Our Blog – Page 28 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Skincare Ingredients That You Shouldn’t Use Together

12/10/2019 14/10/2019 0

When you’re building a skincare routine which is bespoke for your personal skin needs, it’s tempting to layer on as many products as you can because you feel they’ll be beneficial. However, there are certain ingredients that you should avoid using together, even if they seem like they’re both good for you. Here’s a rundown of some of the ingredients that you shouldn’t be combining in your daily routine:

Retinols and Salicylic Acid

You might think that hitting your skin with these two ingredients will leave your face smooth, but they’re two pretty powerful things which could leave you with extreme dryness. Retinols are usually used in ageing products like Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair while salicylic acid is know for its exfoliating properties and should be used with care – Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Lotion is a prime example, as they recommend you use a sunscreen at all times.

Vitamin C and Acids

Vitamin C is really good at brightening the skin, such as within Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum, which combines ultra stable Vitamin C complex with a bio-technologiy to deliver the natural power of Vitamin C where it’s needed most. However, if you mix this with products containing stronger acids, this can alter the pH of the vitamin C and basically render it useless.

AHAs and Retinols

Using retinol and AHAs together is another recipe for redness and irritation. Both increase photosensitivity in the skin – this means that your skin is much more likely to burn, even if it’s not sunny outside. If you’re using any kind of retinol or skin brightening AHA, like Elemis Superfood AHA Glow Booster, make sure you’re wearing a daily SPF 50 such as Decleor Ultra Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF50 Face, and use them in the evening to further lessen the risk of UV damage.

Oil-Based and Water-Based

Everyone knows that oil and water don’t mix, and with the exception of micellar waters and oils, that’s generally true when it comes to skincare. It’s okay to use oil-based and water-based products on your skin, but you have to think about the order – if you use oil first it will create a barrier that water-based products won’t penetrate, making them useless.

Health and Happiness

Top tips for good mental health

08/10/2019 07/10/2019 0

10th October is World Mental Health Day, so we’ve had a look at some ways you can look after yourself and deal with the ever-changing, always growing demands of modern-day life without suffering from burn out.

Get plenty of sleep
Sleep really is important for both physical and mental well being and is key when it comes to regulating the chemicals in our brains that manage our moods and emotions. If we don’t get enough sleep, we can start to feel depressed or anxious, and get cranky at the smallest things. Try to get into a good bedtime routine, don’t have screens in your room and if you can’t drift off, add some lavender oil to your pillow and fall asleep the natural way.

Think about food
We know that eating well is good for our bodies, but it’s also important for our minds. If you have a mineral deficiency, maybe in iron or vitamin B12, this can lead to poor mood and anxiety which was can all do without. If you enjoy a diet full of fruit and veg, wholegrains, protein and lots of water, this will help to keep you feeling full and level.

Avoid alcohol and cigarettes
Drinking and smoking aren’t great for anyone, but they can cause withdrawal symptoms, some of which certainly can impact your mental health and if you aren’t feeling great anyway, it can make things worse. When you’ve been out drinking, the next day you can feel depressed and anxious and with a headache to boot, this can make it harder to concentrate. If you smoke, between cigarettes your body and brain go into withdrawal which makes you irritable, giving you another good reason to quit, and soon!

Don’t stop moving
Exercising is a great way to eliminate anxiety, stress as well as feelings of tiredness and lethargy. You don’t need to run a marathon or play professional football; a walk, swim or jog can all do the trick of lifting your mood and as your heartbeat rises, those feel good chemicals will flood your body and things will start to look up.

Soak up the sun
We know there isn’t a lot of sunlight in the UK in the winter, but it is a great source of vitamin D. which helps our brains release chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that make us smile! Try to go out in the sun when you can, this will also give you that exercise boost, and if you do find you are feeling sad, trying a vitamin D supplement or using special light-therapy lamp might work for you.

