Disability and Fashion

 

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In life if someone's perception of you is unfavourable then you can learn to shrug it off. Tell yourself that they don't know the real you. But what about when a whole industry and its related medias and companies has the wrong perception? Today I'm going to let you in on something that I'm involved with and am really proud to be a part of. Firstly though, to set you up for this post I want you all to watch this video. Note the looks of horror and disgust. It's incredibly sad. But in some ways this reaction is understandable because people do not associate beauty and fashion with disability. Why? Disability can be thought of as ugly, imperfect, with close links to accidents and illness. Almost the opposite to the beauty and perfection that the media and catwalks want to sell us. Disabled people seem so far from the medias bench mark because  you can make over and transform people  in all Miss Congeniality glory to try and 'make them fit in' but the fact  is they'll still be in a wheelchair, missing a limb, have a curved spine, blind, deaf, ill and many other forms of disability. And because of these implications it simply isn't shown. It's hidden like some shameful secret. But as you saw in the video and will see in the photos I have included in this post, (the above photos are of my gorgeous friend Hayley, taken with permission from her blog) disability can be beautiful and attractive. Disabled people can be fashionable. And we shouldn't have to 'fit in' to an unrealistic perception of beauty. We have beauty in abundance the world just needs to be open to beauty in all its forms, prosthetics and all. In a recent tweet author Ken Jennings wrote "nothing sadder than a hot person in a wheelchair." As you can imagine this enraged many people. You can read more how on the following blog. And goes to show that we have a long way to go in getting disabled people represented in fashion in the media and the catwalks. Below is a photo of Britain's Missing Top Model (the show mentioned in the video), Kelly Knox. For more videos on Britain's Missing Top Model, click here. 

 

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As a disabled person most of your expected role models are Paralympians for example. They are incredible athletes. However as a person disabled by illness the fact is I'm not going to be following in their footsteps. I can't. And neither can a lot of other people in wheelchairs. But what I can do is be fashionable. I realise that might sound contrite in comparison but there is more meaning behind it and to me too. As I can also be an advocate for the use of disabled models. I'm a woman that likes to buy clothes. Just because I'm disabled doesn't mean that I no longer do. Okay, I might not get to wear clothes that aren't pyjamas that often. In fact fashion has come to mean more to me as a sick/ disabled person than it did as a healthy person. Dressing up makes me feel happier. And we all need that. And this is why I got involved with Models of Diversity

 

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Models of Diversity are questioning the beauty and fashion industries perceptions. You can read more about them in my blog post. They are actively campaigning to make the fashion industries a more diverse place and that includes presenting disability and proving that disability is beautiful/ fashionable/ attractive/ sexy. That it does deserve a place in advertising and on the catwalk. The following video explains Models of Diversity's perspective on disability within the fashion industry. Models of Diversity on Disability. We live in a society that knows it's wrong to dismiss or discredit disabled people. Even more so since the Paralympics. There has been debates over the use of words such as invalid, saying that we cannot tar disabled people with a name that says they have no place in society. Not that the word disabled is much better. So why then is it still happening? 

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Above are photos of some of Models of Diversity's disabled models who are helping bring about change. The first image in this section is of Chelsey Jay, Models of Diversity's Director for models with a disability. When she became ill very suddenly with POTS, she found herself confined to a wheelchair. As a young woman keen to make a career as a model once she became disabled she found herself pushed out of the fashion world. As though the industry perceive that once she became disabled so too did her interests in fashion and beauty. And it's the same for so many of us and particularly hard on young people who are still finding their way. People assume that disabled people do not share the same interests as healthy people. Some people might be surprised if we look fashionable. I've heard a story about someone in a wheelchair looking at some shoes in a shop and someone standing in front of them; when asked to move out of the way they said "it's not as if you're actually going to buy them. What's the point when you are clearly paralysed?" Well news flash we're not all paralysed. And like that would affect our wanting a nice pair of shoes. Or just wanting to look nice in general. As though we're not entitled to. It's attitudes like this that stem from lack of representation. People just do not associate disability with fashion.

