{"id":69174,"date":"2023-09-19T17:47:23","date_gmt":"2023-09-19T17:47:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/geels.net\/?p=69174"},"modified":"2023-09-19T17:47:23","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T17:47:23","slug":"want-the-perfect-beauty-regime-first-check-your-postcode","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/geels.net\/beauty\/want-the-perfect-beauty-regime-first-check-your-postcode\/","title":{"rendered":"Want the perfect beauty regime? First, check your postcode…"},"content":{"rendered":"
As autumn approaches, it\u2019s not just the shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures that we must brace for.\u00a0As the weather changes, it\u2019s also time to switch up our beauty routines.<\/p>\n
But this no longer means just relegating the Piz Buin to the back of the bathroom cabinet and digging out your lip balm, because these days there\u2019s a whole host of products to help you weatherproof your beauty routine.<\/p>\n
As we all know, though, the weather is postcode dependent. What works on holiday in Cornwall falls flat \u2014 literally, in the case of my hair \u2014 back home in the Cotswolds.<\/p>\n
And I\u2019m far from alone, with #hardwaterhair trending on TikTok as Gen Z-ers discover that their hair changes texture when they go away to university.<\/p>\n
But that\u2019s not the only issue, of course. Depending on where you live in the UK, your hair, beauty regime and body concerns can be affected by everything from UV levels to humidity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Even a big umbrella may not stop a shower wrecking your hair, especially if you\u2019ve used heat to style it away from your natural curls. Happily, help is at hand…<\/p>\n
So we\u2019ve drafted in beauty expert Sophie Tilley to help you navigate the terrain.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She says: \u2018I spend a lot of time looking through women\u2019s bathroom cabinets, advising on clever upgrades to better suit their age, lifestyle and their location. It\u2019s the specific demands of the area they live in that are often overlooked.\u2019<\/p>\n
Read on to find out how to tailor your beauty regime to your hometown \u2014 and be a winner in the beauty postcode lottery \u2026<\/p>\n
BEAT HARD WATER HAIR<\/span><\/p>\n LOCATIONS:<\/span> London and the South-East, Norfolk and Suffolk, the Midlands and eastern Wales.<\/p>\n Are you always scrubbing limescale off your bathroom taps? Imagine what all that chalky stuff is doing to your hair.\u00a0<\/p>\n If you live in these areas, you\u2019re using \u2018hard water\u2019, meaning it has a high mineral content \u2014 typically calcium and magnesium \u2014 because it has flowed through chalk and limestone to get to you.\u00a0<\/p>\n To beat it, you need the beauty equivalent of Viakal!<\/p>\n HAIR:<\/span>\u00a0To avoid your scalp being flaky, irritated and dehydrated, switch to a gentle shampoo or one that has mineral-stripping ingredients.\u00a0<\/p>\n A scalp milk can also be useful to rehydrate the skin and soothe irritation, as can a weekly scalp mask.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends: <\/span>Hello Klean Hard Water Shampoo (\u00a318 for 350ml, Selfridges.com) which, she says, is \u2018designed to fight against hair breakage caused by hard water, as it gently lifts minerals from the hair shaft for softer hair.<\/p>\n \u2018The same company also do a shower attachment which you can add yourself to filter out the hard water impurities from ever having contact with your hair and scalp.\u2019<\/p>\n And InnerSense Detox Hair Mask (\u00a328, 177ml, innersenseorganicbeauty.co.uk) is amazing, she says. \u2018It can be used as often as you like to rid the hair shaft and scalp of all impurities from hard water, as well as product build-up.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser (\u00a320.90 for 150ml, sephora.co.uk)<\/p>\n FACE:<\/span>\u00a0Struggling to get a good lather? When water contains high levels of calcium, it doesn\u2019t dissolve soap very effectively, leaving a residue that can lead to skin irritation and blemishes.\u00a0<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to rehydrate and switch to rinse-free products to cleanse.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends: <\/span>Korres Greek Yoghurt Foaming Cleanser (\u00a320.90 for 150ml, sephora.co.uk). \u2018This uses the lactic acid found in yoghurt to rid your skin of dirt and make-up. It\u2019s a soap-free, cream-to-foam cleanser you don\u2019t need to rinse.\u2019<\/p>\n BODY:<\/span>\u00a0Hard water areas can have higher incidences of eczema and psoriasis because minerals left drying on the skin can clog pores and cause dryness, breakouts, flakiness and itching. Basically put, it saps the skin of moisture.