Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

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

Summer proof your make-up the easy way

www.pexels.comWith temperatures rising, and well as the rain coming down, summer 2019, is certainly keeping us on our toes. As we go from one extreme to another, make-up can slip, slide and smudge before you even get in the car, so have some tips on how to weatherproof your look come rain or shine.

Get your base right
It doesn’t matter what season it is, if you want your make up to stand the test of time, you need to get the base right. During the warm summer months, our skin tends to be drier and more dehydrated so as soon as you add moisture, your skin drinks it up and this means make-up can look patchy, something we do not want. To stop this from happening, get the right moisturiser for you and also think about adding a serum with extra hyaluronic acid to your beauty routine to get things right from the start.

Heavy foundations don’t blend well on hot skin, and chances are you simply don’t need it at this time of year. Stick to super light formulas or drop foundation and instead add tanning drops to your moisturiser for a soft, dewy look.

Glow the right way
We often talk about our skin having a natural glow, and that is what you are looking for this summer. If your skin tends to be oily, resist overloading it and instead go for shine-beating products to save your blushes. Oil-controlling primers work well under make-up and a dusting of mattifying powder offers a natural finish, rather than a shiny one.

Bronze it
They might be super simple, but bronzers can make your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter and give you a fresh, natural look that is easy to maintain. Apply bronzer to your forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose, and you will have a gorgeous stay-put look for the day ahead.

Leave the panda eyes at home
Panda eyes almost seem a part of the summer, but they don’t have to be. Opting for eye primers, powder eye shadows, as well as waterproof eyeliners and mascaras, will banish panda eyes forever, or most of the day at least.  If you are worried about removing waterproof make-up, don’t be. Massaging an oil based cleanser into your skin before you go to bed, will gently remove make-up and dirt and you will be left with soft, smooth, clean skin.

Kissable lips
Hot temperatures and thick lipsticks are not a match made in make-up heaven. For the summer we would suggest trying a lip stain or tint as this offers long-lasting colour as well as comfort. You can off course simply go for a tinted balm with an SPF and this will protect your lips as well as giving them a splash of colour and instant hydration.

The main thing whatever the weather is that you go for products that work for you and help you to feel comfortable in your own skin.

Team Pure Beauty

Sun Exposure – It’s Not Just “The Big C” You Need to Think About

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We all know the major issues that sun exposure can cause – obviously skin cancer is the scariest one, but from a beauty point of view, the profound effect it can have on the ageing process is pretty worrying too. There are also other conditions which can be caused by time in the sun, that many of us don’t know about, so we’re highlighting five of them and telling you what you can do to prevent them:

Melasma

Many people think that melasma is only caused by pregnancy (it’s often referred to as ‘pregnancy mask’) but actually, men can develop melasma too. People with higher levels of melanin in their skin are particularly prone and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun and the use of sun-beds or phototherapy can trigger melasma or make it worse. The best way to prevent melasma is with a sun block with a high SPF, or skin lightening treatments.

Cataracts

Long-term, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can damage the retina. The retina is the back of the eye, where the rods and cones make visual images, which are then sent to the visual centers in the brain. Damage from exposure to sunlight can also cause the development of cloudy bumps along the edge of the cornea, which can then grow over the cornea and prevent clear vision. UV light is also a factor in the development of cataracts. Wear proper UV eye protection to prevent this.

Heat Stroke

Many people think that heat stroke is something that makes us feel a little bit sick and dizzy after too much time in the sun, but actually heat stroke can be a medical emergency. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, rapid heart rate and difficulty breathing. Avoid heat stroke by spending plenty of time in the shade and drinking lots of fluids.

Cramp

When your body sweats, it looses a lot of the natural salts that the body needs to be able to function properly, and when you rehydrate with only water, instead of an isotonic solution, these salts can be further depleted. This can lead to muscle cramps which can be painful and unpleasant. Avoid cramps and muscle spasms by eating a salty snack and getting plenty of rest in the shade.

