Our Blog – Page 48 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Keep your immune system strong

28/11/2017 28/11/2017 0

Before the party season gets underway, why not take a look at how you can boost your immune system so you can keep healthy as you burn the candle both ends this December.

If you make a conscious effort to look after yourself you will be at an advantage when it comes to fighting bugs, tiredness and overindulgence.

Berries for Breakfast
Packed full of super antioxidants, berries are a great, easy way to boost your immunity. Add a handful to porridge for breakfast, blend them into a smoothie full of goodness and vitamins or snack on them rather than reaching for another bar of chocolate.

Vitamin D
If you live in the UK, it is unlikely you will get the Vitamin D you need to keep healthy from the winter sunshine, so we suggesting taking a supplement. This said, still try to get outside for some fresh air and exercise everyday as this will help keep you fighting fit.

Go for garlic
Garlic is a great way to keep colds and viruses away so add it to your food, or if you don’t like the taste, take it in capsule form instead to benefit from the same effect.

Laugh often
Yes, this really can help. Laughing can get actually get your heart racing to nearly the same level as rowing and running, bet you didn’t know that? It also helps you deal with the stress that can lower your immune response. Watch a funny film, go to a comedy club or even try laughter yoga and your mood and immunity will reap the rewards.

Don’t worry, be happy
Yes, you might have a lot to do before the big day, but the happier and more relaxed you are, the stronger your immune system is likely to be. Keeping your stress levels down, enjoying snuggles with your partner, walking your dog, listening to relaxing music, having a regular massage and taking time away from screens are all ways to decrease anxiety and keep your immune system in tip-top condition.

Watch what you eat
Buffets and free drinks are tempting but they won’t do your waistline or well-being a lot of good. We aren’t saying don’t have a good time, but if you want to be fit you need proper nutrition. Even during the party season, aim to eat your five a day every day, drink plenty of water and pay attention to serving sizes if you want to keep on track.

Get sweaty
If you want to feel and look good, you need to exercise. Running around the park, cycling along the river, swimming, taking a spinning class or fencing all get the heart racing and blood pumping. Aerobic exercise gets endorphins speeding round your body which will make you boost your mood as well as your white blood cell count, both of which are vital when it comes to fighting disease.

Have an early night
Like exercise, sleep is essential for good health. When you sleep protective cytokines levels in your body increase and inflammatory cells decline, which means less sleep can result in a deprived immune system. Get into bed, turn off the lights and sleep away the stress of the day.

We wish you and your immune system all the best!

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Health and Happiness

Perfect Products for the Party Season

25/11/2017 28/11/2017 0

It’s that time of year when everyone’s thoughts are turning to the upcoming celebrations and the festive season, which means family gatherings, work parties and a whole load of other events which require us to look our best. Most of us embellish our beauty routine at this time of year with a new product or two, but we thought we’d look at some of the products which are perfect companions to the party season and are best kept in your handbag!

Elemis Lip Revive

Between going in and out of the hot and cold and all the ‘kissing under the mistletoe’ you’re bound to be doing, keeping your lips soft and supple is absolutely imperative! This lip-reviving cream from Elemis contains no petroleum products and is made from a base of white bees wax, which makes it ultra-nourishing without drying the lips at all. Added peppermint give your lips a cooling tingle.

Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist

Spending time in rooms with the central heating blasting (or even better; an open fire!) as well as the odd glass of champers can make your skin feel hot, dry and a bit too tight. This handbag-sized version of Dermalogica’s Antioxidant HydraMist has flash-firming properties and gives a blast of added moisture to dry and dehydrated skin – perfect for keeping you looking your best at your Christmas bash.

Elemis Jasmine and Rose Hand and Nail Cream

Nothing ruins a glam look quicker than untidy hands, and if you suffer from cracked, dry hands in the winter then this can be a real problem if you’re trying to look your best. This hand cream from Elemis will not only repair cracked skin, nourish dry hands and replenish lost moisture, but it also smells INCREDIBLE, adding to your overall festive scent!

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Probably a product whih is better off on your bedside table than in your handbag, this powerful serum will help to erase the signs of fatigue after a hard night of festive celebrations. It combines smoothing and moisturising actions to eliminate fine lines and wrinklesm reduce puffiness and give you a rejeuvenated look around the eyes.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

If you’re planning on staying out all night, you might want to remove your make up before bed (or before you and your mates do the walk of shame home in the morning!) but using some random soap and water combination will anihilate your skin’s delicate balance. Keep this travel sized bottle of Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel in your bag and your skin will thank you after your big night out!

Health and Happiness

Breaking up and moving on

21/11/2017 21/11/2017 0

However you look at them, break-ups are tough, emotional and draining but they don’t have to break you.

