Our Blog – Page 32 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Summer hacks for hydration

25/05/2019 28/05/2019 0

Drinking water is one of those things we know we need to do, and it sounds super simple, but let’s be honest, it can be really easy to let things slide.

The reality is, if we don’t drink enough water it can lead to dehydration, headaches, poor skin, fine lines and much more.

We have put together some easy hacks that will keep you topped up and hydrated all summer long.

Wake up with water
We know sipping a coffee is just how it is for many people first thing, but drinking a glass of water instead, can become a new habit in no time. Go for cold water in a tall glass with a little lemon juice and you will find this fruity start to the day, will set a pattern for the future.

Keep a jug of water in the fridge
Whether it’s a Brita-type filter jug, or just a large glass bottle you refill as needed, ensuring you have cold water at all times is a key factor to success. As well as having a cold supply of water all day, going to the fridge for a refill will give you reason to get up and walk around. Spoiler alert – more water will also mean more trips to the bathroom!

Make swaps
Being hydrated doesn’t mean only drinking still water. Sparkling water and herbal teas will also keep you hydrated, but too much caffeine has a diuretic effect on your body and this can actually lead to dehydration. If you’re drinking caffeine to get an energy boost, then green tea can help, but you may be surprised how much more energy you have by simply hydrating better.

Get creative with ice cubes
Adding cucumber, ginger, mint and pineapple to your ice cube trays, means you’ll not only add flavour to your glass of water, but you’ll detox, alkalise and beat bloating at the same time.

Get water from your food
You can get even more H2O from your diet by choosing foods that are high in water content. Cucumber, celery, strawberries, melon, tomatoes, spinach and peppers are full of water, and double up as a healthy alternative to those sugary afternoon snacks we are tempted to dip into.

Have a water chaser
For every non-water beverage you drink, follow it with a glass or two of water. This will help to dilute and flush out sugar, caffeine and any preservatives or chemicals from your system.

Set water goals
Yes, you read it right. If you set a goal for the day and track it in a notebook or download an app like My Water Balance, you can see if you’re reaching that target. This can make drinking water feel like more of an accomplishment, especially if you’re competitive by nature.

Get a water bottle
We aren’t talking about a plastic one use bottle, but a reusable one that you can take with you and fill up as needed. Go for something pretty that you like, and if it has a big mouth, you can pop those infused ice cubes in too.

There are many benefits of drinking water, right from weight loss, digestion and gorgeous skin, so follow these tips to sneak in the sips and we assure you that drinking water will no longer be a chore.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness

Kick social anxiety to the curb

21/05/2019 19/05/2019 0

If you are feeling shyer than normal, want to avoid crowds and even a meeting at work feels too much, it could be that social anxiety is getting the better of you.

We know it is rotten and can make life tough, so we have had a look at how you can manage social anxiety so you feel good enough to get out there again.

Don’t avoid things
Totally avoiding situations that cause anxiety, can actually make things worse in the long run. Getting out of something might make you feel better initially, but you are still going to feel anxious the next time you’re asked to do it. Whether it’s talking to new people in the staff canteen, giving a presentation at work or going to a yoga class, take a deep breath and even if you only go for a little while, try it and we think you will feel better.

Practice
Why not set yourself a test by trying to do something that makes you feel anxious and nervous. Start with small, realistic goals, such as volunteering to speak at the next team meeting or going to a different bar with your friends at the weekend. Each time you do it, and enjoy it, your confidence will improve and you will want to do it again.

Even if something doesn’t work out exactly as you expected, learn from that experience, move on and do something different next time.

Leave your comfort zone
Social anxiety tends to go away once we start doing the things that make us anxious because it is often the thought of doing something that makes us fret. So, when a situation arises that makes you nervous, like walking into a coffee shop alone or asking someone to be your partner in the gym, feel the fear and see what happens. At worst they will say they are already working with someone, at best you might make a new friend and have some fun!