Polymorphic Light Eruption

According to the NHS website “Polymorphic light eruption is a fairly common skin rash triggered by exposure to sunlight or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light. An itchy or burning rash appears within hours, or up to 2 to 3 days after exposure to sunlight. It lasts for up to 2 weeks, healing without scarring. The rash usually appears on the parts of the skin exposed to sunlight – typically the head, neck, chest and arms. The face is not always affected.” A good sunscreen will prevent this from occurring.

How to keep your hair under control this summer

www.pexel.comSummer is here and while you’re ready for parties and fun, quite often your hair will misbehave and let you down.

Frizz, limpness and greasy locks can all be a seasonal nightmare, but we have some easy fixes that will let you take back control of your hair so you look great.

Have a trim
While you might be growing your hair, the best way to keep it in good condition is to have a trim. Just having a centimetre or two taken off the ends will give it a sharp edge and keep things tidy and in good shape.

Wear a hat
OK, it might not be totally on-trend, but it’s all about prevention which means a hat is your new BFF. Whether you go for a cap, sun hat or big-brimmed straw number on your head, this is one way to keep your tresses in one place and safe from harmful rays.

Grease lightening
If you suffer from greasy hair it really can be the pits, but washing it more often can make the problem worse. We would suggest using a dry shampoo between washes and it will not only save your styling blushes but can help with the environment too as you’ll be using less water.

Stop chlorine in its tracks
We don’t have to tell you that chlorine can play havoc with hair, and if you’re fair it can turn blond to a paler shade of green, which we just aren’t keen on. If you do go swimming, rinse your hair straight away with a pool-specific shampoo to keep get rid of chlorine, chemicals, and salt from the sea. Oh, and when you do swim, either wear a cap (we know) or put up in a messy bun to keep your hair out of the water.

Get a serum
If you want to get rid of frizz, the best way to go by using a serum. Find one that works for your hair and use it when you really have to, but don’t go overboard on the products as this can cause build-up, something you just don’t need.

Twists and turns
If your hair doesn’t want to behave, twist it into cute bunches or plaits and you’ll create a whole new look that’s totally you.

Slick it back
A cool, smooth ponytail really does hide a multitude of hair sins and looks fab at the same time. Use a decent band or scrunchie, have gel at the ready if things are really out of hand, then rock that movie star style all the way to the bar.

Turn the temperature down
While you can’t control Mother Nature, you can step away from the hairdryer and tongs when it’s warm outside. Your tresses have enough to deal with when it comes to humidity and the sun, so if you add a blast of heat from your straighteners, it could get messy. Find a good shampoo and conditioner, towel dry your hair and try the natural look this summer and you never know, you might like it.

Use a mask
Experts believe that using a nourishing mask once a week can help keep your hair in good condition, and if you have dry or thick hair you may need to do this twice a week as it will drink up the goodness but you will be pleased it did.

Team Pure Beauty

Dealing with the Beauty Sceptics

Dealing with the Beauty Sceptics
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For every skincare devotee, there’s always someone out there who is sceptical of all things beauty related. Here at Pure Beauty, we’re honest about the products we use and while we don’t claim they cure all, each and every one is useful at doing its own thing. Today, we thought we’d look at a few commonly uttered phrases by skincare sceptics and tell you why they’re definitely wrong!

“I live in the UK, why do I need sunscreen every day?”

Ultraviolet rays that are the cause of sun damage and skin cancer are always present. They are independent of cold or hot weather, and are not blocked by clouds. On overcast days, only visible rays (but not UVB rays) from the sun are blocked. The best way to protect the skin is with sun protection.

“Why should I spend money on expensive cleansers when soap will do the job?”

You should avoid soap on your face because it is a harsh surfactant which indiscriminately removes good lipids as well as dirt and sebum. This causes the breakdown of the skin’s natural moisture barrier which results in water passing out of the skin more rapidly making it severely dry. Opt for a soap-free cleanser like Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel.

“Only older people get age spots”

Hyperpigmentation can show up at any age, from the freckles sprinkled across a child’s nose to smooth, flat brown discolourations you may see as early as your mid-20s. Treating sun-induced brown discolourations requires a specific type of treatment using skin lighteners and forms of vitamin C plus daily sun protection to make a noticeable, lasting difference.