We know you have heard the clichés and we know it might not seem like it now but a break up can be made less painful, and here’s how.

Accept your feelings
In the early days thing will feel raw and unbearable, especially if you didn’t want to split, but that is perfectly natural. Go with your feelings, cry, scream, shout, reflect and sit with that rollercoaster ride of emotions until you can step off and see clearly once again.

Don’t see it as a failure
The end of a relationship may feel like the loss of a limb and your future, but you must not feel as if you have failed. Things change, people want different things, love can burn out and once you have licked your wounds and come to terms with the change, life will make sense once again.

Stay away from social media
While you might want to cling onto the past, checking Facebook a hundred times a day isn’t going to help you heal. New partners, nights out and holidays without you might be plastered across Instagram, but you aren’t there and you don’t need to see the details.

Self care
Yes, going out on the town, drinking cocktails and hooking up might seem like fun but it won’t do your self esteem or health much good. Spend time looking after yourself, seeing family and friends as well as eating good food and getting lots of rest and sleep. Be kind to your body and your heart and soul will follow.

Exercise
Rather than delving into a family pack of chocolate and binging on box sets and pizza, get your trainers on and get those feel good endorphins racing around your body. Running, cycling, boxing, rowing and dancing are all fantastic ways to take your mind off your problems and will give you a new focus and interest. If you go with a friend you are more likely to keep to the plan and you can of course have a mint tea afterwards and catch up.

Take your time
Don’t jump straight into another relationship. Yes, you might feel lonely and scared about the future, but use this time to work out what you really want and believe you are worth waiting for someone who is right and deserves your affections.

Listen to your heart
There will be constant chattering in your mind about what has gone on and why, but try to close those conversations down. Meditation, mindfulness and yoga are all great ways to go back to basics, calm the mind and focus on your breathing and being in the moment. Anxiety isn’t going to stop during your first session, but with a wide range of apps, books and classes out there, so do your research and find something that works for you.

Talk it out
Whether it’s your mum, sister, friend or a therapist, get things off your chest. There is nothing worse than carrying around a load of baggage as this will stop you from moving on. Yes, you don’t want to seem weak but as the saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved and eventually it won’t be a problem at all.

Make a change
A new haircut, sports car, city relocation or career move might seem like a bold statement but sometimes that is just what we need to shake off the past. Consider you options, see what’s out there and maybe, just maybe, this break up could actually be the path to something altogether better.

Whatever you do, keep smiling and grab life by both hands.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Take Control of Menopause Acne

18/11/2017 21/11/2017 0

It’s largely recognised that hormones are one of the prevailing factors which can affect acne, and although most of us associate acne with teenages and the changes in hormones which happen around puberty, a lot of people don’t realise that the hormone changes associated with menopause can have a similar effect. Dealing with adult acne can be difficult, so we thought we’d take a look at some of the products you should be using to take back control of your skin.

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

If your skin is congested and you’re dealing with a particularly bad breakout, it can make you feel as though you want to go into hibernation. However, using this overnight treatment can banish blemishes, stop more spots from forming before they’ve even appeared and actually kill the bacteria responsible for spots. It’s perfect for acne-prone skin and even helps the skin to speed up the healing process.

Elemis S.O.S. Emergency Cream

One of the reasons that menopausal skin becomes prone to spots is that the depletion of hormones can make it much more sensitive and susceptible to irritation, which promotes bacteria build-up in the follicles. This cream from Elemis was specifially designed to calm sensitised skin, reduce redness and limit the appearance of blemishes.

Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion

Many menopausal women find that their skin suddenly becomes much more oily, which can be unfortunate if your skin has also started to thin as the combination can be very ageing. Using this lotion from Dermalogica helps to control oil production because of the microsponges which literally mop up the oil as fast as your skin can produce it. It also helps to limit oil production from overactive sebum glands.

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask

We often hear menopausal women describing their body as being “out of balance” – things which used to happen now don’t and this is even true of the skin because of the effect of hormone imbalance. This mask from Elemis repairs the skin and maintains balance using calming lavender to soothe areas of irritation and decongest and heal blemished skin.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

Clay is an amazing ingredient for purifying the skin, and it’s especially good for oily or spot prone skin because it will literally soak up excess sebum. Salicylic acid exfoliates dead skin cells and clears congested follicles to minimise development of future comedones and breakouts, while kaolin and bentonite clays absorb excess oil.

Health and Happiness

Eat your way to tight abs

14/11/2017 14/11/2017 0

OK, you need to exercise too, but if you are mindful about what you put on your plate and into your body, the benefits can be seen around your tummy.

