Our Blog – Page 42 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

What to Pack for a Weekend Away

21/07/2018 22/07/2018 0

With the British weather on a seemingly miraculous good streak, there’s never been a better time to get away for the weekend, with many of the country’s hotels and spas being the perfect place to relax and unwind. If you’re packing for a getaway, you might be thinking about what to take with you, and we’ve got some suggestions for you:

Elemis Skin Nourishing Milk Bath

If you’re lucky enough to have a room with its own bath, then a long soak is probably high on your list of priorities, so taking this nourishing milk bath from Elemis would take your bathing to the next level. It’s rich in vitamins that feed the skin to leave it soft and supple and is highly nutritive, improving the skins health and suppleness, making it a complete food for the skin

Elemis De-Stress Massage Oil

After a nice long bath, what’s better than a luxurious massage? This massage oil from Elemis is specifically designed to help you to relax and unwind, containing aromatherapy oils which de-stress you from within. It contains rosewood, melissa, marjoram, geranium, rosemary, lavender and chamomile, which leaves the skin satin smooth without feeling oily.

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

One of the things that we love about weekends away is the chance to sleep in a big comfy bed and get a restful night’s sleep without any interruptions, making it the perfect time to treat your skin while you sleep. Dermalogica’s Sound Sleep Cocoon is a revitalising treatment that transforms skin overnight by optimizing night time skin recovery. Motion-activated essential oils work all night to promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning.

Elemis LIFE ELIXIRS Sleep Perfume Oil

Perfume for sleeping?! No, we haven’t finally lost our minds; this sleep perfume oil from Elemis is designed to restore mind and body with this deeply relaxing perfume oil of 13 pure essential oils, including tranquil patchouli, elemi and palmarosa. It leaves you feeling restored and ready to take on a new day.

Jan Marini Daily Face Protectant SPF30

If a day around the outdoor pool is in order, you’re going to want to protect your skin, and this face protectant from Jan Marini is the perfect, packable product. It combines water-resistant, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with oil control and advanced hydration for the skin and decreases the risk of cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun.

Life and Fashion

Happy Holiday Hacks

17/07/2018 17/07/2018 0

You have been waiting to get away from it ever since you sat at your desk in January, so if you want to make the most out of your summer holiday, we have some happy holiday hacks that we hope will ensure everything is smooth sailing.

Passport
Sounds so obvious but if you are travelling abroad, just double-check your passport to ensure it is up to date and you can actually leave home shores? There is nothing worse that turning up at T5 only to be told you cannot board your plane. If you find that things aren’t as you hoped, check in with the Passport Customer Service Centre and get an appointment somewhere close to you, fast.

Tickets
In a similar vein, whether they are electronic or paper versions, ensure you have your tickets safe in one place so you are ready to go.

Taxi
If you are going to the airport, or need transfers when you land, book these in advance and remember to shop around for the best prices. Give your flight details to the company because there is nothing worse than being ready to jump in the pool and have your first G&T but you can’t because there are another 200 people waiting for a cab and yours hasn’t turned up or your flight was delayed and your driver has gone.

Duty Free
If you are going to stock up on your favourite treats, do it once you have cleared customs and this way you won’t go over weight on an already bulging case full of bikinis and flip-flops.

It’s All About the Money
Yes, take some cash with you, but don’t empty your account before you travel. Instead take your debit card with you and use this to make a few large withdraws rather than lots of little ones as the charges can really add up. If you are going to spend over £100 in one go, use a credit card as this gives you added security but you might want to let your provider know you are travelling aboard so they don’t think there is any untoward payments being made.

Take Out Insurance
We all like to think we will be safe when we are away, but we think it is better to be safe that sorry. Always take out an insurance policy that will protect you and your belongings and as well as packing the documentation in your hand luggage, store emails on your phone just to be 100% certain you know where the details are if you need them.

Jabs
While a dodgy tummy and a little sunburn can come with holiday territory, you don’t want anything more severe, so just check whether you need any jabs before you go – especially if you are going on a cruise or backpacking and visiting many different places during one trip.

