on the delicate skin leading to wrinkles.

I therefore decided to switch some mask goggles which instead exert the pressure over the cheeks and forehead which can take a lot more force with no long term negatives (you just look like a bit of a wally during the swimming time)

For four years I was in a monogamous relationship with my Aqua Sphere vista goggles. However around 9 months ago when I changed to a new pair (perfectly normal, the rubber degrades with all the chlorine after 6-12 months of use), and they leaked. Usually the first wear of a new pair of goggles is a joyous experience so this shocked me.
I wondered if I had a dodgy pair. I ordered FIVE more. They all had the same issue.

I concluded my face has undergone some sort of meltdown and have since tried EVERY PAIR OF GOGGLES THAT EXISTS ON THE PLANET. I have only found 2 that work. The goggle marks are slightly worse than the Aqua Sphere but they fade and cause no lasting damage.

My new faves are:

Nabaiji Swimdow goggles (in small - because I have the head of a 5 year old)

Costumes

Speedo Rippleback. They are comfortable, don't ride up your bum, stay in place and cause minimal resistance but they are SKIMPY so beware. The alternative for good hydrodynamics is to do a full triathlon suit. Either is fine.

Hair and skin protection

As I discussed in my hair care post, I use a leave in mask (Sun Swim Gym) before I swim, and always do my first shampoo with the Paul Mitchell Shampoo 3

I use my Snowfire ointment as lip balm every time before swimming without fail , my lips are always protected and love me for it.

I apply something on my skin before swimming to protect it. This seems to have helped not only with dryness but also with recovery from the goggle marks and with acne. Seems drying out spots with chlorine is not a valid acne treatment.

I have tried many things. What to avoid.

1. Anything oily
2. Anything fragranced
3. Anything tinted - including tinted SPF, it mixes with the water, destroys your goggles, clogs your vision and stings
4. Anything acidic - vitamin c, AHA's or BHA's

I have found my La Roche Posay Toleriane fluid and the No7 Line Correcting Serum perfect. It means my skin gets a little treat on the way to the pool and is protected during my swim. 

I also protect my eyelashes with a strengthening serum  - I like Revitalash and LiLash. 

After my swim, I wash my body with the chlorine shampoo because regular body wash still leaves your smelling of chlorine by the end of the day. I then moisturise with a heavy duty moisturiser. 

Enjoy your swim, please feel free to ask any questions, I have tried A LOT of swimming products. 

Mini Look Fantastic Haul

 

Quick one today!

I teased on instagram a video of me opening this (@smilesbetterskins) and here is what it contained!

PUREOLOGY STRENGTH CURE COLOUR CARE SHAMPOO,CONDITIONER AND SUPERFOOD TREATMENT TRIO

I have decided that my shampoo and conditioner game needs upping now the sun has started ravaging my hair! I use the Pureology shampoo and conditioner once a week when I am washing my hair at home (as opposed to the pool) and every time I am amazed by the difference it gives. 

Last week in fact, I used these products on the Sunday, washed my hair again on the Monday and could STILL feel the difference. So I went for it and re purchased. Also thought I would try the mask because...more is more right?

THE ORDINARY AHA BHA PEELING SOLUTION

If you haven’t read my mask post – where have you been? I declare my love for this product and my current one is running low, and the thought of being without this and having to deal with having multiple layers of skin rather than my product-thinned one, fills me with dread.

(checkout the post here) 

HYLAMIDE LOW-MOLECULAR HA BOOSTER 30ML

After indoctrinating all of my friends and colleagues in the importance of hyaluronic acid, I started them off on The Ordinary version, they are now ready to step it up, and Hylamide is the next level up in the never-ending sky scraper that is the Deciem company base.

This is runnier than The Ordinary version, but not as runny as the magnificent NIOD one. This means it absorbs more readily, and the low molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid molecules means it can absorb deeper into the skin, leading to increase plumpness!

Real life mask loves...don't expect instagram worthy photos.

Let's talk masks.

Everyone from Aldi to Armani now make face masks. It is a bit of a minefield.
Luckily for you, I have tried A LOT. (I've tried a lot of everything, much to the disgust of my bank balance)

Here is a run down of my faves and my top tips, as well as some that really are not worth the hype/money

Sanctuary Spa 5Minute Thermal Detox Mask

This is without doubt, the best clay/charcoal mask I have used. You can use this on larger areas with blocked pores or literally to spot treat.

This is amazing for those cystic spots that will not come to the surface. I also swear by my patented salt water technique for drawing them out. See below.