 For this reason, each disabled model is also an advocate and campaigner. Forging the way for others to aspire to be models despite their disability. And hopefully changing the industry in a way that it won't be a fight to be represented in future. That young disabled people that want to be a model can grow up knowing that they can be. That they do not have to feel ugly or ashamed. The four Models of Diversity models above are not only divine in their beauty but are  also wonderfully inspiring people that are sharing their stories. 

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Of course the biggest influence on the fashion world stems from the catwalks of New York, London, Milan and Paris. This is where the world takes note. In another promotion for the tv show Britain's missing Top Model one of the models says "New York would rather burn their city down than have a disabled person on the catwalk." Well I guess New York is pretty hot as it happened! At New York Fashion Week AW2014 designer Carrie Hammer, used Danielle Sheypuk (above) Ms Wheelchair New York 2012. You can read more by clicking on the link below the photo. At the recent London Fashion Week the creative director, of Topshop spoke about how they wanted to make their shows more accessible. They made their show interactive with the use of instagram and live feeds at their store at the shows venue. For all the people that could interact with the show such a small percentage would have been represented on the catwalk. And for a high street store I feel they need to be doing more to represent the wealth of diversity that shop at their stores.

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Alongside Chelsey Jay there are group of 20+ disabled people, of varying disabilities and walks of life that have all teamed together to form a pressure group. Each week we contact a brand en masse to encourage them to use disabled people in their advertising. That in their lack of representation they are isolating a large proportion of their customers. We want to know why this is? And hope to influence their future choices in who they employ to model their clothes. 

 

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We even have the support of the Minister for Disabled People, Kate Green who will be alongside Chelsey in future meetings with the brands. She recently suggested we raise the issue with our local MP's and get them to address the issue in Parliament during London Fashion Week. We received some great responses saying that they would happily put it forward. Responses from brands so far have varied. Some have been keen to respond whilst others have ignored the emails of 20+ people and subsequent follow up emails. With brands that we have contacted so far we hope to hold meetings with them to discuss the issue further. As well as emailing more brands. Like the poster says above we don't want special treatment just the same treatment. 

I hope after reading this blog post you too believe there is much more to disabled people and that disability should not affect their place in the fashion and beauty industries. I'm really proud to be a part of the pressure group and for raising the profile of disability in fashion. We're a pretty determined group who are keen to make a real change. 

Sian x

Get ready with me: How to look less ill

Hi! So if you're new to my blog let me just fill you in a little. I suffer from a chronic illness called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or M.E for short it is also known as chronic fatigue syndrome. I am around 90% housebound and when I do get out I need to use a wheelchair. Anyway moving on... many people that suffer from a chronic illness despise the phrase 'but you don't look sick.' However of course there are times when we want to look less sick and more human. Not wanting to scare members of the public too much. So todays post is a little how to/ get ready with me post on how to do so.

 The look I was aiming for was quite understated but very fresh and of course awake. The occasion was a family gathering at our house so I didn't want to go too overboard.

If you can prepare the night before then do so. Plan your skincare, haircare, make up and outfit and lay out all your items so they are easily accessible. Get someone to help you if you need to. As you can see I have prepped my make up bag so that all the products I expect to use are at the top. Hung my dress up outside my wardrobe. And I thought I would opt for a bit of a different hairstyle for a change with some waves. So I thought the easiest way to achieve this would be by platting my air in bunches. I really struggle to hold hairdryers etc so this seemed ingenious.

Secondly the night before try and get as much sleep/rest as you can. And I say as you can because I know it is often beyond your control.

Now onto getting ready. Note to any chronic illness folk that you should only do what you can manage on that day and get help where needed. If you are able to wash your face then do so. I like to use simple moisturising face wash as being indoors a lot my skin needs as much moisture as possible. Prep all the items that you wish to use and obviously make sure you have a decent mirror close by too. I usually do skincare (other than wash my face) in bed, the more I can have my legs extended the better. Then apply a moisturizer to help your skin look more hydrated and healthy. At the moment my two favourites are Garnier skin naturals moisture match for dull skin (the orange one) and Clinique dramatically different moisturizing lotion+. Both make your skin feel really quenched. Then if you want extra radiance or more of a pick me up I like to apply Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. It makes your skin look fab and is a great base for your make up.

