Whether you're facing rosacea, inflammation, sun burn or other skin conditions causing redness, we've got you covered. Discover effective strategies, skincare routines, and makeup techniques to help reduce redness and achieve a calmer, more even-looking complexion.
Pinning down the route of redness can be tricky. There’s a wide range of reasons it could be happening. The main reasons we get red skin are because of a damaged skin barrier. This is what keeps our skin in good condition, and naturally protects us from external damage like pollution, UV rays, and infection. When our skin barrier is damaged, it’ll appear as red, but can also be flaky, dry and sometimes sting.
Sunburn, allergies and bug bites are common reasons for redness, which can happen to anyone – whether you have sensitive skin or not. These types of redness usually won’t last long and can be easily treated by keeping skin hydrated, or with an over-the-counter cream for bug bites.
There are more long-term conditions which cause redness such as rosacea, sensitivity and eczema too.
Eczema is a skin condition that makes skin red and itchy and flare ups can last for months at a time. It’s caused by a weakened skin barrier, so if this is something you suffer from it’s important to keep skin hydrated with products containing calming ingredients.
Rosacea is a common chronic skin disease. It’s typically found on the face, especially on the nose and cheeks, and is characterised by long-term sensitivity, visible blood vessels, burning and stinging, redness and flushing, and often acne can go alongside it. If you can’t tolerate many products and often have reactions, you could have rosacea.
The difference between sensitivity and rosacea is that those with sensitive skin are unlikely to have visible blood vessels, flushing, or acne-like bumps like you would get with rosacea.
Sensitivity is usually triggered by something, such as an ingredient in a new skincare or makeup product, or fragrances. The symptoms usually go down once you stop using what was causing the reaction.
In rosacea, the symptoms are more persistent and can last months at a time. It can also be triggered by the weather, spicy food, stress, alcohol and exercise.
If you’re not sure what’s causing your skin to be red, think about your lifestyle over the last few weeks. Have you used anything new? Tried a new washing powder or skincare product? Have you eaten anything unusual? If you can think of anything new to your routine, try cutting it out for several days and seeing what happens to your skin.
If you have redness in your skin, whether its rosacea or sensitivity, the treatment will be fairly similar. The main goal will be to choose products that strengthen your skin’s natural defence barrier. It’s a good idea to avoid ingredients that aim to exfoliate such as retinol and glycolic acid. Here’s a suggested skincare routine for redness and sensitivity.
If you’d like to give your skin a helping hand and help cover redness with makeup, it’s surprisingly simple to do. If you have extremely sensitive skin, start by doing a patch test first – test the product out on a small area of your skin to check for any reaction before covering your face in it.
We’d only suggest using 1 or 2 key products to help even out your skin tone, so you won't be overloading your sensitive skin with lots of product. Firstly, we’d recommend Tinted Moisturiser. This is a hydrating moisturiser that has a little bit of colour to it. This is great for red skin as it’s going to hydrate and support your damaged skin barrier, but give you a bit more of an even tone and neutralise redness at the same time. If you’d like more coverage, you can also try out Foundation. Our formula is designed to be lightweight, so it won’t look or feel heavy on your skin.
There are several different techniques for applying Tinted Moisturiser or Foundation. The easiest is simply with your fingers. Spread 1-2 pumps of the product all over your face and neck. Only use a very light touch – you don’t need to rub your skin too hard, which could lead to more redness. Another way is to apply it with a damp Face Sponge. Run the Face Sponge under warm water until it feels full, then squeeze out the water until it just feels damp. Apply 1-2 pumps of the Tinted Moisturiser to the sponge or directly onto your skin, and then gently bounce the sponge across your face until the desired look is achieved.
Secondly, we’d recommend using the Concealer Pen. Concealer is designed to be more targeted with coverage. So you can help camouflage any areas which are still looking red. The War Paint Concealer Pen is a liquid formula, so is hydrating and light. It won’t look cakey or obvious on your skin.
Don’t forget to remove your makeup products at the end of the day. Sleeping in makeup is a no-no, especially if you have sensitive skin. You want to make sure your skin barrier can repair itself while you sleep without obstruction. Here’s a handy duo to help keep skin clear and makeup-free.
If you find these products aren’t giving you the coverage you’re after, you can also look into colour correcting products. The theory works by using the colour wheel (primary school flashback), meaning contrasting colours can be used to neutralise each other, allowing a more even base for you to then build upon and conceal with foundation or concealer. Opposite red on the colour wheel is green. Some skincare products for sensitive skin have a green colour to them to help aid with colour correction, or you can try concealers or primers with a green tint to them.
If you’d like to look into more targeted treatments for redness and rosacea, light-based treatments can be very effective and the results can last for a long time.
You’ll need to go to a professional clinic to get a treatment like this. Speak to a dermatologist or qualified aesthetician and talk through your skin concerns in detail. They’ll be able to recommend the best treatment for you. However, not everyone who has rosacea is a good candidate for light treatments. A doctor who regularly uses lasers and treats rosacea regularly can tell you if you would be a good candidate.
It’s really important with any professional treatment that you follow the instructions that the doctor gives you about skin prep and how to look after your skin after the treatment so that you get the best possible results, and minimise any chances of complications.
Like with many skin conditions, your lifestyle and how you look after yourself will impact redness, skin sensitivity and rosacea.
A well-balanced diet and plenty of water can help promote healthy skin overall. People with common inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema often find that certain food groups can cause flare-ups. The impact of diet on skin is different from person to person. Some find that one glass of red wine can cause skin flushing, some can polish off a whole bottle and it won’t have any impact on their skin.
It’s a good idea to learn what triggers your skin so that you can choose if, when, and how often you want to avoid these items. Common triggers for rosacea include red wine, spicy food, coffee and chocolate. Food groups that can help sensitive skin conditions include whole foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, non-processed meat and fish, healthy fats and, of course, water.
Stress can also impact redness and rosacea. This happens because stress can lower your immune system, causing imbalances in your gut and for your skin. Of course, some stress is unavoidable, but if you find this affects you a lot and it’s impacting your skin, it’s important to find ways to relieve stress. Take time to enjoy relaxing activities where you can switch off, be sure to get enough sleep, exercise, and talk to friends and family to help take the load off your shoulders.
Another really common trigger for redness and rosacea is the environment around you. While some things may be unavoidable depending on what climate you live in, there are some things you can do to help manage your environment. Sudden changes to temperature, humidity, and warm air in general can affect sensitive skin. Artificial air from radiators, heaters and hairdryers can also dry out your skin excessively. To avoid dry skin, remember to moisturise regularly, even if you have oily skin.
If you have sensitive skin, you may find that sun exposure easily causes burning and heat rashes. It’s important to protect your skin with SPF every single day, whether it’s sunny or cloudy, whether you’re inside or outside and whether it’s summer or winter. If you’re suffering with a sun burn, take care to stay moisturised so that your skin can heal as fast as possible. You can also place your moisturiser or after-sun products in the fridge to help provide extra relief after a burn. A great home hack for relieving sunburn is to treat it with tea. Brew some black tea and let it go completely cold. Submerge a flannel or some kitchen paper into the cold tea and place it over your sunburn for 30 minutes. Don’t wash it off before bed, leave it overnight while you sleep. In the morning, a lot of the redness and soreness will have diminished. This is due to the tannins in the tea.
Be mindful of potentially damaging ingredients when trying new grooming and haircare products, soaps and laundry products. Fragrances and artificial colours are common triggers for people with sensitive skin, so have a look at the packaging before you buy it to see whether it could make your skin red.
Pollution and germs can also cause skin irritation. Dust and dirt can cling to your skin and lead to bacteria causing havoc to your skin’s defence barriers. To avoid this, remember to cleanse every morning and evening to help remove dirt and pollution. Keep your hands clean as well as things you may rest your face on, such as pillows and your mobile phone.
Whatever skin condition you’re faced with, it doesn’t define you. It’s important to accept yourself and build confidence beyond the way you look. Acknowledge that you are a whole person, your skin is just one part of you. Practicing self-care through exercise, diet, your grooming routine, and doing activities you enjoy will help you to feel your happiest, most confident version of yourself.
No one has perfect skin and everyone is on a journey with it, learning new things all the time. Sometimes your skin conditions may flare up, but it doesn’t change that you’re an awesome person. Embrace yourself and feel your inner confidence.
When it comes to red or uneven skin, sensitivity and rosacea, it’s important to take extra care of your skin. What products you use, your diet, and your lifestyle will all impact it. While redness and rosacea may feel like a permanent part of your skin, you can make adjustments to your lifestyle help manage and reduce your skin redness.
In this article, we’ll be delving into the skin benefits of a lightweight moisturiser and how it can revolutionise your skin’s health. Get ready to discover the secrets to happy, hydrated skin without the heavy feeling.
]]>In this article, we’ll be delving into the skin benefits of a lightweight moisturiser and how it can revolutionise your skin’s health. Get ready to discover the secrets to happy, hydrated skin without the heavy feeling.
A lightweight moisturiser is a face cream that feels, you guessed it, light.
Have you ever moisturised with a men’s face cream or used a hand cream and then tried to open something or type on your phone? Do you remember that almost slippery or sticky feeling? That’s down to the oils in the moisturiser, which can take a while to be absorbed into your skin. Lightweight moisturisers tend to be water-based rather than oil-based so that they absorb into your skin quickly without any greasy residue left behind.
A lightweight texture to your skincare is ideal during summer months when you might not need as much hydration compared to during the cold winter months. It’s also excellent for anyone with oily or blemish-prone skin who might not like the feeling of a thick or heavy face cream.
If you wear makeup, a lightweight moisturiser makes a great base. As it absorbs quickly into your skin, you can get to applying your makeup straight away rather than needing to wait for your skincare to sink in. Another plus is that they don’t leave behind any residue, which can make makeup application difficult and patchy.
There are several reasons lightweight moisturisers are gaining so much popularity. They’re a great way to get deep hydration without the heavy feeling. You might assume they’d be less hydrating, but most of the time, that isn’t the case.
The non-greasy formula style is great for all skin types. If you have dry skin, a lightweight moisturiser can still provide the level of hydration you need. If you have an oily or blemish-prone skin type, a lightweight moisturiser is great as it will help to balance oil production without being too heavy or greasy.
For most men, time is a crucial factor when choosing their grooming routine. We want quick, easy and effective products. A lightweight moisturiser will be absorbed super quick, so you’ll get instant and noticeable results. You can then move on to the next part of your routine and layer up with other skincare products, such as Eye Cream, or you can move on to your makeup products without needing to wait for anything to be absorbed. Not only this, but your makeup will last longer and look better if your skin is suitably hydrated. If you have dry patches makeup could cling to them, which isn’t the vibe.
Picking your ideal lightweight moisturiser doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by thinking about your skin type and skin concerns. Depending on what these are, you may want to look for specific ingredients or look for certain words on the packaging that will indicate to you that it’s made for your skin type. For example, if you want something to help your skin look less dull, look for something that will brighten.
If you're after a lightweight moisturiser, a gel formula is a great place to start. Check out the War Paint Moisturiser which is super lightweight, and great for optimising skin health. This clever formula works for all skin types.
If you don’t know your skin type, here’s a quick way to test. Start by washing your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser. Pat it dry with a towel and then wait for 20-30 minutes without putting on any products or skincare. If your skin feels tight or has flaky areas, it sounds like you have dry skin. If you sometimes get reactions to different products, you’re likely to have sensitive skin. If your skin feels a little greasy and you often get breakouts, you probably have oily skin. If you have some areas that are dry and some that are oily, you have what’s called combination skin.
Here are some hints to help you find your ideal lightweight moisturiser.
If you have dry skin: Look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate. Look for words related to hydration, such as ‘moisture’ and ‘hydrated’.
If you have oily/blemish-prone skin: Look for ingredients that help to exfoliate such as mandelic acid, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and kaolin. You can also look for words like AHA and BHA. Avoid ingredients that can strip the skin of natural moisture, such as alcohol, which can cause more problems with oiliness long-term.
If you have sensitive skin: A few ingredients to look out for are aloe, tiger grass, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Look for words such as ‘calming’, ‘soothing’ and ‘gentle’.
Some people say you need to be able to understand every ingredient on the back of a skincare label. Which, unless you’ve worked in a lab, is highly unlikely. So don’t stress about not understanding what’s inside your products.
The top-rated ingredients to avoid are:
The last thing to consider when choosing a moisturiser is SPF. It’s important to wear SPF every single day, regardless of the weather. UVA and UVB rays, which cause damage to the skin, can reach you through clouds and even glass windows. You can choose a separate moisturiser with SPF to your usual moisturiser, or you can choose a formula that combines the two.
Adding a lightweight moisturiser into your routine is simple. The usual order for a morning skincare routine would be: cleansing, toning, serums, eye cream, moisturiser, and SPF. After this, you can move on to makeup application. Of course, you don’t need to be doing all those steps if that doesn’t suit you. You can just cleanse and moisturise. Some people even prefer just to cleanse once per day.
At night, the same method applies. Remove makeup if you’ve been wearing it, then cleanse, tone, serum, and finally moisturiser. It’s important to moisturise before bed because while you sleep, your skin is working hard to repair from damage done during the day. Alternatively you can use a night serum, such as the War Paint Night Serum which does both jobs for you.
If you’re using multiple moisturisers or serums, the trick for layering them is working from the formula with the lightest texture to the thickest texture. This way, the thinner textures can easily go into the skin, and the thicker ones won’t be blocking them from where they need to be.
Apply moisturiser while your face is still slightly damp. The moisturiser will cling to the water and help hold it in your skin.
Apply the moisturiser to the tips of your fingers and rub it in. If you apply it to your palm, the product will be absorbed to your hands rather than your face.
Use light, upward motions. There’s no need to rub your face too hard – let the moisturiser do the job.
