Forever’s key to success is a commitment to quality and purity. The products start with 100% inner leaf gel, delicately adding just enough other ingredients to produce outstanding products.
Forever is so confident in the quality of its products that we offer a complete 60-day money-back guarantee.
The largest manufacturer of aloe vera in the world
Operating in over 150 countries
Avoiding the use of herbicides and pesticides
Guaranteed aloe quality
Over 9.5 million Forever Business Owners
A variety of awards
You’re probably aware of the recently announced Leap to London incentive – your opportunity to qualify for the first European Forever event in 2024, which we are incredibly excited and proud...
You’re probably aware of the recently announced Leap to London incentive – your opportunity to qualify for the first European Forever event in 2024, which we are incredibly excited and proud to be hosting!
What is Leap to London?
Over 2,000 Forever Business Owners will be gathered at Magazine in London from the 2nd to the 4th of February, where qualifiers will enjoy two nights hotel accommodation, three days at the event including a training, Success Day, access to an exclusive party and, training and inspiration as well as £150 or €150 travel compensation.
Why are incentives important in building your business?
Forever Business Owner, Aine French, has qualified for numerous Forever incentives including Eagle Managers’ Retreat and the June ‘Yes You Cannes’ incentive, and says, “Incentives have been life-changing for me. I grasped early on how incentives could drive my business. As a single Mum, my need to join Forever was all about income and in the beginning, I had little confidence and self-belief. Fast forward to now and I can’t overstate how important the recognition, and opportunity to travel and meet other Forever Business Owners has been for me. Inspiring and energising me to build my business, building my confidence and skills through those interactions and the training at those events. I really am a different person; personal achievement and recognition build you in ways you can’t even begin to imagine.
From a practical perspective, the short-term focus required over the qualifying period really helps me to define my activities daily, track my progress and stay motivated with a very clear vision of what I need to achieve over that time frame and how I am going to do it. I bought my ticket to Cannes within days of that incentive being announced, I was absolutely determined that I was going to qualify. What makes me particularly excited about Leap to London is that is also so achievable for my team and being in London with them will be the icing on the cake for me. I really do have the most special memories from my Forever trips and I want everyone to experience that too.”
Eagle Manager, Bernie Rafferty, who delivered her own tips for success on the first ‘London is Calling – Committed to Leap to London’ webinar added, “With the qualifying period being part of the run-up to Christmas, this incentive is so achievable. Incentives drive your business wherever you are on the Marketing Plan. They are powerful because you feel you are making progress and small increases are the stepping stones to bigger increases. Honing the skills in recruiting and helping your team members grow their businesses is fundamental to long-term success. This incentive provides that focus and the results will build your business and set you up for further growth and success in 2024.”
To help you stay focused make sure you tune into our webinars, where you’ll receive lots of inspiring tips such as daily activity and how to stay on track. And remember to make your pledge too.
Watch previous webinars, make a pledge, keep track of your progress and lots more info: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cb6hv6d3x4j78ch/AACth-IGHxp-aoO9io3pMP14a?dl=0
Register for the upcoming ‘London is Calling – Committed to Leap to London’ webinar on Mon 9 October at 7.30pm: https://flpuk-net.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYvfumrqjguHNTaY9JfBjconK1r2jGA693Q?fbclid=IwAR3nRB0eIgk9A4qRPYgv25ghUCIhL0ji4KMLGgk_1aKdHT9o9tE3bS4dQN4#/registration
We are delighted that our flagship product, Forever Aloe Vera Gel, has won Silver for Best Aloe Vera Product in the 2023 Global Green Beauty Awards. We are dedicated to seeking out nature'...
We are delighted that our flagship product, Forever Aloe Vera Gel, has won Silver for Best Aloe Vera Product in the 2023 Global Green Beauty Awards.
We are dedicated to seeking out nature's best sources for health and beauty and sharing them with you, so Forever Aloe Vera Gel has been a much-loved product of ours for many years.
Forever UK, Ireland and Iceland are delighted to welcome Simone Magill to the Forever Family. About Simone Simone currently plays for Aston Villa, following a move from Everton, who she joined aged...
Forever UK, Ireland and Iceland are delighted to welcome Simone Magill to the Forever Family.
This week was National Recycling Week, and we’ve spent some of it sharing a few facts about how Forever works to do our bit for the environment – from our shipping packaging being completely recyclab...
This week was National Recycling Week, and we’ve spent some of it sharing a few facts about how Forever works to do our bit for the environment – from our shipping packaging being completely recyclable, right down to the water we use to wash our aloe being recycled back into the fields to help with water conservation. You can take a look at some of our other measures here.
But while we all know that reducing, reusing and recycling is important for the planet, have you ever considered the impact it can have on your own mental wellbeing? If you’re after an effective mood boost, look no further than contributing positively to your environment or local community. Doing good makes you feel good in turn, and here are just a few really great ways to give back and feel amazing about it.
Donating toys your children have grown out of to a children’s hospital
Giving clothes you no longer wear to friends or colleagues who will love them
Donating your old trinkets, clothes or electronics to a charity shop, where somebody else may love it and buy it, and with the proceeds going to that charity
Donating unused and still-in-date makeup to women’s aid charities
Zero waste grocery shops – support a small business AND reduce your waste – win win!
Clothing shops – find ethically sourced, unique pieces to define your wardrobe
Bakeries – because homemade goodies are always better than what you can find in the supermarket
Gift shops – whether you’re buying art pieces, handmade jewellery or artisan candles, your friends and family will love the thoughtfulness behind these locally crafted gifts!
Reduce your food waste with meal planning
Reduce your Christmas waste by choosing environmentally friendly gift wrapping options
Incorporate these seven simple habits to be more sustainable
Choose environmentally friendly products as part of your routine
September is here and with our schedules filling up again, the kids back to school and the season shifting into early autumn, we wanted to put a focus back onto what’s important: your wellbeing; both...
September is here and with our schedules filling up again, the kids back to school and the season shifting into early autumn, we wanted to put a focus back onto what’s important: your wellbeing; both physical and mental.
It’s been an interesting year for all of us, and we’re still adapting, but we know that it’s important to keep taking care of ourselves.
You may have seen our blog post from a few months ago in which we talked about figuring out your skincare routine and which products you should reach for depending on your particular skincare needs....
You may have seen our blog post from a few months ago in which we talked about figuring out your skincare routine and which products you should reach for depending on your particular skincare needs. Since our Hydrating Serum came along, you may be wondering whereabouts this sits in your routine as a whole and how to maximise the benefits of all of your skincare products just by including this new product into your day.
You may have spotted that the brand-new Hydrating Serum in our Targeted skincare range contains an ingredient called hyaluronic acid. If this word is new to you, it may sound a little intimidating at...
You may have spotted that the brand-new Hydrating Serum in our Targeted skincare range contains an ingredient called hyaluronic acid. If this word is new to you, it may sound a little intimidating at first – ‘hyaluronic acid? Why on Earth would I want an acid anywhere near my skin?’
Don’t worry - contrary to the name, hyaluronic acid (HA) is not an acid. It’s actually your best friend for skin plumping as it acts like a moisture magnet and is able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. The scientific sounding name might lead you to believe that it’s artificial but in fact hyaluronic acid is sugar molecule that occurs naturally in the body. HA levels tend to fall as we age or if we are subjected to environmental aggressors, such as pollution, so it makes sense to look for a serum containing hyaluronic acid if we are keen to age well or if we live in urban environments.
When we add hyaluronic acid to skincare products, its humectant properties draw moisture into the skin, helping to combat dryness and dullness and restoring elasticity. Improving the water content of skin strengthens its barrier, calms irritation and plumps out fine lines.
What many people don’t realise is that there is more than one type of HA. HAs come in various molecular sizes; smaller molecules can penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver their hydrating benefits while large molecules stay on the surface giving the skin a ‘dewy’ look.
Forever’s new Hydrating Serum is a powerhouse of hyaluronic acid containing FOUR different types, which work together to replenish water on the surface of skin and retain moisture from the inside, whilst also improving elasticity and resulting in the appearance of visibly plump skin.
This means that Forever’s Hydrating Serum will help your skin feel plump and hydrated while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and providing an added layer of protection against environmental stressors. Definitely a skincare hero, in our books.
Have you ever used a Hyaluronic Acid in your skincare routine before?
We are loving trying out our brand-new Hydrating Serum! Whilst we might not be escaping on tropical holidays this year, the hot and humid weather we have been experiencing recently has been making u...
We are loving trying out our brand-new Hydrating Serum!
Whilst we might not be escaping on tropical holidays this year, the hot and humid weather we have been experiencing recently has been making us feel like we are sunning ourselves on faraway sands. Given the temperature, we have been making sure that we are staying hydrated, especially our skin. And what better way than our brand-new Hydrating Serum!
This fabulous new serum envelops your skin in silky moisture, and is a powerhouse of hyaluronic acid, containing four types which help to seal moisture in and take hydration to deeper layers in the skin. You can find out more about the types of hyaluronic acid in our blog here, where our Beauty and Skincare Trainer, Jeannie McGinnis explains the differences and benefits of this hero skincare ingredient.
In additional to its ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid, it also uses ingredients from around the globe to moisturise and protect including pure aloe vera, and coconut fatty acids which help to spread the serum easily over skin. As part of our Targeted skincare line, this formula applies easily, absorbs quickly, and fits seamlessly into your skincare routine.
But don’t just take our word for it, take a look below at some of the fantastic feedback we have received from our FBOs so far.
Ann Robertson – ‘After just a week I could feel the difference in my skin, and the more I’ve used it the difference is unbelievable, my skin is glowing! That’s when I realised my skin looked so fresh and that’s when I decided to switch to Forever skincare and dump my usual skincare.’
Fiona Townsend – ‘Absolutely love this serum. So hydrating and light, it goes with me everywhere!’
Amarah Campbell – ‘I’ve never used a serum before until now and I absolutely love it! It makes my skin really soft and my skin feels like velvet! I love how quickly it absorbs into the skin, definitely a great addition to my skincare routine.’
Alison Willie – ‘Wouldn’t be without my serum now! I layer it under the Infinite Restoring Crème and my skin feels AMAZING!’
Nuala Harwood – ‘Love our new Hydrating Serum… it smells so good too!’
Alison Moore – ‘Never before have I tried a product and instantly noticed the benefits. This serum is so gentle, fresh, yet powerful in its job; hydrating and creating a more youthful fresh looked.’
Natasha Leanne Holmes – ‘Love my new Hydrating Serum for wonderful, soft, luxurious skin. I’ve seen such a difference in my skin, and it smells gorgeous!’
Sue Barker – ‘I adore the new Hydrating Serum. Fabulously light and so easy to apply. Brilliantly hydrating and so pleased it has white tea included too.’
It has been a strange couple of months. Working from home has become the ‘new normal’ for many of us, and we have had to find new and innovative ways of continuing to run our businesses online. Toda...
It has been a strange couple of months. Working from home has become the ‘new normal’ for many of us, and we have had to find new and innovative ways of continuing to run our businesses online.
Today’s digital world allows us to be more connected than ever, and making new connections or developing your team doesn’t have to be in person – you can grow your business, create leads, and convert them into customers and team members right from the comfort of your own home.
And although lockdown is now beginning to lift, embracing change and developing your online offering is a fantastic and time effective way of growing your business. Online Product Launches are a very effective way of sharing the products, and engaging with new audiences.
We have listed some handy tips on how to host a successful Online Product Launch to help you get started.
This month, we want to celebrate the things that people love most about Forever, including our top selling products - or ‘Forever favourites’ as we like to call them. Aloe vera has powerful benefits...
This month, we want to celebrate the things that people love most about Forever, including our top selling products - or ‘Forever favourites’ as we like to call them.
Aloe vera has powerful benefits that help you to look better and feel better both inside and out – in fact, it’s been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skincare properties: it was even Cleopatra’s favourite beauty product, used to keep her skin and hair looking radiant!
From aiding in digestion to soothing and conditioning the skin, pure inner leaf aloe vera gel is at the heart of everything we do at Forever, and it’s no surprise that our Forever favourites feature the ingredient in abundance!
We’ll kick off with our incredible flagship product: the amazing Forever Aloe Vera Gel! Certified by the International Aloe Science Council for its purity, this drinking gel is as close to the real thing as you can get, boasting 99.7% inner leaf aloe gel, lovingly extracted by hand so that you can experience the true power of nature. We’ve also added vitamin C which contributes to the normal function of the immune system and to a normal energy-yielding metabolism, so that you can kick your day off with a brilliant burst of sunshine and goodness, even if it’s gloomy outside!
And we don’t stop there: we have three more fantastic aloe vera gels waiting to tickle your taste buds.
Forever Aloe Berry Nectar provides a sweet yet tangy flavour with its burst of cranberry and sweet apple, while still containing vitamin C and a whopping 90.7% pure inner leaf aloe vera gel.
Forever Aloe Peaches is the sweetest of them all, with natural peach puree to give it a real taste of summer! Popular with kids and those with a sweet tooth, Forever Aloe Peaches contains 84.3% pure inner leaf aloe vera gel and vitamin C.
Finally, Forever Freedom is the aloe gel most popular with those who lead an active lifestyle. It comes with all the benefits of our plain gel, but with added glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM – and a refreshing orange flavour, too. Stock up with the brand-new Forever Freedom tripack to be sure you never run out!
But let’s take a look at some of the benefits our topical Forever favourite products have, and why so many people love them!
Forever Bright Toothgel
Created for the entire family – as well as your pets – this gentle, non-fluoride formula contains only the highest quality ingredients including aloe vera and bee propolis. Its natural mint flavour will leave your mouth refreshed and your teeth clean!
Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant
The aloe vera formula in this gentle deodorant contains no alcohol or harsh aluminium salts usually found in antiperspirant deodorants and can even be used to soothe after underarm shaving and waxing.
Aloe Lips
This loaded lip product contains aloe, jojoba and three types of wax to smooth and soothe chapped, dry lips all-year round!
Aloe Scrub
Unlike some scrubs that use plastic microbeads, we use microspheres of jojoba which roll over your skin gently. As they roll, they pick up the dead skin cells that clog up pores and cause skin to look dull. Gentle enough for everyday use for your face or body, the natural ingredients exfoliate and reveal healthy-looking skin.
Aloe-Jojoba Shampoo and Conditioning Rinse
It’s easy to get beautifully shiny and easy-to-manage hair with this aloe vera and jojoba oil-infused shampoo and conditioner combo. The ingredients in the shampoo remove oils while simultaneously soothing your scalp, while the conditioning rinse contains jojoba and vitamin B to help nourish, protect and strengthen hair. The gentle pH-balanced formula in both products makes them suitable for all hair types and can be used to help replenish your hair’s natural moisture, give your hair extra shine and help to eliminate split ends.
Aloe Hand Soap
Formulated from pure 100% stabilised aloe vera gel and natural cleansers, this gentle formula with fruit extracts leaves your skin feeling clean, soft and hydrated.
Aloe Propolis Creme
A rich, creamy blend of aloe vera, bee propolis and camomile that helps maintain healthy, beautiful skin tone and texture. The Aloe Propolis Creme’s moisturising and conditioning properties make for an excellent everyday moisturiser and helps to soothe irritation.
Aloe Vera Gelly
If there was an award for ‘most versatile product’ this one might just be the winner: essentially identical to the aloe vera’s inner leaf, this topical thick gel soothes and calms irritation and is great anywhere from the first aid kit to the after sun skincare bag!
Aloe Heat Lotion
Containing warming agents and aloe, this rich emollient lotion provides blissful relief from everyday stresses and strains and can be great when applied before exercise or for soothing aches after a workout!
What is your ‘Forever favourite’? We’d love to know in the comments why you love it so much!
Forever's Beauty and Skincare Trainer, Jeannie McGinnis, has been with Forever Living UK since May 2017 and is our dedicated Skincare Advocate. She has been involved with the health and beauty i...
Forever's Beauty and Skincare Trainer, Jeannie McGinnis, has been with Forever Living UK since May 2017 and is our dedicated Skincare Advocate. She has been involved with the health and beauty industry in some capacity since the late 1980s and promotes holistic, healthy living in her lifestyle.
Below, Jeannie gives us an insight into the ingredients in Forever’s Targeted skincare range and gives advice on how you can implement these brilliant products into your existing skincare routine to help you look and feel better.
One of the biggest global skincare trends in the last few years is moving to unique products that meet the bespoke needs of an individual.
Several years ago, Forever made a forward-thinking move to revitalise and reinvent many of its skin care products. The result was the Sonya Daily Skincare Kit for oily and combination skin and the Infinite by Forever Advanced Skincare System for dry and mature skin. With our flagship ingredient aloe vera as the top ingredient in many of our skincare products, these products can be mixed and matched depending on your skin type.
But instead of creating too many products within those two systems, Forever established a range that sat in between the two that would provide a compliment to each skincare line. The Targeted range purposed to hold products that customers could pick and choose depending on their needs, concerns and preferences offering ‘extra’s that can be used on a daily or as needed basis.
Here is a current look at this fantastic line of complementary products.
Last month, as a Forever family we worked together on our fitness and health, with a strong focus on our incredible C9 which, after weeks of lockdown, was a chance for people to really push themselve...
Last month, as a Forever family we worked together on our fitness and health, with a strong focus on our incredible C9 which, after weeks of lockdown, was a chance for people to really push themselves back into gear with getting active. But physical health is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to looking and feeling better. With life slowly beginning to get back on track for being a bit more ‘normal’ (whatever our new normal looks like), we know that people are keen to get their skin health in tip-top shape, too!
Whether you’ve been spending more time on your skincare during lockdown, or have taken more of a “well, if nobody’s seeing me, does it really even matter?” approach, summer is finally here, and there’s never a better time to sort out your skincare than when the sun is shining!
We have three main skincare ranges at Forever, all of which can be mixed and matched into a personal skincare regime which suits you. This blog post takes a deep dive into how you can figure out your skincare needs and address them with a unique routine.
Dry and ageing skin
Dry skin can be a cause of genetics, environmental factors, or it can come later in life as your skin begins to age, and its moisture is lost. Typically, people with a dry skin type might find that they have:
A dull, rough complexion
Red, flaky or itchy patches of skin
More visible lines and wrinkles
Hydrating Cleanser is full of potent, naturally derived ingredients like apple extract, apple amino acid and cocoa fatty acids that increase skin hydration and gently wash away dirt and oil without drying.
Firming Serum targets the signs of ageing with a clinically proven three-amino acid peptide that complements the natural process of skin to increase firmness and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
With over fifteen skin conditioning ingredients, Restoring Crème absorbs fast to leave skin feeling moisturised and smooth.
In our Firming Complex we’ve combined vitamin C to help with healthy collagen formation in the skin, biotin to maintain healthy hair and skin and we’ve even added extra marine collagen.
Thanks to peptide technology, collagen and other powerful ingredients, Awakening Eye Cream smooths and firms delicate under-eye skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness.
Dry skin can sometimes be flaky. Buff away those dead skin cells once a week with Smoothing Exfoliator to reveal silky soft skin beneath. Lemon essential oil in this product also acts as a rich moisturiser to hydrate that newly revealed skin.
The Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask is a luxury treat that can rejuvenate dull skin, combat the signs of ageing and reduce the appearance of redness. Its bio-cellulose fibres fit the contours of your face to deeply moisturise and to ensure every impressive botanical penetrates the fine lines and wrinkles traditional sheet masks fail to reach.
The Sonya Refreshing Gel Cleanser contains aloe gel and natural cleansers to help remove dead cells, dirt and makeup gently.
Sonya Illuminating Gel restores skin’s natural brilliance and gives your skin a natural glow, thanks to the encapsulated peptides in the quick-absorbing gel.
Leave the Sonya Refining Gel Mask on overnight to allow it to support balance by controlling oil and brightening the appearance of skin.
Filled with lush botanicals and powerful ingredients, Sonya Soothing Gel Moisturizer breaks down into a hydra-infused carrier leaving behind a moist and dewy complexion.
Follow your cleanser with Balancing Toner, a refreshing toner designed to remove excess dirt, minimise the appearance of pores and hydrate the skin before moisturising.
Try using our Mask Powder mixed with Aloe Activator on your oilier patches to cleanse your pores, absorb excess oil and leave your skin feeling refreshed. Remember that you can multi-mask if you need to, so if your dry patches need hydration you can apply Sonya Refining Gel Mask, or Forever Marine Mask and apply different products to the parts of your skin which need them most.
Monday 8th June 2020 is #WorldOceansDay and the products you use in your day to day life can have a profound effect on the environment. Doing right by the planet is an important part of everything w...
Monday 8th June 2020 is #WorldOceansDay and the products you use in your day to day life can have a profound effect on the environment.
Doing right by the planet is an important part of everything we do at Forever. From ensuring we farm responsibly at our aloe plantations in Texas and the Dominican Republic, to continually working to reduce our carbon footprint with our distribution, we want to ensure we do our part for the land and sea. But the products you use on a day to day basis can have a profound impact, too, particularly if we all work together to make waves.
To give you a starting point, here's a guide into how some of your favourite Forever products do their part.
Over the past few months, things have been very different for many people, and with all the change and uncertainty, it is natural for even the most optimistic person to feel anxious. Whilst it is so...
Over the past few months, things have been very different for many people, and with all the change and uncertainty, it is natural for even the most optimistic person to feel anxious. Whilst it is so important to maintain a positive mindset amid all of the changes to our daily lives, staying positive isn’t always easy.
But keeping a positive frame of mind is not only important for ourselves, it is also really important for those around us too. Positive thinking can not only help with stress management, it can also help with mental and physical wellbeing.
Now more than ever, it is really important to stay productive, and be proactive about creating small moments of happiness each day. Here are some of our suggestions to help you get started:
Take care of yourself.
With day to day distractions being removed from our busy schedules, now is the perfect time to make sure we are looking after ourselves. Eating well and getting plenty of rest and exercise will help you to feel healthier both physically and mentally.
Write down five things you’re grateful for, every morning.
Focus your mind on the things you are grateful for, and write them down. Doing so will put things into perspective, and gratitude will start to become an instinctive reaction. Making this part of your morning routine will give you good head start to a positive day.
Switch up your workout routine
Whilst going to the gym is not possible at the moment, there are plenty of ways in which we can stay active. Fitness is for everyone, and for more tips on ways that you can keep active, view our blog here.
Learn something new
Learning something new is a great way to use this new-found time in a positive and productive way. Learning something new will also give you a goal to work towards, which will help you to remain focused, and give you the motivation to overcome any obstacles.
Connect with those around you.
Whether you’re at home quarantining with family, living with friends or your dog, or living by yourself, now is the perfect time to connect with those around you. Catch up with people you haven’t spoken to in a while, and talk to family and friends over the phone or via the internet. Surrounding yourself with positive people and those you love can lift really help to lift your mood.
Hopefully, these tips will help you practice a positive mindset, and for more on this, our latest issue of Aloe Life has an article dedicated to the ‘Twelve tips to positivity’. What are your top tips for staying positive during these unprecedented times? Have you created any new habits or routines to create a positive mindset? Let us know in the comments below.
Your immune system is important. It recognises every cell of your body and helps to fight infection and illness. Your immune system can be divided up into two parts: innate response and acquired respo...
Your immune system is important. It recognises every cell of your body and helps to fight infection and illness. Your immune system can be divided up into two parts: innate response and acquired response. The innate response is the part that decides whether something is friend or foe, and if it decides on foe, it tries to flush out the invader. You can find out more about the immune system here.
Maintaining a healthy immune system is really important in keeping us all healthy, and the best method for supporting it is through regular exercise and eating a healthy diet to ensure your body is getting all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Certain vitamins and minerals contribute to the normal function of the immune system, including copper, folate, iron, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc. Some will be more helpful here than others, but that’s why a balanced diet is the best option here, as you’ll get a bit of everything.
Forever's Beauty and Skincare Trainer, Jeannie McGinnis, has been with Forever Living UK since May 2017 and is our dedicated Skincare Advocate. She has been involved with the health and beauty i...
Forever's Beauty and Skincare Trainer, Jeannie McGinnis, has been with Forever Living UK since May 2017 and is our dedicated Skincare Advocate. She has been involved with the health and beauty industry in some capacity since the late 1980s and promotes holistic, healthy living in her lifestyle.
Below, Jeannie gives us an insight into Forever’s ingredients, specifically those with anti-ageing properties to help you look and feel better.
Winter can be tough on your skin. We don’t just miss the sunshine because it makes everything look good – the lack of sunshine can make our skin tone feel dull, and all that cold wind and rain can le...
Winter can be tough on your skin. We don’t just miss the sunshine because it makes everything look good – the lack of sunshine can make our skin tone feel dull, and all that cold wind and rain can leave us with dried out, flaky skin.
That’s where a solid skincare routine can come in to help combat some of those issues. Morning and night, day in, day out, looking after your skin is important. Follow this process for the ultimate look-better-feel-better routine…
With the festive season fast approaching, sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging. With family dinners, cocktail parties and office gatherings in abundance, most of us enjoy a much richer diet a...
With the festive season fast approaching, sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging. With family dinners, cocktail parties and office gatherings in abundance, most of us enjoy a much richer diet and it can seem like temptation lurks around every corner. Whilst there is nothing wrong with a little overindulgence at this time of year, there are also plenty of ways to take the guilt out of your festive feasting.
We have compiled a list of our favourite healthier seasonal recipes that are sure to delight all the family!
2019 has seen the world begin to make progress toward a more sustainable way of living. From reducing our use of plastic straws in bars and restaurants to shopping with companies that are more ethical...
2019 has seen the world begin to make progress toward a more sustainable way of living. From reducing our use of plastic straws in bars and restaurants to shopping with companies that are more ethical and which give back, we’re starting to recognise that we all need to do our bit for the environment.
Not only has our UK head office planted eight brand new trees instead of sending Christmas cards this year in a bid to go green, but we also wanted to share with you some ideas for more environmentally friendly gift wrapping this holiday season (and beyond!) so that we’re all producing less waste. Here are our top six tips!
