Our Blog – Page 39 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Boost your immune system the superfood way

18/09/2018 18/09/2018 0

With schools back, X-Factor on the TV and a nip in the air, it is only a matter of time before those pesky colds and coughs start to come our way.

We all know that keeping warm, washing our hands and taking a vitamin supplement can help us to be healthy, but one sure way to stop those sniffles is to eat well.

A varied diet that is packed with fruit and veg plus good proteins and plenty of water is a good place to start, but there are also some superfood treasures not to be sneezed at we think you might want to consider when you make your shopping list.

Broccoli
Broccoli, where do we start? This little green bundle of goodness is a solid source of fibre and protein, it comes with lashings of iron, potassium, calcium, selenium, and magnesium. Vitamins A, B, C, E, K have been added into the mix along with folic acid too. Phew! You can eat it raw in salads, or steam it, stir-fry it or add it to soups and stews and one of your five a day will be a done deal.

Yogurt
If you choose a yogurt which contains live cultures, this will give you a rich source of the probiotics that help with gut health, and strengthen the digestive and immune systems. Whether you add yogurt to your smoothies, mix it into muesli or snack on it mid-afternoon snack along with seeds and a banana, this is a quick, taste was to keep bugs at bay.

Berries
The berry family are a nutritional powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants and should be added to your weekly shop. Raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries can be eaten as part of your breakfast, as a lunchtime dessert, or added to a smoothie before you hit the gym, and the health benefits are as versatile as the way you eat them.

Cinnamon
You might not know this but cinnamon is really good for your gut and immune system. It is a natural way to break down bacteria’s ability to multiply, so if you do have a cold, it can help to clear that snotty nose up, faster. As well as sprinkling onto hot chocolate or into a cup of tea, you can also mix with raw honey for a spicy boost.

Watermelon
They might not be in season but watermelons are winter winners because they contain heart-healthy citrulline as well as Vitamins A, C and B6 too. Their lush red flesh is full of the lycopene that helps keep your bones strong and your immune system balanced. As well as eating in big, fat slices, you can add to salads, blend into smoothies and chop over pancakes – what’s not to like?

Chicken or Egg?
The answer both. If you want to be as healthy as possible, your body needs enough zinc. You can take a supplement that contains zinc or try eating eggs, mushrooms, chicken, pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts regularly and this will help with white blood cell production so your body can fight infections and your skin, hair and nails will look and feel healthy.

Oranges
We really couldn’t miss out the humble orange in our round-up. This ball of coloured goodness is jam-packed with the immune boosting Vitamin C that helps our bodies battle bugs and infections. While the human body is clever, it can’t store Vitamin C so you need to eat foods like oranges as well as tomatoes, peas, and peppers or take a Vitamin C supplement if you want to give yourself a fighting chance of being fit and well when the cold snap hits.

We hope this will help you keep healthy this winter.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Dealing With Acne in Autumn and Winter

15/09/2018 18/09/2018 0

Something which seems to be really common with acne sufferers is that their skin is actually much better during the Spring and Summer than it is in Autumn and Winter. This is usually to do with a number of factors, such as the fact that sun exposure seems to help and central heating seems to exacerbate things. With Autumn setting in and Winter not far off, we thought we’d take a look at some of our most effective acne-fighting products to help you at this time of year:

Dermalogica Pore Control Scrub

Exfoliating the face and keeping your pores clear of dead cells and excess sebum is essential in the fight against acne, which is why this pore control scrub from Dermalogica should be one the most important in our bathroom cabinet. It will help to scrub away clogging dead skin cells with gentle microbeads and purify your skin with natural earth clays that soak up excess oil, leaving your skin calmed and clearer.

Elemis S.O.S. Emergency Cream

Skin which is prone to acne often looks oily but is actually overproducing sebum because of underlying dryness, so rebalancing with a good moisturiser can help. This cream from Elemis not only adds essential moisture but also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients which rebalances inflamed or hormonal skin conditions and provides soothing relief with protection.