Take Your Cream
We all know what we like, so take your favourite, tried and tested sun cream with you. Yes, you can buy it when you arrive, but it would be a shame for an allergic reaction to spoil your break for the sake of wrapping the bottle in a plastic bag and layering between your swimsuit and sarong. The same goes for your moisturisers, eyes creams and serums too, because if you stick with what you know, you know what to expect.

Chargers
Phone, camera, iPad, we all have some many devices these days but unless you are true to one brand all the time, one charger probably won’t fit all. Make sure you take the right charger for the right products, and adapters are a good idea too, unless of course you are planning to go on a digital detox and let’s face it, that isn’t a bad idea at all.

Relax
Once you arrive at your holiday destination, kick back, relax and enjoy a well-earned break!

Team Pure-Beauty

Life and Fashion

Fast Beauty – How to Look Great When You’ve Only Got Five Minutes

14/07/2018 17/07/2018 0

We all have those mornings where the snooze button gets hit five times in a row, or the alarm doesn’t go off at all, and jumping out of bed with just five minutes to make yourself look presentable can be a daunting task. However, when it comes to getting ready in a rush, we’ve got your back! Read on for five product which can take you from bed-head to beauty in seconds:

Decleor Bi-phase Caring Cleanser and Makeup Remover

This cleanser from Decleor is designed to perform several tasks in one. It contains a scientific blend of virgin botanical oils and floral water to help cleanse and nourish the skin whilst removing all traces of make-up. It can be used either on dry skin or in the shower, allowing you to speed up the whole getting ready process.

Elemis Rehydrating Ginseng Toner

This toner from Elemis somes with a handy spray nozzle, allowing you to spritz your face in a matter of seconds. The toner itself rebalances the pH level of the skin and preserves the natural oils, without the use of alcohol or harsh detergents, to reveal a radiant and hydrated complexion.

Dermalogica Daily Defence Block SPF15

If you’re super sun-conscious (and if you aren’t, you should be!) then this product from Dermalogica could be a real winner for you. It delivers a wash of moisture and defence against skin ageing, while also containing SPF15, which means that as well as working on your hydration, it’s also protecting you against the sun’s harmful rays, without the need for more than one product.

Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer

Primers are a great multifunctional product, and this one is no exception – you can even use it instead of foundation if you don’t have time for a full face of make-up. It gives a blurring effect to the skin, which makes the skin tone look more even, and also offers a deep wash of moisture, especially if you’ve got dry skin.

Jan Marini Luminate Hand Cream

This hand cream from Jan Marini is a product that we strongly recommend you keep in your handbag – it can be used on the go an is truly multifunctional. As well as dramatically improving the appearance of aging and UV damaged skin, it also brightens skin tone and improves skin texture. Finally, it reduces the appearance of sun spots and age spots.

Health and Happiness

Have Your Avocado and Eat It

10/07/2018 10/07/2018 0

At Pure Beauty, we absolutely adore avocados and eat it with everything from toast to tagliatelle.

This natural green goddess isn’t just packed with super nutrients and vitamins galore, but it tastes amazing and that vibrant flesh looks pretty special on a plate too.

While you can simply scoop and eat your avocado, we are going to share some of our favourite ideas with you and hope you will enjoy them as much as we do.

Super Smoothie
If you want to start your day the right way, it has to be with a smoothie. Get the flesh of half an avocado (wrap the rest in foil and use it later), bung in a blender with a handful of spinach, berries, cucumber, banana, coconut water and ice and when smooth, enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer you.

Smashed Avocado with a Twist
This is so easy but so good. Whether you go for grainy granary, basic bloomer, wholesome wholemeal or real rye, toast your bread, spread with organic butter then top with smashed avocado. Add a squeeze of lime, a little black pepper and crunchy sea salt and you are good to go.

