Our Blog – Page 36 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

The Low-Down on Top Lip Hair Removal

26/01/2019 27/01/2019 0

A few years ago, I went to a salon to have my eyebrows threaded for the first time. As I laid back in the chair and the lady worked her magic, she cast a critical glance over my face and said “Would you like me to do your top lip, too?”.

I was shocked. I’ve got blonde hair and am not very hairy, so it’s not like I’m hot on the heels of Tom Selleck in the moustache race. I politely declined, but when I got home, I realised upon gazing into the the mirror that I do indeed have a layer of barely-there, downy blonde hair on my top lip.

I spent some time looking into it and it seems that one in 14 women in the UK suffers with some form of hirsuitism, and that many more women feel that their level of hairiness affects their self-confidence. So why is hair removal in certain areas such a hot button for many of us?

A lot of it is to do with perceptions of WHERE women should have hair, especially white Western women. We think absolutely nothing of having our eyebrows shaped, waxing our legs and bikini lines, shaving our armpits. There are even whole movements of women growing out their pit hair and even dyeing it bright colours before sharing it on social media. However, mention upper lips or tummy hair and women seem a lot less forthcoming. Hair in other areas is viewed as shameful or masculine.

Here at Pure Beauty, we think that it’s about time that we started having more frank and open conversations, not only about the standardised image of beauty to which we all feel we’re supposed to conform, but also about the issues which makes us feel less than confident. Body image is so closely tied with mental health for many of us and allowing something which SO many other women deal with drag us down, for the sake of not having a conversation, seems silly to us.

So, this is us saying – women have hair in ALL sorts of places. From legs to armpits to top lips to tummies to nipples. Hair can grow ANYWHERE. Whether you choose to embrace it and dye it all colours of the rainbow or remove it using waxing, threading or even more permanent electrolysis, we salute you. Your hair is yours to do with as you please, we just ask that you try not to feel shame about it. Humans have hair, and that’s really all there is to it.

If you visit a salon to have your hair removed, remember; your therapist isn’t judging you or laughing behind your back, they’ve seen it ALL before. Professional beauty therapists can help you to achieve the look you want in a clean, hygienic environment and will boost your confidence in the process.

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5 Beauty Trends to Try in 2019

22/01/2019 22/01/2019 0

Can you believe we’re already halfway through January already? It seems crazy that 2019 is marching on so quickly, and that we’re already seeing new trends emerging. We’ve got some predictions of what’s going to be huge in the world of beauty this year and we thought we’d share five that we think you should try:

Streamlined Beauty

Last year, the whole world went mad for the Korean beauty trend which saw many of us changing up our routines and opting for a daily regime which included up to ten steps, morning and night! This year, we’re predicting a much more streamlined trend, cutting down on steps (and reducing our plastic use) with multi-functional products.

Capsulated Products

One element of the Korean beauty trend that we expect to continue into 2019 is products which are packaged as individual capsules. It allows companies to create hyper-intense products which a much longer shelf-life because the packaging keeps it so fresh. Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules is a perfect example.

Witch Hazel

A lot of ‘old-school’ ingredients saw a resurgence last year and witch hazel was one of them. Advanced modern products are great, but sometimes there’s no denying that the old solutions are the best, and witch hazel has been used for centuries to cleanse and tone the skin. We predict that we’ll see more products than ever in 2019.

Grey Hair

For the last couple of years, women have been opting to dye their hair various shades of grey and one of the amazing positives to come out of this is that older women are shunning the dye and embracing their natural ashy tones. Natural grey hair can feel more coarse and textured, so we recommend a daily conditioning rinse to keep your hair sleek and smooth.

Liquid Exfoliators

Exfoliation is so important, but people are moving ever more away from physical exfoliators which contain grains and micro-particles and opting instead for liquid exfoliators. Decleor Phytopeel Smooth Exfoliating Cream is a gentle cream exfoliator that removes dead skin cells for a clear and radiant complexion without the use of any particles.