“Acne is something you’ll grow out of eventually”

Not everyone who has acne as a teenager will grow out of it, and even if you had clear skin as a teenager, there’s no guarantee that you won’t get acne later in life, perhaps during menopause – no surprise considering the link with hormones! What is true is that men can outgrow acne, because after puberty men’s hormone levels level out, whilst women’s hormone levels fluctuate throughout their lifetime, which is why many women experience breakouts around their menstrual cycle.

“I need to change my skincare as my skin is used to my current products and they don’t work as well anymore”

Skin doesn’t adapt to skincare products any more than your body adapts to a healthy diet. You may see skin stop improving as much as it initially did, but that stands to reason: If you were using products with irritating or drying ingredients and then switch to brilliantly-formulated products, your initial improvement is going to be much more impressive than what you’ll see months later, when skin is maintaining its new-found healthy, younger appearance.

How to have a stress-less week

Five Ways to Ensure You’re Tanning Safely
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Do you wake up to your Monday morning alarm and dread the week ahead knowing that your stress levels will go up and you simply won’t get ahead whatever you do?

It is natural to have some stress in your life, but if you feel as if you are constantly on an emotional rollercoaster, we have some tips for each day of the week that could help you get off the ride and find some stability and calm.

Monday
Create a menu for the week. This might sound boring but knowing what you will be eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner won’t only take the pressure off finding something to eat three times a day, seven days a week, but it will also save you time and even money.

Do an online shop and get all your groceries in the cupboards once a month, batch cook if you can, ensure you have fresh salads and frozen fruit and veg as well as snacks lined up.

We aren’t saying that you can’t eat out, or get a takeaway, but knowing what’s coming next, and fuelling up on healthy meals, is so much better for your mind and waistline, so give it a go and feel your stress levels come down.

Tuesday
Parking negativity at the door can totally ease your stress levels. One way of doing this is to start a diary and try journaling. If you have worries, problems or are stuck on what to do about a tricky situation or toxic boss, writing it down can ease the pain. There are no plans and no rules, but putting that negativity down on paper can free your mind to enjoy the good things in life. At the end of each day, you can fill up your positive glass by thinking about what has gone well and then writing down three good things in your journal. A hot cup of tea with a friend, no traffic jams, a new client or even just a beautiful sunset can all add up and make you feel happier and more optimistic every day of the week.

Wednesday
Be realistic. Yes, you have a demanding job, a young family and friends you want to see, but you are human and can’t do it all. If we push ourselves too much we get stressed and burnout is a real danger, and that is something you do not want. Have a to-do list where you can prioritise your workload and personal demands, and as you tick each one off, you will get a sense of achievement and progress.

If you find things are getting on top of you, speak to your boss, delegate tasks at home, think about getting a cleaner and remember to take some time out each day for you. 10 minutes of meditation, a session of yoga or a soothing cup of ginger tea in the garden can be the break you need to take your stress levels down a notch or two.

Thursday
By this point in the week, our energy levels can be flagging and the tendency to drink more fizzy drinks and snack on cakes and energy bars can rise. The problem is, this might give you an instant hit but the come down will be real and make you feel more stressed out in the long run. Why not think about changing from coffee to herbal teas or sparkling water with ice and lemon, as these will refresh and hydrate you rather than wiping you out. You can swap chocolate and cookies for avocado on oatcakes and a handful of almonds and these magnesium-rich snacks will empower you, not deflate you.

Friday
By the end of the week, you will start to see exactly how much you have achieved, and this deserves a pat on the back and a reward. This could be meeting friends for a glass of wine, buying a magazine on the way home from work, or booking a manicure in at the weekend. By celebrating our wins, big and small, we raise our endorphin levels and see just how well we are really doing.

And, relax!

Team Pure Beauty

Grab Yourself a Bargain With Pure Beauty Special Offers

Over on our sister site, Pure Beauty, we try to offer our products at the best prices possible, giving you unbeatable skincare that you can afford. Every so often, though, we go that little bit further and offer you some great products at even better prices – here are five of the best bargains available on Pure Beauty right now:

Decleor Green Mandarin Glow Night Balm – reduced from £50 to £37.50

This night balm from Decleor is made from 100% natural ingredients and is designed to re-energise the skin and reduce the appearance of ageing. It should be applied before bed, after cleansing, and will allow you to wake up with a glowing complexion.

Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream – reduced from £80 to £60

You can grab yourself a massive bargain with this offer, giving you a whole £20 off of the usual price. This face cream from Jan Marini is designed for ageing or prematurely ageing skin and offers advanced healing and repair for significant rejuvenation benefits. It gives immediate, visible results leaving skin smooth and silky to the touch and provides a superb moisturising base.

Dermalogica Precleanse – reduced from £39.50 to £29.65

This plant-based cleansing oil, from Dermalogica, is fortified with olive and kukui oils, thoroughly melts layers of excess sebum, sunscreen, waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual skin products that build-up during the day. It’s usually just under £40 but at the moment, we’re offering it for less than £30!

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm – reduced from £43 to £32.25

Despite it’s delicate fragrance and gentle touch, Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm is a surprisingly powerful cleanser which melts away layers of make-up, dirt and daily pollutants. It’s currently available at more than £10 less than the usual price, and although we might be biased, we think this is a bargain you shouldn’t ignore.

Decleor You, Me, Mistletoe Gift Set – reduced from £29 to £21.75

If you’re a super-organised shopper, you could get way ahead of the Christmas rush and grab yourself a bargain in the meantime. This set from Decleor contains Decleor Intense Nutrition Lip Balm, Decleor Hydra Floral Everfresh Hydrating Light Cream and Decleor Aroma Cleanse 3 in 1 Hydra Radiance Cleansing Mousse and makes the perfect gift for a skincare lover.

How to get your beauty sleep when it is hot

www.pexels.comWe won’t lie, we love the summer.

Those bright mornings with the birds singing.

The late evenings with drinks on the terrace and friends around the BBQ.

Outdoor swimming and picnics by the river.

However, when it comes to beauty sleep and the heat, we aren’t so keen.

We have some ideas that will help you sleep well even when the temperature keeps rising.

Assess your bedroom
The optimum temperature for sleep is 16 -18 degrees so you need to look at how warm your bedroom gets in the day, as this will carry on at night, especially if there isn’t a breeze. Simple steps like closing the curtains and blinds during the day, can help. Put a fan on in the evening and if you place a bowl of ice in front of the fan, a cool mist will enter the room and help you chill out.

Cool yourself down
There is no point keeping your room cool if your body temperature is sky high. Not doing excessive exercise before bed and having a tepid shower can get your body temperature down and ready for sleep.

If you run your wrists and feet under cold water for a few seconds before bed, this can help cool your blood circulation instantly.

Another trick you can try is to wet your face and arms then stand in front of the fan and cool down before getting into bed to catch some beauty sleep.

Why not soak your feet in cold water for 10 minutes before going to bed? Heat is lost more quickly through your extremities (feet and head) so doing this can help you feel cooler and calmer when the heat is on.

You may not want to wear socks in the heat, but putting on a pair of damp cotton socks before you get into bed can keep you cool and help you sleep as your temperature will go down.

Swap your bedding
While it is nice to get snuggly at bedtime, a winter duvet and heavy pyjamas will not help you get your summer beauty sleep. Try sleeping with a top sheet or thin blanket and go for light bed clothes made of cotton so you are cool and don’t sweat in the night. Putting clean pillowcases in the freezer for a few minutes before you go to bed can be refreshing, so can putting a frozen hot water bottle or ice pack on your sheets.

Flannel power 
Just as putting a cold, damp flannel on your forehead helps when you are ill, it can also help you cool down and drift off.

Mind over matter 
This might sound a bit out there, but meditating as you lie down can help you switch your mind off, stop focusing on the heat and instead listen to your breath and you may then fall asleep.

Keep calm
We know it can be frustrating if you can’t sleep, but the more you toss and turn in the heat, the hotter you’ll feel, and the less beauty sleep you will get. If you really cannot sleep, get up, have a glass of water, run your wrists under a cold tap and when you go back to bed, lie still, meditate and try to get some rest before sunrise.