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

We often say that night-time is skincare time as we’re able to use stronger, more targeted products on our faces as we sleep, which is exactly why Dermalogica developed this gel. The treatment is designed to help clear skin congestion and help prevent future breakouts and is suitable for acneic and breakout-prone skin.

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Bioclear Cream

This multi-functional resurfacing solution from Jan Marini utilizes a combination of three proven acids for a broad range of benefits. It will help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, redness, acne scarring, large pores and uneven texture. As well as addressing the appearance of multiple skin concerns including acne, pigmentation, rosacea and fine lines and wrinkles, it also provides dramatically softer, smoother, more luminous and hydrated looking skin.

Dermalogica Breakout Clearing Booster

This product from the Dermalogica Clear Start range is a little bit of magic in a bottle, working on the skin in just 15 minutes. The formula is designed to kill bacteria and stop it from reproducing and calms irritation, soothes dryness and balances the skin’s natural microbiome.

Health and Happiness

Give Your Salad a Makeover

11/09/2018 11/09/2018 0

After a long hot summer filled with ice creams and cocktails, many of us are now getting back to real life and looking to make healthy swaps when it comes to what we eat.

Salads are a great option for lunch, but lettuce leaves, cucumber and tomato day after day can get boring and alone don’t give you all the nutrients and calories you need. We have looked at how to mix things up so your lunch will be full of the protein and goodness you need to keep hunger, and bugs, at bay.

Go Greek
Vine tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado and feta topped with black olives, makes a quick Greek salad. Serve with a toasted, whole-wheat pitta and you have a filling, yet healthy lunch to be proud of.

Power Salad
This healthy salad is loaded with protein-packed stars like edamame beans and chickpeas, so is perfect if you are heading to the gym after work. Add some avocado and shallots to your leaves and slice beef tomatoes and red peppers and you will be smiling until you put on those trainers.

The Spinach One
Take a bag of baby spinach, some raspberries and strawberries, add a sprinkle of almonds, two sliced carrots, half an avocado plus some shredded chicken breast and you are good to go. This is a great lunch that will fill you up and give you a blast of key vitamins that will keep those colds away, and if you add an apple and a cup of green tea into the mix later in the afternoon, even better.

The Classic Salad Nicoise
This dish isn’t just for nights out at Pizza Express. Adding a sliced hard-boiled egg, anchovies, tuna, and black olives to some super fresh, crunchy iceberg lettuce and enjoying with a light dressing, makes a great lunch option that you might want to have at tea time too.

It’s a Wrap
If you fancy some carbs at lunchtime, wraps are a pretty good choice. Adding tuna, hummus, chicken or falafels to rocket, red onion, avocado, and sliced tomatoes, gives you a filling, but not bloating option that is still full of goodness and vitamins. Don’t forget the napkins for these, as things can get messy!

Let There be Lentils
For a quick, nutritious lunch that’s full of earthy flavours, throw together beetroot, feta, and coriander with some lentils? Yes, it takes a little longer to prepare, as you need to cook the lentils, but those extra 20 minutes are so worth it if it means you can enjoy a restaurant-style lunch at your desk the next day.

Pack the Pasta
Whether it is fresh or dried, gluten-free or whole wheat, pasta can be a part of a fantastic pack up. Cook the night before, then mix with some Italian leaves, cherry tomatoes, shredded organic chicken and some sliced peppers and avocado and you will have a lunch that will make the envy of the office.

Got a go-to lunchtime salad you love – why not let us know about it, we would love some more ideas.