Recycled and recyclable paper
Most of us love regular wrapping paper due to how beautiful it can look and how effortless it is, but sadly it usually contains plastic, foil, sparkles and texture that make it impossible to recycle, leaving the recipient with no choice but to bin it all. If you want to go eco this season but don’t want to stray too far away from the familiar, there are plenty of beautiful wrapping papers which are made from recycled and recyclable paper, meaning that your recipient can stick it in the recycling after Christmas morning.
The only trouble here is that this kind of paper can often be more expensive, which is why we love the next option…
Looking for a unique gift to give friends, family and customers this festive season, or a Christmas-y craft to entertain the kids? From seasonal stocking fillers, to unique decorations; we have put to...
Looking for a unique gift to give friends, family and customers this festive season, or a Christmas-y craft to entertain the kids? From seasonal stocking fillers, to unique decorations; we have put together some of our favourite seasonal crafts to inspire you to get creative this Christmas.
We all know that we should be eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, and at times, even that target can seem impossible, but have you ever stopped to think that the quality not...
We all know that we should be eating at least five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, and at times, even that target can seem impossible, but have you ever stopped to think that the quality not quantity rule could also apply to your autumn produce? Sticking to the same five vegetables all year round will of course be better than nothing, but you may be surprised to learn that the quality of these favourites will vary from season to season, and that’s why it’s important to add variety to your diet in the autumn and familiarise yourself with what autumn vegetables are fresh from the allotments each month.
Now autumn has well and truly established itself into our gardens, the knitwear has been dusted off and the boots have made a comeback, it’s time to turn your attention to your pantry; here’s why you should ensure your kitchen also echoes the taste of autumn throughout these next few months…
We need the nutrients
Shopping in the autumn will fill your trolley with vegetation that’s likely to have been picked relatively recently and this means you’ll consume it when its nutritional value is still high. As soon as vegetables are separated from their roots, the vitamin content will begin to gradually decline, so anything that’s out of season will be far less beneficial than you first thought. Knowing your plate is full of autumn vegetables that’s nutrient-dense is certainly reassuring, but it’s even better when you realise that the vitamins and minerals woven into each leaf, such as potassium, carotenoids and vitamin C, are the ones you need to battle through the seasonal changes.
Better taste means less waste
We all know that sense of disappointment when you bite into a seemingly plump strawberry to find it tastes of cheap flavoured water, or when you spend ages breaking open an orange, lovingly peeling away the pith to discover it’s either super sharp or drier than the Sahara. This food faux par occurs when you eat out of season, so for tastes that please your palate, choose autumnal produce and guarantee delicious and strong flavoured vegetation that won’t end up in the compost heap!
It’s time to arm your immune system
With the temperature dropping and the kids picking up all sorts as they enter a new term, ensuring your immune system is well protected is more important than ever. Thankfully, a lot of the autumnal produce you’re about to consume is packed with vitamins that specialise in immune health. Folate, iron, vitamins A, C and B6 all contribute to the normal function of the immune system and fall favourites like cabbage, turnips and squash are bursting with these kinds of nutrients.
You can celebrate your roots
Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, parsnips and onions grace our soils throughout the autumn months and these nutritional powerhouses are exactly what you and your dinner will need. Naturally low in calories and high in fibre, these colourful autumn vegetables are an excellent source of carbohydrate and antioxidants – perfect for protecting cells from oxidative stress.
It’s about going green
You may not realise this, but fruits and vegetables purchased in season are less likely to have been treated with pesticides since the environmental conditions are usually already at optimum levels. Avoiding artificial help in this way is a definite plus for the health of our environment (as well as our bodies), and if everyone starts eating in season, the demand for out of season veg will reduce which means transportation and irradiation would also lessen – result!
You’ll learn to love local
It is so important to support UK farmers and buying fruits and veg from the market is the ideal way to invest into the local economy. If you’re really keen to find out where your food is coming from, start a conversation with the retailer and dig deeper to find out how the autumn veg has been farmed and harvested. Market produce is likely to be freshly picked, abide to UK agricultural laws and taste delish!
What do you love most about fruit and vegetables in the autumn? Let us know by commenting below.
It’s become a bit of a buzz word in recent times, but sustainability is so important in today’s day and age. The actual word means an ability to be maintained at a certain level, but it’s generally u...
It’s become a bit of a buzz word in recent times, but sustainability is so important in today’s day and age. The actual word means an ability to be maintained at a certain level, but it’s generally used in environmental terms. Whether you believe the threats of climate change or not, it’s important to consider your impact on the environment.
Nobody wants to live on a planet with more landfill plastic than animals. Nor would we want the ocean to swallow up any more of our low-lying islands – house prices are getting high enough as it is! So, here’s a few ways you can lessen your impact on the environment, choosing eco-friendly packaging and sustainable products, to prevent those worst-case scenarios.
Re-use and recycle
We all know it’s better to recycle wherever possible and to avoid single use plastics in favour of items you can use over and over again. But, how often are you actively choosing recyclable cartons and packaging over their, sometimes much cheaper, friends?
Did you know that the vast majority of Forever’s product packaging is recyclable? In 2018, we also launched tetra pak packaging for our Forever Aloe Vera Gel, Forever Aloe Berry Nectar and Forever Aloe Peaches products. This packaging is made from six layers of 100% recyclable materials, so you know you’re making a sustainable decision. You can even find out where to recycle the packaging on their website.
Use your car less
It’s often a convenient choice to just jump in the car and pop to the shops but consider whether you actually needed to drive that journey. Perhaps there’s a shop you could walk to in order to get what you need, or maybe you could tie it in with another journey that takes you past the supermarket. Many of us join the gym to keep fit and healthy, but have you considered that you might save on cash and your carbon footprint if you ditched the car more and just walked? It may not always make sense to walk your journey, but it’s always worth some consideration before you head out.
Conserve water
Whether its’s something small, like turning off the tap while you’re brushing your teeth, or something bigger, like switching to a reduced-water shower head, there are so many ways that you can conserve water.
You can also look for products from companies that are actively trying to save water in their manufacturing process. For instance, the water used for washing aloe leaves on Forever’s plantations is re-used three times before it is pumped to a holding pond or reservoir where it can be used to irrigate the aloe fields. With this and many other new processes we’ve put in place, we’ve managed to reduce water usage by 90% at our plantations.
Save the trees (and aloe plants)
If you’ve done any research into sustainable living and sustainable products recently, you will have come across articles about sustainable forestry. Vast forests and jungles are being destroyed to keep up with the demand for wood and paper-based products, but a sustainable forest is carefully planned to plant trees as they are felled.
Most people know that trees are important to the environment, because they turn C02 into oxygen, but were you aware that twenty aloe plants can covert the same amount of C02 into oxygen as a tree? With 50 million aloe plants, Forever’s aloe crops are able to cleanse the earth of hundreds of millions of tons of CO2 every single year.
Protect the bees
Without bees, an estimated three-quarters of plants that produce 90% of food crops would go unpollinated. That’s an awful lot of food that wouldn’t exist without bees and where would we be without it? That’s why it’s important when you’re buying bee products to make sure the produce is collected in a sustainable way.
Bees produce many substances, but one of the most important to the hive is royal jelly. This is fed to the queen bee, helping her to produce thousands of eggs daily, but it’s also given to larvae in their first few days. Royal jelly is collected in cups by worker bees. In order to make Forever Royal Jelly, Forever creates imitation ‘queen cups’ in a small colony of young bees; these bees will then instinctively fill the cups with royal jelly. The process requires close attention and precise timekeeping, but it allows us to harvest this amazing substance without harming any bees.
Put on a jumper
Getting a bit chilly now the temperature is turning? Invest in a couple of warm, woolly jumpers and some thick socks and try to keep your hand away from that thermostat dial. The less you can use your central heating, the better for the environment.
Give your money to companies that give back
As a consumer, one of the best ways to be sustainable is to look for companies that give back. Whether that’s using sustainable products, eco-friendly packaging or promoting the idea of sustainable living. Many companies do this through their manufacturing processes, but more still are starting to give back in other ways. For instance, some toilet roll companies plant a tree when a certain number of packs have been bought to replace the trees they’ve used in their manufacturing process. This is a great way to know that by purchasing your weekly groceries, you are committing to being sustainable and helping the environment.
There’s never going to be an exhaustive list of all the ways you can embrace a sustainable life, but these are starting points. Every little thing you do will make a difference, so anywhere is a good place to start!
How will you become a more conscious shopper? Let us know in the comments!
The August weather here in the UK may have been a bit unpredictable so far, but it’s peak travel season which means many members of the public are likely to escape to a tropical destination that guar...
The August weather here in the UK may have been a bit unpredictable so far, but it’s peak travel season which means many members of the public are likely to escape to a tropical destination that guarantees hours of sunshine. Last year the UK population totalled 71.7 million trips abroad and, according to Abta, 40% of these were beach holidays!
The beach and sun-exposed skin go hand-in-hand which means it’s essential that appropriate skincare is adopted both during the day and after sun-down. You can read up about appropriate sun protection here, but today we want to talk to you about your after sun care, and we believe that the only product you need is Aloe Vera Gelly. Here’s five benefits that’ll make this summer skin care product number one on your list…
It has cooling benefits
Even with decent sun protection, your skin can feel hot and bothered after a day spent sitting in the sun. A pink-red glow to the skin that’s warm to touch and even a little bit tender needs cooling right down and a healthy blob of Aloe Vera Gelly will do the trick. This lubricating after sun gel is enriched with the natural beneficial power of aloe, a plant that is colloquially referred to as the ‘burn plant’ thanks to its ability to soothe irritated skin.
It has skin conditioning benefits
Slathering on after sun gel may be a great solution when your skin’s feeling a tad sizzled but if what you’re using isn’t beneficial for the skin itself, you might as well have just sat in an icy bath!
It will care for your skin
It’s soothing, it’s conditioning and it cares for your skin! When your skin needs a little extra care and attention, the thick, translucent aloe gel captured in every tube of Aloe Vera Gelly is what it’s crying out for. Aloe vera carries the same pH as balanced skin, which means this gel, which is naturally high in aloe, is perfect for safely lubricating sensitive tissue and giving your skin the benefits it deserves. But it’s not just the skin it’s kind to: Aloe Vera Gelly has also been awarded the Leaping Bunny logo which means not a single one of its ingredients has been tested on animals. It’s also vegan-friendly and halal!
It is full of beneficial aloe vera goodness
Aloe vera is known to be naturally beneficial for skin but it’s products with a high percentage of pure inner leaf aloe that carry all the skin-loving goodness. Aloe Vera Gelly is rich in pure, inner leaf aloe vera gel; in fact, its ingredients list boasts 84% pure aloe which means it’s almost identical to an aloe vera plant’s inner leaf! Inner leaf aloe gel is the part of the leaf that carries the most nutrients and benefits for humans and animals, it’s what the ancient Egyptians – including Queen Cleopatra – used to bathe in to keep their skin looking youthful, and it’s what differentiates a high quality aloe product from the inferior sap-and-rind-heavy rivals on the market.
It's just an amazing after-sun gel
Cooling, conditioning, caring and aloe-rich – what more do you want from an after-sun gel? Well, I guess you want it to work! Aloe Vera Gelly will not let you down and when used liberally and frequently after your sunbathing sessions, its aloe vera benefits will soon get to work and rescue your skin from the dreaded peel, the annoying fade and the embarrassing bright scarlet tones that no-one can pull off!
Have you discovered the benefits of Aloe Vera Gelly as an after-sun? Let us know your experience in the comments.
While nutritional supplements should never replace a healthy, balanced diet, they can offer essential support, helping to plug any nutritional gaps that your diet may fail to fill. This month we’ve be...
While nutritional supplements should never replace a healthy, balanced diet, they can offer essential support, helping to plug any nutritional gaps that your diet may fail to fill. This month we’ve been encouraging you to mix your 330ml Forever Aloe Vera Gel with Argi+ and for a limited time we are selling a special Argi+ and Aloe Mini Tripack. We believe these products work together to give you powerful nutrition and just what you need to plug nutritional gaps this summer. Read on to find out how.
Whether you’re on a fitness journey or participate in regular physical activity, you will always need to increase the amount of fluid you consume in order to replace the water you lose as sweat. Plus...
Whether you’re on a fitness journey or participate in regular physical activity, you will always need to increase the amount of fluid you consume in order to replace the water you lose as sweat. Plus, it’s always a good idea to start any physical activity well hydrated and to drink at intervals during activity. This is where Forever’s new advanced nutrition of Argi+ and Forever Aloe Vera Gel comes in, a nutritional combo pack to help you look and feel better.
You look forward to the warmer weather all year long and when it finally arrives, you’re plagued by a pesky cough, uncontrollable sniffles and shivers that have you hunting for your knitted blanket!...
You look forward to the warmer weather all year long and when it finally arrives, you’re plagued by a pesky cough, uncontrollable sniffles and shivers that have you hunting for your knitted blanket!
Getting a summer cold really can ruin your mood and although you may have thought you were less susceptible in the warmer months, the same viruses that have you reaching for the cough mixture in January still linger around the streets in July.
Thankfully there are many remedies and ways you can beat a summer cold so if you are feeling under the weather, it may be time to prepare your armour and fight that cold with everything you’ve got!
If you followed my previous blogs about my Ironman journey, you will know that 2017–18 was, for me, 12 months of establishing a base of endurance fitness and learning how to swim. I have found learnin...
If you followed my previous blogs about my Ironman journey, you will know that 2017–18 was, for me, 12 months of establishing a base of endurance fitness and learning how to swim. I have found learning to swim incredibly difficult – it’s not easy learning it as a practical skill when you have a fear of water – and although I still have a long way to go, I’m improving week by week. I completed my first full Iron distance challenge in 11 hours 48 mins back in June 2018. The distances involved are somewhat eye watering: a 2.4-mile open water swim followed by 112 miles on the bike, topped off by a 26.2-mile marathon run!
This year I decided to take it a little easier by taking on the Half Ironman challenge in Staffordshire, but despite being a stronger, fitter athlete compared to last year, I actually found it tougher. Since it’s a shorter course, you find yourself going that bit faster and I managed to conquer it in 5 hours 39 minutes!
The key to my success in both events was of course consistency in training, but what, in my opinion, allowed me to maintain this consistency was a combination of good sleep (8 hours minimum) and excellent nutrition. Nutrition is so important, not only on the day of the race, but also during the weeks and months before.
A triathlete is a well-rounded athlete that has to be competent as a swimmer, cyclist and a runner. As these are all endurance-based activities, your metabolism goes into overdrive and you need to eat way more than average amounts to maintain a healthy body weight. The training plan, based on my goals, meant three swims each week, as well as three bike rides, three runs, two strength and conditioning workouts and a Pilates session (you can’t neglect the core)!
Twelve sessions per week meant training twice a day on most days, so when it comes to nutrition, there are a number of key factors, over and above calorie intake, that are really important to me:
Nutrition should help maintain a healthy immune system. Coughs and colds mean lost training sessions and can be a sign of over training. There was no wriggle room to catch up with missed sessions in my programme – there are only seven days in a week!
Nutritional choices should support healthy digestion. You are what you eat, or to be more precise, you are what you absorb, so a healthy functioning digestive system is key to both performance and recovery.
Nutritional choices have to provide energy. If your programme is not properly structured and if you are not perceptive to the signs of fatigue, tiredness can make your training a chore and could even be detrimental to health.
Aloe vera as a beauty remedy is by no means a new perception, in fact, this reputation has been around for more than 5,000 years. Studies show that ancient Egyptian legend Cleopatra applied aloe to he...
Aloe vera as a beauty remedy is by no means a new perception, in fact, this reputation has been around for more than 5,000 years. Studies show that ancient Egyptian legend Cleopatra applied aloe to her skin daily, and even native Americans referred to the plant as ‘the wand of heaven’ because of its beauty properties.
So, what is it about aloe that makes it so great? Well, it’s the inner most gel that contains all the beneficial goodness. Over 75 active nutrients have been identified in the gel, including amino acids, enzymes, saponins, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids.
By 600BC, aloe traders who travelled from Persia to India discovered that they could separate this precious gel from the outer rind by crushing the leaves with their bare feet and scooping the pulp into goatskin bags. Thankfully this method of extraction has since evolved, and effectively farmed aloe is now delicately hand filleted in order to extract the inner most gel. Scientists are then able to harness the gel’s power and elevate its abilities by adding complementary ingredients that work in synergy with the aloe.
Because aloe is a miracle ingredient in itself, when shopping for aloe products you want to look for ones that contain a high percentage of aloe gel; ones that place aloe as the foundation ingredient. These are the products that will contain the most innate aloe benefits and therefore the ones that will make you look and feel beautiful.
Let’s take a look at four ways aloe can make you ooze radiance:
Aloe and Inner Beauty
Beauty runs far deeper than your external appearance but if you really do want your physical appearance to benefit for years to come, you’re better off addressing beauty from the inside out.
Aloe vera can help since the prized gel can actually be consumed as a drink. During the Crusades, the Knights of Templar created a drink of palm wine, aloe pulp and hemp. It was named ‘the Elixir of Jerusalem’ and they believed that it added years to their health and life. While this isn’t the drink we’re recommending, a glass of aloe gel each day can work wonders for your overall health and wellbeing.
You may have seen aloe water and aloe vera juices pop up in supermarkets and health food stores but be wary as these often contain only a small percentage of aloe vera, and other parts of the plant may have even been used which can create quite a bitter taste. If you are after something that provides nutrients and results, you want to search for something that contains pure inner leaf aloe vera – the higher the percentage, the better.
Forever Living has mastered its aloe gel extraction process and within hours of harvesting the inner gel is stabilised to ensure its purity remains intact. The gel then goes through a special aseptic process to further lock in the benefits and prevent harmful bacteria. The outcome is a fresh and nutritious drink that’s almost as close to drinking the gel direct from the plant. At 99.7% pure aloe vera, Forever Aloe Vera Gel is the ultimate beauty beverage.
Since aloe vera is great for skin, hair and nails, drinking the gel will still benefit these aspects by working from the inside out.
Aloe and Hair
While aloe can’t transform your straight hair into tight curls, it can benefit the condition of your locks thanks to its hydrating and conditioning properties. Drinking aloe is great for hair but aloe-based hair products will also contribute to its healthy appearance so it’s worth looking out for aloe on your haircare products’ ingredient lists! Diane Gage, author of ‘Aloe Vera: Nature's Soothing Healer’ says, "Keratin, the primary protein of hair, consists of amino acids, oxygen, carbon, and small amounts of hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulphur. Aloe vera has a chemical make-up similar to that of keratin and it rejuvenates the hair with its own nutrients, giving it more elasticity and preventing breakage."
It’s important to note however that aloe cannot fix what’s already broken. If your hair is damaged and scattered in split ends, chances are your mane will need a good old trim, but the trick is to protect your hair before it reaches such a state. With summer approaching, your hair is at risk of sustaining damage from the sun, sea salt, chlorine, BBQ smoke and who knows what else, but this is where an aloe-rich product like Aloe First can help. Aloe First contains 80% pure aloe vera gel as well as bee propolis and plant extracts to help protect your hair from such summery threats.
Aloe and Skin
Skincare is where aloe vera really leaves a lasting impression – there’s a reason why people refer to their radiant complexion as their ‘aloe glow’! Your skin’s pH should be 5.5 but external irritants and harsh cleansers can disturb your skin’s natural balance which can lead to blemishes and uneven skin tone. Restoring balance is key and because aloe also has a natural pH of 5.5, this ingredient is a great place to start!
Drinking aloe will benefit skin from the inside and if you drink Forever Aloe Vera Gel you will also benefit from added vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to the maintenance of collagen in the skin and collagen is responsible for skin’s ability to maintain its shape. Loss of collagen can lead to sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, but collagen does naturally fade as you age so vitamins that assist are most welcome!
Topical aloe products are also great for skin, particularly those that prioritise aloe as the primary ingredient. A high percentage of aloe means you’ll benefit from aloe’s ability to naturally soothe, moisturise and it will also work as a natural barrier to protect your skin from aggravators that can lead to a break down in collagen.
Aloe Propolis Creme boasts 74% aloe as well as bee propolis and camomile, and since it’s quite a thick cream, dry skin, such as the type you get on freshly shaven legs, will love it. If you are wanting an aloe-rich product for your face, Aloe Activator should definitely be on your shopping list. This unique liquid moisturiser packs an incredible 98.9% pure aloe in every drop, and this means it can be used as a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, soothing your complexion and leaving it beautifully conditioned.
Aloe and Nails
If you’re constantly plagued by flaky, weak nails, you may find that aloe vera helps. While poorly removed gel polish and constant washing up isn’t going to do your nails any favours, aloe has long believed to be beneficial for your cuticles and nails so it’s worth investing in a decent hand lotion that’s high in aloe, as well as drinking the pure gel of course!
Aloe Lotion, with 66% aloe and apricot kernel oil, creates a lightweight barrier which is essential for both your skin and nails, especially when you’re constantly using your hands to wash, clean and touch things around you. Since it’s a light lotion, it absorbs quickly into skin – this means no greasy residue – plus it’s packed with nourishing ingredients. You may also be interested to hear that it also contains elastin and collagen. Elastin helps to give skin its bounce but, like collagen, elastin also diminishes with age.
Has aloe helped to make you feel beautiful? Let us know which products you can’t live without in the comments.
Most people know why aloe vera is beneficial for overall health and wellbeing – you may even have a little pot plant on your kitchen window ledge just in case you need to get to its soothing inner lea...
Most people know why aloe vera is beneficial for overall health and wellbeing – you may even have a little pot plant on your kitchen window ledge just in case you need to get to its soothing inner leaf gel in a cooking emergency – but what you may not realise is that not every aloe plant is equal, and not every ‘aloe’ product contains the aloe percentage or purity needed to deliver the benefits you’re after.
Let’s look at purity of aloe vera
Out of the 400 or so species, it’s the Aloe Barbadensis Miller variety that carries the properties most beneficial to humans, and it is the pure inner leaf gel of this plant that houses the nutrients many of us desire.
It’s likely that you already have a rough idea as to why people love this succulent, especially since it’s colloquially referred to as the ‘burn plant’ or ‘miracle plant’, but aloe is also believed to benefit your skin, hair and nails, your digestive health, and it can support immunity. That said, it’s not as simple as rubbing the leaf over your skin – that would actually be quite prickly and uncomfortable – it’s about extracting the right part of the plant and in many cases, mixing this magical element with other ingredients that elevate its power to deliver effective results.
The structure of an aloe leaf is made up of rind, sap, mucilage and parenchyma gel. The rind is a waxy outer layer that acts as protection and just inside the rind is a fluid called sap, this is pretty bitter in taste. Below the sap is mucilage containing acemannan – acemannan carries beneficial properties relating to immune health – and this layer is usually filleted to reveal inner gel known as the parenchyma, a clear, gel-like substance. Scientists have identified more than 75 active nutrients in the gel and these compounds work synergistically to provide soothing and therapeutic benefits. These compounds include amino acids, enzymes, saponins, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids, and it is this pure inner leaf gel that’s responsible for aloe’s glowing reputation.
Flawless skin is seemingly everywhere: celebrities, magazines, TV shows, billboards – everyone appears to have perfect complexions, and although most of us are aware of airbrushing and makeup tricks,...
Flawless skin is seemingly everywhere: celebrities, magazines, TV shows, billboards – everyone appears to have perfect complexions, and although most of us are aware of airbrushing and makeup tricks, the idea that you could effortlessly sport radiant skin is something many of us desire.
The state of your complexion can set the tone for the entire day. I know that if I wake up with raging spots, it’s likely that I’ll be feeling a teeny bit grumpier than I would if I woke up looking like I’ve just walked off a catwalk (I’m still waiting for this day by the way), and if like me your skin is closely related to your confidence levels, you’re probably tempted to pile on makeup and pretend that your bad skin day never happened. Unfortunately covering up the problem to look like you have great skin can often irritate your skin further, and, quite frankly, it’s hard work having to slather on the layers when you have early mornings and other priorities fighting for your time.
While completely flawless skin may be a tall order, healthy skin is certainly more obtainable, and once achieved your makeup bag will simply exist to gather dust in the corner!
Skincare is more than products…
Skincare is far more than lotions and cleansers; it should be a habit that encompasses beneficial lifestyle choices. So, if you’re really concerned about achieving healthy skin, you need to consider what else can affect your complexion.
If you are hoping for a flawless complexion that screams healthy skin, chances are you are not thinking about pinning your hopes on a skincare plan that revolves around bacteria. But did you know that...
If you are hoping for a flawless complexion that screams healthy skin, chances are you are not thinking about pinning your hopes on a skincare plan that revolves around bacteria. But did you know that there is such thing as good bacteria and bad bacteria? Bad bacteria can lead to spots and inflammation, but if you know where to find the friendly bacteria – and more importantly how to harness its powers for skin health – you will be well on the way to sporting the healthy skin you crave.
What’s Meant By ‘Friendly Bacteria’?
Billions of microflora – or good bacteria – live all over your body; on your skin, in your mouth, up your nose and in your intestine. In fact, 2% of your total body mass is thanks to these bacteria, which far outnumber the number of cells inside your body. While this may be a grim thought for some, rest assured that these microscopic creatures are keeping you ticking by helping to digest food, absorb essential nutrients and build immunity.
Some well-known friendly bacteria cultures include lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium B-bifidum; both of these naturally occur in the intestines or digestive tract, but since these names are hard to read and pronounce, it’s probably best if we stick to ‘good bacteria’! The important thing to remember is that such bacteria are believed to restore balance and maintain good health.
Nutrition and Skin Health
These friendly bacteria strains live in harmony with some not-so-friendly bacteria, but problems can arise when poor food choices encourage the bad bacteria to multiply and outnumber the good stuff.
It’s perhaps easy to understand why eating a greasy cheeseburger over a salad may cause you to break out, but other elements of your diet, including one that’s low in fat or nutrients, can also negatively impact your skin. Refined carbs, simple sugars and processed fats are all notable poor nutritional choices that can irritate your microbiome, and if your gut microbiome is altered in some way, a substance called neuropeptide is released in both the skin and the gut. Friendly bacteria can help to weaken the affects of this substance but if there is not enough to restore balance, poor skin could make an appearance.
