How to care for your cleavage

Want to know the secret to a dazzling decolletage?

Here are some tips on how to treat your cleavage right and achieve amazing results.

Don't skimp on the creams!

Every night you should apply a quality moisturising cream before going to bed. And not just to your cleavage, apply it all over the body for sumptuously soft skin in the morning.

Along with moisturiser, you should apply a high factor suncream to the breasts during the sunnier months or when on holiday. After all, sun burnt cleavage is not only a bad look, but painful too! And besides only a Robin Redbreast can pull off that look.

Don't use too much perfume!

Many of us spray our perfumes directly onto the breast and neck area. Try to be sparing when doing this.

Swap perfumes in the summer months or tone it right down. As the combination of perfume with the sun's UV rays can can lead to pigment spots forming on the skin!

Give it a good scrub!

Take one day a week to pamper yourself. Invest in a good body scrub, and treat your skin. By using a body scrub, it helps to shed all the dead skin and stimulate the growth of new skin.

Treat yourself to a massage!

No, we don't mean going to the spa for a massage. Take time out every so often to massage your breasts.

Massaging your breasts helps you to get to know them and pick up on any abnormalities, lumps and bumps. Along with benefiting your health, the massaging helps to improve circulation with firms up the breasts.

And if you don't fancy doing it yourself... Why not get someone else to do it!

So love your breasts and follow these tips to treat them just how they deserve.

Any Excuse for some New Lingerie

When was the last time you treated yourself to some new Lingerie?

Believe it or not, but buying new underwear can in fact be very beneficial. Not like we need an excuse to go shopping.

Having the right lingerie can make or break your outfit. Every outfit requires a certain style of lingerie. There's no point wearing a luxuriously embroidered balcony bra under a tight t-shirt. Who wants a load of lumps and bumps visible when a simple t-shirt bra would suffice and create a smooth silhouette.

Or how about when you're going out for a lovely meal with that special someone? You want to feel sexy both inside and out, and simple everyday underwear just simply isn't going to cut it! You need a luxury set, not just for his eyes but as a feel good for you!


Wearing a new, matching lingerie set, can give you a massive confidence boost. Which can only be beneficial for your health right!?
And who cares if no one's going to see it! You know you're wearing it...
 

Would you believe it if you were told buying new underwear could make you look slimmer?

Well believe it!

Buying a new set can instantly shave pounds off you. As the new set hasn't been through the wear of a washing machine, or everyday wear, it still retains it's original shape and holds you in all the right places, as none of the elastic has stretched or the material sagged.


And the biggest benefit of treating yourself to some new lingerie is some much needed 'Me Time'.

Everyone needs 'me time'. Use it to treat yourself, reflect and relax. Plus, pounding the pavements to the boutiques uses more calories than sitting in front of the TV!

So without further ado, go out and treat yourself to some new lingerie!!

 

Who needs to wait for Christmas...

Get Breast Cancer Savvy

Once again, it's October. And that means it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer is something that has become so prominent in society today, with everyone being touched by it in some way or another. Whether it be a family member, friend or simply someone who knows someone who knows someone.
It is the most common cancer in UK, with around 55,000 people being diagnosed every year.

With Breast Cancer 'facts' being bombarded at us, there's no wonder we get so confused about what to believe.

Time to battle some myths.

• Breast cancer does not only affects women. Men are susceptible to the disease as well.
• Underwired bras do not increase your risk.
• Deodorants do not increase the risk. Although they contain parabens, the amount is so small that it doesn't increase the risk at all.
• Living near power lines and electricity pylons do not increase your risk.
• Younger women are not at a higher risk of developing the disease.
• Pregnancy has no relation to developing the disease.
• Breast pain and bruises do not cause cancer.
• Breast implants do not increase the risk.
• Caffeine does not increase the risk of breast cancer.
• Having small breasts does not reduce your risk. Breasts of any size are capable of developing the disease.
• Family History of the disease does not make it more likely for you to develop breast cancer. In fact 70% of sufferers have no family history of it at all.

If you ever come across any irregularities, not necessarily lumps, then you should go to your GP to get checked out.

Some signs to look out for are;

• Swelling in the breast.
• Dimpling in the skin.
• Skin irritation.
• Redness.
• Scaliness.
• Nipple Retraction.

Although 80% of breast lumps found, turn out to be benign, you should always get checked out. 

At the age of 30, the chance of developing breast cancer is 1 in 2000. However, by the time you reach 85, that has dramatically increased to 1 in 8.

So what can you do to reduce the risk of Breast Cancer?

