Our Blog – Page 33 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

How to dress with confidence

04/06/2019 04/06/2019 0

We all want to look, and feel, good, but being able to stand in front of the mirror and smile at what we see, can be hard.

Self-love isn’t always easy, and there are times when insecurity casts a shadow on our days, but we have looked at ways that you can dress so you do feel confident, even on the tougher days.

Go with your body
Fashions trends come and go, but not all of them suit all of us, and why would they? If you work with the body you have and start to love it, you will find clothes that bring out the best in you – which is what we are all aiming for.

We don’t all have gazelle model like legs or totally toned abs, but by learning to accept the body you have, you will soon spot clothes that will highlight the bits you love and be more confident as you wear them.

Think outside of the black box
Many of us step into black as it makes us feel safe, but it doesn’t always make us look our best. Depending on your skin tone , hair and eye colour, some shades will make you look fabulous, whereas others will bring you down and make you look pale, even ill.

You can have a consultation with a colour specialist to see what ‘season’ you are, or you can simply find colours that work well for you. Spend some time in a department store and try on clothes in various shades and you will soon see what works.

Red will set some people on fire, but drain others.

Navy can be a show stopper for some of us, but for others it will do nothing at all to set us apart from the crowd.

Orange and yellow offer bright pops of colour if your skin tone is right, but some of us will put it right back on the rack.

See what works for you, start to experiment with a few key pieces and you will find a whole new look in no time.

Find your style
You might not realise it, but we all have our own style.

Dresses with boots and pumps are the ‘go to’ style for many women, but others prefer the convenience of jeans with a cool tee and shiny shoes.

Gym kits aren’t just for the gym, and suits simply work for some of us.

Block colour brings out the best in one woman but the next girl is all about floral frocks and animal prints – even wearing them together.

Wear what works for you, and let others do the same.

Feel comfortable
We aren’t talking about joggers and oversized sweatshirts here, but more about starting the day in clothes that feel good and make you want to go out and shine.

If you head out of the house in a designer dress that looked great on the peg, but is too small for you, it’s not for you.

Skinny jeans might be a worldwide phenomenon, but if they don’t do you any favours, leave them on the shelf and find bootlegs that make you feel fab.

Go for breathable fabrics, lengths that flatter and necklines that you know work for you.

Add lipstick
Now, this is a trick we love. Lipstick can totally pull your whole look together, and gives you a polished look, even if you hopped out of bed and threw on a pair of combats and a simple jumper. Get the right colour for you, then swipe, smile and you are good to go!

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness, Manicures, Skincare Advice

Don’t Grow Up – GLOW Up!

01/06/2019 31/05/2019 0

When you look back at pictures of yourself, do you ever think “Oh my goodness, why did I do THAT?” – from dodgy hairdos to questionable make-up choices, many of us feel like we’ve improved with age, and that’s what people are calling a “glow up”. Today, we’re taking a look at five products which can improve your appearance to such a degree that we consider them to be essential to every glow up:

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

This gel from Dermalogica not only helps to clear the skin of acneic breakouts, but it also prevents any future breakouts from happening. It contains a vitamin B complex of niacinamide and biotin combined with zinc gluconate, yeast extract, caffeine and nordihydroguaiaretic acid, which soothes irritation, inhibits over active sebaceous gland activity and purifies the skin.

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Moisturiser

We know SO many people who look back and can’t believe either how orange their fake tan looked or how pale they were in their younger days. This gradual tan from Elemis allows you to gradually build your colour, giving you the perfect happy medium between “milk bottle” and “Irn Bru”!

Nailtiques After Artificial Treatment Kit

One essential step in looking elegant and put-together is taking care of your hands and making sure they look presentable. This treatment kit from Nailtiques is designed for use after false nails or gels but will work on all hands to nourish and replenish nails to quickly strengthen and rebuild nails back to a healthy condition.

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Hair and Scalp Mask

If you, like many of us, spent your younger days bleaching and straightening your hair into a parched oblivion, a major aspect of your glow up should be to address the condition of your locks. This hair and scalp mask contains frangipani monoi and pink clay to help restore softness and strength to dry, damaged hair. It’s also perfect for all hair types.

Decleor BB Cream 24 Hour Hydration SPF15

How many people do you know who look back at old pictures and feel horrified by the amount of make-up they’re wearing? Many of us in our younger days had a tendency to slap it on with abandon, but actually, as you age you discover that less is more and that using a good moisturising BB cream which provides coverage and sun protection is a much more elegant solution.

Decleor, Elemis, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Give Your Skin a Dose of Vitamin C

28/05/2019 28/05/2019 0

Most of us know by now that we should be eating a balanced diet comprised of whole foods which provide us with the vitamins and minerals we need. One important factor in a balanced diet is an adequate supply of vitamin C, which can be found in a number of sources like citrus fruits and bell peppers. Vitamin C is essential for the body in many ways, and good skin relies heavily on having enough vitamin C, so we thought we’d take a look at five products from our shelves which contain a healthy dose of vitamin C for your skin:

Jan Marini C-ESTA Cleansing Gel

This cleansing gel from Jan Marini builds to a luxurious lather to soothe, repair and cleanse the skin. It’s a gentler alternative to products which contain glycolic acid, making it suitable for even sensitive skin types. It encourages noticeably softer, more refined skin texture and is potent but sensitive enough to use to remove stubborn eye make up.

Elemis White Brightening Dark Spot Corrector

Vitamin C can have a profound effect when it comes to brightening the skin, which is why Elemis have packed this dark spot corrector with it. Its brush applicator targets key areas of concern on the face, neck, decolletage and hands and the ELEMIS brightening complex of encapsulated vitamin C, Pea and Daisy is blended with Garden Cress to help reduce the intensity of dark spots without affecting the surrounding area.

Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum

This high performance serum has been designed around an advanced vitamin C-based complex which works with the skins own defences to brighten and firm. The serum exfoliates and reduces unbalanced pigmentation, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and prevents and corrects free radical damage.

Jan Marini C-ESTA Oil Control Serum

This product from Jan Marini is as powerful as it is unique – so often, anti-ageing products focus solely on dry skin, but this serum is for people with oily skin. The serum itself will help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while substantially reducing oil breakthrough. With continued use skin texture will appear smoother and deep lines will be less pronounced.

Dermalogica Intensive Eye Repair

This fortified eye treatment from Dermalogica uses vitamin C for its antioxidant properties, combining it with wild yam to help repair prematurely-aging skin and smooth fine dehydration lines. It diminishes dry, fine lines and replenishes hydration around the delicate eye area while soothing botanicals of cucumber, butcherbroom and arnica help maintain the skin’s elasticity and texture.

Skincare Advice

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.

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