Josie Gibson: The Trials Of Trolling
THE GUIDE ❝ ❞
Be happy, be healthy, be yourselfie...
ALI CAMPBELL:Talks self esteem
Dr Dawn's Top 5 Health Tips
SELFIE HACKS FROM DANIELLE ROBERTS
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Editor’s Letter
Sometimes life can throw you curve-balls, which make you stop and wonder why you wasted so much time worrying about something, or wishing for the unobtainable, in the first place.
A major curve-ball that sadly affects 1 in 3 people in the UK (based on NHS stats) is a Cancer diagnosis. Many sufferers who have grown up hating their hair (it’s either too thin, not the right colour or length); wishing their eyelashes and nails were that bit longer; or dreaming of a bigger/ smaller/different shaped bust; end up losing the very things that have caused them such angst. Or maybe they have long been on the quest for the ultimate tan, baking it instead of faking it and this has contributed to their diagnosis. It was after a battle last year with Breast Cancer that led to the creation of the Fake Bake Save Your Selfie campaign by the brand’s UK founder, Sandra Vaughan. Sick of witnessing cyber trolls ripping people apart on social media and in her knowledge of working in the beauty industry that so many of us are unhappy with our looks we are going to extreme lengths, rather than simply enhancing what our ‘mumma gave us’, Sandra wants us all to stop and: “Love yourself exactly as you are today, as everything could change tomorrow.” Confidence is a funny thing. If someone has too much they are persecuted for being arrogant or someone that has too little, more often than not can be ignored. Save Your Selfie is a celebration of confidence, we want to encourage our customers to embrace what they have. We also want to provide support through the hardships in life that plague the majority of us. How do you get 2
back to being confident again after Cancer? How do you feel better after cyber bullying? In this Edit, we look at some of the major things that affect people’s confidence in life and try to provide hints and tips on how to overcome them. From Sandra’s story to some of our Fake Bake celebs and customer stories, this is your go to guide, as we invite you to Save Your Selfie this Summer. What's more, turn to page 34 and find out how you can get involved.
❝Love yourself exactly as you are today, as everything could change tomorrow.❞
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#saveyourselfie
Page 7 CoppaFeel! - Get your mitts on your bits Page 8 Save Your Skin - Our ongoing mission Page 9 RAFT - Research to Rebuild Confidence Page 10 Mela-No-More - Blogger Gemma Cottam tells her story Page 12 Skin Cancer: The Facts - Save Your Selfie Page 13 Fake It Don’t Bake It - Sunbathing pet hates Page 14 Fake Tan To the Rescue - When Summer heroes come along Page 16 Bikini hacks - Tips to make you feel amazing when you dare to bare Page 18 Selfie Hacks - From MUA Danielle Roberts Page 19 Selfie Esteem - Leading life coach Ali Campbell’s tips on being happy in your own skin Page 20 Josie Gibson - Staying confident in the face of cyber bullies Page 22 Laura Boyd - Leukaemia & the importance of staying positive
CONTENTS
Page 4 EXCLUSIVE: Confidence and Chemo - Sandra Vaughan talks to us about not only beating Cancer, but how to do it in style
Page 24 Dr Dawn - The much-loved media medic and her top 5 health tips Page 26 Kelvin Barron - Dressing to enhance your figure Page 28 Lucy Spraggan - Living with anxiety Page 30 Georgina Horne - Feeling comfortable in your own skin Page 32 Em Sheldon - 5 Health tips she swears by Page 34 Competition - How you can get involved and WIN with Save Your Selfie
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Sandra Vaughan: Confidence and Chemo
ðSANDRA VAUGHAN first brought Fake Bake to the UK in 2001. She did so because back in 2000 (a time when sunbeds were readily used) her mum had a Skin Cancer scare. This curve-ball then led Sandra to seek out self-tan to introduce to the UK that would help people save their skin, whilst offering fabulous skincare benefits. However in 2015, Cancer became a part of Sandra’s daily living when she was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. In this worldwide exclusive, Sandra talks about the challenge that has forever changed her way of thinking when it comes to confidence. Tell us about your biggest life challenge? Being diagnosed with Breast Cancer in April 2015 has certainly been the biggest challenge I have ever had to face. Anyone who has ever had to deal with Cancer will know, you literally have to fight for your life. How did you cope and where did you find your strength? When I was first told, and the shock was digested, I went into autopilot – finding out everything I needed to know. I am a planner – so I needed to plan – everything down to organising my treatment plan, to what I was going to do when I lost my hair and eyebrows. My strength came from my family and children. The thought of not seeing them growing up made me get through every gruelling treatment.
of what I had – doing my hair, make-up, nails and being a master at covering ‘bits’ I didn’t like. Looking back I wasted too much time on what I didn’t like and not enough time on what I did. One of the first things that comes to your mind when you are told you have Cancer is that you’re going to lose your hair – that was the least of my worries – you’re stripped bare. Your hair, lashes, eyebrows, even nails are gone, so all my expertise was useless. I refocussed not on what I looked
like, but how I felt – yes I We need still put my make-up on, applied my self-tan to take r to stop wasting ou the grey look off my skin. Perfected the art of tying g in y rr o w a scarf around my head precious time t to match my outfit before go t o I faced the world, but about what we’ve n something had changed and embrace what in my thoughts... We are beautiful and every we have. waste scar, flaw or imperfection is
What would be your advice for those affected by Cancer? Stay positive, don’t a minute of your precious life worrying about what if! On the days you are fit enough, make time for everyone around you. Remember that laughter is good for the soul. Having gone through such a tough time, what words of wisdom would you most like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues? Growing up there was always something I didn’t like about myself – never being totally confident, but always trying to make the best
what makes us unique. We need to stop wasting our precious time worrying about what we’ve not got and embrace what we have. Be happy with what you look like today, because tomorrow, everything may change.
