Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Fantastic Treatments in a fabulous salon with only the best Products and the very Best Beauty Therapists!
 

Shake Up Your Shampoo Selection with Pure Beauty

Shake Up Your Shampoo SelectionPhoto by averie woodard on Unsplash

When it comes to skincare, you probably wouldn’t buy a cheap supermarket’s own brand and expect it to do wonders for your skin. However, that’s exactly what a lot of people do with shampoo. Most of us just chuck a bottle in the trolley when we’re doing our weekly shop and then wonder why our hair looks dull and lacklustre. You’ll be happy to know that we’ve got a wide variety of shampoos here at Pure Beauty and there’s one for every hair type. Here are some of our favourites:

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Anyone who knows anything about hair knows that Olaplex is one of the leading names in haircare, which is why we stock their Bond Maintenance Shampoo. The formula restores and revitalises hair, leaving it shiny and more manageable after just one use. It’s proven to reduce hair breakage and protect from everyday stress while also helping to prevent hair colour fading. There’s a reason that Olaplex has such a stellar reputation and that’s because it works!

Evolve Organic Beauty Superfood Shine Shampoo

This handcrafted, organic shampoo contains natural ingredients, derived from the baobab tree. The Baobab proteins boost shine by 42% and softness by 27% while also giving intense protection from UV stress and heat. It deeply nourishes the hair for smoother, softer locks and also contains added pomegranate extract, which is high in ellagic acid and helps to     regulate cell turnover and strengthen the cell membrane.

L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Liss Unlimited Shampoo

The L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert collection contains many different shampoos and other hair care products which all do something specific for different types of hair. The Liss Unlimited shampoo is designed to bring discipline and manageability to frizzy, unruly hair. It contains strengthening pro-keratin and the nutri-protective oils of kukui and evening primrose which purify the hair, increasing softness and manageability for up to four days at a time.

Aromatherapy Associates Shampoo

This gentle shampoo from Aromatherapy Associates is the perfect product for you if you hair has lost its “oomph”. Created from a blend of Madagascan ylang yang, strengthening geranium and scalp soothing patchouli essential oils, it leaves hair and scalp healthy and strong. It’s suitable for all hair types but can be particularly useful if you suffer with an oily scalp.

Color Wow Color Security Shampoo

This shampoo from Color Wow performs a number of different tasks which aren;t often included in the same product. It’s a clarifying shampoo which removes dirt and build up without stripping your colour or making your hair look dull. It’s perfect for all hair types and is even safe to use on hair extensions and hair which has been treated with keratin! Best of all; it does all of this while remaining free from silicones and conditioning agents and also being cruelty-free and gluten-free.

Getting to Know the Elemis Superfood Range

Getting to Know the Elemis Superfood Range
Photo by Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash

We’ve written before about products from the Elemis Superfood range, but since then, Elemis have added a whole bunch of new products to the Superfood family. While the concept of “superfoods” might just sound like a silly buzzword used to make marketing materials, superfoods are simply foods with high levels of nutrients, and the same can be said for these products. Each harnesses a different power from a superfood to give your skin a treat – here are five of our favourites:

Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Cleansing Butter

This cleansing butter from the Elemis Superfood range is designed to not only cleanse your skin but to also drench it in much-needed moisture. It can be used morning and night as an everyday cleanser, but can also be left on for up to ten minutes to be used as a deep cleansing mask. It contains brightening AHAs from pumpkin and acerola cherry to help reveal a fresh-faced glow, as well as mango butter for rich nourishment.

Elemis Superfood CICA Calm Hydration Juice

This Hydration Juice from the Elemis Superfood range is a gel moisturiser, designed for all skin types, and will balance and soothe the skin. The lightweight gel sits beautifully under make-up and is jam-packed with antioxidants for a healthy, glowing complexion. Organic aloe vera juice calms redness and irritation while natural green mandarin and kiwi fruit waters leave the skin looking bright.

Elemis Superfood Fruit Vinegar Liquid Glow

While you may not be keen on the idea of using ‘vinegar’ on your face, this toning product is actually formulated using natural acids from apples, apricots, peaches, blackberries and raspberries. It’s perfect for use after cleansing to ensure your skin has been wiped clear of any daily dirt and grime and will also help to give your complexion a healthy glow.