Team Pure-Beauty

Body Treatments, Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Reverse Beauty Hacks

08/09/2018 11/09/2018 0

The internet is absolutely AWASH with articles and videos showing you so-called ‘beauty hacks’, many of which are just ridiculous and some which could potentially do more harm than good. We appreciate the need for corner cutting at times, but you only get one body and looking after it properly is essential. We thought we’d take a look at a few of these beauty hacks and then reverse them, to show you which products you should be using to do the job:

Coffee Filters as Blotting Paper

If you’ve got oily skin, the struggle to keep your make up on and not look like you’ve had your face in a chip pan can be very real. We’ve seen loads of videos suggesting that you keep a coffee filter in your handbag and use it as blotting paper throughout the day to keep the sebum at bay, but Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF30 is way more effective at controlling your oil production, and using this will mean you don’t ned to keep random kitchen-wear in your bag!

Sugar or Salt as Exfoliator

This one seems logical, given the fact that we actually sell products for exfoliation which contains sugars and salts. However, the products we sell, such as Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow contain mineral salts which have been designed to be used on skin, and are less coarse than regular sugar and salt, which can cause micro-tears to the skin if you try to use them as an exfoliator. You may save money but you could end up ruining your skin.

Coconut Oil as an Overnight Moisturiser

The coconut oil craze has really taken off in the last few years, and we can see why; it’s a natural product which can offer great benefits to the skin. However, using it an overnight moisturiser can severely block your pores, causing outbreaks and irritation. It’s great for your hair and on places like your feet, but the face should be dealt with more delicately. If you want a rich overnight cream, try Decleor Magnolia Youthful Night Balm, which uses skin-friendly shea butter as a base.

Add Peppermint Oil to Your Lip Balm

Peppermint oil is used as a zingy ingredient to plump your lips, and although it’s a totally safe ingredient, given the fact that it’s edible, you don’t want to ruin your lip balm by adding unmeasured quantities of it. Elemis Lip Revive is totally petroleum free and actually contains peppermint, so your lips will properly benefit from the effects without the potential to make them even drier.

Deodorant as Primer

This is probably one of the worst bits of beauty advice we’ve seen on the internet, but yes, some people genuinely advocate the use of stick deodorants as a facial primer. Obviously this is a TERRIBLE idea for so many reasons, including the fact that deodorant isn’t made for your face and will block your pores and potentially cause some sort of hideous reaction. Using Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer, which is actually designed for use on your face (NOT YOUR ARMPITS!!) is a much better, and safer, idea.

Body Treatments

Sit Back and Relax Now School’s Back

04/09/2018 04/09/2018 0

You did it.

You managed six weeks of the summer holidays with your little darlings but now they are back at school and we bet you are in need of some pampering.

While there is nothing quite like spending time with your family, it can be exhausting so at Pure Beauty we offer a range of treatments in a relaxing setting which could be just what you need to recharge your batteries for the autumn term.

Decleor’s holistic facials are famous worldwide and you can enjoy their heavenly feel and long-lasting results right here in Litchfield. Your treatment will start with a diagnostic back massage to relax you and your therapist will use only100% pure, preservative-free essential oils to meet your exact needs. After the long summer we would totally recommend the Decleor Ultimate Vitamin Glow as a way to really unwind and step back from your busy life. This award-winning facial is jam-packed with vitamins and anti-oxidants which sooth your skin and melt away stress and you will walk away feeling replenished and your complexion will be positively glowing.

Building sand castles, baking cakes and making slime may well bond you as a family but your hands take the brunt of all that fun. With our ‘Ultimate Manicure’ your therapist will exfoliate your hands, tidy your cuticles as well as treating and shaping your nails. After a hard-earned, much-needed relaxing hand and arm massage, a rejuvenating and nourishing mask will be layered onto your hands, with heated mitts being worn to ensure maximum benefit. Finally, your nails will be filed and painted, so why not choose an autumn polish to finish off your treatment, and start your new seasonal look? If you have the time, you can also book in for a pedicure because it isn’t quite time to put the flip-flops back in the wardrobe. We offer a range of options, from express to luxury, so we can fit in with your needs but also guarantee fantastic results and time to chill out from the demands of everyday life.