Manage stress
We are realistic and know that stress is part of life, but keeping it in check is vital for good mental health. Making lists, delegating, taking time out and talking about your worries and fears will all help keep stress at bay. Also learn to say no, things can’t wait, but your stress levels can’t.

Enjoy life
Whether you like to walk the dog, dance or just watch TV show, you really need to set aside time each day to enjoy yourself. If you don’t do anything you like, it is easy to become angry, resentful and unhappy, so put time in your diary, and stick to it.

Give back
Just as you need to do things for yourself, giving back and helping others can be really beneficial to your mental health. You can take a neighbour shopping, help at a community event or do a fundraising run, so find something that has meaning for you and you will be surprised where it can lead.

Ask for help
One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to ask for help. You don’t need to feel ashamed to ask for support, most of us go through ups and downs, and as they say, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion, Manicures

How to Make Yourself Look POLISHED!

05/10/2019 07/10/2019 0

Anyone can get ready and make themselves look great, but have you every noticed that there are people out there who managed to go the extra mile to look really polished? It’s usually a combination of small touches that give them that polished look, so we thought we’d take a look at some of the things that you can do to achieve a polished look for yourself:

Literally Polish Yourself!

You can look immaculate from head to toe, but if you’ve got dry skin on your elbows, knees, heels or anywhere else, it’s going to instantly ruin your polished finish. The key is to ensure you exfoliate regularly and slather on the moisturiser, concentrating on areas which you know are likely to be on show.

Care for Your Nails

Painted nails in a bold or classy colour elevates any outfit. Get your nails done and you’ll look stylish in just jeans and a t-shirt. Doing a professional looking manicure or nail job at home is a skill you can learn, but remember that chipped polish looks worse than none so it can be a time commitment. Also, remember your cuticles – no-one looks polished with ragged skin around their nails!

Sleek Hair

You know what’s not polished? Flyaways and loose, scraggly ends. A low ponytail not only looks sophisticated, but it looks good with every type of bone structure. Spritz a little hairspray on a comb before running it through your hair and create a deep side part that’s different from your usual one to avoid flyaways. Leave your hair loose or secure it into a low ponytail with a hair tie that matches your hair colour.

Clothing

You don’t need a complete wardrobe overhaul to make you look and feel polished, a few tweaks here and there will do it. First up, make sure everything fits perfectly. For petite women this can be easier said than done. Shop from brands that aim specifically at petite women and always alter your clothes so that they’re not too long or swamping you. Beautifully tailored clothing will make you appear instantly pulled together.

Posture

One of the best and most important ways to make yourself appear more polished. Slouching isn’t flattering on ANYONE. Standing up straight will make you look taller, slimmer, it will make your clothes hang better, it will make you look more confident and there’s even anecdotal evidence to suggest it could improve your digestion…what have you got to lose by trying it?!

Skincare Advice

The oils that can feed your skin

30/09/2019 29/09/2019 0

Let’s face it, oil tends to get a bad rap in the press, but when it comes to your skin it could be the best thing to use.

Far from leaving your face shiny and greasy, the right oils can help to ease, smooth, restore, plump and heal, yes really. We have had a look at how oils can be added to your skincare routine and you might be surprised at the results.

Argan oil
Many of us associate argan oil with healthy looking hair, but this natural gem from Morocco is first class when it comes to looking after your skin. Rich and hydrating, argan oil is brilliant for sensitive, redness-prone skin and is perfect as we move from autumn to winter. You can apply this lovely, lightweight oil to any areas from your face to your hands and your toes, and once massaged in simply wait for the goodness to sink in and soothe.

Calendula oil
Calendula oil is found in many products and this is due to its skin-saving benefits. The high carotenoid content is responsible for calendula’s bright yellow flower, and this potent pigment is also full of the antioxidants that help prevent skin damage by reducing the effects of pollution – clever. If you add a couple of drops of calendula oil to your morning moisturiser, you will get a natural pollution-protective boost and your skin will glow for all the right reasons.