Elemis Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser

As with the Hydration Juice, this priming moisturiser is perfect for use under make-up as it not only primes the skin but gives a long lasting infusion of hydration. It’s a lightweight formula which contains an energising blend of kombucha and fermented ginger to help promote a brighter appearance. It also contains light-reflecting microminerals which  impart a fresh, dewy glow.

Elemis Superfood Midnight Facial

If you have dry, thirsty skin then this night cream from Elemis is going to be a saviour for you. It contains prebiotics which work with your skin’s own biome to rebalance and refresh your complexion and contains camu-camu, a well-known source of vitamin C, and cocoa butter which contains omega 6 and 9 fatty acids. It can be used nightly, or a minimum of twice a week for optimum results, and can be massaged into the face, neck and chest before sleep.

Five of the Best Serums from Murad

Murad serums

Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum

Many serums which target dark spots will clear the hyperpigmentation, but this Dark Spot Correcting Serum from Murad actually goes even deeper, to target the cause of dark spots. It can be used daily and contains antioxidant resorcinol that helps prevent the look of dark spots for more even skin tone. It also contains tranexamic and glycolic acids, which brighten and revive dull skin while also improving texture.

Murad Multi-Vitamin Infusion Oil

This serum from Murad concentrates on giving your skin a deep infusion of vitamins. It contains 6 vitamins, from A to F, to target signs of ageing, boost hydration, brighten skin, and defend from free radicals for a more youthful-looking complexion. It can be used on the face, neck and chest so you needn’t worry about buying three different products to use on those areas, and the fast-absorbing formula will give you an instant radiance boost.

Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment

Anyone who suffers from blemishes, whether they be the odd spot or true acne, knows that even if you’re highly disciplined and never pick or squeeze, sometimes spots will still leave a scar. That’s why Murad developed their InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment, which helps to minimise the look of post-blemish scar size, depth and discolouration in 8 weeks, It uses BHAs to exfoliate the skin and concentrated vitamin C to encourage natural radiance and a healthier-looking complexion.

Murad Hydro-Dynamic Quenching Essence

When your skin is extremely dry, it can accentuate the signs of ageing as dry skin lacks the plumpness to fill wrinkles. This serum, or Quenching Essence, from Murad is a deeply moisturising product which is formulated with Mexican blue agave leaf extract, to infuse skin with intense hydration, leaving it soft, plump and supple. It also contains glycolic acids to  open hydration pathways in the skin, while a botanical blend of watermelon, apple, and lentil provides the building blocks of skin’s own natural moisturising factor to help reduce dryness.

Murad Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum

The demand for anti-ageing skincare is huge and Murad’s answer to that call was their Intensive Age-Diffusing Serum. It contains plant proteins and phytoestrogens which visibly tighten the skin as soon as you apply it, giving you a more youthful appearance on first usage. It also works on preventing the signs of ageing with palmitoyl tripeptide-37, a youth-building peptide which reverses the visible signs of ageing and decreases the appearance of wrinkles.

Why Your Skin Needs Niacinamide NOW!

Why Your Skin Needs Niacinamide NOW!Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

While many of us are loyal to the skincare brands that we know we like, switching things up in favour of ingredients rather than brands is a wise thing to do. One ingredient which we think our customers should know more about is niacinamide. It’s part of the vitamin B3 family, found in foods such as almonds and avocados, and is quite simply one of the most effective anti-inflammatory ingredients in skincare. Brilliant for soothing angry acne and any skin flare-ups, niacinamide is also praised for its ability to minimise pores, even out the complexion, strengthen the skin barrier (it locks moisture in and keeps aggressors out) and boosting collagen. If ever there was an ingredient all-rounder, this is it. Here are five of our favourite niacinamide-containing products:

Dermalogica Age Bright Clearing Serum

This serum from Dermalogica is a multi functional product which helps to prevent breakouts while also targeting the visible signs of ageing. It’s packed with niacinamide which works together with white shiitake mushroom to give a more even skin tone and a brighter complexion. It also contains salicylic acid for mild exfoliation. The product is vegan, cruelty free and works with your skin’s own natural biome to give you clearer, brighter skin.

Medik8 Balance Moisturiser and Glycolic Acid Activator

This pair of products from Medik8 are used in combination to moisturise oily skin without increasing sebum production, and to give a mattifying effect. The niacinamide in this product provides soothing anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness and irritation around any blemishes as well as halting oil production which can lead to blocked pores. The glycolic acid activator gently exfoliates the upper layers of the complexion, enhancing the absorption of the moisturiser for maximum results.