1. Boil a kettle, rinse some water around the mug to warm it. This helps because the colder the mug, the quicker the hot water will cool and you will have to get up and down to refill.
2. Fill the mug half full and add a teaspoon of salt
3. Wrap a cotton wool pad (or even better, use a cotton ball) around a teaspoon.
4. Dunk in the hot water
5. Test the heat – you don’t want to burn your face
6. Rest the hot salt water cotton on the spot
7. Dip and return to the face for around 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure the water stays hot.
8. The area should go red, you are attempting to boost circulation to get the spot to surface

This mask is also great for when you pop a spot (naughty, but sometimes must be done) and need to draw out any remnants and calm it all down.

Dupe for: GLAMGLOW SUPERMUD MASK. Much cheaper. Much less irritating (the tingle factor in the Glamglow is completely unnecessary. If you want salicylic acid, apply it directly in another form. The combination is too drying.

PLEASE DO NOT USE PORE STRIPS/THOSE GOD AWFUL PEEL OFF MASKS ON FACEBOOK. All you will do is worsen acne, trigger rosacea, irritate and flake dry skin and cause broken capillaries. It is not worth it. If you have that many black heads that ca be pulled out by effectively, liquid sellotape, then you need to be looking at your cleansing and serum routine. 

Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

This is the most milk form of acid peel that I will mention here. I used this religiously throughout my roaccutane treatment. The flaky skin needed to be removed somehow, my stronger masks made my face fall off and scrubs just led to broken capillaries.

Ingredients:

No parabens, sulfates or synthetic fragrances

Glycolic acid

Some nice oils (low down the list) to buffer

Hyaluronic acid

Vitamin C – please note, I do not believe that vitamin C in mask form will give any results beyond the fact that it is slightly acidic. In order for vitamin C to be active, it either needs to sit on the surface of the skin to provide antioxidant protection, or absorb into the skin to boost collagen. It will not do either of these things in 10 minutes. It is also light sensitive so when stored in a clear tube it probably wont be active.

This will leave your face GLOWING, resurfaced but not irritated. Great for sensitive skin

Alpha H Smoothingand Perfecting Mask

Out of all of them, this might be my favourite mask.

Spotty? Amazing. Dry? Amazing. Dull? Amazing.

Stronger than the Murad mask (15% glycolic acid) but still somehow not irritating. This will leave you with glass/baby-bum skin

Love

The Ordinary AHABHA peeling solution

Only use this if you have rhino skin.

This has a whopping 30% AHA - Glycolic (note this is first on the ingredients list) Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid and Citric Acid

 and….2% BHA (2% BHA is the max the EU will allow us to use in cosmetic products),

as well as some hyaluronic acid

It is a beetroot colour and very liquid. Apply a few drops at a time otherwise it will drip all over your sink/bathroom floor. It has this colour so people don’t leave it on like a serum. If you did this, you would probably have some exposed bone when you next looked in the mirror.

This is amazing for pigmentation, dry skin, dull skin, blocked pores, blackheads, spots and scarring. If you want results, this will give them to you.

Work your way up slowly. You’ve been warned

One to avoid: GLAMGLOW YOUTHMUD™ Tinglexfoliate Treatment. This contains absolutely no AHA’s or BHA’s and no proven resurfacing ingredients other than pumice and silica which are physical exfoliants (you know my feelings on these). There are however a LOT of ingredients designed to piss off your skin ( tingle means its working right? WRONG)

Just don’t bother.

Ren Evercalm UltraComforting Rescue Mask

This is great for everyone. Roaccutane burns, over use of said The Ordinary product above, sunburn, dryness etc. This mask will fix it. It is very rich but it is removed so I do not have such an issue with leaving it on my skin. This is amazing to apply overnight, or to apply in the afternoon before an evening event. Your make up goes on like a dream.

Hydrating, soothing and calming. Also amazing on a plane as it leaves no visible residue but you will arrive hydrated

Albatrellus Extract, Arnica, Algae, oils and probiotics tackle redness, inflammation, and relieve irritation and itchiness. There are no chemical nasties in here. It almost leaves a film over the skin, so if you are the kind of dry where you feel you continuously want to apply moisturiser – this will be perfect and can just be dabbed off with a tissue before makeup.  However, if you are combination, or have irritation from products or medications, this is also perfect, just cleanse off and continue your skin care routine.

Home made masks

Yes you can buy clay. But when my beloved Sanctuary mask can be picked up at boots for under a tenner – why bother? The mess and frustration will not compensate for the cheapness of buying your own bag of clay.