Choosing fermented foods that naturally contain good bacteria, such as yoghurt, kefir, pickles and cottage cheese, could help in this instance, but you should also look at selecting foods that are high in vitamins that contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. Look for foods containing biotin, iodine and zinc, vitamin A, and B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin.
The Friendly Bacteria Face Mask
It’s not just nutrition and natural friendly bacteria that can benefit your skin’s health; a face mask made from bacteria could also work wonders for your complexion. And yes, you did read that correctly!
Innovative skincare scientists are constantly looking at ways in which face mask fibres interact with skin in order to deliver nutrients deep into the pores, and bio-cellulose has been identified as one of the most effective fibres on the market. Specifically, bio-cellulose has been praised for its ability to deeply penetrate, hydrate and mould to the contours of your face, far more successfully than cotton or hydrogel (other common fibre masks).
But bio-cellulose isn’t your usual everyday weave, it’s actually a fibre created by bacteria called acetobacter xylinum. This bacterium metabolises glucose and secretes cellulose as part of this process. If the bacteria are fed other substances, for example aloe vera gel and seagrass (two skin-loving ingredients), these ingredients will fuse directly to the fibres which can then be harnessed and used to create a face mask.
Bio-cellulose is considered to be superior to other fibre masks because it’s 1,000 times finer than human hair. This helps with its mouldability but also in its ability to reach the deeper layers of the dermis. Surface skin pores are approximately 50nm and while non-woven fibre mask molecules are 1000nm, bio-cellulose fibres are only 30nm – this means the goodness can seep 8.7-14.5 times deeper than the goodness from a non-woven mask!
If you fancy feeding your skin bacteria, the good kind, try Forever Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask. This mask has been saturated in a powerful serum that’s been enriched by natural ingredients to hydrate, soften and condition skin.
Have you tried introducing good bacteria to your skincare routine? Let us know in the comments below.
Face masks are the fastest growing product in facial skincare, with sales up 48% this year according to Kantar Worldpanel. Whatever your skin type (normal, dry, oily and combination) face masks are an...
Face masks are the fastest growing product in facial skincare, with sales up 48% this year according to Kantar Worldpanel. Whatever your skin type (normal, dry, oily and combination) face masks are an easy and convenient skincare product that can be incorporated into your regular routine to help get your skin back on track. But with so many face masks on the market you want to find the best face mask that works for you. Forever explains the differences below.
MARINE MASK – THE PREMIXED MASK
If you want to say goodbye to drab, dull and dry skin then treat your pores to a deep clean with the Forever Marine Mask. Not only is it easy-to-apply but it also contains moisturising and conditioning properties of aloe vera, honey, cucumber and natural sea minerals. By using this ready-mixed face mask twice a week, you will deeply penetrate the skin and leave it feeling refreshed and revitalised. Simply spread the mask generously in an upward and outward motion over the entire face, avoiding the eyes. Leave to dry for 15-20 minutes, then remove with warm water and a soft cloth.
MASK POWDER – THE ‘MIX IT YOURSELF’ MASK
This ultra-fine skin powder contains a unique combination of ingredients including camomile to smooth, condition and cleanse the skin. The face mask is designed to blend perfectly with our Aloe Activator to create a thin mask for easy application to the face and neck. When blended together it should have the consistency of a lotion. After you apply the face mask, you'll feel it tightening and solidifying as it cleanses your pores, and once removed, skin will feel refreshed and conditioned. Remove after 30 minutes by soaking a flannel in warm water and placing it on your face to soften the mask. Once soft, gently remove the residue with warm water. Finish your skincare regime with your favourite toner and moisturiser.
SONYA REFINING GEL MASK – THE OVERNIGHT MASK
Want to achieve a fresh-faced look while you sleep? Say hello to the Sonya Refining Gel Mask from Forever! This mask helps promote healthy skin tone by nourishing your skin while you sleep, without leaving skin greasy. Simply apply a generous amount over your entire face before bedtime and leave on overnight. Rinse thoroughly with warm water in the morning to reveal a balanced complexion.
This face mask helps to support balance by controlling oil and brightening the appearance of skin. To make the most of your shut eye, we infused this gel with a bounty of botanicals, including carrot seed oil, basil oil, artemisia pallens flower oil and soybean oil. The cool gel of the face mask will absorb quickly into your skin so that you benefit from the moisturising properties of our rich, stabilised aloe vera gel, as well as moisturisers like apple fruit extract, clover flower extract, sasa quelpaertensis (Korean bamboo) extract, and liquorice root, a vitamin-rich plant which provides antioxidant support.
ALOE BIO-CELLULOSE MASK – THE SHEET MASK
What better way to increase skin hydration than with an aloe-infused face mask that literally seeps aloe vera directly into your pores? Unlike traditional masks, Forever's Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask fuses aloe and seagrass between bio-cellulose fibres to ensure deep moisturisation that penetrates every fine line and wrinkle, soothing and conditioning skin. This environmentally-friendly sheet mask has also been enriched by a moisturising serum of green tea and horse chestnut that rejuvenates dull skin by combatting the signs of ageing and reducing the appearance of redness. This mask is easy-to-apply and the fibres fuse to the contours of your face. Simply pop the face-shaped sheet mask to your face, leave it on for twenty minutes then dispose it in the garden to add nutrients to the soil. There’s no need to rinse your skin after removal, simply rub remaining residue into your complexion to unveil soft, supple and radiant skin.
Which Forever face mask is your favourite? Let us know in the comments.
Face masks have been around for years with many people viewing them as an indulgent treat that you turn to after a rough day or when your skin is in dire need of some TLC. There are all sorts of varie...
Face masks have been around for years with many people viewing them as an indulgent treat that you turn to after a rough day or when your skin is in dire need of some TLC. There are all sorts of varieties on the market, from clay masks to overnight masks, but the growing trend over the last year has seen a rise in the fabric sheet mask.
Sheet masks are completely flipping the face mask stereotype on its head by challenging the ‘occasional use’ idea and offering a more accessible solution that can be integrated regularly into your skincare routine. Truth be told, your skin needs more attention than the once in a blue moon romanticised scenario of pampering you had earmarked for the 20th of never. Due to increased environmental toxins, your skin needs (and deserves) to be regularly enriched with nutrients that are going to keep it looking its best– and it needs these nutrients today.
So, if you want to transform your complexion this year you’d better keep reading; we’ll be sharing how the properties of sheet masks can benefit skin and deliver glowing results.
WHAT IS A SHEET MASK?
Sheet masks are individually packaged face-shaped pieces of fabric that have been soaked in a skin-loving serum consisting of nutrients and enriching ingredients. The fabric has holes cut out for eyes, lips and nostrils so that it can fit over your face and deliver goodness to the layers of skin that are widely exposed to the environment.
The fabric mask and its sought-after serum is usually protected on each side by another layer of woven fabric or paper that can be peeled off. Peel off one layer and press the mask serum-side down onto your face, then remove the outside layer. Leave on for around 20 minutes, peel off and discard the sheet mask. Any residue remaining on your skin can be left to soak in.
Quality sheet masks are growing in popularity and you may have even seen a few celebs or friends on Instagram posting slightly ghoulish selfies as they pose wearing one of these hydrating skin masks. Once you try one, you’ll understand their eagerness to share!
HOW DOES A SHEET MASK WORK?
The best fabric face masks on the market work because the fabric fibres fit easily to every contour of your face to ensure the serum penetrates deep into the layers of the skin. There are various different materials that can be used to make these fibre sheet masks, including non-woven fibre, cotton and hydrogel, but if you are looking for a mask that fits seamlessly to the skin for maximum delivery and absorption, you want to look for bio-cellulose.
Bio-cellulose is an all-natural fibre that’s made by a special microorganism. These fibres are 1,000 times finer than human hair, incredibly moisture retentive and extremely pliable. Active substances are then weaved into the space between the interlacing bio-cellulose fibres which means the goodness is only accessible to the user during application.
Bio-cellulose masks are far more effective than non-woven masks thanks to the high penetration rate it can achieve. The masks offer a dual delivery process, firstly saturating the epidermis before focused dermal delivery. The average pore size of the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) is 50nm; non-woven fibre molecules are 1000nm, while bio-cellulose fibres are 30nm. This means the serum captured within the bio-cellulose can seep deep into pores to penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis – 8.7-14.5 times deeper to be precise!
WHY ARE SHEET MASKS BENEFICIAL?
So now you know what sheet masks are and how they work, but what exactly are the benefits?
They are nourishing
A bio-cellulose fabric face mask is extremely nourishing thanks to its ability to deliver highly concentrated ingredients down to the dermis. The serum is usually packed with vitamins, minerals and natural ingredients which means it won’t dry out skin like traditional clay or paste masks, and the tightly laced fibres guide the goodness into your skin instead of losing it through evaporation. When you go to the spa for a facial, you expect a nourishing experience, but a high-quality sheet mask can deliver all the nourishment you need at just a fraction of the cost!
They are hydrating
If you’re after a hydrating face mask, bio-cellulose sheet masks are definitely the way forward. Choose one with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and sea grass to soothe and condition skin. You should also look for rejuvenating ingredients like horse chestnut to lift dull skin and give you a glowing complexion. Well-hydrated skin will appear soft, supple and plump, and this will give a more youthful-looking complexion.
They are relaxing
You may only need to wear them for 20 minutes, but that’s 20 minutes of ‘me time’ that you’ve probably been craving since you uttered ‘Happy New Year’! Give yourself the pampering experience you deserve. Draw yourself a warm bubble bath, pop on a high-quality and hydrating sheet mask, lie back and benefit from the therapeutic properties infused in the fibres as your troubles and skin woes fade away.
They deliver targeted results
If you have a specific skincare concern, you want to choose a face mask where the ingredients encased within the fibres deliver the results you’re after. You may hope to even skin tone, to firm your skin or to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If ageing skin is your concern, choose a mask drenched in anti-ageing properties and antioxidants. Antioxidant nutrients like vitamin C and zinc contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by the damaging effects of the environment or poor nutrition, and cells that aren’t protected can diminish which is when fine lines form. Green tea is just one ingredient that’s rich in such antioxidant nutrients.
They are convenient
The beauty of a sheet mask is that it’s so much more convenient compared to a mask that requires self-mixing, careful application or delicate removal. A good sheet mask is individually wrapped and simply needs unfolding and applying directly to the face. Application literally takes a few seconds as you peel off the outer layers and pat into place. Such convenience means less hassle if you wish to integrate a face mask into your regular skincare routine.
They are environmentally-friendly
Removal is just as easy as the application and you don’t have to worry about causing unnecessary environmental damage in the process. If you choose a sheet mask made from bio-cellulose, the natural fibres are biodegradable so simply toss the used mask on the compost heap or in the food waste after application. The best face masks will also be LEED certified which means they have been produced in an eco-friendly manner.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR SHEET MASK
While applying your sheet mask to your face is fairly simple, there are a few tips and tricks that should be considered if you want to make the most out of your face mask:
Whether you have oily, dry or combination skin, you’re bound to have identified additional skin concerns that aren’t addressed with your current skincare routine. Skin concerns are different to your s...
Whether you have oily, dry or combination skin, you’re bound to have identified additional skin concerns that aren’t addressed with your current skincare routine. Skin concerns are different to your skin type as they refer specifically to areas of your skin that need a specific solution, as opposed to your skin as a whole. But whether your skin concern is puffiness around your eyes, premature ageing or dull skin, Forever’s targeted skincare products have got you covered.
Skin concern: sensitive skin
Skin solution: Aloe Activator
If you find your skin struggles to get on with many skincare products because it’s a bit more sensitive, then you might want to try a moisturiser with a high percentage of aloe vera. Aloe can be great for sensitivity because of its natural soothing properties, and you won’t find many moisturisers with a higher aloe content than Forever’s Aloe Activator at 98%.
Simply apply Aloe Activator to a cotton pad or ball and gently wipe across skin to soothe your complexion and leave skin feeling beautifully conditioned and ready for anything. This gentle formula will also leave your skin feeling refreshed, so it’s a great part of any skincare routine. You can also use Aloe Activator to create a soothing face mask. Simply mix 1 tsp Mask Powder with 1 tsp Aloe Activator and apply a thin layer to clean skin.
Skin concern: dull, dehydrated skin with signs of premature ageing
Skin solution: Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask
When you’re dehydrated you grab a drink, but what do you do when your skin is thirsty? Well, Forever’s Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask is a great place to start. This premium face mask fuses aloe and seagrass between superfine bio-cellulose fibres to ensure powerful hydration that gets in deep for a truly invigorating experience. It quite literally seeps aloe goodness directly into your pores so that your skin can drink it in.
This mask has also been enriched by a moisturising serum of green tea and horse chestnut that rejuvenates dull skin by soothing and conditioning skin and reducing the appearance of redness. Each mask has been designed to fit seamlessly to the contours of your face, penetrating every fine line and wrinkle, to help fight the signs of ageing. Simply apply the mask for 20 minutes and when you’re done, remove it and rub the remaining residue into your face and neck to unveil soft, supple and radiant skin.
Skin concern: dark circles, puffiness and wrinkles around the eye area
Skin solution: Awakening Eye Cream
Since our eyes are said to be the window to the soul, it’s no wonder we want them to sparkle and look their best. Thanks to peptide technology, collagen and other powerful ingredients, Awakening Eye Cream smooths and firms delicate under-eye skin to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. This advanced eye cream contains butylene glycol, an ingredient shown to reduce the appearance of eye puffiness and dark circles, along with cutting-edge ingredient albizia julibrissin bark extract with darutoside. This incredible ingredient targets the upper eye lid as well as the delicate skin around the eye to brighten and give a youthful appearance. Along with this, the cream’s hydrating properties help to reduce water loss so that the eyes appear rested, alert and renewed.
Skin concern: Dull, dry skin which lacks radiance.
Skin solution: Smoothing Exfoliator
Are you fed up with your complexion looking dull and tired? Reveal silky, soft and healthy-looking skin with Forever’s Smoothing Exfoliator. Instead of artificial microbeads, this gentle exfoliator uses natural jojoba beads and bamboo powder to remove dead skin cells without harming the skin or the environment and added lemon essential oil works as a rich moisturiser to hydrate the new skin beneath the surface. Thanks to these cleansing benefits, this vitamin-infused exfoliator evens the tone and texture of skin to reveal a smooth, radiant and fresh complexion.
Skin concern: Premature skin ageing and environmental damage.
Skin solution: Protecting Day Lotion
Our Protecting Day Lotion contains SPF 20 to shield against harmful UV rays and defend skin from dark spots caused by sun ageing. This unique lotion combines natural mineral sun protection, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, in a unique dispersion system to help it blend well. This has been paired with allantoin, which is known for its gentle properties to help soothe the skin. This silky cream contains over twenty skin conditioning ingredients including aloe, watermelon and plant extracts, to help fight against oxidative processes, improve skin’s tone and texture and provide ultimate hydration.
Skin concern: Large facial pores.
Skin solution: Balancing Toner
Using a toner after cleansing is a great way to minimise the appearance of pores after cleansing, along with removing excess dirt and debris. Try our Balancing Toner to unleash your skin’s natural glow with its unique blend of aloe, seaweed extract, white tea and cucumber. Balancing Toner will help to smooth skin’s tone and texture to leave you with youthful-looking skin. Use after your favourite Forever cleanser to make a noticeable difference to the way your skin feels, as well as helping to support the absorption of skin-loving nutrients.
Have you tried any of our new targeted products yet? If so, let us know what you think by posting in the comments section below.
People are becoming more and more concerned with ingredients and what they are putting on their body as well as into their body. However, when it comes to skincare, ingredients can often be a minefiel...
People are becoming more and more concerned with ingredients and what they are putting on their body as well as into their body. However, when it comes to skincare, ingredients can often be a minefield. While natural products and natural skincare are what people tend to favour, skincare labels are usually plastered with scientific-sounding names, and this can unintentionally put people off. Actually, many of those fancy-looking names you see are essential vitamins or naturally-derived ingredients, and such ingredients are believed to be more effective when it comes to skincare.
Nature does of course provide a variety of powerful botanicals, but it’s also the source of harmful substances like mould and bacteria. A naturally-derived ingredient is extracted from natural sources so that it can be harnessed in its most potent form. It is then combined with science to make sure it’s stabilised and to ensure performance is not compromised. Therefore, if high quality skincare is something you are after, the following vitamins and naturally-derived ingredients are what you should be looking for.
Ascorbic Acid
On first glance this skincare ingredient sounds quite harsh but actually ascorbic acid is the INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient) name for vitamin C. Vitamin C has a lot to contribute to skin health; it’s an antioxidant vitamin since it protects cells from oxidative stress, but it’s also an essential vitamin when it comes to the production of collagen. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, and collagen is essential in ensuring skin functions as it should. Collagen is found naturally in connective tissues within the dermis (the layer of skin beneath the surface layer) and its role is to support and strengthen skin. As you age, collagen production slows, but using skincare containing ingredients that support collagen can help to replace collagen that’s been lost.
Vitamin C is also naturally found in the dermis and epidermis (outer layer of skin), with higher levels residing in the epidermis. Excessive exposure to UV rays and pollutants can decrease vitamin C content in the skin, and levels will also naturally diminish as the skin ages. Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, explains that although the benefits of vitamin C have been known for some time, its role within skincare has been more widely discussed of late. Dr Mahto says, “This may be because we’re much more aware of our environment and the way it’s affecting our skin – we’re a lot more aware of environmental pollutants such as radiation, sunlight and smoke, which break down collagen, stressing the skin and accelerating the ageing process. As vitamin C helps to counter that process and can be used to treat such a variety of issues, it’s become a bit of a hero ingredient.”
Be aware that vitamin C in topical skincare can also degrade if products are exposed to light or air, which is why it’s important to keep products away from direct sunlight. If you are concerned with anti-ageing, serums packaged in air-tight containers offering a pumping action will best protect the precious ingredients within.
Marine Collagen Hydrolysate
The important word here if you’re looking for anti-ageing skincare is ‘collagen’. If you see an ingredient listed as Marine Collagen Hydrolysate it means the collagen used derives from marine sources rather than bovine or chicken. Fish collagen is usually extracted from discarded scales and other parts considered waste products during the manufacturing process (this helps to reduce environmental pollution), and it is also believed to absorb better than other animal collagen thanks to smaller particles and a low molecular weight.
Marine Collagen Hydrolysate is widely respected as an anti-ageing skincare ingredient used in both supplements and topical products. It’s rich in fatty acids to assist skin hydration and moisture retention, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Tocopherol
Toco-what? You’re not alone if you’re struggling to figure out how to pronounce this common skincare ingredient, so you may find it easier to stick to calling it vitamin E! Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused when there is an imbalance of certain molecules in the body. If the body is exposed to harmful substances such as radiation, cigarette smoke, UV light, pollution or poor nutritional choices, cells can become stressed as there may not be enough antioxidants in the body to neutralise the effects of these intruders. Cells naturally produce antioxidants such as glutathione, but certain vitamins can also add to the supply. If your body does fall victim to long-term damage caused by oxidative stress, your cells, proteins and DNA can alter which may lead to ageing or the development of more serious conditions. Vitamin E can be obtained from nuts, seeds, oils and leafy greens. In skincare, tocopherol is often extracted from sunflower seed oil or other vegetable oils.
Niacinamide
Another mouthful, but you can breathe a sigh of relief as niacinamide is also known as vitamin B3 or niacin. Niacin is a water-soluble vitamin which means your body doesn’t store it, so you need to ensure you’re consuming a diet rich in vitamin B3 daily. Meat, nuts, seeds and green vegetables will provide you with a sufficient source of B3.
Niacinamide is a specific form of vitamin B3 that is believed to be beneficial when used in skincare, since niacin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Clinical facialist Kate Kerr says, “[Niacinamide] is very effective in improving the skin’s barrier function while preventing environmental damage and trans-epidermal water loss. This diverse ingredient even has antibacterial effects; this regulates sebum, improves congestion and calms breakouts.”
Whether your skin is oily, dry or combination, niacinamide is a skincare ingredient that deserves to feature within your everyday routine. Seek out formulas that can be left to seep into the skin for maximum absorption and effective results.
Linoleic Acid
Linoleic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid that is present in various nuts, seeds and vegetable oils. It is also found abundantly in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. The stratum corneum functions as a protective barrier to prevent harmful allergens, bacteria and irritants from entering the deeper layers of skin. If this barrier is weakened, skin conditions and ageing may occur.
When it comes to skincare, linoleic acid adopts the role of an emollient. An emollient softens and soothes skin and it is often chosen for its calming properties. When applied topically, linoleic acid can help to replenish the skin’s protective barrier, which is why it is often a favourite ingredient in skincare formulas.
Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucan is extracted from mushrooms, plants, algae, yeasts or oats. This polysaccharide sugar is found in the cell walls of such flora and when utilised as a skincare ingredient, it is believed to soothe skin and even tone. While some ingredients may be unsuitable for certain skin types, beta-glucan is a skincare ingredient that can benefit all skin, from oily to dry. Moisturisers, toners and restoring creams are skincare products that often contain beta-glucan, so make sure you check your products carefully to make sure they contain this naturally-derived ingredient.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Most people have heard of the aloe vera plant, but did you know that there are over 400 species of aloe? Aloe Barbadensis Miller is the most beneficial variety to humans, with properties that aid digestion, that are great for the immune system, and that benefit skin health. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice refers to the inner most gel extracted from the Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant. It is this parenchyma gel that is believed to contain the core nutrients, including amino acids, minerals, vitamins and fatty acids. Skincare products containing a high quantity of pure inner aloe vera gel can deliver natural moisturisation and hydration, as well as soothing and balancing properties. In fact, the pH of aloe is 5.5, the same as ‘normal’ skin and a balanced complexion.
If you are concerned with natural skincare ingredients, you can’t go wrong with aloe vera. Forever’s aloe vera is grown at its own plantations in the Dominican Republic and Texas. This means Forever can keep track of exactly how the crop is grown, what types of fertilisers are used and the specific processes the aloe goes through before it is added to your skincare products. Pure inner gel is extracted by hand and processing is completed within six hours of initial harvest to ensure all the aloe’s beneficial properties remain intact.
Do any of your favourite skincare products contain these ingredients? Let us know in the comments below.
Collagen is a term that’s been heard thrown around the beauty world for a while now. Many celebs, including Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry and Kourtney Kardashian are believed to pin their youthful loo...
Collagen is a term that’s been heard thrown around the beauty world for a while now. Many celebs, including Jennifer Aniston, Halle Berry and Kourtney Kardashian are believed to pin their youthful looks on collagen remedies and supplements, and now it seems this skin-supporting protein has broken into the everyday skincare routines of people who simply wish to fight ageing and look forever young. We decided to take a closer look at the collagen craze to find out why everyone wants a piece of this complex ingredient.
What is collagen?
Collagen is actually a protein that’s found throughout your body. Your tendons, ligaments, skin and muscles are all made up of connective tissues, and collagen is largely found within these tissues. There are around sixteen different types of collagen but all of them, and the structures they form, help tissue to withstand stretching.
Dr Diana Howard from The International Dermal Institute explains how the majority of age-related changes that occur in skin take place in the dermis. The dermis is the thick layer of skin beneath the top layer (the epidermis) and it contains all sorts of structures including sweat glands, hair follicles, sebaceous glands and connective tissues.
As you age, the dermis loses 20-80% of its initial thickness. Cells contained within the connective tissues change over time, and it is these cells, known as fibroblasts, that are responsible for collagen and elastin production. Ageing skin will begin to produce these proteins at a slower rate, which can affect the skin’s ability to repair itself, and a breakdown of collagen and elastin can also impact the skin’s physical structure. It is this process that makes skin susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. Interestingly, skin that’s been damaged by excessive UV exposure can cause the collagen and elastin cells to disorganise themselves in such a way that they clump together. This results in photodamaged skin which is often indicated by pigmented age-spots.
Where does natural collagen come from?
Since collagen is a naturally-produced protein found in the human body, you may be curious to know what exactly is in collagen supplements and collagen-enriched topical products. Vegetarians may be surprised to learn that when collagen is used as an ingredient, it usually derives from either bovine or marine sources.
So, what’s the difference between bovine and marine collagen? Marine collagen is usually extracted from discarded fish scales (helping to reduce environmental pollution), and it is this collagen that’s considered to be better for absorption and bioavailability. Fish collagen peptides have smaller particles so that they can enter the bloodstream quicker; in fact, marine collagen can be absorbed into the body up to 1.5 times more efficiently compared to bovine collagen.
Marine collagen is classed as type 1, the type that is also most prevalent in the human body. It is composed of a high concentration of hydroxyproline, peptides that stimulate cells in the skin, joints and bones. Research published in 2015 in the Open Nutraceuticals Journal states how clinical trials show the benefits of collagen peptides on skin, including hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles; the conclusion is that hydrolysed collagen can help to fight the visible signs of ageing.
The benefits of collagen-rich skincare
As well as fine lines and wrinkles, ageing skin is usually accompanied by physical dryness and a dull complexion. Anti-ageing skincare designed to alleviate these symptoms is quite desirable, and collagen is usually a common ingredient found within such premium products.
Beauty supplements containing collagen alongside other ingredients, such as biotin which maintains healthy hair and skin, and vitamin C which helps with normal collagen formation in the skin, are extremely popular. One study concluded that supplements containing collagen can effectively improve the signs of ageing, and preclinical studies also suggest that such supplements improve skin barrier function and promote fibroblast growth.
Taking a collagen supplement in conjunction with topical products that contain supporting ingredients is also beneficial to skin health. Trifluoracetyl tripepetide-2 has been seen to improve skin elasticity and decrease progerin (a harmful protein) in fibroblasts; this helps to increase firmness and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Yeast extract helps support collagen synthesis, while whey protein revitalises the skin by increasing its smoothness and firmness.