We have had a look at good grub for great abs and we think you’ll be running to the shops when you have read what we’ve got to say.

Asparagus
Did you know that these veggies are packed with a combination of insoluble and soluble fibre that helps aid digestion and keep you regular? Well, they do. They are also a totally natural diuretic and because they are a prebiotic, they help keep the good bacteria in your tummy healthy. What’s not to like? Serve with pretty much any meal or use in soups and stews and you will feel the benefits all over.

Bananas
To you it might be a simple banana, but these potassium rich fruits help get rid of excess sodium as you wee, which helps reduce the fluid that can cause puffiness and tight, uncomfortable bloating. Bananas are also a great source of the resistant starch that helps your liver to switch to fat-burning mode. Eat for breakfast with cereal, blend into smoothies with ginger and flaxseeds for added zing and mash into pitta for a pre-workout snack.

Blueberries
We all know that these little beauties are superfoods but a regular portion could help the speed at which you store and burn fat because they are full of antioxidants. Blend into smoothies, add to cereal and yogurt or just eat them as a snack and you will be slimming without sacrificing taste.

Cucumber
This green goddess isn’t just for tea time sandwiches you know. They are 96% water and contain quercetin, an antioxidant that is key for achieving and maintaining a flat stomach. They also happen to be another one of nature’s diuretics and stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine so you are kept flushes out, healthy and lean.

Ginger
We have talked about this special root already, but ginger deserves a mention of it’s own. While often used to help with morning sickness, the gut-friendly properties of ginger helps with digestion and can keep the probiotic balance in your tummy just right. Enjoy a cup of ginger tea, add to curries, use in baking or grate into smoothies and it will help boost your body’s internal central heating too.

Oats
You might think these grains would bulk you out but they can actually help you get a flatter belly and healthier gut. Wholegrain oats are packed with the soluble fibre that helps absorb water and also slow digestion, so after eating them you feel fuller, for longer. This fibre also feeds good bacteria and helps to control blood sugar levels, insulin and blood pressure. That’s quite a combination! Starting your day with a bowl of porridge, with half a sliced banana, a handful of organic blueberries and a cup of ginger tea could be the best breakfast to keep you full and trim.

Pure Beauty

Dermalogica

Treat Yourself to Some Advent Beauty

11/11/2017 14/11/2017 0

In the last couple of years, companies have been coming up with alternative advent calendars for adults, and the most popular ones have been beauty related. While we love the idea of opening a new window every day and finding a beauty product we love behind each one, not only can they be hit-and-miss, they also often only offer tiny sample-sized products. We reckon that your money would be much better spent on some of Dermalogica’s amazing travel-sized products, and here are a few of our faves:

Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist

This misting facial spray is one of our most popular products, offering a spritz of soothing moisture to ageing skin which is feeling dry and tight. It’s intensely hydrating and will improve the skin’s overall texture with regular use – in fact it’s rare for people to buy this travel size bottle and NOT come back for the full size version!

Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash

Another of our most well-loved Dermalogica products is this facial cleanser, which is perfect start to around-the-clock control of breakouts, comedones and excess surface oils. It’s great for teen skin and gives an introduction to the Medibac Clearing range, which is tough in spots and blemishes but gentle on the rest of your skin.

Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – this body hydrating cream is SO much more than just a moisturiser! As well as giving the body a rich wash of moisture, it also contains ingredients which will smooth and resurface the skin, getting rid of dead cell debris, and even contains elements which offer anti-inflammatory properties, reducing redness and irritation to less-than-perfect skin.

Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash

This body wash is the perfect partner to the cream we mentioned above and will cleanse the body without over-drying the skin. It’s completely soap-free and contains essential oils of tea tree, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary, as well as the soothingly fragrant essential oils of sandalwood, lavender, orange and clary sage which combine to soothe your senses just as much as it soothes your skin.

Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant

One of Dermalogica’s most unique products, this ultra-exfoliating treatment starts life as a powder and is mixed with a little water for form a paste which provides triple-action absorption along with physical and chemical exfoliation, removing harmful impurities from pollutants that have built up on skin throughout the day. It reacts with the water to release powerful enzymes which rejeuvenate and renew the skin and is especially tough on the premature signs of ageing.

Health and Happiness

Keep warm is winter

07/11/2017 07/11/2017 0

While we enjoyed sunny skies and warm days during October and into November, there is no doubt that winter is on the way and things are getting chilly.

Some people seem to spend even the coldest days in T-shirts and shorts claiming not to feel the wind whistle round their knees, but for most of us, keeping warm is key to keeping well and healthy until spring.

We have had a look at just how to do that.

