Stay Safe and Stylish with NEQI Face Masks
Whilst we all breathe a sigh of relief (and keep our fingers crossed) as numerous COVID-19 restrictions continue to be lifted throughout the UK and the long-awaited sense of ‘normality is finally returning, many of us have accepted that wearing face masks will be the norm for a long time yet.
The legal requirement to wear masks in most public settings in England may have been lifted on the 19th of July, with a question over whether the rest of the UK will soon follow suit however, in a recent study by the Office of National Statistics, two-thirds of adults in the UK still plan on wearing face coverings in settings such as crowded shops and public transport, regardless of any legal requirement.
So, if masks are here to stay, which face mask is best? In the debate between disposable and reusable face masks, it’s clear reusable come out on top as these are considered more sustainable, affordable and practical for everyday use. Previous research carried out by the University College London calculated that if every person in the UK wore a disposable face mask every day for a year, it would create 66,000 tonnes of contaminated waste and 55,000 tonnes of plastic packaging.
The solution? NEQI face masks of course! Voted a Which? Best Buy in Reusable Masks and Face Coverings, NEQI provide practical yet stylish face coverings, designed to keep you comfortable and those around you safe. Check out our selection of NEQI Face Masks here or keep reading to find out more.
Reusable face masks aren’t required to confirm to the same standards that disposable face masks are, as these are most commonly used by professionals in healthcare settings. However, as we continue to wear face masks to protect ourselves and those around us from the spread of COVID-19, it is important to know which face masks will do the best job of keeping us safe.
Luckily, Which? did all the work for us and tested 27 face coverings from high street and online brands to find the best options, assessing a variety of factors from how breathable and comfortable they are, how well they filter particles and how well they last with repeated use and washing.
Whilst coronavirus particles can be much smaller than bacteria, these can be a good test for how well the face mask acts as a barrier for particles. Arguably the most important element of a face mask.
Whilst it may sound obvious, ensuring you can breathe properly through your face covering is vital and will ensure you wear the mask properly. Some materials offer high filtration but don’t allow for the flow of air, which makes it harder to breathe and can cause moisture to build up. In turn, if your mask becomes damp this can reduce the filtration efficiency.
There are some voluntary standards for manufacturers advising what needs to be on the packaging of face coverings, including the presence of warnings about them not being medical-grade PPE, as well as instructions on how to wear and wash them properly. If there aren’t any instructions, we would always recommend washing your face mask at 60°C.
The easier the mask is to wear, again the more likely you will be to wear it correctly. This includes how easy it is to take it on and off, how they feel to wear, if there’s any tightness or gaps, if it’s comfortable to wear whilst talking and if it’ll make your glasses fog up.
NEQI scored 81% in the Which? the study, coming in the top 5 out of all the reusable face masks they tried and tested. The triple-layer construction was found to capture 80% of particles and 72% after five washes. The super-soft simple fabric means it is really easy to breathe through and comfortable to wear, thanks to the mixture of cotton polyester and a touch of elastane.
With 4 different sizes to chose from, there’s a size to fit everyone. There’s also a fantastic variety of colours from classic black, to colour block pink and blue, to leopard print and sparkle for those looking to make more of a statement. The new NEQI active face covering has a soft, adjustable ear and nosepiece to add comfort, prevent chafing and ensure the mask stays fixed in position no matter the activity.
Here at Salon Trusted we are proud to partner with NEQI, an innovative, modern and sustainable brand that stands for purity, honesty and style. That’s why we’re currently offering 15% off selected NEQI face masks as well as a FREE NEQI Hand Cleansing Gel with Aloe and Shea with every NEQI mask purchase.
Grab yours now, or for more information get in touch with our friendly team today.
Tags: beauty, beauty products, face coverings, face masks, NEQI, shopping, stay safe
How Hand Sanitiser Dries Your Skin (and How to Fix It)
Hand sanitiser earned a permanent spot in most bags and pockets. It is quick, it works, and it kills germs when there is no sink in sight. The trade-off shows up on your skin. If your hands feel tight, look flaky, or have started to crack, your sanitiser is very likely the reason. Here is what it does to your skin, and how to undo the damage without giving it up.
Most sanitisers are alcohol based, usually somewhere between 60 and 70 percent alcohol. That is exactly what makes them effective. Alcohol evaporates fast, and as it goes it pulls moisture out of your skin with it. Each use also strips a little of the natural oil that keeps your hands soft and protected. Do that ten or twelve times a day and your skin never gets the chance to recover.
That protective layer is called the skin barrier. It locks water in and keeps irritants out. Break it down again and again and you get the familiar signs: tightness, redness, rough patches, and in colder months, painful splits around the knuckles.