LoveSandra 5
Sandra’s Top Tips To Feel Confident During Chemo:
Raise an Eyebrow
Paint on a Smile
Stay Polished
A major one that I struggled with is the loss of my lashes and brows. I felt stripped bare. I fought against this look by using natural-looking Eyelure strip lashes on my eyes and glue that was especially formulated for sensitive skin. I also decided to get my eyebrows tattooed before starting the treatment, but for those not keen on that, a good Kohl eyebrow pencil works a treat. Moya Wren Permanent Cosmetics specialises in treatments for Cancer patients. www.moyawren.co.uk
Make sure you have a full check up at the Dentist prior to starting treatment. And if you use whitening products, please be sure NOT to use them during your treatment!
No-one talks about the fact your nails can fall out during chemo. Not only can it be painful when nail beds are bare, but infections can ensue given your immune system is supressed. I was told to paint my nails with a black/dark polish during chemo and it would stop my nails falling off. It worked, right up until I took it off before my last treatment and my nails fell off. Another tip - rather than removing any chips, I always simply painted over my nails (couldn’t think of anything worse than using nail polish remover or acetone on my sensitive skin).
Hydrate Your skin dries out and rehydrating it can become an obsession. My go to product was coconut oil, I became obsessed and used it as a moisturiser all over. So fixated with coconuts was I during my treatment, I developed Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum with the Fake Bake lab in Dallas. We are the first tanning brand to use coconut oil and given that it was created during my battle, I have to say this is the product I am most proud of. PS, If you choose to try out a cold cap (a cold cap is said to help stop the drugs getting to your hair roots, minimising hair loss during chemo) DO NOT think that applying coconut oil to your head and then covering with a cold cap is a good idea! What will happen is that the coconut oil will harden making your cold cap stick to your head… as if chemo isn’t hard enough! 6
Do YourThing
Apply Yourself Moreover, the dull grey colour of your skin can be hard to grasp. I of course had my Fake Bake products on hand to give me a healthy glow.
Wrap Up Make a head scarf your statement piece and pick up a few that go with different outfits. Whether it is couture or Primark, wearing a head scarf gave me confidence. I picked up loads from Amazon and Etsy!
The thing that affected me most during my battle was the loss of the hair on my head. Growing up my hair was ‘my thing’ and so when I lost it completely, I lost all confidence. I searched high and low for a good wig, but my issue was that I have a small head and so was finding that many of the wigs I tried, were just too big and so looked fake. Then I came across HJO Hair and everything changed. Shirley Johns specialises in wigs and extensions for people who are affected by sudden hair loss and I credit her for making me feel like me again and cannot recommend her business highly enough. People say to me every day that my hair is amazing and they are shocked when I say it is a wig! www.harleyjohair.co.uk
SAVE YOUR SELFIE AND GET YOUR MITTS ON YOUR BITS…
“Tan with the best and check yo ur breasts.”
& #PerfectPair
After having been through a gruelling treatment process including: Chemo, Radiation Therapy and a mastectomy operation, Sandra then went on to kick start a partnership with CoppaFeel!. CoppaFeel! with Fake Bake CoppaFeel! is the only UK charity that focuses purely on Breast Cancer Awareness. At Fake Bake it became our aim to support the charity in their bid to save lives by encouraging our customers to tan with the best and check their breasts! So who are CoppaFeel!? CoppaFeel! was founded by twin sisters Kris and Maren Hallenga after Kris was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2009. She realised that there was very little information targeting young people about the risk of Breast Cancer and that if she had been better informed, her situation could have been very different, and so in Spring 2009, CoppaFeel! was born. And the combined mission? To invite customers to CoppaFeel! with Fake Bake, spreading Breast Cancer awareness and educating our customers on how to properly check their boobs in a bid to save lives. Want to support this amazing charity? Go to https://coppafeel.org/give/ to donate now and you too will be helping them in their bid to save lives.
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SAVE YOUR SELFIE SAVE YOUR SKIN Shortly after the brand was introduced to the UK, Fake Bake developed the Save Your Skin Campaign with the aim of educating customers on the dangers of natural and UV tanning. Sandra took a petition of 10,000 signatures to Downing Street to lobby for the ban of sunbed use for those under 18 years old and was successful. Ever since then, Fake Bake has been championing Save Your Skin ahead of any other tanning brand and this has further been brought to life with the brand’s continual work and support of UK Skin Healing Charity RAFT. A recent report from the British Association of dermatologists tells us that: “Skin Cancer is the most common Cancer in the UK and rates have been climbing since the 1960s. Every year over 250,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin Cancer – the most common type – are diagnosed, in addition to over 13,000 new cases of melanoma, resulting in around 2,148 deaths annually.”
#saveyourselfie 8
Research to rebuild confidence For the past 28 years RAFT has been carrying out ground-breaking medical research to develop treatments that will help people regain their quality of life, independence, dignity and confidence. The charity focuses on research that provides practical solutions for people affected by disease, birth defects or accidents so they can begin to rebuild their lives. It works in collaboration with scientists internationally and is the UK’s leading tissue repair and reconstruction research charity. During RAFT’s work into malignant melanoma, it discovered that sunscreens on sale at the time were only capable of blocking 45% of UV rays. This resulted in major international changes in legislation, manufacturing and testing of sunscreens. It was thanks to this incredible discovery and their support and facilitation of mole checking clinics across the UK that Fake Bake chose to team up with them to support their work and encourage customers to save their skin. But RAFT’s work doesn’t stop there. Today it is undertaking another project close to Fake Bake’s heart – the ‘Life After Breast Cancer’ campaign is funding research to improve the success of breast reconstruction surgery. Existing surgical methods can be unreliable, leading to multiple operations which don’t always achieve the desired result. As a result, fewer than 50% of women who have a mastectomy go on to have reconstructive surgery. RAFT’s research will introduce new breast reconstruction surgery techniques within two years so women can put cancer behind them and focus on the future.