Maybe dad has been hands on over the holiday and found that all those piggy backs, forest adventures and den building have taken their toll on this back? If this is the case, why not book him in for a ‘Gent’s Deep Tissue Back and Shoulder Massage’? This highly targeted treatment focuses on releasing tension in the back and shoulders, something many of us notice when the pressure is on. Our trained, experienced therapists work with the correct the level of pressure to offer a powerful deep tissue massage which break down all aches and pains caused by tight muscles and leaves you feeling rested and relaxed.

We can also offer you a range of holistic treatments by ‘Escape’. One way to really relax is with a reflexology session, or two. This popular pressure therapy focusses on massaging reflex points on the foot which in turn treats your whole body and encourages it to heal itself from the inside out. Whether you want to reduce stress levels, improve circulation, deal with pain or increase your energy levels, this can really help and will give you time to turn off from the world once in a while.

Why not give us a call today and book a treatment, or two, that will help you get back on track after the long summer holidays?

Team Pure-Beauty

Skincare Advice

Which Colour Correcting Concealer Do I Need?

01/09/2018 04/09/2018 0

If you’ve ever spent any time near a beauty counter or make-up concession, you’ll know that there are all different types of products for making your skin look great, from primers to foundations to BB creams to concealers. You may also have noticed that there are a whole range of colour correcting concealers, designed to deal with issues on your face, but what are they for and which shade of colour correction do you need?

Yellow

Yellow concealer is best at covering blemishes which are purple in colour, so things like dark purple bruises, veins, and under eye circles. Yellow can be great if you also have dark birthmarks as it will tone down the purple hue and make your skin look more even underneath your chosen foundation.

Pink

Pink concealer is usually used on very pale toned skin where you have dark circles and visible veins beneath your skin, as it’s good for combating blue and green tones. Use a pink concealer before your foundation if you feel like you skin needs a little livening up.

Orange

Orange is usually reserved for those of us with darker skin and will help to colour-correct dark circles and areas of hyperpigmentation. As orange is such a warm, vibrant colour, you should avoid it if you know you have cool-toned skin as it can look a little clownish!

Green

Green is opposite the colour wheel from red, so it’s perfect for hiding any redness on your face, like pimples and acne scars. If you have rosacea, a colour correcting green primer will help hide unwanted redness and give you an even base for applying foundation.

Blue

Blue is the opposite of orange on the colour wheel and as such can counteract and neutralise orange tones in the skin caused by self-tanners. And it goes without saying that if you spent too much time in the sun and got a bad tan, you can still use blue concealer to reduce its appearance.

Purple

Purple is intended to counteract overly yellow tones in the skin, so if you’ve got areas which look yellowish and leave you looking sallow, purple concealer is the way to go. It can also help to hide a fading bruise.

Health and Happiness

Beat the Post Lunch Slump

28/08/2018 28/08/2018 0

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but if you don’t fuel up properly at lunchtime you will be reaching for a coffee by mid-afternoon and may well feel exhausted hours before it’s time for bed.

We have had a look at the best lunchbox boosters and healthy snacks that not only taste great but give you the energy to keep going until tea time.

Salmon
Salmon is well-known for having high levels of Omega-3 which help lower cholesterol, but it is also rich in niacin, riboflavin and Vitamin B6 which makes it great for lunch. This combination of nutrients helps your body convert food into energy, as well as burn fat. Eat with an avocado salad and brown rice (which is high in manganese) and not only will it taste amazing, it will also stop that 4 pm crash.

Spinach
This green superfood is fab for lunch because while it is extremely low in fat, it helps restore energy and vitality, which can put an end to your afternoon slumps. Spinach is also packed with the iron that helps keep oxygen flowing to your brain and around your body, which in turn stops you from feeling tired. Whether you include the leaves to a salad, add to a beetroot and tuna wrap or pop in a smoothie, you can be confident that they will serve you, and your energy levels, well.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes might feel like an evening meal food, but they are really good for lunch because they contain a shed load of energy boosting Vitamin B. The energy from sweet potatoes is released slowly after eating them so you will feel full for longer and won’t get that bloated feeling either.

