When I heard a device called Livia was promising to improve my monthly agony, I knew it was something I needed to try for myself.

Livia is a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine. TENS have been hugely popular since the 1960s, used to treat a host of muscular pains and conditions. TENS Units are clinically proven for pain relief, as the vibrations from the device travel to the brain faster than pain can, which “shuts off” the painful feeling, as the brain is focusing on the vibration and can’t process both.

Whilst a TENS Unit may seem like nothing new, there has never been a device developed specifically for period pain before. Livia says it has specifically designed the vibrations to alleviate the pain from menstrual cramps. The electrodes are placed over the peripheral nerves, and as well as giving instant relief, can help “activate the natural pain response by releasing beta endorphins” over time.

The brand say all you have to do is, “Turn it on, clip it on, feel the relief and get going.”

Was it a life saver or not worth the hype? Find out on Byrdie.co.uk

Illustration: Ben Giles in collberation with Harry Fletcher

To make 2018 a healthier and more productive year, ee suggest treating yourself to a wellness book (or two) to help you feel more positive, relaxed and motivated.

Wellness is so much more than taking the time to put on a good face mask or running yourself a long, hot bath with your favourite aromatherapy oils. Whilst they’re great little self-care rituals, if you are wanting to delve a bit deeper into the wellness world (from being more mindful to recipes that’ll have your skin glowing), these books are must-reads.

Even though these books are about much more than looks alone, we must say our inspiring picks are all pretty good-looking too—they’re just begging for a #shelfie pic.

Check out my 13 picks on Byrdie, now

Image: Kristin Ess

There are currently 40,000 hairdressing, barbering and beauty businesses in the UK. However, registering under the Register of Qualified Hairdressers is entirely voluntary in the hairdressing profession.

The Hair and Barber Council believes state registration should be mandatory to ensure hairdressers meet the high standards set by a professional body. The registration also helps to ensure that clients aren't given poor service. After expressing these concerns to MPs the council is now calling on the government to change the law on hairdressing registration. In a report of 2000 people surveyed, 70% of respondents said they would be concerned if their hairdresser or barber was not properly trained and qualified. Llanelli MP and Shadow Wales Minister Nia Griffith recently led a debate in parliament asking the government put in place compulsory state registration for all hairdressers.

Before I found a great hairdresser (although I hadn't had a terrible experience per se), I hadn't been overly impressed by the service I received. I had tried hairdressers at different price points, brands and salons but never felt that they understood what I wanted. No matter my desires, I seemed to come out each time with a few blonde highlights. Even upon paying more to be seen by a salon director, I was passed from person to person and never enjoyed the salon experience.

Then I found Christopher Fox, who truly makes going to the hairdressers a delightful experience. Fox is a L'Oréal colour specialist and owns his own salon, so each appointment is private; it's only ever himself and an assistant present (with you as the only client in the salon). Chris always insists on a consultation and spends time at my appointments asking all about my routine. He also asks which celebrities' hair trends I do and don't like and the products I use every day.

Since I trust him with my tresses, I sat Fox down to get the inside info on what one should be looking for in a hairdresser.

Read the full article on Byrdie.co.uk now

I’ve spotted belly dancing classes advertised everywhere of late, and while I hadn’t thought much of the Middle Eastern dance as a form of exercise, I was pretty intrigued.

It helps that Beyoncé and Shakira famously shook their hips in the music video for Beautiful Liar, and who can forget Bey’s famous abs belly dancing in the Baby Boy video? Perhaps it’s the Kylie Jenner effect that’s seen the rise in the trend: She has been posting multiple Snapchat videos of herself and a friend laughing and dancing captioned “Belly dancing practice!”

Even the NHS seem to be on board with the trend, adding a belly dancing tutorial to their online NHS Choices Fitness Studio hub. It’s pretty apparent that this dance style is having a real moment right now, so I decided to dive deeper into its origins and give it a go myself. Surely it can’t be that hard, can it?

Read the full article on Byrdie.co.uk now.

Thanks to Brooke at Freelance Dance

I'm so excited to share the images of the DIY earrings I made for Miss Vogue! Each pair can be made for under £10, plus they're so simple to create.

The fact that you can customise the shape, colour and size of your earrings means no more searching for matching accessories - just make your own!

Read the how to on Vogue UK, now.

Photography: Jenny Brownlees

Model: Amy at Savalas Models

Make Up: Louise Brownlees

This week on Bomb Petite, I share the 8 looks petite women can copy from the catwalk.

The site is the go-to shopping destination for petite women. Founder Jenny Liu previously held positions at Agent Provocateur, Burberry and All Saints, before utilising her experience to create a premium shopping site for like-minded, clothes-obsessed petites.

If you’re looking for beautifully made, sophisticated clothing created solely for petites, your search ends here. As well as an in-house capsule collection, Bomb Petite collaborates with emerging designers to bring customers exclusive items they wouldn't find anywhere else. The site, and its products have been featured in The Independent, Glamour, Refinery 29 and Drapers, to name a few.

Read more and shop at bombpetite.com/

Illustrator Ozlem Djafer turns 'Pop culture news into art as it happens' and I really mean as it happens. As soon as Beyonce posts an Instagram pic - you better believe she's drawing it.

The self proclaimed 'Andy Warhol of Instagram', she has already collaborated with Christian Dior, MTV and High Snobiety.

I can't get enough of her tongue in cheek illustrations, and cartoon / fashion hybrids. I talked to Ozlem about drawing in the Instagram age...

Hi Ozlem! Tell me how you got started with illustration?

I've been drawing my whole life, it's an itch and I have to scratch it, ha! I studied Textiles and Surface Design at University and that was mostly drawing. I created a 'fashion hierarchy' wallpaper that got such a positive response at the trade shows I instinctively knew I had to carry on.

What's the idea behind The Poop Culture?

It's a work in progress every day but my goal is to have a website that publishes articles about pop culture, topical news and celebrates inspirational people. Think Refinery 29, but with every story illustrated with my own drawings.

How did you decided on that name?

It came to in a 'eureka!' moment when I was drawing a couple of years ago. Initially I called it Fanatic; I hated it because everyone thought my work was 'fan art.' I wanted to change it to 'poopculture' but the domain and twitter handle were already taken so my friend had the genius idea to put 'the' in front - and here we are!

Who's your favourite celebrity to draw?

They are all my babies, I can't choose! I will say, the more interesting a person's features are the better. I hate drawing 'perfect' subjects.

Do you have a favourite piece that you've done?

I always try and make my next illustration better than my last. So I don't pick favourites ;)

Looking to the future, what's the dream for The Poop Culture?

To keep contributing to major publications, design multiple magazine covers and to work with brands on illustrated collaborations. I'd love to develop a product line that's sold worldwide!

Watch this space, I say! To brighten up your Insta feed, follow @thepoopculture on Instagram and check out the website, here.

All images are copyright to The Poop Culture.

Tap into this season’s 80s trend and bleach your jeans to Miami Vice-esque coolness. The best bit? This craft project costs a mere £4!

Rubber gloves at the ready, it's time to give your jeans a new lease of life!

Read all about it, on ASOS Marketplace's blog now.