Ingredients known for their moisturising and hydrating properties are also effective at supporting collagen. Dehydrated and parched skin will look dull and lifeless but as soon as you add moisture, skin will plump out, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Two impressive anti-ageing collagen products that work in synergy include Forever’s Firming Complex, a supplement, and Firming Serum, a powerful moisturiser. The beauty supplement is rich in collagen-loving ingredients and the supporting topical serum promises to increase the appearance of skin firmness. The serum also works as a protective barrier to guard the skin from environmental damage that may harm natural collagen production, while the supplement delivers collagen back into skin to replace what may have been lost. When used together, these two products introduce collagen to skin from the inside out – just what you need if you’re hoping to slow down the signs of ageing.
Have you ever tried collagen products? Let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Professional dancer, choreographer, yoga teacher and former Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff is no stranger to quality products, and when it comes to decent skincare, the health-conscious...
Professional dancer, choreographer, yoga teacher and former Strictly Come Dancing star Kristina Rihanoff is no stranger to quality products, and when it comes to decent skincare, the health-conscious star knows what she likes and what works for her. We caught up with Kristina to learn more about why she considers her Forever skincare routine to be the best skincare over other brands.
Why is skincare important to you?
Kristina: As a person in the public eye I have always tried to look after myself. I wear lots of makeup when I have social appearances, when I meet people and do my classes, so skincare has always been a big part of my daily regime. The older I get, the more I am trying to be thorough with that; obviously as you age you need to start introducing anti-ageing properties and hydrating properties, so that’s something that’s very important to me.
Have you always had an established skincare routine?
Kristina: I’ve always had some kind of skincare routine as years of competing meant I had to wear quite heavy makeup. As a result, I became very thorough when it comes to cleansing my skin, using scrubs and introducing hydrating products.
Why do you like forever’s skincare products?
Kristina: I’ve been connected to Forever Living for five years now and I love aloe vera products, particularly the drinking gels. I’m quite conscious about what I put into my body as well as on to my body, so the skincare was really a continuation of this. I love the Forever Aloe Vera Gel; aloe is great for shiny, glowing skin and nails, plus the drink has added vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation. I really feel like it enhances my complexion, but it also complements the Infinite by Forever skincare products I use. The properties of aloe vera are very healing and moisturising and it suits my skin really well.
When Infinite came out two years ago, I absolutely fell in love with the products and I still use the kit, morning and evening. I feel like it’s a wonderful base for makeup, because it’s not too heavy, and it also has good moisturising properties. My skin feels nice when I go to bed after I’ve taken off my makeup!
What’s your favourite forever skincare product?
Kristina: To be honest I use the whole Infinite skincare system together so it’s hard to pinpoint a favourite, but I absolutely love the Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask. This is my go-to product on days when I have to be in public a lot, if I have a guest appearance, you know, things like that. I honestly love it, 1000%, I think it’s an absolutely amazing product!
How do you feel in yourself since you swapped to using forever skincare products?
Kristina: It makes me feel good because when I look at my skin, I can see that it’s in good condition, and that’s because of the products I use. I can really see the inside-out effect working and, like most women, if you use good skincare and take care of your skin, that will make you feel more confident.
How do you feel about being a forever brand ambassador?
Kristina: I’ve been an Ambassador for Forever Living for five years and it’s an absolutely amazing company to be with. I always look forward to seeing new products and how the products develop – it’s always so exciting! It’s a very organic relationship and I’m so passionate about it; whenever I do my own yoga sessions, a wellbeing session and various other events, I’m always so excited to talk about the products. I use them every day and I use them for me, so I can honestly tell people about my experience with the company and with the products.
Have you ditched old products in favour of Forever? Let us know your skincare routine in the comments below.
According to the Mental Health Foundation's 2018 study (on over 4000 people), stress affects 74% of people in the UK, and with April being stress awareness month it got us thinking about the connectio...
According to the Mental Health Foundation's 2018 study (on over 4000 people), stress affects 74% of people in the UK, and with April being stress awareness month it got us thinking about the connection between stress and our skin's appearance and ability to glow.
We all handle stress differently, therefore stressed skin can look different for everyone, but generally stressed skin often looks dull, flaky, and dry; it can feel tight and you could experience a sudden acne breakout which is not what we want when we lead busy lives. We need to remember that our skin is the body’s largest organ and when you’re stressed it fails to get the nutrients it needs to repair itself. But do not fear, here are some easy tips to make your skin glow and get your skincare routine back on track.
Relax with a fabric face mask
What better way to increase your skin's glow than with an aloe-infused face mask that literally seeps aloe vera goodness directly into your pores? Unlike traditional masks, this fabric Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask fuses aloe and seagrass between bio-cellulose fibres to ensure deep moisturisation that penetrates every fine line and wrinkle, soothing and conditioning skin.
Experience yoga
Yoga increases your circulation and, as you flow through yoga poses, it will help to get blood and oxygen circulating through your body. When your circulation is increased and things are moving more efficiently through your body, you’re more likely to handle stress better, feel energised, and this will improve your skin’s glow.
Let your skin sleep
A 2013 study, Cues of Fatigue: Effects of Sleep Deprivation on Facial Appearance, has found that sleep deprivation affects features relating to the eyes, mouth, and skin. Your body boosts blood flow to the skin which means your skin can heal itself while you snooze, and this means you may wake up with a healthy glow.
In fact, to enhance your skin even more while you sleep, apply Forever’s Sonya Refining Gel Mask 2-3 times a week before bedtime. As the cool gel quickly absorbs into your skin, you’ll feel the moisturising effect of our rich, stabilised aloe vera gel, and moisturisers like apple fruit extract and clover flower extract will leave your skin feeling soft with a youthful glow.
Drink your way to glowing skin
We know that probably the most common skincare hack you’ll ever hear is to drink water, and this is brilliant news since it’s a simple solution that’s accessible to all. Water keeps you hydrated and flushes out toxins, and hence it results in healthier looking skin. The NHS recommends 6-8 glasses of water a day.
You can also tackle skin from the inside out with our trusted Forever Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe can benefit skin, hair and nails, and since this gel is 99.7% pure, its purifying properties can work from within to give you that beautiful aloe glow.
Don’t forget the superfoods!
What you put in your body is just as important as what you put on your skin. There are some really simple, yet powerful foods we can eat to take control of our skin problems. Some of these superfoods include eggs, avocado, blueberries, quinoa, broccoli, spinach and kale so make sure you stock up. To find out more read our Benefits of free foods blog.
Do you have any tips for making your skin glow? Let us know in the comments.
It can get tiring covering up skin imperfections with makeup every day, and while skincare products can help to minimise the appearance of flaws, treating your skin from the inside out may help to giv...
It can get tiring covering up skin imperfections with makeup every day, and while skincare products can help to minimise the appearance of flaws, treating your skin from the inside out may help to give you the beautifully flawless complexion you crave.
One of the most effective ways to feed your skin goodness is through your diet. Healthy food choices will provide your skin with essential nutrients that enable bodily processes to work properly, and since your skin is an organ just like your heart and lungs, your diet should be taken seriously if you’re to embrace healthy looking skin.
How Does Diet Affect Skin?
The food you consume is doing far more than satisfying your taste buds and providing you with much needed energy; it can also lead to you flaunting a glowing complexion. Dermatologist Dr Jessica Wu says, “Foods get digested and broken down into vitamins, minerals and amino acids that your body can use to build healthy skin. If you crash diet or eat highly processed foods, your skin won’t be as strong and supple as it could be. For example, if you don’t eat enough protein, you are depriving your skin of the amino acids that go into making collagen (which makes your skin strong) and elastic tissue (which makes it supple).”
Collagen and elastin are two essential proteins that are naturally found in skin but as you age these diminish and become less effective – this can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. However, if you eat a varied diet that’s rich in vitamin C, you may help your natural collagen production since vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
Eating a diet that’s rich in antioxidants may also lead to healthy-looking skin by helping to slow the signs of ageing. Antioxidant vitamins, including copper, B2, vitamin C and zinc, work by protecting cells from oxidative stress. Environmental factors like pollution can cause oxidative stress by introducing irritants to your body. These irritants can damage proteins, including the proteins that help to keep skin smooth and firm. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all favourable sources of antioxidant nutrients.
Ageing is not the only skin concern you can tackle with diet. If you suffer from an uneven skin tone, you may find that increasing your intake of foods containing copper helps to even your complexion. Copper contributes to normal skin pigmentation and can be found naturally in meats, vegetables and grains. The average healthy person will have 110mg of copper in their body, 15% of which should be found in their skin.
There are also several nutrients that have been proven to contribute to the maintenance of normal skin. ‘Normal skin’, in this case, is skin that can be described as having small pores, even tone and having the right moisture balance so it’s not too oily or too dry. Vitamin A, zinc, iodine and various B vitamins have all been identified to support skin in this way and if you eat a varied, balanced diet that doesn’t restrict any food groups, you are likely to consume all these skin-loving nutrients.
Supplement Your Skincare Routine
If you’re concerned your diet isn’t varied enough, you may wish to add supplements containing the nutrients needed for healthy skin to your daily routine. Simply choosing multivitamins that are high in the skin-loving nutrients mentioned may be sufficient in improving your skin’s health, but you may also wish to try a specially engineered beauty supplement that has been designed to target specific skincare needs.
Beauty supplements are increasing in popularity thanks to their ability to aid collagen production and target ageing. According to a report by market research firm Goldstein Research, global beauty supplement sales are set to reach $6.8 billion by the end of 2024 (nearly double what they were in 2016). People are becoming more aware of the importance of wellness, the days of hiding vitamins at the back of the medicine cupboard are behind us, and millennials proudly display pill pots on desks in the office. Supplement choices define who a person wants to become and at a time when convenient living puts us at risk of mineral deficiencies, this upward trend can only be positive.
If you’re concerned that your fast-paced lifestyle is stealing nutrients from your skin and causing premature ageing amongst other skin complaints, you may want to try a high-quality beauty supplement. Forever Living’s Firming Complex cleverly combines vitamin C and biotin – one of the essential B vitamins for skin health – with marine collagen. Together these ingredients work to fight the appearance of ageing by protecting cells from oxidative stress, assisting with collagen formation and helping to maintain normal skin. Firming Complex should be taken each morning alongside topical products as part of an everyday skincare routine.
Aloe is another ingredient that your skin will love and if you drink it, you’ll benefit from its nutritious power from the inside out. Aloe’s relationship with healthy skin is not a new concept – most people know that the ancient Egyptians often bathed in aloe gel in the hope it would keep them looking youthful – but more recent research supports the idea that aloe can complement your skincare regime.
When choosing aloe vera products, you do need to look carefully at ingredients as sometimes the percentage of aloe is a lot lower than you think. Dr Jennifer Gordon, a board-certified dermatologist from Austin, Texas, cautions consumers, stating, “If the percentage of aloe vera is low, that means it contains many other additives, such as thickeners, preservatives, colours, and fragrance.” This could impact the role of the aloe and your complexion may not end up as glowing as you initially hoped. One aloe vera product you can trust is Forever Aloe Vera Gel. This drinking gel contains 99.7% pure aloe vera gel, it’s sugar free and it’s free from additives and preservatives. So, if healthy skin is what you’re after, the cleansing formula contained within Forever Aloe Vera Gel’s bright yellow bottle will make the perfect companion to your skincare routine.
The Outside Matters Too
Once you’ve addressed your diet and you’re consciously adding all the goodness into your skin from the inside, you want to ensure you do what you can on the outside to prevent undoing all your good work.
It’s therefore important to choose topical products with ingredients that will protect your skin from moisture loss as well as preventing harmful pollutants from penetrating the skin’s surface. This is another area where aloe vera comes up trumps. Dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr Joel Schlessinger says that, when applied topically, aloe works as a glue, causing the top layer of skin cells to stick together so that moisture is locked into skin.
All of Forever’s skincare products contain a healthy dose of aloe; in fact, this is the foundation ingredient. Other botanicals, essential oils, fruit extracts and proteins are then added to the aloe to create impressive formulas that have been scientifically developed for healthy skin. If you’re not sure which skincare products to use, our recent article should help you to identify the right skincare for your age.
If ageing is your primary concern, Infinite by Forever skincare introduces essential ingredients that protect your skin from the outside in. The cleanser assists your skin’s barrier function to fight against tightness and dryness, and linoleic acid and vitamin E support lipids to help break down dirt and debris. A powerful serum boosts the power of aloe with a clinically tested ingredient, trifluoracetyl tripepetide-2; in clinical tests, this single ingredient significantly improved skin elasticity and is known to combat progerin, a harmful protein that increases as you age and wreaks havoc on your skin. By mimicking natural skin processes, this three-amino acid peptide increases the appearance of firmness and reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles. To finish off, a restoring cream with a formula that boasts an innovative sugar structure, improves skin’s water barrier and moisture retention. These three products, when taken alongside Forever’s beauty supplement, properly equip skin with what it needs to fight the signs of ageing. Read our blog for more tips on how to stop skin from ageing.
If you’re more concerned with achieving a healthy, glowing complexion, Forever’s Sonya Daily Skincare range may be up your street. This range focuses on balancing your skin’s natural pH with a cleanser that cleans without stripping the skin of moisture, an illuminating gel to brighten skin and reduce the appearance of pores, an overnight mask that nourishes as you sleep and a moisturiser that melts into skin, leaving behind a dewy complexion.
Have you tried any of these solutions for glowing skin? Let us know in the comments.
Most people would love to discover a miraculous and non-invasive solution that stops skin from ageing, but the reality is that ageing is a natural process that we all face and unfortunately this means...
Most people would love to discover a miraculous and non-invasive solution that stops skin from ageing, but the reality is that ageing is a natural process that we all face and unfortunately this means it cannot be avoided. That said, there are many preventative measures that you can put in place that slow the ageing process, but to fully understand how these affect skin ageing, you need to fully digest why skin ages in the first place. So, if you wish to grow old gracefully, the following skincare tips will help to prepare you for the years ahead.
Why Does Skin Age?
Understanding why skin ages requires getting your head around the structure of the skin. Skin is made up of an epidermis – the top layer of skin that’s exposed, the dermis – the layer underneath the epidermis that contains collagen fibres, and the hypodermis which is primarily fat.
The epidermis protects everything underneath from environmental damage since it is waterproof and able to warrant off bacteria, and the dermis contains cells that give your skin its structure and flexibility. As well as collagen and connective tissues, sweat glands, hair follicles and sebaceous glands reside within the dermis; sebaceous glands produce natural oils that hydrate and soften skin while killing unwelcome bacteria.
Two types of ageing can affect the skin: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic ageing happens from within the skin naturally as you age: the cells in the dermis reduce, the connection between the epidermis and dermis flattens and collagen production lessens. Skin that has been affected by intrinsic ageing will be drier than younger skin, less elastic and with some fine lines. Intrinsic ageing is a lot harder to tackle than extrinsic ageing, ageing that’s caused by environmental factors such as smoking, diet, pollution and UV light. Deep wrinkles, rougher texture and a loss of elasticity are all caused by extrinsic ageing.
When the skin ages, cell production decreases; in fact, after the age of twenty, it will have dropped by 50%. As the epidermis ages, cells that are responsible for preventing sun damage and bacterial invasions lessen, and the epidermis begins stealing nutrients from the dermis below. Your skin also starts to look drier because the stratum corneum (dead cells that work as an outer barrier on the epidermis) is not replaced as promptly.
The dermis is also made up of cells, most notably fibroblasts. Fibroblasts synthesise collagen, elastin and other structural molecules. Collagen, a protein, gives strength and support to skin, but age causes these well-ordered fibres to become messy and production also slows. Elastin fibres are what help young skin to regain shape, but these can also become disconnected from the collagen fibres as you age. As a result, skin begins to lose elasticity and wrinkles form.
What Can Slow The Ageing Process?
The good news is, you are in control of how quickly your skin ages (within reason) and there are solutions to ageing that you can proactively implement. You can slow the intrinsic ageing process to some extent by using products containing ingredients that replace some of the diminished proteins found naturally in the skin, and you can tackle extrinsic ageing instantly by making a few simple lifestyle changes.
If you’re a smoker, you’ll want to nip that in the bud straight away as cigarettes will only adversely affect your skin. In fact, experts argue that smokers look 1.4 years older than non-smokers and deep lines around your lips will giveaway your habit as your skin matures.
You can protect your skin from pollution by using a decent moisturiser. Nasties hidden within smog, dirt and dust attack cells and strip the skin of moisture, and this can lead to fine lines and wrinkles as the skin ages. A high-quality cleanser will soon remove any unwanted debris and moisturiser will add a protective barrier to your skin to stop pollution penetrating the dermis below.
The sun has a lot to answer for when it comes to ageing skin, and ultraviolet rays can even cause damage through windscreens which is why sometimes you see people with deep wrinkles on just one side of their face. The reason the sun affects the skin so much is because the skin is actually trying to protect everything underneath it from becoming damaged. Melanin, the skin pigment that causes a ‘suntan’, is produced as a defence mechanism (not to make you look more attractive), but overtime production can cause skin to lose its elasticity and ultimately, this leads to premature ageing! You can easily protect your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen, covering up with loose clothing, wearing a hat and seeking shade.
Unfortunately, the correlation between diet and skin health is not a myth. Dr Ariel Ostad from the American Academy of Dermatology says, “What you eat affects your skin – for better or worse”. The worse refers to premature skin ageing as well as a poor complexion, but thankfully diet is an extrinsic factor that can easily be controlled. Sugary snacks, greasy meals, processed meat, alcohol, salty and spicy foods, caffeine and trans fats can – if consumed consistently – introduce antioxidants, impact collagen cells and affect moisture retention in the skin. The occasional indulgence is fine but really you want to be choosing foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals, including fresh fruit and veg, fatty fish, nuts and seeds. Vitamins C, E and A, B vitamins, iodine and copper are all beneficial* to the skin.
How Do Anti-ageing Products Work?
Anti-ageing products basically work by combining specific ingredients that can be absorbed by the epidermis to minimise the signs of ageing. These might be naturally occurring proteins that the skin loses with age, formulas that work as a protective barrier against extrinsic factors, natural botanicals that contain skin-loving ingredients or scientifically enhanced peptides.
According to a study funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia, sunscreen is one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients available. Participants in the study who used sunscreen daily showed no detectable increase in skin ageing after 4.5 years and their skin had aged 24% less than those outside of the group. This is an impressive statistic but if you feel regular sunscreen is too heavy, choose skincare products that contain broad spectrum sunscreen as an added ingredient and wear them daily underneath your makeup (not as sunscreen on the beach). Broad spectrum sunscreen will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays and these harmful rays can penetrate your skin even on cloudy days. UVA rays are longer than UVB rays which means they can penetrate deep into the dermis – it is these rays that cause skin ageing. UVB rays are shorter and are the rays responsible for causing the epidermis to burn.
When considering anti-ageing products, you want to choose something that combines active ingredients with a rich moisturiser. Moisturisers add water into the skin, sealing it in with creams and oils. This protective barrier prevents water from evaporating; water retention plumps skin which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
We’ve already spoken a little bit about the role of collagen and how it diminishes with age, but did you know that you can add collagen back into your skin? Collagen supplements and creams containing collagen can help top up what’s been lost, and some anti-ageing products also contain ingredients that support collagen formation such as vitamin C and yeast extract. These products will help to firm skin so that it appears visibly younger.
Similarly, sodium hyaluronate, the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid, is a favourable anti-ageing ingredient. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule in the human body, but it’s also another molecule that reduces during the ageing process. This molecule helps improve skin hydration to plump and lift skin, so make sure you choose a moisturising serum that’s high in the stuff.
Finally, you want to choose anti-ageing products that utilise the goodness found within nature itself. Natural botanicals are rich in age-fighting ingredients such as antioxidant vitamins** that protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage cells so that they work inefficiently and since a lot of the cells that relate to skin also lessen as you age, oxidative stress is something you definitely want to avoid.
Another natural ingredient to look out for is aloe vera gel. Aloe is an adaptogen, which means it helps skin adapt to itself; a carrier, which means it can carry other anti-ageing ingredients to deeper layers of the skin; and a humectant, which means it aids in moisture retention. Aloe is also high in nutrients that are beneficial for skin health. You can drink pure aloe vera gel to supplement your skincare routine but it is also often used as an ingredient in topical products. Forever’s anti-ageing skincare range Infinite by Forever boasts formulas that elevate the performance of aloe so that the aloe can effectively promote healthy, younger-looking skin.
Click here to explore more of Forever’s anti-ageing skincare products.
*Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin; vitamin E contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress; vitamin A boosts skin radiance by increasing and normalising skin cell turnover; riboflavin (B12), niacin (B3), biotin (B7) and iodine contribute to the maintenance of normal skin; copper contributes to normal pigmentation in skin.
**Copper, manganese, riboflavin, selenium, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
What do you do or use to slow the ageing process of skin? Let us know by commenting below.
As creatures of habit, many people continue their teenage skincare routine well into adulthood, but unfortunately, it’s unlikely that the cleanser and moisturiser that worked for you when you were sev...
As creatures of habit, many people continue their teenage skincare routine well into adulthood, but unfortunately, it’s unlikely that the cleanser and moisturiser that worked for you when you were seventeen will continue to do your skin justice when you are pushing fifty. It’s nothing personal, it’s just that your skin changes dramatically over the years and as you age your skin’s structure, type and needs alter in a way which now demands ingredients and formulas that have been scientifically developed to match your biological age.
If you’re now doubting whether your skincare is suitable for your age, the following information will hopefully help to clear things up – in more ways than one!
Skincare routine for teens
Skin is often the enemy of the average teenager and many find themselves fighting the threat of acne and shine on a daily basis. Problematic skin may be a result of fluctuating hormones, fast food, academic stress or environmental factors, and although some of these influencers may be difficult to control, skincare is one aspect that can be managed.
Out of fear of developing pimples, many teenagers stock up on products with harsh formulas that promise to fight spots, but more often than not these products end up aggravating the problem. Although ridding your skin of spots entirely may be optimistic, particularly if the cause is hormone or diet related, choosing skincare that balances skin may help calm the situation and it will certainly help combat excess shine caused by an oily complexion. Sonya Daily Skincare can be used by anyone over the age of twelve, so it’s ideal for teenagers who suffer from shiny skin. Refreshing Gel Cleanser and Refining Gel Mask are particular favourites, and since they only contain natural fragrances derived from botanicals rather than artificially added aromas, they should not irritate skin further. This skincare range also contains natural oils like cold-pressed baobab oil, and although it may be counter-intuitive to add oil to oily skin, these natural oils are best qualified at cutting through the sebum (oil) that sits on top of the skin.
Best skincare routine for your early twenties
Once you hit your twenties you expect problematic skin to be a distant memory, but unfortunately many young people aged 20-26 continue to be plagued by what could be argued as teenage skin. Skin problems in your twenties may still be brought on by hormone imbalances, but a care-free lifestyle also has a lot to answer for. Frequent partying, binge drinking and late nights that turn into all-nighters will all impact your skin, but you may not see the damage until later in life. That’s why it is essential to protect your skin in your early twenties in the hope that this will lessen any adverse effects caused.
Sonya Daily Skincare is still relevant in your early twenties, particularly as it is effective at combatting fluctuations in the skin. It’s quite likely that you still experience oily days that remind you of your teen years, but now you also have the added bonus of occasional dry patches. This skincare range is designed for combination skin just like this and works to balance the skin’s pH to give you an even complexion. The Illuminating Gel will brighten the appearance of overall skin – perfect after a late night – and Soothing Gel Moisturizer is not too heavy so won’t leave you feeling greasy after application.
It’s also wise to protect your skin with SPF in your twenties as this will help prevent premature skin-ageing. Protecting Day Lotion makes the perfect primer as it contains SPF 20 and protects against UV rays. Wearing SPF under makeup will add a layer of protection that is essential, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
Anti-ageing skincare for your mid-twenties and thirties
You may notice a lot of changes in your likes, dislikes and conversation subject matters as you approach your thirties, and unsurprisingly your skin also matures along with your opinions. Collagen, a protein that occurs naturally in your body, begins to deplete by the time you hit 25. 80% of the dermis – the skin that sits underneath the outer layer of skin – is made from collagen, and it’s what helps to give your skin strength and structure. Elastin, another component of skin, is what gives skin its stretch. As you age, these structures weaken and fine lines and wrinkles form, which is why it’s essential to introduce anti-ageing products to your routine at this point in life.
Anti-ageing products often contain collagen and elastin so that you can top up the supply lost by your ageing skin, but they also contain powerful ingredients that have specifically been chosen for their ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Forever’s Infinite by Forever Advanced Skincare System is definitely an anti-ageing skin routine that’s worth considering by the time you hit those latter twenties. Its revolutionary formulas target the signs of ageing by adding lost moisture back into skin. The Hydrating Cleanser is full of potent ingredients that cut through dirt without drying your skin and Firming Serum is a rich moisturiser that firms skin thanks to its three-amino acid peptide formula.
As well as anti-ageing, now is the time to add a regular exfoliator to your collection. When you’re young, your skin naturally exfoliates every 28 days but by your thirties this drops considerably. Smoothing Exfoliator will help to remove dead and dry skin to smooth your complexion without harming the environment. Its gentle formula uses natural jojoba beads and bamboo powder, so you don’t need to worry about harmful plastics entering the environment!
Anti-ageing skincare for your fab forties and onwards
By the time you hit your forties, you’ll want to make sure you have an established anti-ageing regime underway. Infinite by Forever Restoring Crème is an absolute must and should be used alongside the Firming Serum. This rich cream contains vitamin B3 to help even skin tone, but its unique formula also works as a barrier to protect the skin from further damage that may cause ageing. Its moisturising properties replenish parched skin and since dry skin is at risk of developing wrinkles, moisturising products are something you want your skin to befriend.
You may have gathered by now that preventing ageing skin often requires you adding something back into the skin, so if you want to up your skincare game, you may want to consider tackling skin ageing from the inside out. Beauty supplements are the perfect way to condition skin from within and Forever’s Firming Complex combines vitamin C with biotin and marine collagen to deliver effective ingredients to where your skin needs it most. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, biotin contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and collagen helps give skin its structure and tone.
