If it’s not cramps and cravings, it’s breakouts and breakdowns.

The wide fluctuations in hormones across the four stages of your menstrual cycle can cause havoc with everything from your skin to your hair, moods, appetites, and even sleep.

In this feature, we take a look at how these hormones change at each of the four stages of a menstrual cycle.

We look at what these changes mean for your skin, hair, and appetite, and, most importantly, what you can do to help relieve at least some of the period symptoms.

Click the links in the box to the left to jump to the most relevant section.

FURTHER READING: How your skin changes in each decade of your life | Makeup tips for each decade of your life

The four stages of the menstrual cycle

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As a little refresher on what happens during your menstrual cycle, we’ve explained the four main stages of your period below. The days listed are the average and will depend on how long your cycle is. If you don’t already, we highly recommend tracking your period so you have a better idea of what menstrual stage you’re in.

There are apps that do this – Clue and Flo are good ones – or if you have an iPhone you can also track it in your Health app. You can even get notifications that alert you when you’re entering different phases, which can help you make positive food, exercise, and work/life decisions.

• Days 1-5: Menstrual phase a.k.a Menstrual Winter

This is when you’re on your period. The phase starts on the day you first start bleeding and lasts for around five days.

• Days: 6-14: Follicular Phase a.k.a Menstrual Spring

The follicular phase starts on the last day of menstrual bleeding and lasts until ovulation. This phase gets its name from the fact it’s when egg-containing follicles start to develop.

• Days: 12 to 14: Ovulatory Phase a.k.a Menstrual Summer

The egg is released during this phase.

• Days 15 to 28: Luteal phase a.k.a Menstrual Autumn

During this phase, your body begins lining the uterus for implantation, awaiting the arrival of a fertilised egg. If the egg arrives and isn’t fertilised, the uterus lining starts to break down and you re-enter the menstrual phase.

How each stage of your period affects your skin, hair, mind, and body

The best way to remember how you’re going to look and feel during each stage is by likening the phases to seasons in a year.

When you’re on your period, your symptoms are at their worst so it can be described as your Menstrual Winter. During the Ovulatory Phase, you’ll be feeling and looking your best so it can be described as the Menstrual Summer.

Menstrual Phase

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Hormones: During the menstrual phase estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest. The drop in progesterone causes the breakdown and shedding of the womb lining which results in bleeding.

Skin symptoms: The low levels of oestrogen lead to dry, dull, and flaky. This is because estrogen helps stimulate collagen and elastin – two components that are considered the building blocks of skin and which cause it to look plump and youthful. Low estrogen also interferes with the natural production of hyaluronic acid and hyaluronic acid is what attracts and retains moisture. Dry skin has a tendency to become irritated and this can make your skin feel red and itchy.

Hair symptoms: In a similar way, estrogen has been shown to positively impact the health of hair. It can increase hair growth and thickness, as well as balance out the production of androgens. Androgens have been found to shrink hair follicles which makes them weaker, which in turn causes women’s hair thinning. As a result, when estrogen levels are low it has the opposite effect. Hair becomes thinner and more fragile. It looks dull and you may experience more shedding during your period.

Appetite: Many women experience cravings and an increase in appetite during the menstrual phase. These cravings are often for sweet or salty foods. Conversely, some women lose their appetite. This is because estrogen can impact the release of hormones associated with hunger and satiety, such as leptin and ghrelin.

Mind and body: Energy levels are low during your period, this is partly due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone but it can also be because of your body having to deal with cramping and changes in appetite. Despite the stereotypes of women being moodier on their period, it’s actually the days leading up to the womb lining – the luteal phase – being shed when mood swings truly take hold.

FURTHER READING: The best intimate products for all your period and feminine hygiene needs

Follicular Phase

Hormones: During the follicular phase, your body is preparing for ovulation and this sees a rise in the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). As the follicles mature, they cause increase estrogen levels to rise.

Skin symptoms: With higher levels of estrogen comes higher levels of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid all of which leave your skin looking brighter and clearer.

Hair symptoms: The increase in estrogen also helps improve the health and quality of your hair. Hair may feel thicker and stronger during this time, and some women may notice even see an increase in growth.

Appetite: During the follicular phase, you may see a drop in appetite and may feel less hungry overall. This is due to the rise in estrogen, which can help to regulate appetite and mood.

Mind and body: This steady increase in estrogen also helps improve concentration and energy levels. You have the most clarity during this period, which makes the Follicular Phase and ovulation a good time to make decisions.

