Our Blog – Page 45 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Healthy hair for spring

13/03/2018 09/03/2018 0

The Beast from the East may have left our shores, but the snow and wind it bought our way marked the end of a harsh winter. As well as your skin taking a battering from sub-zero temperatures outside, and central heating blasts inside, your hair can also be damaged by the elements.

We have had a look at how to get your hair healthy for spring and summer 2018.

Wash less
The truth is, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes how many times you should wash your hair, but over washing it – which means every day or more – can dry it out and strip it of natural oils. While thick and curly hair can benefit from a few days without washing, someone with thin, straight hair might not feel the same way. Find a good quality shampoo and conditioner that works well for your hair, and lifestyle, and aim for two to three washes a week. If you hair does get oily, try using dry shampoo on your roots to help soak up excess oil in between washes.

Go for a cold rinse
When it comes to your conditioner, rinse it off with cold water if you can bear it. This will help with improve strength and leave your locks looking super shiny when your hair is dry.

Careful combing
It is important to tame wet hair with a wide toothed comb and run it from the roots to the ends of your hair as gently as possible to prevent damage.

Pat it dry
Even better than combing your hair, is patting it dry. While many people rub their hair dry it is easy to yank it which will damage the roots and ends. Pat drying might take longer but it is gentler on the hair and more effective. When you hair is dry, don’t brush, comb or handle too much as this can make it lank, dirty and greasy which means you will want to wash it all over again.

Get it cut
Having your hair trimmed every few weeks will get rid of split ends and allow your hair to grow and look healthy. Chopping off around 1cm every 6 to 8 weeks will make a big difference to your hair and you will be surprised at how fast it grows when you look after it.

Be kind
Avoiding really hot water, straighteners and hot settings on hair dryers makes sense if you want to keep your hair healthy so leave it to dry naturally when you can. When you can avoid styling products and give your hair a break from mousses, gels and waxes when you’re not going out.Couring and highlighting your hair might give you a fashion edge, but bleach and chemicals can really destroy your hair so either go back to your natural colour or use gentle options if you want to stay blond or branch into being a brunette.

Apply a soothing mask
Once a week treat your hair to a rich, coconut oil mask. Wash your hair as usual and pat dry. Mix two tablespoons of warm coconut oil with one tablespoon of olive oil, then massage the mixture into your scalp and then from the roots to the ends and wrap your head in a warm towel for 20 minutes. Wash and rinse your hair then leave it to dry and see how soft it feels and how shiny it looks.

Eat protein
Hair is made of protein so adding eggs, tuna, steak, beans, lentils, nuts and soy into your diet will not only strengthen your hair and promote growth, but it will add to your overall health and wellbeing.

Get a hat
Whether it’s a beanie in the winter, a sun hat on holiday or a swimming cap when diving into a chlorine pool, covering your hair can make a bigger difference to keeping it healthy.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

5 Tips for Applying Make-up to Ageing Skin

10/03/2018 09/03/2018 0

As we get older, our skin changes, and because of this our make-up routine usually needs to change too. As well as looking at the products we use, we also need to think differently about HOW to apply them, so we thought we’d put together five tips on how to get flawless make-up, even on ageing skin.

SKINCARE

The first thing you should be doing is applying a good quality anti-ageing cream, such as Decleor Lift and Firm Day Cream, to your skin before applying your make-up. This will help to smooth your skin and plump any areas of fine lines or wrinkles, essentially giving you a better canvas on which to work.

PREP

Once your anti-ageing cream has worked it’s magic, you’ll want to apply a primer. This will create a blurred appearance to your skin, add radiance and even out your skin tone, ready for your base. Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer is ideal because it minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, mattifies against oily shine and imparts a silky finish onto the skin.

THINK

Think about the type of foundation you want to use as a base. Older skin is often dry, so powder-based products can add to the dryness and end up looking flaky. Equally, a heavy, oil-based foundation can be way too much on skin which has lost even a tiny bit of elasticity and will look cakey. Opt for a dewy base with medium coverage like Decleor BB Cream 24 Hour Hydration – it gives a wash of colour which looks natural and flattering and also contains an SPF for added protection.

BLUSH

Once you’ve got your base sorted, adding a bit of colour back to your cheeks is a must – it will add a youthfulness to your face which could be lost if you leave your face as one solid block of base colour, and will brighten your whole complexion. We’d advise using a cream blush, rather than a powder as these can look dated and unflattering on ageing skin.

BROWS

Many women find that their browns naturally thin-out as they age, and while we aren’t suggesting going for the very full-on look which seems to be fashionable for brows at the moment, filling them in with a brow pencil to give a little more definition can really complement our face and give a finishing touch to your overall look.