SkinCeuticals Age Renewal Starter Kit for Dry and Ageing Skin

This kit from SkinCeuticals contains a selection of products which are recommended for anyone with normal, dry or ageing skin who wants to improve their skin health. The products contain niacinamide for its collagen enhancing properties and brightening power, and has four key products from the Age Renewal range. The skincare itself is clinically proven to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and discolouration in just four weeks and is the perfect introduction to SkinCeuticals skin care.

Dermalogica PowerBright Dark Spot Serum

This serum from Dermalogica isn’t just power by name; it is also power by nature. It contains shiitake mushrooms which are rich in beta glucans and ashwagandha to smooth the skin and deliver antioxidant benefits. Obviously there’s a healthy dose of niacinamide in there too, which will take care of dark spots while blackcurrent oil and peony flower help to boost the skin’s natural luminosity. All of these powerful ingredients combine to make a potent product which will fade the appearance of dark spots and make your skin tone look more even after just a few days of use.

Bloom and Blossom Hands Up Age-Defying Hand Cream

The skin on your hands is probably the most hard-working area on your entire body and bears the brunt of cleaning products, sun exposure and other drying factors which will speed up the signs of ageing. Bloom and Blossom have created their Hands Up Age Defying Hand Cream to undo the damage that is done to your hands on a daily basis. It’s packed with niacinamide to brighten and even the skin tone, while licorice root extract reduces inflammation and shea butter will hydrate and nourish the skin.

Five Things That Could Be Making Your Spots Worse

Five Things That Could Be Making Your Spots WorsePhoto by ShotPot from Pexels

Unless you’re incredibly lucky, there’s a good chance that you’ve had at least one or two blemishes to deal with in your life. However, if you’re mortal like the rest of us, you’ve probably dealt with some level of acne before. In fact. The NHS states that “About 95% of people aged 11 to 30 are affected by acne to some extent. Acne is most common in girls from the ages of 14 to 17, and in boys from the ages of 16 to 19”, a statistic which may seem surprising. With this in mind, we thought we’d share with you some of the more obscure (but equally as damaging) things that could be making your spots worse without you even realising:

Face Masks

Since the start of the pandemic, wearing masks has become second nature for most of us, but it has been known to cause havoc with some people’s skin. If you’re wearing a mask for long periods of time, it’s essential to ensure you’re using a good , non-stripping face wash twice a day, such as Aromatherapy Associates Mattifying Deep Cleanse Face Wash which contains antibacterial ingredients to fight the causes of spots. Also, if you’re not wearing disposable masks, ensure you wash your cloth masks daily to stop them from adding dirt and bacteria onto your face each time you wear them. 

Is It Acne?

There is a vast difference between occasional breakouts and full-blown acne, and as such, each problem needs to be treated differently. Breakouts can be dealt with using Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Kit, which contains everything you need to rebalance breakout-prone skin. If you do have acne, you’ll benefit from properly targeted products such as Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion, which contains a powerful combination of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, azelaic acid, antioxidants and plant extracts to address both the appearance and underlying causes of acne.

Your Products Are too Strong

Leading on from the point above, using products which are TOO strong and stripping on your skin can also lead to blemishes. Acne products should generally only be used on the exact areas where you have the acne, rather than your whole face. Using acne products on clear skin can strip the skin of its natural oils, causing dryness, which forces your skin to over-produce sebum and can lead to more spots. It’s a classic case of getting your skin into a vicious circle of skincare!

You’re Using Products with the Wrong Ingredients

Issues with your facial products aren’t always related to strength; sometimes the actual ingredients can be the problem. Facial products containing mineral oils, for instance, are a big no-no if you have acne or blemish prone skin as it can contribute to blocked pores and inflammation. One product we’d recommend is Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner as it contains no mineral oil, but is also alcohol free so therefore won’t dry your skin out either. 

Unprotected Sun Exposure

In the past, before we knew how damaging the sun could be, doctors would recommend that acne sufferers get more sun to help to “heal” their skin. However, contrary to popular belief, the sun isn’t healing your acne, it’s actually making it worse. On top of all the other damage, the sun dries out your skin and triggers excess oil production, which is one of the causes of acne. Decleor Aloe Vera Sun Gel Cream is a non-greasy, yet moisturising sun protection gel which will give you SPF 50+ protection from the harmful effects of the sun. Win/win!

