Our Blog – Page 43 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Exams need not be stressful

22/05/2018 22/05/2018 0

A’ levels, GCSEs and SATs are all being taken at the moment, and if you have children or teenagers in the throes of doing any, or all, of these, it can be a time of anxiety and stress.

We have had a look at how you can help to calm nerves, ease tension and generally ensure that emotional chaos doesn’t rule the day.

Set up a routine
Just as you do with babies and toddlers, having a revision routine for teenagers can really help things run smoothly. As well as adding all exams to the family calendar, look at having 40-minute revision sessions, spaced out with 15 minute breaks and a set lunchtime to really regroup and refresh. Fresh air in the garden, a glass of water and a snack as well as some stretches can help with rehydration, boost moods and improve work efficiency.

Manage expectations
Peer and parental pressure, along with social media, can make it seem like only a string of A stars will do, when in-fact a child doing their own best is what matters. Try not to push for perfection and instead look at what is achievable to avoid adding to stress levels.

Keeps things in perspective
Yes, A’ levels might seem like the golden gate to university life, but that doesn’t mean everything else has to come to a standstill. While we all want students to do their best, knowing that there is always a second, or even third chance of getting things right, can help to keep things in perspective.

A holistic approach to well-being
Energy drinks, coffee, caffeine tablets and sugary snacks might seem like the ideal energy boost, but they will have not only a counterproductive effect on studying but may impact sleeping too. Make sure your children enjoy a balanced diet, drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep, as well as screen time breaks and this will help them cope with all the exam season throws at them.

All work and no play isn’t fun
Yes, exams are important and there is work to be done, but no one can thrive on studying alone. Time with friends, exercise, the odd shopping trip and just chilling out will all help kids to switch off and just be, well kids. They aren’t being lazy, they are being human and need time off to be able to work to their best ability.

Catch up
Ask them how it is going and you might get a grunt if you are lucky, but spending time together as a family can be really beneficial at this time. Maybe going for a walk, watching a film together or having dinner at your favourite restaurant will help take things down a notch or two and let them know you care and are there for them, whatever the results say in August.

Remember, you count too
When the heat is on, it is hard to think about yourself, but you need to. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so whether you go to a yoga class, run by the river with a friend or pop into see us and have a relaxing facial, schedule in some ‘me time’ and the benefits will be felt by everyone.

Good luck and call us if we can book you in.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Elemis

All About Apricots

19/05/2018 22/05/2018 0

Using seasonal fruit and veg in your cooking is a great way to ensure you’re getting the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients from your produce right when it’s at its best, and right now, apricots are at the peak of their growth. Luckily, we don’t have to wait until May every year for apricots to make it into our beauty products and today we’re showcasing four products which are packed with them!

Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner

Apricots contain several elements which are very soothing to the skin, and this toner is the perfect way to calm the skin after a thorough cleansing. It can be used with a cotton pad or spritzed onto the skin for an all-over calming effect, and preps the skin, aiding the penetration of the moisturiser or night cream. It helps maintain the skins natural pH level, without the use of alcohol or other harsh detergents, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

Dermalogica Precleanse

If you want to get your skin clean to a professional level, then using a pre-cleanse before you cleanse your skin is a must. This Precleanse from Dermalogica uses apricot kernel oil, which is an excellent source of fatty acids, vitamin A and linoleic acid and helps to soothe irritation, nourish and moisturise the skin. It can be used all over the face and neck and will offer superior results against cleansing alone.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm

This eye balm harnesses the power of apricot oil, which is high in Omega-rich fatty acids, to recontour the eye area and give a firmness where it has been previously lost. It’s compatible with make up and can be applied wither before or after and also has a built-in soothing applicator to further reduce the signs of puffiness around the delicate eye area.

Dermalogica Precleanse Balm

This product is a balm-version of the Dermalogica Precleanse and comes with a soft-touch, double-sided mitt applicator and exfoliator to help ensure a more thorough, professional level of clean. It uses apricot kernel oil as it does not leave behind a greasy coating, and its lightweight feel and exceptional rehydrating properties make it ideal for any skin condition. It dissolves make up and other dirt without affecting the skin’s natural balance and won’t clog the pores.

Skincare Advice

Taking the stress out of sensitive skin

15/05/2018 15/05/2018 0

Having sensitive skin might seem like a curse, but don’t despair as there are things you can do to improve its condition and your confidence.