Life and Fashion

Smart beauty tips

06/03/2018 05/03/2018 0

We all like to look, and feel good, but with busy lives and endless demands from family and friends, we are often left time poor when it comes to ourselves and run out of the door with wet hair and a smudge of mascara.

We have come up with some easy but effective ways you can look great without it taking ages or costing a fortune.

Go easy on concealer
You might think concealer will help ease the dark circles under your eyes but it can make you look older, especially if you don’t go with the right colour – you want to match your natural skin tone not lighten or darken it. Rather than spending time covering up your skin, use those precious moments to add a little concealer to even out your skin tone rather than covering up your complexion completely. If you don’t want to clog fine lines, add a little eye cream and the creamy texture will smooth out problem areas.

Bronze it
Dusting your cheeks and eyelids with bronzing powder gives you an instant natural glow that takes seconds but lasts for hours.

Clean your nails
If you are between nail appointments, or just need to make your hands look good, a great place to start is with a lemon. Simply slice a lemon in half and run the fruit over your nails to help fade stains and bring them back to life. You can also mix two teaspoons of lemon juice with two tablespoons of warm water and soak your nails for 15 minutes, then dry them and use a gentle hand and nail cream to seal the deal.

Dry shampoo
If you don’t have time to wash your hair, don’t despair. There are some great dry shampoos on the market that will take your tresses from greasy to sleek in seconds. One great tip to keep oil at bay is to use your dry shampoo before bed, and then again when you wake and you will be surprised by the transformation.

Exfoliate tiredness away
Exfoliation is key for bright, healthy skin as it removes excess dirt while cleansing deep into your pores which allows cell regeneration to happen and for products to be easily absorbed. The skin on your face is more delicate than it is on your body so choose a dedicated product, follow the instructions and you will be amazed at how much difference you will see from the very first use.

Go for smart storage
There is nothing more frustrating than investing in good products, only to find they don’t stand the test of time because of the way you have used them. Don’t pump your mascara wand as this lets air in and dries it out which means buying another mascara sooner than necessary. Keep your perfume in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and do the same for nail polish, ensuring the lid is on tightly and standing upright to prevent discoloration and spillages. Keep brushes in a separate pot and wash them often to keep them in good condition and free from bacteria.

Get your H2O
We have said it before and we will say it again, drink plenty of water every day. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day will not only keep you hydrated and alter but it will ensure your skin, eyes, hair and nails are in tip-top condition. Add in a balanced diet with regular exercise and sleep and you will glow.

Remove your make-up
It doesn’t matter if that one bottle of wine turned to two or if you are super-tired, always cleanse, tone and moisturise at the end of the day if you really want to look after your skin.

Smile
Life is for loving so add a smile wherever you go and you will look fab.

Body Treatments

Make Your Body a Well-Oiled Machine

03/03/2018 05/03/2018 0

Winter is a really good time to use rich, nourishing products to protect your face, hair and body, and there are few products which do this better than oils. We stock several different oil-based products, all of which nourish different parts in different ways, and we’ve put together five of our favourite for your perusal:

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil

This facial oil from Elemis contains oils extracted from a number of different superfoods to nourish your face deeply from within. Oils from broccoli seed, flax seed, Daikon radish, rosehip, cucumber, macadamia, poppy seed, rice bran and meadowfoam seed contain Omega 3, 6, 7 and a whole range of vitamins to moisturise the skin, improve the skins own natural barriers and soothe the skin, reducing redness.

Decleor Body Refining Oil Serum

This body oil from Decleor contains 100% natural oils to help to refine the skin and reduce the ‘orange peel’ appearance of cellulite. It helps to restore softness and elasticity within the skin and it is concentrated with essential oils of grapefruit and patchouli known for their aromachological energizing and stimulating properties.

Elemis Cellutox Active Body Oil

This is Elemis’offering in the fight against cellulite and contains a powerful synergy of sea buckthorn, sea fennel, lemon and juniper essential oils. It bears the Elemis promise of no artificial colours or preservatives and should be rubbed into the body after a bath or shower to increase its effectiveness.

Decleor Aroma Nutrition- Satin Softening Dry Oil

This oil from Decleor is actually a dry oil and can be used on your face, body AND hair. It contains frankincense, camellia, rose and sweet almond oils, which nourish the skin and hair without leaving you feeling greasy. Skin will feel moisturised and hair will look shiny and sleek. Apply to the body in upward strokes.

