Most of us agree that having a good night's rest compares well with drinking from the very fountain of youth. Why, Sleep provides women with the regeneration process needed to wake up glowing. But take note of this: Sleep may be only as helpful as the "owner" allows it to be. Hence, why not do something to implement the acknowledged "sleeping best practices." This can range from selecting beneficial skincare products to using supportive sleep aids; yes, these can make a woman wake up with a beautiful glow- right from head to toe.

Double-cleanse: It doesn't matter whether you like wearing makeup or not; it's essential to cleanse the body in the evening thoroughly. This removes dirt, excess oil, the buildup of dead cells, and pollution. Of course, double cleansing also gets rid of makeup (for those who wear it). Hence, never go to bed without washing your face. If you do, you allow impurities to remain on your skin. This clogs the pores, triggers inflammation, and disrupts the skin's microbiome. Essentially, double cleansing is a technique in which a woman first cleanses with an oil-based wash. She then follows this up with a gentle, water-based wash.

Holistic aesthetician Britta Plug notes that oils are- by far- the best cleaning method. Thus, after using oil, a beauty–conscious lady can use a water-based cleanser; everything depends on your needs. If you find that you're running dry, consider cleansing with additional soothing ingredients- these may include rose and aloe. On the other hand, a woman who finds herself running oily can consider using a cleanser with more exfoliates.

Use heavier, potent products at night: Have you ever wondered why beauticians are increasingly emphasizing the difference between daytime and nighttime routines? The answer's simple; at night, the skin is more permeable; this means it's more receptive to skincare products. Regardless, this also means the skin considerably loses hydration as a woman sleeps. Hence, to make the most of your beauty sleep, try using relatively more potent actives in the evening. Try to apply heavier, more occlusive moisturizers to seal it in.

Have a mini spa: The evening is the perfect time for this. Well, this has less to do about the skin's biology; it has more to do with the logistics. Most likely, you've more time to relax in the evening. It's advisable to use the spare moments before bedtime to pamper the skin with a few more treatments. A London-based cosmeceutical skincare specialist, Lucy Xu, says this: "Try to take a relaxing bath. Apply a clay-based face mask; this draws out impurities and ensures the skin is clean well before bedtime. You may go a step further and use an extra-thick sleeping mask at least once per week. This does a lot to hydrate the skin." Ms. Xu advises women to apply a hydraulic-based overnight face mask. This can wonderfully moisturize and nourish the skin overnight.

Home Light Therapy: Using home light therapy is becoming ever more popular. The familiar red light stimulates mitochondria, the cell-powerhouse in the skin. This helps to repair oxidative damage and contributes to firmer skin. A recent study found that patients who receive red light therapy on the face two times a week for 30 sessions enjoyed improved skin complexion, enhanced smoothness, better skin tone, and collagen density. Note that red light therapy isn't merely meant for the skin; studies have shown that red light effectively improves sleep quality. In this study, a small group (comprising women) was given half an hour of red light therapy every night for two weeks. In the end, researchers found that sleep disturbances were significantly reduced (among these subjects) compared to the placebo group.

Practical bedtime routine: An hour before going to bed, ensure your room is thoroughly clean and tidy. If possible, light some candles to help you relax. You may even spritz a pillow spray onto the sheets and pillowcases or dab drops of lavender oil onto your pillows; these should help you get to sleep faster. Another sleep expert urges the importance of this kind of routine. He says: "Having a routine for the nighttime is really a form of self-care. It helps calm the body and prepares it for sleep. It's crucial to get adequate sleep; it's even more crucial for a woman's skin health. It can produce a natural glow, especially for women who are past their menopause."