Life and Fashion

How to get red carpet ready

19/01/2019 21/01/2019 0

The award season is well and truly under way and we are constantly seeing Hollywood stars on the red carpet, looking amazing.

While you might not have the budget and entourage of an A-lister, we have had a look at how you can look red carpet ready, any time!

Be a hot stepper
Let’s face it, killer bodies don’t just appear overnight, and even Jennifer Aniston and Rhianna have to work at it! Set yourself of goal of daily steps, maybe 10,000, and this will help you to keep active and burn calories from the moment you wake up until you get into bed. Going for a run, walking the dog, dancing and even doing the house work will all help you reach your magic number, and if you put the effort in and work up a sweat, your body will thank you for it! If you want to take a holistic approach, add a Pilates or yoga class to the mix, think Jessica Biel, this will help you stretch out your muscles, strengthen your core and calm your mind.

You are what you eat
Eating salad everyday won’t make you happy but if you want film star glowing skin, healthy nails and shiny hair, skipping breakfast and then heading for sugary snacks and energy drinks when you are feeling tired, won’t help. We aren’t talking about dieting but we do advocate a balanced diet full of fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and protein so your body works at its best. Also drink lots of water and ease up on your caffeine, salt and alcohol intake as these can make you retain water and leave you feeling lethargic and dehydrated, neither of which are what you are aiming for.

Add heels
You can’t wear them every day, not even Victoria Beckham does that, but if you want your legs to look instantly longer, then heels can help do this. While there is no substitute for exercise when it comes to toning, heels can help to elongate your curves and make your limbs look leaner. Choose a pair that you can actually walk in and are comfortable (think about a cushion sole or platform style) and you will be surprised how this can enhance your height, shape and confidence.

All in the sizing
If your outfit isn’t the right size you won’t look your best, so go for fitted rather than tight or baggy if you want a winning look. Match a pair of tailored trousers with a silk blouse for a classic look, or opt for an A-line dress that nips in at the waist and flares out and this will instantly give you a feminine shape and will make you look, and feel, fabulous.

Minimal make up
If you on Instagram right now, those red-carpet looks are simple and that’s what you are going for. Rather than adding masses of make-up and fake eyelashes, remember that a little goes a long way – just look at Lady Gaga at the 2019 Golden Globes. Yes, add a red lipstick but you don’t need this as well as bronzer and a smoky eye, just pick one and make it work for you. Lip gloss, a little blush and a strong lengthening mascara, together with a smile is all it takes to look a million dollars.

It’s all about the polish
A pretty, fresh manicure is a red carpet must, but it is also something you can have all the time to tie your look together. If you have an event coming up, book in with your beautician and get the full works, and then between appointments you can correct any chips to ensure you looked polished all the time.

Team Pure Beauty

Body Treatments, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

How to Get The Perfect Bikini Line

15/01/2019 15/01/2019 0

If you’re jetting off for some winter sun, or simply spend a lot of time in a bikini or swimming cossie during leisure time, there’s a good chance that your bikini line is at the forefront of your mind. Hair removal is subjective and everyone likes different methods, but maintaining a tidy bikini line is about so much more than hair removal. Today, we’re looking at how to look after your bikini line once the hair has been removed.

Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel

Immediately after waxing/shaving/whatever your hair, using Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel will soothe, soften and moisturise the skin, as well as slowing down hair regrowth. It will also reduce the appearance of skin imperfections such as ingrown hair and redness and ensure that you aren’t walking around with a sore, red bikini area!

Decleor Post-Wax Cream – Sensitive Areas

This cream is designed specifically for the sensitive areas such as your bikini line and armpits and will soothe the skin after hair removal. Although it says “post-wax”, it’s equally effective after shaving or epilation. Applied daily the nourishing cream works to slow down hair regrowth, optimising your removal sessions whilst maintaining silky and soothed skin for longer.

Elemis Devils Mint Body Scrub

Between hair removal sessions, keeping the area well exfoliated is essential as this will prevent ingrown hairs and unsightly pimples by ensure that dead cells are sloughed away instead of blocking your pores. It contains silicon-rich sea-plant particles, devils apron seaweed and peppermint essential oil that leave the skin satin soft and more receptive to moisturising.

