3 Simple Ways to Change your Appearance

(collaborative post)

There are times in everyone’s lives when they’re not too proud of their appearance. They could want to look a little different, and you could be in that position. You’ll want to change your appearance, but you might think that has to mean a large transformation.

That doesn’t always have to be the case. Instead, there are more than a few simple ways you can do this. They shouldn’t have to take much time or effort, but they’ll have a noticeable impact on your appearance. Three of these could be more than worth trying.

Find Colours That Complement You

Colours play much more of a role in your appearance than you’d think. You’ll see this with the clothes you wear, the makeup you put on, your hair colour, and more. It’s worth making sure you go for the right colours for you. There could be a bit to keep in mind with this.

Some colours will complement your eyes, skin tone, and other areas more than other colours will. It’s worth figuring out which colours compliment you best. That way, you can adjust the clothes you wear, the kind of makeup you wear, and similar areas. It’s worth figuring out.

Change Your Hair

Changing your hair is always a great way to change your appearance. It’ll have a noticeable impact, and you don’t even need to make too much of a change to notice the difference. You’ll also have plenty of options to go for with this, like getting Brazilian hair extensions. It’s worth thinking about.

Go with what you like and what makes you feel more confidence in your appearance. While that could mean experimenting a little bit, it’ll still be more than worth it. Getting your hairdresser’s appearance should be more than enough to help figure out what you should go with.

Update Your Wardrobe

One of the easiest ways to switch up your appearance is to change the kind of clothes you wear. It’s worth putting the time and effort into updating your wardrobe a bit. Go through it and get rid of any clothes you don’t like or wear anymore so you can free up some space.

After that, you just need to find some new clothes that suit you perfectly. Take your time to consider clothes before you buy them, and avoid getting something just because it’s on sale. Sticking with the colours that compliment your appearance helps with this quite a bit.

When you want to change your appearance, you might think it has to take a lot of time and effort. You might assume it needs to be a complete transformation. That doesn’t always need to be the case. Quite the opposite. There are more than a few simple changes you can make.

Despite being relatively simple, they’ll have more of an impact on your appearance than you’d think. With a little bit of an effort, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t see a significant impact on how you look. They’re more than worth trying.

How to Help your Man Level Up His Style

 (Collaborative Post)

Many men have the luxury of not having to think too hard about fashion, going through life easily so long as they make sure they fit the occasion. However, for those men not inclined to pay close attention to their wardrobe, help is available. Whether your man is in a style rut, hesitant to experiment, or just doesn’t know the first thing about putting together a look, you can give him the guidance necessary to dress in a way that impresses, enhances his own character, and makes him feel great.

Find The Right Men’s Fashion Stores

Start by looking at where he shops and helping him better explore his options. A lot of men don’t enjoy shopping, and stick to the same brands out of habit. Helping him find the men’s fashion stores in his area that cater to his style and budget can help make shopping a lot easier for him. Shopping in the right places ensures he has access to well-crafted pieces that elevate his everyday look without feeling forced into trends that don’t suit him.

Help Him Dress His Age

A lot of guys find a style they like and stick with it for a very long time. You don’t have to take away his staples, but help him find a balance with more mature wear, such as a well-fitted men’s wool gilet in the colder months. Show him the power of quality knitwear, casual shirts, and other more mature looks that can help him look more refined and respectable.

Introduce Him To Accessories

Accessories can upgrade the style of an outfit with very little effort, but many men overlook how much power these little details have. Finding the right accessories for his outfits, whether a sleek leather belt, classic watch, or even a pair of simple but stylish sunglasses, can do a lot. Aim for the timeless over the trendy, as it will be easier for him to find his confidence with the true and tested.

Fit Is Key

If clothing doesn’t fit well, it doesn’t matter how expensive or in style it is. A lot of men wear clothes that are too loose or tight, especially when it comes to formal or business wear. Get a few of his favourite pieces fitted (with his permission) to show him what a difference it can make.

Make Him Feel Good About It

If you want a good thing to stick, then you have to reinforce it. Improving one’s fashion is about unlocking confidence, comfort, and character. Try to avoid making the process stressful, and be sure to offer genuine complements when he’s looking great. Let him explore at a more comfortable pace and he’ll naturally gain more interest in building his personal style.

