Be Confident & SHINE this Summer

This week marks the first bit of proper sunshine we've had here in Ireland for more than 6 weeks! This sunshine has given me some inspiration and led me to create this blogpost, which will discuss body confidence and how to get that 'glow' and radiance this summer! I've compiled some tips I try and stick by all year round, but especially during summer time. Between cocktail parties, BBQs, lunch with friends-there's so much going on! We all want to be able to enjoy these occasions with that special summer glow!

#1 Water

I know it's so cliche but I have to include this one. I would be quite diligent with my water-intake and would drink 2L of water every day. But recently I went on a little trial of drinking about 3-4L water a day and WOW what a difference! If you do nothing else, after reading this blogpost, make a note of how much water you drink per day, for 1-2 weeks and aim to drink more than 3L. 

I could honestly see a massive difference in my skin. I'm quite lucky as I rarely have trouble with my skin, but I had to look twice a couple of times at myself in the mirror with no makeup on! It looked like I had highlighter on my skin, it was glowing! It really adds a glow and radiance back to your skin, that no makeup product could buy. Why not take a no-makeup-selfie today and in a weeks time and compare the difference? If you do make sure to share it with me on Twitter/Instagram and use the hashtag #bodyphilosophy. 

As a result I felt more confident in my own natural skin and was feeling great from within, which is so important.

#2 Don't follow the crowd

Following on from the above point, I have been having more no-makeup-days than ever lately! With the season that's in it, even though we've had little sunshine, I am trying to let me skin breathe a bit more. It has coincided with my 'glowing skin' so I've felt a bit more confident and will easily go out and about 'bare-faced'! I don't believe in following the crowd and feeling like you have to live up to a certain 'image' as a woman or a man. People quite often put extra pressure on themselves by just simply following the crowd! Don't wear makeup if you don't feel like!! Be confident in your own skin! No one else is like you, each one of us is unique! It may help if your skin has that natural glow, so make sure you drink that water!!

Your skin will thank you for giving it a break from the makeup, which will probably result in it becoming more radiant and clear, so you can have those no-makeup-days! Win Win!!

#3 Glow from within

Only a certain percentage of what we put on our skin e.g. creams, oils, serums will help with it's appearance. A greater proportion of what we put 'into' our bodies affects the appearance of our skin. I recently was chatting to one of Ireland's Top Models 'Holly Carpenter' and we both had this discussion. She is also a firm believer in this philosophy! If you feed your body what it needs, not what you want, the benefits will be visible in your skin. Try and cut down on the caffeine, sugar and processed foods and increase the amount of 'superfoods' you take. I love to have a mug of hot water & lemon every morning before I eat breakfast. My breakfast will either be some homemade granola (I love this one by an Irish chef Donal Skehan), yoghurt and fruit or poached eggs on brown bread.
The lemon really kick-starts your digestive system and wakes up your body. It also fills you up a little bit! If I have some free time on my hands, I love to make homemade banana bread (again I love this one from Donal Skehan) to either have in the morning or after my lunch. It's full of goodness and is much better than snacking on biscuits! It's also so lovely to take to a summer BBQ with friends and have as your dessert! If you're looking for some nice healthy recipes for any occasion this summer, I found this great website that has yummy healthy recipes, all in one place at Aloha.com. Have a browse through and see if you find something that suits your tastebuds!

#4 No makeup-makeup
I love keeping my makeup minimal this time of year and I recommend just filling in your eyebrows, a little bit of mascara and either some BB cream or a tinted moisturiser and lip balm. You're good to go! It's more fresh looking and we all should embrace our inner beauty.

So here are my tips for being body confident this summer and achieving the summer glow that we all talk so much about! I'd love if you could share your tips for how to be body confident and join in the the #bodyphilosophy campaign. Tweet me with you tips @SarahWhelehan and let me know. Be sure to use the above hashtag!

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

I've teamed up with Bio Oil to offer you the chance to win one of 5 bottles of Bio Oil. Bio Oil are currently promoting the campaign and all you need to do is comment below with the following:

1. Your name and twitter handle (Be sure to follow me @SarahWhelehan)

2. Your tip or tips on how to be body confident

For an extra chance to win, why not tweet me and use the hashtag #bodyphilosophy, sharing your tips.

For another bonus entry, tweet the following: 

Have you read @SarahWhelehan 's #bodyphilosophy tips for being body confident this Summer?! #glowingskin http://sarahyellowsunflower.blogspot.ie/

@BioOilUK 

Terms and Conditions: The giveaway will close in 5 days time on the 23rd August 2015. The giveaway is only open to Ireland & UK readers. (Sorry to everyone else!)

Good Luck!!!!

Sarah

X