For this look as I wanted something very light and because I have a teeny bit more colour than usual (I know, I'm super pale) I opted for a cc cream rather than foundation. I used the Max Factor which is great for evening up your skin tone and giving a fresh base.

Now if you are looking tired and worn out your greatest make up friend is concealer. I opted for the Rimmel Wake me up concealer (does what it says) under my eyes to disguise the dark circles. Then on any blemishes and around my nose I used Collection Lasting Perfection. Blending them all with a soft brush.

Then I took the Collection mosaic bronzer and used an angled face brush to contour my cheek bones. Making the lovely fish face as I did so. Because I was in a rush and wanted to use most of my energy on chatting and eating cake that was all the make up I applied. If you do want to add more make up then I would suggest using a white or nude eyeliner on your water line, a light eyeshadow in the inner corners of your eyes and mascara to open up your eyes more and make you seem more awake.

I then got dressed with some help from my Mum. As I wanted to wear a dress I cheated on the legs front and wore tights. Tights can be a spoonie lady's best friends. Also loving the fact that the dress came with the necklace attached, yet another small cheat. Extra glam, without the extra effort. 

I then used the Batiste dry shampoo to help hold the waves. Applying it to my roots and rubbing it in, then to each plait.   Brushing it through gently once I'd taken the plaits out.

And there you have it my completed look. Looking less sick chick that had just woken up to more healthy and ready to socialise.

Sian x

Models of Diversity



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In the wake of London Fashion Week what better time to talk fashion. In my post on body image, which you can read here. I mentioned an organization called Models of diversity. As their name suggests, Models of Diversity, are campaigning for the use of more diverse models in the fashion and advertising industries. Calling for more equality on our catwalks and in magazines. They are saying that the fashion industry needs to be more representative of a larger cross section of society. And there are so many cultures, ethnicities and lifestyles that are not represented fairly, even today in an age where we are educated about racism and political correctness.

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I don't often read magazines now, but when I do it strikes me that more diverse models seem to be used as a 'token gesture' almost, and I do hate using that phrase. But it does almost appear like 'oh we've added a black model in to the mix to avoid any claims we're not an equal opportunities employer.' It's something I think a lot of brands are doing. And let's face it it's a pretty lazy way to tackle diversity. Because yes, diversity is about colour but it's about much much more than that. In an interview click to view male model Rob Evans says that it's only ever the same faces too and that he can visit various casting agencies and only see 2 black models on their books. He admits that because of his colour he was held back from many castings. He explains that in Brazil they have a policy of 50/50 casting. However the issue in his own words is that Brazil is not known as a fashion capital. More diversity needs to be shown on the catwalks of New York, Milan, Paris and London in order to make a real change. These are the shows that have the most influence. In a recent vlog Youtuber Tanya Burr said that she loved London Fashion Week because you could look around and everyone was so different. After all London itself is a melting pot of diversity. But is that being reflected on the catwalk, really?

The founder of Models of Diversity, Angel Sinclair (seen above) asks 'Where are the models of colour? The bigger models? The shorter models? The models with a disability? The older models?' and has established the organization to help make the fashion, beauty and marketing worlds more diverse places. A place where more consumers can identify themselves. With the ultimate aim 'to change the face of fashion and modelling.'

Angel, herself was inspired to start Models of Diversity after appearing on Gok Wan's Miss Naked Beauty and being surrounded by beauty in many, many forms. She noticed a clear contrast in what we perceive to be beautiful and what the magazines and fashion industries tell us is beautiful. And so Models of Diversity was born. They strongly believe in getting the publics opinion and asking them what they want to see on the catwalks and magazines and transferring that information into the fashion industries.

But where does the blame lie? With the designers? With the model agencies? Or casting directors? The following video is a CNN intervew with Iman, discussing the issue and how she thinks there needs to be a radical change in the Fashion industry. I think each of them has a responsibility to make the changes. However if the model agencies do not have more diverse models on their books, like Rob Evans pointed out, then the casting directors and designers don't have the choice available to them. Likewise if a model agency does not send their models to castings.