For more information go to: www.raft.ac.uk or to donate www.lifeafterbreastcancerfund.org 9
Mela-no-more
“One thing I haven’t lost is my love for a tan. I have used many different types, but there’s only one brand that wins hands down - Fake Bake!”
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ðGemma Cottam, a melanoma awareness blogger and member of the Fake Bake Collective tells us how she overcame her struggle with confidence after a mole biopsy at 25 revealed she had melanoma and her world came crashing down. Read Gemma’s full story on the Fake Bake Blog. How did you cope and where did you find your strength when going through your treatment process? I’ve been asked this question a lot, truth is… I don’t know how I coped. I suppose I just went into auto-pilot. You keep yourself busy and don’t allow time to think of the negatives. Creating my awareness campaign Melano-more and all the different things I have done for charity kept me going through my treatment and of course, I got my strength mostly from my family and friends. What would be your advice for those affected by Cancer? Well first of all I wanna say, you’re not alone. So please don’t suffer in silence. There are people to talk to and support when and if you need it. You’re doing amazing, so stay strong. Allow yourself to have bad days, but enjoy the good ones too, you’re human and you’re going through a horrible, nasty time, don’t be hard on yourself. Cry when you need too, but don’t forget to find the important little things that make you smile too. Having gone through such a tough time, what words of wisdom would you most like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues? Wow, I’ve had such a battle with my confidence. Before Cancer, I didn’t really have any worries. I was a typical loud, outgoing northern girl. But I have suffered with really bad anxiety during my battle, which took a lot of me away, my confidence hit rock bottom, I didn’t want to go out. I became very aware of my scars, the fact that medication and steroids had made me put on weight. But day by day, I’m slowly finding my way again, it isn’t easy and I’m not there yet. But these things take time.
The hardest part for me was admitting that I was struggling, admitting I needed help, but I did. I now talk through my problems and worries instead of hiding away. I took back control. You’re beautiful inside and out, and that’s because you’re you! I look at my scars now as Proof that I’m still here. With Melanoma being the deadliest form of Skin Cancer, the risk of getting it more than doubles in people with a history of sunburn compared with people who have never been sunburned. So we stress, if you are self-conscious about being pale, save your skin and use self-tan. www.mela-no-more.co.uk Gemma’s Top Tips for prevention against Skin Cancer: · Apply your sun cream half an hour before going out into the sun to allow it to absorb into the skin before Sun exposure. · A lot of people aren’t using enough sun cream. Always apply generously and often, every 2 hours or more if in and out the pool or sea. · Check the UVA star rating and always use a sun cream with 4 or 5 stars and one that has a high SPF (no lower than 30+). · Avoid burning and you are most at risk when the sun is at its hottest. Between 11am – 3pm seek shade and refresh with a cold drink. If you are in the sun at this time then cover up! · Think of your eyes - sunglasses are a must. But make sure your choosing ones with the correct protection from UV Ray’s. · When tanning, try to limit your exposure to the sun to 30 minute stints. · Floppy hats- the perfect holiday trend setter, they look good but they also provide shade for your face and head. Choose one that has ventilation but is big enough to protect those bits you miss like your ears, neck. · AVOID SUNBEDS AND SUNLAMPS and do not use these as a way to prep the skin for the sun, arrive bronzed and Fake Baked (of course!)
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Skin Cancer: The Facts There are TWO main types of Skin Cancer: • Non-melanoma, which is the most common. • Melanoma, which is less common but more dangerous. Melanoma Skin Cancer The risk of getting Melanoma more than doubles in people with a history of sunburn compared with people who have never been sunburned (stat sourced from the British Association of Dermatologists). The ABCDE rule is the simplest way of checking for changes with moles, which can indicate Melanoma. Please check yourself regularly and Save Your Selfie!
A
Asymmetry: One half of the mole is completely different from the other
B
Border: The border of the mole is ragged, blurred, or smudgy
C
Colour: The mole is made up of different colours such as black, blue, white, or red
D
Diameter: The diameter of the mole is larger than the diameter of a pencil
E
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, colour or shape
Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers differ in what they look like. They can occur on any part of the body especially in those most exposed to the sun (lips, ears, head, neck and backs of hands, which are often areas you can neglect to protect) and in places that have already been damaged. It is said these Skin Cancers appear slowly and get bigger over time. Some possible signs to be aware of, as provided by the British Association of Dermatologists, include: • A scab or sore that won’t heal. It may also bleed occasionally. • A scaly or crusty patch of skin that looks red or inflamed. • A flesh coloured, pearly lump that won’t go away and appears to be growing in size. • A lump on the skin which is getting bigger and that may be scabby. • A growth with a pearly rim surrounding a central crater, a bit like an upturned volcano. 12
Fake It Don’t Bake It On top of the life threatening dangers caused by natural tanning, don’t you just hate the pressures of achieving the perfect tan on holiday? I mean, sunbathing can be hard work and wouldn’t you rather look cool, collected and (fake) tanned in the shade, than sweaty and red in the sun? Top sun bathing pet hates from the team at Fake Bake HQ: • When your skin gets too hot it hurts. • Regardless of how hard you try, unexplained white patches always appear. • You feel pressured to turn every 30 mins, which often means waking yourself up from a relaxing slumber. • Lying on your front can be sore for the larger busted amongst us and then using your arms as support could lead to uneven colouring. • YAAAWWWNN anyone else get bored?? • Or experience the muscle ache of holding a book or a kindle in the air. • Natural tan = damaged skin = the possibility of face looking like leather bag when older. • SUNBURN. Need we say more? See our Fake Bake Summer heroes overleaf that can help you in your quest for the perfect, fuss-free tan. è
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Save Your Skin… FAKE TAN TO THE RESCUE! Think of Fake Bake as being your bikini beauty ‘spanx’. Not only does it have a slimming and toning effect, self-tan is great for reducing the appearance of cellulite, blue veins and evening out irregular skin tones. And let’s face it, in the long run keeping your skin radiant and youthful. 14