If you haven’t introduced an eye cream to your skincare routine already, now is the time to treat your tired eyes. Awakening Eye Cream firms under-eye skin, and reduces the appearance of dark circles and crow’s feet to keep your eyes from giving away your age.
Have you switched to anti-ageing skincare yet? Let us know how you are getting on by commenting below.
Protein shakes are everywhere these days and there are loads of different varieties out there on the market, but Forever Living’s soy-based protein shake, Forever Lite Ultra, is rich in goodness that...
Protein shakes are everywhere these days and there are loads of different varieties out there on the market, but Forever Living’s soy-based protein shake, Forever Lite Ultra, is rich in goodness that can be enjoyed by any adult– not just by those who are mad on muscle-building! If you find yourself wondering why everyone you know appears to have a pack of this milky treat in their cupboards, you may be interested to learn that a Forever Lite Ultra shake offers benefits that go beyond the gym and into the real world. Read on to find out why Forever Lite Ultra shakes are beneficial in the everyday.
They are nutritious
Forever’s shake is high in twelve vitamins and nine essential minerals, which is pretty impressive for something that tastes so good. You can also easily add different fruits and vegetables to further increase its nutrient value and to shake up the flavour if you fancy something with a bit more zing. If you are craving a mid-afternoon snack but don’t want to raid the biscuit jar, try the chocolate shake with hazelnut milk for a filling and rich-flavoured treat that won’t leave you feeling guilty – in fact, the additional nutrients will probably make you feel even better than before!
They provide plant-based protein
The soya bean really is a marvellous creation and it’s long been enjoyed by vegetarians whose diet is naturally lacking in animal protein, and that’s because soya provides high quality protein that’s low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. Soya’s also an excellent source of fibre and it contains amino acids – muscle and tissue are made from amino acids, so this is important for daily bodily functions.
They help aid recovery
The reason why gym-lovers are often accompanied by a protein shake is because protein contributes to a growth in and to the maintenance of muscle mass. After a gruelling exercise session, your muscles are crying out for protein to help them to properly recover. If you’re not into the gym, a protein shake will also do you some good after you’ve played your favourite team sport or if you’ve simply had a busy day running after the kids.
They assist your immune system
Forever Lite Ultra is high in vitamins D, C, B6, iron, zinc, copper and selenium and all these nutrients contribute to the normal function of the immune system. A strong immune system is important for protecting you against viruses and illnesses, so you’ll want to ensure you’re well defended, particularly as temperatures are all over the place this season.
They strengthen your muscles
As well as the protein itself, vitamin D, magnesium, potassium and calcium all also contribute to normal muscle function. Protein helps with the growth of muscle mass, but big muscles are pointless if they don’t work as they should! With Forever Living’s protein shake, you can enjoy the creamy drink in the knowledge that it’s helping your muscles and so much more.
They will give you a boost
It’s likely that you need a fair boost of energy at some point in your day and this delicious shake may be just what your body needs. Vitamins C, B2, B6, B12, magnesium and iron all contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, so drinking Forever Lite Ultra, which is high in all these nutrients, will help to give you the pick-me-up you need.
They are quick and easy
Simply scoop, add the milk of your choice, secure the shaker lid and shake vigorously! This shake really is ideal for people who are constantly on the go with busy lifestyles, and if you want to add fruit, the same method applies but you may find it easier to use a blender. You can drink this shake at breakfast or lunch, or as a snack between meals. If you are looking for ways to add soy-protein to your diet without drinking it as a shake, try sprinkling the powder on your porridge, ice-cream or fruit, or use it to make delicious pancakes – yum!
Do you fancy giving Forever Lite Ultra a try? For recipe inspiration and ideas, check out our F.I.T. brochures here. #BeResolute
Have you tried Forever Lite Ultra? Share your favourite recipe in the comments below.
The Inner leaf aloe gel from an Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant is beneficial for humans and animals when consumed as a drink or when used as a topical product, so what exactly can aloe do to boost your...
The Inner leaf aloe gel from an Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant is beneficial for humans and animals when consumed as a drink or when used as a topical product, so what exactly can aloe do to boost your lifestyle?
Aloe vera supports digestion
Digestion is an essential bodily process that takes place in the gut. The process involves the body breaking food down into other substances that are then absorbed into the bloodstream or distributed around the body. However, increasing emerging evidence tells us that the size and complexity of our gut plays a vital role in more than just nutrient absorption; it’s also connected to our immune system, mental health and general wellbeing.
It is therefore essential that you take your digestive health seriously, and there are many things you can do to assist digestion such as healthy eating and regular exercise. Many of these options can however take time before you start seeing results, so while you wait, consider introducing Forever Aloe Vera Gel to your diet. Aloe vera is highly absorbent, and this means it can get to work straight away!
Aloe has been highly acclaimed for its cleansing and purifying properties which is why Forever’s C9 programme revolves around Forever Aloe Vera Gel. This aloe vera product is Forever’s reformulated drinking gel and it now contains a staggering 99.7% pure aloe, and this means it’s the perfect digestive aid. The aloe gel used in this aloe drink is carefully hand-filleted and processed within six hours of its harvest which is why it’s so pure, plus the final formula is preservative-free and contained in recyclable packaging. Drink 60-120ml of Forever Aloe Vera Gel every morning to support gastrointestinal health and to keep your digestive processes in check. This gel is also available in peach (Forever Aloe Peaches) or in cranberry and apple flavour (Forever Aloe Berry Nectar) if you fancy something a little fruitier.
Aloe vera improves skin hydration
You can also tackle skin from the inside out with our trusted Forever Aloe Vera Gel. Aloe can benefit skin, hair and nails, and since this gel is 99.7% pure, its purifying properties can work from within to give you that aloe glow.
Aloe has also been praised for its ability to elevate skincare thanks to its gentle but powerful ability to provide natural moisturisation. Did you know that a global survey in 2017 identified that hydration and moisturisation are the most sought after benefits that people look for from skincare? That’s why Forever decided to harness the power of aloe and combine it with scientifically-proven ingredients to create products that go above and beyond, and these products actually contain ingredients that enhance the efficacy of aloe!
What better way to increase skin hydration than with an aloe-infused face mask that literally seeps aloe goodness directly into your pores? The global market for face masks is predicted to reach $8.8 billion by 2021 and we believe the new Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask is going to make a significant impact in its market this year. Unlike traditional masks, this premium fabric mask fuses aloe and seagrass between bio-cellulose fibres to ensure deep moisturisation that penetrates every fine line and wrinkle, soothing and conditioning skin. This environmentally-friendly mask has also been enriched by a moisturising serum of green tea and horse chestnut that rejuvenates dull skin by combatting the signs of ageing and reducing the appearance of redness. This mask is easy to apply and the fibres fuse to the contours of your face. Leave it on for twenty minutes then dispose of it in the garden to add nutrients to the soil. There’s no need to rinse your skin after removal, simply rub any remaining residue into your complexion to unveil soft, supple and radiant skin.
Aloe vera soothes irritation
The aloe vera plant has been given many colloquial names over the years. You may have heard it referred to as the ‘burn plant’, ‘miracle plant’ or ‘first aid plant’, and this is because of its innate soothing properties and the fact that it has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. Forever has captured aloe at its best in Aloe Vera Gelly, a topical gel that is essentially identical to aloe vera’s inner leaf, delivering 84% of pure aloe to the skin. This thick gel can be used to safely lubricate sensitive tissue and to calm irritation. Use it on minor irritations to moisturise, soothe and condition skin without staining clothes. Every household and every first aid kit should contain a tube of Aloe Vera Gelly!
Aloe vera balances your complexion
Skin is a very sensitive organ which is why a very fine, slightly acidic film sits on its surface. This is known as the acid mantle and it works as a barrier to protect skin against bacteria and viruses. Although fluctuations can occur naturally, sometimes the acid mantle is overly sensitive, and it’s thrown completely out of balance. This can be due to harsh cleansers or environmental exposure. Now, we already know that aloe is an amazing skincare ingredient, and one of the reasons it’s so good is because its natural pH is around 5.5, the same pH-value assigned to healthy skin. Aloe is also a ‘carrier’, which means it assists other ingredients so that they can absorb into the skin. These natural benefits of aloe, along with the skin-loving nutrients it blesses us with, have inspired Forever’s gel-based skincare collection, Sonya Daily Skincare. This skincare product works to balance combination skin – that’s skin that’s sometimes dry, sometime oily, sometimes both and sometime neither (often referred to as ‘normal’).
Sonya Daily Skincare consists of four gel-based products that work together to balance skin fluctuations. The products can be used by anyone aged 12-45 who is looking for a skincare range that doesn’t strip the skin of its natural oils. This advanced skincare range uses gel-encapsulation technology to combine ingredients that would otherwise separate, keeping them tight together until they hit the skin. Once on the skin, these ingredients disperse to where they are needed most, melting into the skin like butter. The collection includes a non-drying cleanser (Refreshing Gel Cleanser) that cleans skin with rich antioxidants, an Illuminating Gel that enhances your natural glow by brightening skin tone and minimising pores, a Refining Gel Mask that deeply moisturises and balances skin while you sleep, and a lightweight moisturiser (Soothing Gel Moisturizer) containing hydrolysed collagen to help improve skin buoyancy.
It’s easy to see why many people adore aloe vera now that you know how it can benefit you, and that’s why we’re challenging you to put it to the test. Forever Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe Bio-Cellulose Mask, Aloe Vera Gelly and Sonya Daily Skincare all contain the very best of aloe’s inherent properties, and we guarantee you’ll be impressed.
Will you take on the challenge? Let us know in the comments.
Emily Skye, Jen Selter, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Joe Wicks...these health and fitness professionals have become celebrities and household names in their own right as society continues to be captivat...
Emily Skye, Jen Selter, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Joe Wicks...these health and fitness professionals have become celebrities and household names in their own right as society continues to be captivated by the ever popular ‘gym buff’ persona. With an ever increasing trend towards these types of celebrity profiles, it’s clear to see that fitness is a trend that doesn't seem to be slowing any time soon. With one in seven people now members of a gym, it’s clear that this fitness craze is becoming less and less of a fad and more a lifestyle choice.
If you’re looking to push yourself and kickstart your fitness journey with a bang, Forever Living’s C9 programme could be the product for you.
Forever C9 Booklet and Step by Step Guide
Forever Aloe Vera Gel (2 x 1 litre bottles)
Forever Garcinia Plus (54 softgels)
Forever Fibre (9 packets)
Forever Lite Ultra (1 x pouch = 15 servings)
Forever Therm (18 tablets)
Tape Measure
Shaker
Food/Calorie Guide
Exercise Guide
Daily Fitness Checklist
As the frantic festive season comes to an abrupt end, we brace ourselves for the usual onslaught of cliché New Year’s resolutions which undoubtedly feature some sort of ‘get fit’ pledge. However, desp...
As the frantic festive season comes to an abrupt end, we brace ourselves for the usual onslaught of cliché New Year’s resolutions which undoubtedly feature some sort of ‘get fit’ pledge. However, despite our good intentions only 8%* of us will actually achieve the goals we set in January.
Structure – The programme provides clear direction to help you stay focused on what you want to achieve. Start with the C9 to kick-start your new healthy lifestyle before moving on to a programme of your choice from F15 – this is designed to help you create positive changes for life.
Feel-good factor – The abundance of nutritious food and exercise within the programme will undoubtedly increase your serotonin levels, helping to boost your mood and regulate your sleep cycle.
Increased confidence – Seeing the results that you desire will have a huge impact on your self-confidence and will leave you feeling amazing!
Sociable – The programme is the perfect plan to embark on with a friend. You will be more likely to stick to it if you keep each other accountable and it will give you both a competitive edge, making it extra motivational.
Overall health – Most fitness professionals will tell you that the main benefit of being healthy is how great it makes you feel and that looking good is a welcome side-effect. Eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise will massively impact your overall health for the better.
Education – This programme will educate you on both nutrition and exercise in order to lay the foundations of life-long good habits.
Increased productivity – Exercising regularly can help you to feel more alert and increase your ability to concentrate for longer periods of time.
Learn the importance of goal-setting – Having both a long-term and short-term vision will help you to stay on track with the programme and keep you motivated.
Good for your mental health – Regular exercise can boost your mood if you have depression & reduce your risk of stress, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.*
There may be over 400 species of aloe plant found in dry regions throughout the world, but there is only one species that has been recognised for being particularly beneficial to humans and animals –...
There may be over 400 species of aloe plant found in dry regions throughout the world, but there is only one species that has been recognised for being particularly beneficial to humans and animals – Aloe Barbadensis. This type of aloe is known for its natural soothing, cooling and moisturising abilities, and although it looks like a cactus, this succulent is actually part of the lily family and related to onions, garlic and asparagus.
The history of aloe vera
The aloe vera plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skincare properties. The name ‘aloe’ derives from the Arabic word ‘alloeh’, meaning ‘shining bitter substance’, while ‘vera’ in Latin means ‘true’. Aloe vera originated in the Arabian Peninsula, where it evolved in a dry climate to form incredibly succulent properties. Today, aloe vera is one of the most popular supplements sold in Europe and for good reason, in fact humans have been recording the benefits of this plant for centuries. There are examples of aloe vera in Egyptian tombs, the Bible and in famous ancient Greek, Roman, Chinese and Indian herbals texts. Also, many Eastern women have used aloe vera as a beauty secret for decades; the beauty and strength of Cleopatra is the stuff of legends!
Aloe vera the plant
The aloe vera plant is one of the most studied herbs in the natural products category. Once an adult aloe vera plant reaches maturity, its height will be around 30 inches.
The aloe vera plant is made of essentially four different components: rind, sap, mucilage and parenchyma gel. The rind is a waxy outer layer that acts as protection and it is fifteen cells thick. Just inside the rind is a fluid called sap, this is neither sweet nor particularly sticky and it’s actually quite bitter. Below the sap is mucilage containing acemannan – acemannan carries beneficial properties relating to immune health – and this layer is usually filleted to reveal inner gel known as the parenchyma, a clear, gel-like substance. The gel part gives the plant the ability to hold moisture for a very long period of time.
Scientists have identified more than 75 active nutrients in the leaf gel and these compounds work synergistically to provide soothing and therapeutic benefits. These compounds include amino acids, enzymes, lignin, saponins, anthraquinones, minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and salicylic acids.
Harvesting and the production of aloe vera
If aloe vera leaves are harvested by hand, the plant itself will not be destroyed as only the outer leaves will be separated from the plant. About every two months, three-to-four leaves of an aloe plant can be taken but the rest must remain to ensure that the same plant can be repeatedly harvested over a period of eight-to-ten years.
Once the aloe has been harvested, it can be used to produce aloe-based products including skincare and drinks. There are many different aloe juices and gels on the market, and taste and purity can depend upon what part of the aloe leaf is used. Aloe vera juice is often made from the whole leaf, including the outer leaf that contains a bitter yellow substance known as aloin. The best ingredient to look out for is pure inner leaf gel as this carries the most benefits and is purer in taste. By cutting away the outer leaf, you are removing most of the yellowish aloin substance making the gel pleasant, healthy, and safe for consumption.
Benefits of aloe vera
Below are some of the most well-known benefits of aloe:
It’s great for shiny glowing skin, hair and nails.
Aloe vera is very succulent meaning it’s perfect as a soothing digestive aid for gastrointestinal health.
It carries cleansing and purifying properties.
It promotes health and wellbeing.
It helps support immune function.
Aloe supports skin health.
Eight essential amino acids are found in aloe vera.
According to M.D. Lauren Fine, a board-certified dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, aloe vera can help improve skin health.
Forever Living is passionate about its products, and in particular its flagship product Forever Aloe Vera Gel. This purifying gel drink carries benefits that have literally impacted millions of people...
Forever Living is passionate about its products, and in particular its flagship product Forever Aloe Vera Gel. This purifying gel drink carries benefits that have literally impacted millions of people all over the world thanks to its nutrient value and the purity of its aloe, and now we are even more excited to share a brand-new look aloe vera gel that’s even purer, fresher in taste and captured in packaging made from recycled materials.
Forever Aloe Vera Gel contains a high quantity of pure aloe vera and it really is this succulent plant that makes Forever’s products so powerful. Although there are hundreds of aloe species, Forever’s aloe, Aloe Barbadensis, is considered to be the best. Read on to discover ten reasons why you should choose Forever’s aloe vera over any other aloe brand…
Protein is a chain of organic compounds called amino acids and is extremely popular within the sports and weight management scene, but this seeming infatuation is more than just a fad. Any fitness fan...
Protein is a chain of organic compounds called amino acids and is extremely popular within the sports and weight management scene, but this seeming infatuation is more than just a fad. Any fitness fanatic knows how essential protein is to their daily routine and that it contributes to a growth in and maintenance of muscle mass. In fact, your organs, tissues, muscles and hormones are all made from proteins, therefore the protein found in foods is used by every part of the body to develop, grow and function properly. This is especially important when your body starts to age.
Protein also contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, which is why consuming a diet containing high-protein foods perfectly complements a schedule that favours strength exercises. Other benefits of protein include faster recovery after exercising, helping you to maintain a healthy weight and it can help you to feel fuller for longer by slowing down digestion and making you feel satisfied – this means you’re less likely to go back for seconds!
Protein before and after a workout is a great idea and beneficial when it comes to muscle repair, but it’s also sensible to start your day off with a high-protein breakfast. We recommend white meat, lean beef, eggs, beans, soy and Greek yoghurt – all these foods are excellent sources of protein. Even though breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day, you should try to consume other protein-rich foods in other meals on a daily basis for good health.
Forever Living has plenty of protein packed products to support you on your fitness venture:
Shake up your diet and lifestyle with naturally-flavoured, plant-powered protein. Forever Lite Ultra shakes contain 24g of protein per serving, vital vitamins and minerals and are available in two delicious flavours (chocolate and vanilla). This versatile product can be used if you’re watching your calorie intake, or as a filling protein shake if you’re trying to gain weight. A top tip is to drink a protein shake immediately after you exercise – you’re more likely to gain muscle.
The Forever Fast Break bar contains less sugar and even more fibre! With improved flavour, this delicious chocolate covered peanut butter bar will make you think you’ve died and gone to weight management heaven. Chock-full of 11g of protein, these filling bars are a great snack when you need that little extra, especially after an active workout.
Forever Pro X2 is a tasty alternative to an unhealthy snack and each bar contains 15g of protein. These gluten-free bars are available in cinnamon or chocolate and they’re perfect for keeping in your gym bag.
Argi+ is a wholesome berry-flavoured drink that has been uniquely formulated for people with active lifestyles. Each sip provides protein and amino acid support (vitamin B6), vitamins B6 and B12 will contribute to normal red blood cell formation, and it also helps to maintain muscle function (vitamin D3) and energy (vitamins C, B6 and B12).
The majority of nutrition experts would say that the main thing to remember when it comes to healthy eating is that you can eat anything in moderation as long as overall you are adopting a balanced di...
The majority of nutrition experts would say that the main thing to remember when it comes to healthy eating is that you can eat anything in moderation as long as overall you are adopting a balanced diet that’s full of variety, colour and sensibly-sized portions. The foods we consume are the sources of vitamins, minerals and energy – three necessities that keep our bodies functioning, and a varied diet that taps into carbohydrates, healthy fats and proteins is what any adult requires to keep their health on track.
If you’re keen to up your fitness level, it’s vital that you take a look at your diet and eliminate anything that could hinder your performance. Follow our guide for advice on how to ensure what you’re eating is nutritionally-rich for optimum fitness.
L-arginine is a popular amino acid and a building block for proteins – that’s why Argi+ is so popular with active people.
Its vitamin C content contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth. Vitamin C also contributes to a normal energy-yielding metabolism, normal function of the immune system and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
Its vitamin K content contributes to normal blood-clotting and the maintenance of normal bones.
Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and muscle function.
Vitamin B6 contributes to normal functioning of the nervous system and normal protein and glycogen metabolism.
Vitamin B12 contributes to normal psychological function and normal red blood cell formation.
Argi+ also contains folate (folic acid) which contributes to normal amino acid synthesis, normal blood formation and it plays a role in process of cell division.
Contains wholesome dark berries including red grapes, blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, elderberries, raspberries and Morello cherries.
Argi+ comes in convenient stick sachets that can easily be thrown into the gym bag.
We decided to put Infinite by Forever’s anti-ageing properties to the test, so during March, a cohort of Forever customers aged over thirty were invited to trial the Hydrating Cleanser, Firming Serum,...
We decided to put Infinite by Forever’s anti-ageing properties to the test, so during March, a cohort of Forever customers aged over thirty were invited to trial the Hydrating Cleanser, Firming Serum, Restoring Crème and Firming Complex for a period of thirty days.
The hardest part for many was the seven-day ‘wash out’ period ahead of the trial where we asked participants to use only Forever’s Avocado Face & Body Soap and no other skincare products. We also asked that they keep makeup to a minimum and preferably foundation-free. For many this was bordering on traumatic, especially as we asked them to come to Forever’s Head Office for the pre-trial photoshoot completely bare-faced! A huge thanks to everyone who went outside their comfort zone and fully embraced the trial.
Once the seven-days were complete, participants started to use the cleanser, serum and cream twice a day, also taking two of the supplement tablets daily. At the end of the thirty days, everyone was invited back to Head Office for their post-trial photos as well as a ‘thank you’ pamper including canapés and bubbles, a massage, makeup and lifestyle photoshoot.
Participants completed a survey post-trial and the results* have proved impressive with 82% saying they saw a marked improvement in their skin’s smoothness, 77% reported an increase in skin brightness and 64% said their skin was firmer. More than half said that they had seen improvements in the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone.
We also had some great feedback: Jade said, “I love the products, they feel so light and are absorbed so easily leaving my skin feeling moisturised. Following the trial my skin feels amazing and it looks so much brighter since using the products.”
Jan added, “My skin feels amazing and it’s so much smoother than before – that’s a big improvement in my book!”
Have you tried Infinite by Forever? Let us know how you got on by commenting below.
*Statistics correct at time of post
The Forever F.I.T. app is an essential tool for anyone who is following the Forever F.I.T. Programme, from the C9 to F15. As well as information on each programme, it provides users with interactive f...
The Forever F.I.T. app is an essential tool for anyone who is following the Forever F.I.T. Programme, from the C9 to F15. As well as information on each programme, it provides users with interactive features, motivation, accountability, exercise routines, recipes and more.
Achieving your fitness and nutrition goals has never been easier thanks to the Forever F.I.T. app. This app offers a convenient way for you to set yourself challenges and will provide you with the motivation needed to successfully conquer your weight management goals!
Here are some of the features the Forever F.I.T. app has to offer:
Easy-to-navigate dashboard
A chance to challenge and compete with friends
Access to a workout routine
Weight and measurement tracking
Delicious recipes
Water intake monitor
Supplement schedule checklist
Rewards that can be unlocked
At the end of last year, four brave Forever Business Owners embarked on a 54-day F.I.T. challenge, starting with the C9 and following through with the F15 programmes, with the aim of transforming thei...
At the end of last year, four brave Forever Business Owners embarked on a 54-day F.I.T. challenge, starting with the C9 and following through with the F15 programmes, with the aim of transforming their bodies and mindset surrounding food and exercise. Shaun Cooper was one of these challengers and we caught up with him earlier this week to see if he had continued to implement these good habits into his lifestyle some nine months on. Shaun explained that using the Vital5 products have really helped to keep him on track. Read on to find out more…
How long have you been using the Vital5 products?
I have been using the products in the Vital5 pack on a daily basis since December last year when I finished the 54-day F.I.T. Challenge in which I used one C9 and three F15 kits.
How do they fit in with your healthy lifestyle and when do you take each product throughout the day?
The products fit in perfectly with my lifestyle. I love to train hard and I also love to eat lots of healthy food! The supplements work synergistically to provide my body with essential vitamins and nutrients throughout the day so that along with a balanced diet, I’m confident that I’m getting all the nutrients I need.
First thing in the morning I take two shots of Forever Aloe Vera Gel on an empty stomach with water. I then have my breakfast of porridge oats and a Forever Lite Ultra shake. Following this, I take my Forever Daily, two Forever Arctic Sea tablets and a Forever Active Probiotic beadlet. Late morning, I have a Forever Fast Break bar as a snack followed by Argi+ and a Forever Therm supplement just before I go to the gym. Following my gym session, I have chicken and rice followed by two more Forever Arctic Sea tablets. For dinner, I will typically have fillet steak with pasta and a further two Forever Arctic Seas. Before bed I will have another shot of Forever Aloe Vera Gel and if I’ve I have had a rigorous training session that day, I will then have another sachet of Argi+ before bed to aid recovery whilst I sleep.
What is your favourite product in the pack?
My favourite product would have to be Argi+ as I love the impact it has on my training, I love that I can take it before bed and at different times of the day as it’s stimulant-free so it doesn’t have those unwanted side effects, plus I love its taste!
What benefits have you noticed by taking Vital5? Do they complement your healthy lifestyle well?
Since taking the Vital5 products I have seen much better results both in the gym and with changes in my body. I weigh out all of my food and when I’m in the gym I record every weight, set and rep so that I can monitor improvements in my strength and fitness. In order to maximise the effectiveness of this training, I also need the correct supplementation to support my body’s nutritional needs. I can rely on the supplements in the Vital5 pack to deliver what I require in order to help me get to that next level of fitness.
How would you sum up the Vital5 products?
The Vital5 pack is a great selection of products that you can use whether you are trying to lose weight, gain weight or just for general health and wellness. Its benefits when taken with correct food choices are huge and really have a significant impact on both performance and general wellbeing. It’s the first product pack I recommend before anything else!
Do you use the Vital5 products on a regular basis to support a healthy lifestyle? If so, we would love to hear from you – please post your experiences in the comments section below.
Network marketing, multi-level marketing and direct selling are terms used to describe how some companies including Forever Living choose to retail their products selling through independent business...
Network marketing, multi-level marketing and direct selling are terms used to describe how some companies including Forever Living choose to retail their products selling through independent business owners or distributors as an alternative to the traditional high street. The UK ranks the 10th largest market with around 575,000 direct sellers generating sales worth £2.8 billion annually. It’s a growing market place and sales increased by 7.5% here last year.