Make a Dip
Cut carrots, peppers and cucumber into sticks and dip them into crushed avocado mixed with a little olive oil and sea salt and give those crisps a miss.

Salad for Supper
Dice an avocado into small chunks, drizzle with olive oil and lime juice and add to a bowl of mixed salad leaves, beef tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, bacon and peppers and you have a super salad for supper that can be further enhanced with a mango salsa.

Chilled Soup
This is a delicious summery starter that people will love and want more of! In your blender, mix three ripe avocados, crushed garlic and coconut milk, and season with salt, pepper and chilli oil. Once smooth, place in the fridge for around half an hour (no longer) and serve with toasted ciabatta and slices tomatoes for a really taste of the Mediterranean.

Just Add Eggs
For a supercharged brunch make a big batch of scrambled eggs, adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to the mix, and when piping serve with rye toast, vegan sausages and sliced avocado.

Make a Mousse
Don’ throw over ripe avocados in the bin, instead use them to make a healthy chocolate mousse. Take one really ripe avocado, half a bar of melted, good quality dark chocolate, three tablespoons of honey plus a pinch of salt, then blast in a food processor until the mix is totally smooth. Put in small glass dishes, chill then serve with strawberries! Amazing.

Mask It
If you have dry, tired skin, this homemade mask is your friend. Take one ripe fresh avocado and mash it up into a creamy pulp in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of clear honey and stir the mixture until it turns into a smooth paste. Apply to your skin and leave it on for 15 minutes before removing with tissues and you will feel the years slip away.

If you have a dreamy recipe you love, let us know what it is and we will give it a try.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Five Ways to Ensure You’re Tanning Safely

07/07/2018 10/07/2018 0

It’s summer again, which means days spend in the garden, on the beach and having fun in the sun. For most of us, even a little bit of a tan makes us feel like we look healthier, but the risks from sun exposure are very real and can lead to premature ageing, hyperpigmentation and even cancer. But are there ways to tan safely, to avoid the nasty side-effects? Well, all sun exposure carries some risk, but there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:

Never, EVER, use sunbeds

There’s a bit of a myth that using a sunbed before you go on holiday will somehow “start off” your tan and protect you from burning, and it’s absolutely untrue. Sunbeds are totally unregulated and are one of the leading causes of melanoma, as pump out huge amounts of UVA and virtually no UVB (which stimulates vitamin D), and can increase your risk of skin cancer by 75%. The very best way to avoid damage from sunbeds is simply to never use them as they’re just not worth the risk.

Use the Right Sun Protection

Don’t ever just opt for the cheapest one, sunscreen should be good quality, not a bargain. If you’re planning on spending time in the water, opt for a sport sunscreen and if you have fair skin you should be using a sunscreen which offers AT LEAST SPF50 protection for your skin. Remember to reapply every half an hour to an hour, depending on how much time you plan on spending in the sun.

Find Some Shade

Another myth about tanning is that you need to be in direct sunlight for a colour to develop. Finding shade from the sun will reduce UV intensity and your sunburn risk and means your tan will be healthier and longer-lasting. It also means that you’ll avoid that awful lobster effect if you don’t get burnt, because no-one looks great with scarlet skin.

Protect Yourself from Within

It might sound crazy, but there are lots of things that you can eat which help to protect you from the sun. An antioxidant found in tomatoes, and other red and orange fruit and veg, it can boost your sun protection by a whopping 33%. One of the best sources is tomato paste.

Fake it to Make it

The very best way to get a sun tan without any risk to yourself is to use a fake tan. Decleor Gradual Glow Hydrating Body Milk is a light moisturiser which contains a gradual tanning lotion. It’s the perfect treatment to offer intense nourishment to the body as well as gradually enhance it with a beautifully natural golden glow.

Health and Happiness

Hydration hacks for the summer

03/07/2018 03/07/2018 0

There is no denying that summer is well and truly here.

Hot days and balmy nights see us swapping jeans for shorts, jumpers for strappy dresses and forget boots, it’s all about flip-flops right now.