Signs that you do have sensitive skin include:

Tight, uncomfortable feeling skin on your face, neck and body which is sometimes sore or sensitive to touch
Skin which easily dries out during flights
Skin which is drier in the winter and more oily during the summer
Embarrassing flushes after eating spicy food or drinking alcohol
The appearance of red patches which don’t fade
Areas of uneven texture
Blemishes and breakouts
Dryness and flakiness
Reactions to skincare products and washing powders
Rashes from the heat

Sensitive skin is generally caused when the nerve endings in the top layer of the skin become irritated. This occurs because your natural barrier function becomes weaker and the triggers for this happening include:

Air conditioning and central heating
Using the wrong skin care products and washing powders
Extreme weather conditions
The chemicals found in cleaning products
Hormonal changes
Bathing and showing in hard water
Stress
Pregnancy
Menopause
Dirt and pollution
Smoking
Swimming pool chlorine

Of course, you can’t change the weather or move house just so you can have soft water, but you can take some of the issues on board and find a way to look after your skin in a different way so it doesn’t take over your life.

Some of the easiest steps include:

Using to products that are specifically made for sensitive skin can be a positive step in the right direction. Our team are always happy to help look at what might work for you, so do get in touch if that would help.
Once you have products you ae happy with, start and end each day by cleansing away the dirt of day from your face, then using a toner and suitable moisturiser. Use a hydrating moisturiser and consider adding a serum to your beauty routine for added protection and care.
Don’t scrub at your skin as this can cause increased sensitivity.
Makeup wise, we suggest going for a natural look to allow your skin to breathe, so don’t apply too much foundation if you can help it.
If you’re going outside, even when it is cloudy, apply a suncream to protect against the sun’s harmful UV rays and wear at hat or cap between 12 and 3pm.
If you work in an air-conditioned environment, there is even more need to use the right moisturiser as this will help prevent your skin from drying out. Why not keeping this on your desk or in your bag, so you can reapply it when needed during the day?
If you smoke, stop.
Eat a well-balanced diet, take exercise and drinking plenty of water so your skin is hydrated.
When you do the washing up or cleaning, wear rubber gloves as this can help ease dry skin on your hands and apply a rich hand cream and we are sure you will see smoother, softer skin.
If you think it could be your washing powder that is making your arms and legs itch, maybe switch to a fragrance free, non-biological option and see if it makes a difference.

If you continue to suffer, maybe speak to your GP who might be able to offer additional suggestion or alternative treatments.

Skincare Advice

Why and How You Should Be Using Beauty Oils

12/05/2018 15/05/2018 0

Beauty oils are huge right now, with every YouTuber on the planet making videos of themselves dripping them all over their faces, but are they just a ‘trend’ or is there benefit to using oil on your face?

The short answer is, YES, there’s a whole bunch of reasons to use beauty oils, and we’ve put together a little beginners guide to set you on the right path.

What are beauty oils?

Beauty oils are usually a blend of essential oils, fruit oils, plant oils and oils from other sources which have specific benefits for your complexion. Each one has a different formulation, which is good for different skin issues and they also usually have a complex fragrance which also works on an aromatheraputic level.

What are they good for?

Oils are deeply moisturising, making them good for dry skin and also skin which is suffering from the signs of ageing. However, they can also be good for oily skin, if you choose the right one. There’s pretty much an oil for every type of skin concern!

How do I use them?

If the YouTubers are to be believed, you’re supposed to film yourself dripping them all over your face – but actually, they can be used as a moisturiser, some can be used as cleansers to get rid of waterproof make up, they can be used for therapeutic massage and some can even be used as a replacement for your primer under make-up, especially if you have dry skin.

Which ones do we recommend?

Decleor Aroma Nutrition- Satin Softening Dry Oil – perfect for skin, hair and nails, to give a deep wash of moisture without feeling too greasy.

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil – perfect for daily use to replenish very dry skin and improve oil production on a cellular level.

Elemis Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil – a delicate cleansing oil which melts away make-up in seconds without interfering with the skin’s natural balance.

Decleor Aromessence Neroli Amara Hydrating Oil Serum – a multi-award winning serum which is suitable for all skin types and will deeply nourish and hydrate the face.

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil – a natural blend of highly concentrated plant-based superfoods that deeply nourishes and hydrates.

Health and Happiness

Take a break and relax in five minutes

08/05/2018 15/05/2018 0

You’ve got 87 new emails in your inbox, the next conference call starts in five minutes and your to do list is growing by the minute – arghhhhh. When you are feeling frazzled, and a long weekend at the beach to regroup isn’t on the cards, you can reset your calm in less time that you think.

We have put together a list of easy ways to relax and relieve stress in just five minutes, or less.