Last month the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations published its annual year-end figures for the industry setting new records*
In 2016, global direct sales increased 1.9% - from US$179.2 billion in 2015 to $182.6 billion in 2016, a new global record.
The global growth was driven by increases in all regions. As well, 81% of countries around the world showed sales increases.
The story of sustained growth over time is one that can be told in all regions:
Asia-Pacific, which accounts for 46% of global direct sales, shows a 3-year CAGR of 6.7% for the period from 2013 to 2016.
Americas, accounting for 33% of global sales, shows a 3-year CAGR of 3.3%.
Europe, with 20% of global sales, has a CAGR of 4.9%,
And Africa-Middle East, at about 1% of global sales, has a CAGR of 6.0%.
Sales were generated by the world’s 107 million independent representatives, another record. This sales force of independent representatives was up 3.1% year-over-year.
Accounting for 80% of global sales are the world’s Top 10 direct selling markets: United States, China, Korea, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, France, and United Kingdom.
Direct Selling shows success in both advanced and developing economies: Of the Top 10 markets, 6 are Advanced economies and 4 are Developing economies, according to the International Monetary Fund.
In recent years, health and fitness has become a big trend, especially when it comes to dietary supplements rising in popularity. We have all become more aware and conscious about our health and our p...
In recent years, health and fitness has become a big trend, especially when it comes to dietary supplements rising in popularity. We have all become more aware and conscious about our health and our physiques over the last few years, with many of us finding a new-found love of all things active. Millions of people across all ages, locations and backgrounds are embracing fitness around the world, with the desire to improve their physical fitness and wellbeing. Mintel research* has revealed that as many as two thirds (65%) of all adults took some form of vitamins or supplements either daily or occasionally in the last 12 months.
Social media; influencing millions
Social media is certainly a driving influence when it comes to self-betterment and fitness inspiration. It’s no secret that platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest have increased the popularity of the health and fitness industry, with many celebrities and social media influencers introducing users to new fitness regimes and health supplements, highlighting the benefits that they have had on their own physical and mental health.
The beauty industry has welcomed health and fitness with open arms
It’s clear to see that the health and fitness trend is blossoming throughout the beauty sector. Products such as high SPF sun creams, face masks and cleansing products have become more popular, with people becoming more health conscious. Facebook and Instagram are inundated with videos of people peeling off purifying black charcoal masks. Influencers are posting videos of their workouts and healthy eating regimes, with the aim of giving inspiration to their followers. Health and wellness is at the forefront of social media - makeup trends are also incorporating the healthier lifestyle - with the latest desire to look more youthful, aspiring to get that all important glow and have that perfectly sculpted body all whilst having optimum fitness and health.
Millennials are more conscious than ever about their health
With every generation, they are conscious about specific aspects of their lifestyle affecting their health. For example, there has been significant focus on obesity for a long time - dieting stories are seen as inspirational, weight loss has become a narrative structure for a plethora of television programmes and the food consumed in the UK features a traffic light system in order to help us achieve a healthier lifestyle.
It’s fair to say that the population has been concerned with obesity for a while now. GP’s and health advisors are now suggesting ways to improve our health, further reinforcing that the nation is more health conscious than ever before. Still don’t believe us? We’ve changed from smoking to vaping, and around 2% of the UK’s population have chosen to live off a plant-based, vegan diet. Information is easily accessible on the internet and people are finding ways to get fit with a combination of fitness routines, diet plans and appropriate supplementation, proving that health is now a main priority.
Are supplements beneficial?
For years there have been myths surrounding health supplements and multivitamins, and this has been reinforced on mainstream television time and time again. However, if you are taking supplements alongside a balanced diet then there will be some incredible benefits.
Supplements and vitamins help your body replenish the necessary amount of dietary nutrients that it needs every day, alongside a balanced and nutritional diet.
Diet is crucial when it comes to getting the best vitamins and minerals - supplements aid this. Especially if a person is lacking when it comes to getting the correct nutrition, due to dietary requirements. The key is to ensure supplements are taken in addition to healthy diet choices and nutrient-dense foods. They should be taken with the right amount of exercise and sleep too, which most people forget about! Supplements are also known to be a good way to support your immune system, giving your body the nutritional boost it needs to work at an optimal level.
It is also proven that liquid nutrition is the most readily absorbed form of nutrition and is one of the reasons that products like Forever Living’s Argi+ which contains l’arginine is so popular to take before or after training, as when l’arginine is digested, the amino acid arginine changes into nitric oxide.
It’s no surprise that the nation wants to achieve new health goals but it can often be hard for many with a busy lifestyle, and with the benefits outlined above, it is easy to see why so many fitness enthusiasts turn to nutritional supplements in order to maintain optimal health.
Supplements are beneficial, but the key to vitamin and mineral success is a balanced diet, sleep and exercise. Before taking vitamin and mineral supplements, talk to your GP about your personal dietary plan.
To see Forever Living’s full range of supplements click here.
* http://www.mintel.com/press-centre/social-and-lifestyle/vitamin-and-supplements-market-in-good-health-46-of-all-brits-are-daily-users
Network marketing is often given a bad rap, misunderstood by many – so what exactly is it? In many ways it’s the forerunner to today’s ‘sharing’ and networking on social media; it’s rec...
Network marketing is often given a bad rap, misunderstood by many – so what exactly is it? In many ways it’s the forerunner to today’s ‘sharing’ and networking on social media; it’s recommending and sharing products that you genuinely love to family, friends and colleagues in the same way that you would recommend a restaurant or a film you have enjoyed.
Rather than retailing through the traditional ‘High Street’ Forever Living is a ‘direct selling’ company providing people with an opportunity to start their own business under the umbrella and with the support of a global brand; or as many of you may have heard me say ‘the opportunity to be in business for yourself but not by yourself’.
The direct selling industry is not new – you might be surprised to learn that the first direct selling company was an educational books publisher called Southwestern formed in 1855, and that Avon was formed just over 30 years later in 1886.
Forever Living, will be 40 years old next year, operating in 159 countries with the UK/Ireland being the World’s top performer for sales two years running. Our flag-ship product is our aloe vera drinking gel which accounts for half of the company’s sales globally; it sits within a huge range of aloe inspired products spanning health, beauty, nutrition, weight management and fitness, as well as products from the bee hive.
How does network marketing work?
Forever Living business owners are paid a commission on their retail sales and if they choose to grow their business further by building a team they are also paid a commission by the company on their team members’ sales. In addition the company rewards people who achieve certain volumes of business with increased commission levels, and over time, as they progress they receive other incentives including car plans and all expenses paid training/inspirational events such as the annual global rally held in a different city around the world each year.
Why do people struggle to accept network marketing?
It really is a simple model – so why do some people struggle with accepting it? Well first of all I think it’s because people are not used to a business model where people genuinely help one another. We are immediately suspicious of anything that is different, there must be some catch; it goes against everything we have experienced working in traditional businesses. We are expected to climb over people, play politics and make personal sacrifice (work extra hours, unpaid) in order to stand out and progress.
Secondly we have the term ‘pyramid’ to contend with. A term that many do not fully understand except that it’s negative; rightly so. So let’s be clear; a pyramid scheme is one where people are compensated for recruiting people rather than selling products and……they are illegal. What many people don’t know is that the UK is one of the most highly-regulated countries in the world with legislations protecting both the consumer and the business owner. We are so confident about our products that we offer a 60-day money back guarantee – you don’t find too many offers like that on the High street. We ship hundreds of thousands of orders each year in the UK and less than 10% of our revenue comes from new business owners investing in a ‘business owners box’ – which is also covered by a money-back guarantee. That should put the pyramid argument to bed once and for all.
Forever Living is also an active member of the Direct Selling Association – there are around 130 member companies globally. What this membership means is that all those companies have signed up to a code of ethics regarding best practice and high standards – http://www.dsa.org.uk/codes-of-ethics/ . Hand on heart I can say that Forever Living is one of the most ethical companies I have had the privilege to be involved in – I wouldn’t have been here over 20 years if that wasn’t the case.
Network marketing is now a mature, established industry and the best companies have strong track record, backed up by impressive financial sales statistics that many traditional corporates would envy. Robert T. Kyosaki who wrote the best seller ‘Rich Dad, Poor Dad’ is a great advocate of this industry and co-authored the network marketing book ‘Businesses of the 21st Century’. In fact he is quoted as saying “If I had to do it all over again, rather than build an old style type of business I would have started building a network marketing business.”More about Robert Kiyosaki
Why I am so passionate about Forever Living - Bob Parker UK Country Manager
As well as the flexibility and financial rewards that are possible, perhaps we should talk more about the huge personal development that so many benefit from once they commit to this business. I have witnessed so many business owners first-hand who have become truly great leaders fulfilling their potential in ways that they hadn’t even dreamed when they first started out.
So what about those who grasp the vision and run with it? They may not fully understand how it all works but have a sense of what the ‘Business Owner’s Box’ of products symbolises – the start of something that they have control over and the potential for financial and personal reward. What I love about this company is that it is the most level playing field you will ever experience regardless of age, gender, education, nationality, there are people from every conceivable background thriving in this environment. It’s also flexible – you can start to grow something in parallel with your current commitments, existing job, and around your children. People are able to build businesses on as little as 8-10 hours a week. We all have the same 24 hours a day – it’s how we choose to spend it that affects how our lives unfold.
If you’ve read the Forever magazine then you will be familiar with the host of success stories about people from all walks of life; mums, nurses, prison and police officers, lawyers, hairdressers, dog groomers, building society clerks, beauty therapists, social workers, corporate directors, even a magician’s assistant; all building their own Forever Living businesses. The common denominator is usually that there is something in their current situation that they would like to change. They may be well rewarded financially but time poor. They may hate their job, or have little financial provision in their retirement. They may want to be able to put their children through private school or pay for university education, they may be looking for reward and recognition, they may simply want to build a business with low risk and minimal investment, creating something, and helping others along the way.
What I am keen to point out is that there is no ‘smoke and mirrors’ to this world. It is, like any other endeavour in life; a case of, you get out what you put in. As in any business it requires, commitment, time and work, belief and desire, the resolve to develop new skills. There will be challenges of course but what I do promise you is that you will also have fun along the way, experience one of the most positive ‘can do’ cultures, make life-long friends and have control over your future.
Renowned for her dazzling dancing style and svelte physique, Kristina Rihanoff is no stranger to the limelight. She’s been dancing since the age of six, has won numerous prestigious awards and had cou...
Renowned for her dazzling dancing style and svelte physique, Kristina Rihanoff is no stranger to the limelight. She’s been dancing since the age of six, has won numerous prestigious awards and had countless national television appearances. Being involved in the glitz and glamour of the dance industry from a young age has meant that Kristina has always taken care of her health and appearance to ensure she is looking and feeling her best.
As a huge advocate of skincare products and an Ambassador for Forever Living, we were eager for Kristina to try our new Infinite by Forever Advanced Skincare System as soon as it launched! After trialling this new skincare collection for a month, we caught up with the Russian-born beauty to see what she thought of Forever Living’s brand new anti-ageing range, and whether she had noticed any difference to her complexion.
As we all know, ageing is an inevitable process that we cannot stop, slow down or pause – it is a fact of life whether we like it or not. In modern day society, we have become fixated on the ageing pr...
As we all know, ageing is an inevitable process that we cannot stop, slow down or pause – it is a fact of life whether we like it or not. In modern day society, we have become fixated on the ageing process from a cosmetic point of view since most people associate youth with looking and feeling better. One survey*, carried out by the Anti-Ageing Health and Beauty Show, found that wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity were among the top anti-ageing concerns amongst British women. Although the process of ageing cannot be controlled, we now know that we can help to prevent the visible signs of ageing thanks to the evolution of science. Using the best of both science and natural ingredients, Forever has created an innovative range of advanced skincare that focuses on the issue of ageing skin. Infinite by Forever is our new line of skincare which uses peptides, natural minerals, botanicals and desert plants which work synergistically with the key ingredient of aloe, to increase its efficacy and benefits.
One of the key findings of research into skincare has found that hydration is vital in helping skin to appear younger and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Picture your skin as a juicy plum: moisturised, taut and smooth. This fruit represents young, healthy skin. However, as we age, our skin loses moisture faster. Add in environmental factors like pollution and the sun and our skin loses elasticity, lustre and firmness. Dry, ageing skin appears dull and is more prone to wrinkles and fine lines – just like a plum that’s been stripped of its moisture. Whilst we can’t turn back the hands of time, we can restore skin’s moisture balance, stimulate healthy collagen levels and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles – making your skin appear more like a freshly picked plum!
This fruit analogy explains how the hydrating ingredients in Forever’s anti-ageing products help skin to appear radiant and youthful. Whilst topical products are key to caring for your skin, we also know that to deliver a truly powerful skincare regime, we need to combat ageing from the inside out. Forever’s first ever beauty supplement, Firming Complex, contains a proprietary blend of French melon concentrate, biotin, phytoceramides, Vitamin C and marine collagen. Taking collagen orally has been shown to reduce the appearance in the depth of facial wrinkles and increase skin’s bounce, flexibility and hydration. The role of biotin is also important as it contributes to the maintenance of normal skin. Added to this, Vitamin C contributes to the normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
In an age where fifty is the new forty, people are feeling younger than ever before and they want their appearance to reflect this. What are your main anti-ageing concerns and have you tried our new Infinite by Forever range yet? We would love to hear from you so please post your comments below.
*http://www.onlinebeautyworld.com/Anti-Ageing%20Health%20&%20Beauty%20Show%20Survey%202014.pdf
Forever UK is excited to announce the launch of new innovative products to enhance its already impeccable range. The new products, officially launched at Forever’s 2017 Global Rally in Dubai, will soo...
Forever UK is excited to announce the launch of new innovative products to enhance its already impeccable range. The new products, officially launched at Forever’s 2017 Global Rally in Dubai, will soon be available to buy in the UK, so stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, explore Forever’s new products here.
The new products fall across three popular product categories: skincare, sports and weight management.
Kate Lewis is no stranger to the world of health and beauty, having previously worked for global cosmetic giants including the likes of Estee Lauder and Benefit cosmetics. Kate is a qualified beauty t...
Kate Lewis is no stranger to the world of health and beauty, having previously worked for global cosmetic giants including the likes of Estee Lauder and Benefit cosmetics. Kate is a qualified beauty therapist (NVQ level 2 and 3), holds an HND in theatrical and media makeup and she has worked at Forever as a Product Specialist for just over two years. As part of her role, Kate is based in Business Owner Support and responds to all product enquiry emails and calls. She liaises with the Home Office for support and information from their product development team and she assists the marketing department from time to time with product based videos and articles.
Forever’s iconic yellow and brown bottle has become synonymous with aloe vera, and rightfully so – after all, Forever Aloe Vera Gel contains 99.7% stabilised aloe! For almost forty years we have been...
Forever’s iconic yellow and brown bottle has become synonymous with aloe vera, and rightfully so – after all, Forever Aloe Vera Gel contains 99.7% stabilised aloe! For almost forty years we have been at the cutting edge of aloe production and we believe our patented stabilisation process sets us apart from the rest. In fact, we are so confident in the quality of our aloe that our Forever Business Owners can offer their customers an unconditional sixty day money back guarantee if they aren’t completely satisfied with the products. Here at Forever Living, we’ve always known that aloe vera is a pretty incredible plant, but a recent report from Expert Market Research has shown that the world’s love for aloe is also growing at a rapid rate. In fact, the global aloe vera market is predicted to reach $728 million by 2021.The same report also named Forever Living as being one of the top players in the supply of aloe, which comes as no surprise considering Forever Living produces over 60% of the world’s commercially grown aloe vera – now that’s a lot of aloe!
Looking to become your own boss this year? Then look no further! According to a major annual report carried out by Startups, the UK’s no.1 service for starting a business, direct selling has been sele...
Looking to become your own boss this year? Then look no further! According to a major annual report carried out by Startups, the UK’s no.1 service for starting a business, direct selling has been selected as one of the best business ventures for 2017.
Direct selling companies such as Forever have experienced phenomenal growth recently, with network marketing schemes rising by 10% in the UK in 2015. In fact, it’s estimated that the industry will deliver more than £3bn in revenue to the UK in 2017*. These impressive statistics offer an encouraging forecast to those thinking of starting up their own Forever business this year.
The world of direct sales has come a long way since the days of at-home tupperware and lingerie parties, and Forever has the additional advantage of being placed at the heart of the billion pound health and wellness market. The direct selling industry is also continually evolving and diversifying: there’s been a 28% rise in male direct sellers over the last year and there’s also been a surge in millennial entrepreneurs who’ve realised the extent of the opportunity.
Lynda Mills, Director General of the DSA, says, “Direct selling is becoming more mainstream and is offering a whole range of people a real alternative to traditional employment.”
Don’t miss out on your chance to get involved in this thriving industry. Discover more about network marketing and the Forever opportunity here: https://www.foreverknowledge.info/about-the-business/why-forever/
Read the full Startups article here: http://startups.co.uk/business-ideas-you-wont-want-to-miss-in-2017/
*Report by Global Direct Selling, a direct selling organisation.
Shakes are an ideal form of liquid nutrition to keep you going in-between meals, and they can taste pretty amazing too! Here are a few of our favourite Forever Lite Ultra shake recipes. Chocolate R...
Shakes are an ideal form of liquid nutrition to keep you going in-between meals, and they can taste pretty amazing too! Here are a few of our favourite Forever Lite Ultra shake recipes.
236ml unsweetened coconut milk
130g fresh or frozen raspberries
3.7g cocoa powder
15g almond butter
17g cacoa nibs ( optional topping)
4-6 ice cubes
1 scoop vanilla Forever Lite Ultra
236ml unsweetened coconut milk
125g fat-free plain Greek yoghurt
77g cherries
4g ginger
7g Forever Bee Honey
4-6 ice cubes
Nutritious – shakes can provide the perfect start to the day and keep you going until lunch, provided they are loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients.
Workout fuel – Why not add some Argi+ to your shake for an added dose of nutrition? Agri+ contains vitamin C which contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue – giving you a great boost before or during a workout.
Recovery – the ideal reload after a gruelling exercise session since protein contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.
Quick and easy – ideal for people who are constantly on the go with busy lifestyles.
Versatile – Whether you are watching your calorie intake or trying to gain weight, a shake is the perfect meal or snack.
If you recognise the potential in the business opportunity or
just want to find out more information then please get in touch.
There is no obligation and we can arrange to discuss the opportunity further.
We shall simply provide you with the facts; it will then be up
to you to decide whether this is the right opportunity for you.
If you do join, you will receive all the training and support
necessary to help you create the future you want and to achieve your dreams.
I'd recently given birth to our second child, Molly, and was busy being mum at home to both her and our two-year-old son, Harry. During July that year, I'd made a huge decision to sell my business of three-and-a-half years. I'd been busy running a bridal boutique and absolutely loved what I did. However, once I'd had my little ones I was then having to pay full-time staff on top of all the other overheads, and there just wasn't enough left for me at the end of each month – yet I still had all the stress and responsibility.
As much as I loved being mum at home, I soon realised that I needed something more. Forever had been in my life for the previous eighteen years as my mum had built an amazing business during this time. Eleven years later, my sister also joined the business and has been a real inspiration. I've always seen how hard they have both worked to achieve a fabulous lifestyle and I really wanted to be part of that too. It still makes me giggle though, as my sister and I both swore we'd never join! I even banned any Forever conversation between them in my presence as it was all they seemed to talk about!
From making the decision that the time was right for me, my business flew pretty quickly. I had a sense of urgency as knew that I needed an extra £600 per month to replace my shop income. In three months I'd achieved this, had built an amazing team and made some wonderful friends. Six months later I made Manager position; I couldn't quite believe it! My income is more than I'd thought possible when I started and I've also achieved Earned Incentive thanks to an amazing and supportive team. It's amazing what happens when you set solid goals!
It's not always easy, and yes it is a balancing act, and sometimes you do need to give up a few other things in order to make the time to grow your business.
I have some fabulous people in my team who I know aren't far behind me, and helping them is just so inspiring. We all make sure we are at every event, whether it be a Success Express, the Global Rally, or the BPs and trainings. This has been so important in helping to keep everyone motivated and excited.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to my mum and my sister for not giving up on me and for being such fantastic role models. I see the wonderful lives they live, and being able to do the same for my family is my greatest achievement.
Kyra was working as a Deputy Director at a Women’s and Children’s Charity…
I had worked in this career to a high position after twenty years of investment and study when I was introduced to the opportunity. My job role took up fifty-to-sixty hours a week and by the time I got home to my beautiful daughters and husband I was exhausted.
I was passionate about the work I did and wasn’t looking for another option, but I knew my life wasn’t in balance and the mounting debts we had indicated that the job wasn’t financially or emotionally meeting our family’s needs.
With great trepidation I took a look at the business and saw a way of earning an additional £300 that could ease the pressure. I took a chance and got started in August 2015.
What happened next still feels surreal; I was able to get the financial return on my investment of starting the business within ten days and by the end of the month I could see the profit in my purse.
As a family we began to breathe. Working in the pockets of time around my demanding job I was able to build my business from home and within six months matched my corporate income. Ten months later I had cleared any debt we had. I was in a position to leave my job, be a mum at home and have an income where we didn’t have to reduce our family requirements.
Almost four years on, I am still a mum working from home. I am there for my children every day, I never miss an Irish dance competition, a school event, or have to leave them when they are unwell.
I have the privilege to work in the leadership team in Ireland, but my business now spans the globe. World travel is part of my year as Forever provides incredible opportunities to those who work hard in their businesses. My family and I were gifted with a Mediterranean cruise, my husband joined me on a trip to America and I have travelled to the Middle East, Europe and the USA numerous times as a thank you from the company.
The positivity and the integrity of this business is refreshing. I have made lifelong friends and supported others to bring another income stream into their homes. It offers you an opportunity to create a life that you deserve. I am thankful every day for the TIME it has given me for my family. I am Forever Proud.
Claire started her business in January 2014 whilst on maternity leave from a career in education…
I had been searching for a way for me to be a full-time mum but not have to compromise on lifestyle. I suppose when I look back, I also knew I craved success, financial independence and that I wanted to set a great example for my children.
Very quickly I had developed an income that gave me the confidence in myself and belief in the company that I could develop a serious career with Forever and I made the decision not to return to work at the end of my maternity leave in June 2014. In fact, six months in and I was earning more than my full-time monthly wage, working part time around my daughter.
This wasn’t without a very sceptical start. Network marketing was new to me and seeing for myself that I could, in fact, develop a serious career, as well as feeling fulfilled as a mum, made me feel both excited and sceptical. I could see others developing successful businesses so I developed the attitude that if they can, maybe with some work on myself then I could too!
I came with a huge desire to change my life and a great work ethic. This saw me quickly progress through the marketing plan and go on to qualify for the car, travel and chairman’s bonus programmes. My income allowed us to get a mortgage on a house we wouldn’t have been able to previously, which was a huge goal for us and our growing family.
I now continue to develop my business as a full-time mum to three young daughters; Bella, 5, Sadie, 3 and Minnie 1. We have enjoyed not only a dramatic change in lifestyle that the income from my business has given us but also the time it has given us as a family.
I feel free, that’s the best way to describe it. I won’t miss a thing with my children because I’m in charge of my diary. I’m not aware of another opportunity that would enable us the same work life balance, lifestyle and financial security we have currently.
Forever is a way of living for us, not just a job that I pick up for an hour or two at a time and because of this I’m able to show the girls that by working hard and smart, anything is possible if you’re bold enough to chase after your dreams. I use the nooks and crannies of the day to work my business, and the beauty of it for me is that many of the business-building activities are incorporated into life as a busy mum, perfect!
Our girls are growing up in a positive environment, with people with great attitudes, and around other children that we meet on the trips away with Forever. The travel incentives have been really special to us. I’ve used them as a way to enable the girls to see parts of the world that we wouldn’t have been able to prior to me starting my business. I feel privileged that the company has invested in me, as the training and the people we have met as part of those trips have been incredible.
I’m driven by being able to show others that you can absolutely have both! You can have the time with your children whilst they’re young without having to sacrifice income, career satisfaction and personal development.
My passion is to help others to see the potential in the marketing plan and help them to learn the skills necessary to make the changes they’re looking to make to their lives. I’m a very proud Network Marketing Professional and am really excited about the future not only for our family but for the people we work alongside and the industry as a whole.
Millicent joined Forever in August 2003 and was very enthusiastic about the dream of becoming successful and financially free, but she didn’t know that Forever had more in store for her...
I was a law administrator with four children, so travelling was restricted but I wanted to see the world. Then, in February 2004, Forever gave me the opportunity to go for a month’s holiday in Kenya, and this is where my travelling dream began to become reality. The opportunities opened when I started sharing Forever with all my friends and relatives, and I could see that the business offered exponential growth. I qualified for the Manager position but my husband Jasper, who was an accountant, was still sceptical. The marketing plan was too good to be true, but he was willing to learn and got to work.
Back in the UK I had also qualified for an incentive that took me to Athens, Greece. Whilst there, we requested the help of Rex Maughan, Forever’s founder and CEO, to see if we could get Forever into East Africa. On a mountain with the breath-taking view of the Acropolis, Jasper and I had the chance to talk to Rex about the East African distributorship, and we were amazed when he gave us the go ahead.
Jasper had clearly caught the vision as well and we left the UK for Kenya in 2005. Whilst there, we worked with a team of other Forever Business Owners and Kenya had its grand office opening in Nairobi in August 2005. This later expanded to both Uganda and Rwanda which contributed to the success of Forever East Africa.
Our hard work had paid off and in 2006 we qualified for an exclusive training event in Stockholm, and by the end of that same year we had qualified for the 2008 World Rally Tour! Our travelling adventures didn’t stop there, and to date Forever has also awarded us with gifts of travel to Phoenix Arizona, Las Vegas, Cottonwood Cove on Lake Mohave in Nevada, Colorado, Texas, the Grand Canyon, Dallas, South Africa, Zanzibar, South Sudan, Washington DC, Bahamas, Hawaii, Singapore and many other Forever resorts.