• Having children at a younger age (before 30) can reduce the risk.
• Along with breast feeding, the longer the better.
• Ensure you are a healthy weight and a healthy BMI, especially once you reach menopause.
• Keep an eye on alcohol consumption, as regularly drinking more than one unit a day can slightly raise your risk.
• Regular exercise can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Eat a diet high in fruit, veg, poultry and fish, along with low dairy products.
• Do not drink water from plastic bottles that have been left in the car, or in a warm area, as the heat causes toxins to seep into the water.

Above all though, know your breasts. Make sure you regularly check them, or get a partner to check them. Any changes, however small or insignificant, and you should go to see your GP.

What happens when you find a lump? 

The next blog will go into detail about what happens when you find a lump.

The Perks of Being in The Right Size

There are many, many reasons why you should ensure you're wearing the Right Bra Size.

 

Wearing the wrong bra size, can not only look unsightly, but can cause health problems too.

As we all wear our bras everyday, they are the most worn garments out of our entire wardrobe. They should also be the most cherished, as they can determine how good you look in any outfit.

Every woman should own, on average, between 7-10 bras. But it's been noted that infact many of us own less than 5!

Not only should we own more bras, we should also own a variety of styles. Each different style can create a different shape and control how that dress sits. Now, if you're like me, I'm terrible at finding a style and sticking to it, no matter what I'm wearing.

Well now's the time to get out of that rut!

Wearing the wrong bra size can cause many problems, all of which I'm sure we'd like to avoid.

The most common bra related problems are neck, back and shoulder pain. And I'm sure we've all fallen victim to these particular problems at one time or another. 

You've had a long day in the office, you get home and are left leaving you feeling achy. But you never thought it could be your bra causing this. In fact, the tension a bra can cause on the neck, back and shoulder muscles can also lead to headaches!

As well as causing back pain, ill fitting bras can cause our worst nightmare. The Back Bulge!! We're all set for a nice pair of boobs on the front, but nobody wants a second pair on the back...

Another health problem that is quietly caused by bad bras is stomach pain and indigestion. This is all due to the band being too tight and therefore digging in to the ribs and stomach area.

Who knew bras could be so troublesome!

Wearing a bra that is too big, has no support. This is alot worse that many of us think. Wearing an unsupportive bra can actually cause the ligaments in the breast to stretch. And before you think, bigger boobs, this actually makes them saggier. And nobody wants that.

As if all that wasn't enough for you to want to get fitted, here is the final reason to wear the right size bra.

It can have the affect of shaving 5lbs off your figure!

So are you wearing The Right Size?

Bra Faux Pas

Did you know 80% of women are wearing the wrong bra size.

With 70% of women wearing bras too small, and 10% wearing bras too big, it's not surprising to hear of so many Bra Faux Pas.

And it's not only us 'normal' women who fall prey to these problems. So often we see celebs getting it wrong! You'd think with all their stylists, someone would tell them.

Eva Longoria sporting the Overspill

Would you know how to find the correct size if you had any of these following problems?

Back Riding Up 

Cause

This means that the band size is too big for you.

(Sometimes, the cup size can be too small as well.)

Solution

Go down a back size.

Remember to go up a cup size if you're going down a back size.

Spilling Out

Cause

The cups are too small.

(Trick to check if you've fallen prey to this. Put on a tight light coloured top, this should highlight any bulging.)

Solution

Go up a cup size.

You might, or might not need to go down a band size.

Wrinkly Cups

                                                Cause

The Cups are too large.

Cup should fit snug (not tight) to breast.

Solution

Go down a cup size.

Try staying the same band size first, before going up.

Tight Straps

Cause

Cup size is too small.

Ensure you have loosened the straps as much as possible before going up in the cup.

Solution

Go up a cup size.

Band will most likely remain the same, but you may have to go down a size.

Wire Digging In

Cause

Cups size is too small.

Solution

You will need to go up at least one cup size.

Keep going up until the problem goes.

You may need to go down a band size, but only once.

 Things to Remember

• Always fit your bra on the loosest hook and eye. This way, there is room to tighten if you loose weight or the bra stretches. 
• Your size will always depend on the style and brand of bra, and may vary.
• Your size can fluctuate throughout the month, depending on hormonal changes. Some women can vary by as much as a whole bra size. 

Hopefully now you will be ready to avoid all these bra faux pas. And remember, always make sure it's comfortable! 

Baffled By Bras - The Cheats Guide

Do you often find yourself rummaging through racks of these gorgeous bras never knowing what you're looking for, or pondering what style and shape you need.

Or maybe you're just trying to find the right bra for that stunning dress you bought for that date with potentially 'the one'.

Instead you find yourself overwhelmed and confused.

Well here's where all that will change. 

Are you ready for The Cheats Guide to Bras? 