Remember, intention is important when you’re helping out. The tips above can practically improve your man’s dress sense, but you have to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons. Then you can better enjoy the confidence and charisma it helps him unlock.

Nourish London Arnica Massage Balm

It's been a little while since I've posted about Nourish London, but their newest launch caught my attention.

The organic brand has just released a trio of Massage Balms, each designed to address specific needs. The Eucalyptus Massage Balm is designed to clear and refresh the senses (perfect for seasonal colds), the Soothing Massage Balm aids relaxation, and the *Arnica Massage Balm relieves aches and pains, but also has quite a few other benefits that I'm about to delve into.

Each balm comes in a dinky, handbag-friendly 15ml glass jar (you don't need a lot) and retails for £10 each at nourishskinrange.com

I have been trying the Arnica Massage Balm for a couple of weeks and so far my whole family has used it. My daughter was actually the first to try the balm - she slipped over recently and bumped her cheek so I suggested we apply a little. She's now so obsessed with the ginger, lavender and rosemary scent that she'll often ask for a smudge of the 'magic cream' for no reason at all.

Why Arnica Is a Game-Changer

Arnica has been cherished for centuries for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to ease bruising and sore muscles. This powerful herb works by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, helping to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and promote faster recovery.

But Arnica’s magic doesn’t stop there—it’s also fantastic for improving circulation, which can be especially beneficial after intense physical activity. By boosting blood flow to affected areas, Arnica helps your muscles recover more efficiently, reducing stiffness and discomfort.

Nourish London Arnica Massage Balm

What sets this massage balm apart is its thoughtful blend of skin-nourishing ingredients:

• Essential Oils of Lavender, Rosemary, and Ginger
  These soothing oils not only provide a calming, spa-like aroma but also contribute their own therapeutic benefits. Lavender is known for relaxation, Rosemary enhances circulation, and Ginger brings warmth to relieve tension.

• Deep Tissue Relief
  Perfect for a deep tissue massage, this balm allows for smooth application, targeting those hard-working muscles and delivering instant relief where you need it most.

• Skin-Nourishing Oils
  While it’s working wonders on your muscles, this balm is also pampering your skin, leaving it soft, supple, and well-nourished.

When to Use It

• Post-Workout Recovery: After a challenging workout, apply the balm to tired muscles to speed up recovery and ease soreness.
• After a Long Day: Unwind and relax with a gentle massage using this balm—it’s a treat for both your body and mind.
• For Bruises or Swelling: Thanks to Arnica’s natural healing properties, this balm is perfect for targeted relief on bruised or swollen areas.

A Must-Have in Your Wellness Routine

The Nourish London Arnica Massage Balm is more than just a recovery aid; it’s a self-care essential. Whether you’re a gym-goer looking for post-exercise relief, have accident-prone little ones, or you're just in need of a little TLC after a stressful day, this balm is a versatile addition to your self-care stash

Boots False Nails Review

*This post may contain affiliate links

I feel like someone needs to talk about Boots brand false nails. I think they’re such a good value option for an instant manicure in a pinch and I rarely see them on social media for some reason, so thought I’d write my own review in the hopes it might encourage more people to give them a go. If, like me, you’re lacking in the nail growth department but also lack the time, money and inclination to get your nails done frequently, diy press-on and glue-on nails can be a really good shout. 

I’ve been using glue-on fake nails on and off for the best part of twenty years now and have tried a lot of different brands. Elegant Touch, Kiss, Broadway and Superdrug false nails have all served me well but there’s definitely a standout brand for me that ticks all the boxes – Boots! I buy the standard pre-polished square nails but there are a variety available including different lengths, shapes and colours, as well as a big ol’ box of completely bare nails you can polish or decorate yourself. The standard nails are the perfect length for me as I type on a laptop most days and have one nappy-clad child so I personally can’t cope with long nails (shout out to all those mummas with gorgeous long nails that get by just fine!) I also get especially frustrated by long thumb nails so the shorter length of these is ideal. If you have particularly long nail beds (or lengthy nails already) these might even be too short for you.

My favourite colour in the range is probably Regal Oxblood – a beautiful deep red – but there are plenty of options, including the blue set I have on in the images, as well as patterned nails.

