Our Blog – Page 44 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Body Treatments, Facial Treatments, Manicures

Pure Beauty for Pampering Treats

17/04/2018 24/04/2018 0

Welcome to Pure Beauty in Lichfield; an oasis of calm just moments from Upper St Johns Street, where you can leave the worries of the world at the door and be pampered to your heart’s content.

We pride ourselves on first class customer service and have a team of experienced, professional therapists who offer a range of treatments that leave you feeling relaxed and revived as well as looking fantastic.

With so much to choose from, we are going to have a look at some of our most popular treatments and hope they will tempt you to come in and give us a try.

CACI Non Surgical Face Lift
If you are looking to improve muscle tone as well as soften fine lines and wrinkles, you might be interested in the CACI Non Surgical Face Lift. A micro-current is used and a combination of waveforms and ultra low frequencies work with your body’s own bio electrical field for noticeable results. We recommend a 12 week course to get the most out of this treatment, with 1 to 2 sessions a week initially and monthly top-ups there after for maintenance purposes.

Manicures and Pedicures
Tidy nails are a sure way too look and feel great about yourself everyday. Our Luxury Manicure takes just under an hour and is the perfect pick me up from a busy schedule and demanding family life. Your therapist will start by submerging your hands in warm water so your nails are softened, nourished and receptive to your treatment. Your cuticles will then be tidied up and treated so they are strong and healthy. Following an arm and hand massage, your nails will filed and your chosen polish and finish applied.

If time isn’t on your side but you want to get flip-flop ready, why not go for the Express Pedicure? During the 30 minute session, your therapist will gently push back your cuticles, massage your feet with a beautiful foot cream, file your nails and apply polish so your feet are picture perfect. We do suggest you have open toe shoes to leave the salon so no smudges occur before the colour and finish are 100% set.

Pregnancy Treatments
Mums-to-be need to take care of themselves, as well as their precious load, and for this reason we offer a range of treatments just for them. The Elemis Peaceful Pregnancy Massage is a sensitive, relaxing massage that gently hydrates and moisturises the delicate skin that is growing with the baby. Nurturing aromatics are used by experienced therapists who ensure you are comfortable and leave feeling cared for. We also have the new post-natal treatment that gives new mums 90 minutes of ‘me time’ so they can get away from nappies and feeding a let us take care of them. A gentle body massage, bespoke facial and soothing mask are all part of the package and one that takes care of the needs of new mums who walk out of the salon ready for the next feed.

ELEMIS Facials
Our Elemis facials are really popular because our therapists ensure they are tailored to each client. We love the Elemis Superfood Pro Radiance Facial which leaves skin plump, glowing and looking healthier than ever. The results are thanks to a nutritional boost rich in superfoods and essential minerals that ease stressed, dull skin and brings it back to life.

Just for Men
We know men also need a little bit of time out so we offer a range of treatments just for them. One of the most popular choices is the Deep Tissue Back and Shoulder Massage. This highly targeted treatment focuses on releasing the tension that builds up in the back and shoulders, something which is often the result of driving for hours, time spent at a computer or over doing things in the gym. Therapists work with clients to customise treatments and using the right the level of pressure the powerful deep tissue massage will break down and take away the aches and pains caused by tight, over worked muscles.

Whatever you are looking for, give us a call and we are confident we can help you feel your very best you.

Team Pure-Beauty

Skincare Advice

Lotions and Creams – What’s the Difference?

14/04/2018 24/04/2018 0

If you’re not familiar with the products in a particular range, or just aren’t hugely knowledgeable when it comes to skincare, all of the various terms might seem confusing. Two of the most commonly used words in skincare are “lotion” and “cream” and while it might seem like these are the same thing, there are some major differences.

Lotions have a lower viscosity, meaning they have a thinner consistency compared to creams. This is why you’ll find most lotions packaged in bottles that can be squeezed or come with a built-in pump, like Decleor Hydra Floral White Petal Skin Perfecting Hydrating Milky Lotion. Lotions also tend to be lighter and less oily, which makes the formulation ideal for products that are used for the entire body and/or used during the day.