Ovulatory Phase

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Hormones: At the end of the Follicular Phase, and as the body enters the Ovulatory Phase, estrogen levels peak and you’ll likely feel your best. This is due to a surge in a hormone called lutenising hormone (LH), which causes the egg to be released, but it’s also due to a rise in testosterone.

Skin symptoms: Due to peak levels of estrogen, your skin will be glowing and radiant during this phase. It will look plump, hydrated, and youthful.

Hair symptoms: Similarly, hair will feel thicker, and shinier and you may notice an increase in growth. This has been associated with making women look their best in order to attract a “mate.” Sadly, this is the shortest phase of the four so the impact is short-lived.

Appetite: During the ovulatory phase, you may crave high-carb foods. This is due to the surge in estrogen, which can impact hunger and metabolism.

Mind and body: The Ovulatory Phase is a good time to train and work out because energy levels are high, your mood will be bright, and – because of the increase in testosterone – you’ll feel stronger than before. You may also see your libido spike during this phase, this is again due to higher levels of testosterone which are released to encourage you to want to have sex when you’re at your most fertile.

Luteal Phase

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Hormones: Just as you’re feeling your best, the luteal phase comes along to ruin everything. The follicle that released the egg produces progesterone, which causes your womb lining to thicken in preparation for a fertilised egg.

Skin symptoms: Higher levels of progesterone have also been shown to increase how much sebum your body produces. Excess sebum causes oiliness of the skin. This, in turn, makes pores swell and become more prone to buildup, dirt, and dead skin cells, which leads to breakouts and acne. Increased sebum also raises your body temperature and makes you sweat more, which can also clog pores and lead to spots. Some women additionally experience something called progesterone dermatitis which is an eczema-style rash caused by a reaction to the higher levels of progesterone. This can lead to a rash and itchy skin.

Hair symptoms: Increased levels of sebum can also increase the oiliness of your scalp, which cause hair to become greasier and limp. Progesterone can also stunt the anagen (growth) phase of your hair cycle while increasing the resting, or telogen phase. This causes increased hair shedding and hair loss.

Mind and body: Progesterone has been shown to have a “depressant” effect, which causes low energy and low mood. If your mood is naturally high, you may find that this rise in progesterone simply makes you feel more chilled. However, for the majority of women, this causes anxiety and paranoia, mood swings, and random crying.

FURTHER READING: What happens to skin and hair during menopause? | How to unclog pores on your nose and face in six steps

How to manage the period symptoms of each stage

Aegle's

Below we explain how to counteract the negative skin and hair impacts of the menstrual, and luteal phases. We’ve also noticed a huge difference in our skin, cravings, and mood since taking the Aegle’s Acne Clear Now supplement and using the Harmony elixirs in the Adaptogenic Apothecary beauty box.

You can read more about these in our Aegle’s Acne Clear Now review, or in our best beauty subscription box guide.

Menstrual phase

• Drink more water to boost hydration
• Take time to rest to preserve your energy levels
• Opt for hydrating serums, mists, and moisturisers – we’ve started listing the best hydrating skincare products here
• Avoid over-exfoliating at this stage
• Boost hair health by applying a hair oil – we recommend rosemary hair oil
• Avoid skincare with strong fragrances to minimise the chances of irritation
• Opt for adaptogenic skincare where possible
• Avoid retinol or products that are known to cause irritation

Luteal phase

• Drink more water and green tea
• Exfoliate regularly to keep pores clear and prevent breakouts – we recommend the Paula’s Choice Exfoliant because it’s gentle yet effective.
• Use a clarifying shampoo to remove excess oil
• Use a scalp scrub to remove any buildup
• Avoid greasy, high-sugar foods which can make oily skin worse
• Avoid overbrushing the hair, or pulling it too tightly
• Keep a journal to track your emotions

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Victoria Woollaston-Webber

Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget

The post How your skin and hair changes at every stage of your menstrual cycle – and what to do about it appeared first on mamabella.

The Studio Fix line from MAC Cosmetics now has a new entry – a 2-in-1 concealer and foundation called the Studio Fix Every-Wear All-Over Face Pen.

The pen promises to “conceal and correct” uneven skin tone, dark spots, blemishes and redness and MAC claims this coverage will last 36 hours. All while providing a natural-looking matte finish.

Elsewhere, the formula contains a number of skincare ingredients including Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine.

MAC

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental pollution and damage. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the skin and helps to attract and retain moisture, leaving the skin hydrated and plump.