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Whilst Models of Diversity recognise the need for more diveristy in fashion and modelling, they also understand that modelling on a professional scale is not for everyone. It takes a certain skill set and creativity. It is the same with an profession. But what Models of Diversity are saying is that if you have that potential then being more culturally diverse should not impact whether you get the job. And Models of Diversity are there to support aspiring models on their journey with training and test shoots. As well as promoting these models in the hope that agencies, casting directors, marketing executives and designers will take notice. As well as telling these models that they can be beautiful/ sexy/ glamorous. Building their confidence; which in itself is important, when they are used to thinking they are different and not seeing themselves represented in magazines and other advertising. In an interview on Sky News (which you can view here), model and director for disabled models at Models of Diversity, Chelsey Jay, explained that it's hard and isolating to be young but to not see yourself represented.

With the fashion industries, media and magazines being so powerful in their influence on so many people, especially young people seeing more diversity and widening the perception on beauty and attractiveness then perhaps more tolerance and understanding will stem from that. As well as inspiring more confidence in lots of men and women that feel they are not beautiful because they do not look like the models in the magazines. Now wouldn't that be nice?

To find out more about Models of Diversity visit their website, view plenty more videos of their events, campaigns and catwalks on Angel's youtube channel. Stay tuned for another Models of Diversity post on here soon.

Sian x

What's in my holiday make up bag?

The make up bag I've used is from Forever 21. It came with some travel sized make up brushes too and they're super soft and nice to use. You can get it on their website www.forever21.com. They also have a black version.

Starting with the base: 

Clarins Beauty Flash balm

SmashBox Camera Ready bb cream with spf 35 

Max Factor cc cream

QVS Foundation Brush

Rimmel Wake me up Make up concealer in Ivory

Collection blemish perfect concealer

Max Factor under eye concealer

Max Factor pressed powder

I've been using the bb cream during the day as it has spf 35 and I LOVE IT. It's given me that little bit of coverage and rubs in really well. Just rub it in a bit more if you caught your eyebrows as that's the only give away area. I've used it everyday for the past fortnight in 30°c+ temperatures and my face has been really well protected. I have been wearing a hat too so that may have helped a little too but still bigging up this product.

Revlon Highlighting pallete in Rose Glow

Collection Bronze Glow Mosaic in Radiant 2

Seventeen Cheek Stamp Blusher

Eyes:

Elf eye shadow primer in champagne

Barry M precision eye liner pen in black waterproof

Barry M Liquid Liner in turquoise (This was my first time using liquid liners and I found them really easy to use. The turquoise one did end up on my upper lid when I opened my eyes though.) 

Maybelline The Falsies mascara in black water proof

Maybelline New York Master Shape brow pencil in dark blonde

Lips:

Barry M Gelly hi shine lip stain in 2 (red)

Barry M Gelly hi shine lip stain in 3 (pink)

Barry M lipstick in coral

I'm not generally a big make up wearer but have been trying to experiment more lately. Mainly to try and make me look less sick chick and more human. I thought holidays would be ideal opportunity to try out a few new looks. However due to the heat and a sweaty face after a while I soon opted for as minimal make up as possible, for example some cc cream and concealer to even my skin tone or I went bare faced. With having a full fringe that brow pencil didn't even get used. I'll save the experimenting to perking myself up at home. 

Sian

* note some of the products in the photos didn't get included in the end.

Body image

As I think I have mentioned just a few times I am off on my holidays soon, huzzah! I know for so many people the thought of going on a Summer holiday can really make them self conscious and send them into a panic about needing to look their best. And yes looking your best whilst on holiday can make you feel fantastic. However being too hung up about revealing your body on the beach can really eat away at people. For months now my feeds have been full of statuses about 'getting a bikini body' and it's the same every year. As well as plenty of statuses about how much they need to deprive themselves. And a lot of the time it's from the most gorgeous looking of girls.

To be honest it makes me feel a little bit sad. I look at them and think "look at you, you're stunning." But that's kind of the point; we will always judge ourselves more than anyone else will. It's just something we all do. Which I think is very naughty of our brains really. And so every year we see these statuses, or we hear our friends talking about what they're cutting out (sometimes literally) in order to look 'acceptable' on the beach.

What's worrying is that people will turn to fads and unhealthy solutions long before they will even consider eating healthier or excercising (M.E folk you know I don't mean you when I say the e word.) I swear if I get one more friend request from people selling juice plus! Gah! Juice Plus will not change my life. Changing our thinking habits just might though.