“Crushing aspirin to make salicylic acid”. Yes aspirin is a version of salicylic acid. However it is not in the right pH to create a version that will have any effect when put on your skin. Plus mixing it with water – which is the only way you can apply – will make a complete mess, and destabilise the product. The ordinary has a salicylic acid solution which is a fiver, and their AHA BHA mask is also a similar price.

Turmeric. Turmeric has indeed been shown to have anti inflammatory properties but not when applied topically. Put it in your cooking not on your face

“Natural alternatives to retinol”. If retinol was not such a buzz word at the moment, no one would be claiming. What they mean is “this product might help resurface or moisturise the skin”. Retinol is the only product that can actually boost turnover of skin cells and make them act like younger versions of themselves.

“Orange juice is the best source of vitamin C”. No. Just no. If you wish to burn your face/apply a lot of sugar to it then go ahead. In order for vitamin C to act on the skin it ideally needs to be in the form of ascorbic acid. This needs to be stabilised and pH balanced in order to work. Buy a vitamin C serum or The Ordinary vitamin C powder instead. The same applies for putting lemon juice on your face. Yes it is acidic but not in a form that will do any true resurfacing, it will just make you sticky (at best) or burn you.

“Glycolic acid comes from cane sugar – why can’t I just use that”. If this was the case, all the leading beauty companies would start sticking sugar in their products. It would be far cheaper and easier. You will, again, end up with a sticky face that will be a nightmare to cleanse, and will get no true glycolic acid resurfacing because it is not in the right form. Sugar is not glycolic acid. It is sugar.

Avocado - yes this provides lots of nice oils and fats, of all the home made options this offends me the least. However if you can afford to buy avocados purely to mash, put on your face and wash down the sink, then you can afford a more advanced and proven formula. 

Just buy a tried, dermatologically tested, stable, pH balanced, regulated mask. You do not have to spend a fortune (although you can if you want to). 

You can buy most of these from lookfantastic, who I have ordered from for YEARS and they have never failed me. My other new fave site for more luxury items is Cultbeauty. 

Hair care 101 and industry secrets

I was asked the other day if I could go through some hair care products and discuss what is worth the hype and what really isn't.

As with 99% of the beauty industry, most products sell through hype and advertising rather than by repeat purchase due to effectiveness. 

I have long hair which generally behaves itself but I put it through a lot. I swim 5 times a week (did I mention that already? not like I talk about it much....) and use a lot of heat styling. My hair is fairly fine but I have a lot of it. When it dries it looks like a sad mop and while it would not be classed as curly, it certainly wouldn't be able to dry on its own and look nice. Think straight with kinks. 

So before we begin with products, I will give you a bit of background info about the industry, which applies to skincare, make up and fragrance as well as hair care. If you are a beauty buff, you will probably know this already so scroll down to the good bit, if not, read on.

Pretty much all main stream designer brands get their money from larger brands rather than private funding. There are really only 7 companies who produce our main stream beauty products:

Company	Who they own
L’oreal Procter and Gamble	Between these 2, you have covered pretty much any brand you will find in Boots (the drugstore) – including Maybelline, Covergirl, max factor, Garnier, Olay, and my beloved La Roche Posay. They also own some of the higher end skincare brands like Decleor , Skinceuticals and SkII In terms of hair, they also own Garnier, Clairol, Pantene, Head and Shoulders, Herbal Essences and even the higher end Kerastase, Pureology and Redken Interestingly they also own designer brands Saint Laurent, Armani, Diesel and Ralph Lauren
Johnson and Johnson	Neutrogena and Aveeno
Beiersdorf	Again, good old drugstore skincare brands like Nivea and Eucerin but also, LA PRIARIE
Unilever	Dove, Ponds, Vaseline, Simple For hair: Alberto Balsam, TreSemme, VO5 and Toni and Guy Interestingly they also own Pot Noodle.
Louis Vuitton-Mote Hennessy Shiseido	Unsurprisingly these 2 companies own the more high end designer brands like Dior, Guerlain and Givenchy as well as stuff for us mere mortals from Avene They also own make up brands Benefit, Make up forever , Cle de peau, NARS, BareMinerals, Laura Mercier and Jean Paul Gaultier cosmetics

Now the reason for giving you this information is that the big mother companies will spend their money finding new ingredients or cutting edge formulations. They then release them in products from the higher end brands with the big launch. Once this hype dies down, the ingredient, formulation or product trickles down into the lower end brands and finally ends up in our drugstores so that the owner company can make the most money from the research and discovery.