With a lightweight moisturiser as your skincare ally, achieving the perfect balance of hydration and a light, non-greasy feel is no longer a dream. By incorporating this game-changing product into your routine, you'll unlock the secrets to radiant, hydrated skin without any heavy burden. Embrace the power of lightweight moisturisers and witness the transformation in your skincare regimen today.
]]>In this article, we'll explore the best anti-aging skincare routines and products for men, including tips and advice to help manage fine lines, wrinkles and other signs of skin ageing. We want to show you how to have happy, healthy skin for as long as possible.
And just a quick preface, we don’t love the term ‘anti-ageing’ because we definitely aren’t against ageing. We prefer to talk about how you can have healthy skin at any age. But unfortunately, we have to use the phrase occasionally in this blog so that our article appears on Google.
Our skin is our largest organ. It helps to keep the bacteria out and our organs in. Just as we need to live a healthy lifestyle to look after our bodies, we need to take action to look after our skin long-term too. We can’t stop skin ageing completely or reverse it, but we can do things to slow it down.
Skin ageing is caused by a whole range of internal factors. Naturally as we get older our skin produces less collagen and elastin (which is what keeps our skin firm and smooth). Our skin also tends to hold less water as we get older, so skin will be drier and thinner. This is what gives that crepe paper type effect on the skin. Wrinkles will also naturally appear in areas on our faces that move a lot. Smile lines and crow’s feet are really common areas to get wrinkles, because they’re caused by the repetitive action of smiling. They’re a sign of a happy life in our opinion.
As well as these internal factors, there are external factors too. Our lifestyle and how we take care of our skin will impact how we age. Things like lack of sleep, smoking, alcohol, sugar and pollution can all cause what’s called ‘free-radical damage’, which essentially causes skin cells to break down. An example that you’ve probably seen on someone before if they’re a smoker is that they’ll have a lot of wrinkles around their mouth compared to a non-smoker. This is from the repeated action of pursing their lips in a certain way which over time will cause damage.
But the biggest cause for skin ageing of them all is the sun. UVA and UBV rays damage skin over time by causing free-radical damage. If you don’t protect your skin from the sun every single day (whether it’s sunny outside or not) you’re doing yourself a disservice. You’ll not only be risking the health of your skin, but your body too as not being protected from the sun can also cause skin cancer.
Here’s a basic skincare routine you can follow. We’ll explain how and why each steps helps to tackle ageing specifically.
It’s important to wash your face every day. This is because you’ll come into contact with pollution and dust particles that over time will cause free-radical damage. Think about how often you touch your face every day with hands that might not be 100% clean, and when was the last time you washed your pillow case? That bacteria and dust needs to come off somehow. We don’t recommend using a typical men’s face scrub with scrubbing particles inside. If you scrub too hard these particles can actually cause tiny tears in the skin which will damage it long-term. Instead, we’d recommend opting for a cleanser with naturally exfoliating ingredients inside, such as AHA’s or BHA’s. These work by dissolving away dirt and dead skin cells, and reveal fresher looking skin underneath.
You can decide if washing your face once or twice a day works best for your skin. If you have particularly dry skin, once a day might be enough.
If you wear makeup, be sure to remove your makeup with a decent Remover, and then go in with your cleanser afterwards.
Keeping skin hydrated is really important for long-term skin health. According to the British Journal of Dermatology, using good moisturiser will help wrinkles develop at a much slower rate than if we were to leave our skin dry and unmoisturised. Hydrated skin looks and feels plumper, and more comfortable in general.
Most good moisturisers will include multi-functional ingredients that will also help to combat signs of ageing as well, such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, or Bakuchiol. More on those later.
Sun damage is the biggest cause of premature skin ageing. It’s important to protect your skin every day, whether the sun is out or not. Using a minimum of SPF30 is best. And don’t worry, you don’t need to use the usual greasy stuff that you’d use for your body when on holiday. Most SPF products made for the face are super lightweight.
As we sleep, our skin goes through a natural reparative process to help combat all the damage done during the day. You can help give your skin an extra helping hand by using a dedicated night-time product that will work alongside it.
There are hundreds of different ingredients which are proven to be amazing to help prevent premature skin ageing. We’re just going to cover a few of the main ones that have the most research behind them.
A quick science lesson to help understand this one. Our skin cells are made up of molecules with electrons that orbit them. As you may remember from school, electrons always go round in pairs. If another molecule steals an electron so that they’re no longer in pairs, this causes free radical damage. When free radical damage happens to skin cells, it causes them to break down and not function as well as they should.
Vitamin C works by helping to neutralise any molecules that have become unstable. It gives up its own electrons to unstable pairs without becoming unstable itself. Amazing.
In terms of benefits to the skin, Vitamin C has been clinically proven to improve wrinkles. One study showed that daily use of a vitamin C for at least three months improved the appearance of wrinkles as well as improved overall skin texture and appearance.
Vitamin C can also help boost the power of the SPF you’re wearing. Not only that, but it can reduce the appearance of dark spots by blocking the production of pigment in our skin.
Think brighter, more vibrant, healthier-looking skin.
We’d recommend looking for a serum or moisturiser that contains Vitamin C to use during the day.
Sounds scary, right? Hyaluronic Acid is something that we already have in our skin. It’s amazing for hydration because it holds onto up to 1000x its own weight in water. It will also help to grab moisture from the air and keep it in your skin. Hydrated skin will stay in better condition for longer and look better overall.
Hydration is important for healthy-looking skin at any age. A good way to visualise this is if you imagine a grape. It’s full of water so it’s plump, smooth and round. If you dehydrate a grape you get a raisin, which will be rough, bumpy and covered in ridges. If you lack hydration in your skin, it looks rougher in texture and less smooth.
Look for cleansers and moisturisers that contain hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate and you’ll be hydrated to the nines.
Retinol, also known as Vitamin A, is considered the best ingredient to combat signs of ageing. It works by stimulating natural collagen production (which is what make your skin firmer). It also encourages faster skin cell turnover, so old skin cells can be naturally exfoliated away and fresher skin cells can come to the surface. There are thousands of studies that have been done on the effects of Vitamin A. So you know it’s an ingredient that truly delivers.
The only thing with retinol is that it has a lot of issues. It’s photosensitive, which means you should only use it at night. It’s also not suitable for people with sensitive skin. When introducing Vitamin A to your routine, do it slowly by using it just a couple of times a week and every two weeks increase how often you use it. This will help prevent your skin from becoming overly dry, and give your skin time to get used to this powerful ingredient.
Look for a night serum or night cream that contains Vitamin A. Instead of vitamin A, at War Paint we use an ingredient called Bakuchiol in our products. It’s better for people with sensitive skin and can be used day and night, yet it’s been proven in studies to have similar effects on the skin to Vitamin A.
If you’d like to take taking care of your skin to the next level, there are plenty on non-surgical treatments that can be done in an aesthetics or dermatology clinic.
It’s important with all of these options to find a trained professional to carry it out. Speak to them in detail about your skin concerns and ensure that the treatment used will help you to reach your skin goals.
Skincare of course is fantastic for improving skin health. But there are plenty of things you can do in terms of your lifestyle that will help too.
The best routine for healthy skin is a consistent one. For those looking to get started on the road to healthy-looking skin, take a look at The Skin Kit which includes a 3-step regimen. The War Paint Moisturiser, Eye Cream and Night Serum. All 3 have been designed for healthy-looking skin at any age. They contain multi-functional ingredients that help boost skin health and hydration.
In summary, ageing is a natural process that can’t be reversed completely, but we can do things to help look after our skin to help keep it in good condition. By following a simple skincare routine as well as looking after your body on the inside with your lifestyle, you can achieve health-looking skin at any age.
]]>While acne can be frustrating and embarrassing, there are several effective ways to treat it. In this article, we’ll discuss the best ways to treat acne in men.
Spots are caused by sebum, dirt and oil getting trapped in pores. These blockages can eventually turn into blackheads and whiteheads or become infected and turn into a spot.
Hormones play a huge part in acne. Testosterone can increase oil production in our skin, which can then get trapped in our pores, causing inflammation and breakouts. While men don’t experience a cycle of changing hormones like women do, there are things that cause changes to testosterone levels in the body, which can lead to more acne. For example, stress, exercise, sex, age, and genetics.
Hormonal acne often involves the lower half of the face including the cheeks, jawline, chin, and neck. Hormonal body acne is also common because men have a higher density of sebaceous glands per hair follicle on their chest, shoulders, and back.
It’s a common misconception that bad hygiene causes acne. While it’s good to keep good hygiene, washing your face all the time won’t stop acne if it’s something you’re genetically prone to. Also, washing your face too often can actually put your natural skin pH out of balance, and lead to excessive dryness or even overproduction of oil.
If your acne is bothering you, a proper skincare routine is essential for keeping acne under control. Pair this with a couple of lifestyle changes, which we cover later in the article, and you’ll see a noticeable difference.
While sometimes it might feel like there’s nothing you can do about your acne, or whatever you’ve tried in the past just doesn’t seem to fu*king work – there are effective over-the-counter topical treatments for acne that will make a difference to your skin. The biggest things to remember with any skincare treatment are; be consistent, be patient, and be kind to yourself.
It can take a long time to get acne under control. You’re unlikely to see noticeable differences in days or sometimes even weeks. But don’t give up. All good things take time and work.
The best ingredients to tackle acne are those that exfoliate the skin. You’ll want to use chemical exfoliators, rather than physical exfoliators like you might find in a typical face scrub. This means the ingredient will help your skin to exfoliate away dead skin cells, and dissolve oil and dirt that eventually might cause spots. Some key ingredients you’ll want to look out for are retinoids (also known as vitamin A), benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and salicylic acid.
Some tips to help you get the most out of using these ingredients:
If you’ve experienced acne for a long time and haven’t found any kinds of topical treatments to work effectively on your skin, you could talk to your doctor about medication. Be aware that doctors may be reluctant to give out medication if you’ve not tried topical treatments first.
There are several different types of antibiotics men can use to help calm severe inflammatory acne. They work by killing the bacteria that causes spots. It’s possible to become resistant to antibiotics if they’re used for too long, so most courses of antibiotics will last 3-4 months maximum before you’ll need to be re-evaluated by a doctor. You may be offered; doxycycline, minocycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin or amoxicillin. As with many other types of antibiotics, they can have negative side effects like nausea, vomiting, headaches, photosensitivity, liver damage and heart damage.
The most well-known medication for severe cystic acne is called isotretinoin, often referred to as Accutane. Isotretinoin is a vitamin A/retinoid derivative. A course can last 4 or 5 months and can often result in total acne clearance, which can be permanent for some people. However, there are some pretty serious side effects such as very dry skin and dry eyes, nosebleeds, photosensitivity, hair loss and stomach problems.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to acne medication. Your doctor will work with you to find the best medication for you depending on the type of acne you have, age, lifestyle, and other medications that you’re taking.
Our lifestyle can have a huge impact on our skin. There’s research that suggests what we eat impacts our skin. So, keeping a regular healthy diet and exercise is key for acne prevention. Some studies have linked dairy, sugar and soy products to acne. If you’re worried about your skin, try avoiding these foods and seeing if that makes a difference for you.
Stress can also be linked to acne. Where possible, try to reduce stress by getting enough sleep, exercising, and making time to do things you enjoy that help to put you in a good mood. If your acne, or anything else for that matter, is getting you down try to find someone you can speak to – friends, family, or even a therapist if you have the means to.
While poor hygiene isn’t a cause of acne, there are things you can do in your daily life to help prevent acne flare-ups. After exercising, be sure to use an exfoliating cleanser to prevent sweat from blocking pores. Be sure to clean your phone, hands and pillowcases regularly – unwanted bacteria can get trapped in pores and cause spots. Try not to touch your face too much, and definitely don’t pick spots. It can cause scarring, which is more difficult to get rid of than a spot.
If you get spots after shaving your facial hair, be sure to use a clean razor and moisturise before and after shaving. You can also try using an electric razor and shaving in the same direction as the hair growth rather than against it, which could irritate your skin.
If you live with acne, having a proper skincare routine is imperative. And stick with it. Find a gentle cleanser that will exfoliate your skin with ingredients like salicylic acid. Unfortunately, we don’t have one (just yet...), but there are plenty of good options out there.
Don’t be afraid to moisturise – moisturising helps your skin to regulate how much oil your skin produces. The War Paint Moisturiser is great lightweight option that will keep skin smooth and hydrated. At night, we recommend using the Night Serum. It has mandelic acid in there which helps to exfoliate skin, as well as centella asiatica which is excellent for redness and inflammation.
If you want that instant fix to improve the look of redness, here’s the makeup routine we’d suggest for acne-prone skin.
You can get all of these products in one handy package (with 20% off RRP), The Blemish Kit. Not sure if it's for you? Here's some great results after using the products. It looks pretty good, right?
Let’s be frank. Makeup won’t make your skin look totally smooth and perfect. Everyone has skin texture. But reducing the look of redness and evening out tone makes a huge difference. It could just be the confidence boost you’re looking for.
Treating acne in men requires a comprehensive approach that includes both topical treatments and lifestyle changes. By understanding the causes of acne and implementing the right strategies, men can achieve clearer, healthier skin.
]]>While it’s tough to get rid of dark circles completely, there are simple things you can do to help combat them. To understand how to treat and reduce the appearance of dark circles, it might help you to understand where the hell they come from in the first place.
You might be pleased to know that most of the time, dark circles under the eyes are nothing to be worried about medically.
Dark circles don’t discriminate. They can affect people of all ages, races and sexes. Lucky us. But they are more common as we get older, in people with darker skin tones and in people with a family history of dark circles.
There are lots of different reasons dark circles can appear, which is why it makes it difficult to treat them. It’s not always a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to treatment options. Here are the main causes of dark circles in men, and how we can combat them. In no particular order... (drumroll please).