While caffeine energises the skin, in a similar way to how it energises the brain, and this is great for adding brightness to the skin. Especially to dark or dull areas around your eye.

FURTHER READING: Here is every bestselling MAC foundation reviewed and ranked from best to worst

MAC Studio Fix Every-Wear pen

MAC has been increasing its focus on skincare in recent months through the launch of its Hyper Real skincare range, and the addition of skin-friendly ingredients across its makeup line.

Skincare makeup has been rising in popularity over the past year or so and it’s set to be a big trend throughout 2023 and beyond as people focus more on getting more value for money in the wake of squeezing costs, as well as a greater understanding around the science of certain ingredients.

Like all MAC products, though, the new Every-Wear pen isn’t cheap. A 12ml pen costs £28 – only £4 less than the original Studio Fix foundation.

MAC

MAC has also released a new Studio Fix foundation brush said to make applying Every-Wear easier and more evenly. That brush alone costs £28 too!

However, considering the pen could, in theory, replace your eye cream, foundation, and concealer in a single product, the pen could be better value than it first appears.

We’ve bought the pen and will be putting it to the test as soon as it arrives. In the meantime, you can read our Studio Fix foundation review, or check out our list of best foundations. We’ve tested more than 100 to determine, once and for all, which are worth buying and which are worth avoiding!

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Victoria Woollaston-Webber

Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget

The post MAC launches 2-in-1 Studio Fix concealer and foundation pen for on-the-go coverage appeared first on mamabella.

Not only does glitter makeup instantly add a bit of glamour, but it’s also been shown to boost your mental health too. Turns out making your face shine, makes your soul shine too.

However, adding glitter makeup to your routine can feel a bit daunting, so let us help! Below we’ve explained how to get started with glitter makeup including the different types you can buy, and how to use it without it looking like a unicorn threw up all over you, or your dressing table.

Glitter makeup: Types and tools

When it comes to adding glitter to your makeup, you have the choice to go all-out disco ball, or reign it in and have the tiniest of touches. Achieving this spectrum of looks depends on the types of glitter makeup you use and the categories are as follows. Click on each type to jump straight to that section.

• Glitter gel
• Pressed glitter
• Loose glitter
• Stones

You’ll also need:

• A silicone brush
• Primer
• Eyelash glue

In terms of application, the best route to take is via a silicone brush. A silicone makeup brush works well because it helps you to put the glitter on your skin in a precise way. It grips the powder and glitter really well, which also reduces spillage.

You should almost always start with an eyeshadow primer when using any form of eye product, including glitter makeup. The only time this isn’t true is when using glitter gels and pastes. A primer will make it easier to apply your eyeshadow and help to keep it in place for longer.

Finally, for some glitter makeup looks you’ll need skin-friendly glue. You can buy specific glitter glues, or you can use eyelash glue. Our favourite is the Duo Striplash Adhesive Glue (£5.99).

Top tips for using glitter makeup

• To get rid of stray glitter on your face, use tape to dab it off
• To keep your glitter eye shadow to stay in place for longer use a setting spray. We recommend the e.l.f Makeup Fixing Mist & Setting Spray (£5). You can also mix your setting spray in with your makeup at the application stage to hold it in place even longer
• As well as a glitter primer, you could use petroleum jelly or lip balm as a form of glue for applying loose glitter

mamabella recommends: NYX Professional Makeup Dual Silicone Glitter Eyeshadow Applicator (£10); NYX Professional Glitter Makeup Eye Kit (£24)

Glitter makeup: Using glitter gels and pastes

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Maybe you’ve landed on this page because you’ve been inspired by the fantastically bold and whimsical makeup looks from the TV series, Euphoria. Or you’re after festival glitter makeup looks. Either way, we recommend the Lemonhead.LA for your eye makeup glitter.

Lemonhead.LA sells thick pastes containing strong coloured glitter that really pack a punch when put on your eyes. They give you that opaque coverage in a foiled/metallic finish that Euphoria does so well.

The Lemonhead brand glitter pastes are vegan, cruelty-free, and have been used by Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Jessie J – to mention a few. If it’s good enough for Bey…

To apply a glitter paste:

• Take a small amount of paste (you can add more if you need to later)
• Apply it using a brush or your finger in one, even stroke
• While it’s still wet, use your brush to gently nudge the glitter where you want it
• Wait for it to drive, and then add more if you haven’t got the desired effect

If you opt for using a glitter gel you’re not going to want to use an eye shadow underneath. A glitter gel works much better on its own, or with an eye shadow cream, but not a powder.