First of all, go for layers. Rather than opting for one heavy jumper, go for cotton, wool or fleecy layers that will help you maintain and regulate your body heat depending not only on the temperature outside, but inside too.

Hat, gloves and scarves are a good idea when you are outside, and when you are inside, socks and slippers keep your feet warm and can prevent painful chilblains.

At home, it is a good idea to have your boiler checked, close your curtains to keep the warm in and if you have wooden floors, put a rug down to keep your toes toasty. It is also a good idea to fit draft excluders around your doors, windows and letterboxes as this can make a big difference if you want to keep cold drafts out.

When it comes to central heating, we suggest keeping your main living area at between 18–21°C and the rest of your home at 16°C, at least. We know costs are high, so consider heating your bathroom and bedroom just before you go to bed so it is snuggly and an electric blanket or hot water bottle can help you keep warm on the coldest of nights. Oh, and if you have been with your energy supplier for a while, it might pay to look around at what else is on offer and switch to save money and be warmer.

If it’s cold outside the last thing you will feel like doing is embracing the wind, but keeping active is vital for winter well-being. A brisk walk, jog in the park or bike ride will help you generate heat, keep warm and improve your circulation as well as your mood. Again, dress in layers because you may well work up a sweat and if you go with a friend, you are more likely to get out of the door so you don’t let them down.

Salads and smoothies might be the healthy option but hot drinks and warming food like soups and stews will get that internal central heating firing on all cylinders. Another great thing about cooking a meal is that the heat from your oven will release into your kitchen and warm up the room as you eat.

If you have pets, you will want to keep them warm too. Keep your cats and dogs inside at night and if you have rabbits, insulate their hutch with hay and place a blanket across the front to keep the wind and cold out. When you are walking your four-legged friend wear reflective clothing, give them an extra layer if needed and if they jump into cold water, don’t go in after them– call for help, don’t put your life at risk.

Whatever you do, stay warm and safe this winter.

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor, Elemis

Harnessing the Power of Papaya

04/11/2017 07/11/2017 0

The Papaya. It may seem like a humble fruit which is often part of fruit salads but rarely seen in a lunchbox by itself, but this Central American fruit which is also know as the pawpaw is a powerhouse of beauty benefits and can be found in many of the products we sell. The enzymes in the fruit are incredible at dealing with hyperpigmentation, so we thought we’d pull together some of our favourite papaya-containing products to show you just how useful it can be.

Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

We couldn’t start a list of papaya products without first mentioning the one from Elemis which has it right there in the name! This peel is designed for skin which is tired and dull, lacking luminescence and overly textured and will smooth the skin’ surface, improve areas of darkness and reveal fresh skin cells which are smooth, moisturised and remineralised.

Decleor Expert Dark Spot Corrector

As we mentioned above, papaya is a powerful ally against hyperpigmentation, which is why Decleor included it in this cream specifically for combatting dark spots. Papaya extract will improve the skin’s radiance by fading surface pigmentation and sloughing away dead cells for a restorative effect. In fact, Decleor is so confident about their Dark Spot Corrector that it says that this product will have a noticeable effect on your skin in just 14 days!

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash

This facial wash from Elemis is so much more than just a cleanser; it encourages the skins natural cell renewal cycle, actively smoothing and refining whilst gently exfoliating away any dead skin cells that dull the complexion. It uses papain, derived from exotic Papaya, which breaks down proteins into smaller molecules to reveal clearer, more supple skin, all while getting your skin fabulously clean!

Decleor Hydra-Radiance Smoothing and Cleansing Mousse with Cloth

This cleansing mousse and cloth is the perfect combination if you have dull, lacklustre skin which feels weighed down by old skin cells as it works together to clear them away, revealing the new, fresh cells below. It utilises papaya extract, as well as grape juice and Japanese white mulberry to exfoliate and gently slough away dead skin cells to leave the skin crystal clear with visible clarity and luminosity after just one use.

Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Gel Mask

This gel mask from Elemis is a powerful post-cleansing treatment which helps to refine pores, wash away dead skin cells, reduce shine and leave skin feeling instantly smoother more radiant. It gives a tingling sensation to the skin when applied, so you can actually feel it working it’s magic, using papaya extract to breakdown the surface of the skin to renew your complexion. It should only be used twice a week and it’s highly recommended that you use a high SPF on your face after use to prevent burning as your new skin will be very sensitive.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Beat the blues with food

31/10/2017 30/10/2017 0

Now the clocks have changed and temperatures are dropping, for some people the seasonal blues start to kick in.

As well as getting plenty of sleep, taking exercise and drinking water, it is vital to look at your diet when thinking about mental health over the winter months. If you are fuelling your body with good food and vital nutrients, you are feeding your brain as well.

