Our Blog – Page 37 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Body Treatments, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion, Manicures, Skincare Advice

How Often Should I…?

27/11/2018 27/11/2018 0

When you consider the fact that a ‘beauty routine’ isn’t just cleanse, tone, moisturise, but also all the other stuff like washing your hair, filing your nails, using an exfoliator and everything else in between, it’s easy to feel bamboozled.” What should be part of my routine, and how often should I be doing it?” is one of the most common questions we’re asked, and today we’re answering the latter:

Hair Washing

This very much depends on two things – what your hair is like and what products are you using? If you aren’t massively prone to greasy hair, then eking it out and washing it twice a week should be more than enough. However, if your hair tends to be more oily or is fine, you can get away with a daily wash if you use Dermalogica Daily Cleansing Shampoo and Daily Conditioning Rinse.

Skin Exfoliating

Over-exfoliating can cause chronic skin irritation and inflammation, which can lead to accelerated aging. Two to three times a week for normal and combination skin, and once a week for sensitive skin should be adequate for keeping skin cells renewed without irritating the skin. Choosing the right exfoliator for your skin type is also important.

Moisturising

Listen, we don’t care who you are or what your skin type is, you should be moisturising EVERY DAY. Every type of skin needs a moisturiser, they key is choosing the right moisturiser for your skin type. Even oily-prone, acne-plagued skin needs moisture, and these issues are often caused by underlying dryness.

Face Masks

This one is another question which needs to take a lot of factors into consideration; what is your skin type? What mask are you using and what are you trying to achieve? Most face masks require weekly or bi-weekly usage, and again, the key is making sure you’re using the right mask for your skin type, or the particular problem that you’re trying to tackle.

Nail Filing

Even if your nails grow very quickly, filing your nails too often can cause a whole host of problems, from splitting and peeling to whitlows and infections. The best rule of thumb is to try to file your nails no more than once a week (nails only grow an average of 2-3mm a month, so any more than this shouldn’t be needed) and always ensure you use a clean nail file. Finish with Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream to give you beautifully smooth, firmer, younger looking hands.

Health and Happiness

Make the most of your beauty sleep

24/11/2018 27/11/2018 0

Winter evenings are for many things – cosy nights by the fire, hot chocolate after dinner as well as all those Christmas movies to eat as you eat mince pies and enjoy the odd tipple. Winter, however, isn’t always the best thing that can happen to your hair and skin. Dropping temperatures, lack of sunlight and blasting central heating can cause flaky skin, cracked lips, dry legs, and brittle hair – ouch.

Don’t fear, we are here to help and have some easy ideas that you can incorporate into your evening routine that you might not have thought about but could really help you to look and feel better.

Chapped lips
Not a winter goes by without us suffering from chapped lips, but as well as lip balm, we also find comfort in tea. The tannins that are found in the humble tea bag are often used to soothe sunburn, and they can do the same for dry lips. When you make your evening cuppa (go for decaf), let the tea bag cool down as you enjoy your drink, then put it on your mouth for about ten minutes, and we think you will find the cooling, hydrating properties will work wonders. You could use this time out to also apply a hydrating mask to your face as this can help to ease the dry patches and fine lines which do happen as the mercury drops and the moisture is zapped from your skin.

Split ends
Let’s face it, we often don’t put a hat on when we go out, so not only does all the heat escape from your body (didn’t you listen to your mum) and this means your hair is totally exposed to the elements. As well as having a regular trim, you can keep your locks in tip-top condition if you put coconut oil on the ends of your hair overnight. As you sleep, the natural goodness will get to work adding love back into your hair and when you wash the oil away the next day, your hair will be left shiny and bouncy once again.

Pass on the bath
We know that when you are cold, tired and just want to wash the day away, the temptation is to run a super-hot bath and stay in the water until your skin is shriveled and your aches are soothed. The trouble with doing this is that hot water will strip your skin of those all important natural oils, which is the last thing your body needs. Instead, have a quick, warm shower, and then while you are still in the misty bathroom, massage in your body cream and this will help to lock in hydration and keep you looking healthy and glowing.