As we age, the stuff that naturally keeps our skin firm and elastic (collagen and elastin) starts to be less effective, and we produce less of it. So, the skin under our eyes starts to become thinner and less taut. This can make the blood vessels under your eyes more obvious which can give you the appearance of dark or shadowy under-eyes. This can look like a blue or purple hue. Depending on your face shape, your under-eyes may become more hollow-looking as you age, which can also make you look more tired.
So how can we treat dark circles caused by ageing? As we know, ageing is inevitable and irreversible. But what we can do is slow down the process by looking after our skin with daily SPF, and using skincare products to keep our skin healthy.
There are plenty of eye creams (including the War Paint Eye Cream) and facial treatments you can get which can help to combat dark circles, such as facials, chemical peels, filler and laser. Always go to a professional for these kinds of treatments and discuss your skin in detail before agreeing to any kinds of medical treatments so that you can make sure you get the right treatment for your dark circles.
Some studies have shown that dark circles can run in the family. You can normally tell pretty early on in a child’s life if they’ve inherited their dark circles. Over time, these dark circles may get lighter or darker, depending on their natural face shape and also how they look after your skin.
There are also some medical conditions which are genetic that can result in dark circles too, such as thyroid disease.
Is it possible to do anything about genetics? Our advice would be to stick with dedicated skincare to help long-term, and in the short term you can use lightweight makeup to help brighten the under-eye area. We recommend our Concealer Pen to do the job. It’s super lightweight on the skin and you can build the coverage depending on how much you want.
Hyperpigmentation refers to the discolouration of skin. It happens because the melanin that makes up your skin colour has been triggered by something and overproduces pigment. It can happen for all kinds of reasons including rubbing, eczema, genetics and allergies, but the most common cause is sun damage over time.
A good way to tell if your dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation or shadow is to stand outside or in a well lit room, with a mirror. Directly face the light and gently pull the skin out towards the mirror. If the colour of the skin changes then you have shadows, but if the colour stays the same then it’s hyperpigmentation.
The simplest way to prevent hyperpigmentation under the eyes? Double down on your sun protection. It’s important to wear SPF every single day. Come rain or shine. This will help to prevent the hyperpigmentation from getting worse. Look for products with ingredients proven to help under eyes such as vitamin C, retinol, kojic acid, niacinamide, and other brightening actives.
If you’re looking for a more serious treatment for hyperpigmentation, chemical peels and laser treatments are great for discolouration. Both of these will require a series of treatments to get the best results.
Inflammatory hyperpigmentation is when your melanin is triggered to overproduce because of inflammation or irritation. As it heals, it leaves behind a darker colour. If you’ve ever picked a spot too much or picked off a scab too early and been left with a dark mark for a while, you’ve probably experienced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
If you rub your eyes a lot of the time because of allergies, eczema or psoriasis and suffer with dark circles, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation could be the culprit.
To help treat this type of pigmentation, you’ll need to find suitable skincare that doesn’t make your skin condition worse. For a stubborn issue like dark circles, it’s important to be consistent with your skincare too so you get the best results. We’d recommend using super gentle options, and if you’re not sure what you can or can’t use, speak to a dermatologist.
This is a very common cause of dark circles. When we’re behind on our sleep, the skin under our eyes can appear paler and more shadowy than usual. We can also look puffier than usual. While we might not always be able to get a full 8 hours of sleep every night, we can do things to help.
There are plenty of home remedies that can help make an immediate difference to puffiness or dark circles. You can try sleeping with more pillows to elevate your head, this will reduce puffiness. You can also apply a cold compress to the eye area for a few minutes, such as teaspoons kept in the fridge or cucumber slices.
Another great hack for dark circles is cold teabags under the eyes. Tea contains caffeine and antioxidants that help with dark circles and puffy eyes. To prevent this hack being too messy, you can soak our Reusable Cotton and Bamboo Pads in the cold tea before placing them on your eyes.
How much water have you had today? Our skin can reflect how hydrated we are, and dark circles are a tell-tale sign of dehydration.
What can we do about dark circles caused by dehydration? Drink more sweet sweet H20. Simple.
You can also help to hydrate your skin from the outside too using skincare products. This will help the skin to look plumper, and generally much brighter and healthier.
Our lifestyle can also have a huge impact on our skin. Things like stress, drinking alcohol, smoking and drugs can play a part in making dark circles appear worse. All of these lifestyle factors damage skin over time, so can contribute to all kinds of skin problems such as acne, redness and premature skin ageing.
Living a healthy lifestyle is good for your skin as well as your body. Exercise has been proven to help boost skin health, as it gets blood flow moving around our skin. Eating a healthy balanced diet also has plenty of benefits as well as visibly to our skin.
Overall, there are plenty of options when it comes to reducing the appearance of dark circles. Some types of dark circles may be more stubborn than others, depending on the cause. But there are always home remedies, skincare and professional treatments you can try out. Plus, there’s always makeup in the meantime to give that instant boost.
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While dark circles aren’t a medical condition, you may not like the look of them and want to do something about them. In this article, we’ll be exploring exactly what dark circles are, and what you can do about them.
Dark circles are when the skin under your eyes appears darker than the rest of your face. The skin around the eye area can appear all different shades of blue, purple, brown or black, depending on your skin tone.
We think dark circles can be bloody charming, but we’re all about giving people a confidence boost. Many people don’t like the way dark circles look because they can make you seem tired and potentially older than you are. For some people, it can really knock their confidence. If doing something about your dark circles will help you to feel better, we’re all for it.
Dark circles under the eyes can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. However, they’re more likely to show more clearly on elderly people and people with darker skin or fair skin tones. There are lots of reasons dark circles can happen, but 99% of them aren’t anything to be worried about medically.
They’re usually caused by the natural ageing process. As we get older our skin loses its elasticity and becomes thinner. This means that the veins and blood vessels under the skin are more easily seen. As our skin loses volume it can also create subtle shadows that make our dark under eyes appear to be darker.
Tiredness, allergies, eczema, changes in pigmentation (the natural colour of your skin) are the typical culprits too. Lack of sleep, alcohol and smoking can also make them appear worse.
You shouldn’t need to speak to your doctor or GP about dark circles unless you find it gets worse suddenly, or if you have swelling around your eyes.
We’ve got to be frank here; it’s pretty difficult to completely get rid of dark circles. There isn’t one reason that people develop dark circles so it can be tricky to treat, and lifestyle can play a big factor. But there are lots of options to help treat dark circles. We’re going to explore different options through from easy and free home remedies to medical treatments.
There are simple things you can do, for very little money, to help treat dark circles. Some things you can do from home will be more effective and long-lasting than others.
Most of these home remedies will help with reducing dark circles short-term and be good for puffiness, but if you have hyperpigmentation or the bone structure in your face is what causes your dark circles then these options won’t make a huge difference. Let’s explore some more effective options.
A way to treat dark circles that is still accessible for most people is using skincare and makeup. Skincare will help to repair over time from the inside, while makeup will provide an instant fix on the outside.
When looking for skincare to help treat circles under the eyes, we’d recommend investing in an eye cream rather than relying your normal moisturiser. Eye creams are formulated specifically to deal with common problems around the eye area like crow's feet, puffiness, bags and dark circles. While you can technically use any moisturiser around the eyes, it’s best to use something specific because the skin around the eyes is 4 times thinner than the rest of the face, so they require something more gentle. Eye creams are designed carefully with that in mind.
Some ingredients to look out for in eye creams to help treat dark circles:
It’s worth bearing in mind that skincare won’t get rid of dark circles completely, but it can make a visible difference. A key element of seeing noticeable results is being consistent with the use of your products. Using them once a week won’t do much, just like going to the gym once a week won’t do much if you want killer abs.
To help fix dark circles using makeup, we’d suggest using Foundation or Tinted Moisturiser as a base to help brighten and even out skin tone. Next, follow this up with a Concealer. We personally recommend our cream Concealer. It has a slightly thicker texture, so is better for coverage. Simply dot it on using your finger, a brush or a sponge, and then blend by gently tapping until the desired look is achieved. If you prefer light coverage, check out the Concealer Pen. This is a liquid concealer with sheer coverage. No one will know you’re wearing makeup unless you tell them.
Medical treatments for men’s dark circles
If you’re looking for something a little more hardcore, it’s worth visiting a board-certified dermatologist who will be able to provide you with the most effective and long-lasting treatment options for dark circles.
A popular option for treating dark circles is chemical peels. These use different acids to help resurface skin and it will reduce the look of dark circles. This works particularly well if your dark circles are caused by hyperpigmentation, aka the colour of your skin is darker in that area. The recovery time from a chemical peel is anywhere from a week to two weeks. And it’s really important to protect and hydrate your skin diligently during that time so that the fresh skin is properly cared for.
Laser therapy is also great for treating dark circles. They can help to resurface and tighten skin. And they aren’t as invasive as you might initially think.
If your dark circles are caused by your facial structure or a loss of volume in your face, fillers could be a good option for you. Hyaluronic acid fillers for dark circles help increase volume in the eye area and can last for several months. But be careful to go to a reputable aesthetician to get this done, as it’s not suitable as a treatment for every type of dark under eye.
There are other, more permanent, cosmetic surgeries available to help with dark circles too. An eyelid lift called blepharoplasty is very effective, but of course not everyone wants or needs this kind of surgery. If this is something you’d like to consider, it’s worth speaking to a certified plastic surgeon.
A final word on dark circles
Love them or hate them, there are some easy and relatively cheap ways to combat dark circles. You can try home remedies such as cold teaspoons or cold teabags as well as a proper regimen of effective skincare and makeup. We've put together a handy Dark Circle Defence Kit featuring our Eye Cream and Concealer Pen. A great duo to combat the appearance of dark circles.
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Clean beauty is a bit of a controversial topic for several reasons. But for a bit of context, it’s good to understand that the beauty industry is heavily regulated, especially in the UK and Europe. There are a lot of restrictions in place to ensure that products used on our skin are safe to use. There’s a list of over 1,500 ingredients in the EU that are banned.
The problem is that the term ‘clean beauty’ is not regulated at all. Any company around the world can call their products clean if they want to. And it’s a touchy subject because by calling their own products clean and non-toxic, they’re also suggesting that other brands are harmful. Clean beauty could be used as a form of greenwashing, which is essentially getting customers to believe the company is eco-friendly when in reality, they’re not.
While ingredients are definitely important and should always be as beneficial to the skin as possible, ethical business practices should also be considered when choosing where to buy your grooming products from. If using eco-friendly cosmetics and living a sustainable lifestyle is important to you, stop looking at clean beauty and start learning about ethical beauty.
There is an important difference between just looking at the ingredients a company uses versus how the business behaves on the whole. For consumers, ethical beauty is important because many people don’t want to use products that put additional strain on the earth or compromise their morals.
Ethical beauty is focused on what the company as a whole is doing for the environment and beyond, not just the ingredients within the products being ethically sourced and safe, but the entire supply chain, environmental impact, use of animal-derived and organic ingredients, how they treat their employees, whether they align with any charities and so on.
If you’re on the lookout for ethical skincare, here are a few things you could keep an eye out for:
If living a sustainable lifestyle is important to you, ethical products are something you should look into. There are plenty of companies that have great initiatives to make their sustainable makeup products as ethical as possible, so you don’t need to sacrifice looking good or having effective products while striving to be eco-friendly.
Sadly there are plenty of brands that still greenwash customers and claim that they are ethical. For example, popular makeup brands you might not know still test on animals include Maybelline, Clinique, L’Oreal, MAC Cosmetics, and Estee Lauder.
Similarly to clean beauty, ethical beauty is subjective. There’s a lot that could be considered ethical vs unethical. So we believe it’s about finding brands that align with what you personally believe.
If you’d like to find out about the best sustainable makeup brands, it’s good to look at ratings and certifications online. Doing a bit of background research before choosing a brand to buy from is a good way to ensure they align with your views.
The Good Shopping Guide has a table of ethical skincare and ethical makeup brands. Another good accreditation to look at is whether they are a B Corp. B Corps are assessed on their impact on people and the planet. They have a directory of businesses that have made the cut so far. ]]>But did you know that veganism isn’t only about diet? It’s a lifestyle. Most vegans will avoid products like makeup and household items as well as clothes that have animal by-products in them.
This change in people’s lifestyles is also taking the makeup and skincare industry by storm. According to The Vegan Society, vegan grooming products tripled between 2013-2018.
We’re not here to preach that you need to eat a vegan diet or live the perfect eco-friendly sustainable lifestyle. We’re only human and people can do what they feel comfortable with.
But in our opinion, there’s not really any need to use products that aren’t vegan or cruelty-free when the options that are available are really bloody excellent. There's no need to use animal hair makeup brushes when the synthetic vegan makeup brushes are even nicer.
Even the most effective ingredients which we once only derived from animals now have vegan alternatives which do the job the same, or better. So why not choose the vegan option?
But what makes a product vegan or not vegan? To be a vegan product, it needs to be made up of completely plant-based ingredients. This means nothing has come from an animal or any animal by-products.
Did you know that’s not the same as being cruelty-free? Vegan and cruelty-free have different meanings. Being cruelty-free means that the product and its ingredients have never been tested on animals.
Some brands may claim to be cruelty-free but use animal-based ingredients. Equally, some brands may be vegan but still test on animals. There are a surprising number of makeup and skincare brands in the world that still test their products on animals. In China, it’s the law to test products on animals before they can be sold to the public. To get around this issue, some companies will pay others to test the products on animals on their behalf so that the brand can still personally claim to be cruelty-free. Sneaky.
This means that they may be cruelty-free in the UK, but the brand, or company that owns the brand, may not be. If you’re trying to live a cruelty-free lifestyle, it’s your choice as to whether you still buy these brands.
Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you need to meticulously Google every ingredient on your packaging. Most brands make it simple by having the words ‘vegan and cruelty-free’ printed on their products, or you can look for reputable logos such as PETA or the Vegan Society.
To be able to use these logos, brands have to go through a rigorous process to prove their products align with them. It’s good to note that Leaping Bunny, Cruelty-Free International, and Choose Cruelty-Free only certify brands that don’t test on animals, but they don’t necessarily have to be vegan.
Some common non-vegan ingredients you can look out for are:
Lanolin: This is derived from sheep's wool which is often found in balms, sticks and glosses.
Oleic acid (also known as oleyl stearate, oleyl oleate or tallow): Made from animal fat, it’s used as a softening agent in some makeup and moisturisers.
Beeswax (also known as cera alba): Used to keep the oil and water in products from separating. Alternatives exist from plant and soya waxes.
Just to add to the confusion, some ingredients like Squalane and Glycerine can be derived from plants or animals, but as the ingredient has the same name either way, it’s impossible to tell from the packaging. The best thing to do if you’re not sure is to look further into the brand and see what their position is on cruelty-free and vegan products.
Shop Like You Give A Damn has a helpful list of non-vegan ingredients you can follow, and you can read more about vegan ingredients on Plantbasednews.org.
When selecting the brand and products you want to use, it's about what suits your skin best and which brand you align yourself with.
Well, as it so happens, all War Paint makeup products are both vegan and cruelty free. Huzzah.
You can shop our vegan makeup right here on our website. Browse our vegan and cruelty-free makeup, or our skincare.
]]>But navigating your way into all the products available can be overwhelming. Hopefully this article can act as a guide for you and make shopping for men’s skincare a little less intimidating and confusing.
]]>Whether you’re a skincare newbie or you’ve been using the same face cream for years, here’s the message we need you to know: taking care of your skin matters. This isn’t just marketing speak. Your skin is your largest organ. It helps to protect your insides, prevent infection, prevent premature ageing, and help you to keep healthy. Therefore, looking after your skin is essential to living a healthy lifestyle.
Using the proper skincare can also have a great impact on the way you look. It can help to reduce sun damage, reduce the look of wrinkles, prevent breakouts and keep dryness at bay.
But navigating your way into all the products available can be overwhelming. Hopefully this article can act as a guide for you and make shopping for men’s skincare a little less intimidating and confusing.
The good news is you really don’t need to spend hours in the bathroom to start taking care of your skin. Most skincare regimes take no more than a few minutes maximum.
You also don’t need to spend millions on men’s luxury skincare to get decent results. Especially if you don’t currently have any skincare regime at all, or only have been using only a very basic selection of products. You’ll really notice a difference once you invest a few pounds more in each product. Cheapest isn’t always best when it comes to skincare - the ingredients need to be of good quality to have a noticeable effect on the skin.
If you’re new to skincare, begin by choosing 1-2 men’s skincare products to add into your routine. Once you’re in the habit of using them daily, you can start to add more. If you buy loads of new products all at once, the likelihood is you’ll not use any of them and believe skincare is a waste of time and money!
For a basic skincare regime, start by using a men’s face wash or cleanser every morning and/or evening and follow this up with a moisturiser. Ideally, choose a moisturiser with SPF to use during the day.
If you’re looking for the next level, add an eye cream and a night-time product. Eye creams are great because they’re made specifically to care for the thinner skin around our eyes. While we sleep, our skin is busy combatting the damage caused throughout the day. Using a product specifically for while you’re sleeping is an excellent way to support your skin’s natural renewal process.
When you’re ready for something more, you can add in a targeted serum. We’ll go into more detail on what the hell this is later. But basically they’re really good if you’ve got a specific concern you’d like to tackle.
One of your most important assets is your handsome mug, so be sure to give it the care it deserves. You can choose a skincare regime based on your skin type, and you can also target any areas you’d like to improve.
For example, if you have dry skin, it wouldn’t make sense to choose men’s facial products for oily skin. The ingredients probably wouldn’t be hydrating enough for you, and you won’t get the desired results.
Similarly, if you’ve got sensitive skin, you’ll want to find men’s face products specifically for your skin type so that you’re hopefully improving the condition of your skin and not making it any worse.
If you’re not sure what skin type you have there’s a simple test you can do to find out. Wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser (if you have one). Then wait 20 minutes and see how your skin feels. Is it dry or tight? If so, you probably have dry skin. If it looks shiny, you probably have oily skin. If it feels comfortable and normal, lucky you, it sounds like you have a normal skin type. If you have a mix of some shiny areas and some dry areas, you have what’s called combination skin. If you tend to get red areas, or have reactions to certain products you probably have sensitive skin so should take extra care to use products made for your skin.
Do you go to the gym and eat well to look after your body? Have you thought about men’s body care too? It’s a good idea to care for your skin all over. We’d recommend using a moisturiser specifically made for the body because the skin is thicker on the rest of your body than on your face, so it requires a slightly thicker texture to provide the amount of hydration needed.
If you can’t be bothered to moisturise everywhere, focus on the commonly dry areas, such as elbows, ankles and hands. Taking care of these areas will help them to stay in better condition for longer.
And here’s a top tip if you experience dry skin on your body: don’t shower with extremely hot water. While it may feel nice at the time, it actually dries out your skin. Not ideal. Instead, shower with lukewarm water and use a hydrating body wash.
You may not have heard about men’s beauty products before or even considered them for yourself. While skincare is great and can be really effective, it takes time to see results, and you may still have areas you’d like to conceal or even out. Using men’s makeup is a great quick fix that goes hand in hand with your skincare regime.
If you’re new to men’s beauty products, the two products we’d recommend you look into first are:
This powerful duo will help to boost how your skin looks. And if you’re worried about people knowing you’re wearing makeup, you can rest assured that all War Paint men’s makeup is formulated to look natural on the skin.
If you’d like to learn more about men’s makeup. We have a handy guide you can read here.
There are a lot of different types of men’s skincare to choose from. Let’s go through some options for facial care products and what they’re good for.
You might hear the word ‘oil’ and immediately think ‘greasy’. Well, skincare oils aren’t the typical oil you might use for cooking or in your car. They’re specifically designed to be lightweight and not clog pores. Facial oils are great, particularly for people with dry skin because they help prevent water loss and soften the feeling of your skin.
If you’re thinking about trying a facial oil, you could start by adding a few drops into your moisturiser to see how you get on. After a week or so of this, you can try applying it directly. An extra benefit is that most facial oils tend to be very natural and are often organic, so if that’s something you’re into, it’s a win-win.
Serums have a thinner texture than creams, which means they can penetrate the deeper layers of your skin. A serum tends to be the most potent skincare product you might use in a regime.
Serums are suitable for anyone to use, with any skin type. The great thing about them is that you can get targeted serums for different skin concerns. For example, if anti-ageing or skin dullness is your biggest concern, something with Vitamin A, Bakuchiol, or Vitamin C could be exactly what you’re looking for. Try the War Paint Night Serum in this case.
If dryness or sensitivity is your biggest skin concern, you can look for rehydration serums. A great ingredient to look out for is Centella Asiatica, also known as Tiger Grass.
In terms of when to use it, it’s best to use it after cleansing but before your moisturiser.
Face cream for men is the same as a moisturiser. The primary aim of a moisturiser is to hydrate your skin. Having hydrated skin is essential, not just aesthetically, but because it helps to keep your skin in good condition, which is vital for our health.
Many moisturisers have secondary purposes as well. For example, brightening, fighting spots, or anti-ageing. Using a good moisturiser that suits your skin concerns is a must-have for anyone at any age.
You can use your moisturiser as the last step in your skincare regime each morning and evening. If you like, you can use a different moisturiser day and night. This is because our skin tends to have different needs during the day compared to while we’re sleeping at night.
During the day, we need to stay protected against the sun’s harmful rays. Whereas at night, our skin is repairing from the damage caused throughout the day. While we’re sleeping we can therefore boost what our skin is already doing with the help of a night-time face moisturiser.
Is using a hand cream necessary? Well, maintaining healthy skin on your hands is important for stopping infection and dermatitis. Damaged skin is more likely to run into problems. Unless it’s important to have rough skin on your hands for work (e.g. playing guitar) generally you’ll do better with softer hands that don’t crack and feel uncomfortable!
Using a men’s eye cream is important because the skin around our eyes is different to everywhere else. We need to be more gentle with it. It also has different concerns compared to the rest of our face, such as dark circles and puffiness. The ingredients in eye creams tend to combat these specific issues.
Here’s a top tip for applying eye cream: use your ring finger to apply it and gently massage it in all around the eye socket. This is because your ring finger applies the least pressure.
Last, but not least, SPF. It’s really important to wear SPF every single day.
That’s right. Every. Single. Day. Whether it’s raining, cloudy, blaring sun, or snowing outside.
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Wearing SPF protects us from premature ageing caused by sun damage, but most importantly from skin cancer too.
Wearing an SPF of 30 or above is preferable, but you can wear lower too as long as you reapply a couple of times throughout the day.
And don’t worry, face moisturisers with SPF aren’t the same as the usual sun cream you’d use on holiday. They feel great on the skin, are super lightweight, and don’t leave a greasy or white cast on the skin.
What’s in the perfect skincare set for men? Well, we so happen to have a super simple men’s face set; The Skin Kit. It features our 3-step skincare regime of Moisturiser, Eye Cream and Moisturiser. Everything you need to up your grooming regime and enjoy healthier-looking skin without spending hours in the bathroom. It also makes a great gift set for men if you’re looking for present ideas.
If you’d like to take it to the next level with a men’s face care set we have another great option combining skincare and makeup to help repair and fix. The Daily Essentials Kit features our 3-step skincare routine, our Tinted Moisturiser and Concealer Pen, plus a Face Sponge to apply and blend it all with.
Now that you’ve got a better understanding of the skincare basics, you might be wondering what the best face care for men is. Well, that’s up to you to decide. Obviously in our humble opinion our skincare is the best. But the most important factor when finding the best routine is finding one that you’ll stick to and enjoy doing.
]]>There are so many options out there with all kinds of fancy claims and ingredients, so how do you go about deciding what to use? Should you use makeup too, or treat the root cause of the problem? Should you shop organic and natural, or does any of that stuff actually matter?
Hopefully, this article will help you build some all-important knowledge so that you can feel more confident in your choices.
The essence of male skincare
The start of any men’s grooming routine should always be skincare. It’s important to take care of your skin, not only because it will improve the overall look of it but because it’s imperative for your health. Your skin is your largest organ. It helps to keep all the good stuff in and bad bacteria out. It prevents us from getting cancers and from our insides turning into a puddle of mush. Keeping it in good condition is important for a healthy life.
Easily the best way to look 30 when you’re 40, or 50 when you’re 60, is to take care of your skin. And it’s never too early or late to start. You don’t need to spend hundreds on fancy formulas to get decent results. There are plenty of drugstore products which can give great results, and they’re definitely better for your skin than using nothing, soap, or shampoo.
If you’re a skincare sceptic, we totally get it. You might have a grandparent who swears by a certain product, like rosehip oil or “just good old soap and water”. While they may look great, they also probably didn’t have access to the kinds of science and products that we do now. There’s so much research that goes into most reputable skincare products, so learning a little bit about how ingredients work will help with your understanding of why people are so obsessed with it all.
A great place to start with research is YouTube - there are some really knowledgeable people out there who can help break it down for you, like Hyram and Doctorly.
While some people claim that natural is always best, this isn't necessarily the case. Yes, you can smash up an avocado with some honey and use it as a face mask… But it’s not going to have long-lasting results. It’s better to find skincare which has been designed in a lab (not somebody’s kitchen). People study cosmetic science for years and years to be able to take the specific enzymes and chemical compounds out of plants and fruits to be able to have the desired effect on the skin. Leave creating formulas to the experts, not the chefs.
How to begin with men's skincare products
If you’re just getting started with skincare, there are just 2 products which are most important: Cleanser and moisturiser (ideally with SPF!).
Cleansers do what they say on the tin. They clean. It’s important to keep skin clean because it will help to prevent spots, build-up of dry skin, and blocked pores. Face cleansers also help to remove the build-up of pollution, which causes premature skin ageing too.
Moisturisers are also fairly self-explanatory. They moisturise. Keeping skin hydrated will help you to look younger almost instantly. It will help to keep skin supple and in good condition.
When it comes to choosing which to try, start by finding products that are made for your skin type. That way, it will contain ingredients that ensure your skin feels most comfortable and will have an impact in the areas you want to correct.
If you’re not sure which skin type you have, you can easily test this by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water. Leave your skin for 30 minutes or so and observe how it feels. If it feels a bit tight and you have flaky areas, you probably have dry or sensitive skin. If your skin is shiny and your pores look enlarged, you likely have oily skin. If it feels fairly comfortable, you probably have a normal skin type. You may also find you have some parts that are dry, and some that are oily. This is considered to be a combination skin type.
What else to consider when choosing men's facial products
If your current moisturiser doesn’t include SPF (sun protection factor), it’s a good idea to invest in one. SPF in skincare feels totally different on the skin compared to the kind you use while on holiday. They aren’t greasy and thick - but will have the same level of protection. It’s important to use SPF every day - come rain or shine - as the sun can lead to skin damage, premature ageing (which shows up as wrinkles and dark spots), and also skin cancers.
Once you’re using a cleanser and moisturiser regularly, you might want to think about adding in additional products to target specific concerns. For example, an eye cream to help with dark circles and crow's feet, or a serum to get deeper into the skin to target fine lines. You can try a moisturiser or serum specifically for nighttime - so that while you’re asleep and your skin is going through its natural reparative process, your skin is getting a boost. You could also use an exfoliator to help remove the build-up of dead skin, plus a toner to help care for your skin’s pH.