Elemis Tea Tree S.O.S. Spray

Immediately after a hair removal session, your pores are open and susceptible to letting in bacteria, which can lead to infection. Using one Elemis Tea Tree S.O.S. Spray on the area will significantly reduce your chances of infection and will also help to cool and soothe the area. Tea tree oil is nature’s antiseptic and is ideal for use after waxing.

Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend

Keeping your skin well moisturised is a key element of having a perfect bikini line as it means that the hair growth will be more even and your skin will likely suffer less damage during the hair removal process. This body oil from Elemis improves elasticity, supports and nourishes all skin conditions and provides high levels of hydration to a dry skin.

Body Treatments, Decleor, Dermalogica, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness, Salon Special Offers

Treatments that will ease the January blues

12/01/2019 14/01/2019 0

Let’s be honest, this time of year is pretty bleak. There are bills to be paid, bottles still to recycle and sunshine and Vitamin D seem a world away, so it is no wonder many of us suffer from the January blues. Don’t worry, at Pure Beauty we have some great offers running in January that mean you can step inside our calm salon and let us take care of you for an hour or so.

The combination of late nights, one too many glasses of champagne as well as plummeting temperatures can lead to your skin looking and feeling dull and tired. You can change that with a free Dermalogica Skin Kit worth £30 when you have a Dermalogica Micro Zone Facial. Charlotte, Jessica and Sophie are all available to carry out this quick, but effective, pick me up treatment which targets specific concerns you have with your skin. As well as the treatment on the day, you also get a six-week check up with your beautician who will be able to see how you are doing and suggest further treatments and products that could give you the skin you deserve.

If you are looking for a mini makeover for 2019, you might want to try out our New Year, New You package. For just £25.00, you can enjoy an eyebrow wax, under arm wax and lower leg wax as well as an eyelash and eyebrow tint which will give you a fresh new feel for a brand-new year.

With 25% off Shellac manicures and pedicures with Rebecca at the moment, you will look totally polished this January. Sit back and let the world pass you by as your hands and feet are exfoliated, your cuticles are tidied and your nails are shaped. You can then choose a shade of your choice and whether you go for a stunning red, subtle pink or on trend soft grey, you will leave us feeling, and looking, fabulous.

We are offering 10% off all gents’ treatments in January, so how about treating the man in your life to some ‘him time’? We would really recommend the deep tissue back and shoulder massage as this is the perfect way to kick back and relax after the demands of putting the Christmas decorations in the loft and taking the rubbish to the tip. Our fully trained therapists customise each treatment to ensure the right pressure is used during the session, so that aches and pains will have been relieved and tight muscles will be eased.

At the salon we are huge fans of reflexology and this month you can try a 20-minute taster treatment for £15.00 and get £10.00 off your next treatment. So, what’s it all about? Reflexology is where your therapist massages specific reflex points on your feet which encourages your body to heal itself from the inside, out. Whether you are dealing with arthritis, back pain, stress related disorders, eczema, digestive problems or want to improve your circulation and increase energy levels, reflexology is worth a go.

For more information or to make a booking, call reception now on 01543 547707 or email salon@pure-beauty.co.uk and we look forward to welcoming you soon.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness

Make 2019 the year for you

08/01/2019 08/01/2019 0

Here we are once again seeing in a new year, 2019 is upon us.

This can be a great time to reflect on the past, celebrate successes and plan for the future.

While you can list a number of resolutions in that shiny unicorn journal you received from your Secret Santa, come mid-January they will probably have been forgotten because they are just too big to take on all at once.

Instead, why not make small changes that can easily fit into your life so that in time they become the norm, and this time next year you might be surprised how those small steps have led to some pretty big changes.

Quit multitasking
We know we think we can do 101 things at the same time, but we can’t. To really get things done, write a list and work through each item one at a time, ticking them off as they are completed. If you scatter your energy and focus, you won’t work efficiently and instead you will make mistakes, miss deadlines and forget things, which isn’t what you want.