Chillout
Pilates, meditation, a warm bath, massage and reading a good book, can all help you to relax and regulate your anxiety. Doing something quiet a and spending time at home, can give you the levelling you need when life is busy and social anxiety is treading on your toes.

Open Up
We aren’t dismissing the severity of social anxiety, so if you really are suffering and things aren’t getting better, tell someone how you’re feeling. Talking to a close friend, your partner, mum or even a work colleague your trust, could feel you feel better and will give you a cheerleader in your corner for when you do take those first steps. Anxiety is something you can get help for, but opening up to someone and admitting that you have a problem, can be the first step on the road to recovery, and if you do need more help, speak to your GP.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Facial Treatments

Exfoliation Not For You? Think Again…

18/05/2019 19/05/2019 0

For many people, exfoliation is a tricky subject. Lots of us think that exfoliation is not for us, whether that’s because of a bad experience or just not really knowing where to start. Fortunately, here at Pure Beauty, we have a wide selection of exfoliators for all different skin types and we’ve curated a list to help you to choose the best one for you.

Normal Skin

Those of you with normal skin are lucky because your skin is usually non-reactive, meaning that you can use almost any product and it will suit your skin. This means that you’ve got your pick of the bunch, but we’d recommend Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, which is suitable for all but sensitive skin types and will detach dead skin debris and promote cell renewal for a smooth complexion.

Dry Skin

Dry skin is the skin type which benefits most from exfoliation as you often have an excess of dead skin cells that you need to get rid of. We recommend a powerful product along the lines of Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant, which provides triple-action adsorption along with physical and chemical exfoliation, removing harmful impurities from pollutants that have built up on skin throughout the day.

Oily Skin

Oily skin can be a pain to get under control, and it’s not uncommon to find that an underlying cause for oiliness is actually dry skin, causing your body to overcompensate with excess sebum production. Dermalogica Foaming Wash is developed for oily skin and contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates surface skin cells and reduces inflammation.

Combination Skin

If you have combination skin, you might find that Dermalogica’s Exfoliating Face Brush works well for you. It can be used in conjunction with your eisting cleanser and allows you to target the areas where you feel you need exfoliation, while avoiding any areas which may suffer from sensitivity.

Ageing Skin

If your skin is ageing, be it prematurely or right on schedule, you probably have a degree of dryness to your skin. However, once skin starts to lose collagen it can become delicate and harsh physical exfoliators can cause micro-tears in delicate skin, leaving you open to damage and even infection. Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant is powerful thermal polisher that combines physical and chemical exfoliants to refine skin texture and enhance penetration of ingredients into skin. It is suitable for drier and prematurely-ageing skin.

Life and Fashion

What to pack for a weekend away

14/05/2019 11/05/2019 0

Packing for a weekend away sounds easy, but it can be a difficult job. Pack too much and you’ll lug loads of luggage around for 48 hours, pack too little and you end up cold and having to buy things to warm you up.

Whether you are jetting off to sunnier climes, visiting family, or heading for a chic city break with the girls, don’t over complicate things, or go over-board, instead opt for a capsule wardrobe. Doing this means you’ll spend more time researching where to go when you are away, than stressing about what to wear when you are there.

Wear trainers
We have come a long, long way with the mere trainer and today there is a huge selection that offer you style and comfort. Stars, leopard print, bright pinks and go faster stripes can be worn to travel in, matched with boyfriend jeans for Saturday afternoons exploring, and added to a midi-dress for a casual dinner in the evening.

Do denim
Whether you go for jeans, dungarees, dress or a skirt, be sure to pack denim for your trip. They can be worn to go for breakfast, are warm if the sun doesn’t come out and if plans change, denim can be dressed up, or down in seconds to match the moment.

Wear the trousers
A loose-fitting pair of jersey or linen trousers, with pockets, are ideal for travelling in and it’s here your trainers will first come into play. The same trousers can be worn for strolls and chilling out during your time away.