Add a serum
As well as your usual cleanse, tone and moisturise routine at night, you might also want to add a serum into the winter mix. Serums can give you that little bit of additional love and help your skin to recover while you sleep as well as hydrate, brighten and tone your complexion

Sleep in your socks
Not only will sleeping in your socks keep you warm, but if you gently massage a little coconut oil into your feet, focusing on those dry, cracked areas, and then put your socks, as you sleep the natural oils will ease dry areas and painful cracks.

Take care of your hands
Your hands really do get a bad deal in the winter months. They go from hot to cold, get plunged into water and covered in soap that often isn’t washed away, and as for all that anti-bac gel, it might kill bugs, but it can really dry out your skin! As well as having a regular manicure (with hand massage), also make sure you use a gentle soap on your hands, always dry them and use hand cream day and at night, not just as a treat now and again.

Love your cuticles
We all know how painful split, cracked cuticles can be, but you can avoid this from happening if you look after them. Try to always wear gloves when you are outside or washing the dishes, and then before you go to sleep, rub a little almond oil into the cuticles and this extra bit of loving nourishment, will keep them healthy and strong all winter long.

Sleep with your humidifier
Bear with us on this one, because we believe you can keep dry skin at bay, if you turn on your humidifier as you sleep. The mist which is generated, not only eases breathing but can help keep dry skin at bay and you will wake feeling refreshed and looking well. It’s got to be worth a go?

Got a tip for us to try before we hit the sack? Drop us a line and let us know as we are all ears!

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness

Keep your health game up, this winter

20/11/2018 20/11/2018 0

Let’s face it, winter isn’t the easiest time to stick to a healthy diet and fitness plan, however hard you try. With changeable weather, festive events and naughty treats putting sleigh sized obstacles in the way, it is hardly surprising that even our best intentions can get lost in the tinsel and snowballs.

However, you can stay healthy during the winter and we have had a look at how you can stay top of your game until spring comes along.

Keep an eye on the carbs
You know the ones – toasted white bread with lashings of butter, hot pasta loaded with pesto and, fresh baguettes stacked high with sausages, mustard and pickles. Yes, these snacks taste amazing, but opting for proteins like eggs and lean turkey, together with brown rice or sweet potatoes, will keep you fuller for longer and this may help you exercise harder too because you are taking on the right fuel to give you energy.

Mushrooms all the way
You might not know this, but mushrooms are jam-packed with nutrients and vitamins and are perfect when it comes to winter cooking. The humble mushroom is a great source of the antioxidants that help protect your body from the free radicals that can cause conditions like cancer and heart disease, and they boost your immune system too. They come with the copper that helps your body make red blood cells and a whole host of amazing B Vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Whether you add them to soups and stews, grill them as part of a hearty winter breakfast, stuff them with spinach or cook up a risotto with brown rice, buy them, use them and enjoy their goodness!

Eat your greens
You are never more than a couple of sneezes away from a full-blown cold or nasty tummy bug, so you need to ensure your immune system is firing on all cylinders so you don’t get sick. We don’t really need to tell you this, but winter is the most important time to load up on fruit and veg if you want to stay well. Fresh, tinned and frozen options are all good for you, and you will find that a good dose of greens – be that kale, spinach, cabbage, kiwis, apples or grapes – mixed with the rainbow of colours and goodness found in peppers, berries, carrots and oranges, you will be on your way to good health whatever bugs are in the air this winter.

Put exercise in the diary
With office parties, shopping trips and drinks with the girls all coming up, if you don’t put your exercise dates in the diary, you just won’t go! Decide which classes you are going to go to and book them, make a regular slot for your runs by the river and even put time aside for a regular massage so you can stretch out those aches and pains and relax!

Go inside to exercise
If you want to continue to exercise, but the cold winter weather puts you off, the simple answer is to move inside during the really chilly months. Your local gym, swimming pool, yoga centre or even your living room are all options to ensure you keep your workouts up, without getting wet and cold outside.