While all the glorious Vitamin D boosting sunshine may leave you with a healthy glow, add in the humidity and those extra cocktails at the bar, and summer can totally zap the moisture from your skin and hair.

We aren’t saying do not go out and enjoy all that the great weather has to offer, but we are going to help ensure you stay hydrated and healthy.

Wear Sun Cream
We have said it before and we will say it again, always wear sun cream, even when it is cloudy. Go for a broad-spectrum product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater to block the UVA and UVB rays. Apply it before you go outside, and keep out of the sun when it is at its hottest as this is when the most damage can happen. Reapply during the day and if you go into the water, put more cream on when you dry off as this is when your skin can be vulnerable to burning. If you do get burnt, have a cool shower, apply an after-sun product that contains aloe vera as this can help soothe and moisturise your skin, drink plenty of water so you don’t dehydrate and if you need to, take ibuprofen or paracetamol to ease the pain.

Don’t Ditch Your Routine
Healthy, youthful looking skin, whatever your age, needs moisture so continue with your usual beauty products and routine. Cleanse, tone and moisture morning and night and if you can use a product that contains Hyaluronic Acid, your complexion will thank you. Hyaluronic Acid occurs in your body naturally; it is what makes skin look plump and healthy so if you want to keep those fine lines and wrinkles at bay, think about adding a serum into the mix and you will be surprised at the difference it can make.

Keep it Cool
Baths might help you relax, but the hot water can take the moisture from your skin and hair, so go for a cool shower instead. This can help to take the heat down a notch or two, boost your circulation, remove toxins and make your skin tingle. Go on, we dare you!

Drench Your Hair
We often forget our hair and bung it in a bun in the summer, but the sun, sea, sand, and even that city dirt, can take it from shiny to grimy in no time at all. By day go for a good quality shampoo and condition that will look after your locks, and if you are swimming a lot, think about using a chlorine specific product to wash away those damaging chemicals. By night your friend is coconut oil. Comb a couple of teaspoons of this natural hydrator through dry hair and either leave it on for half an hour or even better sleep in it at least once a week. Wash as normal and you will find your hair is full of life once again and softer than ever.

It’s in Your Diet
When the mercury rises try to up your fruit and vegetable intake. Moisture-boosting foods include cucumbers and watermelons, so add them to your morning smoothie and the minerals, natural sugars and vitamins will make you a hydration winner before you even leave the kitchen table.

Drink Water
Now more than ever is the time to drink water as this will not only will keep your skin and hair healthy but will stop you from feeling faint and tired. Buy a pretty reusable bottle (the planet needs looking after too), and if you fancy something different, add lemon, cucumber and mint for a tasty, cooling drink on the go.

Happy summer everyone.

Team Pure Beauty

Life and Fashion

How to Look More Polished

30/06/2018 03/07/2018 0

For many of us, our daily beauty routine consists of what we can fit in during the time we have (which is often about 30 seconds between pushing the kids out of the door for the school run and going to work). There are, however, a few little things that you can do which will give your whole look a more overall polished look. Read on for our tips:

Neat Nails

There’s nothing that can ruin a look quicker than having ragged nails, split cuticles and generally untidy hands. We suggest soaking your fingers in warm water, before trimming your cuticles and ensuring there’s no other ragged skin, and then shaping your nails with a file made from natural materials. Finishing with dark nail varnish will make shorter nails look more elegant and Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream will ensure your hand stay looking good.

Accessorising

It’s more than possible for two people to wear the same outfit and for one to look better than the other, purely because they’ve accessorised beautifully! Go for statement necklaces or earrings and don’t be afraid to go for a bold contrast of colour against your outfit.

Well-Fitting Clothes

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a size 6 or a size 26, if your clothes are ill-fitting it will always ruin the shape of your outfit. Make sure your buttons don’t gap, your waistband doesn’t pull in and that you don’t need to be constantly tugging at your garments as all of these things will destroy any chance of looking well put-together.