Creams, on the other hand, are much thicker. They are usually packaged in small jars since they are not only difficult to squeeze out of bottles, but are also more concentrated. Most anti-aging products used on the face have a cream formulation, such as Decleor Energy Concentrate Youth Cream which contains peony, lychee and rhodiola extracts, which re-energises the skin.

If you have normal skin, lotions are already sufficient to moisturize your entire body, including your hands and feet. As mentioned earlier, lotions are also ideal to use during the day and during summer as well, since they are absorbed easily and don’t leave a sticky, sometimes greasy residue; if you live somewhere hot and/or humid, you may also want to use lotions instead of creams. However, if your hands, elbows, knees, and feet are particularly dry, you can find some specialized creams that can address the dryness in these areas.

Meanwhile, if you need intensive moisturisation — for example, you have very dry skin — then creams best suit your needs. Those who live in places with strong winds or extremely cold winters may also benefit from the usage of creams, as they are thicker and thus provide a greater level of protection from harsh environmental conditions.

Another thing that you should remember is that you should only use products intended for a specific use. That is to say, hand lotions and creams should only be used for the hands, and so on. This is because there are often ingredients in these specially made lotions and creams that aren’t supposed to be used in other parts of the body.

Now that you know the difference between the two, it’s time to get a lotion or cream (or both!) to take care of your skin all over.

Life and Fashion

Get your feet flip flop ready

10/04/2018 13/04/2018 0

We don’t know about you, but we think it feels like spring is in the air and that means putting the Uggs away, getting the flip flips out and making sure our feet are in good condition after a long, cold winter.

We have put together some easy to follow tips to get your toes and feet happy and healthy for the summer.

Exfoliate
When you are in the shower, use your body scrub to exfoliate your feet and in between your toes, as bacteria can live here that can cause infections.

Dry your feet well
Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially between the toes as is where fungal infections such as athlete’s foot can develop.

Keep them smooth
There is nothing worse than scratchy, coarse feet so get into the habit of using a pumice stone or foot file on damp heels and calluses as this will keep them healthy and looking good. First, soak your feet in warm water for around 10 minutes to help soften your skin. Then gently remove the thickened skin with a pumice stone, take your time, go easy and don’t rub until the skin is raw. Little and often is the key to success. Apply foot scrubs or gentle exfoliators to your feet to further remove dead skin. Finally apply a foot cream or balm containing shea or cocoa butter and let the goodness get to work, free of shoes or socks.

Moisturise
If your heels are very dry and cracked for an extended period, you might want to talk to a podiatrist or chiropodist but if it is every day wear and tear, using a moisturising product on a regular basis will keep them in tip-top condition.

Protect from the sun
We are getting better at wearing sunscreen on our faces and bodies, but don’t always remember to put it on the tops of our feet and toes. Apply a broad-spectrum cream with an SPF of at least 30 when you’re going barefoot or wearing open shoes and make sure you don’t burn as it can be really painful and potentially dangerous.

Go easy on the polish
We know painted nails look great with flip flops and sandals, but nails naturally become more brittle with age and the ingredients in some polish products can dry your nails even further. Every couple of weeks remove your nail varnish, using an alcohol-free product, and allow your toenails to breathe for a few days before treating yourself to a relaxing pedicure.

Cut carefully
Trim your toenails on a regular basis using proper nail clippers not kitchen scissors. The best way to do this is to cut straight across the nail, never at an angle or down the edges as this can cause painful ingrown nails. After cutting your nails, moisturise them with either a cuticle cream, petroleum jelly, or Vitamin E oil.

Limit high heels
We all love heels but they don’t do us many favours in the long run and they can cause posture, back and knee problems. Keep them for special occasions, try not to wear them all day long and if you need insoles or plasters, use them as your feet will thank you.

Take care with flip-flops
We know it is tempting in the summer to wear flip-flops all the time but they don’t provide any support and can give you arch and heel pain. Be sensible and swap your shoes around, wearing trainers if you are out walking, and having a couple of pairs of sandals, ideally with straps, you can alternate is a good idea.

