So the sun is shining and it’s officially the start of the weekend! If you’re anything like us here at Chemist Direct, we can’t wait to get the glad rags on and spruce ourselves up for a weekend in the sun with the guys and girls! So, to help you look and feel your best this weekend, we’ve put together a step by step guide on how to get the most out of your manicure.

Remove any remaining polish and surface oils by gently wiping over the nail with a polish remover. Try OPI Acetone Free Polish Remover, for fast effective results without drying the nails out.

Gently file the nails in to your chosen shape using a gentle file in one direction, being careful not to make “see-saw” movements. This avoids weakening the nails and preventing splitting and breaking!


Apply a softening cuticle oil such as OPI Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil to help soften unsightly cuticles and restore the skin with essential nutrients. Gently push the cuticles back with a manicure stick in light circular movements to create a perfect nail contour.

Now your hands and nails are prepared, its time to add some colour! First, apply a thin layer of your favourite base coat, which helps avoid staining and increases staying power. After this has dried apply your chosen Spring shade! There’s some beautiful colours hitting the shelves at the moment, but we’re loving the new Kardashian Kolors, part of the Nicole by OPI range. Glittery, summery and girlie, they are simply stunning! We adore Wear Something Spar-Kylie for show-stopping shimmer. If you prefer something a little more subtle, Kim-Pletely in Love is an understated pink shade that is just beautiful on tanned hands.

Apply a thin coat in the centre of the nail, being careful to leave a gap between the cuticle and the polish. Lightly sweep down the nail, and then apply left and right of the centre line. Repeat with all nails and allow to dry before applying a second coat in the same way.

Leave to dry for a few minutes before applying a thin coat of your fave top coat to “seal” the polish and create a super-glossy finish.

Happy weekend everyone!

Top Tips:
 

• Made a mistake? Don’t panic! Simply saturate a cotton bud into polish remover, and gently push and “roll” over the mistake to instantly correct it!

• If you have the tools and the time, buffing nails before applying polish always creates a mirror shine finish!

• If you find your polish is a little thick, just add a spot of polish remover into the bottle and shake well. Voila, your polish is as good as new!

• Never apply thick coats of polish as this will just encourage chipping!

• Never forget your base or top coat if you really want salon-style results!

 What is Eczema?

It is estimated that 10% of the population suffer with a form of eczema at some point in their lives. Although the condition is not contagious, many sufferers find family members also have the condition, as this can be influenced by genetic factors.

Eczema is normally characterised with itchy, scaly areas of skin that commonly occur at creases such as the elbows and knees or the ankles, wrists, face and neck. However, eczema can occur anywhere and can vary depending on the severity and type of the condition. In mild cases of eczema the skin is dry, scaly, red and itchy. In more severe cases there may be weeping, crusting and bleeding. Constant scratching causes the skin to split and bleed and also leaves it open to infection. Although eczema effects men and women, it is often seen in children who sometimes “grow out” of this and don’t suffer with the condition as adults.

Identifying and staying away from the things that trigger your, or your child's, eczema is essential. You need to be aware of what catalysts can trigger an episode of your condition, and remove it from your lifestyle and replace with something that will instead help to control and soothe your eczema. Eczema can be very uncomfortable and as the skin is so dry, this can feel tight and irritating too.

Avoid standard soaps as these are often drying and detrimental to the skin, which will increase irritation. Liquid soaps are often just as drying, and highly perfumed products should be avoided at all costs as these will again increase irritation. The same can be said for your choice of bath and shower products. Instead, opt for natural products wherever possible as these will be free from harsh chemicals and drying agents, and will help to nurture, comfort and soothe your skin. Your GP or pharmacist will be able to assist you as to what emollient bath and shower products are available to you, but remember if one doesn’t suit you, don’t give up; try another as there is a wide variety available. It’s simply a matter of trial and error as every skin reacts differently.

Emollients, and the products that contain them, are a great comfort to eczema sufferers. There are many different creams and lotions you can use to help soothe and calm the irritation, as the rich emollients contained within them help skin to feel less itchy and thus more comfortable. They keep the skin moist and flexible, helping to prevent cracks and further irritation. A-Derma Exomega Emollient Cream is an ultra creamy emollient, perfect for eczema-prone skin types. It contains a unique replenishing blend of soothing colloidal extract, along with rhealba oats, which are great for treating highly irritated and sensitised skin types. Rhealba oats extract also has an anti-inflammatory, healing and hydrating action and will help to calm, soothe and condition the effected areas. Sudocrem is another great cream with a thick consistency, featuring anti septic and healing benefits while protecting the skin.

You can also visit a dietician, as many people with eczema find there are certain food triggers that can stimulate the outbreaks. You will be asked to maintain a food diary, which will help identify any possible triggers. It is important you don’t do this without professional advice, as eradicating certain foods from your diet without proper guidance can result in lack of essential nutrients.