Good Hair

Even if you’re not the sort of person to do a full blow dry on your hair every morning, having a good hair cut means that you’ll look elegant with little effort. Find an experiences stylist and discuss with them exactly what you want before taking the plunge, and do be afraid to ask them to make alterations if you don’t immediately love it.

Moisturised Skin

You can do all the good hair and perfect outfits you like, if your elbows and knees are flaky and dry, you’re going to lose that polished look. Decleor Nourishing Body Balm is an intensive body balm to leave dry skin feeling nourished with moisture.

Life and Fashion

New hair, new you

26/06/2018 26/06/2018 0

When it comes to maintaining a youthful glow, many of us think that a good beauty routine, drinking lots of water and using anti-ageing products will achieve this.

While there is no doubt these things help, have you ever thought what a change in hairstyle might do for your image?

We think that there is nothing quite like a cut, colour or revamp to give you a new, fresh look, but it is also worth remembering that having a regular trim means you will have healthy-looking hair which always looks more youthful than a style which is littered with damaged split ends.

Ombré Waves
While there are some pretty fierce colour ideas out there right now, you can still have fun without looking like you have got things a bit wrong. Going for a soft ombré option with youthful, face-framing waves gives a really chic look and your confidence will take a boost too.

Sleek Bob
A bob is a classic cut that takes away the years. Go for shorter layers in the back as these give you extra volume and use a serum for added shine and glamour. You can keep things straight, or add waves using a heated brush or wand. Another clever trick is rather than parting your hair in the middle, opt for a side parting which instantly creates a younger “just out of the salon” look.

The Messy Chignon
We love this look at any age. Not as tight or ageing as the classic bun, a loose chignon doesn’t just give you a fashion edge but it also adds volume to your hair which can erase the years. Add statement earrings and skin flattering lipstick and you will look, and feel, fabulous.

Keeping it Long
If you aren’t ready to part with your long locks, think about having some soft layers and a long side-swept fringe which will keep you looking fresh and current.

Highlight It
Long, beachy hair with some well placed, natural looking highlights can give your skin a radiant, just got back from holiday glow. Speak to your hairdresser about the best shades for you and do remember this is can be pretty high maintenance and you will need your roots done every six weeks!

The Pixie Cut
This isn’t for everyone but it is timeless and effortless. Choppy layers are the perfect way to add texture and dimension to this classic cut so that your look will be youthful not dated. Adding a few well-placed low-lights can create a really stunning, easy to maintain look that is perfect for all seasons.

Go With the Grey
Long gone are the days when grey hair needed to be hidden. Either embrace your silver stands and shine as you are meant to, or speak to your hairdresser about some adding colour so that you’re not only happy with your look but you also keep your confidence.

Tie it Back
If you have longer hair and want it out-of-the-way, go for a low, loose ponytail as opposed to a high one, and this will give a subtle, chic look that is perfect for yoga classes, work and when you don’t want hair getting in your eyes.

Add a Fringe
If you want to add style and hid the odd wrinkle, think about a fringe. Go for a feather, sweeping style, rather than a blunt line and you will get a much softer look that flatters your face and brings out your eyes.

Always used a good quality shampoo and conditioner and remember that a smile makes the world of difference too.

Team Pure Beauty

Skincare Advice

The Best Sunscreen for your Skin Type

23/06/2018 25/06/2018 0

Now that summer is finally in full swing, everyone’s thoughts should be turning to sun protection, but one mistake that people often make is thinking that one type of sun cream will suit everyone, which simply isn’t true. Each face will have different requirements, on top of needing to be kept safe in the sun, so we thought we’d take a look at the sunscreens in our ranges to see which is best for each skin type.

Oily skin

Many sun protection products are made from ingredients which feel incredibly thick and greasy on your skin, which isn’t desirable if you’ve already got oily skin. Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF30 contains no oils and actually mattifies the skin while offering broad-spectrum protection to your face.

