LOCKDOWN was devastating for those who want to become parents – from the lack of dating, to actually meeting a new partner and the closure of IVF clinics across the country.
Today I look at ways to help the fertility journey, while our Beauty Editor puts tinted lip balms to the test.
IVF
Zita West is a renowned UK fertility expert and midwife
- Zita West £71 for a month’s supply, zitawest.com – buy now
Zita West is a renowned UK fertility expert and midwife who has produced premium supplements that focus purely on fertility, reproduction and pregnancy.
Her female IVF Nutritional Support Pack is designed for women going through IVF treatment.
It includes a mixture of vitamins and minerals, an antioxidant “booster” to help protect DNA, omega DHA and EPA with zinc, and a vitamin D spray.
A great all-round package with carefully chosen nutrients.
WORK AWARENESS
Fertility Matters At Work has recently been launched
Fertility Matters At Work has recently been launched.
It is a workplace education and policy programme to raise awareness of fertility issues and their impact on physical and mental health.
Set up by three HR experts who all had their own IVF battles, they hope more companies will modernise and become “fertility friendly”.
Their mission is to break down barriers on a subject that is often difficult to discuss for both employees and employers, even though one in six couples of working age struggle.
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY
The founder of Purearth Drinks has created the Mama Support Juice BoxCredit: Purearth
- Mama Support Juice Box, £48.30, purearth.co.uk – buy now
The founder of Purearth Drinks – who produce cold-pressed juices, shots and water kefir – struggled to conceive and has created the Mama Support Juice Box.
It is a package for women preparing for pregnancy, those trying to conceive and new mums.
The aim is the organic, cold-pressed juices replenish, restore and nourish.
The drinks taste amazing and are full of much-needed nutrients.
A perfect kit or gift.
BUDGET
E.L.F. Sheer Slick lipstick makes application without a mirror or lip liner much easier and low maintenanceCredit: ELF
- E.L.F. Sheer Slick lipstick, £5, boots.com – buy now
I love the slim bullet, which makes application without a mirror or lip liner much easier and low maintenance – especially when you’re on the go.
The tinted balm comes in eight shades, which are surprisingly varied considering the price.
My favourite is Cherry Slush, the perfect “your lips but better” dark rose-pink.
The formula feels moisturising and the colour pay-off is on the darker side of sheer, but it does disappear pretty quickly.
MID
Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm is perfect for camouflaging chapped lipsCredit: Rare Beauty
- Rare Beauty With Gratitude Dewy Lip Balm, £15, spacenk.com/uk – buy now
Although this is billed as a tinted balm, it is pigmented enough to be classed as a creamy lipstick but still gives enough slip to feel hydrating, without being greasy or sticky.
The colour doesn’t separate or get caught in dry areas – perfect for camouflaging chapped lips.
Despite the nourishing formula, it lasts much longer than you’d expect.
I’m a huge fan of the versatility of this one, for both day and evening.
LUXURY
When it comes to luxurious make-up, it doesn’t get much better than Dolce & GabbanaCredit: Dolce & Gabbana
- Dolce & Gabbana Sheerlips lipstick, £33 for 3.5g, lookfantastic.com – buy now
When it comes to luxurious make-up, it doesn’t get much better than Dolce & Gabbana, and each of the four petal-inspired shades has a different floral design on the signature gold packaging, making them a real collector’s item.
The hydrating, sunflower seed wax formula conditioned my lips without feeling heavy or occlusive, and the sheer coverage meant I could get away with a brighter shade than I’d usually dare to use with normal lipstick.
If you have the cash to spare, they’re well worth the purchase.
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