Emmy award-winning makeup artist, Doniella Davy, who created the glitter heavy looks on Euphoria said about her time on the show: “I was less concerned with making eyes bigger and eyebrows fuller, and more concerned with using makeup to tell stories and be cheeky and expressive.”

You can definitely create some striking looks with a glitter paste, as they’re thick and full of colour.

mamabella recommends: Lemonhead.LA ‘Malibu’ – a deep blue colour that screams Euphoria (£20); Lemonhead.LA ‘Gildebeest’ – a pale gold colour (£20)  

How to apply pressed glitter

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Pressed glitter eyeshadow is slightly wetter in texture than your standard eye shadow powders. As a result, this texture acts as a glue meaning you can apply glitter eyeshadow directly to your skin, without the need for another product to make it stick.

When applying glitter eye shadow on its own, it can look really sparse and patchy. Therefore we would recommend using a shimmery shadow first, as a base for the glitter eye shadow. You’re going to want to pick a shade of shimmery shadow that matches or goes well with the colour of the glitter you’re hoping to use.

Also combining a pressed glitter eyeshadow with a matte eye shadow can make your eyes pop. This is because it gives you the best of both worlds, a colour you feel comfortable wearing and a little bit of shimmer to make you shine. Depending on the colours you choose this could be a great look for the daytime or evening.

mamabella recommends: Morphe 35M Colour Boss Mood Eyeshadow Palette (£24); NYX Professional Glitter Goals Palette (£23.79) 

How to apply loose glitter 

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Like with the kid’s glitter, adding glitter powder to your face has the potential to get very, very messy. If you want to limit the mess and make sure the application is as easy and smooth as possible, you’re going to need a high-strength eyeshadow primer. This will help make sure the glitter stays in place all day or night and essentially work as a glue.

To apply the primer, add a bit of product to the back of your hand and then use a brush to spread across your eyelids. Depending on where you want to add your glitter, you can sweep all over the lid or add very precise lines.

Like with the pressed glitter you have the option to wear an eyeshadow underneath. This can look particularly effective if, for example, you just wanted to add some loose glitter to the corners of your eyes for a more subtle glitter look.

mamabella recommends: NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Primer (£8) 

How to make rhinestones and sequins stick

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As well as your standard glitter makeup, you have the option to add rhinestones or different sequins to elevate your looks. These are heavily used in Euphoria. They are perfect for taking your glitter eyeshadow to the next level and are great to use for occasions where you can really get creative and make an impression.

Even if your rhinestones or sequins already come with a sticky backing already, you’re going to want to use skin-friendly glue if you want to make sure they stay in place. We recommend eyelash glue, as it’s very likely you’ve got some of that at home already. Plus it’s easy to carry around with you if you need to do a touch up later in the day.

You’re also going to need a clean dry surface to stick your sequin or stone onto. If you’ve already put your makeup on then add a mattifying setting spray, or clean the spot you’re sticking it to with a cotton bud dipped in micellar water. We recommend the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (£5.33)

• Put your glue on the back of the rhinestone or sequins and wait a few seconds for it to get a bit tacky – as you would when putting glue on your fake eyelashes
• Take a pair of tweezers and place the sequin or shape where you want it. If it doesn’t automatically stick, the glue isn’t tacky enough
• Once on, push down on the gem a little with a clean finger, or the tweezers, until you think it’s stuck and is secure

When you want to take off your rhinestones and other shapes, they should peel off pretty easily. Using the micellar water again will help clean off any residue.

Glitter makeup cheats

If you’re heading to a festival this year you’re going to want to look the part and that means face glitter! However, camping doesn’t exactly lend itself well to a full-face makeup routine. Plus carrying loads of products just isn’t practical.

That’s why we think the face glitter rhinestones we found on Amazon are a fantastic cheat, making it super easy and quick to apply. Plus you can be really bad at applying makeup with this one and still look great. 

Essentially all you need to do is peel the backing off the sticker and apply it to your face. You can get options that cover your whole forehead, or just have rhinestones to wear around your eyes or eyebrows. It’s definitely your easiest way to create the Euphoria look. Your biggest problem will be choosing the design you like best because there are so many out there.

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Katherine O'Shea

Kat is a freelance journalist, photographer, and the founder of Simply Gender Free – a company dedicated to smashing gender stereotypes in kids’ products. As a mum of two, Kat is passionate about making the world a better place for the next generation

The post Glitter makeup for beginners: How to get started with glitter eye and face makeup looks appeared first on mamabella.