Keep an eye on alcohol
The odd beer here and glass of wine there might not seem like a lot at the time, but they all add up. We don’t want to be kill joys, but it is worth remembering that alcohol not only takes away your inhibitions (remember Keith and the Christmas party) but can add to your waistline, leave you hungover and also make you feel lethargic. Try to have a couple of booze free days a week, drink plenty of water in between those cocktails, and even offer to be the designated driver sometimes so you can skip the cider and feel better for it.

We hope these hints and tips help you keep feeling tip-top all winter long, and if you have any other ideas, we are all ears!

Team Pure Beauty

Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness

Treat Your Skin to Some Pumpkin

17/11/2018 19/11/2018 0

Here in the UK, pumpkin seems to be something that gets used for carving up on Halloween and maybe for the occasional soup, but not much beyond that. However, pumpkins are actually full of nutrition that we should be getting more of not only in our diets but also on our skin. Today, we’re looking at what the power of pumpkins can do for our complexion and which products you should be using.

How is Pumpkin Good for Us?

According to Medical News Today, “Pumpkin has a range of fantastic health benefits, including being one of the best-known sources of beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant. It also gives orange vegetables and fruits their vibrant colour. The body converts any ingested beta-carotene into vitamin A. Consuming foods rich in beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer, offer protection against asthma and heart disease, and delay aging and body degeneration.”

So Which Products Use Pumpkin?

Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50

This product from Dermalogica is designed to combat hyperpigmentation and contains pumpkin fruit ferment filtrate, which helps exfoliate surface cells to enhance skin tone and eliminate dark spots. It contains critical broad spectrum protection against UV-induced hyperpigmentation and a powerful peptide helps regulate melanin production.

Elemis Superfood Facial Wash

In this nourishing facial wash, pumpkin seed oils are combined avocado and broccoli oils, as well as a natural Pre-Biotic to help balance the skin’s precious microbiome. It’s a wash that revives and refreshes whilst deeply cleansing the skin. Formulated with nutrient-dense Superfoods offering a balanced diet of active ingredients for an outdoor-fresh glow.

Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel

This resurfacing product from Dermalogica is a potent treatment for revitalising your skin. Pumpkin fruit enzyme and rice bran extract resurface and help even out skin tone while smoothing Australian caviar lime extracts brightens skin for a more radiant complexion. Each pack contains 10 peel applications with a handy travel bag.

Skincare Advice

How to have happy winter hands

13/11/2018 13/11/2018 0

While we try to make sure we wear gloves and dry our hands thoroughly when they are wet, life is busy and quite often our digits just don’t get the love they deserve. The problem with skipping basic hand care is that is can lead to cracked skin, sore knuckles and weak nails, which can all be made worse by the cold.

The thing is, when the temperatures drop and the heavens open, our skin is more prone to dryness and the hydration they do have, is often sucked out of them thanks to central heating. We have had a look at some easy ways you can look after your hands, so they are soft, supple and comfortable however low the mercury drops.

Keep things plain
The temptation might be to buy a soap with a powerful scent and rich lather, but both of these factors can dry out your skin even more. Have a look around and go for something which contains hydrating ingredients like Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, and Jojoba Oil and remember that quite often, less is more.

Go for warm water, not hot
We often wash our hands in really hot water, but we would suggest you don’t do that. Turning the heat up is more likely to strip your skin of the natural oils it really needs to stay healthy, so go for lukewarm water and completely dry your hands, and in between your fingers, and we think you will start to see a difference.

Remember to moisturise
Hand creams aren’t there just to be used as a treat! Each time you wash and dry your hands, use a moisturising cream too. There is a wide range of products on the market to choose from, but in the winter, a thicker, more nourishing cream or lotion is a good idea as it will offer protection as well as locking in moisture. Again, try to stay away from anything that is packed with artificial scents and go for natural options where you can.

Add an oil
If you really do suffer from skin dryness, why not protect your hands from the harsh winter elements by adding oils into the mix. Shea Butter, Argan and even Olive Oil can be really soothing, but different things work for different people, so do a patch test with several options and go for what works for you. When you do use oil, make sure your hands are dry, then massage a little into your skin, paying attention to your cuticles and nails, as well as the really parched areas of skin on your hands and you may find this helps ease things and brings the softness back.