Ageing Skin

It’s hard to say whether Decleor Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF30 Face is a sunscreen which contains anti-ageing properties, or an anti-ageing cream with added SPF, because it does both jobs so well! As well as protect the cell’s DNA, it can combat the signs of ageing and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. It will also reduce cutaneous reactions caused by sun exposure.

Sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, then Dermalogica Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 is the sunscreen for you. As well as giving you broad-spectrum, SPF30 protection, it also contains ingredients which are designed to reduce redness and inflammation, as well as antioxidants and botanical extracts help guard against premature aging and irritation. It can be mixed with your regular moisturiser for added hydration.

Young Skin

If you like to spend time in the sun but are worries about the signs of ageing being sped up, then Elemis Liquid Layer SPF30 would be a good first-defence for you. It’s a lightweight, non-oily formula for invisible protection which offers a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection layer and contains naturally occurring titanium dioxide, a physical UV barrier for added protection.

Uneven Skin

One of the annoying things about finding a facial sunscreen is finding one which plays nice underneath your make-up, which is why we love Decleor BB Cream 24 Hour Hydration SPF15 Medium. It gives skin a wash of colour, evening out the skin tone and providing a decent level of coverage, while also offering SPF15 protection from the sun.

Health and Happiness

Quick Healthy Breakfasts

19/06/2018 19/06/2018 0

Grabbing an energy drink and a cereal bar as you run out of the door and head for the bus might be quick, but have you stopped to wonder why you are hungry again by the time you get your desk?

Sugary snacks might give you an initial hit, but void of real goodness, you will probably find you crash and burn before lunchtime and this will set you up for a day of ups and downs that can be avoided by eating a proper breakfast.

We know that time is tight in the morning, but we have had a look at some easy, quick breakfasts that will keep you running on full for longer.

Peanut Butter on Toast
This is a superfood twist on the classic PB and toast and we love it. Slice half a banana and add it on top of your peanut butter together with a sprinkling of vitamin packed chia seeds, then enjoy the energy and goodness.

Granola on the Go
Tupperware is so now, so make sure you buy some! Add a cup of granola (homemade if you can) to your tub, mix in a pot of natural yogurt, add a handful of sliced white grapes as well as some dried apple rings and you have a fantastic breakfast that is perfect for eating at your desk.

Blueberry Smoothie
This a simple, delicious smoothie for the morning rush that is good to drink on the go. Blend one banana with half a cup of blueberries and the same of strawberries. Then add a few cubes of melon and cucumber together with half a cup of coconut water, blend until smooth and drink while cold by adding ice cubes.

Quinoa Porridge
Yes, you read this right. Gently cooking quinoa in almond milk together with sweet spices and dried fruit makes for a great breakfast. As well as filling you up, it is high in protein and essential amino acids and these can help with tissue growth and repair. Put all the ingredients into a pot, bring to a boil and them simmer, adding a little honey before you eat. .

Avocado and Eggs
Something are best eaten simple, and this breakfast is just that. Toast two slices of rye bread, then add one smashed avocado and top with a poached egg, plus salt and pepper and a few pine nuts for added taste and texture. As well as having plenty of protein, you also get the healthy fats from the avocado that help your skin and hair look great.

Breakfast Burritos
These are a brilliant way to start the day but can also be wrapped up and taken to work or school for lunch. Get some wraps, preferably wholemeal, and we like bacon with tomato and avocado but you can pretty much add anything that takes your fancy and keeps your tummy from rumbling.

Overnight Oats
Yes, this has to be is the ultimate busy person breakfast and our favourite. Put some oats, chia seeds, blueberries, raisins, almond milk, and honey in a bowl and mix well before covering and putting in the fridge before you go to bed. By the morning this will be a delicious blend of goodness and flavours and adding sliced banana before you eat, will really give a great start to your day.

Special Scrambled Eggs
This is great for the weekend when you wake up late and want to laze around. Make up some soft and fluffy scrambled eggs, add smoked salmon and some granary toast and you have a feast for brunch!

Let us know if you have a favourite we have missed off the list.

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