Remember to drink water 
Hot days and warm evenings can mean you will sweat more during the night, so make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a glass of water by your bed at night too and by doing these simple things you will keep your water levels up and dehydration at bay.

Sweet dreams from Team Pure Beauty

Fab food for fab abs

www.pexels.comWhether you like to run, row, dance or hike, you won’t get fab, happy abs if you don’t think about the food you eat as well as the exercise you take.

You can, of course, add ab specific exercises into your routine, but if you eat gut-busting snacks and meals, not only will you nourish your body, but you will also have more success with getting a toned tummy, and bloating will be a thing of the past.

Resist the urge to skip meals, or take on more protein shakes and bars, and instead add these foods to your diet and we think you will love the results, and the taste too.

Water
If you want a healthy, trim tum, you need to drink water. Try and get the recommended eight glasses a day if you can, and also think about drinking warm water with lemon first thing, as this will kick start your digestive system and help flush away toxins, and while it might not have your usual caffeine kick, it will work.

Apples
An apple a day does so much more than keep the doctor away. Apples are packed with goodness, they are great as an on the go snack, they give you a sweetness hit, a burst of vitamins and with fibre to boot, they are tummy lovers however you look at them.

Bananas
Many of us underestimate bananas but do so at the peril of your abs. Bananas are full of the potassium that gets rid of sodium as we wee, so by eating them you ease bloating and as they are filling, you won’t need to hit the tummy expanding biscuit tin mid-afternoon.

Asparagus
Asparagus is a natural diuretic which means to can help ease the water retention that makes tummies round, as well as acting as a prebiotic so that healthy, helpful gut bacteria can grow and flourish. This versatile vegetable is also packed with insoluble and soluble fibre which aids good digestion and leaves your abs happy and flat. Perfect with fish and chicken, asparagus can be steamed or boiled and are also great with salads and roasts.

Fennel
While fennel isn’t the best tasting food out there, it has a wide range of ab loving benefits. Bloating, constipation, gas, cramps, and inflammation are all signs of trouble, but fennel can help to ease all these issues so you feel more confident and comfortable.

Avocado
This green goddess is high on our list of ab superfoods and for good reason. As well as being jam-packed with skin-loving vitamin E and essential fats, it is great for your abs thanks to the high levels of naturally occurring oleic oil which helps with inflammation. Peel, stone and slice, then add your avocado to salads, smoothies, toast, crackers or just eat it on its own, but whatever you do, be sure to eat it and your tummy will thank you.

Blueberries
Blueberries are often overlooked for bigger, redder berries, but they are full of the powerful antioxidants that speed up fat burning, which is exactly what we want. Simply stir into porridge (with a banana), pop in pancakes or blend with almond milk, mango, and spinach for an instant super smoothie and fab abs!

Oats
We would suggest getting more wholegrain oats into your daily diet as they can help improve your gut health and speed up your metabolism. Oats come with the soluble fibre that helps soak up water and slows down digestion. This means you feel fuller, for longer and won’t feel the need to snack between meals, something that can make your tummy wobble. Soluble fibre is a prebiotic and as such it feeds the good bacteria in your tummy so it stays healthy and helps control blood sugar levels and blood pressure. So, start your day with porridge, yogurt, and blueberries, and if you make banana flapjacks your tummy will be happy for longer.

If you do experience ongoing tummy problems, speak to your GP and just make sure things are all in working order.

Team Pure Beauty

Our Five Best Skin Purifying Products

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When it comes to beauty buzz-words, “purify” is once which gets used a lot – but what does it really mean to purify the skin? Well, in simple terms, purifying your skin just means clearing it of the toxins and bacteria that build up throughout the day. We have several products here at Pure Beauty which do an almost miraculous job of purifying the skin, and here are five of our favourites:

Elemis Superfood Berry Boost Mask

This facial mask from Elemis is based on a potent and purifying combination of Brazilian purple clay and an omega-rich super berry complex to balance the skin and mattify the T-Zone. It contains a natural prebiotic which comes from sugar, which will help to support the skin’s microflora, helping it to stay healthy from within.