What Do Each of the Olaplex Products Do?

What Do Each of the Olaplex Products Do?Photo by Element5 Digital from Pexels

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last few years, there’s a good chance you’ll have heard of Olaplex and their repairing treatments which have revolutionised the haircare market. But, while most people are aware of the brand, not everyone will know exactly what each of the products does and which would be suitable for their hair. With this in mind, we’ve put together a guide to tell you about the Olaplex products we stock, so that you know where your money is best invested:

Olaplex No.0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment

Olaplex No.0 is effectively a primer for your hair. It helps to repair the bonds within each strand and prepares your hair for receiving the other products from the range. It’s suitable for all hair types and will noticeably repair extreme damage and turn dry, brittle hair into soft, shiny and more resilient hair.

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector

Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector is a treatment which reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair, improving its look and feel. It can be used two to three times a week to make your hair softer, stronger and more lustrous, and is suitable for all hair types.

Olaplex No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo

Olaplex No.4 is a shampoo which nourishes the hair and repairs each brand, making it easy to manage, shinier and healthier after each use for a salon worthy finish. It’s proven to reduce damage and breakage from the usual sources, such as brushing and heat styling and also helps to prevent hair colour fading and increases moisture levels. It can be used daily and is perfect for all hair types including coloured and damaged hair.

Olaplex No.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Olaplex No.5 is the conditioner which is designed to be used in conjunction with Olaplex No.4. it’s highly moisturising and restorative, giving the hair a deep infusion of hydration. It makes hair easy to manage, shinier and healthier after each use for a salon worthy finish and will protect your hair from everyday stress including; damaged hair, split ends and frizz.

Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother

Olaplex No.6 is a leave-in styling cream which is designed to banish frizz, leave hair smoother and more manageable and hydrate all hair types for up to 72 hours. The Bond Smoother is highly concentrated and doesn’t weigh hair down, and also helps to reduce blow drying times to give added protection when heat styling.

Olaplex No.7 Bonding Oil

The Bonding Oil, which is Olaplex No.7, is a multi-functional product which both helps to weightlessly style and smooth the hair and increase shine, softness and colour vibrancy whilst minimising flyaways and frizz. It can be used on both damp and dry hair and works with the rest of the Olaplex range to seek out and repair areas of damage.

Olaplex No.8 Bond Intense Moisture Mask

Olaplex No.8 is a 10 minute treatment mask which is designed to work on hair which is dry and damaged, to inject moisture deep into the core of each strand. It’s fine for all hair types, although it works best on hair which is very dry and should be used once a week for best results.

Five Products to Help Care for your Curls

Five Products to Help Care for your Curls
Photo by Omid Armin on Unsplash

While the straight-haired among us probably have a certain amount of envy for anyone with gloriously curly locks, those of us who actually live with curly hair tend to agree that the maintenance can be a little bit of a pain at times. The “Curly Girl Method” is all the rage right now and everyone who follows it seems to use a different range of products to maintain their mane. However, for some people the curly girl method doesn’t really work, so with this in mind we’ve put together a selection of products that we think are the best at caring for your curls:

Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair

This spray from Color Wow is a super light formula which can be used on dampened hair or after washing to create glossy, defined waves and curls. Unlike old-fashioned gels and other curl treatments, this creates frizz free curls without the crunch and is alcohol free to ensure moisturised non-brittle locks. It doesn’t weigh the hair down, allowing natural bounce and movement.

GHD Curly Ever After Curl Hold Spray

Although you may associate the brand GHD with straightening your hair, they also create tools and products which are fantastic for curly hair, whether that is natural or styled. This hold spray contains a heat protector system to make sure your hair is safe from heat styling, and holds your curls for a natural finish which is smooth and healthy. It delivers up to 12 hour curl hold, so you can be sure that your style will look great for a long time.

Color Wow Color Security Conditioner

Depending on your curl type, there’s a high chance that the texture of your hair is fairly coarse. Coarse hair often requires extra hydration to remain healthy and vibrant, which is why Color Wow created this Colour Security Conditioner. It has a weightless formula which places a protective coating around the individual hair fibres, helping to detangle, and improving manageability. It protects against heat and is perfect for curly and colour treated hair.