And when our Summer heroes come along… Travel kits - £14.95 Fake Bake’s Original and Flawless Travel Kits contain all you need to keep skin exfoliated, nourished and bronzed no matter where in the world you fly to. Also the perfect Try Me kit for tanning novices, it truly contains all you need to get set and glow! 3D Face & Body Tanning & Contour Kit - £49.95 Being confident in your own skin is the key to outer beauty. So rather than being scared to flaunt that figure, why not enhance it with our new 3D Kit? Containing the ah-mazing Flawless Coconut Tanning Serum, Airbrush spray tan in a can and step-by-step instructions from James Harknett (Fake Bake’s Global Creative Consultant and spray tan expert to the stars) - you can tan, enhance and sculpt your face and body - ready for the ultimate sunshine showcase. 5 Minute Mousse - £22 This wonder product provides an instant tan that will not transfer onto your party clothes. Then when later washed away, a light golden glow remains ensuring poolside pin perfection at all times! Amplify Daily Gradual Tan - £18 OK, so we know that most of you are not going to avoid the sun completely. Living in the UK where the weather can be temperamental at best, it is hard to not worship the heat when abroad. If this is you, why not try our award-winning daily gradual tan Amplify? This multipurpose lotion works in three ways to INTENSIFY the colour and life of your tan, BOOST your skin’s natural tanning process by encouraging melanin production and PERFECT skin, by creating a luxuriously radiant, smoother and more youthful appearance. Remember no Fake Bake products contain SPF. Always wear sun cream in the sun
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Wear Fake Bake obvs, in fact we can go one better, use our 3D Tanning Kit to contour your face and body and accentuate what your mumma gave you!
3.
A bikini top that has a solid support will lift your boobs and help to showcase that shape to full effect.
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. Treat yourself to pre-holiday highlights – arriving on your holiday with a Fake Bake tan and what could be sun-kissed hair, will enable you to avoid the dreaded ‘newbie at the pool’ feeling.
7.
Likewise, for ladies with a Kimmy K booty, go for a simpler pant and more elaborate bikini top.
Body Polish
12.
Exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells ensuring skin is illuminated and on point. 16
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8.
Stand tall and you will appear confident and will receive instant admiration from those around you.
We have all tried the sit ups on the morning of ‘bikini day’ hoping, wishing, praying that this will give you the abs you so desire. Sadly this might just be a little too late, but sticking to a programme for 1 month prior to your holiday might just be the key. Try star jumps, wall squats, sit ups, high knees, lunges and planks for 5-10 minutes every morning.
TO BIK HAC
You already look ama of our top tips to help a bikini this
6.
5.
For a bigger bust, go for a simpler bikini top and then match with patterned bottoms to even out the attention.
Or if you are feeling slightly fuller toward the end of your holiday (we all know about the cocktail bloat) then why not pack a swimsuit with a rouched style at the stomach, ensuring confidence even after over indulgence?
4.
To create curves, go for bikinis with gorgeous frills and quirky patterns.
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For pool party styling pick sandals with a bit of height that help to elongate your pins.
OP KINI CKS
azing, but here’s some p you feel confident in s Summer‌
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Bling it up, this is a tip used by many to focus attention away from areas they are a little self-conscious of.
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Source a good leave in conditioner for your hair for the days that you are lazing about, as this can provide a protective barrier for your hair in the sun.
14.
Avoid stodgy carbs where possible. We know this tip is almost as fun to hear as nails on a chalkboard, but it is only for the immediate pre-bikini period and you will absolutely feel more confident in doing so. When it comes to snacking opt for fruit, aim for a high protein diet and stay hydrated! It is said that 75% of the time we think we are hungry, we are actually thirsty and the more dehydrated you are the more fluid your body retains, which effectively results in bloating (the arch nemesis of the bikini wearer!) 17
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: THE PERFECT SELFIE HACKS from Danielle Roberts
1. Lighting is the first thing to consider when it comes to the perfect selfie. I always stand at a window that has direct sunlight coming in. 2. Look at the lens, not the screen. 3. Hold the camera higher than your face and keep your chin down but accentuated, so as to avoid the dreaded double-chin that everyone is capable of! 4. Express yourself. I hear the Olsen twins have the simplest hack to ensure pout perfection every time. Just before the flash, whisper the word “prune” to purse the mouth ever so slightly whilst relaxing the lips. It seriously works. 5. Crop out whatever you do not want to see in the pic – no-one wants to see your arm holding the camera! 6. Think about your surroundings! Don't take your selfie in a messy room as clutter and distracting objects may steal the show. 7. Fine tune your image, not your face! Avoid using an app to perfect your face as it is obvious and looks unnatural. BE YOUR SELFIE. Top 5 products for achieving the perfect selfie SPF free foundation - to avoid light reflection that can make your tan appear darker on your body and your face appear ghostly - I use Urban Decay Naked Skin or Fake Bake Wonderwear Special Affect Foundation. Highlighter - it’s amazing when it catches the camera flash or natural light and can be as subtle or intense as you like - right now I'm loving Becca Opal. Concealer - Always go for a concealer which is two shades lighter than your skin tone. This creates an illusion of light underneath the eyes, which lifts and brightens. I use Urban Decay Naked Skin Complete Coverage Concealer. Lip Contouring Products - I love creating a fuller looking lip with a dark warm tone liner making the corners darker than the centre to give the illusion of plump lips. I love MAC spice lip liner. Add to this a layer of Fake Bake Lip Inflate and you have the perfect pout! Lashes - I always have to wear lashes in my selfies or I just don't feel like me! There’s so many great brands out there, so trial a few and pick your own favourite look. For amazing make-up inspo and more from Danielle Roberts, follow her on Instagram @daniellerobertsmua 18