Dermalogica Foaming Wash

This cleansing wash from Dermalogica is formulated to purify teenage skin which is oily and acne-prone, giving you a potent purifying action which won’t irritate or upset the skin. . Salicylic Acid breaks up clumped dead skin cells and clears trapped oil to help wipe out existing and future breakouts.

Decleor Ylang Cananga Facial Oil Serum

Using oil to fight oil may seem like an odd concept but this purifying facial oil from Decleor is designed to do exactly that. It’s a has dry oil, which has been carefully blended to make a real difference to combination and oily skin types. It purifies the skin, reduces sebum excess, and tightens pores, to help reduce the appearance of blemishes

Jan Marini C-ESTA Cleansing Gel

Vitamin C is an excellent alternative if you’re unable to use products containing glycolic acid and this cleanser from Jan Marini is packed with it. It works to a luxurious lather, purifying the skin and washing away impurities for a clearer, more refined complexion. It also preps the skin, making it more receptive to the other C-ESTA products in the range, increasing their effectiveness.

Decleor Clay Powder Cleanser

Clay is an amazing ingredient for purifying the skin and this powder cleanser from Decleor is produced using 98% natural-origin clays. It contains a professional formulation of essential oils and is enriched with neroli and green oregano essential oils to help with oily and combination skin types.

Easy ways to relax when stress builds up

www.pexels.comWhile the idea of switching off and doing nothing sounds like bliss, being able to fully power down isn’t always possible, but if we don’t slow down from time to time we can burn out and that’s no good for anyone.

While it is hard to jet off and lie on a beach (or impossible) there are ways to tweak your routine so you can get back on the right track.

Sip Green Tea
Forget coffee and cola, if you want to ease the stress of life, sip on a cup of green tea. This is a good source of L-Theanine, a chemical that helps relieve anger, so boil the water, pour it out, and once it has cooled down, take a soothing sip and sit back and relax.

Meditate
You don’t need a mountain retreat to feel the benefits of meditation. Five minutes of peace in a quiet, comfortable spot will allow you to concentrate on your breath, and as you focus on the now, you will feel anxieties float away. Remember, the more you do it, the better you will feel.

Breathe
There is no easier way to relax than by taking slow, deep breaths. Doing this can also help lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and as you focus on each breath going into, and out of your mouth and nose, you will balance your mind and body, so it’s got to be worth a try?

Run Cold Water on Your Wrists
When stress hits, run cold water on your wrists and behind your ears. There are major arteries under the skin in these places on your body, so cooling them down can help calm you down too.

Brush Your Hair
We aren’t saying you look a mess, but repetitive actions such as running a brush through your hair, washing the dishes, or knitting can help your body relax. Give it a go, you might be pleasantly surprised.

Spend Time Alone
Just five minutes alone can help you collect your thoughts and clear your head. Whether it’s a meeting room at work, a bench in the park or even in your bathroom with the door locked, do it and be at one with yourself.

Do Some Yoga
The Vipariti Kirani yoga pose involves lying on the floor and resting your legs up against a wall, using blankets to balance if you need them. Not only does this give your body a really good stretch, but it helps create peace of mind too. If you enjoy this, why not take a class and feel all the benefits yoga has to offer on a regular basis?

Walk it Out
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or having trouble focusing, a walk around the block can have a big impact. Each walk will give you the benefits of alone time, physical activity, and a few minutes to gather your thoughts so you return to your desk feeling refreshed and focused.

Write It Down
‘Dear Diary’ doesn’t belong in the past and is certainly not just for teenagers. Putting pen to paper and journaling can get your emotions out of your head and help you make sense of things that seem too big right now. Try writing every day and you will soon find yourself with a new habit, a really positive one.

Dance to your favourite song
Beyoncé, Bieber or The Beatles, it doesn’t matter who it is, but breaking free and having a really good dance, with some singing thrown in too, can totally set you free. Do it outside, inside, on your own, with others – it doesn’t matter, just do it and feel the weight of the world melt away.

Team Pure Beauty