As a woman, have you ever puzzled about the essential items to keep permanently in your purse? Yes, no matter the size of a woman's purse, it's possible to carry some essential things that every woman always needs. We know that many magazine editors make a point of preaching which mascara or lipstick every woman should pack in her purse. But does it help much when, as a makeup wearer, you already know precisely what cosmetics you need whenever you want to travel? Hence, you probably need something else. You likely need something to guide you on the essentials of a more thoughtfully-packed purse- one that will keep you organized, save you from the pains of buying new shoes or fix that unexpected wardrobe malfunction. Here are a few essential things that can prepare you well for this:

Pepper Spray: Get it right; this is a must-have in every woman's purse. All women- regardless of their age or location- certainly need a pepper spray safely tucked in the bag. Considering the many unfortunate incidents that have been targeted at women in the recent past, you need pepper spray for self defence. Once you know that the pepper spray is in the bag, you'll muster much confidence wherever you are- you know that the sudden enemy is taken care of. You can face any threat and keep safe from harm.

Hand Sanitizer: Admittedly, in these days of the Covid19 pandemic, the hand sanitizer is ever in the must-carry list. Some women try to carry different types of hand sanitizers wherever they go. With-seemingly- so many germs around, you'll find that a hand sanitizer is a must-have. This is particularly true if you often use public transport.

Elastic Hair Bands/Clutchers and tampons/pads: Every woman knows clutchers/ hairbands will rescue her whenever there's a need to keep hair off the face. Hence, ensure you always have a hair grasp and elastic hair bands in your bag. And those tampons or pads- ensure you hide at least one or two tampons or pads. Keep them in the small zipper section of the bag. You'll not just find them helpful during an emergency; you might even help someone in dire need.

Tic Tac/Mint gum/ Mouth Freshener: We all know that bad breath is such a put-off. But we also understand that this can happen sometimes. It can happen when you're fasting, on a diet, and abstaining from food. At such times anyone's breath might get foul. In preparation for such unexpected things, ensure you always keep a mouth freshener at arms' length. Also, after every meal, these can come in handy. So, keep a pack of mouth fresheners like tic tac or orbit gum.

Post It Note: You know it's not always possible to jot down everything you want using the phone. Hence if you merely want to take down some phone number, make a list, or remember something useful, it's practical to jot it all down on post-it notes. For this reason, many women always carry a post-it- note stack inside their purse. You could also bring a pen that you- obviously- need. It will help you do everything mentioned here.

Makeup Compact/ Lip Balm: It's wise to include a makeup compact in the purse. Have an excellent mirror to do the necessary touch-ups on the go. Keep in mind that if you have a mirror in the compact, you don't need to carry this separately. With a guarantee of regular touch-ups whenever necessary, you're sure to keep fresh throughout the day- without a hassle. You could also include a lip balm here. Even if you're carrying anything else, ensure you have lip balms ready in your bag. This is the secret to having soft, hydrated, and moisturized lips.

Small perfume bottle/ Eye Drops: It's simple- always keep those small perfume bottles you get as gifts with purchase. Keep them safely in the purse. And remember to treat your bag to some spritzes. Thus, your bag will keep smelling great all the time- just like you. Some people's eyes easily redden up after activities like a dusty bike ride. So, it's advisable to carry some items that help out. You might carry ikul and itone. Ikul is fantastic for treating inflammation instantly. And itone cools and soothes eyes. Eye drops can also reduce acne inflammation. Moreover, they can reduce the size of pimples.

As much as the body has body parts such as the lungs, liver, and kidney to rid unwanted substances in the body, there is still much that is absorbed in the body. If you have been experiencing this, it's time to detox your body!

Digestion problems

Digestion in your body requires a clean and running body system. Many unwanted substances are left in the body after digestion. Most of these substances get out of the body through sweat, urine, and well as waste. It is important to note that the responsible organs for this function cannot do it effectively. This leaves the body with traces of unwanted substances, making it difficult to function normally. This is why you may encounter constipation, diarrhoea as well as other types of stomach discomfort. Failure to detox your body can lead to other serious stomach-related problems that you may find difficult to handle.