How to Apply Glue-On Nails

If you’re reading this you are probably already aware of how to apply fake nails using glue but I’ll tell you anyway! Take a bit of time ‘trying on’ the different sizes so you can find the best fit for each of your nails. If I’m feeling particularly organised, which is virtually never, I’ll lay out the nails I’ve chosen in some kind of order. This is so I can then go in and just concentrate on gluing them on without worrying about digging through the pack to find the next size I need while glue is still setting. Then, if you have a a little nail file handy, gently buff the top of each of your natural nails. You want to take some of the shine off and rough up the surface a little. This will help the glue adhere and increase the longevity of your nail set, so it’s worth doing this little step if you can. It’s also important to start with clean, dry hands and nails.

When you’re ready to apply, add a drop of glue to the underside of the artificial nail and spread it out quickly using the glue nozzle (or do as I do and apply a small blob and see what happens), then carefully press the false nail down onto your natural nail, holding it in place for around ten seconds to allow time for the glue to bond. The Boots branded glue that comes with the nails is pretty decent itself and dries quickly BUT I would be fibbing if I said it wasn’t the best glue for falsies I’ve used. The Elegant Touch glue is slightly superior in terms of longevity, so if you find that the Boots glue doesn’t give you the hold you want (as in, past a few days), give the Elegant Touch one a try.

Do Boots False Nails Last?

Once you’ve glued all of your nails down you should be good to go! That’s what I love about these nails, once they’re on, they’re perfect – I don’t need to file them down to make my life easier, even the thumbs! Even though they are designed to last up to 7 days, I’ve had these nails last literal weeks on my hands and I’m not a person who bothers with gloves for the washing up but I am a person who will use my nails for opening ring pulls and breaking down cardboard boxes. Hopefully you get the gist, these are sturdy.

In case you’re wondering how to take them off, official instructions state to trim the nails down and soak in acetone to soften the glue. I’m not going to pretend that I’ve ever done this for stick-ons but I am going to pretend that I don’t pick and peel them off when I want them done. That would be irresponsible and potentially damage the natural nails…

Boots Polished Nails come in packs of 24 and retail for £5.50 but they’re usually on sale or part of some kind of deal – the ones I’m wearing now set me back £2.20 as they had a special Clubcard price.

Why New Online Stores Often Have Trouble Gaining Legitimacy

 (Collaborative Post)

We’re all aware of how many scams there are online. As a website owner, it’s a trend you don’t want to fall prey to or be grouped in with. However, there’s a real issue around new online stores being seen as untrustworthy. This can be for a variety of reasons, but the three below tend to be most common.

The Website Looks Off

Creative website design is a great way to set your site apart from any other retailers in the same niche, but you don’t want to scare your traffic away by being too out there. You need the site to still be easy to navigate and accessibly readable, but you also want to be eye-catching and memorable. 

It’s a fine line to balance, but it’s one you can experiment with and see what your traffic really thinks. If you’re noticing people bouncing off more than usual, there may be something wrong with the current layout. Alternatively, if your site’s retention is higher, you might have struck the jackpot with the design you’ve gone for. 

Long Delivery Times Look Suspicious 

The longer an item takes to arrive, the lower a customer’s confidence. Even if you’re set up and ready to take orders, you’ll need to make sure your delivery partner is just as sound. 

You need to know your products can be packaged and shipped ASAP. No one wants to wait more than 3 to 5 days for their new dress to arrive! Take this into hand from the moment you open up your new store by being transparent about the length of the process, as well as the ways someone can complain if they have a problem. 

Your shipment options need to accurately reflect delivery times. Indeed, if a customer pays premium for next day delivery, it’s important to act within this timeframe. Otherwise, your storefront could very easily be labeled a scam. 

It’s Easier to Take Risks on Low Quality Products

You want your store to be up and running in as little time as possible, and that sometimes means padding out your product catalogue with items that cost little and are easy to ship. However, in doing so, you’re taking risks on low quality, potentially unsustainable products. This isn’t the thing to do if you want your customers to trust you! 

Take your time in finding the right items to list on your website. If you’re a new fashion house, shop around for a reliable womens wholesale clothing supplier before submitting any orders. If you’re selling handmade vases and urns, make sure you’re working with strong materials like clay, glass, and stone that have been sourced ethically and responsibly. 

Don’t take a chance on your supply chain. It may cost more right now, but you’re more likely to attract and retain repeat custom, good reviews, and very few refunds from something ripping or breaking in transit! 

Got an idea for an online store? Build a good reputation by avoiding the mistakes above.