There are so many options for products out there, so it’s a good idea to add them into your routine slowly so that your skin can adjust to them and so that you get in the habit of using them (and don’t waste money on products you won’t use!).
The best way to get good results is to be as consistent at using them as possible. Keep your products out next to your toothbrush, or somewhere you’ll see them every day. This way, you’ll remember to use them. Using your products consistently gives them the best chance of working, and you’ll be encouraged to keep using them when you can notice the results after a few weeks.
Men’s makeup (hint hint ya’ll)
Of course, skincare can’t do everything. If there’s something you want an immediate fix for, men’s makeup is the way to go. If you’ve not considered using makeup before, it may seem strange, but it’s been around for thousands of years. No, seriously, makeup was even a thing in ancient Egypt. It’s become much more popular in recent years, and never before has it been so readily available to men.
Here’s a simple explanation of what the most common makeup products can do and the order you should apply them for the best results.
Primer is a clear gel-like liquid that smoothes and evens your skin for a better application of other products. Use this as the first step in your makeup routine, after applying moisturiser and SPF.
Concealer is perfect for covering dark circles, spots, scars and blemishes. We make two options. The first is a pot Concealer which has a cream base, so has great coverage. The second option is the Concealer Pen, which has more of a liquid consistency for lighter coverage.
Tinted Moisturiser or Foundation. Tinted Moisturiser is a hybrid of foundation and moisturiser. It helps to even out your skin tone and keeps skin moisturised throughout the day. It is very lightweight, so great if you just want to look that little bit fresher. Foundation has more coverage and will create a uniform colour to your complexion. It is thicker than the Tinted Moisturiser but still looks very natural.
Anti-Shine Powder is a translucent pressed powder to help soak up oiliness and shine. It will also help keep your makeup in place all day. You can top up with it during the day.
Bronzer is a pressed powder used to give extra definition and warmth to the face.
Beard & Brow Gel will shape and control your facial hairs, keeping them in place all day. Beard and Brow Filler is a pencil that will fill in any gaps in the hair to give a fuller look.
There are lots of online tutorials to check out for individual products - check them out on our website.
Should I use face cream for men?
Whether you have perfect skin or problem skin, a moisturiser is essential. A common myth is that if you have oily skin, you shouldn’t moisturise, but this isn’t true. Blemish-prone skin needs hydration too. In fact, drying out oily skin sends a signal to your body to produce even more oil, a nightmare for those who already suffer from problem skin.
Using a moisturiser designed for men is a good idea but not 100% essential. The ingredients will still do their job whatever type of skin they’re applied to. But men’s moisturisers are designed to deal with the fundamental differences between skin types. For example, we generally have thicker skin, larger pores, and of course, facial hair to deal with.
sources to reference
https://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/5-skincare-myths-about-oily-skin-busted-k214-119761/
]]>The first step to a having a great profile is to get the profile image size right. Before you get the actual dimensions, think about what kind of picture you want. You could go for a full body shot, half body, or just of your face. If you’re thinking about cropping an image you already have, be careful to keep the resolution high when you’re saving the new file, so that you don’t have a blurry photo. The image will be displayed as circular, sto try out a few resizing tools to get the perfect dimensions which, according to buffer, is 552 x 368 pixels. To then get it to the appropriate size you can use the following tool to crop it.
If you’re not sure how to pose for a professional photo, it is a good idea to look up examples. The most obvious place to find some would be LinkedIn itself, right? Well, yes and no. Yes because there are many profiles that have excellent pictures and biographies that helped the professional come off very well. However, there are also many that are very poorly done and would serve as a terrible example of what a good picture would be. Another way is to look up sites where people are primarily selling themselves rather than their services such as model sites.
It's not just about getting any ordinary picture for LinkedIn, you need something that will convey how approachable and professional you are. Pictures also need to be appropriate, it's best not to use one from your best friends stag do where you were drinking Carling from a shoe.
You also don't want to come off unapproachable. So be sure to smile in your picture, looks aren't everything but a smile can make you a winner. Try to highlight some of your best features. A little bit of foundation can bring out your most favourable side. Check out some of our very own foundation to make you camera ready.
Always remember that you are the most important aspect of your LinkedIn profile. You are going to be what sells it in the end. Make sure to optimise your bio, be believably exaggerative and make sure to show your very best profile picture.
Links
https://www.iloveimg.com/resize-image
There are a whole range of options to help with acne scars across skincare, prescription medicine and also treatments with a facialist or dermatologist.
Never fear. There are always solutions you can work with to help reduce acne scars.
How to remove acne scars naturally
You may prefer to use natural solutions rather than medicine or skincare. While the science behind them isn’t as impactful, and the scars won’t go away completely, they can still make a difference.
Some popular natural acne scar removal solutions include:
The best concealer for acne scars and blemishes
During the healing process, you may want to try to conceal scars and blemishes. You can do so with a concealer. The War Paint Concealer is a good option as an anti-acne concealer, as it has tea-tree oil contained within it, so it’s going to help soothe blemishes while you’re wearing it too. Bonus.
To cover a scar with concealer, all you need to do is dab a little bit directly onto the scar and dab it into place gently using your finger. Be careful to blend around the edges so that the concealer blends seamlessly with your skin. While it won’t make it look completely smooth, it will help to reduce the look of discolouration and make it less obvious.
Should you consider laser acne scar removal?
Laser treatments resurface the skin without the use of chemicals or scrubs. They work by removing the uppermost layer of skin to reveal the fresh skin beneath. Laser is great for reducing the texture of raised scars, and particular types of laser can also help with the discolouration, also known as hyperpigmentation, that can come with scarring too.
Laser treatment isn’t suitable for everyone. It depends on the type of scarring you have and also your skin type. It can also cause bad reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin.
If laser treatment is something you’d like to consider, it’s worth having a consultation with a dermatologist to discuss laser treatment and to see whether your acne scarring would benefit from it and whether it’s within your budget.
You may find that alternative treatments such as regular facials, or other types of chemical peels would be better for your skin type, types of acne scars and budget.
Does salicylic acid remove acne scars?
Salicylic acid is a well-known ingredient used in acne-fighting products, and for good reason. It’s got countless studies behind it proving its efficacy. It works by naturally exfoliating the skin, clearing out pores and resurfacing skin as it goes.
Over-the-counter products with salicylic acid are unlikely to remove very raised or large scars completely, but they will definitely have a big impact over time. If you have very sensitive skin, salicylic acid might not be suitable for you. So it’s a good idea to do a small patch test to check you don’t have a negative reaction before using it.
You can also get chemical peels with salicylic acid, which will be even more impactful. But, obviously, go to see a professional to get this done as it can be extremely damaging to the skin if performed incorrectly.
Using a cream to remove acne scars
There are plenty of skincare options and creams to help reduce acne scars, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to use a cream to get rid of acne scars completely.
The best cream for acne scars and dark spots will include ingredients that exfoliate and renew skin. Common ingredients to look out for that help to encourage skin resurfacing are retinoids (also known as vitamin A), alpha-hydroxy acids (also known as AHAs) such as lactic acid, and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and also bakuchiol.
The most important thing to remember with skincare is to be consistent to let the ingredients get to work over time. There’s no such thing as a quick fix, and it may take a few weeks to see noticeable results. Don’t give up on it, it’s doing its thing slowly.
sources to reference
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324784#over-the-counter-remedies
There a variety of reasons that men decide to shave their head. For many it's because they are losing their hair, for others it's because the style is easier to maintain, or sometimes it’s because they can simply pull it off.
Regardless of your choice, just like any style there are a lot of considerations when it comes to maintenance. From accidentally cutting yourself while shaving or getting sunburnt there a lot of potential problems. Yet, one problem that radiates like a beacon is for those who don’t like having a shiny head. Is there a way to make your head less shiny? Well, of course there is! We at War Paint For Men want to explore solutions to many problems that men experience and that’s what we are going to do today by going through products that can make a bald head less shiny.
The reason that you may be getting a shiny head is due to the sebaceous glands. They’re what help to keep our skin in good condition by producing natural skin-protecting oils. They’re located all over the body, but they secrete more oils on the head thaen anywhere else. The oils naturally protect your skin and hair follicles, however, can create a reflective surface on a shaved scalp.
The shine can be exacerbated by adding more oily products or by sweating profusely. Using the wrong men’s head moisturiser can be causing additional shininess. Men absolutely need moisturiser especially if they are bald, however getting the right one for your skin type is very important. To help you choose which moisturiser you need first you'll have to determine whether you have a normal, dry, or oily skin type.
A good way to test this for yourself is to wash your face and head with lukewarm water and use a gentle cleanser and then. Wait for around 30 minutes without applying any additional products. If your skin feels oily and develops a sheen then your skin is most likely an oily type. If your skin becomes flaky and feels dry or tight, then you likely have a dry skin type. If your skin feels comfortable and free of grease then you probably have normal skin. Using the wrong moisturiser can impact your skin, potentially clogging up your pores and make your head more shiny. So it’s a good idea to understand your skin type before choosing your skincare.
If you want to quickly reduce the amount of reflection if you have an oily type skin is to apply some anti-shine powder.
Don’t worry, we know you’re not a pine bedside cabinet, so you don’t need to buy a high polish varnish for your head! That being said, waxing men's bald heads is a practice old as barber shops themselves. It has become quite popular to wax heads rather then shave them. There are a few benefits to a wax over a shave . The main one being that your hair follicles are not as irritated compared to using a blade. If you have sensitive skin, regular shaving of your head can be quite uncomfortable. However, waxing is definitely more painful than shaving in the short term. Don’t believe me? Why not watch a waxing video to get a better picture.
First off, wearing sunscreen is a must, whatever the weather. Especially if you've shaved your head. Even though for baold men is the most prominent exposed part of them, it also happens to be the most vulnerable to the damaging rays of the sun. The sun is your friend, but do not presume on your friendship. Protect your delicate skin by choosing the right sunscreen for your bald head. Cheaper sunscreens can often be quite greasy and will increase the shine of your head. So when it comes to protection you may want to splash out a bit and get a more costly sunblock that won’t leave an unwanted sheen. We’d recommend finding a sunscreen with SPF 30 or above, as this will provide great protection.
The best way to look after your glorious dome and prevent it from getting too shiny is with general bald head care. For example, even without hair you still need to wash the top of your head with shampoo or soap. Keep your head clear from excess oils and bacteria and you will be less likely to have an unnecessarily shiny bald head. When shaving, make sure that you use sharp razors that aren’t rusty or dull to minimise the chance of cuts, nicks and infection.
Sources
For many of us, packing our toiletries is the last thing on the to-do list before we leave. It's always better to be prepared when it comes to packing. Make a list of what you want to take to avoid the last-minute bathroom scramble when the taxi to the airport is already waiting outside.
There are two main things to consider when packing your toiletries: size and efficiency. So, we’re here to make it easy for you. We'll help you choose which products to take when you’re limited on space.
If you’re going away for just a long weekend or a week, there’s no need to bring a huge bag for your toiletries. You might be able to forgo a couple of the non-essentials if you’re limited on space. Or, if you’re going away for an extended period, you might want to consider a folding or roll-up bag so that you can fit more in and pack it away neatly.
Either way, it’s worth considering how much space you’ll have in your suitcase. If you’ve only got room for a rucksack on the plane, you won’t want to take up too much space just with your travel toiletry kit. Plus, you’ll need space for souvenirs and snacks, of course.
When deciding what to pack in your suitcase, consider your itinerary. If you’re in a sweltering country or camping in the wilderness, makeup might not seem like a necessity. However, if you want a little extra to look your best in the evenings, or if you plan on being in a lot of photos. Here are some basics for your holiday travel makeup kit.
If you’re not checking a bag into the plane hold, you’ll need to consider whether your toiletries will make it through customs. You wouldn’t want to have to throw any of your precious toiletries or travel makeup set away – so it’s always worth checking before you go.
In most countries, liquids going through security must be under 100ml and packed in one small, clear plastic bag, approximately 20 x 20cm. The bag must also be able to close. For more information about hand luggage allowances and what you can and can’t take, check out the website of the airline that you’re flying with or the UK Government website.
Luckily, most makeup and skincare products tend to be under 100ml. But you might want to consider investing in travel-size shampoos, conditioners, body washes and cleansers.
If your full-size products won’t fit or are over the liquid limit, you can always get around the issue by transferring what you need into smaller bottles. Just be sure to label them so that you know what you’re using.
If you’re going to a hotel, remember there might be some samples you can use too. You’re usually safe to assume there will be shower gel and shampoo given as a complimentary extra in the room. Unless you’re very particular about what you like to use, it’s a safe bet to emit these from your suitcase.
Using a washbag that has different compartments makes staying organised a lot easier. You can use one compartment for your grooming essentials, such as skincare and makeup, and one compartment for hygiene products, like shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and deodorant. This way, when it comes to finding what you need, it won’t take long at all—less time in the bathroom, more time having fun.
Do you need travel-size makeup?
In the majority of cases, makeup is under 100ml. All War Paint makeup can be taken through security, apart from the Remover.
In our humble opinion, the War Paint Wash Bag makes the perfect man's travel kit. Made from lightweight canvas, the wash bag can easily fold down when it’s not in use, but it is also an excellent size for easily fitting all your skincare, makeup and haircare products inside.
And finally, here’s a simple checklist of everything to pack for your upcoming holiday. Some of these might not apply to you – if you’re heading camping for a week, you might not want to bring a full makeup kit, for example!
The short answer is yes, of course you should! For many couples, their wedding day is the most important event in their relationship. Getting an invitation to this momentous milestone is a tremendous sign of respect to you and can be considered a reflection of how they view you in their lives. Many choose to get the bride and groom gifts as a couple. Buying household furniture, appliances or giving them money to help them start their new lives together.