Skin problems

The face is one of the body parts that should make you find it necessary to detox your body. Most foods tend to have a high concentration of fats, whose effect is mostly seen through the face. This is why health specialists do not recommend taking fatty foods because they result in acne and other body allergies. In most cases, the skin problems can even graduate to itching and inflammation, which may be challenging to treat.

Frequent headaches

Most of the frequent and unusual headaches that people tend to experience result from a lack of sugar and caffeine, which may have been regularly taken in the past. In most cases, these headaches may be difficult to manage but can be stopped by detoxing your body. Though it may be difficult to adjust to, the detox helps the body bounce back to its normal condition. You should consider replacing sugar and caffeine with other natural and safe products.

Fatigue and low energy

Note that the liver plays a huge role in excretion. When the body has a lot of toxins present, it makes it difficult to function normally, thus slowing other body functions. This makes your body feel tired and clumsy since there is a process requiring more action than the body can offer. It is important to detox once you realize this since fatigue can affect your productivity.

Lower back pain

Not all types of lower back pain require medication and workouts. What your body might need is detox. There is a specific type of detox tea that can be used to relieve lower back pain. This pain can get extreme, especially when it spreads to the hips and the legs. In many cases, back pain results from an increase in toxins in the lower intestine. This makes it difficult for the back to support the whole body. You might even find it difficult to walk properly with this kind of pain.

Resistance to infections

When the body fails to have enough resistance to fighting diseases and minor infections such as colds and flu, it is always perilous for your entire body. This shows that you lack the necessary antibodies to fight the diseases without the help of medication. It, therefore, makes it difficult for one to recover even when facing a significant illness. It is therefore vital to have your body in its best state and detox frequently. This helps the body to build the best resistance and makes you have fewer encounters of falling ill.

Inability to lose weight

It can be frustrating for one to have a complete workout plan, a meal plan as adequate work intake and still fail to lose weight. One of the best ways that you can lose weight is through fasting. You can have the best program such as having one meal per day and lots of water. Fasting stands out as a good detox plan for it reduces the calories intake in the body, thus making you lose fat. It is always necessary that you keep hydrated to avoid migraines and fatigue caused by fasting. You can as well reduce your portions as you continue to follow your workout plan. However, you must be patient with the results and avoid taking extreme measures such as fasting for days.

Ever come across a picture of your favourite social media influencer and hoped to achieve such a skin? Most of the time, it is not just about beauty products but natural remedies that you can try out as well. Think of these:

Avoid alcohol and smoking

Those who regularly take alcohol and smoke substances tend to age very fast. This is especially for ladies whose skin is more delicate compared to their male counterparts. Alcohol tends to dilute the skin, causing inflammation which can only be treated by a dermatologist. Failure of attending to your skin after a long period of alcohol use can make one end up having scars that can be difficult to correct in the future. On the other hand, smoking causes a lot of infections that affect the skin as well, this promotes ageing and sagging of the skin.

Hydrate

Taking adequate water is not only healthy for your skin but also your brain. It is important to note that taking other fluids is not just enough but clean water that will keep you hydrated all day. People who take less water than required are prone to developing lines on their faces and scars, which makes them look older than their age. It is also crucial for one to be careful not to take more than the required amount of money for the body since it would be dangerous.

Exercise

If you have been experiencing skin break out and acne, you might be requiring a good exercise plan. Aerobics is the best body exercise that allows the whole body to sweat hence releasing all the toxins from the body. One should exercise in the morning, which is more effective compared to the rest of the day. When working out, ensure that you have a good water intake as well to avoid suffering from dehydration.

Makeup removal

Using makeup products for a long time can cause the skin to react in a certain way that may not appeal to you. This includes developing pimples, acne as well as skin breakage. Most of the makeup products used tend to clog the skin pores, which prevent the face from intake sunlight from the sun, as well as helpful nutrients that keep it in its best condition. There are different ways that you can remove the makeup remain products from your skin; scrubbing as well as making use of other makeup removal products.