GHD Dramatic Ending Smooth and Finish Serum

Serums are a great product for curly hair as they offer hydration and help to define your curls. However, many serums end up leaving your hair looking greasy and weighed down. This Dramatic Ending Smooth and Finish Serum from GHD is lightweight and therefore avoids weighing down your curls. It helps to eliminate frizz, smooth split ends and gives your hair a dazzling shine.

Color Wow Style on Steroids Performance Enhancing Texture Spray

If your hair is somewhere between 2A and 2C on the curl type chart, i.e. wavy rather than a spiral, you may find that you need a bit of extra help when it comes to creating texture. This texture spray from Color Wow is a unique finishing treatment which was created to add volume and texture without leaving your hair stiff. It has a heat protectant quality and can be used in different ways to create different levels of volume and texture, depending on your preferences.

How to Achieve a More Sustainable Beauty Routine

How to Achieve a More Sustainable Beauty Routine Photo by Sarah Chai from Pexels

Now more than ever, many people have their eyes set firmly on sustainability and products which are kinder to the earth. This could be by using ingredients which come from vegan and cruelty free sources or making sure the products are plastic free or made from recycled material. Whatever the product, sustainable beauty is more than achievable and we’re showcasing five stunning products to prove it:

The Sea Shed White Jasmine Soap

Made from certified sustainable ingredients, this White Jasmine Soap from The Sea Shed is enriched with shea butter for a moisturising finish. The formula is vegan friendly and hasn’t been tested on animals, while the packaging is recyclable and plastic free. It’s also free from parabens, SLS and SLES.

Evolve Organic Beauty Bio-Retinol Gold Mask

The ingredients within this mask from Evolve Organic Beauty are 100% natural origin and 85.1% organic. It contains a sustainable bio retinol from the plant bidens pilosa which works to smooth the skin, plump wrinkles, stimulate collagen synthesis and rejuvenate skin. It also contains rosehip oil to fight the signs of ageing, argan oil which is rich in vitamin C and sustainably sourced mineral mica for a golden shimmer.

UpCircle Hemp and Cotton Makeup Pads

Single use cotton wool balls can have a hugely negative effect on the environment, which is why anyone wishing to achieve a sustainable make up routine should make the swap for these hemp and cotton make up pads from UpCircle. Made from 100% natural materials, these pads will gently remove make up without causing irritation and can be washed in the washing machine on a medium or low setting, as well as being safe to put in the tumble dryer or even iron.

Elemis Superfood Vital Veggie Mask

If you like to use masks to keep your skin in good condition, but wish to use one which contains sustainable ingredients, then this Superfood Vital Veggie Mask from Elemis is the ideal choice. It’s vegan friendly and the ingredients are 100% natural. It’s packed with nutrients from super greens, as well as fruit acids to boost radiance and smooth your complexion. It’s a unisex formulation which is suitable for all skin types and contains chia seed oil from sustainable sources.

JoJo Glow Rose Microfibre Pads

These cleansing pads from JoJo glow are made from a microfibre material which is 100 times finer than human hair. This means that they deep clean your skin and remove impurities while avoiding any irritation. They are chemical free, as well as being vegan and cruelty free, and the packaging is completely biodegradable. Each pad can be used up to 200 times, making them more sustainable than many other face cleansing pads or wipes.

Top 5 Products to Repair and Rejeuvenate

Top 5 Products to Repair and Rejeuvenate

Photo by Ivan Samkov from Pexels

When it comes to anything beauty related, we tend to agree that maintenance is better than repair – regular self care means that things tick over nicely instead of needing to be rescued. However, this isn’t always possible and things like lack of time, poor mental health and not knowing where to start can all contribute to people neglecting their skin, hair, nails and bodies in general. This is why we’ve pored over our products to curate five of the best for performing a self-care rescue to repair and rejuvenate the areas you’ve neglected:

Skin Republic Hand Repair Mask

If there is one area that we know has suffered a lot of extra wearing tear in the last couple of years it’s definitely our hands. Between extra hand washing, alcohol gel usage, and even latex glove wearing, there is no doubt that our hands have been battered during the pandemic. These Hand Repair Masks from Skin Republic are biodegradable and enriched with collagen, shea butter, vitamin A and extracts from 10 different plants to help soothe and soften dry, rough hands.