Layer up
We know we said to travel light, and one way you can achieve this, is to layer cotton tops as you pack. From pretty camisoles and vests, to t-shirts (long and short sleeved) and cardigans, they are light-weight, easy to pack and if you go for a range of staple colours, you can keep warm and look great wherever you are, and whoever you are with.

Dress it up
We have mentioned this already, but a dress is super versatile and at least one must be packed, in our opinion. A simple, but elegant shirt style or maxi dress can be worn with white trainers or ankle boots and if you add a classic red lip and put up your hair, you have glamour that is barely there.

A heel or two
As well as your trainers, we would suggest you take one other pair of shoes (flip flops don’t count as they easily slip into any bag). Courts, wedges or a heeled boot will add an instant wow factor to any outfit, so pack them and you won’t regret it.

The jacket
When it comes to a jacket, choose something that will go with as many outfit options as possible. A classic leather biker or a fitted denim number are both perfect and if it’s cold, add one of those layers we mentioned or go for a retro hoodie if you want a whole new look.

Wrap up
A pretty scarf can keep you warm on the journey, add colour to black and even be used as a sarong on the beach. One item, winning many ways.

As for the rest
Go for a universal travel adapter, phone charger, sunglasses, microfiber travel towel, travel-sized toiletries, three sets of underwear, and a book and pack them in an oversized tote that will take you from the airport to the pool.

Keep your wallet, cash, travel documents and passport safe, and don’t forget to have a brilliant time while you are away.

Team Pure Beauty

Uncategorized

How to Care for Eyelash Extensions

11/05/2019 11/05/2019 0

Eyelash extensions used to be something that were reserved for famous people, but modern techniques and reduction in cost have made them accessible to almost everyone. Eyelash extensions make people feel more glamorous and many women completely forego mascara because they don’t feel like they need it. However, eyelash extensions do take a little care to keep them looking their best, so we thought we’d put together a little expert guide to keeping them looking their best.

Straight After Application

In the first 24-48 hours, the most important thing you can do to your new eyelashes is keep them dry. This means no face cleansing, no getting them wet in the shower and no crying! The adhesive will still be setting, even if it feels like it’s totally dry, and water will compromise the stickiness of it. If you want your lashes to last, keeping them dry for the first two days is essential. You also need to stay away from chlorinated pools and heat treatments such as steam rooms, saunas and sunbeds for at least 24 hours, as this is the time that the lashes need for proper bonding.

Ongoing Care

It’s important to think about the products you use on your new eyelashes, even after they’re bonded properly. If you want to use additional mascara, it’s important to avoid waterproof ones as it’s tricky to remove and can make your lashes pull out early. Removal of make-up should be done with a water based product such as Decleor Soothing Micellar Water as oil-based cleaners can start to dissolve the glue.

Cleaning

As we mentioned above, oils can break down the glue which attaches your lashes, and unfortunately that can include the oil that your body naturally produces. That’s why regular cleaning is essential. Some people recommend using baby shampoo, but this is not designed to be used on eyes (no matter how much they promise ‘no tears’!). We recommend that you use Elemis Gentle Foaming Facial Wash which will wash away the oils without compromising your extensions, or irritating your eyes.

Get a Magic Wand!

Okay, they’re actually called spoolie wands, but they’re a little touch of magic for eyelash extensions. For those who don’t know, a spoolie is basically the same as a mascara wand and can be used to brush your eyelashes to stop them getting matted. Brushing with a spooling is an essential step in keeping your lashes smooth and feathery and using a dedicated tool means that your lashes won’t get damaged or pulled out.

Health and Happiness

Make your beauty cabinet more eco friendly

07/05/2019 05/05/2019 0

If you take a look inside your beauty cabinet and you’ll probably be surprised at how much unnecessary, out of date, plastic stuff is hiding in there, with none of it doing you, or the planet, any good.

With so much choice on offer, often at bargain prices, it is easy to end up with a lot of things you never use and didn’t really need in the first place.

We have had a look at how you can be more eco savvy, and save money, when it comes to your beauty cabinet and the products you use.

