Our Blog – Page 29 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Natural ways to winter proof your mood

22/10/2019 21/10/2019 0

While winter is a great time for spending time at home, one dark, quiet night after another can take its toll on your mood. Many people struggle with various levels of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) but there are ways you can deal with this.

When it comes to SAD, it all about those feel-good chemicals in your body and brain, and the less you have, the lower your mood will be. You can take drugs to help ease your symptoms, but we’ve had a look at some natural ways to boost your happiness even when it is cold and dark outside.

Up your vitamin D
Your mood and hormones rely on vitamin D to work well, and if you don’t get enough, things can start to slide. Vitamin D-rich foods like fatty fish, cheese, egg yolks, and fortified cereals are one way to up your intake, and adding a supplement can also help ensure you are topped up and happy. Check-in with your GP or pharmacist to find a product, and dose that works for you.

Light up your life
For some people, the answer to winter blues comes from using a special lightbox. Do your research, find a product that is in your budget and give it a go! You can also buy alarm clocks that wake you up with a ‘natural’ light rather than an alarm that can actually break your sleep too abruptly.

Get outside
You might not know this, but exposure to cold weather increases both blood flow and endorphins and both can help to pick up your mood. Going for a brisk walk, maybe doing a couch to 5km challenge or jumping on your bike and riding the blues away could be the answer you have been looking for. Do something you enjoy, buddy up with a friend and your mood will be glad you did as those feel-good chemicals flood your body.

Oil up
We are massive fans of essentials, because not only are they natural and smell amazing, but they can also calm you down and make you feel happier in return. Lavender is a great place to start, so diffuse this during the day and night and start to breathe in winter happy vibes.

Have a massage
Go ahead and treat yourself to a massage. These sessions can ease away aches and pains, and as you lie in the quiet, with no one asking anything of you, your stress levels will ease and you’ll leave feeling so much happier and relaxed. Speak to your therapist and see which treatment could be best for you and then lie down and let your problems leave the room.

Make time for tea
As the sun goes down, why not cosy up on the sofa with a warm cup of organic tea. Green, black, and white tea come with a wonder compound called L-theanine that can help with the blues or just sip a herbal infusion, but whatever you do, take the time to sit down, kick back and relax.

If things get really bad, speak to a friend or your GP and get the help you need to make the cold, dark months more enjoyable.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Halloween Skin Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

19/10/2019 21/10/2019 0

Halloween is bigger than ever, with everyone and their dog joining in (we aren’t even kidding…matching Halloween costumes for dogs and their owners are huge business!). Many people opt for beautiful make-up effects rather than using masks to create their look, but every year we hear about how things have gone wrong on 1^st November. With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of Halloween skin mistakes so that you can avoid them when creating your costume:

Use Skin-Safe Products

If you’re going all-out and creating a look which requires more than your face to be painted, you must make sure you’re using skin-safe products. You’d be amazed how many Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy costumes have been created using green poster paint, and this is NOT good for your skin. Aside from blocking your pores, it can cause dryness and irritation that you may even need medication to clear up.

Don’t Use Glue

Following on from the above point, we never fail to be shocked by the amount of people who use glue on their faces. Sure, gems, fake scars and other embellishments can take your costume to the next level, but PVA glue will not do your skin any favours. Eyelash glue is a good alternative as this is designed for use on skin and won’t cause irritation.

Beware Backcombing

There are many looks which can be accentuated by having a huge bush of frizzy hair, but the simple rule of teasing is this – what has been done, must also be undone! Backcombng causes the hair to tangle and knot, and getting this out again can not only be painful but it can also damage your hair, causing breakages. If you must backcomb your hair, first smother it in Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Hair and Scalp Mask before doing so, as this will help to de-tangle your mop without damaging it.

Don’t Sleep in Face Paint

Okay, so we’ve all been guilty of going to an amazing Halloween party and then falling into bed in a boozy haze once we get home. However, the only thing worse for your skin than using oil-based face paint is leaving it on overnight. As soon as you get home, cleanse your face with Decleor Micellar Oil as this will tackle oily paint and give your skin the deep cleansing that it needs.

Don’t Hit the Sweets too Hard

Although we know that sweets don’t cause acne, as many people used to believe, we do know that high sugar levels can exacerbate acne, as well as other skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. This is because when you eat sugar, insulin levels rise, which subsequently increases the inflammation in the skin. And since inflammation is a key component in the formation of acne, you end up seeing flare-ups and an increase in the amount of acne on your face.

Health and Happiness

Get to sleep the easier way

15/10/2019 14/10/2019 0

The summer has gone which means those body melting temperatures and unbearable nights are no longer with us, but many people still toss and turn unable to get to sleep at night.

Fear not, we have put together some simple tips that we hope will help you to fall asleep and get the sleep you need to get through the day.

Getting into a regular sleep routine
You might not realise this, but going to bed at a different time every night won’t be doing you any favours. We know there are times when you go out and are home late, or nights when you sink into the sheets before Corrie ends, but you might find that going to bed at the same time every night will help your internal body clock get used to a schedule and things may well fall into place.

Think about where you sleep
This is really basic, but if you want to have a good night’s sleep you need to ensure you have a quiet, dark bedroom that isn’t too hot or cold. Clean sheets, no dogs, a fan or open window, blackout blinds, thick curtains, and earplugs are all easy things you can use to help you get the zzzzzs you need. This is also a good time to mention that your mattress needs to work for you too. If yours is old, feeling lumpy or just not doing the job, go and try some new ones out and you might be surprised at the impact this can have.

Be active in the day
Yes, we are talking about night time here, but regular exercise in the day really can help you sleep better when you go to bed. Walking, running, swimming and dancing are all great ways to boost your health, and you’ll find that doing something like this several days a week will have positive ripple effects across the board – including your sleep.

Think about food and drink
You might like tea and coffee, but caffeine really can keep you awake, as can eating a big meal late in the evening, so think about how often you do this and whether these bad habits are disrupting your sleep. This also goes for cigarettes and alcohol, neither of which is going to do you any favours at any time of the day or night, so give them up and feel the benefits on many levels.

Chill out
A warm bath full of bubbles, a little meditation, lavendar oil on your pillow, using relaxation techniques or doing some gentle yoga can all help you unwind so you are more prepared to go to sleep. Jumping into bed as soon as you stop watching TV or finish work, won’t put you in the best mood for sleep, so give yourself time to adjust and then you are more likely to settle.

Find a mind distraction
Sometimes when we can’t nod off, we focus on getting to sleep even more and this can leave you lying awake feeling increasingly frustrated and then exhausted by morning. Don’t allow your mind to wander, instead read a book, listen to soothing music or even start knitting and let sleep follow.

Go screen-free
Computers, phones, screens and TVs might be part of daily life, but they have no place in your bedroom. These screens can stimulate your mind, making it difficult to rest and wind down, so leave them in the kitchen, get an alarm clock to wake you up and go digital free in the bedroom.

Get some help
If you put these things into place and still aren’t getting the sleep you need, maybe start a diary to track what is happening and then speak to your GP. It might be that you need a little more help to get to the root of your problems, but don’t suffer alone as things won’t get better, but they might get worse.

Team Pure Beauty

Uncategorized

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.

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