Poolside health
Changing rooms, gym showers, swimming pools, public toilets, and hotel bathrooms are breeding grounds for fungus and nasties. Try to avoid walking barefoot in such places to prevent picking up athlete’s foot and verrucas.

Feet can tell a lot about our overall health. For example, dry skin can be a sign of chronic fatigue and flaky toenails can be attributed to a deficiency in calcium or Vitamin B, so if you do have any major issues with your feet, speak to your GP for medical advice.

Dermalogica, Elemis, Health and Happiness

A Herbal Treatment for Your Skin

07/04/2018 13/04/2018 0

Mankind has been using combinations of herbs for centuries to treat a whole load of ailments, and these days, the best beauty products also harness the powers of nature. From lavender to soothe the skin to rosemary which helps aching joints, we stock a whole range of products which are based on herbs and pack a real punch. Read on for five of our favourites:

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask

Masks are a great way to treat your skin and using one which is infused with lavender is going to be the perfect way soothe your skin. This mask from Elemis is ideal for sensitive, blemish prone skin and can be used as a special overnight treatment to repair and heal blemished skin. It doesn’t set, so it doesn’t dry the skin out and is great for oily skin.

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream

This cream from Dermalogica contains a whole load of different ingredients, derived from nature. As well as aloe gel, the cream contains mallow, cucumber and arnica, as well as grapeseed extract and vitamins A, C and E. It helps to smooth fine lines, prevent the cellular damage caused by free radicals, and restore suppleness and tone to the skin.

Elemis Musclease Active Body Oil

As we mentioned above, rosemary oil is a great remedy to aching muscles and in this body oil it’s combined with maritime pine, sea buckthorn and sea fennel extracts to help ease muscle spasm caused by sport, dance, physical work and wear and tear. It soaks in quickly and doesn’t leave the skin feeling oily, just moisturised and smoothed.

Dermalogica Nightly Lip Treatment

Because the mouth is a high-movement area, it’s also one of the places that wrinkles are most likely to form, which is why using a targeted product to take care of the area is important. As with other night creams, this lip treatment is ultra-rich and contains Indian gentian, an herb which is found high in the Himalayan mountains. It helps thicken the epidermis, which reduces skin fragility and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles on and around the lips.

Elemis Smooth Result Shave and Beard Oil

Beard-care is hugely popular these days, and rightly so, with more blokes than ever sporting a chin warmer! This versatile oil can be used both for shaving and for keeping your beard soft and smooth, and contains a blend of vitamin-rich herbal oils to suit all skin types.

Health and Happiness

Make a super smoothie to go

03/04/2018 16/04/2018 0

Busy lives, packed schedules and family demands can mean we often skip meals and grab a bar of chocolate on the run when hunger pangs strike.

Smoothies are nothing new, but because they are packed with goodness, they are a great way of getting those vital vitamins and nutrients that are often missed out of our diets because other things take over.

We don’t think this has to be the case and have put together some of our favourite smoothie recipes that are really easy to make, even when you are time poor.

Breakfast on the go

This is a simple smoothie but one that is packed with goodness and thanks to the addition of oats, it will keep you away from the vending machine mid-morning.

1 large, ripe banana
1 tablespoon of porridge oats
100g of fruit such as strawberries, blueberries or mango (go for frozen if you haven’t got any fresh options at home)
150ml of semi-skimmed milk
1 teaspoon of honey
Ice cubes

Put all the ingredients into a blender and whizz for around one minute or until smooth, adding ice cubes it you want the liquid to keep colder for longer. Pour the mixture into a flask, and start your day the healthy way.

Go, go green smoothie

Smoothies do not have to be sweet, so if you are looking for something with a more savoury edge, this is for you. Vibrant and vitamin packed, the avocado, cucumber, spinach and kale pack a punch that is evened out with coconut water and pineapple.