Weddings are often seen as a day all about the bride, and the groom can often get overlooked. You can show your appreciation to the groom by buying an individual present for them. There is nothing wrong with getting the bride a gift as well or getting them a present together, however buying the man of the day something that is unique or personal can really emphasise how important they are to you and how much you think of them.
Here are six gift ideas that you can give to the groom that are guaranteed to impress them.
As the majority of married men will tell you, your life after the big day is generally not too inhibited by your new marital status. It is important to continue to enjoy your hobbies as a healthy relationship is also determined by individual happiness.
According to marriage.com it is essential to find time to pursue your individual interests in the marriage. So why not buy the bridegroom something that will remind them that this exciting event is not going to be the end of their fun.
Popular media sometimes frames marriage as a shackle of sorts. “Can't have more than one drink lads, gotta get back to the missus”. New found responsibilities may have an impact on your some of your day- to- day activities or social life compared to when you were a bachelor. However, there will always be room to enjoy the things that you used to. Getting them a gift that is traditionally masculine can be a great reminder that this is not the end. You want to tell them that thenm being married is not going to change your relationship, so why not get them a coupon for an activity that you can do together or that they can participate in with their friends?
Here are two suggestions:
The first is to get them a craft beer brewery tour. Because really what's a better activity to remind them that they can still have a laugh with their mates then a boozy day out to try a range of high quality delicious alcoholic beverages.
Or, why don't you gift them with something more novel? Go shoot some guns with them! There is something very primal about being able to fire a weapon, and in the UK it's considered quite a novel activity since very few people aside the odd farmer are packing. Shooting UK has some good advice on where to go to do some clay pigeon shooting (safely).
Weddings are not only considered an important and happy day in a relationship. They can also be cluster headaches incarnate. While traditionally the groom has less to do with organising the wedding than as the bride or other family members, their involvement cannot be underestimated.
One cause for concern between both the bride and groom that is unanimous is having to look their very best. Imagine ceaselessly working on your body for months on end to prepare for your special day. Endless gym visits and a rigorous diet just so that you can get a handful of pictures where you look your very best. Indeed why not? You are celebrating and being celebrated so making sure that you are in top shape is vital to a successful wedding.
That being said, unexpected disaster is always a formidable opponent. So today I urge you to gift the groom with a contingency plan. One of the most common nemesis to the bride and groom's photo opportunity is skin problems. Breaking out with a pimple on the chin can become the centre of attention for those close ups. So, on the wedding day a subtly wrapped concealer pen pushed into the pocket could be very appreciated. Don't forget to include a cautionary handwritten note, “It's always better to have and not need it than to need it and not have it”.
Sometimes when it comes to gifts, giving more can mean more. Assigning meaning to a whole bunch of items can make them feel like the king they are with the treasure trove you bestow upon them. You also don’t need to break the bank to give them what they deserve. Make up a personal hamper of sentimental items that will help them to remember good times each time they see or use them. You can create something sentimental, fun or useful. Let me give you a few ideas of multiple wedding gifts for the groom.
Nothing says “you are special to me” quite like something with their name on it. It’s something that they will cherish forever along with the memory of you, the gift giver. Make it something that has a practical purpose so they have a need for it. There is a whole range of gifts that you can personalise, so let’s start small.
A pen – Can’t get much more useful than that. Who doesne’t need a good quality pen that they can use on a daily basis. The best part is that you need not break the bank. At amazon you can get a quality wooden pen for less than £10.
A dressing gown – dressing gowns have slipped from fashion, however they are still a very important part of a wardrobe. A nice thick cotton gown can act as a towel. Otherwise a robe can be used as part of their costume if they want to cosplay as Arthur Dent from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
A shirt – What’s sexier than a man wearing a formal striped shirt with the sleeves rolled up? A man wearing a personalised formal striped shirt with the sleeves rolled up. There are plenty of companies that will initialise a shirt or put a nickname on it to make it more personal.
Most gifts the groom will receive will be generic and unremarkable… But you won’t make that mistake now will you. When getting something truly uniqure, you need to think outside the box. The first step to this is to get some inspiration. Remember the times you spent together and the experiences you sheared.
Perhaps there’s one time the groom told you something in a moment of vulnerability and getting them something to celebrate that moment will give your relationship that, “I can’t believe you remembered”, moment.
Where to get something unexpected and unique? Try ebay. There is a wealth of items that you cannot get anywhere else. Or go and have a look at an antique shop. The possibilities are endless.
Sometimes budget wedding gifts just don’t cut it, especially if you are close to them expectations may be a little higher than other guests.
If you’re looking to splash out on the groom the first thing to do is set yourself a budget. The more you allocate the more options you have. Next, you have to imagine what they would do with what you get them. Buying them some expensive cologne might not be the best idea if they don’t usually wear it. Ask others what they would really like. Perhaps an expensive gaming mouse if they have to rely on an old office one. Otherwise you can get them something they can enjoy with you or on a special occastion. For example you can get them a cigar and a bottle of scotch whisky. Then tell them in a note that it’s to save for a celebration. When that amber drink hits their pallete, and puff on that quality Cuban I guarantee they will think of you.
Whatever you choose to get the groom on their special day they will appreciate it at the very least. What they will appreciate more than the actual gift is the effort you made to read this article and go out of your way to get something you put thought into.
Links
https://www.confused.com/home-insurance/guides/tool-kit-list-for-every-home
https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/make-time-for-your-personal-hobbies-when-married/
https://www.shootinguk.co.uk/shooting/clay-shooting
https://thefoodietravelguide.com/foodie-experiences/top-brewery-tours-uk/
]]>Sprawling outdoor festivals such as Glastonbury and Reading are fundamental parts of British culture. Not being able to sway drunkenly at 4:00am to a random hard rock folk band for the last few years should have been considered a crime, and being able to get out there once more is exactly what we need to come together once again. I am wholeheartedly looking forward to making friends with strangers who have names such as, “Cosmic Inventor”.
This year, while making your way through the roaring crowds, while simultaneously transporting two half-empty cups of warm cider, in the middle of some random farmland, here are 5 ways you can wear makeup to a festival.
In real life, we wear makeup for a variety of reasons ranging from hiding blemishes, defining our features or giving ourselves a boost of confidence knowing our skin looks f**king good.
Whereas at festivals, we are given a free pass to become a version of ourselves that we hope and pray no one would ever post a picture of on Facebook. I encourage you to dress as garishly as possible because there are so few instances in life where you get to do so. This year, when you wear your vintage striped overalls from 1967, compliment your attire with a face full of intricately designed paints to not only set yourself apart from the crowd, but also to just have fun. Create and define your own personal festival makeup look.
When else do you have the opportunity to just plaster yourself with glitter? Right now your face is a beautiful canvas that should be taken full advantage of at a festival. I advise that one of the first things you should do when you arrive is plaster yourself with the shiny stuff! People will not be able to take their eyes from you as you flaunt your glorious self. Not just because the reflections from the glitter will be mesmerising the stoners. Also because people won't be able to handle your undisputable self-confidence. So go forth and let the world know how fabulous you are by turning your festival look into a literal shining beacon of festival glitter.
Pop those beautiful eyes of yours with some dark eye shadow that will cause people to do a double- take and wonder, “who is that gorgeous modern hipster gypsy”… Or something along those lines. You don't need to wear the whole flowing outfit to pull off this look mind you. All you need is a little amount to transfix people with your gaze. If you feel so inclined, we happen to have a Beard & Brow Filler pencil that can be used as eyeliner to bring out those hypnotic globes of yours. Take note, you don't need dreadlocks or pirate attire to pull off this outfit.
There is a wealth of inspiration that you can draw on to develop that perfect festival makeup look. If it were up to me, the first place to start would be Pinterest. Check out the different looks that people have for festivals such as Burning Man, where they practically redefine what it is to wear a costume. I'm not saying you need to turn yourself into 13 foot crow on stilts. But it never hurts to have some starting inspiration when creating that perfect look. Wearing makeup in any public space can be is a very personal thing, even at a festival. Try not to directly copy someone but rather cultivate your own rhythm.
If you just want to look natural and fresh throughout the festival, check out our limited edition Festival Essentials kit that would suit a more subtle look. Small enough to fit in your bag, powerful enough to help you cover up your horrendous hangovers.
No festival attendee should disregard face paint when creating their perfect look. There are an infinite number of different designs that you can paint onto your face. You can become a pretty butterfly or express your love for the moon and stars by turning your cheeks into a tapestry of the night sky.
When it comes to face paint it really is about going big or going home. Exaggeration is the name of the game. I would suggest starting your face paint journey by getting inspiration from subreddits dedicated to creative face painting, and TikTok is a surprisingly good source of inspiration too. It wouldn’t hurt to bump up your skills, because bringing your own face paint to a festival and demonstrating skill will certainly make you a hit amongst other festival goers.
When it comes to being unique at a festival, there’s inspiration everywhere. You have thousands of people to be inspired by, and the more creative your final look, the better. Festivals allow you to break the norm and whatever kind of person you are outside of the temporary creative paradise. I strongly urge you to go out of your comfort zone and at least apply a little bit of eyeliner.
]]>The great thing about pairing your beard with your style is that it’s not a huge commitment to change your beard. You can keep growing it out, try different things along the way, and when you’re done with it you can trim it right back to the beginning again.
But not everyone finds it easy to grow facial hair. Many of us have patches and areas that simply won’t seem to grow. It’s completely natural. If you have trouble growing a full beard, this shouldn’t deter you from sporting one. There are plenty of things you can do to achieve the style you want.
This guide will help you to find beard styles for patchy facial hair, with tips and tricks to help you get the look you’re after. Let’s get into it.
One of the biggest issues men face when growing a beard is patchiness. Where different areas seem to grow at different rates – or not at all. Don’t let this put you off growing a beard if you want one. It’s very possible to get the style you want and there are options open to you. There are plenty of options for facial hair styles for patchy beards.
To help look after your facial hair and the skin underneath, it’s a good idea to use specific beard washes which will help keep your skin happy and beard oils to help keep the hair moisturised.
There are a several options of things that you can do with what you have. Depending on where the patches are some styles may be better suited to you than others.
If you’re looking for a beard style for patchy cheeks: a circle beard, extended goatee, van dyke, balbo or moustache all would work well. They all draw attention to the thicker areas towards the front.
If you tend to get patchy goatee facial hair: friendly mutton chops, a Dutch beard, or an anchor beard might work best, depending on where your patches are. Or simply own the patchy goatee!
If you want a longer beard style, you could grow your beard hair long enough so that the hair can help to cover the shorter/non-existent patches. You can even use a Beard & Brow Gel to help style it into place.
You can also fill in patchy areas using a Beard & Brow Filler pencil. This is essentially drawing some facial hair in the places you can’t grow. It will look very natural if you keep the strokes light.
When you’re growing out your facial hair to head on the journey for a new style, embrace the inconsistencies. Getting through the first stages of growing a new style can feel difficult (and itchy!). Embrace what you have and avoid shaving or trimming until you have enough hair to see what you’re working with. You can then try different styles and trim your way to a style that feels good for you and your face shape.
While you’re waiting to see the full effect, definitely experiment with styling your beard along the way with a gel or pomade.
If you need some proof of full patchy beards that look good, check out Keanu Reeves. King of the patchy beard, he’s wearing his with pride and looks awesome while he’s at it.
There are a few little tricks that can give a little volume and help to conceal patches by styling what you already have. Using a pomade or gel is a great way to do this so that it will stay in place all day.
The War Paint Beard & Brow Gel even has a little comb attached for easy styling. Check out the tutorial to see just how quick easy it is. The gel also include proteins to help keep hairs soft and moisturised.
If your patchy facial hair isn’t playing ball, a moustache could be the way forward. Get creative with it!
With all this said, remember that it’s unlikely anyone is looking at your facial hair and questioning your patches. You’re going to be the only one that really notices. And even if they do, they’ll appreciate your confidence and how you’re owning your look.
If you are interested in learning more about basic grooming for men here's a simple guide we've written for you to follow - Simple men's grooming guide.
Sources
https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g33246610/beard-styles/
https://www.thetrendspotter.net/guide-to-rocking-different-mens-beard-styles/
]]>In this article you'll learn some practical tips to help manage acne. But just a heads up, acne takes time to heal and there are no overnight quick fixes. Don’t believe anything that tells you otherwise.
Managing acne is all about finding a routine that works for you, not just following all the latest trends.
You might be glad to hear that acne is way more common than you might think. It’s estimated that 9.4% of people worldwide live with acne. That’s nearly 1 billion people all over the world.
Acne is caused when our pores trap dead skin cells and oil in them. From here, blemish causing bacteria can thrive, which leads to a pesky pimple. With a regular skincare routine that is focussed on preventing this from happening, you can help to eliminate acne.
Look for products that are specifically made for people with blemish-prone skin. They’ll contain spot-fighting ingredients such as salicylic acid and azelaic acid. Generally, you want ingredients that will help to exfoliate the skin and keep pores clear from blockages.
Also, keep an eye out for soothing and anti-bacterial ingredients such as niacinamide, tea tree oil, and witch hazel. These will help to reduce inflammation and redness.
There’s also a lot of research that suggests our gut is linked to our skin health. Avoiding too much sugar, dairy, and other foods with a high glycaemic index could help your skin. Replace those with a balanced diet with lots of vitamins and minerals. Some also find that taking prebiotics and probiotics can also help balance the microbiome of the gut and have a great benefit to your skin. When it comes to trying dietary remedies, try different things out for a month or so, and make a note of the effect it has on you.
The best way to pop a pimple is to never pop your pimples.
Be honest... Do you pick your skin when you have a spot? This could be one of the reasons why your acne isn’t healing.
If you see a spot appearing, don’t pick it. However tempting it may be... It’s always best to leave spots alone and let them go away in their own time and with the right skincare. It may be frustrating, but picking at pimples could lead to spreading the bacteria around and causing more of them.