Coconut oil
Coconut oil is fast becoming a kitchen staple, but it is also great for your skin. As well as reducing inflammation and helping to heal wounds, it keeps skin moisturised and soft. The fatty acids that naturally occur in coconut oil, can also deal with acne and flaking, and this oil can even protect skin from harmful bacteria thanks to the magical anti-microbial properties. Simply massage a little into your skin before going to bed, and if you have any left, use on the ends of your hair to give them a little extra TLC.

Lavender oil
We have a lot of time, and love, for lavender oil. As well as helping to heal infections and calm inflammation, this oil is a great way to get a good night’s beauty sleep. The reason this happens is that lavender oil can help to increase and decrease slow-wave and REM (rapid-eye movement) sleep and if this happens, you wake feeling brighter and your skin looks plumper and rested. The best way to use lavender oil is to add several drops onto a tissue and place this in your pillowcase, then drift off to sleep.

Rosehip oil
Rosehip oil comes with natural restorative powers thanks to the high fatty acid content from linoleic and alpha-linoleic acids. If you are worried about ageing, rosehip oil can aid the regeneration of skin cells, it can help to reduce scarring, ease fine lines and even deal with sun pigmentation. Go for pure, cold-pressed varieties as these come packed with the most goodness and yes, it does have a golden glow. For ease of use, and best results, cleanse and tone your skin before bed and then massage rosehip oil directly into your face and neck, and you should wake up with softer, smoother skin.

Team Pure Beauty

Skincare Advice

Oily Skin? Get Mattifying with These Products

28/09/2019 29/09/2019 0

While a lot of people’s thoughts are turning to moisturising products to see them through the drying winter months, those of us with oily skin will still be thinking about ways to mop up that extra sebum. Having oily skin is a constant battle for many people and investing in the right products is the first part of the fight. Oil-based products are usually a no-no as they just exacerbate things, so we thought we’d take a look at our shelves a curate a list, dedicated to mattifying your oily skin:

Dermalogica Clear Start Clearly Matte Kit

Dermalogica know that oily, acne prone skin can be tricky, and that it’s not just limited to teenagers. They’ve put together this kit, which contains Dermalogica Foaming Wash, Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster and Dermalogica Clearing Defense SPF30. The specially curated selection of products are designed to get you into a regimen of targeted skincare products which will help to clear excess sebum, mattify the skin and prevent the formation of acne, blackheads and other blemishes. It’s the perfect way to try these products before committing to buying the full-size versions.

Elemis Peptide4 Adaptive Day Cream

This day cream from Elemis is a little miracle in a pot! It’s a daily moisturiser that also primes the skin, leaving it with a satin matte finish that never feels dry. Your skins oil production tends to peak in the early afternoon, leading to excess shine in the T-zone. This daily moisturiser adapts to your skins needs, keeping your complexion looking balanced and smooth throughout the day.

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF30

Products containing SPF are often very oily and do not play at all well with skin which already has a high sebum production. This SPF from Dermalogica gives a high level of broad-spectrum sun protection but helps prevent shine, regulate oil production and soothes inflammation at the same time. It’s perfect for skin with excess oil production and will help maintain an all-day matte finish without a powdery residue.

Elemis Superfood Berry Boost Mask

This mask from Elemis will help to soak up excess oil in 10 minutes. It’s inspired by fruit smoothies and is 100% vegan, so you know you’re only putting the best ingredients on your skin. Brazilian purple clay helps to draw out skin impurities whilst gently exfoliating to leave the complexion looking balanced and smooth while an omega-rich super berry complex leaves skin feeling healthy and hydrated. Finally, a prebiotic, naturally derived from sugar, helps to maintain balance in the skins microflora for a healthier looking complexion.

Skincare Advice

How to keep your make-up in place

24/09/2019 22/09/2019 0

Although a sunny autumn day leaves us happy on the inside, it often leads to shiny cheeks, smeared eyeliner and melted foundation on the outside. The good news is that it’s incredibly easy to keep your complexion looking fresh and your skin in tip-top condition if you follow our make tips.