Pumpkin Seeds
They might be little but pumpkin seeds are big in taste full of key nutrients including amino acids, minerals, proteins, complex carbohydrates, and vitamins. Either add them to your soup or salad at lunchtime, or have them as a part of a mid-afternoon snack if you want to keep the hunger pangs and tiredness at bay. They are also great when added into a flapjack mix together with juicy raisins, organic oats, and flaxseeds.

Yogurt
The humble yogurt for pudding doesn’t have to just be for school kids. Eating a natural, full-fat yogurt as part of your lunch will give you another boost because the lactose and protein will slowly release energy during the afternoon so you feel satisfied for longer.

Nuts
Almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts might have a high fat content but they are good to snack on because they are also rich in magnesium. This mineral helps to convert sugar into energy and because nuts are also a good protein source, they make a great snack if you do need an extra boost at half-past three, just stick to a small handful if you are watching your weight.

Bananas
If you do need a pick me up, skip the chocolate bar and peel a banana. You will find fructose, glucose, and sucrose in bananas and because these three sugars are absorbed into your bloodstream at different speeds, your blood sugar levels and mood remain constant.

Also, remember to drink plenty of water and if you do fancy a caffeine hit, swap coffee for green tea and those anti-oxidants will totally work in your favour.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Tips and Tricks for Thicker-Looking Hair

25/08/2018 28/08/2018 0

When it comes to thick hair, some of us are blessed and some of us less so, and while it’s not something you’re going to be able to fundamentally change (your hair has a set amount of follicles, usually determined by genetics), there are things that you can do to make your hair appear thicker. Here are five of the best:

Ditch the Sulphates

Washing your hair with sulphate-free shampoos is really important, but especially if you suffer with fine hair. Sulphates are foamy detergents that cut through grease in no time, but will likely leave your scalp and hair super-dry – so much so, they can damage your lipid barrier and cause irritation. Dermalogica Daily Cleansing Shampoo is totally sulphate-free and delivers healthy, shiny hair with every use.

Avoid Heavy Conditioners

Conditioner is intended to smooth the hair out and help you to remove tangles, but some conditioners are heavier than others and can play havoc with fine hair, weighing it down and making it appear even thinner. Opting for something much lighter like Dermalogica Daily Conditioning Rinse will allow you to condition your hair without robbing it of volume.

Dry it Upside Down

If you’re anything like us, the thought of using diffusers and other devices while drying our hair leaves us in a cold sweat. The simplest way to add volume and the appearance of thickness to your hair is to simply dry it with your head upside down. This will give your roots lift, making your hair look thicker and more textured which will really improve the overall appearance.

Get it Cut

We are well aware that saying “cutting your hair will make it grow thicker” is an old wives’ tale, but it’s a fact that the longer your hair is, the thinner it will look. If your hair is naturally thin, getting it cut to between chin and shoulder length, in a blunt style, will make your hair look much fuller and thicker.

Get Wavy

If you’re a dab hand with styling your hair, then adding waves to your hair will also add instant thickness. Waves give the hair movement and shape, making it look much fuller and thicker. However, if you’re using a tong to curl your hair, we strongly recommend using a heat-protection spray as you don’t want your already-fine hair breaking off at the tips!

Health and Happiness

Keep your memory sharp

21/08/2018 21/08/2018 0

Ever go upstairs and forgot what you went up for, only to remember when you are halfway down again?

Gone to pick up your keys, and spent the next 15 minutes looking for them?

Yes, us too.

Staying sharp is important for many of us, and while memory can come down to DNA and genetics, lifestyle and dietary habits can also play their part in staying on top of things.

We have had a look at what you can do, so you remember what you need to know.

Have a Brain Workout
Your brain needs stimulation to keep it alert and on top form, so you need to shake things up from time to time. Step away from routines, screens, and give your brain a real work out with a crossword, word search, Sudoku or a game of Scrabble. These might seem a bit old school, puzzles that are unfamiliar and out of your comfort zone and can give your brain the boost it needs and you never know, you might have fun too.