You could also damage or scar your skin by picking at spots. Scars are much harder to get rid of than blemishes. You can get laser treatments or chemical peels to help even out the texture of your skin.
If you need a stronger solution for curing acne, visit your GP or dermatologist. They may be able to recommend medicine and a specific skincare regime to help.
In the meantime, you may choose to cover blemishes and scars with makeup. We’d recommend using Primer to help your makeup to last longer and smooth out a bit of uneven texture. Then, use Foundation or Tinted Moisturiser to help reduce the appearance of redness. Finish it off with Concealer. Using a concealer with a cream base will give great coverage.
Everyone has problems with their skin at times. But when you’re going through it yourself it can feel like you’re the only one. There’s a great movement on social media all about skin positivity. Follow some accounts you can resonate with and it will help you to see what you’re going through is completely normal.
A great way to help someone with acne is to just be there for them as a mate. Listen to them when they fancy a rant about it. And don’t give unwarranted advice and suggestions unless they ask.
We’ve already talked about looking after your skin with skincare, but here are a few extra tips for managing acne:
Sleeping in makeup is a big no-no, and here’s why.
Throughout the day our skin creates its own natural oils. Mix this with dirt from our hands, phones, pillows, and pets, and it’s a breakout waiting to happen. If you’re sleeping in makeup products, such as Primer or Foundation, it can mix with the dirt you’ve picked up throughout the day and get clogged in your pores. Clogged pores can lead to breakouts, blackheads and whiteheads.
Removing your makeup products makes you less likely to get new blemishes
While we sleep, our skin is busy repairing itself from the damage we’ve exposed it to throughout the day, such as sun, alcohol and sugar from our diet. But if you aren’t cleansing your face before bed your skin doesn’t get a chance to get rid of the products, dirt and dead skin from the day, and you’ll be preventing this reparative process from happening.
Long-term, this can cause dull-looking skin, plus more fine lines and wrinkles. Not ideal.
We all want healthy-looking, soft skin, right? Sleeping in makep can in fact dry it out as leftover makeup can prevent your moisturiser sinking into your skin and doing its job.
If you have sensitive skin it will need extra care. By not removing your makeup after a long time it could cause irritation and additional dryness.
Many of us wear makeup to look fresher and more awake. But when we sleep in makeup it can gather in our fine lines, creases and dry areas. Accentuating these areas can cause us to look older than we are, sort of defeating the point of makeup in the first place. Especially if you’re using powder products, these are likely to make your skin look drier over time.
If you fall victim to skipping this step, try leaving your Remover and Reusable Pads on your bedside table, or right next to your toothbrush so that it becomes part of your nightly routine.
Lucky for you, preventing these 4 issues is an easy fix. Removing your makeup at the end of the day only takes 1 minute with War Paint Remover, and it’s suitable for all skin types. You can also pair it with our Reusable Bamboo & Cotton Remover Pads which are an eco-friendly alternative to regular cotton pads as you can chuck them in the wash with the rest of your clothes. You can get these both together in our Take It Off Set and enjoy 20% off RRP.
]]>Here are a few simple things you can do to spruce up your look.
Get a haircut
When we haven’t had a haircut in a while it’s all too easy to think your hair looks fine how it is. Getting a fresh trim is something quick and simple that will help you to look more refined and groomed immediately. Even if you’re sporting long hair, getting it trimmed or shaped will help you to feel like a million dollars. Plus, you’ll be supporting local business. Win-win.
Groom your facial hair
When we’re busy our facial hair can go awry, and before you know it it’s looking a bit caveman-esque. If you look after your facial hair at home rather than getting it tamed at the barbers, you can take steps to make sure your beard and brows are looking on point.
Fill in any gaps with the Beard & Brow Filler, and ensure your hairs are smoothed down and pointing in the same direction using the Beard and Brow Gel. You’ll immediately look more put together.
Prepare your skin
If you look after your skin, you will notice a difference. You’ll help to prevent signs of skin ageing, and any makeup products you apply afterwards will go on much smoother, and last longer. Skincare doesn’t need to be complicated. There are two main products you can use at a starting point:
Add the finishing touches
You can add makeup into your routine to help you look fresher, more awake and cover any blemishes or scars. We’d suggest using the products in the order listed below, but you don’t have to follow all the steps if you prefer to keep your grooming regime a bit more simple.
The world-first store, open now, sells the full range of War Paint for Men products, and offers men the chance to learn about makeup options and trial products.
]]>The world-first store, open now, sells the full range of War Paint for Men products, and offers men the chance to learn about makeup options and trial products.
Our founding principle is to offer men more personal care choice, and through looking and feeling better, improve confidence.
Our founder, Danny Gray, is also a passionate supporter of men's mental health, a theme that features strongly in the store. This has led to a collaboration with The Lions Barber Collective, a group of not-for-profit top-flight barbers, trained in mental health support to help prevent male suicide. The War Paint store is their first permanent home and by paying for a haircut, customers will be helping to save lives.
Danny said: “I’m so proud and excited to be opening the world's first men’s makeup brand store in London. For me it was so important that this wasn’t just about opening a shop to sell products, it was about creating somewhere for people to have an experience. I wanted to create a relaxed, inviting place to help men feel comfortable to have a conversation and learn more about makeup, get a haircut or even talk about mental health. Everything we’re trying to do as a brand is about normalising men using products and tools to help them feel more confident and our store is here to do just that.”
The opening represents another milestone in the story of our brand. War Paint for Men has continued to exceed expectations with products now sold into more than 80 countries. And exciting retail accounts including the first men’s makeup counter in a retail store at John Lewis, as well distribution in Harvey Nichols, REISS and MR Porter in the UK, Sephora in Australia, Loft in Japan and Arnotts in Ireland, bringing men’s make up into new territory.
Pivotal sports partnerships have also been established with Norwich City FC, and in Rugby League with Wigan Warriors where Danny and War Paint are not only leading the conversation on men’s makeup but also raising awareness for men's mental health through multiple partnership initiatives.
Technological firsts are also a feature of the store, and will help men discover the products best suited to them individually. One is ‘Ask Danny’, an interactive virtual Q&A. Consumers can ask a screen, displaying Danny sitting in a chair, any question about War Paint or men’s make-up. High-tech programming and pre-recorded responses will allow Danny to answer any consumer question. Another technological feature will be ‘Designed by Me’, an innovative service that creates bespoke Foundation or Tinted Moisturiser made precisely for your skin tone and skin type in-store while you wait.
Find more information about the store on our website, and watch exclusive behind the scenes footage of the making of the store on our YouTube channel.
We can't wait to see you there.
OPENING HOURS: Mon – Sat 10-7pm & Sun 12 – 6pm
29 CARNABY STREET, W1F 7DH
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Acne is a skin condition that presents itself as blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or cysts. People can get breakouts on their face and neck, as well as on their bodies. It’s common for men to develop acne on their back, chest and arms.
Acne is most common in teenagers, but anyone at any age can develop acne. 42% of men in their 20’s reported experiencing acne regularly, and 12% said it in their 30’s.
Spots develop when excess oil, dead skin, or bacteria get trapped in pores. What makes acne challenging to treat is that it can also be caused by sensitivity or dryness. But like most things in life, there is a multitude of different causes of acne. For some, it’s hereditary - If your parents experienced acne, you’re more likely to experience it yourself. Hormones are another common cause, as well as heat, diet, medication and stress. For more information about what causes acne, check out this great video of two dermatologists talking about all things acne.
Acne has strong links to depression because it can cause people to have low self-esteem and anxiety. War Paint founder Danny Gray struggled with acne for years, which led him to try makeup. If you’re worried about how acne and mental health, make an appointment with your GP. Or, if you have access, speak with a dermatologist.
When choosing your skincare and makeup products, there are a few ingredients to look out for to know that you will be caring for your skin type.
To help your skin to exfoliate away dead skin and excess oil, look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and retinoids/vitamin a.
To help calm redness and irritation, look for niacinamide, probiotics, tea tree oil (as found in our concealer) and witch hazel.
For more information about how ingredients work and why check out this article by the Mayo Clinic.
If you have blemish-prone skin, looking after it is essential to help prevent future breakouts and minimise the chance of scars from existing blemishes. Here’s a simple step-by-step acne routine.
When it comes to fighting acne, there are a few things to bear in mind:
The partnership aims to put the spotlight on men’s mental health and start important conversations in the Rugby League
Today we are excited to announce our partnership with Wigan Warriors Rugby League Club for the 2021 season. Whilst the association will see War Paint featured on the first-team training and warm-up kits, the true value of the partnership lies off the field, with both parties mutual commitment to progress men’s mental health, challenge stereotypes, start conversations and break down the boundaries that can confine men.
As a brand, our aim is to offer men the choice to look and feel better with a founding principle to improve male confidence and offer more choice in their personal care. Wigan Warriors are located in a region that has one of the UK’s highest male suicide rates, something that both War Paint and the team are committed to fight against. During the season, fans can expect some never before seen initiatives to help people suffering from mental health issues, raise awareness and inspire positive conversations around men’s mental health and wellbeing.
Speaking about the partnership, founder Daniel Gray said, “I was inspired to create War Paint due to my own mental health struggles and I couldn’t be more proud to see that our brand growth can result in working alongside Wigan Warriors to help us address the issue. I can’t wait to unveil some of the groundbreaking initiatives we have planned to help people with mental health issues and raise awareness amongst the Rugby League community”.
Watch the announcement video on YouTube.
About War Paint
War Paint is a brand that is fuelled by a desire to help men feel good and provide them with the confidence to be themselves. Men wearing makeup shouldn’t carry a stigma. Rather, it should offer the potential to empower. War Paint challenges masculine stereotypes and gives men a choice. www.warpaintformen.com
About Wigan Warriors
Wigan Warriors is a professional rugby league club based in Wigan, Greater Manchester, England. The club competes in the Betfred Super League and are the most successful club in English Rugby League with a decorated history. Founded in 1872, Wigan were a founder member of the Northern Rugby Football Union in 1895 and have gone on to win 22 English Championships (including five Super League Grand Finals), 19 Challenge Cups and four World Club Challenges. They've won more trophies than any other side.
Social Media
War Paint: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube
Wigan Warriors: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
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Find your light
Lighting is crucial to look your best on a video call. If it’s possible in the space you have, face a window with natural light coming through it. A window is going to highlight your face evenly. If you need to take a Zoom call when it’s dark, you can mimic a window by placing a lamp behind your computer so that your face remains evenly illuminated.
If you have your back to the window, your camera will find it difficult to calibrate the difference between the bright light and the details in your face, resulting in a dull and grainy picture. If you’re side-on to the window, the light will move across your face in a way that makes everyone look 20 years older.
Sort out the camera angle
Most phones and webcams have a wide-angle lens - meaning the closer you get to it, the more distorted you’ll look. To get the most flattering angle of your face, step back from the camera slightly and try to have it at eye level, pointing directly at you.
If the camera is below your face, the people on the other end will get a great shot of your nostrils. And if it’s above, it can give off Big Brother vibes.
Check what you’re wearing
Muted or pastel colours could wash you out, and sadly black can appear more as a blob than anything else. Wearing plain clothes that aren’t too patterned or busy will show up best on camera.
Fuel your flawless skin
Bright light and bad cameras can, unfortunately, highlight imperfections on our skin. If you want to cover any dark circles, blemishes or scars, using concealer is a great way to do this. Put a small amount on the desired area and lightly tap it onto the skin using your finger or a sponge.
When your skin colour looks even, you’ll look younger, healthier and more awake. Apply a small amount of tinted moisturiser all over your face to help even your skin tone and give your skin a subtle warmth.
If you find your skin looks oily or shiny on camera, try using transparent anti-shine powder to reduce the glare. Don’t forget to keep up with your skincare routine. Self-care for your skin can help you feel and look Zoom ready.
Check your video settings
Zoom has a handy feature to help you touch up your appearance. To change your settings, start a new meeting and click on the small arrow next to the camera icon. From here, click ‘video settings’. A new window will open up where you have the option to touch up your appearance and blur imperfections.
]]>There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your face looks natural. Follow these tips and people may say “you look different, have you had a haircut?” rather than “you look… different…”.
]]>There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your face looks natural. Follow these tips and people may say “you look different, have you had a haircut?” rather than “you look… different…”.
Male grooming products have come a long way in recent years. We challenge you to ask your mates what they’re using on a daily or weekly basis. The likelihood is your friends are no longer stealing their girlfriends’ moisturiser like they were a few years ago, they probably have their own (as well as a host of other grooming products they’d rather not go without). Self-care for men is on a huge upward trend which isn’t going anywhere. Men take care of themselves and are proud to do so.
Men in makeup isn’t a new concept. In fact, men have been wearing makeup throughout history. In Egyptian times men wore elaborate eyeliner designs to reflect their masculinity, wealth and status. Green eyeshadow was also believed to ward off illness.
In Elizabethan times, men wore makeup to show their social status through the trend of a painted pale face and red lips (we’re glad that’s not a thing anymore). However Queen Elizabeth I said that makeup was an abomination, only worn by ladies of the night. This is likely to be where the feminisation of makeup in more recent history stems from.
Fast forward to the 70’s and 80’s when gender-bending celebrities like Boy George, Prince and Davie Bowie took to the mainstream with ‘guyliner’ and rouged lips. Not to mention metal bands who wore makeup to scare the parents of fans. They challenged everything about gender, sex and society which led to the ‘metrosexual’ man of the 2000s.
In Eastern countries, makeup for men isn’t a new thing either. The Korean beauty industry was reportedly worth over $10.3 billion in 2019, and 10% of that is attributed to men. This has grown massively thanks to K-pop stars openly wearing makeup and playing with gender norms.