Sip green tea
Instead of heading for another coffee, go for a green tea instead. Boil the water, pour it out, and once cool take a soothing sip of tea which contains a source of L-Theanine, a chemical that helps relieve anger.

Have a square of chocolate
Just one square of good quality, dark chocolate can help calm your nerves, regulate the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, in your body and stabilise your metabolism. What’s not to like?

Get some gum
Minty, fruity, or bubble-gum flavoured, gum is a surprisingly quick and easy way to beat stress. Just a few minutes of chewing can help to reduce anxiety and lower cortisol levels, but always go for a sugar-free option.

Stretch it out
Ever 30 minutes, get up, stand away from your desk or workplace and stretch. A few simple shoulder rolls or chest-opening stretches can ease muscle tension and help you to relax instantly.

Meditate
You don’t need to go on a retreat to meditate, as five minutes of peace is all it takes to feel the benefits of meditation. Find a quiet, comfortable spot, sit down, close your eyes, concentrate on your breath, and feel your anxiety start to disappear and the mist to clear.

Close your eyes
If lists and numbers are flashing in front of you, take a quick break by closing your eyes so you can regain calm and focus.

Get a stress ball
It is so simple, and so old school, but squeezing a stress ball is a great way to relieve all that built up tension and saves you dealing with a panic attack when things just get too much.

Try cold water
When stress hits, leave your desk, walk to the bathroom and run the cold water on your wrists and behind your ears. There are arteries underneath the skin in these area, so cooling them down can help calm your whole body down.

Get organised
Trying to work in a mess of Post-It notes, cables and pieces of paper can be stressful in itself. Take a few minutes to organise your work space and make a list of what needs to be done today and you will start to see the wood from the trees once again.

Move
Whether you walk up and down the stairs, dance around the kitchen or run to the shop, getting up and moving for even five minutes can work wonders for your stress levels and your mood.

Sing
Whether it is Beyonce, Justin Bieber or The Beatles, put your favourite song on, and sing it at full volume as you dance round the room. We bet you’ll find being lost in music for five minutes will fix a bad mood and take your back to better days.

If you have more than five minutes, you can of course come in and see use and whether you go for a facial, massage or soothing body treatment, we can get you back on track.

Skincare Advice

The Importance of Oxygen

05/05/2018 07/05/2018 0

With so much talk about how “antioxidants” are important to the skin, it might be easy to forget that oxygen is actually vital for the proper function of the skin. Oxidation is actually the decaying process that occurs when cells metabolize oxygen. As we get older, however, the skin loses its ability to process oxygen efficiently, which is why many products for ageing skin are “oxygenating”. Here at Pure Beauty, we offer several oxygenating products, and these are five of the best:

Decleor 2 in 1 Purifying and Oxygenating Mask

This product from Decleor combines a mask and an exfoliant into one product, for a simple, gentle approach to pureness. The mask contains bamboo tears, which cleanse and deeply mattify without dehydrating the skin and Egyptian loofah fibres, which gently eliminate dead skin cells. White Jojoba restores hydration and leave your skin feeling soft.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

This product from Dermalogica is specifically designed for ageing skin and stimulates wound healing and collagen formation while increasing oxygen utilisation in cells. As well as defending against the internal and external causes of skin aging, this cream provides critical protection from daylight exposure, and blends smoothly into skin to create a perfected finish.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Oxygenating Night Cream

This night cream from Elemis is one of the best-loved products on the planet and it’s clear to see why! It’s a scientifically-proven night cream which helps to increase oxygen levels in the skin, to help to slow down ageing and bolster its natural regeneration process. It’s not cheap, but the results speak for themselves. A little goes a long way and it’s really worth every penny!

Decleor Velvet Mattifying Fluid

This mattifying fluid is designed for oily skin and encourages the skin to absorb more oxygen, therefore improving cellular activity and helping combat lifeless skin. It provides all day mattifying power, leaving your skin looking perfected and smooth, without drying it out at all. It’s ideal when used as a primer under make-up, giving the skin an airbrushed look.

Dermalogica MAP-15 Regenerator

Dermalogica created this powder-to-emulsion product that delivers the highest concentration of Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) directly into the skin to help dramatically improve skin firmness and clarity. It increases oxygen utilisation in skin while hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, phospholipids, algae and yeast extracts to help stimulate collagen production, brighten skin tone, and neutralise free radicals to dramatically.

Health and Happiness

Keep hay fever at bay

01/05/2018 01/05/2018 0

It seems like only yesterday we were shovelling snow off our paths and wrapping up in thermals, but all of a sudden spring is here and with it brings the pollen that causes hay fever, and misery.