Get the Most Out of Everything
Now, we aren’t going to say clear your cupboards out and start again, what we do think it is good to do is see how many half empty, hardly used products you currently have? Whether it is toners, cleansers, serums or moisturisers, use them until they have run out, rather than opening something new when you still have half left of something else. You will be amazed at the amount of product, plastic and money you save if you use what you have, rather than keep adding to an already bulging cosmetics stash.

Stop Before You Buy
In a similar vein, start to streamline your products by asking, ‘do I really need to buy this’ before splashing the cash. It can be tempting to buy the newest ‘miracle’ products on the day they come out, but do you actually need them and will you use them? By doing this, you are instantly starting to reduce the amount of products you consume, and potentially save a whole lot of waste.

Swap Bottles for Bars and Jars
Yes, you might use a reusable water bottle and travel coffee cup, but how many single-use bottles are there in your beauty cabinet? Take a look at your shampoos and conditioners, moisturisers, serums, shower gels and bubble baths and we bet the number soon adds up. We aren’t saying they all have to go (and don’t just throw them out now) but how about going for a bar of soap rather than a plastic dispenser next time you need some, using a moisturiser that comes in a glass jar and taking a shampoo bar into the shower?

Ditch Disposable Razors
Disposable, plastic razors might be cheap but over time the cost adds up for you and because these products can be difficult to recycle, many end up in landfill sites and that’s no good anyone. Think about swapping them for a reusable, metal razor, or go for an electric shaver, try waxing or think about laser therapy.

Green Make-Up Brushes
We bet most of your make-up brushes are made from plastic, but when you need new ones, why not go for renewable bamboo ones, even better if they are packaged in tree-free paper. You can also buy bamboo toothbrushes as well as toothpaste that comes in a glass jar, so rather than adding to your plastic fantastic consumption with your regular purchases, pop along to your heath food shop and see what’s out there.

Buy a Body Brush
Why not invest in a dry body brush to rid of those dull, drying dead cells, and this can also help encourage better blood flow, circulation and perkier skin.

Make Recycling a Priority
When you do finish with your products, makes sure you recycle as many of them as you can – and wash them out too! If you have products in glass jars, why not wash them out once they are done with, and use as a tea light holder and keep your pens in them, rather than just throwing them out.

Take a Bag for Life
When go shopping, whether it’s for beauty products, apples or wine, always take a reusable bag when you go shopping and this will help to cut down on your plastic bag consumption, and if you can walk or cycle rather than taking the car – even better.

If you make a start on this way of thinking today, just think where you could be this time next year?

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

How to Avoid Sunburn

04/05/2019 06/05/2019 0

With the whole of the UK waiting patiently for a bit of nice weather to turn up (who wants to bet it’ll be nice immediately AFTER the Bank Holidays?!), our minds are turning to getting a bit of sun on our faces. However, according to Cancer Research, getting sunburn just once every 2 years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer and applying sunscreen and hoping for the best isn’t the most practical way to avoid getting burnt. Here are five things you can do to help you to avoid sunburn.

Use Enough Sunscreen

This one may seem like a no-brainer but it’s estimated that at least 50% of the population doesn’t actually apply enough sunscreen. You should be aiming for a golf ball-sized amount to protect your entire body and a teaspoon amount for your face and neck. Try to build this up in thin layers instead of one thick dose. This will ensure you apply all of it into your skin as opposed to wiping all of the excess off your hands.

Make Sure You’re Covered

As well as failing to use enough sunscreen, people can be really hit-and-miss with getting a proper coating. Commonly missed areas are the backs of the thighs, back of the neck and all the way around your hairline. If you coat everywhere else but miss these areas, you’re still going to burn in some places and not others.

Use a High SPF

Because England isn’t a hot country, people are still under the impression that a low SPF will do, and some even still coat themselves in tanning oil to bake in the sun. However, low SPF won’t offer you adequate protection and you should be aiming for a minimum of factor 50. We also recommend using a restorative after sun after ever prolonged exposure.

