Mermaid Maintenance.

My littlest sister has recently started a blog called 'Lipstick and Lashes'  which is an ode to all things beauty. Unlike my two sisters I have never been particularly glamorous and whilst they positively love getting glammed up, I approach the task with the same level of enthusiasm one approaches algebra. 

I was however infinitely, proud/inspired/impressed by Laura's professional looking blog and the way she reviews beauty products, so much so its inspired me to do a beauty feature with a surfers spin on it. 

There's mixed reviews about surfer girls wearing make up in the ocean, men it seems positively detest the idea and go as far as saying they don't take surfer girls with make up on seriously. On the flip side women it appears see no harm in a little water proof mascara and lip gloss! 

Here's my take on it. For much of my teenage years I was blighted by blemished skin so much so make up became a comfort blanket against the world. I'd wear it all the time purely because it made me feel that little bit better about my spots. Initially I wore it surfing too until I began to realize salt water and make up don't really mix, it almost immediately washes it off and then you get the panda look. Not cute. 

So I started to go commando (so to speak) and something miraculous happened, my skin gradually began to clear up (sans Doctors trips) and I began to feel really confident not wearing make up. I was so busy concentrating on not wiping out that I didn't have time to worry about the state of my face!! 

It helped me so much that nowadays I can go out without make up and still feel like me. 

I'd like to discuss some of the products I use which protect my skin against harsh North Sea conditions and make me surf ready. 

1. Hemp

I wouldn't be a proper hippie if I didn't say something about hemp and tea tree. I LOVE the body shops hemp range purely because post surf its the most hydrating moisturizer I can give my skin. I've also just begun using the tea tree cool & cream wash which makes your skin really feel tingly and clean after using. It manages to remove make up really well and so far seems to be keeping my skin blemish free. 

2. Cocoa Butter 

I will be forever loyal to Palmers Coco Butter, not only because it is a wonderful moisturizer but also because it doesn't test on animals. I tend to get tanned from wind burn, surfing out in the North Sea so I use the gradual tanner to keep that post surf glow when I'm back in Birmingham. Original Source shower gel is my soap of choice, it always smells amazing and stops me smelling like a flip flop!! 

  























3. Salt of the Earth 

As I'm very aware of the increase of cancer in society, I've started to pay attention to the chemicals I douse my body in. Salt of the earth is a natural deodorant which has no nasties in it, as far as I can tell (my friends haven't told me otherwise) it seems to work just as well as an anti antiperspirant and keeps me smelling fresh. I do use antiperspirant on big nights out(purely because nothing can protect me from the amount of dancing I do) but generally I stick to this stuff. 

4. Do it with an Aussie. 

My hair nearly reaches my butt and has a tendency to make me look like the wild woman of Borneo, so for these reasons, I have to pay particular attention to what I put on it. Weirdly it was a surfer boy who got me into using the Aussie organics range but my gosh does it work! (Sorry Jonny naming and shaming you here)! 

Jonny's hair is absolutely gorgeous, largely due to his surfing lifestyle but also because he uses the Aussie conditioner which stops it knotting up like a bitch! If its good enough for him its good enough for me. 

6. The Big Reveal. 

I'm going to let you in on a secret...the product I swear by, which is undoubtedly my secret weapon is a £1.25 KTC pure coconut oil I get in the Asian section of a local market in Handsworth. It comes as a solid but when heated turns to a liquid which can be used on hair, face and body. It is literally miraculous getting rid of blemishes (use a small amount on face as its very greasy), smooths dimpled thighs and is a great after balm for shaving/waxing/epilating etc. Now shhhh, keep it to yourself! 

Whilst all these products play their part the most effective protection a surfer can use in maintaining health and beauty is sun cream, it goes a long way and makes a big difference to skin.

I hope my little meandering into beauty has been entertaining if not informative. If you have any questions or any of your own recommendations then please don't hesitate to get in touch I love your messages! 

In the next post I will be reviewing wet-suits and swim wear so comment on any suggestions you have or any designers you think deserve a mention :) 

Until next time water babies...

Stay strong & Surf Well 

Love Sophia