Mama Mio Bootcamp for Arms Challenge

So ladies... hands up if you are not the biggest fan of your arms. It seems that us girls are always obsessing about the dreaded bingo wings, with over a third of women (35%) admitting to another woman’s arms being the first physical attribute they register! As much as I try to stay in shape I am not a regular gym bunny and much prefer doing some cardio (a jog) or bikram yoga to slaving away on the machines or lifting weights. Coupled with having very little strength in my upper body, and generally not being blessed with an athletic build, my arms are definitely an area that I would like to improve!

I was therefore excited to be offered the chance to participate in the Mama Mio Bootcamp for Arms Challenge. Though there will not be any camouflage or mud involved as this set is designed to make toned arms achievable for ordinary mortals like me, who do not have the steely will power or the funds of Madonna (and her ridiculously toned arms)!

The set comes with skincare products to exfoliate, tighten and tone, to reveal that illusive fit and healthy looking skin. The kit also includes simple yet effective exercises, developed by Efua Baker, to banish any hint of wobble and create arm definition . Luckily, the exercise is a mere 4 minutes a day, which I think even my weak arms and short attention span can manage!

Step 1
Omega Body Buff
This is the first stage of exfoliation to reveal smoother, more toned looking skin. Omega Body Buff is rich in Sweet Almond Oil, Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Vitamin E and loaded with micro-ground pumice. This should be used at least 3 times a week on dry skin before showering.

Step 2
Double Buff Glove
This glove helps to exfoliate and clear away dead skin cells as well as boosting circulation. This should be used every day with firm upward strokes for 30 seconds.

Step 3
Skin Tight Toning Serum
Skin Tight visibly tightens up saggy looking skin, improving the surface tone and texture. With daily use, its four stage action will work to visually tighten up loose skin helping to ensure that your skin looks like it fits you perfectly in your battle against bat-wing wobble. Papaya enzymes gently exfoliate (to rid you of pesky back of the arm bumps and dry elbows), Hyaluronic Acid plumps with massive moisture, Soy Protein Complex provides instant gratification tightening and wonderfully ant-ageing Uniprosyn gives you eye serum technology to reduce the appearance of crepey skin.

Step 4
4 minutes a-day exercise system to reshape your upper arms
These exercises were created by Efua Baker, renowned amongst her celebrity circle as being the ‘Turnaround Queen’. She has chosen her two favourite exercises to take the wobble out of your wings and give them a tighter, stronger more defined look. Just 4 minutes a day of simple, targeted exercise.

Let the challenge begin!

If you want to join me in the Bootcamp for Arms challenge this kit retails at £49.50 and is available from Boots here. Good luck my lovelies! *Bingo wing wave*

This is a sponsored post.

Glowing Summer Skin Tips

Even though the weather has been trying to hide it from us it is in fact Summer. With bikinis and short shorts in mind I have put together a list of my favourite products to get your skin Summer ready - healthy, beautiful, smooth and glowing!

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! It's time to slather on the creams and make sure your skin is well hydrated, plump and smooth. Recently I have been indulging in Kiehl's Creme de Corps Soy Milk and Honey Whipped Body Butter* (£36 here).

With shea butter, beta carotene and jojoba oil this wonderfully luxurious moisturiser works wonders for sprucing up pasty legs that have been hidden under opaque tights for months. It is rich enough to hydrate deep down, yet light enough to sink in quickly, not leaving behind any greasy residue. Creme de Corps is a cult product and I think this whipped version is a fabulous addition to the range.

Exfoliate! Other than a good old fashioned pair of exfoliating gloves (I have these babies in pink £2.66) my all time favourite scrub is Soap and Glory's Breakfast Scrub (£9.50 here). This oat, shea butter and sugar body smoother has a rough texture that works hard to remove dead skin cells and reveal the fresh, glowing skin underneath. It also smells absolutely delicious!!

Hair Removal. Now this is the part I am definitely not a fan of. Other than trying out the TRIA permanent hair removal laser system (video review coming soon) I have recently been relying on shaving. Since I have extremely sensitive skin I have had plenty of bad experiences with shaving in the past. Luckily, I was recently set the new Venus ProSkin* to trial and it has worked perfectly - no lumps, bumps or razor burn. The Venus ProSkin is designed to help protect delicate skin with its MoistureRich shave gel bars, which contain  a triple blend of body butters for a comfortable shave. The ProSkin sensitive has 5 blades for a close shave that puts less pressure on the skin, hence less irritation

Cleanse. As well as traditional shaving creams, such as the Satin Care pictured above I have also found that my favourite shower oil can be used during shaving. I was hesitant to try it at first, but it really does make your razor glide like a dream. So for a gentle and moisturising shower I highly recommend the amazing L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil (£16.50 here).

Glow - Just because the weather isn't co-operating doesn't mean we don't want our skin to have some colour. I have recently been trying out the Sienna X professional tanning range and I absolutely love it. My favourite product is the Gradual Glowing Self Tan* (£15.95 here). This tan infused moisturiser smells absolutely delicious and is super easy to apply - no tanning mitt needed. On day one it gives you just a little hint of colour, day two adds a little more glow and day three will leave you with a gorgeous, natural looking deep tan. I usually apply it before bed on two consecutive evenings and reapply every other day to maintain the colour.

The Sienna X range also features a polishing body scrub and body wash to prepare the skin, a darker glowing self tan, instant bronzing gel and express tanning mist to add colour and even a post tan radiance body balm and shimmer spray to make your skin glow! All the products smell amazing and give great results at an affordable price.

Cool. If you are feeling the heat and the last thing you want to do is slather yourself in oily moisturiser why not try a lighter option? The new Body Purees* (from £4.50 here) from The Body Shop are the perfect choice if you want to hydrate and refresh your skin. The lightweight texture cools and soothes parched skin while leaving behind a clean, invigorating scent. TBS also currently have 25% off online purchases with the code NEW25.

Travel. If you are off to seek some foreign Sun or prefer a 'staycation' to take advantage of all the excitement that is going on in England this Summer don't forget to pack some treats for your skin. I love the idea of this Montagne Jeunesse Travel Pamper Pack. This set contains 6 individually packaged treatments for skin, hair, body, feet and face for just £5 (here).

I hope that's all bases covered! Do tell me if I left anything out!

What products do you trust to prep your skin and make sure it stays beautiful and glowing throughout the Summer months? xxx

*PR Sample