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. 

Why It’s Important To Take Care Of Your Skin

 (Collaborative Post)

When you think about it, your skin does ever such a lot for you - it’s your body’s largest organ, your first line of defence, and it makes you look and feel good, so it’s clearly an important thing to be aware of and, of course, take care of. The problem is that a lot of the time we don’t really think about our skin that much unless we’re applying cream or makeup, perhaps. But it does so much, from dealing with harsh winters to handling the food choices we make (good and bad), and the fact is that our skin actually deserves better. 

You really need to think of your skin as a kind of armour, protecting you from all kinds of things like harmful UV rays, pollution, and other nasties. At the same time, it’s also working hard to keep moisture in, regulate temperature, and even act as a sensory organ, so why do we take it for granted and just put on some moisturiser and hope for the best? The fact is your skin needs some TLC to do its job well, and neglecting it can lead to premature ageing, dryness, and irritation. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at why it’s important to take care of your skin. 

Your Emotions 

Have you ever noticed how you feel when your skin is glowing? This isn’t just about vanity - good skin literally boosts your mood and makes you feel amazing, and that confidence then glows out for everyone to see. Radiant skin can turn a bad day into a good one and ensure that you always see the positive side of things, including spotting important opportunities, and that’s exciting and pretty impressive - who knew there was such an emotional side to your skin? 

Of course, on the other hand, when your skin isn’t looking so great and it’s acting up by giving you acne, red patches, being dry, and so on, you’ll feel bad about yourself and you’ll want to hide away - those opportunities you might otherwise have grabbed will just pass you by. So in the end, taking care of your skin isn’t just about your appearance - it’s about self-care, and that’s vital to get right. 

What Does Taking Care Of Your Skin Really Mean?

So it’s clear that taking care of your skin is important for a variety of reasons, and when you do it it can really make a big difference in your life - in a good way. But how can you do it? Well, skincare is very often going to be different for everyone because everyone’s skin is different, we all have different amounts of time to spend looking after ourselves, and we all have a different budget. However, there are some things that everyone can do, and here are some to get you started. 

To begin with, cleansing is vital, and that’s something everyone can do - you’re essentially washing your face. However, rather than (or as well as) using soap and water, you should use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, as that’s going to keep your skin healthier. Then you should moisturise your skin (even if it’s oily - it still needs hydration). And when you leave the house (or just as a matter of course when you’re putting on moisturiser) you’ve got to wear sunscreen, even if it’s not a particularly sunny day - the UV rays from the sun can cause damage through cloud cover, and although you might not feel it burning like you would on a hot day, damage can still be done. 

On top of that routine, which everyone can and should do every day, you might want to take some additional steps, and perhaps visit some professionals for advice and treatments. Visiting the best cosmetic clinic can make a world of difference, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn issues like acne scars, wrinkles, or issues with pigmentation, for example. These clinics have the tools, expertise, and professionals who’ll know exactly what to do to get your skin back on track. 

The Science Of Your Skin

Here’s a bit of skin-related trivia for you: your skin actually renews itself every 28 days. That means you have a fresh chance every month to make it look great and healthy, so that’s exciting. The issue is that as we age, this process does slow down, and that’s why it’s so important to give yourself some extra help like exfoliation, hydration, and good skincare products that contain things like retinol and hyaluronic acid. 

The key thing to remember is that skin care isn’t a battle - it’s about working with the skin you have (which can change over time, so you need to be aware of it). You’ve got to be gentle, you’ve got to use the right products, and you often need a bit of patience to help your skin really glow and look its best. However, once you hit on the right combination of products and care (for now, at least - as we said, things change), your skin will improve and you’ll see the difference so you’ll know you’re on the right track. 

It’s Not Just About Your Face

It’s easy to forget that skincare isn’t just about your face - that’s just the most visible part of your skin, but you still need to take care of the parts that aren’t so visible, including your neck, hands, and basically everywhere else. 

The good news is there are plenty of different products you can use to give yourself an all-over skincare routine, like body scrubs, hydrating lotions, and SPF again - it’s so important. 

The truth is that good skincare is really all about prevention, so you can’t ignore it - the more you take care of yourself, the healthier, happier, and safer you’ll be in the future, and that’s got to be worth doing. Regular care, sunscreen, and occasional visits to experts to boost your look and give you some advice is definitely the right way to go. 

Nail Care Tips you Need to Know

 (Collaborative Post)

Let’s be honest: we all want nails that look like we’ve just stepped out of a salon – without the constant threat of smudging them five minutes later, or worse, chipping them on the car door as we leave. Whether you're a die-hard nail art fan or just trying to keep things neat and tidy, keeping your nails in tip-top shape doesn't have to be as hard as it seems. Here are some quick and effective tips to keep those claws in check.

Hydration is Key (And Not Just for Your Skin)

Everyone bangs on about drinking water for glowing skin, but your nails need a bit of moisture, too. No, this doesn’t mean dunking your hands in a glass of H2O. Get yourself a good cuticle oil (and actually use it). Apply it regularly to avoid that dried-out, jagged cuticle situation that makes your hands look like you’ve been digging in the garden – with your bare hands. Your nails will thank you by looking healthier and less prone to breakage.

Trim, Buff, Repeat

There’s a reason nail salons spend ages buffing away: it works. Buffing your nails not only smooths them out but also boosts circulation to the nail bed, which helps your nails grow stronger. Plus, it feels oddly satisfying. Just don’t go overboard or you’ll file away more nail than intended – you’re not trying to launch a new minimalist trend here. Trim your nails regularly, too. Long nails are great, but if they're more ‘witchy claw’ than chic, it's time for a little snip.

Nail Polish: Friend or Foe?

We love nail polish as much as the next person, but take it easy. Your nails need the occasional breather. Constantly wearing polish without a break can leave them yellowed, brittle, and looking a bit worse for wear – like they’ve been on a two-week bender. Give them a polish-free holiday every now and then, and they’ll stay stronger and healthier for it.

Builder Gels: Your Secret Weapon (But Don’t Go Overboard)

For those of us whose nails snap at the mere sight of a keyboard, builder gels can be a lifesaver. They add that bit of strength without making you feel like you’re wearing a suit of armour on your fingers. But a word of caution – builder gels are not an excuse to see how many heavy-duty chores you can get away with. Treat them nicely, and they’ll keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.

File In One Direction (Not The Band)

This one’s important: stop sawing your nails back and forth like you're trying to start a campfire. That only weakens the nail and invites splitting. File in one direction for a smooth edge and stronger nails – unless you want to accidentally create a few jagged corners to catch on your jumper. If so, saw away, my friend.

Gloves Are Your New BFF

We get it, gloves aren’t the most glamorous of accessories, but when it comes to household chores, they’re essential. Washing dishes or scrubbing floors without gloves is basically asking for dry, brittle nails that scream neglect. Pop on a pair of rubber gloves and save your hands – and your nails – from a cleaning-induced breakdown.

Nail It!