I’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of Forever as a company and in recent years we have even received bonus cheques of over £174,000! It’s a great comfort to know that we are not alone – we are supported by a great team of achievers – and we truly believe in the business opportunity and how it’s changing lives.
When I first joined Forever, I thought I would be able to operate it through a beauty blog I had and almost be ‘faceless’ to it. The first few weeks I read and watched as many of the trainings as I could. This quickly gave me a realisation that I wouldn’t have a successful business being faceless. By the end of that first month I majorly stepped out of my comfort zone to become the face of my business.
As a manager within an HR department I was a little fearful over how people might react to my new business. I was SO relieved to actually experience positivity and excitement - so many work friends came to my launch! I hadn’t needed to be scared at all. The negative comments I did get made no impact as I was just so engrossed in getting into a rhythm with business, that I had no time to care about negativity.
After a series of launches and a huge burst of energy, I hit the supervisor position and truly felt like I was capable of reaching further promotions. I remember a training event focusing us on Eagle Manager and seeing the reward was a 5* trip to Cancun at the Moon Palace, I was determined to achieve it. Working towards that was fast, tough, exciting and rewarding. I will never forget that Christmas Eve when I hit the incentive. The best Christmas present ever.
Behind the fast pace of my business at the beginning was a vision to create space in my life to have children. I knew that I would need IVF but what I didn’t want was to have to talk to anyone about it, least of all my boss. I didn’t want to be putting in time off requests and I wanted to limit the impact stress would have on me. On my one-year anniversary with Forever I left my job and hit the Senior Manager position.
Success kept coming, I felt unstoppable at one point and was so happy to be coaching and leading teams of amazing women and men who wanted to achieve for themselves. I haven’t been a perfect leader, I have been a learning leader, learning from my mistakes, growing and adapting and also letting go when I have needed to.
By the time I had my daughter Ivy, I was a two-time Global Rally qualifier, a two-time Chairman’s Bonus achiever and two-time Eagle Manager. I was insanely proud of that, but most of all I was proud of my team for being self-starters, self-motivated and determined to enable me to be fulfilled as a new mother. I was able take time off and, on my return, dramatically reduce my working hours with my team. This did mean a drop in income, like anyone reducing their hours would expect. At first this was uncomfortable until I reached a new level of stability in my business.
My desire to achieve goals didn’t disappear and when I realised my volume was close to achieving Global Rally, I increased my working hours so that I didn’t miss out. I also kept focus on my New Zealand team to see them make history as the first Manager business over there. I feel so grateful for my experiences and I know that my connection with Forever will be lifelong. This is the only business I know of where you adapt your work around your needs, ramping up and quieting down when you need it. What I have massively appreciated in the last two years is the global scope of my business and what it has taught me in terms of being more efficient and focused. The way I run my overseas business is different to how I have run my UK one, and I am excited about the change in my UK business to align these. It’s going to take time, but I am in no rush!
Network marketing was not a new concept to Annie as her parents had started their network marketing business alongside another company when she was six years old…
A few years in, my parents were both able to leave their jobs and work their business really flexibly from home around myself and my two sisters. This gave us an amazing upbringing with unlimited time and lots of memories as a family, so I have a lot to thank the industry for!
It never crossed my mind that it could be something that I could do also, as my experience of network marketing stopped at their company and that just wasn’t for me.
After studying fashion design at university, I landed what I thought was my dream job as a designer in London. At first this was a whirlwind of excitement, however, as the time went on, I started to feel less and less enthusiastic. I didn’t feel fulfilled, I worked really long hours, had a long commute, and I hated that I was constantly wishing time away until home time or the weekend. From this job I realised a few things - I didn’t want to have a boss, I didn’t want someone to be in control of my time, and I wanted the freedom to not be tied down to one place.
It was finally a phone call with my mum and me voicing this when she said, ‘Annie, why don’t you take a proper look into network marketing and find a company that’s right for you that you can get really passionate about…’ So that night I did some real research and it finally clicked! I realised that network marketing was exactly the answer. I researched companies and when I found Forever I knew it was right for me. I searched on the Forever events Facebook page for an upline and got started the next day in October 2016.
When I started, although I had full belief in the industry and the company, my belief in myself took a while to build. However, the incredible training and support I received helped me grow and develop. I attended every event, read every book I was recommended, and my business started to grow. Early in 2018, I hit the position of Manager giving me so many more choices. I was able to leave my full-time job and also move to and explore a new city altogether!
It’s creating that time freedom I’ve witnessed first-hand that drives me. Building my business has been an absolute rollercoaster ride and really hard work, but I wouldn’t change any of it! I’m completely obsessed with what I do now, I have met the most incredible people, love working with my team, and I am so excited for my future with Forever.
JAYNE’S JOURNEY WITH FOREVER
Diamond Managers and Executive Global Leadership Team founder members Jayne Leach and John Curtis, started their Forever business over twenty years ago in the summer of ’93. They have since achieved consistent and phenomenal success over the past two decades, including receiving the top UK Chairman’s Bonus cheque this year. They’ve witnessed incredible change and growth in Forever, both globally and here in the UK.
Forever Business Owners today can thank Jayne, John and their leaders for sustained major input into some of the core literature and training materials used globally, and the couple continue to inspire and motivate generations of FBOs across the world. In this intimate interview, Forever’s Editor Kate Hodge asks Jayne to reflect on her Forever journey and to share her accumulated wisdom with other FBOs who aspire to build life-changing Forever businesses.
KH: What was life like for you when you began your business?
JL: I was a single mum, and whilst I had loved and was good at working in farming, after eighteen years of hard work, working with livestock and show-jumping horses, I still didn’t make any real money. Finances were a ‘challenge’ and we were literally surviving from day-to-day. Then I met John, also a single parent experiencing doubtful financial prospects. Together we realised that we couldn’t carry on doing work that didn’t give us what our now combined family needed. Friends in America advised us to find a really good network marketing company, and that if we did, and worked hard, we could build a strong long-term business and income of our dreams. I clearly remember not understanding what they meant by network marketing, but we did as suggested and looked at companies in the UK. Having given it much thought and discussion, we decided to look for a company that had consumable, benefit driven products; a marketing or compensation plan that would outlive us to leave a legacy income to our four children; preferably a private company with proven management, and international possibilities; but almost above all else, to be associated with an honest opportunity we could be proud of. A lot to ask? Of course, but remember, we were looking to get it right first time.
So, we looked at every single network marketing company we could find in the UK, but didn’t particularly like any of them. After attending their meetings, we couldn’t relate to either the distributors, their products, the management, or their ‘style’, so we almost gave up the search. This changed with a phone call from a friend, telling us about a company called Forever Living. Intrigued, we got together and he showed us everything he had on the company, literally a few pieces of paper, a few pictures, and a couple of products. Cautiously excited, we didn’t want that excitement to cloud our judgement, so ‘due diligence’ led to meeting with the then UK Country Manager Dusty Green. Very open and direct, he answered all our questions, so we registered, got some products, and got started – that was the beginning of our long-term ‘love affair’ with Forever.
KH: Why were you determined to succeed?
JL: We didn’t join just to ‘give it a go’; we joined to be successful. We felt that network marketing was the way of the future, and possibly the only way open for us to build a big life and achieve big goals and dreams whilst helping other people. We were ready to be successful; mentally we wanted success. It was never, ‘we’ll see if this works’, even in the early days when there was nothing in place in the UK – no meetings, trainings, Success Express events, Advisory Board, Head Office of substance, literature, manuals, brochures, internet – there was nothing. But we were committed to Forever’s founder Rex Maughan’s vision, philosophy and mission statement, and reassured that although it was brand new to the UK, it already had a sixteen-year track record and the company was enjoying success in the USA, Japan and a host of other countries. If it was working out there, it could work in the UK as well!
However, in the early days of our business, network marketing did not have a great name. It was almost seen as the thing you did when you had exhausted all other options, but because this company was built on values, integrity and ethics, John and I had decided that we were going to help make it the best network marketing company in the UK. We knew that if we worked with quality people, we could make it the best, so that became our vision and mantra.
We also listened to Dusty: he always advised us to do the right thing, go the extra mile, and remember that when you help someone else, you create a ripple effect. He also talked often about the need to remain modest in the face of increasing success, and to accept responsibility for being role models that others want to follow.
KH: What was Forever like in the beginning?
JL: When we first started, John and I sat down and had a planning meeting, deciding that if we were going to build a business, we had to implement a system. So, we got a Forever flipchart and drew out a very basic Business Presentation (BP) – this has since been developed by the leaders into the BP that everybody enjoys today. We started having BP meetings in our home every Wednesday night and Saturday morning so we started inviting people along. Most didn’t come, but the common reaction amongst those that did was that we were somehow crazy; they would tell us not to waste their or our time, to get a ‘proper job’, or worse, but we just knew that it would work, so we kept on asking.
Alongside asking people to look at the business, we also began to use these times as opportunities to sell products. We had no success stories to share, and almost nobody had even heard of aloe, so we simply shared our personal experiences. However, in the first two weeks, we developed a retail base of over 8CC. The first six months of our business continued in much the same way: John, our box of products, a Forever flipchart, and me! We then started training on Saturday mornings after the BP, and the First Steps to Manager Planning Manual that you use today began to develop from one we made twenty-three years ago!
We achieved Manager in fourteen weeks, but every single night I was either doing a launch, one-to-one, or BP. At that time, Head Office was based in a tiny office in Selly Oak, Birmingham. We drove there to get products, and the paperwork for orders had carbon copies. The only way we could work out our case credits was to gather the carbon copies from the orders, add them together manually, and constantly check them at the all-important month end. But it was such fun – we would all get together and often stay up really late counting and checking case credits on those pink slips. There was a lot of team spirit and I loved that we all came together – there was a real closeness.
KH: What are some of your fondest memories?
JL: I remember qualifying for our first Rally. Dusty spoke so fondly of the American Rallies and even though we had only been in the business for nine months, I was already a bit obsessed with wanting to go there – I had never travelled further than Europe at the time.
One day we received a phone call from Dusty, but he sounded quite stern. He said, “Jayne, I need to come and see you immediately.” When I asked why, he replied, “I’m not prepared to discuss it over the phone, but it’s very important.”
I honestly thought I had done something wrong so cancelled the following day’s appointments. The next day, after dropping the kids off at their schools, we went to the office and turned the phones off in anticipation of some unforeseen ‘bomb shell’. Dusty duly arrived on time, but still with a somber demeanor. I’d lain awake worrying all night and couldn’t cope any longer, and half expecting termination for something, I asked him to be straight and tell me what the problem was. He looked at me for a few seconds, but then he couldn’t contain himself any longer and burst out laughing. He opened his briefcase and pulled out two tickets for America before running around the room whooping.
That was to be our first ever trip to the States, and I will never, ever, forget it. We actually had no idea that we had qualified – keeping on top of case credits when it was all done on paper was quite difficult, and unbeknown to us, we had achieved 1,500CCs. The Rally was in San Francisco and we came back as changed people. Meeting Rex and the Vice Presidents, and seeing the enormity of the company; the values, the ethics, the vision, the people, it was all ‘mind-blowing’. Back then, Forever had an American Rally as well as a World Rally, but the only people open to qualification for World Rally were the country’s top distributor and the Country Manager – fast forward to 1995 and we achieved just that and another long-term ambition, to go to Peru and Machu Pichu.
Another outstanding and fond memory of the early days involves Rex. He was due to come to the UK and there was an incentive whereby you could have aloe ‘mocktails’ with him. It was a recruitment incentive, and if you won, you also got a television and VIP access to this exclusive ‘mocktail’ event. I knew I wanted to be at that party. The week before, a Head Office meeting declared the qualifiers and winners, and when Dusty called out the qualifiers, then third and second places, I was becoming despondent at the thought that we hadn’t managed it. But when he called out our names for first place, my jaw dropped open and I thought two things: firstly, that the kids were going to love the new TV, but more importantly, that we were going to meet Rex.
Yet another striking memory was when Dusty phoned to tell us that Rex was coming to the UK with Rjay Lloyd (a long -term friend of Rex and the Executive Senior Vice President), together with Dusty’s dad, Harold. Rex was touring the UK and wanted to come to our (tiny) office, and he wanted us to hold a Business Presentation. When I heard this, I said, “Dusty, our office is minuscule, and so is our training room, what am I going to do?” He just said that we’d work something out, so we did – I remember going to the local junior school and borrowing small children’s chairs so that we could get more seating in the room, and on the night, we filled sixty chairs with overspill guests in the hallway and down the stairs. Rex spoke and signed a book for me, which I still have, and the whole thing was just incredible.
KH: Why did you decide to go global with your business?
JL: Travel is a major passion for both of us, and we felt that it would be brilliant to go to countries where Forever had, or was planning, a presence. For us, it made sense to go there, do some work, and then enjoy different cultures and experiences. It was also obvious to me that building a multiple income stream with a global-based business meant taking advantage of everything Forever offers.
Our first ever global business foray was Italy: one of my dearest and best friends, Maria-Louisa Di-Pinto, asked if she could build a business even though Forever was not yet in Italy. Dusty advised us to consider whether we could personally send the products to Italy, but he backed our decision and told us to go for it. So, every month, we arranged for a freight company to collect a shipment for delivery to Maria-Louisa in Milan; she then distributed the products to her customers. After six months, we learnt that someone based in Spain was doing much the same thing, and eventually, between us, there was enough business being conducted for the company to officially open in Italy. We were already in pre-launch overdrive, and literally every five or six weeks, John, me, or both of us would be over there, without mobile phones, but in a car driving to do endless one-to-ones! When the company finally had their great big grand opening, we had about 200 people in attendance and business in Italy boomed! From that modest success, we focused on Africa and went into Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, East Africa and many other English-speaking areas. We also started an African BP every week in London, with average attendance of around 400 people!
However, at the time, although we had a global business, it wasn’t global as it is today. Case credits didn’t count towards Chairman’s Bonus or anything else other than local income, but we didn’t do it for any of this, we just wanted to build a legacy in other countries.
In those days, if you wanted to work with somebody, you got in your car and drove – we regularly did 60,000 miles per year between us, literally driving all over the country to work with teams. These days we can do webinars, Skype calls, deliver online training, group meetings, and Business Presentations – this change has been fundamental in allowing people to build a global business. Now you can do a lot of ‘groundwork’ before even stepping on a plane, but, as good as it is, technology can never replace a good old-fashioned ‘heart-to-heart’. When you get together with people who share your passion, when you feel the emotion in the room, that’s when things change.
KH: What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt as an FBO?
JL: If John or I could ‘turn back the clock’, we would not have spent so much time with ‘time-wasters’ – people who talk the talk but do very little, who have great intentions but never make a call, who hardly ever show up at BP, training or Success Express event. They give you every excuse in the book as to why they can’t do something, but still insist that they are going to be successful. When you spend time with people like this and they don’t perform, all it does is bring you down, rob someone else deserving of your time, and make you question their lack of success as down to you, but it’s not, it’s down to them.
To be successful, you must do more than you think you have got to do, and you must be absolutely 100% consistent every single day, even when you’re not getting results. Always be the student, and always stay humble. Even today, I still learn off others – I want to constantly bring my best game to the table, but I can’t do that if I stop being the student.
KH: You are a founder and trustee for the DABW Foundation charity – how did that begin?
JL: My mum and dad (Dorothy and Bill Wood) joined the business shortly after us, and within a few years had climbed to second position in the UK. By this time, the UK was doing over 10,000CC and this meant the top two Forever Business Owners were to be invited to World Rally – my mum’s goal and dream was for us to attend together, but then she got sick – a little mark on her leg turned out to be aggressive skin cancer.
She was admitted to hospital on a day when the usual nurse was on leave, so a different one turned up. Nurse Otilia was from Malawi, from a little village called Kanyenda which was in the middle of nowhere with no main roads nearby. Otilia told mum that her family was still in the village, but she had come to the UK to make money to send home. The biggest challenge there was a lack of clean water, with the local small river serving as the only source of washing and drinking water for the animals and villagers. When mum heard about the number of children dying from cholera, and that the village had been saving for twelve years to try and raise the £2,500 needed to install a borehole pump, she decided to raise the money from her hospital bed. Sadly, mum died before it was commissioned, but just before she passed away, she asked me to carry on the work in the village. John and I flew out to Malawi and officially opened the well – that’s when we realised that there was a lot more work to do – kids were going hungry and the school was falling down, so our next project was to rebuild the school and kindergarten, and to put in place a feeding programme.
The villagers’ staple diet is maize, but with no means to grind it, the maize had to be carried by village women and children who would walk ten kilometres to the nearest corn mill, have the corn ground, and then they’d walk back. It was just too much, particularly with little kids, so once the school project was complete, we built a corn mill. But there was still one thing missing…
When John and I go to Malawi, we live amongst the villagers in a mud hut and local children always want to come and sit with us. We were sitting outside in the dust one evening, surrounded by over twenty kids, when I noticed one little boy, aged about two, sitting in the corner all by himself. He had a runny nose and looked so unhappy. It turned out he had malaria, but two days later when I asked after him, I was shocked to learn that he had passed away. I felt so angry at the thought that a little boy could die for the sake of a £2 injection, so I decided, there and then, that our next project was to build a medical centre.
The medical centre now treats about 100 kids daily, with families walking many miles to come to it. We have an inoculation programme, two doctors, a pharmacist, a receptionist and a nurse.
"I get excited about the thought of helping someone achieve their potential, and I am excited about seeing where Forever is going and who the next generation of Forever leaders will turn out to be."
I wanted to create something of beauty, because life is really harsh in Malawi, often just day-to-day grind. We built the centre with a terrace and veranda, with a garden fronting filled with roses and plants – roses because of my mum’s love for them, and plants and other pretty things because when a woman has walked for miles carrying a sick child, sometimes she just needs to sit and breathe.
That whole village is now self-sufficient and supported, with kids rarely dying of cholera or malaria, and instead receiving a good basic education. We’ve also taught the villagers how to grow their own micro-vegetables and they’ve started to grow things like tomatoes, onions, cabbages and green beans. We donate the seeds and have shown them how to grow their own gardens. Some of the money raised for the charity now goes towards maintaining these projects and ensuring they remain at a certain standard.
KH: You’re an inspiration to many for various reasons, and one thing I love is your generous spirit. Why do you think it’s important to give back?
JL: Right from when I was a kid, I was brought up to understand that you can never truly receive until you have learnt to give, but I was also taught to get as much happiness out of giving, as from receiving. Forever gave us the opportunity to build phenomenal personal lives, and it would be wrong not to share that with others.
You also never know what impact kind acts may have on someone else. When we were first starting out, a casual friend of ours owned a shop with a room above it, and he said we could use this as our office and training space. He knew we had no money so he let us have that building at minimal rent for one year. Someone’s kindness is sometimes what gives you a leg up in life, and I don’t know how we would have got started in our business without his kindness – I’ll never forget him. I also strongly believe that you should always come from a place of contribution – that’s who Rex and the Maughan family are in their actions, and that’s how I’ve been brought up.
KH: What makes you excited about the business all these years later?
JL: I am just as excited today about recruiting a phenomenal young couple or individual who wants to change their life, as I was the day I started. I get excited about the thought of helping someone achieve their potential, and I am excited about seeing where Forever is going and who the next generation of Forever leaders will turn out to be. It’s quite inspiring and motivating to be in that environment, although nowadays I try to be more prudent with my time as I also still like travelling and being with my family.
When you join Forever, and you develop a Forever mentality, you’ll find that there will be many people who try to tear you down, but I promise you that Forever will never let you down. You can build a legacy for your family like no other, so don’t listen to the opinions of other people, just do what you’ve got to do. Put a plan in place, and continue to work at it until you have achieved the goal that is important to you. Make sure you have a well-rounded approach to marketing and don’t just sit behind a computer. Build relationships, nurture others and be the kind of leader that others want to follow. Understand that you will have tough days, but it is what you learn in those moments that shape you into the person you will become, and that is the person who has the power to define your future.
"I get excited about the thought of helping someone achieve their potential, and I am excited about seeing where Forever is going and who the next generation of Forever leaders will turn out to be."
Don't miss Jayne's exciting new training at June's Success Express event. 17th-18th June at Genting Arena, Birmingham. Book your tickets today at foreveruktickets.co.uk.
FOREVER BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER
Samantha and John have been Forever Business Owners for over ten years and they have had the privilege of watching the company grow along with their own business over this time. For them the business has always fit in the nooks and crannies of their life and they are looking forward to seeing how it unfolds over the coming years…
My older sister and I grew up in a loving home, but in my eyes, my sister has always been the ‘successful one’. She was a talented athlete and swam on the GB Swim Team from a young age! The feelings of inferiority I developed affected the way I saw myself as an adult, and as I started to build my Forever business I was faced with the challenge of overcoming that belief I had of not being good enough. We started Forever in September 2006 so last year we celebrated our tenth year of working with Forever. Over the years I’ve realised how important it is to work on self-development, and through the people and training Forever’s offered, I’m finally beginning to realise my worth! During our first year as FBOs, we immersed ourselves in the company. I literally worked the business in the pockets of time around my full-time job, and then again around my babies. We achieved Manager in 2010 and although we don't have a huge business with a life-changing income, we do have an income that allows me to be a stay-at-home mum to Henry, five, and Jasmine, four.
Our first exposure to Rex Maughan was at the Stockholm European Rally and Profit Share event in 2007. After this we committed to attend these events every year and we have since travelled all over Europe. When the events went global, my very best friend Toni Hall asked me to join her as her Global Rally guest and I accompanied her to Johannesburg. It was a complete privilege and an awesome event, and I’m so thankful and amazed at how Forever brings people together.
When the children start going to school full-time I intend to use my spare time to focus more on my Forever business, but having the opportunity to increase my income whenever I choose is truly humbling. The ability to make a difference in people’s lives every day is also a fantastic feeling and I thank Rex for this amazing opportunity.
"I’ve realised how important it is to work on self-development, and through the people and training Forever’s offered, I’m finally beginning to realise my worth!"
ENJOY THE JOURNEY
After a heart-breaking time, Melanie decided that she wanted to spend her future with her family rather than pursuing a corporate career…
My journey started in August 2014 when we called around to our friends’ home. Martine (my now sponsor) was excited about this new business she was starting. I didn’t hear much through her excitement but I did hear ‘sacked the boss’, ‘dream car’ and ‘holidays’, so whilst I was excited for her I was completely sceptical. I was in a successful corporate role and there was no way someone could earn the kind of salary that it had taken me many years to achieve doing what she was talking about. I decided to go along to a Business Presentation as I wanted to make sure she wasn’t involved in a scam, but I returned home the proud owner of a Business Owner Box! What won me over was the idea of time freedom and that you could be successful whilst working at home. I was working forty plus hours, my emails would buzz all night, and I had a family to care for, but I just knew I had to make time for Forever.
I loved my twenty-year career in the buying industry but when I gave birth to my son Oscar everything started to change. Then, in 2009 our lives were turned upside down when we lost our twin baby boys shortly after they were born. I didn’t cope and wouldn’t accept what had happened; I blamed myself and was living in a dark tunnel. My husband then lost his job as his company went into liquidation; we had no money and no fight, but it was Oscar that kept us going.
The journey to living our lives again started when I started my Forever business. I hit Manager in less than two months and although I was initially sceptical, my disbelief faded when I took the time to research the business model. Building a business requires hard work but I knew I could do it, and it wasn’t the money that drove me, but the time I could have with my children. We wanted another baby and I no longer wanted to rush back to work so instead I focused on my Forever business.
Fast forward two years and I’m a Senior Manager, Global Rally and Chairman’s Bonus qualifier, and I have also achieved many other incentives on the Marketing Plan. I now feel able to create a future which isn’t filled with sadness, and I’m learning to enjoy the journey and accept challenges. I have complete time freedom and we’ve since had a baby girl which is the icing on the cake.
"I hit Manager in less than two months and although I was initially sceptical, my disbelief faded when I took the time to research the business model."
Based in south-west London, Matt enjoyed a successful career working for a major brand. He was focused, passionate and hardworking, but the long hours and lack of time began to tarnish the corporate dream…
I started my Forever journey back in February 2015 whilst working for a large well-known soft drinks brand. I headed up their national sales team which consisted of over 130 managers, and while some may say I had the perfect career, I always believed there was more to life than working a sixty-hour week and having no time to yourself.
Fortunately, I saw the Forever opportunity as my way out of the corporate rat race. I set a goal to get to a place where I’d be able to quit my job within five months, and exactly five months later I resigned. I knew that working alongside such an incredible company with amazing products would work, so I began building a business by following everything that my upline told me to do. Kyle Burrows and Emma Cooper were outstanding mentors!
I achieved Manager in three months by working my business around my job, and alongside managing my own personal £multi-million international property portfolio. I was also having my house extended and I was in the middle of buying a new three-bed London apartment to rent out. I may have been busy, but I made time for my Forever business; it was going to set me up for the future and once there I would never have to look back!
I now have four amazing Managers based in Scotland, and a team of over 300 people – we are like one big happy family! The friendships you make in Forever are incredible; these people are going to be in my life for the rest of my days, and the journey we are going to walk together makes me ‘smile’. When I was at Global Rally in South Africa, I looked around and, whilst holding back emotion, I knew I was working for something special when I saw such inspirational and highly motivational people.
I am more committed than ever to carry on building my business with Forever, and Senior Manager is firmly set on the horizon, but I have also had the time to retrain in something I’ve always been passionate about – property. I have now qualified as a self-employed mortgage and insurance advisor and I intend to work this role alongside my Forever business. Forever has given me options; options to have more time, freedom, and the ability to do what I want, when I want, and with whom I want. That is priceless! I would like to thank everyone who is playing a key part in my journey and I am super-excited for the years ahead.
"The friendships you make in Forever are incredible; these people are going to be in my life for the rest of my days."
Forever found me at a time in my life when I truly believe I needed it the most. At the time, I had three young kids, all below the age of five, with the two youngest only thirteen months apart. My kids and my husband Ross are my rocks, my inspiration, and the ones who drive me to be the best I can be…
Before Forever I was a bank branch manager and I’d worked in the same corporate organisation for fifteen years. I had a great salary, a great team and it was my dream job. Life was good but when I fell pregnant with Poppy (our third), things started to change.