The balmier climes we have been seeing recently mean trees have burst into flower and the pollen levels have risen. Millions of Brits suffer with itchy eyes, a runny nose, headaches and irritating sneezes every summer, so we have had a look at why and what you can do to deal with the pain of hay fever.

Hay fever tends to start in late March and can last until the end of September, with things being worse when it’s warm, humid and windy as this is when the pollen count is at its highest.

Unlike a cold, which tends to last for a week or two, hay fever sticks around for longer.

The typical symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, coughing and a runny and/or blocked nose. Itchy, red, watery eyes are a constant feature and headaches as well as pain around the forehead and temples can make days drag.
A sore throat as well as ear ache and a poor sense of smell can leave you feeling tired and irritable – well is it little wonder?

One of the many frustrating things is that because Mother Nature is at the heart of this condition, hay fever cannot be prevented and there is no cure because the symptom causing pollen is in the air.

There are however things that can help you get the situation under control.

Try putting Vaseline around your nostrils as this can trap pollen before it gets into your nose and we also like the HayMax organic allergen barrier balm which you can buy in most chemists. They might not be on trend, but wraparound sunglasses can help stop the pollen getting in your eyes. It might seem extreme but shower and change your clothes when you’ve been outside as this will wash away pollen Boring maybe, but when pollen levels are high, why not stay indoors and get those jobs done that were on your list all winter. Keeping windows and doors closed helps the situation, as does vacuming and dusting.

There are also some golden ‘don’ts’ that you might not of considered but could help you feel better. Don’t cut the grass or walk on grass as this can really lead to problems. They are pretty, but don’t have fresh flowers in the house, smoking is always a bad idea and really won’t help hay fever, and don’t dry your clothes outside as they will pick up pollen which you will then ingest.

Even with all of these steps taken, you may well still find pollen gets to you and makes you feel grotty and unable to get on with life.

You can take over the counter products from the chemist and your Pharmacist will be able to talk you though painkillers as well as antihistamine drops, tablets or nasal sprays which can all ease symptoms.

If nothing takes the edge off things, you may want to speak to your GP and they can prescribe stronger medication.

We hope this helps you on your hay fever journey and remember, we are always here to pamper you if you are feeling less than 100%.

The Salon Team

Facial Treatments, Skincare Advice

Looking After Your Lips

28/04/2018 29/04/2018 0

The lips are one of the most noticeable features of your face – most people say that the first thing they look at is a person’s mouth and it’s often the focus when speaking or smiling. That means that keeping your lips in beautiful condition is important for the whole appearance of your face, so we thought we’d talk to you today about some of the products that Pure Beauty have to offer for looking after your lips.

Decleor Luxuriant Nourishing Lip Balm

This balm from Decleor has a rich feel which melts in beautifully and not only protects lips from dryness, but can also help to restore lips which are already suffering. It contains a combination of marjoram essential oil, shea butter and macadamia oil to leave lips feeling soft, supple and totally restored to their best.

Elemis Lip Revive

This reviving lip treatment from Elemis contains zingy, cooling peppermint with helps your lips to feel in tip-top condition. It’s made from a base of white bees wax, a totally natural alternative to the usual petroleum-based lip treatments which actually dry the lips out MORE. It heals and soothes dry, chapped lips and offers excellent moisturising properties.

Dermalogica Lip Renewal Complex

Ageing lips often suffer from dryness, as well as fine lines and wrinkles, which is why Dermalogica created this lip complex, specifically for older skin. It’s designed to restore delicate tissue while minimising contour lines and helping to prevent the signs of aging. It is suitable for drier/prematurely-aging skin and is especially useful for former smokers who want to reverse the signs of ageing around the mouth.

Elemis Pro-Definition Eye and Lip Contour Cream

The skin around the eyes and mouth are actually pretty similar; both are areas of high movement and are susceptible to showing the signs of ageing because of this. Elemis has developed a cream which is suitable for both the delicate eye and lip area and new Chaperone technology with scientifically proven plant stem cells help to redensify, plump and re-build thin, ageing skin around the eyes and lips.

Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment

This restorative lip treatment contains a highly-scientific combination of swertia chirata extract, apple fruit extract and glycerin, sesame seed extract and shea butter. It’s designed to bolster the fragile skin around the mouth, give plumpness back to the area and deeply moisturise while protecting from further drying. The container offers a special applicator to make using it even easier.