Be prepared
To make sure your make-up lasts until the end of the day, lock in your look with a decent skincare routine, because if you treat you skin kindly and with love and respect, it will love you right back. Cleanse, tone and moisturise are the basics, but if you can add a serum before you moisturise, you will be pleased you did.

You don’t need a lot, but blending just a pea sized amount into your skin can help to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it radiant. Give the ingredients of the serum time to soak in, and once it has, work your moisturiser into your face and neck. If you go for one with an SPF this will give you added protection against the damaging rays that still come out in the colder, cloudy months.

Prime time
We don’t want your skin to be overloaded, but if you find your make up isn’t standing the test of time, it could be an indication that you need a primer. A primer will give your make-up a base, help you to get a smoother finish that will last for so much longer. It can also help to even out texture and stop the slipping that can totally ruin your look by lunchtime. To get the best out of this invisible layer, gently add to your whole complexion, including eyelids and right into the corners of either side of the nose, and you are good to go.

Less is more
We know that Insta is full of heavy oranges, but a light coverage not only looks more natural and prettier, but will last for longer too. If you want a fresh, dewy finish, think about going for a BB cream or tinted moisturiser and blend with a sponge from the nose outwards. If you have blemishes, pat concealer into place with your fingertips and then wash your hands to prevent spreading infection and germs. You might not know this, but patting products onto your skin helps minimise streaks and achieve that perfect skin illusion.

Staying power
If you want to give your base extra staying-power, a light dusting of powder will absorb any sheen as the day goes on, keeping you looking fresh.

Check your cheeks
You don’t need to go overboard, but a subtle cheek contour helps give the impression that you’ve got a healthy glow and many blushers double up as eyeshadow and give you a flattering finish.

If you do go for bronzer, don’t overload your brush, instead swirl it in a little product and then dust over your cheekbones, temples, hair line and across the bridge of your nose, and if you have pale skin, use a light contour powder instead.

If you want to go one step further, but still keep it real (and on all day), you can dab liquid highlighter to the tops of your cheekbones and the inner two-thirds of your eyelids and as it catches the light, it will give you a dazzling glow that will last until sunset.

Love your lashes
Keeping your lashes looking long, luscious and smudge-free will keep your make up looking good all day. Go for a brown or black waterproof mascara for a fluttery and fabulous look, and for the final fix, use an eyelash curler for an all-day long lift.

Love your lips
If you keep your lips hydrated, lip stick will last longer, and with a slick layer of balm on the top, you will look great all day long.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Repair Your Neglected Skin With These Products

21/09/2019 22/09/2019 0

We’re all guilty, at times, of neglecting ourselves. Be it not going to the gym, forgetting to get our hair trimmed or letting our skincare routine fall by the wayside, it’s all stuff which is repairable if we start to make more of an effort. Our clients often come to us, feeling guilty about neglecting their skin and we always say the same thing – don’t feel guilty, just start taking care of yourself again! Here are five products which repair a multitude of skin issues, helping to revive your complexion:

Dermalogica Super Rich Repair

This repairing cream from Dermalogica delivers immediate benefits to chronically dry, dehydrated and prematurely-ageing skin with this super-concentrated, heavy-weight cream. The powerful formula stimulate collagen production while an acid-free renewal complex smooths fine lines for dramatically improved elasticity and tone. It contains ultra-emollient shea butter and and evening primrose oil, which replenish skin, offering hydration.

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask

Lavender is well-known for its calming properties and is ideal for balancing blemish-prone, sensitised skin. This mask from Elemis is made with a kaolin clay base to assist with soothing and can be yse as a special overnight treatment to repair and heal blemished skin. It’s non-setting, which means it won’t dry your skin out, either.