SELFIE ESTEEM ðALI CAMPBELL is one of the World’s leading life coaches. As a trusted advisor to celebrities (including Kelly Rowland, Ali Bastian and Katie Price to name but a few) business leaders and even royalty around the world, his no nonsense ‘arm round your shoulder and a kick up the butt’ style, makes him truly unique in a field often dominated by more spin than substance. Here Ali talks about ‘Selfie Esteem’. www.alicampbell.com
We live in a visual world of instant gratification. How many ‘likes’ did your holiday pic get? What about your new outfit? Or your ‘beach ready’ bod? Not so many ‘likes’ for that one? How did that make you feel? Just have a little think. What is your real motivation when you share your ‘selfie’ with the world? Is it simply to participate in the online global community or is it in some way that you’re showing off and looking to make yourself feel good with good feedback. If the source of your wellbeing is anywhere other than inside of you, then it’s something that will always be flimsy at best. With so much pressure to look good, sound smart and be funny, maybe it’s time to stop and think about whether or not the quest for validation is actually the thing that’s getting you down. Here are my top tips for ensuring you’re happy with yourself and happy in your own skin no matter how many others ‘like’ you. • Stop comparing your inside to everyone else’s outside. If you’re someone who always thinks that other people are doing better than you, are skinnier than you or more popular than you then, it’s time to cut yourself some slack and stop comparing ‘who’ you are to ‘what’ they look like. You have no idea what is going on for them or what they are thinking, chances are they are also feeling just as insecure about comparing themselves to you. • Fake out the filters. When you post online you always put your best pic forward right? The one that show’s you in the best light, with the right ‘filter’ and neatly cropped from the most flattering angle and of course you’ll be doing something glam too. Did you look like that first thing this morning? Hell no… no one did. Well if you’re doing that and sharing just those moments ‘just so’ then of course everyone else is doing the same. The problem occurs when we measure our ‘normal’ against other peoples very best and wonder why we come up short. If anyone’s trying to convince you that ‘I woke up like this’ just think… ‘Ten times out of nine, I know you’re lying.’ • For tough times, when all else fails: Create a greatest hits list. Life is full of challenges and there are times when it’s difficult to keep our self-confidence up. Sit down right now and make a list of all the things in your life that you are thankful for, and another list of all the things you are proud of accomplishing. Post the list on your refrigerator door or your bathroom mirror where you can easily be reminded of what an amazing person you really are. If you feel your self-confidence dwindling, take a look at those lists and let yourself feel and be inspired all over again by you. 19
“…we all have qualities and we should learn to appreciate them and even love them.” 20
JOSIE GIBSON
became the nation’s sweetheart after winning Big Brother in 2010. Since leaving the Big Brother house, she has undeniably become one of the show’s most successful contestants with a wealth of magazine deals and guest appearances on TV programmes such as Celebrity Juice, Live From Studio Five, OK! TV, Big Brother’s Bit On the Side, and Loose Women to name but a few. Whilst in the spotlight Josie struggled with both heartbreak and body shaming, but has since managed to rise above the haters, as she has become a qualified personal trainer, nutritional advisor and director of weight loss website Slimmables. Can you tell us about a time in your life where you suffered a crisis of confidence? I think when I was being bashed in the media for being ugly and fat. I had people so nasty to me that it would crush me and set me off in tears every day. How did you cope and where did you find your strength? I got upset for a long time but then I changed it into a positive thinking of the cruel jibes in the gym it just gave me the ammunition I needed and without the trolls I always ask myself would I have ever of lost the weight? What would be your advice for people who may be going through the same thing? Confidence is extremely difficult to just get. When I work with someone at Slimmables, the first thing we need to work on is you liking or even loving yourself. You see you have qualities that someone else cannot offer so I always say you need to do affirmations. Once a week in the mirror and I want 5 -10 things you like or love about yourself. Whether it be your eye colour or the fact you are a loyal, nice person we all have qualities and we should learn to appreciate them and even love them. What are your top tips on staying healthy? Eat a green and clean diet, exercise and love who you are and be good to yourself. What words of wisdom would you most like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues? There is no one else in the World like you. You are an extremely clever engineered living being and the most valuable thing you will ever own is you. So, be good to you and learn to love you for you. OH and get a Fake Bake tan they make you feel better! Ha! Follow on Instagram @josiegibson85 21
❝Someone can appear super confident when the cameras are on but behindthe-scenes, they deal with crippling anxiety and low self-esteem…❞
TV PRESENTER LAURA BOYD was first diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2009. Since then she has blogged about life with Cancer and raised thousands for charities, as well as awareness, in a bid to help others living with the disease. Seven years on, she is still battling Leukaemia but lives life to the full thanks to daily doses of chemotherapy tablets. 22
Tell us about your biggest life challenge? My biggest life challenge so far came when I was diagnosed with leukaemia in September 2009. While I was terrified for my own life, I was also fearful of leaving those I loved behind and them having to pick up the pieces. It was the feeling of being out of control and handing your life over to the doctors in the hope that they can somehow save you that was initially difficult to deal with. Now, my next life challenge is thinking ahead to how I can have a family whilst living with cancer. Would it be fair, will it be possible? There are a lot of questions when cancer comes into your life.
part in the Kiltwalk and also climbed Ben Nevis a couple of times. I would never have got the drive to do these if I hadn’t had the initial fear that such opportunities could be whisked away at any point. It’s so cliché but really live every day to the full. If you can, embrace every opportunity that comes your way. Also, and maybe it’s just cause I’m a girlie girl, but I found getting a smear of lippy, some fake tan and my glad rags on truly helped. When I lay around in my PJs, I felt and looked like a sick person. When my mum finally told me to ‘get dressed we’re going out’, I actually began to feel normal. I truly believe having a positive mind and feeling good about yourself is half the battle.