Haircare example:

L’oreal owns Kerastase. Kerastase bring out their Elixir Ultime Hair Oil (41). It’s wonderful, it’s very fancy.

A few months later L’oreal Professional bring out their Mythic Hair Oil (£17)

Finally, L’oreal Paris (the brand you find in Boots or the supermarket) brings out Elvive Extraordinary Oil (£8)

They are pretty much all in similar bottles, with a similar fragrance and do the same thing. Yes the Kerastase has some more expensive essential oils and probably less silicone, but you get my drift.

Make up example:

Armani brought out Maestro fluid foundation, a few months later, L’oreal bring out Nude Magique. 

Same pigment-in-liquidy-formula that you have to shake then apply. A bit like Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua.

My point is, pick a product from a big brand, spend a little and you’ll more than likely be getting the same effect as the higher end one.

So now onto my picks. Get ready for one of my infamous tables:

Product	Why I like it
Paul Mitchell Shampoo 3 https://www.lookfantastic.com/paul-mitchell-shampoo-3-300ml/10302263.html	As you can see, I have the massive size which means I must like it because I am Fickle (capital F) with products. For years I was trying to battle my dry, chlorine damaged hair which almost felt synthetic – like barbie hair- with moisturising masks. It wasn’t until a hair dresser pointed out that the masks or conditioners cannot penetrate through the layer of pollutants on the hair in order to treat it. In my case the issue was chlorine, but dry shampoo or hair finishing products will also be culprits This contains a chelating agent (fancy term for something that causes stuff to stick to it, like a magnet) which binds the chlorine or pollutant, so when you wash out the shampoo, out comes the impurity too. As soon as I started using this, within a week my hair was back to normal. Genius
Twice weekly shampoo: Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner https://www.lookfantastic.com/pureology-strength-cure-colour-care-shampoo-and-conditioner-duo-250ml/11714354.html	As I mentioned, my hair is needy because of what I do to it, rather that it’s natural condition being frizzy. It has a propensity to be flat and so whilst it needs mega treatment and TLC it cannot be done with anything too heavy. These products use more of a protein based healing system rather than just adding oil or weight. Due to the price of these products, I only use them once or twice a week, for the other days I use a variety of different shampoos
All the other days shampoo: Pick any moisturising one from Garnier or L’oreal I like this one – Garnier Coconut Oil & Cocoa Butter http://www.garnier.co.uk/hair-care/beauty/ultimate-blends/coconut-oil-for-frizzy-hair/shampoo	Honestly, this shampoo does not really matter. I only use it because the Paul Mitchell is quite drying and when I’m being speedy in the changing room, I just whack this second one on to ensure I have removed all the swimming mask I put on before I dive in the pool
Hair mask Macadamia and coconut milk hair mask for dry hair SMELLS AMAZING http://www.garnier.co.uk/hair-care/beauty/ultimate-blends/coconut-milk-for-dry-hair/mask L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Very Dry Hair Mask http://www.boots.com/loreal-extraordinary-oil-mask-pot-300ml-10183201#z4t2lcWWtKq0asTj.99	On days when I don’t use the pureology – which is all the time – I use a hair mask as a conditioner. I only use it in the mid lengths and ends, and if you had limper hair, you could just run it on the ends of very wet hair. If your hair is frizzier, squeeze or towel out as much water as you can before applying so it is less diluted. Then leave it on for as long as possible. My logic is, if you only have a minute to leave your conditioner in, surely it is better to do it in the most concentrated moisture form rather than with a bog standard conditioner.
Heat protection spray TRESemmé Heat Defence Spray http://www.boots.com/tresemm%C3%A9-heat-defence-spray-300ml-10038626 VO5 Heat Protect Spray http://www.boots.com/vo5-heat-protect-spray-200ml-10081250	Again, all of these are much of a muchness so the things I look for are:               1) That I don’t hate the scent                2) That the spray distributes the product in a                     mist, not in a volcanic eruption leaving one                   part of your hair soaked and the other dry Spray in, brush through, job done.
Lee Stafford Dehumidifier Spray http://www.boots.com/lee-stafford-dehumidifier-spray-200ml-10042043	If your hair is frizzy, or like me, you have a fringe which when met with humidity does all kinds of strange things,  this is a great product. If you have fine hair and have curled it, I wouldn’t use this as it can make it drop, but for straight or naturally curly hair its amazing, or just using on the fringe or side of the hair.
Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hair Oil for Frizzy Hair http://www.boots.com/garnier-ultimate-blends-sleek-perfector-oil-150ml-10167806#YS8rxljcjBpUUOjG.99 L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Hair Oil All Hair Types http://www.boots.com/loreal-elvive-extraordinary-oil-100ml-10140048#zV3J70rSVTC0uWo0.99	Having tried all the aforementioned hair oils, from Kerastase to L’oreal professional to Morroccan oil, I genuinely find this to be the best finishing product. I do not need to get extra moisture from my finishing products as I do that with good masks etc, what I need is something to de frizz or calm. I use this every time I have curled my hair to take away the poodly look, seal the ends, smooth and give shine. If you really do want a more oil based product I also like the bogstandard L’oreal oil
Pre swim hair mask Boots Sun Swim and Gym Protection Masque for Normal Hair http://www.boots.com/boots-sun-swim-and-gym-protection-masque-for-normal-hair-150ml-10140075	I have used this religiously for about 3 years. Before this I had tried everything to try and protect my hair whilst swimming. Leave in conditioners just washed out as soon as the water leaked under my swimming cap (please note, swimming caps are to streamline and keep your hair out the way not to keep your hair dry), coconut oil was a pain in the arse to apply and even more of a pain to fully wash out. This product is cheap, it is easy to apply, it stays in during swimming, it washes out easily, and whilst it provides no real conditioning effects in itself, it stops the chlorine penetrating the hair and more importantly does not cause any spots in areas of the skin it might touch like my forehead etc. Its also a great one to use whilst on holiday too
Dry shampoo Batiste 2 in 1 Invisible Dry Shampoo & Conditioner Cocoa and Cashmere http://www.boots.com/batiste-dry-shampoo-tropical-coconut-exotic-400ml Batiste Dry Shampoo Tropical - Coconut & Exotic http://www.boots.com/batiste-two-in-one-invisible-dry-shampoo-and-conditioner-cocoa-and-cashmere-200ml-10225199 Colab dry shampoo spray paradise and Colab dry shampoo spray hype galactic are my favourite scents http://www.boots.com/colab-dry-shampoo-paradise-200ml-10238523 http://www.boots.com/colab-dry-shampoo-hype-galactic-200ml-10238530	Dry shampoo is an absolute must. Whilst I wash my hair after swimming, I definitely do not wash it after the gym, in an effort to try and preserve the health of my hair. For those days, or in fact for the days when I have washed my hair in the morning but need a refresh later on (aka my fringe looks like an oil slick), I use dry shampoo, and a lot of it. In fact, I get the huge size because my fringe needs topping up about 5 times a day I have tried them all, from cheap to expensive and I stand by the fact that batiste is the best. The smells are great, and they absorb oil. Yes they leave a white patch if you spray too close so: 1)      Hold the can a good distance away from your hair before spraying 2)      Do not do a prolonged spray, literally blast and move on 3)      Ideally leave this in for as long as you can before brushing it out, after the gym, I spray in while I shower etc then quickly blast my hair with a hairdryer to distribute it through and dry the roots. This also gives LOADS of volume. I do enjoy the smell of the Colab dry shampoos but they really do not have the oil absorbing power that I need due to my shiny-like-butter forehead. They are however great if your hair is too clean to do an up do, or your curls have come out too perfect. Even in this case, I tend to use the batiste dry shampoo and conditioner, which can be used all through the hair not just the roots, and the cocoa one smells great
Wet brush https://www.lookfantastic.com/wetbrush-punchy-pink/11310845.html Tangle Teezer Limited Edition -Skinny Dip Palm Flamingo http://www.boots.com/tangle-teezer-limited-edition-skinny-dip-palm-flamingo-10228646#GKpWDfX2oriIFQDC.99	This brush was originally designed for people with tangly hair, however I cannot think of a hair type that would not benefit from this. The majority of damage and breakage to hair happens when wet because we all use a bog standard hair brush or worse, yank through it with our hands before rubbing the hell out of it with a towel. I got this brush as a promotional offer with something I bought from look fantastic so thought I would give it a go but was quite happy with my tangle teezer. I was wrong. The ease with which this goes through my long tangled hair is amazing. I also use it on dry hair, it is especially good for brushing out curls without destroying them. The amount of hair that snaps is significantly less and it feels so much nicer. It is also designed to get wet, so you can brush through conditioner and rinse the brush clean with no issues. They also do a special brush for people with hair extensions. I still use a tangle teezer in my swim bag because its light, its really easy to clean as it is pure plastic and it is cheaper and a bit smaller, however when that goes, it will be replaced with another wet brush.