For this drink you will need:

1 avocado, peeled, stoned and sliced
1 cup of spinach
1 cup of kale
50g of fresh pineapple
A 15cm piece of cucumber, sliced
300ml of coconut water
Ice cubes

Put the avocado, spinach, kale, pineapple and cucumber in a blender, then add the coconut water, blitz until smooth. Then add the ice cubes and blend until they are totally broken up. This smoothie is a great mid-afternoon latte swap and will not only hydrate you thanks to the coconut water, but it tastes great too.

Vitamin C blaster to go

Pink grapefruit, strawberries and pineapple are all high in immune boosting, disease-fighting Vitamin C so if you feeling a little off colour, this is a great pick me up.

1 large pink grapefruit peeled, seeded and sliced
1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
1/2 a cup of fresh pineapple, chopped
1 cup of strawberries
½ a cup of blueberries
1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
1/2 a cup of almond milk
Ice cubes

Put all the fruit into a blender, blitz for one minute, add the almond milk and ice and let the goodness get to work as you drink post-work out.

Got a winning smoothie recipe? Let us know what it is, we’d love to give it a go.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

How to Improve The Shape of Your Bottom

31/03/2018 01/04/2018 0

Whether you’re petite or plus-sized, the shape of your bottom isn’t always affected by your size. There are size 6 women with plenty of junk in the trunk, as well as size 20 women who wish they had a few more curves in the right places. There are, however, a few things you can do to affect the shape of your derriere and we’ve put together a few tips and tricks for you to try.

Squats

When it comes to using exercise to influence your shape, there are few better things to try than squats. This can be either plain ol’ body weight squats that you can do at home, increasing your volume by 10-20 each day, or weighted squats using a rack in the gym. Either way, squats are the perfect exercise to help you to lift and tone your bottom while adding muscle volume to the areas.

Dry Brushing

Dry brushing is a brilliant way to stimulate your circulation, and if you dry brush your bottom you can also help to reduce the appearance of cellulite, which is one of the most common complaints that women make about their rear end. Use the Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush upward sweeping motions to get everything flowing in the right direction every evening before you bathe or shower.

Massage

Massage is another way to help you to get a smoother bottom as regular stimulation will reduce areas of water retention, help to disperse cellulite and will also make you feel a whole lot better if you’ve been hitting the squats as we suggested about! Elemis Cellutox Active Body Oil is the perfect oil to use for massaging your bum and will leave your skin hydrated and replenished.

Spend Less Time Sitting Down

It’s a fact that people who spend more time sitting down, because of sedentary jobs or an inactive lifestyle, will be more prone to bottoms without shape and fullness. Moving around more will help to keep your bottom from appearing flat and will also help to tone your legs, which will make the shape of your butt appear better too.

CLENCH!

If you;ve had kids, you’ll know the value of doing those random pelvic floor exercises, even while you’re just standing around waiting for a bus and the same goes for your derriere – spend a few minutes, a few times a day, clenching and releasing your glutes. It’s a mini workout for your bottom and it will really make a difference to the overall shape and perkiness of your backside if you do it regularly.

Health and Happiness

Feed your skin

27/03/2018 23/03/2018 0

Not a week goes by without a new superfood being added to our ‘must-eat’ list, making it hard to know where to start when it comes to finding the perfect balanced diet.

You really can’t go wrong if you eat a range of seasonal fruit and vegetables mixed with whole grains, pulses and good protein. Plenty of water, regular exercise and decent sleep are also a good idea.

If you really want to use your diet to feed your skin, we have some suggestions of foods that will make your complexion glow.

Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a pretty secret beauty hero food, but we don’t mind sharing it with you. Full of skin saving Vitamin E, zinc and magnesium, these littles seeds promote the regeneration of skin cells and are filled with protein, making them a perfect mid-morning snack that will fill you up until lunch time when mixed with almonds. Add to cereal, smoothies and salads and you are already ahead of the glowing game.

Carrots
We know carrots are meant to help you see in the dark, but they also offer skin a beauty boost, so stock up when you are shopping. Filled with beta carotene, try juicing one with an apple and a sprig of mint for a refreshing replacement to a mid-morning latte and dip them in hummus rather than reaching for a packet of crisps and your skin will thank you.