This trend has spread to Japan where a ‘genderless Kei’ subculture called has emerged. For genderless Kei, playing with fashion and makeup isn’t about being masculine or feminine, it’s about enjoying what you want to enjoy and being authentically you. Who doesn’t want that?
Over the past 5 years or so, men in makeup have become much more accepted in Western culture too. Large brands such as Chanel, Tom Ford and Maybelline have all brought out product ranges specifically for men, and Milk and Covergirl have used men in their ad campaigns.
Scroll through your Instagram and it will paint a similar picture. In the US, major influencers like James Charles and Jeffree Star proudly show their artistic skills. In the UK there are major players like Gary Thompson, Rowan Young and Lewys Ball, who has become the first male ambassador for Rimmel.
Think about it, everyone on TV has to wear makeup for the cameras. And there are plenty of male celebrities are proudly wearing the stuff on the red carpet and in creative shoots such as Jared Leto, Harry Styles, Zak Effron, Ansel Egort, football legend David Beckham and Johnny Depp (just to name a few).
You don’t have to be a TV star to try makeup for yourself, it’s much less complicated than you might think. When Joel Stein, a columnist for TIME, tried makeup for the first time off-camera he said “I thought the whole process would take 30 minutes, but it took less than five. I could do this!”. According to Statista, 35% of men take between 16-30 minutes to get ready in the morning, and 29% of men take between 30 minutes and an hour.
In the past, makeup has had a very feminine association, but why would putting on concealer make you less of a man? Does choosing nice clothes to wear, styling your hair, or working on your appearance by going to the gym? This archaic view has to change. It’s not about feminine vs masculine any more, it’s about doing what you want to feel good about yourself.
Founder of War Paint, Danny Gray, uses makeup to feel good about his appearance. “When I was 15 years old and I started getting spots as most people do, I went to my sister and used her concealer, and it changed my life forever. I couldn't believe the power of products and what they can do.”
At War Paint, we say if something makes you feel good about yourself and it doesn’t hurt anyone else, then just go for it. If you can walk down the street (post covid) feeling like you look fresher than usual, with your spots covered, you might feel just that little bit more confident. Sounds pretty good.
If you’re considering trying makeup for the first time and you’re not sure where to start, our tutorials pages. If there’s someone whose makeup skills you admire, why not ask them for tips too!
The colour’s charm ultimately lies in its ability to make men appear more powerful. Researchers found that women view men in red as higher in status, more likely to make money and more likely to climb the social ladder. And it's this high-status judgment that leads to the attraction.
This could be linked far back to our most basic and primal instincts. In the wild, animals perceive red as a symbol of fertility and sexuality. For us humans, the colour red has become associated with danger, power and romance.
Interestingly, it was found that wearing the colour red made women more attracted to men, but the colour of clothes a man wears did not make a difference to men perceiving the attractiveness of other men.
If you don’t like the colour red, or you don’t think it looks good on you, there’s no need to fear. Don’t feel pressured to go out and buy lots of red clothes for the sake of it. Wear what makes you feel good!
Research has revealed that there are plenty of physical factors that can influence a woman’s attraction to a man including how symmetrical their face is, how tall they are, how deep their voice is, and even how much facial hair they have (a light beard was found to be most attractive, for anyone wondering).
There are also many non-physical characteristics that make men more attractive to women including kindness, intelligence, status, emotional stability and politeness. Kindness never goes out of style.
Multiple studies indicate that women are also more attracted to men who can make them laugh. Interestingly, men generally aren't more attracted to women who can make them laugh.
]]>Here are our top 10 habits to help boost your confidence.
]]>Here are our top 10 habits to help boost your confidence.
Moving your body releases endorphins (the happy hormone) and suppresses cortisol (the stress hormone). You don’t need to be running marathons or going hard in the gym if that’s not what you enjoy. Find a form of exercise that works for you. It could be playing in the park with your kids, swimming, or jogging for 15 minutes.
Watch what you’re eating too. Getting in your recommended amount of fruit and veg a day will also make you feel much healthier than pigging out on sugary or fatty foods. But don’t get us wrong, the occasional pizza is always welcome.
Self-care is a great tool to help you to feel more confident. Throw out any clothes with holes in, master your skincare routine, and embrace wearing War Paint makeup to help you look and feel your best.
Confident men look after their minds as well as their bodies. Learn new skills, read books and listen to podcasts that get you thinking.
Asking for help with your mental health, learning self-love and appreciation are also key for looking after your mind. Mastering your mindset is a one-way ticket to confidence town.
When you’re in a funk, helping others will help you to feel good in return. Win-win. Take a moment to compliment someone else, support them with advice, or give to charity.
If you have things on your mind, writing them down can really help. Whether it’s ideas, problems, or just general ramblings, getting pen to paper can leave you with more brain space for positive things.
If you feel stuck in a rut, you have the power to get yourself out of it. You can change any part of your life that you’re not happy with.
Bored with your job? Search for a new one.
Don’t love where you live? You can move.
Going for new opportunities and achieving new things will help you to feel more confident in your abilities.
Practice talking to yourself positively. Saying positive affirmations to yourself regularly is proven to help you think more positively about yourself. This might feel strange at first - start by looking in the mirror each day and say a few things you like about yourself out loud. It’s a real mood-booster.
Confident people celebrate others' success because they’re in competition with themselves, not everybody else! Avoid comparing yourself to those who are achieving success, but learn from them, build relationships with them, and seek advice from them if they’re where you want to be.
Have you ever noticed your inner voice saying unhelpful or unkind things? Would you say the same things to a friend that your inner voice says to you?
Turn that around. Confident men believe in themselves, and you can learn to do that too. Next time you hear your inner critic saying something negative, tell yourself something positive three times to counteract it. Over time, the negative thoughts will get quieter and the confident ones will get louder.
People follow people who know where they’re going. Without goals, and a plan of how to achieve them, you’re likely not to have much direction. Writing down your goals and small actionable steps of how you can achieve them will do great things for your self-esteem as you start to tick them off your list.
]]>Every one of us is affected by psychological triggers daily – a recent survey by Nuffield Health in conjunction with the Mental Health Foundation corroborates this - and the challenge is to prevent them from turning into a diagnosis.
It's a cause we really care about here at War Paint. So, how do we do this? Here are some of our favourite quick and easy tips!
1. Talk it out.
You know what they say, 'a problem shared is a problem halved'. Communication is important for our wellbeing, so try to reach out to have a chat about how you're feeling on a regular basis. It can be something as simple as talking to a friend, partner or colleague, sending a text, an email, or picking up the phone.
Our social network can also be our support network: having people who are there for you no matter what – to laugh at your jokes, or share the load when things aren’t going so great - helps support our mental wellbeing.
Research shows that helping others has a positive knock-on effect on your own self-esteem. We’d call that a win-win!
“It might sound really obvious”, Sid Madge, Founder of Meee says, “but often, especially as men, we are expected to be ‘efficient’ or ‘professional’ and yet that doesn’t always incorporate ‘nice’. Why not?
“Being likeable is a verified influencer. We will always do more and go out of our way to help someone we like or has been nice to us. It makes sense and it’s also a more enjoyable way to go through life.”
Noticed your friend is not themselves? Send them a nice text. Got a mate who’s insecure about his skin? Introduce him to our tinted moisturiser – a foundation, moisturiser and concealer all-in-one, giving an overall healthy glow.
It’s easy to jump on the kindness bandwagon - less so when it’s for yourself. But research continues to show that how you think about and treat yourself can have a powerful effect on how you feel. Use positive words when thinking about and describing yourself - and write them down!
“It's time to accept we are all human beings and that none of us are perfect”, says Dr Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Pharmacy.
“If you start beating yourself up over something, thinking it's all your fault, feeling guilty, and angry, this simply pushes up your stress levels and floods your body with the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. Chronic stress increases your mortality risk, and this effect is even larger if you have other medical issues such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol heart diseases or diabetes.”
If you're feeling this way, try doing things to take your mind off the negative emotions. Cook your favourite meal, dance to your favourite song, call a friend. But most of all try to accept the past for what it is, and focus on the future.
Sometimes it’s really hard to break through those negative feelings – especially if a nasty spot has popped up and taken centre-stage on your face! Nothing that a bit of concealer can’t help you with, eh?
Exercise doesn't need to be a hardcore gym session. Moving your body for 30 minutes each day - even at home and in between meetings - will do wonders for your mental health. This is because when you work out, your body releases endorphins (stress-relieving and mood-boosting chemicals, to you and I!). It’s certainly something Myprotein, Europe’s number one sports nutrition brand found, with 99% of survey participants confirming that exercise improves their mental health.
“Aside from the health benefits, the mental health benefits of exercise are paramount”, explains Numan Founder, Sokratis Papafloratos.” Exercising is a great way to de-stress and unwind. Make sure you engage in activities that you enjoy and find relaxing, otherwise you will never get around to actually exercising.”
Look for small ways to add movement to your day, such as choosing the stairs over the lift, taking a short walk or taking your kids for a run around in the park. In fact, research shows that being surrounded by nature can increase energy levels, reduce depression and boost wellbeing.
You know those moments when it all seems too much? Taking a break in these times goes without saying. But regular pauses throughout your day should become the norm, even when things are going well, so that your mind has time to recharge and refocus.
“Taking time to breathe is a powerful way to stay grounded, process what’s happening and activate the rational side of the brain”, explains Ali McDowal, mental health campaigner and Founder of The Positive Planner. “Just the simple act of breathing can slow the heart rate down, lower blood pressure and rebuild a sense of calm in your mind and body.”
Suzy Glaskie, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and founder of Peppermint Wellness, teaches her clients the 7/11 breathing practice – “perfect for grounding yourself before a big meeting or if you have an important call to make.
“Breathe in to the count of 7 and then out to the count of 11”, she explains. Breathe in slowly and deeply through your nose and out through your nose. Your stomach should expand, but your chest should rise very little, so you may find it helpful to place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest to monitor this. Keep going for a couple of minutes and see how much calmer and in control you feel!”
For ideas of breathing exercised, check out this guided breathing video.
Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, which helps our brain release mood-boosting chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin.
Aim for 30 minutes – two hours a day (even if this means coinciding with a lunchtime walk or taking your laptop to a park bench and getting some hours in, there!).
Sun protection – as ever – is an absolute must. Be sure to put on SPF every day, even if it's cloudy.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the company of others has a big impact on how we feel. So, make an effort to maintain good relationships with people and find other, non-work-related things to talk about with your colleagues throughout the day.
Seeing someone in person is obviously preferable, but keeping in touch with friends and family with the help of technology can work wonders, too.
“Friendships are a great way to boost mood as we all know how a good laugh can lift the spirits but they are also invaluable when things get tough and you really need to speak to someone”, Ali explains.
Hot date after work or meeting up with your mates? You can’t go wrong with our Ultimate Set, providing absolutely everything you need to look your best!
We’re talking about technology, obviously. Yes, our phones, laptops and tablets are amazing and we wouldn’t be without them, but sometimes – just sometimes – it’s imperative to switch off. Not only will this encourage you to meet others face-to-face instead, but it will also give you a welcome break from the constant stream of emails, alerts and never-ending feelings of FOMO that social media is guilty of.
“Managing your digital boundaries can be simple acts like not charging your phone by your bed, taking note of when you are scrolling just because you are bored and also switching off your notifications”, Ali says.
At the very least you should try to have a no-screen policy an hour before bed, as studies continue to show that the blue light emanating from your smartphone affects the production of melatonin (the hormone that regulates your sleep/wake cycle).
Looking for a new bedtime routine instead? Get your hands on our Reusable Bamboo and Cotton Remover Pads.
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If you are worried about your mental health, make an appointment to speak to your GP who will be able to guide you to tailored support.
]]>Whether it’s Tinder, Bumble, Hinge or Grindr, this year we want to give you some tips to keep your dating profile in great shape so you always get a swipe right.
We’re in a world of scrollers and swipers. We have limited attention and limited time, so show yourself in as many pictures as possible. People want to know who they’re swiping for.
Avoid group pictures. If someone has to be a detective to figure out which guy they’re looking at, it’s not ideal. We get that it’s good to show you’re sociable and have mates, but if you’re going to have a group photo, put it near the end so people already know what you look like.
Show yourself looking your best. If you want to look fresh, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, try War Paint’s foundation to even out skin tone, concealer to brighten dark circles and cover any blemishes. If you find you get as shiny under a camera, try the Anti-Shine Powder to keep you looking cool as a cucumber.
Oh, and unless you’re on a fishing dating app, avoid the pictures of dead fish. No one’s impressed by that.
For apps where you need to write about yourself, put some time and effort into your answers. You don’t necessarily need to be the funniest guy out there, but show your personality so that people will be enticed to get to know you more.
Avoid cliches. If you say you like to cook or travel isn’t exactly original. Why not include a picture of yourself in action - cooking or at your favourite travel destination - a picture tells a thousand words.
Avoid copying lines you’ve seen on other people’s profiles. If you liked that line, chances are someone else has copied it too. You want to be original and show who you really are.
Writing negative sounding lines on your profile could turn people off. You want to make people want to hang out with you, not avoid you.
Instead of saying unemotional phrases like “I’m a highly driven person and work is my life”, you could talk about what you enjoy doing, your characteristics, and your goals for the future.
Think of your dating profile like a CV. You wouldn’t write about your failures or what you don’t like on your CV, this is exactly the same.
Ask yourself how your friends would describe you. Or better yet, ask your friends for personal testimonials to include on your profile.
Beware: there’s a fine balance between being real and being earnest.
There’s no point blowing smoke on your profile. You’ll only get found out later down the line.
And that goes for your pictures too. If you’re not into surfing, don’t show a picture of yourself hanging ten with a surfboard on a beach.
A second opinion is always a good thing. Ask a trusted friend to give you some honest feedback and tips. They might spot where you could be falling down.
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