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Creating a Winter Skincare Survival Kit

Creating a Winter Skincare Survival Kit
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Whatever your skin type, winter is pretty much the toughest season for skin. The cold, wet weather, the central heating, the lack of sunlight and the tendency to hibernate indoors can all play havoc with your complexion. We thought we’d have a think about the most common skin issues to blight us in the winter and come up with a winter survival kit which will keep us going until spring finally arrives:

Elemis Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil

Many cleansers have a tendency to dry the skin out, which can be disastrous in the winter when your skin is already dry. This cleansing oil from Elemis is designed to melt away your make-up and daily dirt whilst also nourishing the skin and replenishing essential lost nutrients while you cleanse. It contains over 90% natural oils, rich in omegas and vitamins and softens, soothes and supports the moisture barrier, revealing a healthy looking, radiant and clear complexion.

Decleor Aroma Nutrition- Satin Softening Dry Oil

It’s not just your face you have to worry about during wintertime – your body and hair can also end up dry and frazzled, so keeping this dry oil on hand can be a huge help. It’s designed to nourish skin, hair and nails without being greasy and leaves your body and face feeling softer and more comfortable, and your hair nourished and looking shiny. Enriched with frankincense essential oil, camellia, rose and sweet almond oils.

Dermalogica Super Rich Repair

Winter skincare is all about moisture, and this is a heavy weight cream that will deliver immediate benefits to extremely dry or dehydrated skin. Ultra-emollients shea butter and evening primrose replenish your skin with maximum hydration, relieving dryness and reinforcing the skin’s natural defensive barrier, while antioxidant soy flavonoids shield against the extreme environmental elements that can accelerate the visible signs of aging.

Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath

What’s nicer than sinking into a hot bath when the weather outside is awful, especially if you’ve had to be out in the elements? This bath milk from Elemis is rich in vitamins which feed and nourish the skin, sourced from the plant collagen from Japanese camellia oil and oat extract in the formula. It’s highly nutritious and will leave the skin feeling soft, supple and totally moisturised.

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Hand and Nail Cream

Our hands seem to be one of the first places to suffer in the cold weather, leading to split skin and terrible soreness, so keeping a rich hand moisturiser close by is an absolute essential. This one from Elemis not only helps to banish dry skin and keep hands soft and supple, it also smells exotic and luxurious, thanks to the blend of Tahitian monoi and frangipani flowers.

Don’t let stress get you down

www.pexels.comFamily demands, a to-do list as long as your arm, and friends wanting you to go out and party every weekend, makes for a busy, but sometimes stressful life.

It is one thing to ensure everyone else is happy, but you need to look after yourself too. You can keep saying you are ‘fine’, but don’t let life get too much so you hit rock bottom and burn out – then you aren’t any good for anyone.

We have had a look at some simple, easy, straightforward ways you can look after yourself without feeling like you are letting anyone down – including you.

Eat well
Bags of crisps, bars of chocolate and energy drinks might give you an initial boost, but there is no substitute for good food in your diet. Try to make sure you are eating fresh fruits, vegetables, grains and healthy fats each day, and if you do eat meat and fish, try to go for good quality, organic options. If you think you might not be getting all the nutrition you need from your meals and snacks, trying a B12 or omega-3 supplement and adding a little green goodness, like spirulina, to porridge and smoothies can really help you get into a more relaxed headspace.

Fresh air
Being stuck between indoors all day can make you feel claustrophobic, which won’t do your stress levels any favours. Getting outside, walking in the fresh air, maybe near the river or sea, and actually taking in the sights around you, can be really grounding. Make time to leave your office, desk, till or workstation at least once a day, turn off your phone, forget the demands on your time and simply enjoy the nature and fresh air as you walk on by.

Meditation
We know it is a bit of a buzzword, but meditation can be a simple, easy, free and enjoyable way to get stress under control. You don’t need to go to a class or download a clever app, you can simply get started by sitting down somewhere quiet, focusing on your breathing, and trying to keep your mind free of anything other than the here and now. If your mind does wander to that difficult client or what to make for dinner, simply refocus and in time you will find that you really enjoy savouring the moment and letting stress drop away.

Write it down
Staying organised and putting pen to paper has more power in getting your stress in check than you might imagine. When there are a million things running around in your head, start with one list and you’ll be surprised how many small stresses disappear from your life when you have a clearer idea of what is going on day-to-day.