I know some people might say "oh well that's easy for you to say, you're slim," but again that's projecting this image of what we think a beach body is. In my early teens when I stopped running and horse riding from cysts on my ovaries and problems with my bowels I put on quite a lot of weight. I look back now and think "jeez, I had no idea I was that big." But in a way that's a good thought, because it means that at the time I wasn't constantly bullying myself that I no longer had a six pack. The only time I remember being affected by it was ringing up to say I couldn't do a youth theatre thing and them saying "oh is that big Sian." Ouch! And that was me completely done with them. But I lost the weight as a bi-product of being able to do more as my illness improved and over a few years; not because of that comment. 

A few years ago the round table came round our neighbourhood with Father Christmas on his sleigh and when he asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I replied that I wanted a new body. He said "but why when you're beautiful". Well thank you but what I would like is a body that worked much better. Because when you are chronically ill and disabled you start to appreciate your body on a whole new level. Your focus is more on how your body works and how much I guess you took for granted just what a good job it was doing. As I have said, health is wealth. A healthy body allows you to have everyday adventures and things we consider basic like walking around the shops, driving, playing with our children. You start to think "who cares what my body looks like when I'd rather it still could do those things."  And other than the fact it doesn't work properly I'm pretty happy with my body. In fact I'm just happy, even with all the rubbish I face every moment of every day.

Often people work so hard to lose weight or tone up but the last thing they do is change their thinking. Someone who has lost weight might still look in the mirror and still see their old shape. Often we don't fully appreciate it until someone else comments on it. Which in a way is sad as this is the body you've been telling yourself you wanted. Our thinking though is still so used to looking in the mirror and being negative or focusing in on what we think are our problem areas, that we can't switch off from that. So if you do want to lose weight, tone up or even if you feel you need to gain weight look at ways to monitor that change and adapt your thinking.

I also want to share this link to an article in Cosmopolitan UK about a woman having the confidence to wear a bikini after an emergency surgery to remove her spleen. It's motivational stuff, so do give it a look dont-apologise-wear-bikini. And recently I have seen a few similar stories floating around on social media. I read one last night about a group of young people insulting a woman who was sunbathing and had stretch marks on her belly. She of course got upset that people would so blatantly insult her. However the post was about how in fact she was proud of her body. Those stretch marks were as a result of pregnancy and reminded her of the wonder of having children and how much joy that bought her. Then there are the stories about Instagram deleting bikini photos for not being deemed attractive; read more here. The rise of people showing off their feeding tubes and bags and sharing them on social media, which personally I think is great for awareness of stomach and inflammatory bowel conditions, you go ladies and gents! Then of course there was the stories about photos being removed of women that had had mastectomies, around the time of breast cancer awareness month. Where it seemed a no make up selfie was deemed a sufficient way to promote breast cancer care and awareness but not cancer patients showing that they are still beautiful despite all the horrors they faced. Celebrate your bodies ladies! 

So my message is simple. Love your bodies. Look after them, treat them well. And if you do want to make a change then do so out of love not hate and do so healthily. I'm going to leave you with some positive quotes to help motivate you and hopefully I will do more posts on body confidence soon. Cue lots of shameless holiday snaps!

Be good to yourselves

Sian x

Travel toiletries update

Just a little update on some travel toiletries that I wanted to share with you all. At the weekend I went shopping (woo! Round of applause for that!) and found a cute new toiletries bag, one that I can hang on the back of doors etc. If you only have a small bathroom with limited shelf space or say you are on a cruise or a caravan then these can be a great solution. This one is also waterproof which can be useful. They're so great as you can separate your things into different compartments. The only thing I would say is that if you're going somewhere hot then don't keep your make up in it as the extra steam from the shower could cause your make up to melt. If you have a fridge in your room then hog it with your make up.