How did you cope and where did you find your strength? I had to put my faith in the incredible team at the Beatson and thankfully, they have been amazing and have literally saved my life. I also had to learn that it’s not a bad thing to cry. It’s not a sign of weakness – it’s actually really therapeutic to have a good ball / moan every now and then! Family and friends have been invaluable with their support, but sometimes you also need someone else to talk too who is removed directly from the situation. Someone who can lend an impartial, sympathetic ear and that’s where the likes of Maggie’s Centre and the Beatson Cancer Charity centre have come into my life. Strength? Well, I have too much to live for to give up so I’m going to keep going for as long as I can.
Having gone through such a tough time, what words of wisdom would you most like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues? In my line of work, I interview everyone from members of community groups, to film and TV stars – at the end of the day, they’re all human. Many have exactly the same issues as all of us. Someone can appear super confident when the cameras are on but behind-the-scenes, they deal with crippling anxiety and low self-esteem, much the same as many of us. Talk to someone you trust and don’t be embarrassed – as soon as you open up you will find many people are in the same boat. Life is too short to bottle things up and worry about how we come across or look. You are unique and special in your own way and you should embrace that. When something major happens it helps to put life into perspective and you realise that all that really matters is that you are happy and that you spend time doing things you enjoy with those you love.
What would be your advice for those affected by Cancer? Yes it will be terrifying, yes you will feel like the world is crumbling down around you but there are so many things out there to help and people who are armed with advice and hugs (and tea and cake) to see you through. Take each day as it comes, trust the doctors and focus on things you can look forward to. Goals have been key to me – since being diagnosed I have cycled from Glasgow to Edinburgh twice, taken
Follow Laura on Instagram @stvlaura www.thelipsticklounge.tv 23
Dr Dawn’s Top 5 Health Tips Dr Dawn is a much-loved media medic best known for her work on Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies & Born Naughty? She is also a resident doctor on ITV’s This Morning, LBC Radio and even has her own YouTube channel. Here she talks to us about health and how you can look after yourself…
1. Measure your waist. No cheating! Your waist is half way between your hip bone and your rib cage. If you are a woman and it is greater than 31.5 inches and if you are a man and it is greater than 37 inches (35 inches if you are of Asian descent) then you are one of the 11.5 million people in the UK at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and it's time you got yourself in check. 2. If you are over 40, know your blood pressure. Contrary to popular belief most people with high blood pressure don't get headaches or visual problems so if you can't get it checked you simply don't know. 3. Similarly I believe everyone over 40 should know their cholesterol. Only 10-20% of our cholesterol is from our diet. The rest we make ourselves so eating healthily is no guarantee your cholesterol is within the normal range. 4. Pick an exercise you enjoy, make time for it at least five times a week and do it so that you make yourself puff. 5. Wear SPF every day to protect your skin and don't forget your hands - they will really give your age away later in life if you don't protect them!
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Kelvin Barron
is a freelance fashion stylist and image consultant specialising in red carpet dressing, campaign, fashion editorial and personal shopping services. He has a flare for detail whether it is designer - established or emerging – or high street and possesses the ability to mix labels, looks and trends to astounding effect. Having received accolades in Vogue.com, Vogue Italia, Grazia and Look to name but a few, here Kelvin talks tips on dressing to enhance your figure…
Rectangle A rectangular body shape means that you have no defined waist, minimal to no curves and the hips are more or less symmetrical to the shoulders. I advise injecting strong blocks of colour to instantly help define your shape. To help emphasise your waist wear fitted tailored jackets and for a fashion forward approach, wear belted shirt dresses. You can add more bust by choosing tops with pockets and pleating. A-line skirts work really well for this figure to add volume and add dimensions to your look and shape. For day to day looks nothing is better than a flared jean, again adding form to the body. Personally, I love a flair that comes just above the ground as they will elongate the body and make you feel taller and slimmer – the more fabric the longer your legs. 26
Inverted Triangle This body shape is generalized by your bottom half being smaller than your top half and little definition between waist and hips. To emphasize this shape, I advise softening the shoulder line and creating a balanced silhouette so that you don’t look top-heavy and create curvature on the bottom. Tops made of soft knits and woven fabrics are best because their superior drape de-emphasizes the shoulder line. If you enjoy showcasing your arms and shoulders, wear strapless style tops and dresses. Stay away from hard and rigid fabrics unless the items are tailored. Wearing darker colours on top and lighter colours on the bottom helps to visually create balance by narrowing the top and widening the bottom.
Hour Glass People often misinterpret hour glass as being a more voluptuous or fuller figure but this is not always the case take inspiration from Scarlett Johansen, Kate Winslet, Salma Hayek and Jessica Biel who all identify with this shape. The waist here is the centre and focal point, so best to draw attention to this. How much attention you want to draw to your waist is up to you and your personal comfort zone. Voluminous skirts and dresses will make your waist even smaller. However if you want a more tailored look, drawing attention to your curves, pencil skirts are the way to go. Soft fabrics such as knits and silks and stretch fabrics such as jersey are wardrobe staples to really accentuate and complement your curves. V-necks and other low necklines as championed by the Kardashian’s also enhance shape. Wrap tops and dresses are great ways to tailor your midriff without making it look boxy. Bootcut, flare and wide leg jeans look extra elegant on an hourglass figure and a slightly flared cut will also help balance out your curves. Accessorising this shape is best achieved by using thin belts, which makes your waist look petite and shoes that elongate the leg such as peep toes and stilettos.