Reapply Often

Another misconception is that applying sunscreen once in a day is enough, and this is simply not the case. If you’re in the sun all day, you need to reapply a minimum of 3-5 times and you should sit in the shade to reapply so that you can see well enough to make sure you’re completely covered. Fail to reapply often enough and you’re putting yourself at risk of burning.

Clear Out or Cover Up

One of the most obvious ways to avoid sunburn is to stay out of direct sunlight and find some shade when the sun is at it’s hottest. However, if you really have to be outside during peak times, then covering up is the net best thing. You don’t have to wear head-to-toe coverage, but putting on a hat and something around your shoulders is a good place to start.

Facial Treatments, Skincare Advice

Say Goodbye to Frown Lines

30/04/2019 26/04/2019 2

Frown lines usually form in the forehead area between the eyes and above the nose, and although they can worsen with age, they can develop on anyone. The area where frown lines form is an area of high movement, and although many people turn to botox to paralyse the forehead, there are plenty of non-invasive treatments which can help you to banish frown lines for good. Here are five of the best products to help:

Decleor Ultra Moisturising and Plumping Mask

Masks are concentrated formulations which are able to offer intensive results, and this plumping mask from Decleor is perfect for targeting your frown lines. It contains wild pansy extract which increases hyaluronic acid synthesis to instantly plump skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. In just 10 minutes, skin is left beautifully hydrated and fresh and stays deeply moisturised and soft all day long.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich

Marine Cream is known for its highly powerful effects, but this is the Ultra-Rich version, giving you even more impressive results. It contains contains powerful anti-ageing ingredients that have been shown to reduce the depth of wrinkles, improve skin firmness, tone and hydration within 15 days.

Decleor Energy Concentrate Youth Cream

This rich cream from Decleor will not only offer a powerful plumping action to the skin, evening our stubborn frown lines and other wrinkles, but it also gives the skin a youthful glow. It’s formulated with peony, lychee and rhodiola extracts which re-energises the skin. The face contours look defined while the scent of essential oils of magnolia and ginger invigorate the mind.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix

This overnight cream from Elemis is also part of the Pro-Collagen range and targets areas of the face where stress shows most, making it perfect for treating frown lines. 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.

Decleor Hydra-Radiance Cleansing Mousse

Keeping the skin well-plumped starts with cleansing – some cleansers strip away natural oils, but when in contact with water this rich, concentrated cream quickly lathers to a mousse-like texture, to deep cleanse and soften the skin leaving it clean and velvety soft. Neroli essential oil and hyaluronic acid for immediate plumping results on the skin.

Health and Happiness

When Fat Is Good For You

27/04/2019 26/04/2019 0

While we have been told for years and years that fat is evil, the truth is that ‘good fats’ can actually help you to be healthier than ever. It’s the non-unsaturated fats and poly-unsaturated fats that are regarded as “good fats” and this is because they are good for your heart, cholesterol, and overall health and well-being.

What you want to avoid are trans fats that are primarily found in processed foods, and don’t overdo the saturated fats found in red meat, butter, cheese, and ice cream.

So, where can you find these good fats that are so great for you?

Walnuts
Walnuts are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-Linoleic acid. Walnuts are exceptionally nutritious and daily handful could help lower cholesterol, improve blood vessel function, aid weight loss and even offer cancer protection. They have got to be worth a try as they also come with fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Other Nuts
Pistachios, cashews, pecans and almonds also contain healthy fats and can be included in your diet. You might not know this, but the little almond is rich in skin loving vitamin E while pistachios are packed with eye friendly carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Cashews and macadamias are delicious, but they tend to be more fatty than other nuts, so don’t go crazy and guzzle a whole bag in one sitting. While many people love peanuts, they come with a side of polyunsaturated fats which means they are not as good for you as other options, so choose well.