Start to negotiate
You watch people doing it on the TV, so now it’s your time to bring negotiations to the table for yourself. Whether it’s a pay rise, promotion, the price of a house you want to buy or even your share of jobs at home, start to negotiate and see just how far this can take you. If you don’t ask you don’t get, so let’s turn this around in 2019 and you might be surprised at the response you get.

Do it your way
You might want to be a part of things, but you don’t have to go along with everything everyone else does. Following the latest fashions, changing your home due to interior style trends and going on holiday to the ‘in’ location of the year can be totally exhausting and pointless. This year, do what you want to do, wear what you want to wear, read what you want to read and enjoy it!

Step away from your screen
Those emails can wait, nothing is that important on social media that you need to check your phone every five minutes and you don’t need to check your messages before you go to sleep. There is no getting away from the role technology plays in modern-day life, but it means you, and your brain, are on call 24/7 and that’s not good for your soul. Set new boundaries, buy an old school alarm clock and go digital free now and again so you can enjoy life in the here and now.

Find your passion
Salsa dancing, music, life drawing, baking and photography are all great hobbies that can give you time out from the stresses of life and let you explore your creative side. This year why not find a new interest or hobby that will set you free from the shackles of everyday life and you simply don’t know where it could take you or who you might meet.

Read more
We are talking about the status of your sister on Facebook or the crime statistics in the paper, this year, read books! Go to a real bookshop, browse the shelves, find something that catches your eye and lose yourself in the pages of a novel that will sing to you and take you away from your life for just a while.

Take a chance
Ask that guy from the gym out on a date, wear the red lipstick, apply for your dream job or start the blog you have been wanting to write forever. Staying in your comfort zone might be safe, but will it really help you reach your potential? We don’t think so, so go for it and you might find it is the best move you ever made.

Whatever you do this year, be you!

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

New Year, New Self Care Routine

05/01/2019 07/01/2019 0

According to the experts, self-care is “the actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf of and with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness”. January is a time that we all reassess how we’re doing things and we think that there’s no better time to take a look at what we’re doing to look after ourselves and try to develop some new self-care habits.

Eating

Developing good eating habits is one of the foundations of self-care, and one of the best ways to do this is to ensure that you’re eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of the right nutrients. Try to hit your 5-a-day recommended intake of fruit and veg, avoid processed meats and try to include fatty acids via nuts and fish. You could also add a multivitamin, if you feel you need one.

Appointments

Whether you’re the type of person who has a six-weekly hair appointment that you never miss, or you’re a little more low maintenance, ensuring that you make time to treat yourself is important. If you want to have your hair/nails/eyebrows done or simply indulge in a massage, make the appointment and keep it. You’re worth the time and money!

Learn to Say No

There’s a tendency for a lot of women to say ‘yes’ to everything, because we’re people-pleasers. This can sometimes mean that you barely have time to breathe between work, family life, PTA meetings, baking for a school sale, endless after school clubs, dog walking and finding even a moment to see your friends. Learning to say NO sometimes can feel absolutely revolutionary to a lot of us, and it allows you to take more time for yourself.

Exercise

We aren’t suggesting that you rush out and join the gym or turn yourself into a crossfit fanatic (unless that’s your thing!), but getting regular exercise is a really important part of self-care. You’re making time to do something that your body needs and whether you choose to go for a walk, ride a bike, or something more high impact, exercise has a positive effect on both your body and your mental state.

Relaxation

There’s basically no such thing as self-care without an element of relaxation, but the key here is to learn what YOU find relaxing. For some, it’s reading a book and enjoying a cup of tea. For some, it’s hiking to the top of a mountain. Everyone has a different concept of relaxation, so take some time to assess what really helps you to feel at peace, and then make sure you make a regular appointment with yourself to indulge in your relaxation.

Health and Happiness

How to heal a hangover

01/01/2019 02/01/2019 0

Nothing says welcome to a new year than a hangover!

A splitting headache, feeling sick, being sick, suffering with dizziness and sweats, as well as those oh so embarrassing flashbacks to the night before, can all be the consequence of drinking too much.