Rounded It’s important to get a good bra to lift your bust up from the tummy and wear contouring shape wear to help bring definition. For the best necklines, V-necks that reveal skin or tops with cut-outs or embellishment at the neckline place focus on the face. There is often the notion to go baggy, but please stay away from this, your top should be slightly fitted and flow gently over your tummy without any cling. Select trousers with stretch for the tummy and opt for a bootcut jean as tapered can create a top heavy look. For a polished smart day look, which can then transition into the evening with more statement accessories, a structured jacket over a loose, flowing dress or a long skirt is a great look. Dresses with elevated waistlines that are just below the bust are super flattering.
Triangle This is for the woman who identify with being curvy around the hips with a slimmer bottom half. Women of this shape will often need to buy different sizes when buying separates – tops in smaller sizes, skirts and trousers in slightly larger sizes. Dresses will often need altered and nipped in; I can’t urge the importance of investing in a good tailor for alterations and to get the fit perfect. An empire waist dress will define the narrowest part of your figure and the skirt will fit loosely over the hips which will bring attention to the upper body including waist and shoulder area. Outfit details like pockets and patterns should be in areas other than hips, such as shirts with ruffled or puffed sleeves. Bringing balance to the shoulders and hips can be achieved by adding statement necklaces or ear rings to draw the eye to the svelte shoulder area.
Fashion Stylist - Kelvin Barron Follow @kelvinstyist on social instagram and twitter www.kelvinbarron.com 27
LUCY SPRAGGAN LIVING WITH ANXIETY
"Try to surround yourself with the right people and stay active. If you are struggling then reach out…" 28
Lucy Spraggan is an accomplished musician who appeared on the X Factor and then later went onto steal the nation’s heart with her unique style and quirky song lyrics. To date she has launched 3 successful albums and more recently released her new single Dear You, which has a focus on mental health. Here Lucy talks about her own battle with anxiety‌
Tell us about your biggest life challenge? I'm not sure there is one challenge in life that I can pinpoint as being the biggest I've had to tackle; I've always struggled with anxiety, which can be constant and can start to pull you apart at the seams. Struggling with anxiety is something a lot of people have to deal with, so overcoming it and managing it can be a huge challenge. How did you cope and where did you find your strength? I still struggle now, but I often find strength in my fabulous wife and friends. It's important to feel good about yourself and it's often easier to do that with the help of others. What would be your advice for those affected by the same issue? As difficult as it is, try to stay positive. Try to surround yourself with the right people and stay active. If you are struggling then reach out, don't keep it bottled up. Having gone through such a tough time, what words of wisdom would you most like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues? You are important and you can do anything you put your mind to. Keep on going, and don't look back.
Follow @Lspraggan on Instagram and head to www.lucyspraggan.com to hear her evocative new single, Dear You. 29
"I don't put d l o h n o e f i l y m waiting for changes to happen."
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GEORGINA HORNE
is a UK based dress loving, plus sized, lingerie obsessed blogger who hates body snark! When launched Fuller Figure Bust in May 2011 she envisioned it as being a way to showcase her clothing and lingerie choices. Little did she know that this hobby would become a full blown passion, giving way to modelling experiences, national and international press coverage, including appearances in The Daily Mail, The Times, LOOK Magazine, Italian Marie Claire and on Vogue Italia, to name a few. Here she talks to us about staying confident and happy in her own skin. Tell us about your biggest life challenge? Being happy with myself. I still find it a challenge! But I'm getting better at it. How did you cope and where did you find your strength? I don't put my life on hold waiting for changes to happen. At first I was almost forcing myself to go out and live a fulfilled life, faking it til I made it. But then it became a way of life. I still have wobbles over my wobbles, but for the most part I'm happy. What would be your advice for those affected by the same crisis of confidence? Do the same thing. If it's over something you can change then try to. But if you can't then you have to live your life and live it to the fullest. Having gone through such a tough time, what words of wisdom would you most like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues? There are so many great things about you. Focus on them.
Catch up on Georgina’s blog at www.fullerfigurefullerbust.com and follow her on Instagram over @FullerFigureFullerBust 31
Em Sheldon
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Em Sheldon is an inspirational lifestyle blogger, who writes all about her love of beauty, fashion, travel and fitness over on her blog EM Talks. For Save Your Selfie she talks fitness and shares with us her top 5 tips for staying healthy and active. I am obsessed with fitness, beauty, travel and fashion! I love everything rolled into one, give me a nice natural glow, a cocktail in one hand and some beautiful sandals on my feet! That’s a very happy Em. If I’m not in the gym, you’ll find me typing away at blog posts or, on a beach somewhere. Read on for Em's top 5 health tips... 1. Fitness is a lifestyle I say this over and over again, but it’s true! Fitness really is a lifestyle, it isn’t a fad, it’s something you should embrace and do as part of your everyday routine. It’s something you’ve got to stick at to get results! 2. Goodbye to fads I believe in the 80/20 rule and hate the word diet, it should be banned! Fad diets do not work, as I said, this really is a lifestyle, be good 80% of the time and then you’re totally allowed to enjoy yourself the other 20%. 3. Make it your routine If you make eating well/working out part of your daily routine, it’ll fit in so seamlessly and then you’ll feel weird not working out/eating well! The best trick is to make it your routine and that way, you have to eat well and work out! 4. Drink water Easier said than done, but drink water! It flushes out nasty things and keeps your skin, hair and nails happy and healthy. 5. Take the stairs Whether you’re in the tube station, or in an office - take the stairs! Extra little things every day such as getting off the bus one stop earlier or getting the stairs instead of the escalator can lead to big results. As you can see, I am all about the well-being approach, eat better, move more it really is that simple!