 

It also came with a floral drawstring bag too. That will be great for extra storage or for putting a travel hair dryer in. Or even as a small laundry bag for a weekend trip. I plan to use it as my essentials bag for the plane, to put all the things I'm likely to need within the first half an hour of the flight in. I think it will be good for that as it can be hung up too. I got this from Forever 21. They also have them on their website at www.forever21.com 

Whilst there I also picked up this make up bag. Also available on their website, as well as a black version. I got this as I thought the selection of brushes was good. Usually with a travel set you only get 5, but because these are double ended you get a wider selection. And the make up bag itself also has a clear panel so you can use it in your hand luggage if you want.

In my original post I was also looking for a bb cream to use on holiday, to help protect my skin in the sun but offer me good coverage. After asking for advice on instagram and searching Pinterest I got a few recommendations and off I popped to Boots to try some out. It was in the evening so not all the counters were manned but there was a lady on the Smashbox counter and as it was one  that was recommended I asked for some help. This Camera Ready BB cream has a high level of sunscreen at factor 35 and it also offers good coverage. And as it says it preps your skin for those ample photo opportunities on holiday, by priming the skin and evening up your skin tone while covering up any blemishes. It's really light too. I can't wait to use it on holiday. I used it one day last week on a crazily muggy day and despite my face dripping from the heat it still offered good coverage. I found it better than a foundation in this hot weather as my skin could breathe more. They also have a CC cream in am spf 30 if you want to even up your skin tone, which actually might be good if your face gets a funny tan.

I have been meaning to get to Superdrug for a while to stock up on some travel toiletries, many of which I mentioned in my original post but just haven't got there. However, they do have free delivery when you spend more than £10 online, which I thought was great and consequently took advantage of. As you can see I got the mini Nivea suncream lotion, protective lip balm, Simple moisturizing face wash and some Palmers Cocoa Butter as I mentioned in the post. I also got a tea tree exfoliating cream, tea tree is great for calming your skin and regular exfoliating on holiday can help develop that tan. I also got a raspberry and strawberry shower gel as I thought it would smell divine, probably not mixed with the tea tree though, so it may get used on other occasions. Superdrugs own mini shower gels come in great sized bottles. I find some of the others like Dove or Nivea too tiny for longer holidays. I also got some scalp protection spray by Malibu. Malibu is just the smell of holidays. I got this as the tops of our heads are so vulnerable to sun burn. Although I plan on wearing a hat most the time in the sun but it's good to have that added protection and because the suns rays can still get you. It's only a factor 15 though, so I will be using it fairly regularly.

I can't believe I didn't mention Soap and Glory in my original post. I love these but I don't actually have many products. Probably as I don't go into Boots that often (sometimes that shop overwhelms me.) They always have great gift sets around Christmas so they are great presents. I love the body butter and hand food.

In this muggy weather and because my tablets make me really thirsty, I've been trying to keep myself well hydrated. Which can sometimes be funny when your legs aren't working properly. But I think this will help prepare my body and skin for my holiday too. We've resorted to using a jug so I have enough and am not constantly asking for a drink but actually it's a good way to keep track of how much you are drinking. I've been using some rehydration tablets too to help with heat induced cramping and just being a complete sweaty Betty and I find they help. I will be taking a pack on holiday with me. My packing list is getting very long!

Another thing I'll quickly mention on this topic and is getting a well deserved spot in my suitcase is a filtered water bottle. I spoke a bit about them in my packing post, but basically they are a re-useable water bottle that has a filter in the neck. This means that you can drink the tap water and all the impurities that you might have been worried about get filtered away. Saving you a small fortune on buying bottles of water and giving you a few more pennies to spend on ice cream or bracelets.

On the weekend I'm also hoping to go to the spa for Body Silk Glistener treatment. This is a full body exfoliation and moiturising treatment to help get your skin all scrubbed and fresh and ready for the sun. So I'm looking forward to that. 

How do you like to prep your skin for holidays?  Let me know in the comments.

Sian

Some of my travel toiletry picks

photo source: Sian Wootton
elf tinted moisturiser with spf 20 http://eyeslipsface.co.uk
Nivea mini roll on
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Coconut and Orchid mini Conditioner, Shampoo also available (smells divine)
Head and Shoulders mini (can be great if your scalp is dry)
All minis http://www.superdrug.com/icat/travel-minis-accessories also available at Boots, Tesco and Asda stores

Travel sized toiletries are fantastic for so many occasions from popping in your hand bag or gym bag and any kind of trip away from home, from a weekend break to 2 weeks in the sun. They're just the right size to help you be economical with packing space but also after a longer holiday you don't need to pack them to come home. Also if you are on a flight with only hand luggage then they comply with all the security regulations.