Elemis Musclease Active Body Oil

This oil from Elemis not only nourishes the skin, but also contains ingredients which soothe aching muscles and helps to loosen stiff joints. It’s best for problem areas, such as lower back, abdomen, buttocks and thighs when the body is warm and can helps ease muscle spasm caused by sport, dance, physical work and wear and tear.

Health and Happiness

Do you automatically reach for coffee when you feel tired?

27/02/2018 26/02/2018 0

When it’s a struggle to get out of bed, a pain to keep awake in your Monday morning meeting and hell by the time mid-afternoon hits, reaching for the coffee may well be your go to fix, but it might not be helping you in the long run.

We have had a look at how you can banish those bleak moments that blight your day without going for that familiar caffeine hit.

Eat little and often
Regular meals support your blood sugar so have a protein rich breakfast, try to make lunch your main meal of the day and don’t eat a large meal late at night as this can make falling asleep hard which won’t help at all.

Snack it
Dates, figs, apricots, pecans and pumpkin seeds not only give you an energy boost but also add to your vitamin and mineral intake, which is to a good thing for overall health. You will also find that strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries not only give you a Vitamin C boost but are packed with the antioxidants that keep you happy and healthy.

Lunchtime boosts
A sandwich and bag of crisps might be the easy option when it comes to lunch, but by 3pm you will running to the vending machine for chocolate. When it comes to lunch you need to fuel up and eggs are a great option because they contain the amino acids you need for a healthy diet and they’ll keep you fuller for longer. Sweet potatoes are rich in B vitamins and slow-releasing energy, so as well as avoiding a nap under your desk, they’re easily digested so you are less likely to feel bloated. A lack of iron can decrease the oxygen flow to the brain, leaving you feeling shattered, so adding spinach to your lunch can give you some afternoon get up and go.

Don’t stop moving
If you work in an office and always send your colleagues emails or phone them, get up and walk to see them. Take the stairs rather than the lift, having meetings outside to get fresh air and get up every 15 minutes and stretch to give your body a break from your chair. Outside of work, take some regular exercise. Whether you join a netball team, start training for a 5k charity run or go to a dance class, find something fun that you enjoy and you will find rather than feeling more tired, you will be full of energy.

Drink more water
A lot of people struggle to drink enough water, but it really can make a difference to your energy levels and overall health. Aim for eight glasses a day and if plain tap water doesn’t float your boat, try adding lemon, cucumber and ice to jazz it up. Ginger, liquorice or green tea are also a brilliant alternative to coffee.

Get some rest
It is a really good idea to get out of the rat race of life once in a while. Have a digital free day at the weekend, enjoy time with family and friends, go to the cinema, mediate or do yoga to unwind and set your frazzled brain free.

Sleep well
If you feel tired all the time, you might actually need to see how much sleep you are getting. We all need a different amount of sleep but having a warm bath before bed, turning off screens and keeping your bedroom well ventilated can help to promote a good night’s sleep and a happier, more alert you.

Skincare Advice

How to Identify Your Skin Type

24/02/2018 23/02/2018 1

Anyone who’s ever bought cosmetics is probably aware of the concept of “skin types” and the fact that everyone’s skin is different. There are usually five main types which are catered for – oily, dry, combination, sensitive and normal, but you’d be surprised by how many of our clients don’t actually know what their skin type is. We thought we’d put together a simple guide to each skin type so that you can work out what your skin type is, and cater your beauty regime to suit it.

Oily Skin

Oily skin is characterised by shine, usually on the forehead and cheeks, and the oil usually reappears very quickly even after washing. People with oily skin will usually need to blot their face throughout the day to eliminate extra oil, and will often have trouble getting make up to stay put, describing it as feeling like their make-up is ‘sliding off’

Dry Skin

If your skin is dry, there are a number of factors which will let you know. Dry skin often feels tight and uncomfortable after washing, and your pores are usually small. You may notice flakes of dry skin on your forehead, cheeks or nose and you may have areas of redness. People with dry skin often find that liquid foundations don’t sit very well and may look even and powdery on areas of dryness.

Combination Skin

Combination skin is exactly what it sounds like, skin which is a combination of other types, usually suffering areas of dryness, as well as patches which are oily. It can be one of the trickier skin types to deal with as it’s rare to find products which can tackle both dryness and excess sebum, but there are definitely products out there which can help.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is another tricky one as sensitised skin can be made so much worse by products which don’t suit it. If you’ve got sensitive skin, you’ll usually deal with redness, sore patches and reactions to certain products. Sensitive skin also seems more prone to spots than some other skin types because the skin is constantly under stress.