\u00a0<\/p>\n Try a soap-free body wash that\u2019s less likely to leave an irritating residue.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends: <\/span>Sanctuary Spa Signature Natural Oils Ultra Rich Shower Oil (\u00a38.50 for 250ml, boots.com). \u2018A luxurious oil, it will ease tightness, itching and irritation from a hard water shower. It promises a three-day moisture fix, so you\u2019ll be feeling the benefit of the ultra-nourishing natural oils for days.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sanctuary Spa Signature Natural Oils Ultra Rich Shower Oil (\u00a38.50 for 250ml, boots.com)<\/p>\n \u2026 ADD OOMPH TO SOFT<\/span><\/p>\n LOCATION:<\/span> The South-West, western Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland.<\/p>\n While those living with hard water might wonder what on earth those with softer water have to worry about, the grass isn\u2019t necessarily greener because soft water can leave hair feeling flat and limp.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Shampoo (\u00a324, 250ml, philipkingsley.co.uk)<\/p>\n HAIR:<\/span>\u00a0If you\u2019re prone to lank or greasy hair, soft water can mean it looks lifeless.<\/p>\n Counteract this by washing with a shampoo that adds lift, and use a light conditioner so you don\u2019t weigh it down. (And count your blessings \u2014 for face and body there\u2019s no special treatment needed!)<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Philip Kingsley Body Building Weightless Shampoo (\u00a324, 250ml, philipkingsley.co.uk). \u2018World-renowned for his expertise and consequently his products, Kingsley\u2019s shampoo adds volume to hair without weighing it down. Cellulose and keratin ensure not only is your hair lifted, it\u2019s actually stronger, too.\u2019<\/p>\n She also suggests Andrew Fitzsimons Body Volume Conditioner (\u00a39.50, 250ml, Boots.com).\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Tending the tresses of the Kardashians, whose hair needs are demanding to say the least, this product has added caffeine to boost the hair\u2019s volume and a stack of five-star reviews online.\u2019<\/p>\n BATTLING WINDBURN<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray (\u00a324 for 250ml, libertylondon.com)<\/p>\n LOCATION:<\/span> Northern and western areas, as well as uplands including the Scottish Highlands, the Welsh mountains, the Lake District, Peak District and coastal areas (Liverpool is thought to be our windiest city).<\/p>\n From raw, reddened skin to flattened hair-dos, wind is no friend in the beauty stakes, with those living in westerly locations the more blown about due to wind patterns.<\/p>\n HAIR: <\/span>Clearly you need some serious hairspray!<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Sam McKnight Modern Hairspray (\u00a324 for 250ml, libertylondon.com). \u2018The best hairspray I use on women to set their styles in place all day without unwanted crispiness. It bushes out easily and is vegan and paraben-free.\u2019<\/p>\n FACE: <\/span>Not everyone realises that windburn is a form of skin damage caused when the wind whips along your skin, taking moisture and skin cells along with it.\u00a0<\/p>\n It is also thought to leave skin more vulnerable to damaging UV rays.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends: <\/span>IS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF40 (\u00a380, isclinical.co.uk) \u2018Packed with anti-oxidants, it\u2019s broad spectrum UVA\/UVB to give your skin multi-level environmental protection.\u2019<\/p>\n And don\u2019t forget your lips \u2014 the skin here is thinner and more prone to drying and cracking. The wind will only make things worse, so you need a lip balm that\u2019s deeply moisturising.\u00a0<\/p>\n Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (\u00a321, 20g, spacenk.com) is incredibly rich.<\/p>\n Sophie says: <\/span>\u2018I wear it all the time, day and night. Wear it under your lip colour, or use it as a gloss on its own. There are lots of flavours and colours but Berry is my favourite.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (\u00a348, 240ml, cultbeauty.co.uk)<\/p>\n BODY:<\/span> Windburn and red, raw skin that has been battered by the elements can be very painful and hard to get rid of once you have it. Keep it at bay with products that supercharge skin renewal.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (\u00a348, 240ml, cultbeauty.co.uk). \u2018It contains guarana fruit extract, which is said to be five times stronger than caffeine when it comes to stimulating and repairing the skin.