Nightime care
Just as you look after your face and neck at night, you can apply the same rules to your hands. As you sleep, your skin repairs itself, so this is the perfect time to put hand cream on and as you get your rest, the ingredients can help your mitts and nails recover from whatever the day has thrown at them.

Wear gloves
Whether this is when you are doing the washing up, walking the dog, or doing the school run, always try to wear gloves. Keeping your hands warm and shielded, should help protect your skin and nails and prevent them from drying out and splitting.

Talk to someone
If you find your hands are still getting dry and cracked, and if they are bleeding, it is worth seeing your GP or talking to your pharmacist for some expert help and suggestions.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Waxing

How Pure Beauty Can Help You to Heal

10/11/2018 13/11/2018 0

From spots to scratches to ingrown hairs, there are a whole bunch of different skin issues which mean that your skin needs to heal before it can repair itself. Here at Pure Beauty, we know that anything we can do to help our skin is a bonus, especially when it comes to healing, and we’ve curated a list of five products to give your skin a healing boost:

Decleor Prolagene Gel

Decleor Prolagene Gel is a multi-tasking gel to rescue damaged skin by toning, firming, repairing and revitalising. Prolagène Gel supplies the deep tissue with the active ingredients necessary for the reconstruction of its natural collagen. Acting on the whole of the skin’s structure it helps speed up cell renewal to improve the look of stretch marks and scarring in addition to loose skin.

Dermalogica Emergency Spot Fix

Dermalogica Emergency Spot Fix is a potent, topical formula that kills breakout-causing bacteria deep within pores to clear breakouts fast. It’s perfect for teenage skin which needs a little help in dealing with spots and breakouts and stops breakout-causing bacteria in the follicle and helps clear skin.

Jan Marini Transformation Eye Cream

The skin around the eyes is some of the most delicate on the whole body, which means that it gets damaged easily and needs special products to help it to heal. Jan Marini Transformation Eye Cream will help visibly improve the texture and restores hydration around eyes while helping to prevent future damage.

Elemis Tea Tree S.O.S. Spray

This handy spray from Elemis contains Tea Tree oil, which is nature’s own antiseptic, having powerful anti-bacterial and antiviral properties. It’s useful in SO many situations – it can be used for treating fungal infections on the feet, spraying directly onto cuts and spots, protecting against insect bites, using after waxing and it can even be used on congested back or chest area.

Dermalogica All Over Toner

Part of the healing process is about killing bacteria to prevent infection and ensure your skin is healthy. This timer from Dermalogica is a purifying mist that controls excess oil and helps eliminate breakouts on the face and body with salicylic acid. Twelve gentle botanicals refresh, energise and revive skin while tea tree kills bacteria.

Health and Happiness

Make vegan food swaps the delicious way

06/11/2018 06/11/2018 0

With more and more people turning to a plant-based diet and lifestyle, we have had a look at some easy swaps that you can make which will make you feel good and help the environment too.

Nut butter not real butter
Nut butters are full of much-needed fibre and protein and while they have the same texture and spread-ability, they are way better for you. Packed full of the healthy fats that promote good heart health these are a must have for your shopping basket. Don’t just go for the peanut butter, try almond and cashew too, and experiment until you find the one that is right for you.

Lentils for meat
If you want to find a meat substitute, you can’t go wrong with lentils. Soak first to soften them up, then added to them soups, curries, casseroles and tacos, and as well as giving you a protein burst, they are filling and taste good too!

Hummus not mayonnaise
While you can find vegan mayonnaise in some shops, why not add hummus to your sandwiches and salads instead? Made from mashed chickpeas, a dollop of hummus gives good fat, fibre and protein as well as folate, which helps to turn carbs into energy and keeps your ticker healthy. Make it fresh at home, eat as a snack with carrot and cucumber sticks, add to a wrap along with beef tomato and rocket, or spread thickly on rye toast and enjoy!

Tofu not eggs
Many people miss eggs when they follow a plant-based diet, but when you can replace them with tofu, you don’t need to. Tofu is made from condensed soy milk and the resulting solid white blocks are packed with protein, magnesium, copper, zinc and amino acids too. Chop your tofu into small cubes, then gently fry over a medium heat in a little oil and serve with mushrooms, tomatoes and rye bread and you will have an Instagram worthy breakfast in a flash.

