< Previous30 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY Top left: SylviaPiechulla Fashion Design Inspired by the goddess Aphrodite herself, this gold leopard jacquard dress by SylviaPiechulla Fashion Design will have heads turning with its showstopping flounce. Above: Aspiga A formal, feminine frock, this pink corduroy dress from Aspiga fits well with the Barbie craze. Left: Cotton Traders This look from Cotton Traders perfectly aligns the cosy with the smart with a roll neck jumper, with a patterned knitted design, and check wide-leg trousers. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 31 FASHION Above: Oliver Bonas This statement blue midi dress from Oliver Bonas will help you shine with its jacquard metallic pattern, gathered waistband and balloon sleeves. Top right: Threadbare With a matching pinstripe blazer and mini skirt over a simple white top, Threadbare presents a chic, smart look. Right: Barbour Taking a classic trench coat design and putting it in a pretty, pale pink, this Barbour piece will add something sweet and timeless to your ensemble. With a couple of pieces of jewellery, a bag and well-chosen shoes, accessories can take an outfit to the next level. With a couple of pieces of jewellery, a bag and well-chosen shoes, accessories can take an outfit to the next level. Alluring Alluring Cotton Traders With some vibrant earrings and a metallic bag, Cotton Traders enhances an everyday look beautifully. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 33 FASHION Oliver Bonas Oliver Bonas helps make that layered look easy with its Sarai Circle & Jade Double Row Pendant Necklace. The Find Store When wearing a plain outfit, perhaps all-black, a bag offering a pop of colour can really elevate your ensemble, such as this simple emerald green handbag from The Find Store. FACE A FACE Offering a quirky colour contrast, these glasses from FACE A FACE will add some fun to your outfit. Find this pair, or one similar, at O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg or http://obriensopticians.co.uk/ Feather & Sole Elegant yet versatile, these suede and leather boots with pewter stud detailing from Feather & Sole could be styled with multiple outfits, from jeans to dresses. Lindberg Simple yet sleek, these Lindberg frames will keep you looking smart. Head down to O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg or visit http://obriensopticians.co.uk/ for your own pair. Contessina London A statement piece of jewellery could be all you need to liven up your outfit, such as this Anastasia lace bracelet in gold and black from Contessina London. Fool’s Gold Jewellery An eye-catching piece, this Queen of Hearts Charm Ring from Fool’s Gold Jewellery with a gothic design, black onyx stones, and a deep red garnet heart charm will add some easy edge to your ensemble. Not Just a Shop Whether dressing up for a special occasion or adding a touch of charm to everyday attire, these funky earrings by Mystic Forms at Not Just a Shop balance geometric design and a splash of colour. Lincolnshire Today shares some sharp menswear to refresh your style with. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 35 FASHION Opposite: Crew Clothing With a denim shirt, basic tee, olive chinos, and chocolate deck shoes, this look from Crew Clothing creates a classy-casual air. Top left: Barbour As we get ready for spring, a transeasonal outer layer is a must. This piece from Barbour, crafted with a stylish shorter length, brings a modern feel to a classic jacket. Above: Threadbare If you’re in a rush but still want to appear fashionable, throwing on a quarter zip knitted jumper, whether with chinos, cargos or jeans, is the way to go, such as this navy option from Threadbare. Left: Dune London With a timeless silhouette, these suede Chelsea boots from Dune London make an ideal foundation piece for endless outfits. 36 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HAIR & BEAUTY © stock.adobe.com/Eduardo Achieving the same look with fewer products In an era saturated with an abundance of beauty products, the trend of embracing a minimalist approach has taken centre stage. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 37 HAIR & BEAUTY T his movement not only simplifies your beauty routine but also promises to be a time, money, and eco-friendly solution. Known as skin streaming or makeup minimalism, this concept involves using fewer, carefully selected products tailored to your skin and needs. The advantages are plentiful: maximizing the benefits of each product and their ingredients, avoiding skin irritation from incompatible combinations, and cutting down on both your expenses and the time spent applying layers of makeup. Beyond the tangible benefits, this streamlined approach allows you to declutter your personal space, fostering a sense of well-being as you reevaluate and simplify your beauty choices. Join us as we delve into the art of achieving a radiant look with fewer beauty products, proving that less can indeed be more. Before diving into a simplified beauty routine, it’s crucial to gain a solid understanding of your skin’s unique characteristics. This crucial knowledge, encompassing your skin type, tone, and specific needs, lays the groundwork for selecting the perfect products tailored to your complexion. Whether you’re dealing with oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, this awareness becomes the compass