Salmon
Salmon is jam-packed with the omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to help reduce inflammation and the signs of ageing. For a quick and easy dinner, drench a piece of fresh salmon in lemon juice, wrap it in silver foil and pop it in the oven for 25 minutes then serve with a fresh salad and sweet potato.

Blueberries
If you are going to add one fruit to your diet, make it the blueberry. Filled with antioxidants as well as essential vitamins and minerals, blueberries can help heal damaged skin and are delicious too, so eat as many as you can.

Flaxseed oil
OK, not a food as such, but flaxseed oil, like salmon, is rich in the omega-3 fatty acids that can decrease inflammation and help skin look smooth and calm. It can be pretty much added to anything from porridge and smoothies to salads and pancakes.

Green tea
We all head to the coffee pot for an energy boost, but this might not be doing you much good at all. Instead, grab a cup of green tea and as you take five minutes to relax you can let the inflammation-fighting antioxidants and vitamins keep your complexion blemish-free.

Avocado
We couldn’t do this round-up without mentioning the avocado. Complete with essential fatty acids, Vitamin E and antioxidants, avocados are staple for great skin. The ‘good fats’ are great for the cell membranes that let the good stuff into your skin and keep the bad ones out. Why not chop an avocado into a smoothie or enjoy with a tuna and egg salad at lunchtime?

Got a superfood you, love, drop us a line and let us know what it is.

Skincare Advice

Argan Oil – the Newest Wonder Ingredient

24/03/2018 23/03/2018 0

We’ve written before about how the beauty industry is often influenced by trends, just like the fashion industry, and trends of new wonder-ingredients pop up on an almost weekly basis. With brands like Elemis, Decleor and Dermalogica, however, it takes a lot more than “trends” to influence what they put in their products, so when something like argan oil does make an appearance, you know it’s really effective.

What is Argan Oil?

According to Wikipedia “Argan oil is a plant oil produced from the kernels of the argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) that is endemic to Morocco. In Morocco, argan oil is used to dip bread in at breakfast or to drizzle on couscous or pasta. It is also used for cosmetic purposes.”

What Does it Do?

Argan oil is most commonly used as a skin moisturiser to hydrate and soften skin. With its high vitamin E and fatty acid content, argan oil is the ideal product to give skin a natural boost. It absorbs easily and is non-greasy and non-irritating, which makes it a great natural moisturiser. Argan oil is also proven to make hair softer, silkier and shinier. It is the ideal hair conditioner, and it can even help to treat split ends and tame frizzy hair.

Which Products Contain Argan Oil?

Decleor Marjolaine Nourishing Oil Serum

One of the newer products on our shelves, this serum is an intesly rich moisturiser, designed to totally reinvigorate and repair very dry skin. It contains myrrh, lavender, marjoram and avocado oils, as well as argan oil, to enrich the skin with essential nutrients and protect the skins natural balance. It can be used underneath your regular moisturiser for an improved complexion.

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum

This serum may come in a tiny bottle but it is PACKED with age-fighting ingredients, including rose oil and jasmine oil, amongst others, as well as several peptides and amino acids, and of course argan oil. Applied at night time after cleansing your face, this serum synchronises with night time circadian rhythms to enhance skin nourishment, recovery, cell renewal and hydration levels. It also delivers a quicker, more effective penetration of actives to address skin care issues.

Decleor Hydra-Nourishing Duo Mask

This mask from Decleor performs two main functions; phase one hydrates the skin to give a soothing sensation. Phase two provides nourishment and relieves feelings of tightness and irritation. The mask contains cranberry oil, as well as argan oil, and leaves the skin with improved luminosity.

Skincare Advice

Rosacea – what’s it all about?

20/03/2018 18/03/2018 0

While generally poorly understood, rosacea is a pretty common, acne-like inflammatory skin condition that particularly affects the face.

The symptoms often start with skin flushing with the complexion turning red for short periods of time and this can be accompanied by burning and stinging, dryness, spots as well as small blood vessels becoming visible.