Courgette spaghetti
This is a treat for anyone who wants to up their veg intakes. Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to slice two or three courgettes into fine strips, then pan fry for a minute or two before adding a little water to the pan and letting the veg simmer for another five minutes. Pour over a lentil chilli or vegetable curry, toss in peanut butter, or add garlic and ginger plus a little soy sauce, and you have a super healthy supper in seconds.

Bean burgers not beef burgers
If you are craving comfort food, why not make burgers from black beans and you really won’t feel like you are missing out. Not only do black beans come with a serious serving of fibre and protein, they can also help keep your gut and heart healthy and boost your bones too. Create patties, cook them and serve in a bun with sweet potato wedges, avocado and a side of tomato salsa and you will be full in no time.

Agave rather than honey
If you are looking for an alternative to honey, why not give agave a go. The sweetness in this easy to use, and eat, syrup comes from inulin, a fructose derived from fruit and vegetables. Thanks to a low-GI, agave can help to keep blood sugars level, so add it to your cakes and cookies as well as smoothies and yogurts, but like honey, it is still sweet, so you don’t need a lot.

Plant-based never tasted so good!

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor

Product Focus – Decleor Aurabsolu Refreshing Mist

03/11/2018 06/11/2018 0

We’re never happier than when one of our brands launches a new product and we’re able to offer it to our customers, and that’s exactly what we’re doing today! One of the newest products from Decleor is their Aurabsolu Refreshing Mist, so we thought we’d give you an overview of the product so you can be totally in the know before you buy:

What is it?

Decleor Aurabsolu Refreshing Mist is a tonic specially created to refresh skin. It gives an instant moisture boost to skin in need of support.

What does it do?

This is a truly multi-functional product which moisturises, refreshes the skin, gently exfoliates and refine skin’s texture. It can also be used over the top of make-up as a setting spray and freshening hydrator.

Who is it for?

This mist is suitable for all skin types, so can be used by absolutely everyone.

What’s in it?

As well as containing salicylic acid, the mist also contains mint flower water to rejuvenate and a cocktail of essential oils such as lemongrass, thyme and rosemary for a fragrant aromatic sensation.

How do you use it?

Decleor Aurabsolu Refreshing Mist can be applied after cleansing, to set make-up or whenever skin needs an invigorating burst of hydration.

What are people saying about it?

“Fantastic! I have been using this product since it was first launched, I use it to set my make-up. I wouldn’t be without it!”

“I don’t use it as a mist/spray, but spray it onto a cotton pad and use as a toner. I have found that it seems to have a positive effect on my acne prone skin. It feels and smells refreshing and seems to control oiliness when applied in that way.”

“I am using this mist for a couple of weeks now and it’s been very nice on my skin. I have a very sensitive and dry skin so that product really helps to bring back the freshness and softness to my skin. I use it mainly in the morning before applying my day cream.”

“I bought this after purchasing this after my holiday to see if this would hydrate my skin. It’s a great refreshing mist, and leaves your skin soft, its non-greasy. And a great pick me up in the afternoon when you think your skin needs a boost.”

Skincare Advice

Love Your Skin the Botanical Way

30/10/2018 30/10/2018 0

From luscious lavender, to restorative rosehip, there’s a whole world of skin loving botanicals out there, which could change your beauty routine forever. While we always recommend using the essential cleanse, tone and moisturise regime, adding a smoothing, plumping, healing extra from the hedgerows, could be a total game changer for you.

We have had a look at some of the options out there, and have a feeling you are going to like what you read.

Argan Oil
Argan Oil comes from the kernels of the Argan tree in Morocco and has seen a rise in popularity in the beauty world in recent years, and for good reason. This gorgeous, golden oil has many benefits for both skin and hair, thanks to its soothing, conditioning, hydrating powers. Rich in Vitamin E, this oil is great when it comes to caring for delicate, sensitive skin which is prone to redness and it really is wonderful in the winter.
Top Tip – apply this lightweight oil directly to the skin, massage it in gently, and over time you will be surprised at the difference it will make, especially to areas which are exposed to the elements.