guiding you toward a streamlined beauty regimen. The key to a luminous and flawless complexion lies not in piling on numerous skincare products but in adopting a minimalist approach that caters to your skin’s requirements. A gentle cleanser, a hydrating moisturizer, and a dependable sunscreen are seen as the essential trio forming the core of your skincare routine. Opt for simple products boasting high-quality ingredients that nourish your skin without unnecessary additives. Brands such as The Ordinary and The Inkey List sell pure serums for a more potent effect, allowing you to mix with a moisturiser to create your own targeted skincare. A radiant complexion is the ultimate canvas for any beauty look, reducing the need for excessive makeup. Prioritize skincare as the linchpin of your routine, with regular exfoliation, hydration, and targeted treatments addressing specific colour for that effortlessly chic vibe, which can be amped up by blotting and applying more. If your lips need more hydration, try layering a thicker lip balm underneath your lipstick. This will prevent your lips from drying out, whilst using less of each product. If multitasking is your beauty mantra, consider a versatile lip and cheek stain that imparts a natural flush, and once again, can be intensified. These stains have the added benefit of lasting all day. Beauty, after all, is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no universal formula. Tailor your routine to match your unique preferences and lifestyle. For those embracing the barely-there aesthetic, focus on accentuating your features with minimal products. On days when bold experimentation beckons, employ strategic techniques to achieve a head- turning look without succumbing to the temptation of an extensive product lineup. The secret? It’s not about the quantity but which elements of your unique beauty you choose to emphasise that truly define your individual style. Ditch the clutter of countless brushes and sponges, and opt for a curated selection of high-quality, multitasking essentials. A well-designed makeup sponge may be round in some areas, cornered in others, as well as having flat sections. This way, one product can blend and apply liquids, creams, and powders seamlessly to different areas of the face (you can even use the flat side for your eyes!). But simplifying your beauty ritual isn’t just about the products; it extends to your beauty space too. Take a moment to declutter, ridding your collection of expired or neglected products. A streamlined beauty area not only enhances efficiency but also ensures that you use (and enjoy using) only the very best. Achieving a stunning look with fewer beauty products is not about sacrificing quality but rather about embracing efficiency and simplicity. By understanding your skin, choosing multi-functional products, and mastering strategic techniques, you can streamline your beauty routine without compromising on the result. skin concerns, ultimately diminishing the reliance on heavy coverage products. Remember, a strong foundation of good skincare enhances your natural beauty and sets the stage for more effective makeup applications. Having assessed your skincare needs, the next key principle to simplifying your routine is to invest in multi-functional products. These versatile gems perform multiple tasks, eliminating the need for an overwhelming array of specialized items. Take, for example, the magic of a tinted moisturizer with built-in SPF, replacing the requirement for a separate foundation and sunscreen. The best sunscreens also offer skin tone evening for a triple threat. Embracing multifunctionality isn’t just a future investment; it’s about maximizing the potential of your current collection. Case in point: the humble concealer, the abilities of which extend far beyond merely concealing imperfections, dark circles, and blemishes. By strategically applying a high-quality concealer (one that is neither too oily nor too matte), in a colour matching your skin tone, you can often bypass heavy foundation layers, allowing your skin to breathe while still achieving that coveted flawless finish. The benefits don’t stop there – a subtle dab of concealer around the eyes can double as an excellent eyeshadow base or even eliminate the need for eyeshadow altogether. As the supposed windows to the soul, it’s time to pare down your eye makeup look. You are far more likely to use one eyeshadow palette with 4 colours (for a base, shade, definition, and highlight). When shopping for your ideal palette, quality-test it first by sweeping a little eyeshadow across the back of your hand. So-called “swatching” tests the pigment quality, ensuring that the shadow will sweep smoothly across the eye, with little fallout. To go even simpler, you can use an existing bronzer in your crease to add more natural looking definition. Revolutionize your lip game in a similar way, by searching for dual-purpose alternatives. Take tinted lip balms, for instance—they not only provide essential hydration, but also offer a subtle pop of 38 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY HEALTH & FITNESS How to enjoy your winter health kick Whether you really have kept up with your New Years’ Resolutions, or you’re starting to feel the effects of the traditionally stodgy food consumed during winter, approach to fitness has to come from a desire to enjoy it. How to enjoy your winter