Our Blog – Page 31 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Remember to tan the safe way this summer

13/08/2019 13/08/2019 0

When the sun comes out, it’s only natural for us to want to peel back the layers that have kept us warm in the winter and bask in the rays that are flooding down from the skies.

While many of know the importance of being safe in the sun but as soon as it gets sunny, our common sense often goes out of the window along with our cardigans and socks.

Yes, the sun gives us a healthy dose of vitamin D and makes us feel good, but Mother Nature has made it strong and if we aren’t careful, getting a tan can actually be dangerous and detrimental to our skin and overall health.

We aren’t going to be total killjoys, but we are going to look at how you can tan the safer way so that you lap up the goodness summer has to offer but you also protect your skin while you’re outside having fun.

It’s all about the screening
Like so many things in today’s consumer rich society, there’s a lot of choice when it comes to creams, but it is really important that you get it right for you. Always look at the labels and check that you are buying a broad-spectrum sunscreen because this is will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The UVAs cause premature ageing which includes wrinkles and sunspots, and the UVBs can lead to cancer.

When you have found the cream for you, apply around half an hour before you go out in the sun and keep applying during the day. We know creams can be costly, but don’t scrimp when applying, instead make sure you are fully covered (remember ears and toes) and if you go in the water or get really sweaty playing sports and walking around in the heat, apply again.

Go slow
We have all been there. Arriving on holiday, jumping in the pool and then lying on the lounger in the midday sun. You might think this will bring your tan on faster, but what this approach can do is put you at risk of burning, peeling and worse, and you won’t actually speed up the tanning process at all. Building up your tan is all about leaving out those intense sunbathing sessions, so try going in the sun for around 15 to 30 minutes at a time; there is no need to binge on those rays.

Finding a shady spot
Sitting right by the pool or on the sand might be what you think you are meant to do when the sun comes out, but the reality is a little different. You need to consider your skin type, where you are in the world and what time it is (11 am – 3 pm is when you ideally need to stay in the shade) and if you tend to doze off when the temperatures rise, set an alarm and don’t put yourself in danger. As well as sitting under trees or using a parasol, also think about covering up with clothing (you can get UV resistant clothes that might be worth looking at), wearing a hat and also keeping sunglasses on to protect your eyes. It’s totally fine to go out in the sun, swim, play golf and have fun, but head back to the shade when you think things are getting too much.

Water, water, water
You might not know it, but when you are out in the sun not only do you feel thirstier, but your skin does too. The sun can hydrate all of your body, leaving your skin dry and tight, so make sure you drink lots of water during the day, and night, to keep healthy and hydrated.

Fake it
We know this isn’t for everyone, but if you want a glow without putting in the work, or risk, look at the fake tanning options out there. Today it is so easy to build up a natural look without worshipping the elements for even one minute.

Team Pure Beauty

Skincare Advice

Get Smart with your Skincare

10/08/2019 13/08/2019 0

In the past, if you used the word smart, you were probably referring to how someone was dressed. However, if 2019, calling something “smart” is more likely to mean that it has some sort of techy application and goes the extra mile to simplify your life. Smart isn’t just for technology; we sell a whole selection of smart skincare which offers you extra functionality, so we thought we’d share some of them with you to help you to get smart with your skincare:

Elemis Smart Cleanse Micellar Water

This smart cleansing micellar water from Elemis is designed to remove all traces of make-up and daily dirt, as well as the daily build-up of skin pollutants. Cleansing micelles, attracting both water and oil-based grime are enhanced with a complex of natural surfactants derived from apple amino acid, rosehip seed oil and Indian soapnut to lift impurities from the skin.

Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster SPF50

This skin-protecting sloar booster uses UV Smart Booster Technology, an encapsulated complex of antioxidant vitamins C and E which scavenges UV-induced free radicals while enhancing photoprotection. It offers critical defense against both UVA and UVB rays and forms an invisible shield against skin- damaging environmental assault.