Make use of sunscreen

Harsh rays from the sun can be of extreme effect on your skin. Because your skin protects you from any external effect, you should also take steps and ensure that you protect it by wearing sunscreen. One of the effects of the sun rays is developing skin cancer. There are many sunscreen products that you can purchase and ensure that your skin is well protected. Sunscreen also prevents the skin from discolouring as well as developing wrinkles.

Get adequate sleep

Your skin gets to recover a lot when you sleep. Your body tends to have a good supply of blood to all body parts. With this, it makes it easy for any developed wrinkles to disappear, giving your skin the best look. If you have been struggling with your sleep patterns, you need to change your diet, eat three hours to bed, and ensure that you take enough water. An unhealthy gut can also contribute lack of enough sleep. For a good digestive system, it is recommended that one ensure that they detox once in a while and take the right portions of food.

Exfoliate your skin

Exfoliating your skin simply means removing the dead skin layers as well as any harmful substances made by beauty products used on your skin. There are different ways that you can exfoliate your skin.

Physical exfoliation This is done by making use of a safe rough beauty product to scrub your face. This should be done by rubbing your face against the rough material to remove all the dead skin.

Chemical exfoliation is mostly done through the use of beauty products that contain acids that can cleanse the face. It's important to research the best products to ensure that your skin is safe.

Mechanical exfoliation. This is done by rubbing a cleansing product on your face to remove the dead skin layer. With consistent application of this, it helps your face regain its normal condition.

The Generation Equality Forum Paris concluded recently with the announcement of bold gender equality commitments and launch of a global 5-year action journey to accelerate gender equality by 2026. The Forum's bold, action-oriented agenda will be under-written by nearly $40 Billion of confirmed investments as well as ambitious policy and program commitments from governments, philanthropy, civil society, youth organizations and the private sector. The monumental conclusion comes at a critical moment as the world assesses the disproportionate and negative impact COVID-19 has had on women and girls. Gender equality advocates have pressed for gender-responsive stimulus and recovery plans to ensure that women and girls are not left behind as the world re-builds.

"The Generation Equality Forum marks a positive, historic shift in power and perspective. Together we have mobilized across different sectors of society, from south to north, to become a formidable force, ready to open a new chapter in gender equality," said Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women. "The Forum's ecosystem of partners – and the investments, commitments and energy they are bringing to confront the greatest barriers to gender equality –will ensure faster progress for the world's women and girls than we have seen before." UN Women will maintain a critical role driving the Forum's 5-year action journey, overseeing the implementation of commitments to ensure accountability and progress over the next five years.

Speaking to mark the close of the Forum for the Government of France, the host of the Paris Forum, Ambassador and Secretary General of the Generation Equality Forum Delphine O said, "After two years of collective work with Member States, civil society and philanthropic and private organizations, we succeeded in raising the largest amount of investment to advance gender equality and women's rights ever. By implementing a new way of tackling global issues through efficient multilateralism, the Generation Equality Forum reversed the priorities on the international agenda and made gender equality, for too long underestimated, a long-term issue for the international community, along with climate, education and health. France will continue to be at the forefront to accelerate gender equality progress."

The $40 Billion of investments confirmed at the Forum's close represent a major step-change in resourcing for women's and girls' rights. Lack of financing is widely understood to be a major reason for slow progress in advancing gender equality and in enacting the women's rights agenda of the milestone 1995 Beijing Conference. By the close of the Forum, governments and public sector institutions had committed to $21 Billion in gender equality investments, the private sector $13 Billion, and Philanthropy $4.5 Billion. UN entities and international or regional organizations committed an aggregate of $1.3 Billion. In addition to these bold investments, many organizations made strong policy and program commitments, including 440 civil society organizations and 94 youth-led organizations. Forum organizers expect that the approximately 1,000 commitment-makers confirmed to date will be joined by many others over the next 5 years.