Health and Happiness

Eat spring vegetables and feel great

24/04/2018 29/04/2018 0

As well as longer evenings, warmer temperatures and bank holidays, spring is also the time when British vegetables come into their own giving you so much more choice when it comes to cooking. Nothing tastes quite as good as fresh rhubarb and radishes so we have had a look at the best way to tuck into them while you can.

Spring greens
Well, what else could we kick off with? Spring by name and spring by nature, these often overlooked vegetables have dark, loose, lush leaves but come without the hard core that is at the centre of white and purple cabbages. Whether you use them in a soup, stew, broth, stir-fry or as part of a Sunday roast, simply shred the leaves, cook and enjoy spring greens at the their best from now until the end of May.

Asparagus
There is something special about the asparagus, but the British season is short so if you see it for sale, grab it. It is the prized tender tips you want to go for and these need to be cooked al dente so they keep a little bite and don’t go soft. Serve with a tuna salad, baked with cod or simply use as an alternative to soldiers and dip into your breakfast eggs.

Rhubarb
Did you know that rhubarb is actually a veggie? The bright pink colour, sour, fruity taste and the fact that it is mostly used in desserts, makes us think it’s a fruit but it comes from the same family as sorrel and is most definitely a vegetable. While this can be ready as early as January, it is spring when the best crop becomes available. Rhubarb adds something different to sweet and savoury dishes but we love nothing more than a homemade crumble served with custard.

Cauliflower
We know that the humble cauliflower is used all year round, but right now they are at their finest. We love a traditional cauliflower cheese after a busy day at work and it is of course the perfect accompaniment to pretty much any meal you make. If you want to up your cooking game, why not try to make cauliflower rice to go with your salmon, cut up and create cauliflower steaks for the BBQ, or you can find a recipe online and make a fab gluten free pizza base with cauliflower.

Purple sprouting broccoli
There isn’t long until the end of April, so we suggest you go for a serving of this vibrant vegetable ASAP. Not dissimilar to its green cousins, the purple florets offer a more delicate taste, as well as a splash of colour. Serve with chicken or fish, add a little garlic butter to bring out the flavour of your meat or use it to bring a simple salad to life by adding a few florets on the side.

New potatoes
A solid staple, that’s what the new potato is and it really cannot be beaten. With a sweet, nutty flavour and flaky skins, these potatoes have a firm texture so are perfect for potato salad made with fresh mayonnaise and chives. Add to a nutty salad, cut up into a casserole or layer onto of a Shepherd’ pie for a light crust.

Radishes
We love these crisp, bright peppery vegetables and think should be added to every salad or you can pickle them and use as a delicate G&T garnish.

So, step away from the tins and get fresh in the kitchen this spring.

Life and Fashion

Five Ways to Make Your Hair Appear Thicker

21/04/2018 24/04/2018 0

There are loads of products on the market which promise thicker hair, from magic capsules to special shampoos, but the plain fact is that your head has a certain amount of follicles, usually dictated by genetics, and no amount of product will change that. There are, however, things you can do to make your hair APPEAR thicker, and we thought we’d share a few thicker-hair secrets with you today.

Switch Up Your Shampoo

Lots of shampoos contain something called “sulfates”, which are usually used to cut through grease, but they can also strip the outer layer of your hair, leaving it looking dry and flyaway. Switching to a sulphate-free shampoo such as Dermalogica Daily Cleansing Shampoo will give your hair a much fuller look and stop your hair from being damaged in the process.

Change Your Conditioner

Many conditioners are just way too heavy for fine hair and will literally weight it down, making it look even flatter than usual. A lightweight conditioner like Dermalogica Daily Conditioning Rinse will do a much better job of conditioning your hair without making it look flat as a pancake and will make it easier to add volume while styling.

Think About Your Style

Styles which are parted in the middle and dead-straight will massively accentuate fine hair; a sweeping fringe, side parting and waves or curls will add masses of volume to your hair and really help to disguise fine or thinning hair. Experiment with different things and don’t be afraid to go for something out of your comfort zone!

Look After Your Scalp

Sometimes, the problem with your hair is actually your scalp, and you might find that treating your scalp to some TLC can improve the appearance of your hair. Elemis Japanese Camellia Body Oil Blend is rich in plant collagen and is designed to be used on the scalp, as well as the skin, hair and nails. It’s a light oil which is easily absorbed and improves circulation with regular use.

Audit Your Products

Think about the products you’re using on your hair – are they weighing it down? Oil-based products like serums are generally too heavy to use on fine hair, whereas something like a sea-salt spray will had texture and definition to your hair, helping to give it body and volume.

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