Nut and Seed Butters
We know some people think this is a bit new age for them, but nut and seed butters are a super easy way to get more healthy fats into your diet. Almond, cashew and sunflower seed butters all contain a good dose of plant-based monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ‘good fats’. There is a lot of choice out there, but check the labels before you buy and go for the butters with as few added ingredients as possible.

Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are brilliant because they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. They are high in the plant compound, lignin, which naturally help balance hormone levels and reduce stress. Our flaxseed love doesn’t stop here! They are high in fibre so you feel fuller for longer, they can help to cut cholesterol and boost heart health. Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your cereal, smoothies, soups or breads, and you will feel the benefit in no time at all.

Tofu
Tofu is a solid plant-based protein that has naturally occurring fat from soybeans. It is low in sodium, helps with your calcium needs and is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Try using it in curries and stir-fries and we think you will be pleasantly surprised.

Avocados
Jam packed with mono-unsaturated fat, one avocado meets nearly half of your daily fibre needs and is a good source of lutein, which can help protect vision. The green goddess is also a fantastic source of Vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium – phew. They also provide beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids, but they are nearly 80% fat, so just be aware you don’t overdo it.

Fish
Salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and herring are all loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high quality proteins and many other important nutrients and eating them once or twice a week can improve health, and reduce the risk of various diseases.

Olive Oil
Last but not least, almost everyone agrees that extra virgin olive oil is good for you. At the heart of the Mediterranean diet, this oil contains Vitamins E and K, and is overflowing in powerful antioxidants that can fight inflammation. It is a fat, so don’t overdo it, but enjoying eating it and knowing it is doing you some good.

We hope we have helped show which fats are good and we hope you will opt for these sources as they will fill you up and keep you well.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness

Get summer ready

22/04/2019 23/04/2019 0

As the sun shines and warms our skin taking away the bitterness of winter, many of us want to get on top of our lifestyles and ensure we are ahead of the game as the temperature heats up.

Let’s cast aside the winter blues, and look at the small changes we can make to ensure we are ready for a long, hot, fun summer.

Move for 30 minutes a day
We all know exercise is essential for our general wellbeing, but it has benefits far beyond helping with weight loss. Exercising can help you relax, make you feel happier, increase energy levels and even assist with your memory. We know that some people can struggle to find the time to fit exercise into their day, but if you get off the train or bus a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way or take the stairs rather than the lift this will count. As the nights draw out, you can also enjoy a run, bike ride or an outdoor swim and soak up those feel good summer vibes.

Drink two litres of water
Two litres of water seems a lot, but if you fill up a reusable bottle four times a day, that’s your intake complete. Our mantra is fill, drink, refill and repeat, and it works. Water keeps you hydrated and fresh, and on warmer summer days, try to drink more and this will help you look and feel better.

Put the rainbow on your plate
When you are preparing your meals, you want your food to be fresh, filling and full of colour and if you do this you will be eating foods full of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your body needs to keep it strong and free from bugs. During the summer months, British-grown fruit and vegetables are plentiful, so try to go for local produce where possible, or even better, start to grow your own.

Wear an SPF
We say this all the time, but now more than ever, you need to ensure your skin is protected from the sun, and even those cloudy days can bring potential damage to your complexion. Go for a good quality cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB and always reapply after swimming or playing sports.

Get hair healthy
The healthier your hair is in spring, the less sun, chlorine and sea salt will damage it in the summer. One way to help ensure your locks are super strong is to use a deep conditioning treatment once a week, and whether you got for a shop bought mask, or apply a handful of coconut oil, you will be glad you made the effort when you are on the beach in August.

Treat your feet
This is the time of year when those boots and socks come off and we all dive for sandals and flip-flops. Take some time to ensure your feet and toes are clean and smooth, file any dry skin, even out your nails and add a coat of bright polish to add a pop of colour to any outfit. If you really want to treat yourself, have a professional manicure and pedicure and that way you will totally start the summer in style.

Got a tip you think we would like? Drop us a note and let us know, we would love to hear it.

Team Pure Beauty

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