The problem with alcohol is that while it tastes good and can turn you into a demon on the dance floor, it can also make you feel terrible the next day.

We hate to break it to you but there are no cures when it comes to hangovers (unless you just don’t drink), however, we know people like to party and so we are here to help ease the pain.

First of all, do not drink on an empty stomach. Eating a bowl of pasta or having eggs on toast before you go out will help your body to absorb your drinks and stop you from falling over!

It is also important to only drink what your body can cope with, so ease up on those shots and have at least one glass of water, if not two, between each cocktail or pint of beer.

This isn’t to do with a hangover, but if you are out in a pub or club, keep an eye on your drink and do not accept drinks from strangers, Yes, they may just be feeling festive, but drinking a spiked drink could leave you with more than a hangover, so stay with your friends and stay safe.

When you get home, don’t dive for another bottle of wine or beer from the fridge, instead have a couple of slices of wholemeal toast, drink plenty of water and take a glass up to bed with you too.

The next day
When it comes to hangovers, it is all about rehydrating your poor body so it can get to work dealing with all you have inflicted on it, so drink plenty of water. We would suggest that you avoid the ‘hair of the dog’ approach because while some people say this works, drinking even more alcohol when you are already feeling awful, won’t help, so steer clear.

Ease the pain
You might reach for pills when your head feels like it is splitting open, but don’t overdo it with these! For a healthier alternative try milk thistle as it is believed this will help your liver process alcohol faster, so take it before you go out and again the following morning and it may well help you to feel more human again.

Eat something
While the thought of food might make you gag, it is going to help you feel better, sooner. It’s all about the baby steps, so start with something bland, like a piece of toast or a digestive biscuit, and if that stays down, a banana could be a good move. Chicken noodle soup is packed with protein and a good source of vitamins and minerals, so this is a good way to top up depleted resources and ease a sore tummy!

Vitamin C
When you have treated your body to a really big party, it needs to be replenished with vitamins. If you can stomach a glass of orange juice that will give you a good dose of Vitamin C, add a multivitamin and things will start to get better, but you will have give them time to work.

Get clean
Have a shower. Slobbing out in front of the TV, feeling dirty and sweaty from the night before is a sure way to keep a hangover going. Shower, wash your hair, clean your face and put on clean clothes (even if it is pjs) and that will help you feel a little fresher, if nothing else.

Move around
We know you don’t feel like even standing up when you are hungover, but exercise can help to restore your body and mind. A walk in the fresh air, a little sunshine and a light breeze all have wonderful restorative powers and the metabolism boost can help rid the toxins from your body a little faster.

Get some sleep
If all else fails, go back to bed! Rest is your friend when you have a hangover, so if nothing else works, an extra hour or two of sleep will help a lot!

And the next time you go for those BOGF cocktails, remember the pain they cause the next day and put the brakes on.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Foods to Eat, Post-Christmas

29/12/2018 30/12/2018 0

Chopped dark chocolate — Photo by Charisse Kenion on Unsplash

While we don’t subscribe to the idea that you need to eat certain things to get rid of toxins in your body (that’s what your liver and kidneys are there for, you don’t need a special diet!), we do believe that the body needs to replenish certain things in order for it to run properly. We often find that random cravings mean we’re lacking in a particular nutrient (cheese for calcium, bananas for potassium, etc.) so we thought we’d take a look at some foods your body, and particularly your skin, is probably crying out for after the indulgence of Christmas.

Fatty fish

Fatty fish contain rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for maintaining skin health. Christmas is usually spent indulging in salty foods like crisps and nuts, and drinking alcohol, both of which will leave your skin dehydrated, and omega-3 fatty acids are necessary to keep skin thick, supple and moisturised.

Walnuts

If you’re not quite ready to give up all of your Christmassy snacks, making a substitution might help. Walnuts richer than most other nuts in both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, giving your skin a good dose of what it needs to be healthy. They also contain a good dose of zinc, which is essential for your skin to function properly as a barrier, as well as necessary for wound healing and combating both bacteria and inflammation.