health kick LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 39 HEALTH & FITNESS © stock.adobe.com/GustavsMD R esearch suggests that health kicks are more likely to fail if someone believes it will be an unpleasant experience. In other words, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy. Amidst the frosty air lies a unique opportunity to embrace invigorating pursuits that not only keep the winter blues at bay but also infuse a sense of joy and adventure into the colder months. The most evident avenue for burning those extra calories lies in the realm of winter sports. Picture yourself gracefully gliding down snow- covered slopes on skis. Alternatively, imagine the excitement of conquering challenging terrains on a snowboard, or feeling the rush of cold wind during an alpine hike. These winter activities not only provide a dynamic and enjoyable way to stay in shape but also contribute to the overall sense of well-being by infusing an element of adventure into the season. Beyond the physical benefits, engaging in winter sports is a holistic workout experience that simultaneously targets multiple muscle groups, enhancing your strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. The inherent challenge of mastering these activities also contributes to improvements in balance and coordination, making it a comprehensive fitness regimen. The National Ice Centre and Planet Ice in Nottingham and Peterborough respectively, offer public ice skating sessions, as well as private lessons. These accessible venues allow individuals to embrace the winter season with enthusiasm, turning the often-mundane gym routine into an exciting journey of exploration. Incorporating these seasonal activities into your fitness routine not only keeps you physically active but also adds a dash of thrill and discovery, addressing the monotony that some may associate with traditional gym workouts. Too cold for you? Not to worry, there are a variety of indoor exercises that promise to keep you active and motivated throughout the chilly season. Indoor cycling is a spirited option to ward off winter blues - hop on a stationary bike in a fitness centre offering dynamic cycling classes that simulate invigorating outdoor rides, delivering a stellar cardiovascular workout while fortifying leg muscles. Indoor cycling is perfectly complimented by rock climbing, as they work similar muscle groups in the legs. Furthermore, indoor rock climbing provides a hardcore upper body workout, and helps with orientation and body coordination - the perfect way to prepare for outdoor activities in the Spring. If the idea of making a splash appeals, dive into the refreshing world of indoor swimming. With the soothing embrace of an indoor pool, this full-body workout not only enhances cardiovascular fitness but also strengthens muscles and promotes flexibility, all with a gentle touch on the joints, making it an ideal low-impact exercise for the winter months. Injecting a social element into your winter fitness routine, consider joining group fitness classes. Whether it’s the zen vibes of yoga, the core-strengthening benefits of Pilates, or the intensity of high-intensity interval training, many fitness studios and community centres offer a diverse range of indoor classes. Not only do these sessions provide a structured workout, but they also foster social interaction, ensuring that the winter months are not only about staying fit but also about building connections. If even the thought of driving to a fitness centre sets your teeth chattering, you could embrace the convenience of home workouts. Turn to online workout videos, fitness apps, or create your personalized home workout routine. From simple bodyweight exercises to the tranquility of yoga or the strength-building aspects of resistance training, your living room becomes the ultimate fitness sanctuary. Convenient, accessible, and flexible in scheduling, home workouts have a place as a low-intensity alternative. Now you have plenty of avenues to explore, but still no motivation. Let’s explore some ways to change your outlook on exercise. Firstly, however tempting, try not to turn to social media for inspiration. As you scroll through the endless stream of fitness inspiration on Instagram and TikTok, you’re bombarded with images of impeccably sculpted bodies, enticing you to pursue the promise of a similar physique through the right fitness regimen. However, an Australian study led by Flinders University identified the potential downside of such fitspiration accounts. Participants subjected to a 10-minute treadmill session after viewing these images reported a negative impact on their mood and an increased sense of “perceived exertion,” making the workout feel more strenuous than other participants. The negative effect seemed linked to lower body satisfaction, leaving individuals feeling less attractive and more concerned about their weight and shape. For those grappling with the challenge of motivating themselves to hit the gym when they’d rather a cozy evening with a trashy novel, there’s a strategy worth considering; temptation-bundling. Pioneered at the University of Pennsylvania, this technique involves pairing less desirable activities with guilty pleasures. In the experiment, participants were given iPods loaded with addictive audiobooks to enjoy while working out, resulting in a 29% increase in gym attendance over seven weeks. Next >