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

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

Dermalogica, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness

Skin Superfoods – Cucumber

07/09/2019 10/09/2019 0

For years, cucumber has been known as a cooling veg which is great for the skin, and many a facial is completed with a couple of slices on your eyes to reduce puffiness. However, those who are ‘in-the-know’ know that cucumber is great for the skin in so many ways, which is why it’s used as an ingredient in many of our most popular products. Here’s a list of some of the best of them:

Dermalogica Active Moist

This lightweight, oil-free lotion from Dermalogica offers daily moisture protection to actively combat surface dehydration. Soothing extracts of lavender, mallow and cucumber provide deep hydration while silk amino acids and a unique combination of plant extracts to help smooth and improve the skin’s texture.

Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser

This creamy cleanser is made from a base of natural kaolin and green clays and utilises cucumber extracts to soothe irritation and revitalise tired skin. The unique clay formula thoroughly removes dead cell debris and absorbs excess oils while soothing milk proteins and menthol help calm aggravated skin.

Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair

A dehydrated area can mean that you suffer from dark circles and more fine lines and wrinkles – Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair is an ultra-rich cream designed to help diminish dry lines and repair skin damage around the delicate eye area. Skin-replenishing phytonutrients and eye-soothing botanicals of cucumber reinforce the skin’s natural hydration and leave the eye area refreshed.

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

This ultra-light toning spray contains ingredients which bind to moisture and ensure maximum hydration for the skin. Cucumber extracts help keep skin smooth and refreshed, making it ideal for rehydrating skin after air travel. It’s formulated without artificial fragrances and colours, so you can be assured that your skin is being touched by only natural ingredients.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

This masque from Dermalogica uses a beautifully-combined selection of botanical ingredients, including cucumber, arnica, bitter orange and hops to give the skin a deep wash of moisture. It restores critical moisture to dry skin without unwanted oiliness, helping to restore suppleness and reduce the appearance of fine, dry lines and is suitable for all skin types.

Life and Fashion

How to easily change our make up for autumn

03/09/2019 31/08/2019 0

While summer is definitely the time to be fresh-faced and to go au natural, as autumn sets in and the dew starts to collect on the grass and there’s a nip in the air, could it be that you’re just a little bit over the no-makeup, makeup?

We aren’t saying it’s time to bid sun-kissed skin goodbye, but we do have some fresh ways to welcome in autumn when it comes to your beauty cabinet.

Just as a great leather jacket and statement boots can transform your outfits, these make-up ideas will ensure you’re totally on trend with your look and kick summer bareness to the curb.

Autumn is still a great time to show off your complexion so don’t reach for heavy foundations, instead go for a sheer, radiance-boosting formula that will let your skin breathe and allow your healthy glow to shine through. You might still want to touch up blemishes, but this soft, fresh finish is one way to keep summer alive.

Subtle blush is a year-round must, but this season try to create a flushed look as if you have been out in the chilly fresh air. You can make your cheeks look fab by adding a little extra blush along cheekbones, blending it out toward your temples but always ensure you are line free. We love soft pinks and peaches, but try some shades out and get the right match for you.

Burgundy lips are a striking autumn look and one many of us can pull off. A rich burgundy lipstick looks stunning on clean, dewy skin and volume enhancing mascara will seal the deal. Prep lips with balm to soften them, and use a lip liner to help keep pigment from feathering and messing up your look.

Forget harsh contouring, highlighting is a more natural way to emphasise the points of your face where the light hits it. A touch on your cheekbones and brow arches give your skin a naturally gorgeous finish that doesn’t look too ‘done’ or OTT for the day.

If mauve isn’t on your make up radar, it needs to be. Mauve is the perfect shade to take you from summer to autumn because it gives you a more dramatic look but it’s not too out there. Great for all skin tones, you can wear it on your lips, cheeks, and eyes, so have a play around and see what works for you.

Lashes are one way to bring power to your look, so as the temperatures drop, why not apply several extra layers of mascara to keep the mercury rising. For the best results, wiggle the wand from root to tip and fan lashes towards your temples to create an extra fluttery finish. You can go for black, but for a slightly softer look, brown is a great autumnal option and will match mauve perfectly.

If you are looking for a less is more finish, we would suggest you soften smokey eyes by adding a little shimmer to the inner corners. There are some really gorgeous gold and silver eye shadows in the shops right now and if you keep the rest of your make-up minimal, you’ll score some serious fashion points.

Autumn is the time to rethink pink. Move away from those Ibiza bright pops, and start applying more muted shades that are super chic. You can put pastels on lips, lids and even under your eyes to create a soft, rosy glow that will match the early evening sunset.

Got a fail-safe autumn idea you swear by, let us know as we’d love to hear it.

Team Pure Beauty

Manicures

Five of the Most Popular Nail Shapes

31/08/2019 31/08/2019 0

Nails are big business these days, with 96% of women saying they feel better if they get their nails done and the average yearly spend on nails adding up to around £500 per person! There are a variety of options, from gel manicures on your natural nails, to building up the length and shape with acrylics, but long gone are the blunt-ended talons that everyone had in the Nineties and Noughties. The options for nail shape are varied, but we thought we’d show you some of the most popular nail shapes for 2019:

Almond

Almond shape nails fall somewhere between round and pointy and are perfect for anyone who doesn’t want the severity of a stiletto nail but still wants something feminine and pretty. They require a little length, so if your natural nails don’t grow very well, you might need to use acrylics to achieve the look, but using Nailtiques Protein Formula 2 will help stimulate rapid growth and strengthen nails.

Coffin

Coffin shaped nails, or sometimes called as ballerina shaped nail, is a trendy look for manicures. They curve in almost to the tip where they’re squared off to create an tapered look which is favoured by a lot of celebrities. Probably not a good option for anyone who does any sort of manual work as they’re usually super long, but the look creates a real impact.

Oval

Oval is very similar to the shape of the almond, but the tip is soft and much more blunt. Long or short, oval nails are always going to be a winner. This shape is considered flattering as the curved edge almost mirrors the curve of the cuticle, which (in theory) is the ideal nail style for everyone. Keep them looking tidy with Nailtiques Cuticle Care Oil.

Stiletto

Stiletto nails are NOT for the faint-hearted! The nail is shaped to a severe point and are usually super long, giving them the look of a stiletto heel. This shape requires a lot of upkeep and if done on a natural nail is the shape most prone to breakage, so investing in the Nailtiques After Artificial Treatment Kit before you go for this shape would be a good idea.

Squoval

This may sound like a bit of a nonsense word, but it basically describes a nail with squared-off sides and a rounded top, giving you the best of both worlds. It’s probably the strongest shape and least prone to breakage, and although it’s not as much of a statement as some of the other shapes, it’s probably the most functional shape for every day wear.

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