Switch off the caffeine
There is nothing nicer than snuggling up on the sofa to watch the TV with a warm drink, but caffeine really can hike up stress levels. Ditch the lattes and go for peppermint, chamomile, and lemon tea, and still get that glow, but without the artificial hit that can keep your brain busy worrying about things you just can’t control.

Get more rest
Many People struggle to drop off but when you don’t get enough sleep, this can leave you feeling groggy and irritable. Try going to bed a bit earlier, switching off your phone, having a warm bath, doing some more meditation and of course, if you really need it, take a power nap in the day too.

A problem shared
There is nothing more helpful and reassuring than having a good chat about your worries with someone you trust. They may have already been there and have some advice about your concerns but having someone simply listen can be the most therapeutic thing in the world.

Do something for you
Whether you have a nice meal, go for a swim or book in for a massage, taking time out for you and letting the stresses of life take a back seat, can make a big difference. Schedule some time in once a week just for you, and we think you might be surprised at the changes you see.

Team Pure Beauty

Five Best Foods for Anti-Ageing

Five Best Foods for Anti-Ageing
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Having a proper skincare routine is one of the key factors in making sure you halt the ageing process that your skin goes through. There are, however, things that you can eat which will also contribute towards halting the signs of ageing, so we thought we’d tell you about five of the best so that you can add them into your diet.

Nuts

No matter what type of nut you choose, they all have anti-inflammatory properties, which are fantastic for your skin. Inflammation can be responsible for all sorts of issues when it comes to the skin, and when you incorporate nuts into your diet, as well as using a decent anti-ageing face cream like Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich, your skin will stay wrinkle-free for much longer.

Dark Chocolate

They say a little of what you fancy does you good and when it comes to dark chocolate, this is definitely the case. Dark chocolate contains flavanols which are believed to benefit appearance by increasing blood flow to the skin, as well as absorbing UV radiation, protecting your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Using Decleor Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF30 Face as well will increase the benefits.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain more antioxidants than almost any other fruit. They give you protection against skin-damaging free radicals from sun exposure, stress, and pollution, and they have vitamin C, which helps prevent the wrinkling effects of sun damage. Use Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist to maximise your antioxidant protection.

Avocado

Avocados are absolutely stuffed with fatty acids and the good oils that our body needs. Your body doesn’t make fatty acids by itself, which is why we need them in our diets – they’re key elements in a natural skin care diet, essential fatty acids like omega-3s and omega-6s are the building blocks of healthy cell membranes. These polyunsaturated fats also help produce the skin’s natural oil barrier, critical in keeping skin hydrated, plumper, and younger looking.

Carrots

Believe it or not, this humble root veg contains a lot of the things that our skin needs to be able to produce its own collagen. They’re rich in vitamin A, which helps to restore and regenerate damaged collagen, an essential for the elasticity and regeneration of skin cells. Eating plenty of carrots and using Elemis Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Eye Masks will keep your eye area looking youthful and fresh.

Look fresh faced from morning to night

www.pexels.comEver looked in the mirror after a shower and wished your skin could look that fresh all day long?

Us too.

The thing is, whether you wash and go, or spend forever on your make-up before you dare venture out of the front door, all of your work could be in vain if you don’t get the basics right.

As we rush around and dash from one meeting to another, our make-up can go from perfect to plain sad by dinner time, but we have some tips that can help keep you looking as fresh as a daisy from desk to disco.

Cleanse, tone and moisturise
Yes, we know this is old news, but it is one of the best things you can do morning and night if you want to look and feel great in your own skin. You don’t have to spend a fortune, there are some excellent products out there for all budgets, but by following this three-step regime you will not only ensure your skin is clean but hydrated too and this can ease the fine lines and dry patches that even the best Snapchat filters can’t erase.

Exfoliate
If you want really smooth skin, then we suggest you exfoliate once or twice a week. Go for a product which suits your skin type and addresses any concerns and you will find that the dead skin cells that can make you look tired and grey will be washed away so you look healthy and revitalised. Be careful around the eyes as this skin is super sensitive and remember that if you exfoliate your lips too, your lipstick lasts longer, and your kisses will be softer.