Get Active
Physical activity is key to a healthy body and brain. Think about those afternoon slumps and how after eating a muffin and sugary drink you get a quick high but feel lethargic again in no time. Getting out of your seat and doing something physical can clear out the cobwebs, help your waistline and reboot your brain. Swimming, running, sailing, cycling and even dancing, all great ways to get your heart going, the endorphins pumping and your brain in tip-top condition.

Cut Down on Stress
Stress is not your friend and if you find a way to manage it, your brain and memory will thank you. Set yourself realistic goals, write down lists, focus on one task at a time, take regular breaks, and if it all seems too much, talk to someone. If your brain is clogged up with worry, it will be too tired for you to keep on top of everything else, so go easy on yourself and see the good you do and achieve.

Eat Well
Spinach, eggs, mackerel, broccoli, pumpkin seeds and berries are all great healthy, memory boosting foods. Foods which are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, as well as omegas 3 and 6 can help keep you aware, so sprinkle on cereals and salads, enjoy as a snack on the go and add to smoothies and not only will they taste great, they will help you feel better too. Keeping an eye on your alcohol consumption is a good idea, as is adding Green Tea to your shopping list as this contains powerful antioxidants that protect against the free radicals that can damage brain cells.

Laughter is a Great Medicine
When was the last time you laughed, really laughed? Making time to watch a funny film, go to a comedy club, meet with friends or just have dinner with your family and share the love of life, can give you a chance to relax and laugh with those closest to you. Do it and you will be amazed at how long you will remember that night, and so many other things too.

Write it Down
If nothing else, write things down. Whether you put dates and times in a diary, on a chalkboard or in your phone, knowing that everything is recorded in one place, can actually help you focus on the here and now and you will soon be remembering where you are meant to be and where those car keys are too.

Team Pure-Beauty

Skincare Advice

Everything You Need to Know about Melasma

18/08/2018 21/08/2018 0

Unless you’ve suffered with melasma, you might not know what it is, but this skin condition affects up to 50% of women during pregnancy and in fact 90% of people who suffer with melasma. But what is this skin condition, what causes it and what can we do about it? Read on for more information:

What is Melasma?

According to the British Association of Dermatologists “Melasma, also called ‘chloasma’ and ‘pregnancy mask’, is a common skin condition of adults in which brown or greyish patches of pigmentation (colour) develop, usually on the face. The name comes from melas, the Greek word for black, or cholas, from the word green-ish.”

Who Gets Melasma?

As we mentioned above, 9 out of 10 melasma sufferers are women and it’s really common during pregnancy. It typically appears for the first time between the ages of 20 and 40 and is more likely to affect those with darker skin types or tanned skin.

What Causes it?

Melasma can be caused by a number of factors. As well as genetics (if your mother had it, you’re more likely to develop it too), hormones can play a factor, which is why pregnancy and some birth control methods can cause it. It can also be worsened by sun exposure, although it’s not thought to be directly caused by it, unlike hyperpigmentation.

What Are the Symptoms?

Perhaps one saving grace of melasma is that, other than the skin darkening, it’s usually asymptomatic. It doesn’t hurt or itch, it’s not usually raised or textured and it doesn’t cause dryness or oiliness, it just looks like a patch of dark skin.

What Can I Do about it?

If your birth control is a trigger, then opting for a non-hormone based method will help. Equally, sun protection is absolutely essential if you want to manage the progression of the condition. Using a high-protection, broad spectrum sun cream like Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50 on a daily basis will halt the sun’s effect on melasma greatly. Chemical peels and exfoliators can also reduce the appearance of melasma, so we’d also recommend you invest in Decleor Lift and Brighten Peeling Gel and Decleor Double Radiance Scrub, as well as a Dermalogica Exfoliating Face Brush.

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