Hands bounce back quickly once you give them the right care. You do not need to stop using sanitiser. You just need to put back what it takes out.
A good hand cream does the heavy lifting. The Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Hand Cream is an easy everyday pick that softens without feeling greasy, and the tea tree keeps hands fresh between sanitiser use. Have a look through the full hand care range to find a cream or set that suits you.
Sanitiser is not going anywhere, and it does not have to leave your hands sore. Pair it with a simple moisturising routine and the tightness and cracking clear up fast.
Tags: beauty, sanitising, stay safe, vegan, vegan products
Why You Should Keep Using Vegan Products After Veganuary
Many people around the world are taking part in Veganuary this year. Veganuary and being vegan isn’t just about reducing the meat that you consume. You also need to be willing to make changes in your lifestyle including only buying vegan products. While many people only do Veganuary for one month, we think that buying vegan products should be something that you try for a lot longer – even if you go back to eating meat.
Find out some of the reasons to continue using vegan products after Veganuary below!
Cruelty-Free
One of the great things about vegan products is that you can be sure that they have not been tested on animals. The last thing you want is for your hair products to be made in a way that harms animals if you are living a vegan lifestyle. If cruelty-free products are something you are interested in, then choosing vegan products in the future makes it easier! Some products that aren’t vegan will be cruelty-free as well so this is something to consider if you can’t commit to being a vegan year-round.
Fewer Chemicals
When we choose hair or beauty products, we don’t want to have to deal with any harsh chemicals. Usually, you’ll find that vegan products are free from harsh chemicals and can be quite gentle on the skin. This is because they are more natural. While this isn’t guaranteed, you will find that most of our vegan products are good for you!
Your Skin Can Be Softer
Vegan products are usually loaded up with Vitamins B and E which you don’t always get in other products. These vitamins can help to keep your hair and skin softer for longer! Check out if your favourite vegan products include these in the ingredients and you can benefit from this. Imagine how great it would be to have soft skin for the entire 2020!
Natural Ingredients
When you continue to use vegan products for your hair or skin after Veganuary, you will find that you are using much more natural ingredients on your skin. Some of the common ingredients in vegan products include chamomile and tea tree. These are great for clearing up acne and helping to look after your skin generally.
Try Our Vegan Products
If you are nearly finished with Veganuary then it might be time to start thinking about becoming a full-time vegan. This lifestyle can be hard to adjust to at first but it can be very rewarding. If you are thinking about extending Veganuary for a few more months, make sure to check out our range of vegan products here at Salon Trusted!
Tags: beauty, vegan, vegan products, veganuary
The Must-Have Travel Beauty Products For Your Winter Getaway
Everyone loves a winter getaway – it’s the perfect chance to get some winter sun or even have a ski trip! Of course, when you are travelling, you need to make sure that you are looking after your hair and your face. The sudden change in temperature can cause problems and no one wants that when they are snapping their holiday photos. Without the right travel beauty products, you could be lost!
To help you out, we thought we’d look at some of the must-have travel products for your winter getaway. Keep reading to find out if your favourite product made our list!
Amargan Hair Therapy Oil
Worried that you are going to experience some dry hair on your getaway? The first thing that you will want to pack in your suitcase is this Amargan Hair Therapy Oil. This product helps to thicken your hair and protect it from any kind of damage. Avoid frizz and bring this with you on your next winter getaway!
Colour Wow Pop + Lock
When you are on your winter getaway, you will want to make sure that your hair is styled perfectly all the time! This way, you’ll always be ready for that photo shoot to make all of your friends at home jealous! Next on our list of travel beauty products that you must have is the Colour Wow Pop + Lock. This gloss treatment will help you to style your hair and leave it looking shiny!
Claw Culture Mini LED Lamp
The Claw Culture Mini LED Lamp is the perfect accessory that you must have on your next winter getaway. This lamp is portable and great for those who need to look after their nails. You can cure all kinds of nail gels with this lamp on the go. Available in pink and white, you can pick up this product right here at Salon Trusted.
Men-U Healthy Facial Wash Tube
Our list wouldn’t be complete without a facial cleanser – this time one for the men! The Men-U Healthy Facial Wash Tube is great for before and after shaving and is a must-have travel beauty product. It is really important that you look after your skin when travelling so make sure to pick a tube of this up!
Pack Your Products
All of the must-have travel beauty products on our list can be purchased right here at Salon Trusted. You can check out our travel-sized section to find the perfect products for your winter getaway. We hope you have a great trip!
Tags: beach, beauty, hair, winter getaway