\u2019<\/p>\n COMBAT CITY SKIN<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sachajuan Anti-Pollution Shampoo (\u00a327 for 25ml, asos.com)<\/p>\n LOCATION:<\/span> Cities are the hardest hit when it comes to pollution, with a recent study naming Northampton, Nottingham and Bristol among the poorest in terms of air quality.<\/p>\n With research linking toxic air with premature skin aging, pigmentation and a dull complexion, anti-pollution products are gaining popularity.<\/p>\n HAIR:<\/span> Invest in a more powerful anti-pollution shampoo that will work to prevent pollutants and odours adhering to hair and create a barrier against pollution hitting the scalp.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Sachajuan Anti-Pollution Shampoo (\u00a327 for 25ml, asos.com). \u2018Or for protection on the go, try Natulique Anti-Pollutive Ultra-Absorbent Dry Shampoo, (\u00a320.75 for 200ml, natulique.co.uk).\u2019<\/p>\n FACE:<\/span>\u00a0One of the most basic and beneficial things you can do is thoroughly cleanse your face daily to remove every last impurity and avoid blemishes.\u00a0<\/p>\n Deepen the cleanse with a weekly detoxifying face mask or try adding anti-pollution drops to your routine to help protect against additional aggressors like blue light from your phone and computer screen.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends: <\/span>Pixi Vitamin C Juice Cleanser (\u00a318 for 150ml, cultbeauty.co.uk). \u2018Apply with a re-usable face pad, as you would a micellar cleanser; there\u2019s no need to rinse.\u2019<\/p>\n This Works Evening Detox Clay Mask (\u00a332 for 50ml, simplybe.co.uk) offers a ten-minute skin detox using fruit acids to deep cleanse and clay to absorb impurities.<\/p>\n Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops (\u00a345 for 10ml, cultbeauty.co.uk). \u2018One of her most advanced products, which promises to shield against smoke and smog.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pixi Vitamin C Juice Cleanser (\u00a318 for 150ml, cultbeauty.co.uk)<\/p>\n BODY:<\/span>\u00a0Anyone who has spent a hot day commuting around a busy city centre to meetings will know that that evening\u2019s cleansing routine needs to work extra-hard.<\/p>\n The skin on your body needs just as much care. Step it up with products that cut through all the soaked-in grime.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Ren Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm (\u00a334 330ml, spacenk.com). \u2018I use it on dry skin so it\u2019s more abrasive, but it works brilliantly in the shower on wet skin, too. It\u2019s mild enough to use every day, taking off way more grime than your average body wash.<\/p>\n \u2018A spa-level product that\u2019s packed with oils to hydrate, too, including sweet almond oil, olive oil, peppermint, rosemary leaf and basil.\u2019<\/p>\n THE BIG CHILL<\/span><\/p>\n LOCATION:<\/span>\u00a0Scotland and the North; Leeds and Bradford were found to be the coldest cities in England.<\/p>\n Lower average temperatures and longer winters require harder working products to combat their effects.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dr Jackson\u2019s Coconut Melt (\u00a320 for 15ml, debenhams.com)<\/p>\n HAIR AND BODY:<\/span> Major on nourishing ingredients such as chamomile, coconut oil and shea butter to restore moisture that the elements have stripped away, and invest in restorative, multi-tasking products that work all over.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Dr Jackson\u2019s Coconut Melt (\u00a320 for 15ml, debenhams.com). \u2018With coconut oil to intensely hydrate and nourish skin and hair, it\u2019s perfect as a mask to restore your hair\u2019s condition and equally good on cuticles, dry hands and lips.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Weleda Skin Food Cleansing Balm (\u00a310.36 for 75ml, lookfantastic.com)<\/p>\n FACE:<\/span> The last thing you want are cleansing products that will further strip the skin of moisture, but they still need to deliver high performance results.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Weleda Skin Food Cleansing Balm (\u00a310.36 for 75ml, lookfantastic.com). \u2018The ultimate cold-weather must-have. This newbie to the cult range cuts through make-up, SPF and daily dirt, whilst nourishing skin with an intense blend of calendula, chamomile and sunflower seed oil to ease redness and irritation. Leave on for ten minutes for a deeper mask effect.\u2019<\/p>\n RAIN IT IN<\/span><\/p>\n LOCATION:<\/span> Yes, it rains everywhere in the UK, but Scotland, the North-West, western Wales and the South-West get more than most.