There isn’t an exact cause of rosacea but abnormalities in facial blood vessels and reactions to microscopic mites are thought to be two possible reasons for flare ups. It is also thought that stress, light exposure, hot and cold weather, alcohol, caffeine, spicy foods are triggers that can make things worse.

There are no specific tests for rosacea, but seeing your GP about persistent symptoms and getting an early diagnosis can help to stop things getting worse and offer peace of mind. They will talk over your concerns, ask about your possible triggers, examine your skin and while there is no cure they can help with a treatment plan.

When medication is offered, it generally comes in the form of creams and gels that are applied, under guidance, to the affected skin areas and in some cases antibiotics are prescribed too.
A lot of the treatment is around self-care, so leading a healthy lifestyle and avoiding your own personal triggers, be that not drinking alcohol, choosing decaf tea and coffee and reducing exposure to sunlight, is advisable.

In some cases laser and intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment might be offered. This involve beams of light being directly aimed at the inflamed blood vessels in the skin so they shrink and become less visible.

While treatment can control the symptoms (there is no cure), rosacea can change the appearance of the skin which can cause embarrassment and affect everyday life.

“I suddenly found myself with rosacea in my early 40s and it had not only an impact on my skin but also my confidence and self-esteem”.
Helen

It is important to know that millions of people around the world suffer with this condition and you aren’t alone. Taking care of your diet and lifestyle will help you feel more in control and following your treatment plan will hopefully keep your skin calm and healthy. If you do feel self-conscious, try not to let it take over your thoughts and some people find meditation helps them keep calm and grounded.

If you really do struggle with the physical impact of rosacea, go back to your GP and see if they can help with some counselling or support. It is also worth noting that the charity, Changing Faces, offers a variety of services for anyone in the UK who has a condition that affects their appearance.

Body Treatments, Health and Happiness

Get Your Glow On

17/03/2018 18/03/2018 0

At this time of year, with the last of Winter hanging on for dear life and even more snow in the forecast, it’s easy to feel very drab and dull, favouring warmth and comfort over a glam glow. However, Spring is just around the corner and giving your body an overhaul to get your glow on can make you feel better and improve your mental wellness, too. Here are five of our favourite products for helping to restore your glow:

Elemis Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask

Face masks are a great way to get rid of the dull, dead skin that may be shrouding your complexion and stopping it from looking its best. This mask from Elemis contains naturally occurring fruit extracts from strawberry and kiwi, mixed with a kaolin base to restore radiance, enhance circulation, and brighten the skin, leaving you looking rejuvenated and glowing.

Decleor Intense Glow Dark Circle Corrector

Is there anything more likely to make you look tired and drawn than dark circles under your eyes? This dark circle corrector from Decleor had a refreshingly delicate texture and is an all-in-one treatment for dark circles, containing caffeine to stimulate drainage to reduce puffiness, as well as orange pigments which deliver an instant illuminating effect.

Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow

Exfoliating your body is also a good way to improve your overall glow, and this salt-based exfoliator from Elemis is designed to specifically remove dead cells, tone the skin, increase blood flow and even improve your metabolism. It improves the skin’s ability to absorb moisturisers and other products and contains no parabens, SLS or mineral oils.

Decleor Intense Glow Awakening Cream

Fatigue is one of the main causes of feeling as though you’ve lost your glow as it can cause dark circles and tired-looking skin. This cream from Decleor is designed to impart radiance into skin every morning, and contains powerful active ingredients, to work on the signs of tired skin. Tamarindus Extract offers intense hydration and optimum skin softening, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to fully rejuvenate skin.

Elemis Total Glow Bronzing Body Lotion

Gradual tanner is one of the very best ways to increase your glow and make you feel less like you’ve been hibernating in a cave for the past six months! This bronzing lotion from Elemis is designed to deeply moisturise the skin, while building a gradual, even, natural looking tan. It contains anti-oxidant rich green tea for a more even skin tone and red algae extract to help ensure long-lasting hydration.

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