Check out the entire A-Derma skincare range to find something suitable for your individual needs. Dermatologically tested and recommended for those with dry, sensitive and intorlerant skin as well as those suffering with skin conditions such as eczema.

Sinusitis can be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection causing the lining of the sinuses to swell. The condition, which can affect anyone, of any age, at any time can also be caused by exposure to household detergents, air pollution and smoke in addition to allergies such as asthma or hay fever.

Our sinuses are small, air-filled cavities located behind our cheekbones and forehead. Their main function is to control the temperature and water content of the air reaching our lungs.

We have four pairs of sinuses;

• 1.two located behind the forehead, referred to as the frontal sinuses,
• 2.two situated either side of the bridge of the nose, known as the ethmoid sinuses,
• 3.the two behind the eyes are called the sphenoid sinuses,
• 4.the final two referred to as the maxillary sinuses are position behind the cheekbones.

Patients with sinusitis will typically experience pain and tenderness in the face, a blocked or runny nose and develop a high temperature.

There are two main types of sinusitis: acute and chronic.

Acute sinusitis can develop very quickly over a few days after a patient has suffered a cold or flu. On average about two thirds of people will be clear after three weeks however in some cases it may take 12 weeks for patients to fully recover.

Chronic sinusitis is less common and can last for many months. If a patient has been suffering with sinusitis for more than 12 weeks, the condition will then be classed as chronic.

Generally sinusitis will clear over time naturally, however there are a wide variety of over-the-counter medicines such as painkillers and decongestants available which can be taken to relieve pain and discomfort in the short term.

Chemist Direct stocks a wide variety of products for treating sinusitis which can be browsed here.

Getting regular exercise, drinking plenty of fluids and cutting back on smoking can all help reduce the chance of contracting sinusitis.

If you have any further concerns you should consult your GP.

Otrivine Nasal Spray (Sinusitis)

Otrivine Adult Measured Dose Sinusitis Spray delivers a measured fine mist of medication with each application.

Size: 10ml

£3.85

RRP: £4.05 | YOU SAVE: 20p

Tubilux Normal Saline Nasal Drops

Tubilux Normal Saline Nasal Drops are used for fast and effective relief from nasal congestion. They help to treat common colds, perennial and allergic rhinitis (including hayfever) and sinusitis within minutes and the relief can last up to 10 hours.

Size: 10ml

£1.45

RRP: £1.99 | YOU SAVE: 54p

Sudafed Non Drowsy Decongestant Tablets

Sudafed Non Drowsy Decongestant Tablets for the symptomatic relief of nasal and sinus congestion associated with colds, flu, sinusitis and nasal allergies.

Size: 12 tablets

£2.35

RRP: £3.05 | YOU SAVE: 70p

Beechams Powders

Beechams Powder provides symptomatic relief of influenza, feverishness, chills and feverish colds including headache, sore throat pain, aches and pains, nasal congestion, sinusitis and its associated pain, and acute nasal catarrh.

Size: 10 sachets

£2.35

RRP: £2.44 | YOU SAVE: 9p

Lemsip Max Strength Sinus Relief Capsules

Lemsip Max Strength Sinus Relief Capsules-For the symptomatic relief of pain and congestion of sinusitis.

Size: 16 capsules

£3.49

RRP: £4.75 | YOU SAVE: £1.26

 Ladies, we all crave the same thing...a flawless, even, silky smooth complexion without the hassel and without the price tag! With pictures of glamorous Hollywood stars parading around looking beautifully flawless yet natural, it seems the only way to achieve a clear and smooth complexion is by intrusive facial peels (no thankyou!) or via spending odious amounts of money on face creams that, quite frankly, won't live up to their own hype. It doesn't seem quite possible these days, but infact, we have the perfect product to preen and prime your complexion to perfection! And it costs less than £5!

Introducing Leichner Cosmetics.

Leichner foundations were originally used on the rich and famous of theatrical arts, so if it's good enough for them, then it's good enough for us! Not only is Leichner one of the most reputable companies to date, but it is also one of the longest standing.

In 1878, Ludwig Leichner started a business producing stage make up. Over the years it soon established a strong reputation for vivid colours and reliable products for the stage and screen. By the mid thirties many female artistes who were delighted with the Leichner Stage Make-Up were demanding a cream, of a lighter consistency they could wear off screen. The Camera Clear range was introduced starting with the famous Camera Clear Tinted Foundation which is unchanged to this day. And why? Because no changes are necessary! Leichner Camera Clear Tinted Foundation spreads easily over the skin and provides intense moisture for your thirsty skin, while providing a light wash of colour that acts to conceal blemishes, fine lines and wrinkles without feeling too heavy or clogging your pores.

With tweleve beautifully natural shades to choose from, there is a colour for every skin tone. You can choose the amount of coverage you want for your look; go for a light layer for a flawless day time look, or apply slightly more for a more glamorous appearance.

After 132 years in business, Leichner's reputation speaks for itself. This secret of the small screen has stayed hidden for too long!