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum

This serum from Dermalogica is part of the AGE Smart System, created to combat the signs of ageing. The supercharged peptide serum helps stimulate collagen production to help firm and renew resilience while potent argan and rose oils revitalise lacklustre skin and smooth away fine lines.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix

This night cream from Elemis is part of a new generation of high-tech skincare, and contains Smart Drone Technology. This revolutionary formula works throughout the night to help restore the natural balance to the skin, creating a protective matrix to help seal in hydration. A youthful, firmer feeling, less crumpled appearance is revealed by the morning.

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex

Another member of the AGE Smart System, this eye cream from Dermalogica targets concerns of the eye area, primarily wrinkles and crow’s feet plus puffiness, dark circles due to hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity due to dehydration. It’s so potent that women who are pregnant or have nut allergies should avoid it altogether!

Decleor, Elemis, Health and Happiness

How to Cope with a Summer Pregnancy

06/08/2019 05/08/2019 0

Speaking as someone who has two kids, one born in summer and the other born in winter, the summer pregnancy was way more uncomfortable. My eldest was born in August, which meant months of being large during very warm weather, and each day seemed to bring with it a new heat-related misery! It got me thinking about things that I did to stay comfortable during the end stages of my pregnancy, so I thought I’d share them in case it’s able to provide relief for any other discomfited mamas-to-be out there:

Cold Water

Cold water is basically your best friend right now. You should be drinking plenty, but also soaking yourself in it to. If you can bear it, spend your days laying in a cool bath or even a paddling pool! If this sounds like another form or torture, make sure you have a tub big enough for soaking your feet and lower legs. As well as keeping to cool, this will help to stop your feet and ankles swelling, which pregnant women are prone to in this heat.

Stay Moisturised

One of the things that makes the heat feel so much worse when you’re pregnant is having dry skin – the added heat can make your poor pregnant skin feel ready to burst. You have to be careful about the products you use during pregnancy, but never fear, Elemis has your back! Elemis Skin Nourishing Shower Cream veils the skin in a milk protein cocoon, while gently cleansing, enriching and balancing the skin, and is totally safe for use during pregnancy.

Give Yourself a Scrub

Between the heat making you sweat, the big belly you’re carrying around and feeling like you’re not able to do much towards the end of gestation, you probably feel permanently grotty. Elemis Devils Mint Body Scrub is another Elemis product which has been designed to be suitable for use during pregnancy and uses cooling ingredients to gently exfoliate and refresh your skin.

Dress for Comfort

The key to staying cool while pregnant in the summer is definitely in what you wear. It’s tempting to wear as little as possible, but actually, loose-fitting, free-flowing natural fabrics will keep you much cooler. The same formula applies to bedding, too; go for cotton or linen and a light sheet rather than a full cover.

Stay Out of the Sun

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but staying out of the sun as much as possible is imperative when you’re expecting. Aside from the fact that getting sunburn at this time will increase your discomfort levels by 1000, it can increase your chances of developing melasma, or “pregnancy mask”, a condition which causes hyperpigmentation of the face. We recommend Decleor Ultra Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF50 for your face and Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50 for your body.

Skincare Advice

Summer proof your make-up the easy way

03/08/2019 05/08/2019 0

With 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

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

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

30/07/2019 30/07/2019 0

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.

Health and Happiness

How to keep your hair under control this summer

26/07/2019 30/07/2019 0

Summer 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

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion, Skincare Advice

Dealing with the Beauty Sceptics

23/07/2019 22/07/2019 0

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.

Health and Happiness

How to have a stress-less week

20/07/2019 22/07/2019 0

Five Ways to Ensure You’re Tanning Safely — Royalty-free image

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

Online Special Offers

Grab Yourself a Bargain With Pure Beauty Special Offers

16/07/2019 16/07/2019 0

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.

Health and Happiness

How to get your beauty sleep when it is hot

13/07/2019 14/07/2019 0

We 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

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