Normal Skin

Normal skin is the Holy Grail of skin types because it’s so easy to please! You won’t have any noticeable dryness or too much oil and rarely have adverse reactions to products. Normal skin still needs moisturiser and anti-ageing creams, but they don’t need to be super-rich and oily as with other skin types.

Life and Fashion

Get your beauty basics right

20/02/2018 20/02/2018 0

You only have to turn the TV on, scroll through Facebook or stop by Instagram and you will see yet another new beauty product has hit the shops and claims suggest you simply won’t be able to live without it.

The reality of course, is that you can, but with mounting pressure to look perfect 24/7, many of us tend to be taken in by advertising and end up with products we don’t really like and don’t ever use.

We have had a look at the beauty basics we think are bathroom staples, and from there you can mix and match new items as the seasons change.

Cleanse, tone and moisturise
If you want clean, clear skin that looks and feels healthy, it is vital to clean, tone and moisturise both morning and night. Find products that work well for your skin type and lifestyle and however tired you are, don’t go to bed with a full face of make up because you will regret it when you wake up. Using a polishing cloth can make the removal of your cleanser easier and make cleansing itself more effective and adding a serum can further enhance your skin.

Reach for the sunscreen
We know it isn’t sunny everyday, but to keep your skin safe, we suggest using a daily sunscreen, oh and an eye cream is pretty good if you want to deal with dark circles, puffiness and ageing.

Fans of foundation
Some people are lucky enough to be able to go bare-faced, but for most of us, a go to foundation in your make up bag is that little confidence booster you can’t be without. Take your time to find a brand that works for your skin and also consider whether you want a natural look or if you prefer a more polished, fully made up look.

Blush with blusher
The right blusher applied to the apples of your cheeks can give you that seaside glow that brings a look together. Getting the right shade can be tricky, but the key to success is making it look as natural as possible. You can add a little highlighter to enhance your cheekbones, but do this in natural light to prevent stripes and lines occurring. Contouring is on trend at the moment, but have a few trial runs to make sure you get the right combination for you.

The magic of mascara
A few coats of mascara will transform not only your eyes, but your entire face. Whether you want to lengthen or volumise your lashes, add a pop of colour or simply want your mascara to stay on as you swim, there is something out there for everyone.

Love your lips
Central heating, cold winds and harsh winter mornings can all leave your lips sore and cracked. If you do nothing else, keep a lip balm in your bag and apply on a regular basis so that not only are your lips smooth and soft, but if you do add gloss or lipstick, the colour will sink in rather than sting and irritate you.

Add a smile and an air of confidence and you are ready to go and face your day.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Why You Should Be Using a Primer

17/02/2018 20/02/2018 0

It seems, in recent years, that everyone’s make-up routine has become a whole lot more complicated. Instead of applying foundation, then eyes and lips, now everyone is starting with their eyebrows before foundation, using primer, then contouring, then baking, then using a finishing spray, then…the list just seems to go on and on and it’s not great for those of us who want something a little lower maintenance!

The one step that we would definitely recommend keeping is primer. But what is primer and why should you be adding it to your routine? We’ve got the down-low below.

What is primer?

Primer is basically a base for your foundation, which allows your make up to go on smoother and last for longer. They usually have a creamy texture and goes on after you’ve cleansed, toned and moisturised, but before you apply your make up.

What does is do?

There are different primers which do different things, but as we said above, the main objective with a primer is to prep your skin for make up and make your skin smoother. There are primers which can blur imperfections, reduce pore size, tackle dryness, reduce oiliness and even reduce redness. It can make a huge impact on the lasting power of your foundation and can enhance the effects of your make-up base.

Who is it good for?

Well, everyone! The beauty of primers is that there’s one out there for everyone and providing you do our research you should be able to find one which works for you. Be realistic about your skin type when trying to find a primer – if you’ve got oily skin, you’ll want an oil-free primer, or if you’ve got dry skin, opting for one which adds moisturiser should be a priority.

How Do I Use It?

Make-up artist Joanna Schlip says that you should apply primer with your fingertips if you’re using it on your whole face, however “If only using for small areas, I’d recommend a brush. I like to use a concealer or lip brush for this”. She also recommends using a primer even more religiously “if you live, visit or plan on traveling anywhere that experiences either hot and humid or cold and dry temperatures” as this will really help to keep your make-up in place.

Life and Fashion

Keep your make up fresh

13/02/2018 12/02/2018 0

You might think that once your make up is on, you are done and ready to go, but the truth is if you don’t keep things clean, you could be heading for beauty disaster.