SkinCeuticals Antioxidant Lip Repair

Despite often using creams for various different areas of the face, many people neglect their lips and find that they become dry and chapped at this time of year. Combined with the fact that the thinner skin in the lip area can easily wrinkle and show signs of ageing, you definitely need a targeted product for this area. This Antioxidant Lip Repair from SkinCeuticals is a restorative concentrate containing vitamin E and silymarin, which counteracts the signs of ageing and restores moisture balance to the lips surface.

This Works My Wrinkles Eye Repair

Whether it’s stress, too many late nights or a general lack of self-care, the eyes are another area which can be quick to show neglect if you haven’t been looking after them properly. This Works have created their My Wrinkles Eye Repair with vitamin C to brighten a darkened eye area and help firm, soothe and hydrate the skin. It contains 97% natural ingredients and it’s also vegan and completely cruelty free.

CND RescueRXx

The funny thing with nails is that they can show signs of disrepair which can be caused by either too much attention or not enough. Ignoring your nails altogether can mean that they end up in bad shape, but having too many manicures or nail treatments, like extensions, can also cause long-term damage. This rescue formula from CND repairs damaged nails using keratin and jojoba oil to reduce peeling and white spots.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Barrier Repair

The whole Ultra Calming range from Dermalogica is perfect for taking care of skin which is suffering from damage from environmental assault. However this Ultra Calming Barrier Repair is probably one of the most potent products in the range. It’s an anhydrous moisturiser, which means it contains no water, but melts gently into sensitive skin to soothe and help repair damage, combat free radicals and prevent moisture loss.

Everything you Need to Know About Gua Sha

Everything you Need to Know About Gua ShaPhoto by Pavel Danilyuk from Pexels

Although it may seem, to the casual observer, that the rise of the Gua Sha facial tool has happened in the last couple of years, the history of the Gua Sha is actually centuries old. The Gua Sha predates acupuncture and comes from the Stone Age when Bian stone was used for various medical purposes.

So what are the benefits of using a Gua Sha and what else do you need to know before taking the plunge? Here’s an overview of everything you should know:

What are the benefits of Gua Sha?

The theory behind Gua Sha is that energy needs to flow through the body but can sometimes become stagnant. Rubbing the skin’s surface  is thought to help break up this energy, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. On a biological level, lymphatic drainage is massively aided with regular Gua Sha usage and just a few minutes of Gua Sha action every day can have a major impact on skin’s tone, tautness and clarity. It also:

  • Boosts collagen production
  • Reduces appearance of puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles
  • Eases facial muscle tension
  • Restores firmness and elasticity and prevents sagging skin
  • Promotes a brighter complexion

Where can I use them?

Most Gua Sha’s are used around the cheeks, chin, jowls and other areas of the face where you want to reduce puffiness. There are, however, more targeted tools such as the Hayo’u Beauty Restorer Rose Precision, which is a uniquely shaped tool, designed to target delicate skin around the eyes and lips. It’s perfect for working on crows feet and sagging eyelids, as well as the fine lines which appear with time around the mouth.

How do I use a Gua Sha?

It’s best to perform gua sha on clean, toned skin, so do the cleanse and tone part of your usual skincare routine before you begin. Also, make sure your hands and the tool itself is clean; you don’t want to introduce any bacteria to your face by using dirty tools.

Next, apply your favourite facial oil to allow the tool to glide over your skin without causing too much friction or irritation. Holding the tool at a 30 to 45-degree angle, very gently scrape it across your skin. As a rule, all movements should be upward and follow lymphatic flow. Repeat each movement three to five times before moving onto the next area of your skin.

Do I need additional products?

As we mentioned above, using a facial oil such as the Hayo’u Revive Beauty Oil will increase the effects of your Gua Sha massage. The oil is designed to be absorbed slowly so that it protects the skin while you’re using your Gua Sha tool and it includes iconic Chinese ingredients of lotus flower, frankincense and ylang ylang which all have potent skincare benefits.

Which Gua Sha tools are best?

It’s important to opt for tools which are made from authentic rose quartz or jade, rather than an acrylic tool which can cause skin irritations. Jade is known for inviting serenity and purity, as well as promoting fertility, balance and deep healing. Rose quartz is known for restoring harmony in the heart and is the stone of universal love, encouraging unconditional loving and compassion.