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum

This serum from Dermalogica does exactly what it says on the bottle – it repairs the skin overnight, working on dryness and fine lines and increasing the skin’s luminosity. It synchronises with night time circadian rhythms to enhance skin nourishment, recovery, cell renewal and hydration levels and delivers a quicker, more effective penetration of actives to address skin care issues.

Jan Marini C-ESTA Eye Repair Concentrate

This product from Jan Marini is designed to give a powerful lifting and firming effect, without causing issues to the sensitive eye area, where the skin is thinner and more delicate. It contains high concentrations of vitamin C along with DMAE, CoEnzyme Q10 and other revolutionary topical agents to address multiple visible signs of ageing around the eye, giving you visible results, instantly.

Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair

The eye area is very prone to dehydration, which can accentuate wrinkles and fine lines. This ultra-rich cream from Dermalogica is designed to give the eye area an intense wash of moisture. It contains wild yam extract and healing pro-vitamin B5 help repair prematurely ageing skin, while antioxidant vitamins A, C and E plus grape seed extract protect the skin from harmful free radicals.

Life and Fashion

Don’t let moths ruin your clothes

17/09/2019 15/09/2019 0

Let’s face it, most of us have gone to get a favourite item of clothing out of the wardrobe only to find it has been chewed by MOTHS!

Moths breed all year, but do their most damage between June and October and holes are the result of eggs and larvae chewing through your clothes.

We have had a look at how you can make sure your clothes stay moth and hole free, and you can thank us later.

Go for a deep-clean
As we have said, it’s the larvae that cause the problems, so have a look in your wardrobes, cupboards and drawers and if you find what looks like tiny grains of rice, you need to get the hoover out as these guys are the villains. As well as a good vacuum, wipe down surfaces damp cloth and anti-bacterial spray, or go for vinegar diluted with water if you want a moth free zone.

Spread clothes out
As well as less clothes in your closet being good for the environment, this also means it will be harder for larvae to move between items of clothing and it also helps keep your wardrobe ventilated. Moths love nothing more than warm, humid spaces, so if you don’t have those on offer, they won’t be stressing you out.

Keep your clothes clean
This sounds obvious but it’s the smell of human sweat that larvae like, so wash your clothes regularly, especially knitwear, and don’t leave dirty clothes in piles on the floor for longer than a few days. Do check labels and where you can, go for a hot wash to get rid of any nasties – moths and otherwise.

Look after your expensive items
If you do have expensive items, you could think about putting them in garment bags, and dry clean them after wearing them, but take clothes out of the dry-cleaning bags because the plastic attracts the dust that bothersome moths love.

For those vintage finds, remember these can actually be a source of moth infestations, so make sure you wash or dry clean them before putting them into your wardrobe.

Store clothes correctly
If you do change your clothes each season, wash and dry them before packing them away and store them in vacuum-packed bags. Cashmere jumpers and silk scarves should be wrapped in tissue and stored in an airtight box with a sachet of silica to absorb any dampness.

We would suggest that you leave cardboard boxes out of the picture, as moths can chew their way through these in no time at all.

Add oils
Natural products offer extra protection for clothes from moths which hate the smell of cedar wood, lavender and eucalyptus. Cedar wood blocks or sachets of lavender will make sure your fluttery visitors stay well away.

Change your washing powder
Using lavender-scented washing powder and conditioner is another way to deter moths from making a home in your house. This will help protect your clothes, as well as linens and towels, and of course means everything will smell clean and fresh.

Good luck.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Free Your Forehead!

14/09/2019 15/09/2019 0

You might not think about your forehead all that much, and if that’s the case then good for you. But for some people, their forehead is a source of concern and this could be for a number of reasons. The forehead usually makes up around a third of your face, and if you don’t have a fringe covering it, it’s out there for all to see! Here’s a list of common forehead problems and what you can do to fix them:

Wrinkles

The forehead is an expressive area of your face, unless you’ve had Botox, and it does a lot of moving around, making it prone to wrinkles. Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum is a powerful formula which will help lift, firm and tighten the appearance of facial contours with Vitamin C and DMAE for powerful free-radical protection. Pay extra attention to the deepest lines which are usually between your eyes.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can be a particular problem for foreheads, causing the area to look flaky and making it hard to get make-up to apply smoothly. Exfoliate the area with Decleor Phytopeel Smooth Exfoliating Cream to get rid of any flakiness and then moisturise with Dermalogica Power Rich to keep the dryness at bay.