Nowadays you can get so many of your favourite brands in a mini size, especially for travel. However if they don't then many places do a range of empty mini bottles and containers that you can fill with your favourite products. You can even get them from shops like poundworld etc. 

Aussie Miracale Moist Shampoo
Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Coconut and Orchid Shmpoo
Aussie 3 minute hair mask (for added hydration that doesn't take too long)
Simple moisturising Face wash
Original Source Lemon Shower gel
St Ives exfoliator (great for use before holiday too to prepare your sin)
Batiste dry shampoo
Palmers Cocoa Butter (I love the smell of this, literally yum)
Sensodyne sensitive toothpaste (great for all that ice cream eating)

Dry shampoo is a gift to any chronically ill person, who doesn't always have the energy or strength to wash their hair. Batiste is a great brand and they have many different kinds for different hair types. What I will say though is if you are taking in on a flight you will need to pack it in your hold luggage as aerosols are not permitted in the cabin.

Photo source: Sian Wootton
Coconut & Cream shower gel (the smell of coconut instantly reminds me of holidays)
Boots Fair Trade Cocoa Butter 

Once a day sun tan lotions can be a great idea for any one with Fibromyalgia and are very sensitive to touch, as you aren't having to reapply and rub your skin so much. P20 is great for many people and one I've used in the past but I came out in very funny sun tan lines which might have been an application problem on my part.

As for protecting your face against the sun I find a lot of sun creams too thick and therefore look for other products with a high spf. My foundation of choice is Max Factor Face Finity 3 in 1 foundation, it has an spf of 20 and as it is oil based will fair better if you are in and out of the water. Tinted moisturisers can be great but I find them a bit too dark (even the lightest) for my sick girl pallour. I am going to try a bb cream instead for sun protection and for a bit of coverage. I was thinking this one http://www.superdrug.com/bb-creams/garnier-bb-cream-miracle-skin-perfector-light-50ml/invt/282267&bklist= but I think a higher spf would be more beneficial. If you have any suggestions let me know.

Nivea 50ml spf 30 suncream (Superdrug)
Ambre Solaire 50ml spf 30 suncream (Superdrug)
Ambre Solaire spf 30 lip balm
Quicies nail polish remover pads (available at 99p store!)
Sudocrem mini

Make up wise try to avoid things that are loose, such as powders, blushers or bronzers as they will get jostled about whilst travelling and could cause spillages. Opt for more compact versions for your holidays. I adore my 17 cheek stamp blusher. You literally just stamp it on to the apples of your cheeks then blend with a brush. There is zero mess and it's really compact with a useful mirror too. Peachy tones can be better for Summer holidays as they don't  make you look like you've caught too much sun. Holidays bring to mind to me fresh natural make up and radiant skin. I never like to wear to much make up in warm weather anyhow as I know that it will soon just slide off. Opt for products that make your skin glow, primers and illuminators can be a great base for a bb cream or tinted moisturiser. I swear by Clarins Beauty Flash Balm to help perk up my skin year round. If you want to go for something a bolder look though then add a pop of colour to your lips. I find this also makes my eyes look bigger and is easy to get redoing.

Photo source; Sian Wootton
Make use of any sample products you have

Photo source: Sian Wootton
Available at Boots 

The top 2 are from www.amazon.co.uk
Bottom 2 are from www.boots.com

Lastly a good toiletries bag is a must. One that you can hang on a door can be really useful. Especially if it is only a small bathroom or has limited shelf space. I also love the following idea, a little bit of genius. How well would that work for camping holidays etc? And you wouldn't have to worry about dropping any bottles, which could prove difficult to pick up for the chronically ill person. 

photo source: Pinterest

I always buy new products but if you are concerned about any spillages you can try the following tip, or as my good friend Ali suggested  to put sellotape around all the lids.

photo source: Pinterest

Visit the links or any of the shops mentioned in this post to get any of the products mentioned.

What are your fave holiday products? Or Summer must have products?

Sian x