<\/p>\n Being caught in the rain doesn\u2019t help anyone\u2019s mood, let alone their look. But living in a wet climate just means tailoring your product choice to the latest beauty innovations.<\/p>\n HAIR: <\/span>Even a big umbrella may not stop a shower wrecking your hair, especially if you\u2019ve used heat to style it away from your natural curls. Happily, help is at hand…<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray (\u00a324.30 for 200ml, lookfantastic.com). \u2018This product caused a stir when released. Designed to create a waterproof veil over the hair, it repels moisture to promote sleekness for two to three shampoos.\u2019<\/p>\n Even if you don\u2019t get soaked, in damp weather, dry or rough hair cuticles open to draw in the moisture from the air and \u2014 voila! \u2014 frizz. You\u2019ll need products that will hold your style in place and seal out moisture.<\/p>\n Try Living Proof No Frizz Vanishing Oil (\u00a335 for 50ml, marks andspencer.com). Sophie says: \u2018It\u2019s not cheap but it\u2019s the best humidity blocker I use. A few drops of this leave-in bond builder will strengthen your hair whilst taming flyaways and static, too.<\/p>\n \u2018Silicone free, lightweight and fast-absorbing, you won\u2019t be left with an oily residue, just smooth, shiny, healthy-feeling hair.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n By Terry\u2019s 8HA Hydra Powder (\u00a342 for 7.5g, spacenk.com)<\/p>\n FACE:<\/span> Switch up your routine to include run-proof products.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> \u2018Obviously, nothing will withstand a downpour, but By Terry\u2019s 8HA Hydra Powder (\u00a342 for 7.5g, spacenk.com) won\u2019t budge, setting your make-up into a bulletproof yet totally natural finish without the need for constant touch-ups.\u2019<\/p>\n BODY:<\/span> If the environment you\u2019re in is cooler, with higher moisture levels, you can afford to lighten up with your bodycare and use a more fluid moisturising lotion.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends: <\/span>Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion (\u00a339, 500ml, spacenk.com). \u2018This leaves skin brilliantly smooth and supple, hydrating for up to 24 hours. Despite being very lightweight, it still dissolves dry skin.\u2019<\/p>\n YEAR-ROUND UV<\/span><\/p>\n LOCATION: <\/span>The South-East sees the most hours of sunshine, potentially placing Chichester, Brighton and Hove and Southend-on-Sea among the places with the highest risk of skin ageing from UV rays.\u00a0<\/p>\n We all know that UV can damage your skin and dry your hair, but outside the summer months we often forget this.\u00a0<\/p>\n Make it a year-round habit to layer on additional protection across your beauty routine.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil (\u00a324 for 100ml, cultbeauty.co.uk)<\/p>\n HAIR: <\/span>Prolonged sun exposure degrades the protein structure of hair, leaving you with split ends and lack of shine.\u00a0<\/p>\n Guard against it and reduce prematurely fading highlights with targeted leave-in protection sprays.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends: <\/span>Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil (\u00a324 for 100ml, cultbeauty.co.uk). \u2018Combines UVA and UVB protection with moisturising oils and antioxidants.\u2019<\/p>\n FACE: <\/span>Upgrade your foundation or base to one with higher UV protection in a lightweight formula.<\/p>\n And pay attention to your lips: their skin is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face and has less of the protective pigment melanin, so consider adding extra targeted sun protection.\u00a0<\/p>\n Look for balms that are infused with hydrating ingredients such as glycerine and plant oils to help reduce fine lines.<\/p>\n Also, hands are often the last parts of the body considered for SPF protection and the first to show signs of sun damage.<\/p>\n Sophie recommends:<\/span> Dior Prestige Le Protecteur UV Sheer Glow SPF 50+, (\u00a395 for 30ml, harrods.com). \u2018This offers strong protection from harmful rays as well as corrective and illuminating ingredients so you can care for you skin and improve its appearance.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Dior Prestige Le Protecteur UV Sheer Glow SPF 50+, (\u00a395 for 30ml, harrods.com)<\/p>\n Colourscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Colour Lip Balm SPF 50, (\u00a321 for 9g, colorescienceuk.com). \u2018Can be used on cheeks, too, for a pop of colour.\u2019<\/p>\n BODY: <\/span>Hello Sunday The One for Your Hands, (\u00a39 for 30ml, boots.com). \u2018Comes with SPF30 plus protection against blue light pollution. An easy one to add to your daily routine.\u2019<\/p>\n