Acne

The forehead can be an area which is often prone to acne – in contrast to super dry skin, the forehead can overproduce sebum which will clog pores and cause breakouts. Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster is a fast acting acne treatment that works within 15 minutes and is formulated to help stop breakout causing bacteria.

Redness

If you’re prone to redness, you’ll know that the forehead is usually a problematic area. Sensitised skin on the forehead can often feel tight and itchy, adding to the discomfort and making you even more aware of the issue. Dermalogica Redness Relief Essence is a lightweight advanced treatment toner that helps calm and balance sensitive skin and will reduce redness and make the skin feel less tight and uncomfortable.

Hyperpigmentation

The forehead is a rally common area for hyperpigmentation, perhaps because it’s eposed to sunlight all year round. It can make sufferers feel very self-conscious and uncomfortable, so tackling it with a targeted product is essential. Dermalogica Pure Light is an advanced, medium-weight, daytime broad spectrum moisturiser that treats hyperpigmentation while shielding the skin from pigment-inducing UV light.

Health and Happiness

Ease your way into autumn

10/09/2019 10/09/2019 0

As much as the warm summer months and carefree holiday season are fantastic, there is something soothing about the arrival of autumn and the promise it brings.

As the leaves turn amber and the temperature cools, now is the time to take stock and look after yourself before the festive fun (and stress) kicks in.

We’ve got some easy ways you can embrace the changing seasons and make them work for you.

Find a balance
We know it isn’t always possible, but if you can work a little less or take a break for a few days this can really help you get back on track after a busy summer. Now’s the time to see how much extra work you take on and where changes can be made to ensure you make yourself a priority, and don’t just cater to the needs of everyone around you.

Do something nurturing each day
With so many pressures on us, we often forget to take time to pause and relax. Whether it is reading a new book, going for a gentle walk in the woods, having a manicure, or spending time with fun friends, do something that nurtures your soul once a day and you will benefit from it.

Eat local seasonal foods
With the BBQ now on the back burner and ice creams a bit too chilly to stomach, now is the time to tap into seasonal foods. Apples and blackberries can be found in abundance and make great jams, compotes and crumbles. Soups and stews packed with veg are perfect evening suppers that will warm you up and build your immune system at the same time.

Remember to breathe
We know you automatically do this but thinking about your breathing can make a big difference to how you feel. Why not practice gentle yogic breathing for five minutes when you wake up and certainly before you reach for your phone? To do this, breathe quietly with your eyes closed and start counting four inhales, followed by four exhales. Focus on the now, try not to let your mind wander to what to have for breakfast or if your boss will be in a bad mood, and as you breathe in and out, you will find a new sense of calm for the day ahead.

Get into a routine
We think of routines for children, but the same can work for adults. Have a set time to get up and go to bed (keeping to this at the weekend) and then find a routine that works for you so you can feel in control knowing you have a handle of what needs to be done, and what can wait.

Take some exercise
We know you don’t have endless amounts of time but taking some exercise each day will help your mind, body and soul. We aren’t saying you need to pound the pavements or work up a sweat in the gym, but thirty minutes of activity that gets your body moving, your heart rate up and your cheeks glowing will do you the world of good.We think of routines for children, but the same can work for adults. Have a set time to get up and go to bed (keeping to this at the weekend) and then find a routine that works for you so you can feel in control knowing you have a handle of what needs to be done, and what can wait.

Drink water
Whatever time of year it is, drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will keep you hydrated and on track in all areas of your life.

Team Pure Beauty

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