One month before Poppy was born my mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer. My whole world fell apart. She underwent a life-threatening operation the day before Poppy was born and I suddenly realised that this ‘dream job’ I thought I had wasn’t going to work anymore. It was missing something crucial – work-life balance. It was clear that juggling three young kids, a corporate career and mum’s illness just wasn’t possible. I had no time, and sadly time was running out for mum faster than we thought.
After I had Poppy, I was desperate to lose some ‘baby weight’, so I decided to try the C9. Afterwards I looked great and felt amazing, and the lady I bought it from suggested I take a look at the business opportunity. I took one look at the Marketing Plan and knew straight away that I was in.
Suddenly I had found a business that I could work around nap times, mum’s treatments, feeds, hospital visits, school, kids’ clubs, etc. I had found my way out, and a way to create the work-life balance I craved.
Forever has given us so much. Fast-forward to 2017, and we have an extended family home, we have managed to take the kids to Disney and I have travelled to places I could only dream of before. With our first Chairman’s Bonus cheque we were able to replace our old car, and the remainder went to Strathcarron Hospice where my mum spent her last ten days (she sadly passed away in January 2016).
The most important thing that this business has given us is memories and the time to create them; memories with Ross and the kids, and memories with mum. We were able to take her on trips, and I was able to be by her bedside twenty-four hours a day when she was in the hospice. This was the moment I realised that the business opportunity has the potential to change lives – it had certainly changed mine!
"I took one look at the Marketing Plan and knew straight away that I was in. Suddenly I had found a business that I could work around nap times, mum’s treatments, feeds, hospital visits, school, kids’ clubs, etc."
Angelina and her husband Marlon both work crazy hours but this led to them looking into the Forever opportunity. Angelina realised that working the business would soon give her the time freedom she craved…
My journey with Forever started when a friend of mine contacted me to highlight the fabulous opportunity. It took a couple of attempts of contact, but once we met, I signed on the spot – I was so excited about starting a new journey and I felt it would really benefit my family.
My husband and I both work long shifts which means we’re constantly juggling childcare for our two children Paige and Dylan. I work for the emergency services, which means a varied shift pattern often at unsociable times, and my husband's job is of a similar ilk. Fitting in quality family time is a nightmare so one of the main reasons for starting the business was so that I could earn enough to free up time, time that could be spent together as a family.
My Business Owner Box arrived and I got to work. I made sure I started by familiarising myself with the products and I quickly saw the benefits which helped to fuel my enthusiasm. I also knew early on that I wanted to build a team; I wanted to help others like me achieve their goals and dreams, and I loved the idea of giving them an opportunity which could lead to a better future and lifestyle.
Forever has helped me to become more confident by taking me out of my comfort zone. I’ve met so many new and different people – my normal daily routine wouldn't allow this – and this has helped me immensely. I have travelled to many cities thanks to building my business, and I’m consistently broadening my knowledge. I'm excited about our future and it’s now looking even brighter; the prospect of dropping my hours at work is looking more likely and this means I’ll be able to spend more quality time with my family whilst I continue to grow my business.
"Forever has helped me to become more confident by taking me out of my comfort zone."
Gary always had a passion for music and entertaining others, but after years of dedicating himself to the industry, he realised he needed to find something that offered him a better life balance…
I started singing around the pubs and clubs at the age of eighteen. My mum helped me to get started by paying for my first PA system and managing me, and through this I built up an amazing career entertaining crowds under the name of Gary Marsden.
Over the years I’ve had the privilege of singing alongside some well-known artists like The Vengaboys, Lisa Scott-Lee from Steps and Alexandra Burke. I absolutely love singing and I'm also part of a duo called Fascination! I had dreams of becoming a pop star and of having a lifestyle like a rich and famous person, but, at the age of thirty-four, these dreams seemed less likely.
Alongside my music career, I worked as a presenter at my local bingo. For the past twelve years I've worked split shifts and my working pattern began to take its toll. Gigs and bingo took up most of my time, any kind of social life was rare, and I knew things were only going to continue unless something changed.
I came across Forever when I noticed one of my friends had achieved impressive results from completing the C9. I wanted to know more so got in touch with a friend of over fifteen years who I knew sold the product. After completing the programme I felt amazing and was very happy with the results. A few days later I received a message from Jo saying how great I'd be at the business – I didn't even know the business opportunity was available to me but after seeing the Business Presentation I was amazed! After much discussion, I realised that this opportunity would give me the chance to finally turn my dreams into reality.
I couldn't afford the Business Owner Box so my mum came to the rescue; she knew how passionate I was about it. I joined Forever and after two months I'd managed to recruit three people and not long after this I hit Supervisor. The feeling was amazing but I wouldn't have done it without the hard work and support of my team. Forever is now my focus and I can see a big future ahead. I know, hand on heart, that I will be successful and I urge anybody who is looking for change to pursue this amazing business; it could transform your life like it is mine.
"After completing the programme I felt amazing and was very happy with the results."
Ex-professional footballer Darren was on top of his game having played for premiership and championship team Blackburn Rovers (and other clubs) from the age of fourteen. However, when he was in his mid-twenties, an injury caused everything to change. His partner, Charlotte Hawes, shares his story…
Darren’s life was football, football, football. Every day was about working on his fitness, training and being healthy, and if he wasn’t on a football pitch or in the gym, he was on the golf course! Darren played with and against top players and he would visit and play in various countries – he was ‘living the dream’. But, in 2008, Darren suffered a snapped cruciate and problems with his knees, and although he is still playing local football, his professional career had to come to an end.
Darren was devastated as football was all he knew from such a young age. He had to have four knee operations and it was becoming a daily struggle for him to work and walk, never mind trying to play football!
Darren discovered Forever whilst working at a client’s house and soon realised, without knowing the details, that there was a very good opportunity available. Darren recommended the business to me as he knew I was at a crossroads – I had very little spare time and no work-life balance, and we instantly saw an opportunity to earn (in time) a substantial income alongside a flexible lifestyle.
We signed up and I currently play the lead role whilst Darren shares his product experiences and the opportunity to everyone he meets. So far the business has given us amazing friendships, it’s allowed us to set goals and get excited, and we can now start to build a career together and plan for a future we didn’t think was possible.
Darren and Charlotte on F15…
Darren found Forever's products to be of great benefit to him and he is now keen to use the products to help him get back to the level of fitness he was pre-injury. Darren and Charlotte are currently part-way through the F15 programme. Here is what they have to say:
“F15 is fantastic and having a programme to follow for diet and exercise is giving me the best chance to get in shape and stay in shape. My motivation to be at a high level of fitness is back and I will reach the goals I’ve set. Since starting the programme, I’ve started to see definition and I’ve lost some weight in the process. If you’re doing F15, don’t give up, dig in and get it done – the end goal is always worth it.” – Darren Dunning
“Being a keen sportsperson myself but having struggled to get back into a regular fitness regime, the structure of F15, along with the brilliant workout videos that Forever produced, has given me the kick and the support I needed to get back on track.” – Charlotte Hawes
Bethan wanted more from her working life but as a young mum she found it difficult to progress. Then she discovered Forever…
In 2011, at the age of twenty-one, I was a single mum to my little boy Tyler who was two years old, and I was working full-time for a large retail chain. I dropped out of college at nineteen when I became pregnant and two years later I was feeling like I hadn’t fulfilled my potential. Retail became something I was good at and even though I adored being a mum, I didn’t want to be just another young mum in the system.
There was never anything wrong with my life; I had great friends and family, and a job that paid a wage that paid my bills, but there was always something missing – I just didn’t know what! My bosses were amazing but working full-time had no flexibility for me as a mum with a young child, and I really struggled to pay for childcare costs. I was working for the pride of being able to say I was, but I had no money once everything was paid. I had no qualifications other than my GCSEs, and no real life experiences. Even if I did want to do something else, I didn’t know where to start, but that’s when Forever found me. I saw a chance to shineand earn a corporate income with full training and support, so I jumped.
For the past six years I have built a global business and a corporate income that surpasses anything I could have ever imagined. My Forever income has allowed me to privately educate my eldest, travel the world, drive dream cars, have our dream wedding, and it’s given us time to have two more children: Miles, one, and we have another on the way! I love being a stay-at-home mum, but I also love that I don't have to sacrifice a career to do that.
I have spent the last few years building myself up, something I know is invaluable, and although I have a lot of friends who are sceptical, once I talk people through the Marketing Plan and the stability of the company, even if it isn’t right for them, they seem to come around.
I started this business as a baby and have become someone I’m truly proud of. Forever will never just be a job for me, and the people I work with will never just be people I work with; Forever is my life, and I will always be passionate about sharing this opportunity.
"For the past six years I have built a global business and a corporate income that surpasses anything I could have ever imagined."
I came out of school with a D as my highest GCSE and I was incapable of committing to even one year of college. At sixteen I went straight into an office administration role, but I only lasted a week! I picked myself up and tried again and landed a customer service role. This time six months went by, but then I was in the same situation, booted out for the better of the company! This pattern lasted for the years that followed.
I have dyslexia, ADHD and I’ve suffered with depression for a number of years. I can articulate and hold a good conversation so I don’t often come across like someone diagnosed with dyslexia, but I've always struggled to stay on task. I get distracted easily and time slips through my fingers. Writing is difficult and takes me a long time, and to concentrate on something is really hard work for me. These things, along with terrible time-keeping and a worse attitude, put a strain on me progressing in life.
When I was twenty-two I decided I was better suited to self-employment. I entered a modelling competition and for the first time I knew what I wanted. I moved to London to pursue it properly and through the jobs I received I met some incredible people, gained great experience and it was something I could pick up when I wanted. Unfortunately I just didn’t have the drive to push myself so I ended up returning to the office. After a year and a half I had had enough; I was tired and underpaid and I was also slipping into deeper depression.
I went to Bethan as a shell of my former self. For the first time in three years I was ready to listen to her. I had no idea if I could do it and I lacked self-belief, but I had nothing to lose. I wanted to learn and see if the business could do all the things it promised.
The more I worked the business and developed myself as a person, the more obvious it became that I had to make some serious life choices. In the space of a week I left my relationship, my home, a mortgage, the city, attended a funeral, and I helped my Nan through depression. Forever became a focus away from everything else, and I put all my efforts into helping, advising and guiding my team. My upline’s advice and dedication to me and my team kept me strong and excited, and I absolutely adore where my life is headed. I chose to believe the impossible was possible and now I’m proud to say I’ve found something I can, and will, commit to.
FUELLED BY FITNESS
I joined the business through my love of the products and at that time I was also training to be a personal trainer, a job which I thought would fit around the children and mean I didn't have to give up my passion – fitness! I'd been a stay-at-home mum for six years at this point; I was lucky as I didn’t have to work, but I really missed my financial independence and that sense of providing for the family.
I spent the first year retailing, mainly the sports and weight management products, and I built a great retail business, but I was petrified when it came to building a team. I had little belief that anyone would listen to me and I worried about their opinions, so I sat happily at Supervisor for about ten months. Then, in February 2014, my third child was born and everything changed.
I met up with my upline who gave me a small nudge and I left that meeting with self-belief, a fire in my belly and a huge desire to have something more. I spent a lot of time working with my team, working on my self-development and learning to get better in all areas of the business, and I’ve developed a passion for helping others and seeing in them something they don't. I have recently separated from my husband and it’s been incredibly challenging, but Forever has given me the financial stability to start my life again. I now work Forever around three beautiful children and I've still not had to give up on my fitness passion. In fact, Forever has enabled me to achieve more. The products have changed my performance in the gym – I use Forever Aloe Vera Gel, Forever Arctic Sea and Argi+ daily, and Forever Pro X2 bars and Forever Lite Ultra are also staple snacks in my life.
I use my attitude to training in the gym to benefit my mindset in the business. When you want to achieve a goal in the gym you have to dedicate time to learning how that’s done, you have to be passionate and fired up enough so that the goal is tunnel vision, and you have to take daily consistent action! There will be tough days where you feel it’s not possible, but you just support yourself with a good coach who encourages you, and when you are training in the gym at times when others are out socialising, you hear things like 'lighten up' or 'you're crazy', but you go even on the days you don't want to because the goal is that important to you – my success in Forever has been down to applying this exact mindset to my business!
EMBRACE EVERY BIT OF TIME
At twenty-five years old Becky has achieved a lot to be proud of, including building a successful business. Through the tough times, it was her mindset and the support of her team that carried her through…
My background is in neonatal nursing caring for premature babies. I started my Forever business in December 2014 intending to stop having to take on overtime. Some weeks I found myself working sixty - seventy hours at the hospital as I was trying to save for my wedding the following year.
Within five months of joining the business, I had reached Manager and matched my nursing income. This enabled me to stop my overtime, but it also meant I could go part time at the hospital. This was then followed by a six-month career break as I was dealing with some stressful situations near the end of 2015. In the space of a month, I got married, lost my Nan and lost our first baby.
Forever helped me to get through those hard times by giving me something to focus on. I had received a lot of support and training throughout my time in the business, and I had a good mindset. This meant I was able to deal with all I was going through and I could continue to build my Forever business whilst remaining positive. Even though it was a sad end to the year, I still qualified for Global Rally (1500CC) and I have since qualified for Senior Manager. After achieving this promotion I was able to hand in my notice at my nursing job. Forever has given me the vision that anything is possible. Life is too short, and I want to embrace everything and make the most of every bit of time I have with my friends and family. I loved my nursing job, but I love my freedom and flexibility more – that is what Forever has given me. Forever has also given me a lot of self-confidence. Confidence and self-belief is something I've always struggled with; speaking to people in large groups, never mind presenting a Business Presentation, absolutely terrified me. However, with the support of my upline and the belief that they gave me, I now regularly present at my local Business Presentation, I host my own trainings and webinars, and I have more confidence than I have ever had in my life. Confidence is something I never thought I would have, but thanks to Forever, I know that I can do anything if I put my mind to it – and I will!
A NEW FOUND FREEDOM
Natasha Dykes found herself in a demanding career with no further progression before her mind was opened to an opportunity that changed her life…
I graduated in 2009 and took off around the world for eight months with my partner, which was a lifetime experience. My working life started on my return and I found myself in the financial industry. Although it wasn’t the industry I wanted to be in for life, I was given the opportunity to effectively double my income by obtaining qualifications. Within two years I achieved these qualifications but discovered my earning potential was capped. Being somewhat ambitious, I continued to work towards chartered status, but I vividly remember feeling quite disheartened when I realised there was no more personal or financial recognition. I knew there had to be more to life than being stuck in a rut with no opportunities for progression.
Fortunately, Forever found me in February 2014. My mum had recently started Forever and, as you can imagine, I was fairly negative and sceptical. This was due to being fully immersed in the rat race. However, after taking a look at the business opportunity I could immediately see the huge potential and the time and freedom it would give me.
I grabbed the opportunity and ran with it despite being struck by negativity from people, and I hit my first promotion in seven weeks – I felt as if I needed to prove to friends and family that the business worked. Despite this, my journey to Senior Manager was not the fastest; it took me sixteen months to get here but I learnt a lot about myself along the way. I came across challenges and obstacles and I realised that not everyone will immediately see what I saw.
My ultimate goal was to ‘sack the boss’, and in January 2015 I wrote this goal down and noted that I wanted to handmy notice in by September 2015 – and that’s exactly what I did! Goal-setting is a very powerful thing and it’s incredible to think I am now a free lady. Forever has enabled me to travel more and it enabled me to purchase my dream car outright – I don’t say this to impress anyone, but to impress upon the power of Forever. I am only just beginning, and now my mission is to serve and help many others create the life of their dreams as well.
"I knew there had to be more to life than being stuck in a rut with no opportunities for progression."
REBUILDING A FUTURE
You never know what life is going to throw at you and when something affects your health it can be difficult to see a way out. Supervisor Mike Fielder eventually found the light at the end of his tunnel, but the journey getting there was far from a smooth ride.
I suffered a herniated disc when I was eighteen years old and I’ve lived with pain ever since. When I was twenty-one I had an operation but they made a real mess of it and refused to believe me when I told them the pain was worse.
It wasn’t until eight years later, when MRI scans were available, that the doctors realised I had three prolapsed discs and a compressed spinal canal. The situation was pretty serious and I had to re-mortgage my house to pay for a private operation the following month. Fortunately the surgery was successful.
Everything was fine for ten years and I was even able to start my own construction business. My business was a success and everything was going well until one morning, whilst rushing around getting ready for work, I tripped and fell down the stairs.
I undid all the good work the surgeon had done and I was eventually told that a further operation would do more harm than good. My body was starting to fuse the vertebrae on its own and the pain was unbearable. I did try to live a normal life but the pain was making me lose all concentration and common sense.
It was during this time that I noticed an old friend posting on Facebook about a company called Forever. At first I took no notice, but after a few months I decided to find out more and I was invited along to a Business Presentation.
I spent the whole hour trying to find fault with the business, and when I couldn't I jumped on board. I needed a new future, but what I found was nothing short of a miracle.
The products have been amazing, I'm now building a fantastic business with my own team, and I can't wait to qualify for the incentives in the future. Forever has been the physical and
mental vehicle I needed to get my life back on track, and I can't recommend the opportunity highly enough.
"I needed a new future, but what I found was nothing short of a miracle."
AN INSPIRING SUCCESS
Emma’s background is in holistic therapy and nutrition, and she even runs a successful spray tan business. She started her Forever business three years ago but didn’t take it seriously until 2015...
In 2010 my husband and I were in a car accident which resulted in me having major health problems. For three years I endured tests, MRI scans, and my health was under constant investigation. I was on morphine and a concoction of various drugs before they found I had osteoarthritis, facet joint disease and, after two years, they finally diagnosed me with ME. I spent most of my time in bed, pumped with pills and I thought I would never get better – it was an awful way to exist. Three years later, in September 2013, I started my Forever journey. I did the C9 and although I had great results I thought no more of it until April 2015. I had just returned from Thailand and I was sifting through holiday pictures when I realised I had seriously let myself go. My health was a mess, my life was a mess, and my mindset was horrendous. I am a mum of six beautiful kids – Cherry-Blossom, Sally-Cinnamon, Travis, Flower-Joan, River-Lennon Leaf and Thai-Star – so I knew I had to do something, and I knew I had to do it for my children.
I decided to do another C9 and the results were amazing. Camilla, my sponsor, encouraged me to share my results with the world and from this I sold many more C9. I felt amazing and I loved every minute of my journey; no-one could walk past me without knowing about aloe – I really was a walking product of the product. In March 2015 I attended a QLS weekend and I was so inspired that I walked away knowing I was going to get to Manager, and in the May, with help from my amazing team, I achieved that promotion. It’s not been easy and it’s a constant commitment, but I want to encourage those who are struggling to just keep going. Sometimes you have to look to those who believe in you and shadow
their belief – I couldn't have done it without the support I received from Ange Loughran and Camilla!
I am aiming to give my family a bigger home, but I also want to enjoy more free time with them to make up for those three years I lost. I’m deaf, have ADHD and I’m number dyslexic so it takes me ages to learn anything, but today I’m a true retailer and I’m proud to tell people that I love Forever.
"no-one could walk past me without knowing about aloe – I really was a walking product of the product."
TAKE BACK CONTROL
At twenty-four years old I was fresh out of police training and fully expecting to work as a police officer for the rest of my working life. I thoroughly enjoyed my job and was willing to work the long shifts, but after the birth of my daughter my priorities changed…
I became a single parent when my daughter was three and I really struggled
with shift work. The long hours and overwhelming feeling of guilt was too much and I realised I needed something else. In 2013 my friend introduced me to Forever and although I didn’t have a clue what she was talking about, I trusted her. I had a good feeling about Forever and I liked the idea of earning an extra few hundred pounds so that I could reduce my police hours.
When I achieved Supervisor I was able to reduce my hours, but then I was told I couldn’t have time off over Christmas, including Christmas day. That’s when I decided to take back control and I made plans to take a five-year career break starting in August 2015. After making this decision, people would comment how it was a good idea just taking a break in case Forever didn’t work out, but the thought of going back really scared me. It still felt like the police controlled me and I was already dreading going back.
It took me a few months to adjust – I had spent eleven years as a police officer – but I really struggled to find a daily routine, let alone work a business from home. Over the months my business fell away, but I never lost sight of what I wanted from Forever, it was just taking me a lot longer than expected. In May 2016 I decided enough was enough; I resigned from the police and suddenly a weight was lifted.
I am now rebuilding my business whilst working part-time in an office, which I really enjoy. I feel in complete control of my life and I am doing things that I was never able to commit to before. I play and coach football, I’ve achieved my FA Level 1 Coaching Award, I’ve become a school governor for my daughter’s school, I’ve taken up running and I also completed the Paris marathon in April 2016 – this was a huge achievement for me.
Forever opened up my eyes to what is possible, it made me see that there are other options. I now have time; time to spend with my daughter, time to take her to school and pick her up again, and that is absolutely invaluable.
My advice to anyone who is feeling like their business isn’t progressing is to take some time and invest in yourself, but most importantly you should never give up on your dream, despite how rocky the journey is.
"I feel in complete control of my life and I am doing things that I was never able to commit to before."
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF
I have been a multisport athlete for a number of years but in 2015 I suffered a serious injury that set me back by nearly eight months. During this time I had an operation that forced me into a sedentary lifestyle. I lost all fitness, put on over two stone in weight, and I was seriously unhealthy when Forever found me in June 2015…
Whilst in recovery I began to slowly build my business, develop relationships and learn more about the opportunity, but I was still in no position to drive or do anything active. I found myself in a serious rut: I had been made redundant from my job as a teacher, I was unable to do any serious manual work, and I was slowly drifting into depression. I had to do something so in October I set myself the challenge to get back to peak fitness within five months – I wanted to be ready in time for the Great British European Duathlon Championships in Kalkar, Germany. I threw myself into a rigorous regime of training and daily supplementation. I started with the C9 and then built on my fitness and weight loss by integrating products such as Forever Aloe Vera Gel, Argi+, Forever Lite Ultra and Forever Therm into my exercise schedule. As each month passed my fitness, strength and speed improved, my resting heart rate dropped, and my threshold capabilities developed. By the time the Team GB European Championships were in sight, I had increased my power averages on my bike by 30% and my average run paces were at a point I had never
reached before – even pre-injury! I went into the competition with less than six months’ training and I managed to come out with a bronze medal. When I arrived back in the UK I decided to give the National Standard Distance Duathlon Championship a go. I didn’t have long to train but I had Argi+, Forever Freedom and Forever Lite Ultra on my side and I managed to leave with a silver medal!
This business has also benefited me as a sport and triathlon coach; it’s been helpful having a base of products that uphold the same values – ethical, natural, healthy – and Forever is now an intrinsic part of my life. My athletes, clients and community have seen first-hand the transformation in my own health and fitness, and many of them have had similar (and often better) results. Being able to discuss my experience of the C9 and F.I.T. programme has been essential in forming relationships and supporting clients on their own journeys, but this is all just the beginning! In July next year I plan to work with Global F.I.T. Ambassador Mike Butterworth and undertake seven ironman triathlons in seven days, and I'll be utilising a whole range of Forever products to ensure success.
"Forever is now an intrinsic part of my life."
Forever Flexible by Lynne Fryer – Assistant Manager
I joined Forever when I learnt I could earn money from home by working flexibly around my daughter and my university course.
I’ve been a single parent since my daughter was born, and although I have a professional background in marketing, I was told I couldn’t return to work part time due to 'business requirements' – whatever that means! I fought the decision, and ultimately got nowhere, so I got another job. However, I quickly lost this when my daughter developed a lung condition and I had to take time off. For twelve months I found myself stuck in a pattern of starting new jobs and losing them for being 'unreliable'; eventually enough was enough.
I'd never been on benefits before but suddenly this was starting to look like the only (and better) option. Instead I decided to go to university to study. I figured I would only be hurting myself if I had to rush off to collect my daughter from nursery; by being at university I wouldn't have the pressure of letting employers down. However, I knew that when I finished for summer I would have to get a job again to see me through until September, but I was scared. Scared of letting people down and being spoken to like I wasn’t capable of doing my job.
When my friend told me about Forever, I had just been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which meant I was suffering with male-pattern baldness. I was intrigued by the products and started drinking the Aloe Vera Gel and I also did the C9.
I became so emotionally attached to these products that I knew I had to join. Since joining Forever I have made a lot more friends – my Forever family – and not only am I earning money, I can now fit work around my daughter, who is three, AND continue to study. My daughter will always be the most important thing to me, but my Forever business is a very close second – I've definitely got my sense of spirit back!
For the past nine years I have been working as a qualified PE teacher, and so when I first learnt about Forever I didn’t see the opportunity as more than a means of extra income. However, after about two months – once I’d carried out some heavy research and retailing – I found myself hooked.
I quickly fell in love with the company when I saw how my business, and my wonderful uplines, could flourish. I too then started to recruit others and I loved sharing the opportunity. I now have an amazing team that consists of both existing and new friends, and I am so grateful for how they are all helping me with my journey.
Marcus Leach, one of our Forever Global F.I.T. Ambassadors, is taking part in multiple events and challenges during the summer months. One of his biggest challenge this year is the upcoming Tour du Mont Blanc – it’s described as the ‘world’s toughest one day bike race’! On Saturday 16th July, Marcus will be cycling 300km with 8000m of ascent across three countries. We caught up with Marcus to ask him a few questions on his preparation for the event. Excited and nervous for the challenge ahead, Marcus has said: “It’s hard to explain just how much this means to me; I’ve poured so much into this over the past twelve months. I just have to do it now, and the waiting for it is almost torturous”.
Hi
My name is Joanna Fortescue. I
have found working with Forever is a really exciting opportunity as it offers me a better work/life balance
and enables me to help others.
Please feel free to take a look through the website and magazines and get in touch if you need to know more.
Thank you
Joanna
If you recognise the potential in the business opportunity or just want to find out more information then please get in touch. Fill out the fields below and I will contact you as soon as possible.