With so many different styles out there, it can be confusing to know what is who, and which does what. Which is the one for you?

The Plunge

The Plunge Bra

This bra consists of a 3 sectioned cup, in a low cut balcony style plunge shape.

It will give you a good boost and uplift, resulting in amazing cleavage. 

It tends to sit well under clothing.

This is the perfect bra to wear on a night out or simply if you want to look good in that new top.

Moulded

The Moulded Bra

This is a smooth, seam free bra that is also known as a t-shirt bra.

Highly supportive, this bra can come in many styles, such as full cup, balcony and strapless. And styles can often be found with extra padding for that boost.

It is The Bra that every woman should own.

It is the perfect candidate for wearing under everyday clothing, tight tops, or body con dresses.

Strapless

The Strapless Bra

Generally, but not always, made from a 3 sectioned cup, these bras provide a natural shape and will suit most bust types.

Most strapless bras will come with detachable straps, and a strip of gripper elastic to the top and bottom to ensure no naughty nip slips.

This bra is ideal for evening wear, or if you happen to have an asymmetric design dress.

Full Cup

The Full Cup Bra

Made from a 3 section cup, this is the bra that provides the most support and coverage.

Full cup bras provide excellent support and maximum comfort, along with a high level of modesty.

Perfect for everyday wear, it provides ultimate comfort and is ideal for the bigger busted ladies.

Soft Cup

The Soft Cup Bra

Either a 2 or 3 sectioned cup, generally without underwiring.

These bras are extremely comfortable and are favoured by expectant or nursing mothers, teenagers and mastectomy patients.

These bras are ideal for everyday wear as they are easily washed and long lasting.

Balcony

The Balcony Bra

Generally a 3 section cup, often with a sheer panel, or lace panel to the top.

Providing less coverage than the full cup bra, this is a style that is suitable for all types of bust.

It provides excellent support along with a brilliant uplift to show off that cleavage.

Perfect for any occasion, but especially ideal for any low cut tops or dresses, another staple for every woman.

Half Cup

The Half Cup Bra
Compromising of either a 1 or 2 section cup, this bra is a vertical seam balcony shape.
It provides medium support, whilst showing off the bust to its best.
More of a sexy bra than everyday, it's perfect when teamed with matching briefs.
Ideal to wear under any low cut dresses, or perhaps a sheer top. After all, these aren't bras that want to stay hidden.

Two Section Cup

The Two Section Cup Bra
Also known as The Continental Bra, this bra is made of a 2 section cup, occasionally with the bottom section consisting of 2 pieces.
It creates a more natural, rounded look and provides medium coverage.
This bra gives brilliant uplift and great shape definition. Often favoured by those who struggle to get other bras to fit right.
Perfect for everyday wear, under all types of clothing.

Full Cup with Side Panel

The Full Cup with Side Panel
A 2 or 3 section cup with a side panel, giving a medium coverage.
Creating a glamorous shape whilst still maintaining all the support, this bra is perfect for everyday wear.
Ideal for women with a fuller bust, this bra is suitable for any occasion.





Who knew there could be so many bras, doing so many different jobs. Hopefully next time you go bra shopping, you'll be a bit more clued up, but...

Want to know my top tip?

Wear what makes you feel good!

The Preventive Double Mastectomy

As Breast Cancer has become such a big part of life nowadays, many women have started looking into the preventive double mastectomy.

But the question is, Would You Do It? 

With tests now being able to show if you are a carrier of the faulty BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene, many women are choosing this path.

Back at the beginning of the year, we all marveled over the bravery of Angelina Jolie taking her health into her own hands and opting for the preventative double mastectomy.

Jolie's first public appearance after surgery

Due to her mum passing away in 2007 at the age of 56, to ovarian cancer, Jolie was going to take no risks. As a mother of six, Angelina didn't want her children to grow up with out a mum.

There are many pros to having the preventative double mastectomy, with the main being that it can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer down to 2%.

With the disease showing patterns of running in the family gene pool, it offers peace of mind to many that they won't be affected.

However, it's not without its down sides.

Don't be fooled, the double mastectomy is a lengthy invasive procedure. You must be prepared to take plenty of rest, and leave everything to everyone else. It takes some time to recover, and you must plan your day according to your pain medication. Even the simplest of tasks can become nearly impossible during recovery.

Then, of course, you have to decide whether to incorporate reconstructive surgery into the mastectomy, or whether you plan to live bra-less and flat chested. Although, if this is the case, it is quite simple to get a prosthesis fitted.

There are many bras out there which cater for this. Brands such as Royce and Amoena have created a range of bras with discreet pockets in the cups to slip the prosthesis into.

So all this considered, would you take the plunge to have a preventative double mastectomy?