Redo on the run
While you might want to touch up minor make-up flaws with your fingers, resist temptation and carry brushes and sponges with you as well as sample sizes of your regular products. Not only will this keep your complexion clear, but it will also stop bacteria and dirt spreading from your hands to your face.

Carry a highlighter
If you want to brighten up your skin before that mid-afternoon meeting but don’t have time for a full makeover, then a highlighter is a hero product waiting to help you out.

Add a little mist
We don’t suggest cleansing your skin in the middle of the day, but you will be surprised the difference a simple spritz of facial mist can make. We love the Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist because it has been formulated from natural ingredients which help improve texture while intensely hydrating dry, dehydrated skin. Spray over your make up when your skin feels tight, and let the goodness sink in and get to work.

Light up your lids
While many people favour the smoky eye, lighter, neutral tones don’t smudge or crease as much, so your overall look will be cleaner and fresher. Opt for one neutral and one shimmery eye shadow or crayon and blend the two together across your lid for an easy everyday look. This can be vamped up for the evening with a volume blasting black mascara and deep plum lipstick. One extra tip is to add in a primer before applying your make up and you will be amazed at the massive difference this can make.

Eat well
Yes, you can add products to your skin to help it look fab but is it just as important to nourish it from the inside. Eating well can help to keep wrinkles at bay, make your skin firmer and give it that holiday glow. Nuts, oats, protein rich fish like salmon and tuna as well as berries, spinach and oranges all come with skin boosting nutrients, and if you drink at least eight glasses of water a day too, you’ll be laughing.

Go pro
When you can, book into a salon for a deep cleansing, relaxing facial and you will leave with a glow and a smile.

Team Pure Beauty

Want Longer, Thicker Hair? Read On…

Want Longer, Thicker Hair? Read On…
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We think it’s fair to say that a lot of women have at least one gripe with their hair, and one of the most common things that they’d like to improve is the length and thickness of their hair. Growing your hair can seem like it takes forever, and making it thicker may seem like witchcraft itself, but we’ve got five key tips that you can follow to help to improve the overall look of your hair:

Don’t Neglect Your Trims

One of the first mistakes that people make when trying to grow their hair is neglecting the trims, and while cutting your hair off may seem counterintuitive, it’s actually really important. The ends of your hairs are the bits that sustain the most damage over time, so trimming them off which make your hair look thicker and healthier, giving you a more lustrous look overall.

Choose Your Products Wisely

Cheap shampoos use cheap ingredients which will strip moisture from your hair, leaving it dried out and lifeless. Opting or a shampoo which is made from high-quality ingredients, like Dermalogica Daily Cleansing Shampoo, will ensure that your hair is only treated to the finest essential oils and vitamins, helping to improve and protect your hair.

Moisturise!

Just as your skin needs to be moisturised, so does your hair to maintain a healthy mane. Heated appliances like hairdryers, straighteners and curling wands all dry the hair out, stripping away essential moisture from the follicles, so it’s important to replenish that moisture with a good conditioning wash like Dermalogica Daily Conditioning Rinse.

Air Drying

We know it’s not possible to leave your hair wet every time you wash it, but letting your hair air dry at least once a week can give your hair a much needed break from heat styling. If you don’t like having your wet hair on your shoulders, practice a messy bun using a fabric scrunchie which won’t damage your hair!

Your Scalp Matters Too

It’s easy to forget that your scalp needs TLC too as that’s where your hair follicles live. Treat yourself to a treatment using Decleor Aroma Nutrition- Satin Softening Dry Oil once a week to replenish your scalp with the natural oils it needs to promote healthy hair growth. Your scalp will thank you and your hair will feel softer and smoother, too.

Why Salt Could Be Good For You After All

www.pexels.comWe are so used to being told to hold the salt because it is bad for our health, that is exactly what we do.

But, stop, maybe it isn’t as evil as we have been led to believe.  While we agree that adding too much salt to our food can be lead to things like high cholesterol, poor heart health, and obesity as well as dehydration, it does actually come with some pretty funky natural superpowers that could just be good for you. It is antiseptic and cleansing, detoxifying and healing and while salt dries things out, it can also hold moisture in too, which all in all makes it a winner in our book.

Let’s look at how salt could work for you.