The Forum in Paris, held 30 June-2 July, engaged nearly 50,000 people in a mainly virtual format to generate action for the rapid advancement of gender justice. The convening launched a Global Acceleration Plan for Gender Equality designed by six Action Coalitions - multi-stakeholder partnerships that have identified the most critical actions required to achieve gender equality in areas from gender based violence and technology to economic and climate justice. The Forum also launched a Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action, and announced new gender equality initiatives focused on health, sports, culture, and education.

Reflecting on the Forum, African Union Goodwill Ambassador on Ending Child Marriage Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, said, "This week, I relived the experience of 1995, when I was a young women's rights activist at the Beijing Conference. The COVID-19 context and other barriers are now an even greater inspiration for innovation, solidarity and inclusion. I am grateful for the commitments made this week. Now it's time to invest in girls and young women even more – for resources to reach rural and marginalized communities, for technology for public good and available to all, and for member states greater accountability to human rights of women and girls."

On the occasion of the 74th Festival de Cannes, L'Oréal Paris has announced the launch of the Lights On Women Award which will honour one rising female filmmaker in partnership with the Short Films competition of the Festival de Cannes. The winner will be hand-picked from a selection of the Festival de Cannes' Short Films competition and from international film schools' short film programs. The final choice will be determined and announced by Academy award-winner and L'Oréal Paris spokesperson Kate Winslet - the Award's first Juror - during a special prize ceremony at the Jeune Cinéma dinner in Cannes on July 16.

Launching A Dedicated Award for Women Short-Film Directors: Empowering Talented Women to Positively Impact the Future of the Film Industry

Launching A Dedicated Award for Women Short-Film Directors: Empowering Talented Women to Positively Impact the Future of the Film Industry. As an Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival for more than 24 years, L'Oréal Paris has always been a feminist brand that champions women's empowerment, specifically in the world of film through its privileged relationship with iconic actresses who embody the values of the brand. Now, L'Oréal Paris is going even further with this commitment, with the launch of a dedicated award program for women in cinema. Short films, thanks to their flexible format and relatively low barriers to entry, have long been considered to reflect the future of the film industry; as such, this award will encourage promising directors to pursue their creative ambitions and provide funding that will empower women in overcoming the obstacles that they encounter.

"This exciting partnership with L'Oréal Paris represents a natural extension of the brand's ongoing support for Cannes and the wider cinema community," says Thierry Frémaux, Director of the Festival international du film de Cannes. "The Lights On Women Award will offer a much-needed opportunity to honour a deserving creator and aligns with the broader commitment of the Short Films competition and international film schools' short film programs to recognize the female talent of tomorrow," he adds.

A Striking and Urgent Need to Correct Gender Imbalance within the Film Industry

A Striking and Urgent Need to Correct Gender Imbalance within the Film Industry. The under-representation of women in film is a major issue within the creative industry, with only 10.7% female film directors in Hollywood as of 2019*. Moreover, only 21.3% of short films are directed by women; and only 7 women have ever been nominated for Best Director at the Academy Awards*. In light of these figures, the need to reduce bias and achieve greater gender balance is both striking and urgent.

A Unique Recognition Designed to Drive Creativity and Empowerment

A Unique Recognition Designed to Drive Creativity and Empowerment. The winner of the inaugural Lights On Women Award will receive financial support of up to 30,000€. This unique recognition will also offer the winner a platform for increased visibility and will also gain access to a "sisterhood" of cinematic talent.

"L'Oréal Paris is a feminine and feminist brand; we believe in empowering women to overcome barriers and to have a long-term positive social impact within their communities," says Delphine Viguier-Hovasse, Global Brand President, L'Oréal Paris. "The massive under-representation of women in film requires large-scale support and I am proud to use our brand platform and resources to stand up for women's visibility, with the help of the incredible female actors who represent our brand. I firmly believe in advocating for talented women and holding space for them to shine."

Actor Kate Winslet adds, "What an honour to preside as Juror over this remarkable recognition for women film-makers and to have an opportunity to celebrate such incredible talent. It is essential that we work together as a community to pursue gender parity within our industry and I am delighted to support the L'Oréal Paris family on this important initiative."