We have looked some of the most common questions please ask about beauty first aid and hope it helps your keep your products clean and fresh .

How long should you keep your products?
The majority of liquids have a 12 month shelf life and for powders it’s 24 months. Mascara, doesn’t keep for as long so we would suggest replacing it every 3 months and if you have any eye infections, throw products away and don’t use new ones until you are 100% better.

Do I need to clean my brushes?
It is vital to keep your brushes and sponges clean as they are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bugs which you don’t want spreading on your skin. Spray clean brushes after each use and once a week, deep clean them using a mild baby shampoo and warm water, leaving them to dry overnight. Do remember brushes with wooden bases need to dry on an angle so they do not soak up the water and become deformed.

What about sponges?
You do need to keep sponges and powder puffs clean and the easiest way to do this is to pop them into your washing machine along with polishing cloths and flannels, which can also be home to bacteria.

How often should I clean my make-up bag?
Let’s be honest, make up bags can get really messy, so give them a good clean with an anti-bac wipe once a week, pop them in the washing machine once a month and every year, treat yourself to a new one.

Where should I keep my make-up bag?
We suggest having one bag you use for essentials during the day, but it is a good idea to keep your main make up stash in a cool, dark place. Direct sunlight not only changes the colour of foundations but warm conditions encourage bacteria to breed, so radiators are a no no for make up bags.

Is it true that sharing make-up isn’t a good idea?
In a word, yes. Bacteria can easily spread from person to person so only use your products and brushes and don’t share with friends or borrow items from other people.

How do I keep my lipstick hygienic?
Our mouths carry bacteria, and lids do fall off, so cleaning your lipstick every so often isn’t a bad idea. To do this, simply wind your lipstick tube up slightly, and wipe off the top layer with a clean tissue. Next, pour a little rubbing alcohol or vodka into a shot glass and dip the exposed lipstick into the liquid for 30 seconds. Then, gently dab the alcohol off and allow to dry. This is harmless to the lipstick but will keep it clean and in good shape.

Do I need to clean my eyelash curler?
Yes is the answer to this question. Eyelash curlers will get covered in mascara, eye shadow and foundation so you need to keep them really clean. Don’t let dirt build up and instead clean the device each time you use it with cotton wool and eye make up remover or baby oil. Rinse once clean and leave to dry. Again, we don’t recommend sharing curlers as this is how infections can spread.

If you have any questions, do get in touch and we will do our best to help.

Facial Treatments, Health and Happiness

Facial Hair Removal for Women – Problems and Aftercare Solutions

10/02/2018 12/02/2018 0

More and more women these days are opting for facial hair removal, such as threading, waxing and even shaving. Women of all ethnicities have to deal with hair on their faces, from the finest white hairs which grow on chins to darker hairs on the top lip or sideburns, and everyone seems happier than ever to talk about it, which we LOVE. There are several problems which can arise after removing hair from your face, so we thought we’d take a look at them, as well as some solutions which may help.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are a problem that almost everyone will have to deal with at some point or another if they’re removing hair. They’re caused by hairs growing back on themselves and becoming embedded under the skin, and they sometimes look like white heads. Exfoliating is a good way to avoid ingrown hairs as it removes dead skin cells which may be plugging up your follicles, so using the Dermalogica Exfoliating Face Brush before removing hair will really help.

Regrowth

There’s nothing more annoying than getting rid of hairs, only to feel like they’re growing back again after just a day or two, but unless you opt for something more permanent like laser removal, regrowth will always be a factor. Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel can be used after all methods of hair removal and contains ingredients which will actually slow down hair regrowth, reducing the amount of hair removal you need to do.

Soreness/Redness

Although it’s a necessary evil, hair removal can leave our skin looking red and feeling sore and sensitive. The combination of scarping or pulling of the skin and the stripping of essential oils from the area can be uncomfortable, so treating the area with Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Oil Serum, post-hair removal is a great way to soothe and repair your skin.

Spots

Many women report problems with spots especially after waxing, and this can be doubly annoying when you’ve just made your face smooth and hair-free. Dermalogica Emergency Spot Fix is a topical treatment which is potent enough to start working on spots as soon as you apply it. Smooth some onto your blemish as soon as you feel it forming, and it’ll stop it in its tracks.

Dryness

As we mentioned above, hair removal has a tendency to strip away the natural oils that the skin produces, which means that your face could end up feeling parched afterwards, especially if you had dry skin to begin with. Elemis Daily Moisture Boost may be from the mens range, but this is precisely why we recommend it, as it’s developed for use after shaving. It will give the skin back some much needed moisture and protect the skin against free radicals and other nasties.

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