Calendula Oil
Calendula Oil is perfect for treating all manner of skin conditions and we think no beauty cabinet, or first aid kit, should be without it. This oil is extracted from marigold flowers and comes with antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that help to heal wounds, sooth eczema, and can even relieve nappy rash.
Top tip – add a drop of Calendula Oil to your day cream and not only will it nourish your skin, but it will give you a pollution protecting boost at the same time!

Lavender Oil
Lavender is one of the most versatile essential oils and we can’t get enough of it. Most commonly known for its relaxing effects on the body and mind, it can also be used for massage, and is used in many beauty products. The heady, floral, relaxing aroma will encourage you to unwind and when added to bath water, it will help to relieve tired, aching muscles and allow you to leave the stress and worries of the day behind.
Top Tip – carrying a small bottle of Lavender Oil around with you is like having your own personal first aid kit, perfume and pick-me-up with you at all times, so pop one in your bag and you know help is always on hand.

Rosehip Oil
When your skin needs a dose of nourishment, why not turn to the luxurious properties of Rosehip Oil. Non-greasy and fast absorbing, this oil is rich in omegas and essential fatty acids, which help achieve a healthy-looking complexion. Massaging just one or two drops into your skin morning and night, will help lock in moisture for hours, and ongoing use will ensure you have a radiant glow all year round.
Top tip – while you can add this oil to your moisturiser, and foundation, for a dewy finish, it can also be used as a luxurious hydrating treatment for your hands and lips.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Manicures

4 Common Nail Issues and the Causes

27/10/2018 30/10/2018 0

Very few of us are blessed with perfect nails which grow through strong and even, and many of us have issues with our nails which need extra help. Today, we’re looking at four common nail problems which a lot of people have to deal with, and try to find ways to help:

Splitting Nails

Nails which split are usually caused by dryness and the body’s natural oils being stripped away. This can be caused by constant application and removal of nail polish, use of strong chemicals without gloves (hairdressers, we’re looking at you!) or even just spending a lot of time with your hands in water doing washing up. Give your nails a boost with Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend and make sure you wear gloves before doing anything harsh with your hands.

Ridged Nails

Ridged nails can look unsightly and you can buff and polish them as much as you like, if you don’t identify the underlying cause they’ll keep growing back. There can be many causes for ridges in your nails, such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis or even just age, but one of the most common causes is damage to your cuticles by being a little overzealous with removing them. We recommend using something to soften your cuticles, such as Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream and trying to cut back on the amount of trimming you do.

Pitted Nails

If your nails have become pitted, showing signs of what looks like tiny craters in the nail, there could be more to this than meets the eye. Pitting is most often caused by a fungal infection under the nail, and a trip to your doctor or chemist will be needed to get a specialised anti-fungal treatment to get rid of it. Once the infection has gone, the pits will eventually grow out, but you can keep your hands looking great in the meantime by using Jan Marini Bioglycolic Hand and Body Lotion daily.

Yellowing Nails

There are a couple of things which can cause yellowing nails and if you’re a heavy smoker, this is obviously going to be the main one. The tar in cigarettes is notorious for staining your hands (among other horrible health damaging things), and quitting is the only way to prevent this. However, if you’re a non-smoker and still have yellow nails, your nail polish could be the culprit. Reds and pinks often cause yellowing of the nail and if you opt for these colours on a regular basis, this is likely what’s making your nails discolour. Try to use a protective base coat before painting your nails and opt for something other than red or pink to let your nails recover.

	Treatments	Click & Collect
Monday	Open	10am-4pm
Tuesday	Open	10am-4pm
Wednesday	Open	10am-4pm
Thursday	Open	10am-4pm
Friday	Open	10am-4pm
Saturday	Open	Closed
Sunday	Closed	Closed

Pure Beauty Online
–
Our Top Brands
	Dermalogica
	Elemis
	Medik8
	SkinCeuticals
–
	Click & Collect to the Salon
	Get a Discount Offer Code