Sweet Potato

Sweet potato is another thing to eat, post-Christmas, as it contains high doses of vitamin A, giving your body the ability to absorb antioxidants which are incorporated into your skin to protect your skin cells from sun exposure. This may help prevent sunburn, cell death and dry, wrinkled skin. We particularly like them cut into wedges and baked with a little coconut oil and smoked paprika!

Dark Chocolate

You’ve probably had your fill of sweet treats over the last few days, but if you still fancy something which feels like a naughty treat, opt for dark chocolate instead. It’s jam-packed with antioxidants which help to give you thicker, more well-hydrated skin. One study found that eating 20 grams of high-antioxidant dark chocolate per day could allow your skin to withstand over twice as much UV radiation before burning versus eating low-antioxidant chocolate!

Green Tea

Now that you’ve stepped away from the Baileys for a few days, opting for something non-alcoholic and nutritious is a good idea, especially if you plan to indulge again at New Year. The catechins found in green tea are powerful antioxidants that can protect your skin against sun damage and reduce redness as well as improve its hydration, thickness and elasticity.

Life and Fashion

How to beat Christmas cabin fever

25/12/2018 30/12/2018 0

Christmas all about fun and food, family and friends, but it can also be a time for frustration and dare we say it, irritation if cabin fever sets in. There is no doubt that if you spend a whole week stuck in the house stuffing Quality Street and drinking your body weight in cocktails, things could be anything other than festive. We believe that with a little planning, a good time can be had by all, and we have some tips that we hope will make this a very happy Christmas

Start the day the right way
While you might fancy cold pizza and Pringles for breakfast, this really isn’t going to do your mood, waistline or skin any good. Sensible maybe, but a bowl of porridge, made with semi-skimmed milk and topped with blueberries, scrambled eggs with rye toast or a vitamin bursting green smoothie with oats and spinach, will all set you up for the day ahead, and keep your patience levels in place too. During the day, don’t just snack on junk, but eat good, healthy meals and this will, we promise, keep you feeling bright and shiny just like the lights on your tree.

Have a shower
You might want to slob out in your PJs but we promise that having a shower, cleansing, toning and moisturising your skin, and putting on fresh clothes will make you feel in better spirits, even if you do have a hangover from the champagne the night before.

Go for a Walk
Walking might not bring you out in a sweat, but it is a pretty good way to get some mood boosting exercise out in the fresh air and away from any disagreements over the washing up. Grab your trainers, take the dog, close the front door, and as you walk, you’ll burn off some of those Christmas calories and those feel-good endorphins will get to work and make you feel happy – we hope!

Play a game
We aren’t talking X-Box here. Step away from screens and instead, get everyone together for an afternoon of old-fashioned board game fun. Scrabble will put the brain cells to work that have been resting over the Christmas break, Monopoly will bring out that competitive streak in you and good old snakes and ladders is a crowd pleaser everyone can enjoy. Why not try this in 2018 and we think it will fast become a tradition you carry on year after year because it brings people together and makes them feel good.

Recycle
Don’t just put everything straight in the bin! Sort out the wrapping paper and cardboard that can be recycled, as well as the bottles and cans and take a walk to the local recycle centre. Not only will this keep things out of the landfill, but it will also give you a reason to get out of the house and get some fresh air. You can apply the same principles to any unwanted gifts, as well as anything that is gathering dust in your home, and take it all along to a charity shop – exercise and a serving of feeling good, what’s not to like?

Shake it out
Going to a party? Don’t just sit and chat with your family and friends, get up on the dance floor and strut your stuff to Kylie and Bieber. Dancing, just like walking, is a good way to clear a few calories and you will be amazed at the slight ache in your calves the next day after a good old boogie.

Set your limits
There is no doubt that alcohol can bring your mood down, so why not take a break for a day or two over the festive period? Leave the beer and wine in the fridge, go for water, herbal teas and mocktails and you may feel better for it as you become rehydrated and the toxins are flushed away.

Whatever you do, have a very happy Christmas.

Team Pure Beauty

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