A Hollywood smile
Many people will gargle saltwater if they have a sore throat or are suffering from a mouth ulcer, but things can go further than this. If you want a smile that sparkles, go for a toothpaste that contains gently abrasive salt as this will help to deal with staining from coffee and red wine as well as helping to strengthen the enamel without the need to reach for harsh chemicals. Salt also comes with a natural source of fluoride, which is an added bonus for your teeth and gums and it can also be mixed with warm water and used a natural mouthwash too!

Keep BO at bay
Even when the colder temperatures come, bad-smelling body odour can still be an issue if you are wrapping up in many layers and dealing with central heating. Using a mineral salt based deodorant works because they prevent the growth of odour-causing bacteria on the skin. Pop it on when you get out of the bath or shower and before you get sweaty, as these really work best if they are applied before bacteria gets to work.

Beach babe hair
If you love those soft, textured waves you get on the beach, thanks to the salt in the water and air, you can create this at home, however land-locked you are. Using a salt spray product will give you that beach babe vibe and if you go for one with added aloe vera, coconut water, or sea kelp, it can help deal with dryness, flaking and itching too.

Ease those muscles
If you have over done it in the gym, or gone all out in on the gardening, relaxing in a salt bath is just the job to make things better. Epsom Salts are a good one to go for as they are packed with the magnesium sulphate which helps regulate and rebalance our bodies and are particularly good at helping overworked muscles. If you want more of a spa feel to your bath, add a few drops of eucalyptus or lavender oil to the water and light a seaside candle and then drift away somewhere totally exotic.

Scrub away the past 
Using a sea salt scrub is a great way to exfoliate away dull dead skin cells and improve circulation. After taking a shower or bath, take a small handful of sea salt and rub it gently into your damp arms and legs, then wash away and pat dry your limbs and they will be left soft and glowing.

Natural nail brightener
Our nails really do take a battering every day, but salt can help get them back into good condition between salon visits. Mix together one teaspoon of salt, baking soda, and lemon juice and gently apply the paste to your nails and cuticles and leave it on for around five minutes. Before washing off the mixture, buff away any stains and when you dry your nails you will notice they will be brighter and cleaner and your cuticles will be softer, too.

Got a salt trick you love, let us know about it and share the love.

Team Pure Beauty

FREE! Dermalogica Ultimate Masque Kit Gift with Purchase

FREE! Dermalogica Ultimate Masque Kit Gift with PurchaseIf you’re planning to make a purchase from Pure Beauty in the next few days, you’ll be thrilled to know that anyone who spends £70 or more on Dermalogica products will be entitled to a free  Dermalogica Ultimate Masque Kit Gift. But what’s in the kit and what can you look forward to receiving with your purchase? Read on for all the facts!

Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant

This cream exfoliant from Dermalogica combines lactic Acid, salicylic acid, sulphur and fruit enzymes designed to detach dead skin debris and promote cell renewal for a smooth complexion. Despite being such a potent product, it’s actually very gentle on the skin and is suitable for all skin types except the very sensitive. It provides effective, non-aggressive re-texturisation while increasing hydration and smoothness.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

If your skin needs a wash of moisture, there are few products which will help your skin more than Dermalogica’s Skin Hydrating Masque. It will help to refresh and restore stressed and dehydrated skin with a soothing blend of botanicals ingredients. Calming botanical extracts of bitter orange, hops, cucumber and arnica reduce inflammation, while antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and pro-vitamin B5 help to nourish and replenish the skin. It is suitable for all skin conditions, especially dry skin.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque

This masque is a super-concentrated treatment which floods the skin with anti-oxidant multivitamins that dramatically calm stressed, prematurely-aging skin whilst adding a level of deep hydration. Firming vitamin A increases elasticity and moisture content while antioxidant vitamin C aids in collagen synthesis, restoring suppleness. Vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5 promote healthy tissue regeneration, while calming botanical extracts of licorice, comfrey and burdock soothe the skin.

Dermalogica Stress Positive Eye Lift

The eye area is incredibly delicate which means that it needs a little extra TLC. This eye masque from Dermalogica is an active, cooling cream-gel that works with the skin’s natural microbiome, or microflora, to brighten and energise the eye area, while sea water extract and Arctic algae minimise the look of puffiness and dark circles.

Boost your immune system the superfood way

www.pexels.comWith 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

Dealing With Acne in Autumn and Winter

Dealing With Acne in Autumn and Winter
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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.

Give Your Salad a Makeover

www.pexels,comAfter 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