Em xxx Catch up with Em’s blog at: www.emtalks.co.uk and follow her on Instagram: @emshelx 33
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Laura Canavan
When you are in a relationship with someone who completely destroys your confidence and makes you feel worthless is a horrible situation to be in, one I found myself apart of 11 years ago. I was with my ex partner for just on 4 years and it all started out great, he was charming, caring and loving but that soon changed. It started with just the odd insult which made me start questioning myself and thinking there was something wrong with me. This gradually got worse and although he never hit me my confidence was lower than low and it was mental torture. My mum knew I wasn’t happy and kept telling me to “get rid” but it just didn’t seem that simple. I mean I’d lost most of my friends, fell out with family and he was all I had or so I believed. So I stayed and the insults got worse and turned into lies and cheating. I found myself stuck in a rut that I just couldn’t seem to climb out of until one day 4 years on something clicked and I realised I was worth so much more than him. I decided to make a change and I did exactly as my mum said and “got rid”, I can’t say what clicked, but whatever it was I am so thankful for. I decided that everything I loved had been taken away, from my style, to my bubbly personality and I vowed I would never let myself be in that position again. So, I started to rebuild friendships and make up with family and then moved on to rebuilding me. I went out and shopped like I have never shopped before for a new wardrobe, new make up and spending quality time with my mum and friends. Something I hadn’t done in a long time. Make up was my savior, I would sit for hours and just try out different styles and although some people will find it hard to believe it gave me my confidence back. It allowed me to be me and do something I loved.
Fast forward 10 years and I have an amazing husband David and I come across a business that allows me to do everything I have always loved… play with and sell make up! David is the most amazing husband and supports me 150%, he's my rock and could not be more happy about me joining the Fake Bake Beauty team. I have never been so happy and I now feel that by coming across this opportunity it has just made everything fall into place. I’m heading back to college in September to get my professional qualifications in beauty, something Fake Bake Beauty has allowed me to do. So anyone, man or woman if you are unhappy please don’t feel that you are alone, you’re not. You just need to make a break and you will get your life back. It may seem hard but if I can do it anyone can and never let go of what makes you, you! Keep that fire in your belly lit and I promise it will get you through. Laura Canavan x
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Laura McAlister What has been your biggest life challenge? My mum and I were always very close growing up, the one who I could turn to for anything, she could never do enough for me. She was so full of spirit and was the loyalist, kindest woman you could meet! At the age of 40 however, she was diagnosed with MS. MS is a condition that affects the central nervous system and there is 100K sufferers of it in the UK. This changed her as it affected her mobility and she was no longer able to do all the things she used to be able to do such as simple tasks around the house. After my mum was diagnosed with MS, my world turned upside down. I became the nurturer, it was like role reversal and it took a while for me to come to terms with this. I still worked full time, but had to find time to help my Mum around the house doing her shopping etc when she is not able to do it herself. My family also run a farm so I help out there too as my Mum is no longer able to as well as working full time in my own job. As you can imagine holding down a full time job and fitting in all those other tasks as well is not easy, feeding the calves is a work out in itself, especially on top of a 7 hour shift! Finding time to fit in a social life on top of this isn’t easy, sometimes I would look in the mirror, with not a shred of selfconfidence and ask myself “Who are you?”
the support she needed, this gave me a purpose. Before my mum got MS, I knew nothing of the disease and so I wanted to raise awareness. This is when I started running 10Ks, half marathons and I even managed to complete a full Marathon with the aim of raising money for charities which support sufferers of the disease. What would be your advice for those affected by a similar experience? An important thing to also remember is to ask for help if you need it! You will be surprised at the number of people around you, who care for you and would be delighted to help out. I have an amazing group of friends and family who are always there to support me and my Mum! What’s more, our national health care system is great, don’t forget about the professional help which can be given, don’t do it on your own! What words of wisdom would you like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues? When you are a carer, it is so easy to let the care of yourself take a back burner. But don’t! You have to remember that yes, looking after someone is very important, but so is caring for yourself. Keep your identity. Don’t do what I did and hide away from the social world, get out there and do so with a smile. Keep yourself healthy and always #saveyourselfie x
How did you cope and where did you find your strength? I coped because for me, changing my life to help my mum was a no brainer. I found my strength in seeing that she had 37
Wendy Gray
In support of Fake Bake’s #saveyourselfie campaign 1 year on after undergoing treatment for an aggressive triple negative breast cancer. 38
Life is unrecognisable! Family and friends kept me going and gave me the confidence I needed to get up and get dressed every day and put my makeup on. The Fake Bake tanning butter was amazing for my super sensitised skin during chemo and gave me an inner confidence to venture out of the house and face the world, a tan can even make you feel better in these circumstances. A cancer diagnosis was a challenge, but one that I’m pleased I met head on and beat. It wasn’t the end, simply a new beginning.
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WE WANT TO HEAR WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL CONFIDENT! How can you get involved? We have two ways in which you can get involved and WIN. Firstly... Take a selfie, post it on Instagram tagging @fakebakeunited & a friend you want to nominate, say what gives you confidence, #saveyourselfie and selfie of the week wins a product!* Secondly... we would also love to feature stories from you in this very guide. Tell us about a time when YOU suffered from a crisis of confidence and you came through it. We will share these stories on the Fake Bake Blog and then our TOP 3 will be selected to feature within this online magazine. Not only that but our winners will be treated to an all-expenses paid trip to our celebrity Golden Glamour event in Glasgow on the 23rd September 2016! Answer the questions below and email these, along with a selfie, to: saveyourselfie@fakebake.co.uk
What has been your biggest life challenge?
What words of wisdom would you most like to share with people who suffer from confidence issues?
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How did you cope and where did you find your strength?
What would be your advice for those affected by a similar experience?
*Ts & Cs apply. See web page for details.