We have looked at some of the foods that can keep mind, body and soul in good spirits however cold and cloudy it is.

Salmon
Nutritionists suggest eating 2 – 3 portions of oily fish, such as salmon, each week. The reason oily fish is thought to be a great brain food is because it is naturally high in the omega-3 needed to produce the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for our moods. It is thought that a balanced diet packed with vegetables, fruits, nuts and beans, plus fish can help manage depression and whether it is baked, grilled or served as sushi, salmon is a winner for the shopping list.

Walnuts
Another fantastic source of brain boosting omega 3 comes in the form of the humble walnut. Our bodies don’t function well without omega 3 and eating these as a snack can really help to reduce symptoms of depression as well as maintaining general health. If they are too bitter to eat alone, make into a smoothie, create a nut butter with added almonds, or mix with dried fruit.

Green Leafy Veg
Dark, leafy greens like kale, spinach and Swiss chard are really powerful immune-boosting and anti-cancer foods that should always be part of your diet. Add to salads, roast dinners and even workout smoothies, but whatever you do, eat them.

Antioxidant Boosters
Broccoli, berries, tomatoes, cauliflower and cabbage are great in the winter months because they are bursting with the antioxidants that help keep us healthy as well as boosting concentration levels. A rainbow of colours in your diet is always good and as well as being packed with vitamins and minerals, the vibrant collection on your plate might even make you smile.

Mushrooms
You might not know this but mushrooms are really good for your mental health. Their chemical properties found within them oppose insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels, and this keeps your mood even and stable and helps prevent those tricky sudden dips. They also promote healthy gut bacteria and because the nerve cells in our gut make up to 90% of our serotonin — the key neurotransmitters that keep us happy – it is vital to look after our intestinal health if we want our mental wellbeing to follow suit.

Miso
One key factor to good mental health is balanced hormone levels and this can be achieved when you eat enough plant-based oestrogen foods which include and pulses, vegetables, beans and soya bean based products like miso. You can easily add miso to your diet by having soup at lunch or dinner time or having it as an afternoon drink instead of a caffeine loaded coffee.

Tomatoes
As well as tasting great and being totally versatile, tomatoes are on the list because they contain folic acid and alpha-lipoic acid, both of which are great depression fighters.

Seeds
Back to those omega 3s with the appearance of seeds. Flaxseeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds might look tiny but they are massive when it comes to your mood because they are rich in these amazing fatty acids. Sprinkle on cereal and salads, add to soups and use them in your baking and you will be smiling all day long.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness

Essentials for New Parents

28/10/2017 30/10/2017 0

Let’s be real, people; being a parent to a newborn is hard work. Sleepless nights and constant demands for feeding, changing, and cuddling (which isn’t all bad, obvs!) can take a huge toll on you both physically and mentally, and while that first few weeks of living in a baby-centric bubble can feel like utter bliss, it can also leave you feeling less than human. One of the best pieces of advice we’ve heard is “happy parent equals a happy baby”, meaning that in order to be able to fully care for another person, you need to take care of yourself, so we thought we’d give you a list of some of our products which can really help with post-birth beauty.

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

If you’re not getting much sleep and the closest you’ve come to a beauty routine is taking your smudged mascara off with a baby wipe, there’s a good chance that your skin is not looking it’s best and is in serious need of a helping hand! This mask from Dermalogica is designed to rescue skin which is feeling dull and lacklustre, using a detoxifying action to invigorate and revive your complexion. It’s great for all skin types and will give you a much needed boost.

Elemis Hydra-Nourish Night Cream

The irony of suggesting a night cream when you’re getting minimal sleep isn’t lost on us, but this super nourishing cream from Elemis is perfect for de-stressing tied skin. Persian silk tree extract helps reduce signs of fatigue, whilst hyaluronic acid provides regular hydration. The aromatic blend of geranium and ylang ylang calms and rebalances and by morning skin is left feeling replenished.

Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak

Taking some time for yourself if you’re able is SO important when you have a newborn, even if it’s just having a bath and cleaning off the baby sick! This bath soak from Elemis is perfect if you’re achy and in need of some serious relaxation and the combined extracts of birch, juniper, clove, alpine lavender, wild thyme and blue chamomile, combined with sea salt, warm the muscles and recharge the body.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm

If there’s one product we would say is an absolute essential when you’re dealing with a newborn, it’s something to hide your eye bags, and this illuminating eye balm from Elemis does just that. It’s a completely natural balm which fits with the Elemis promise and both moisturises the under-eye area and blurs using specially formulated powders, giving you the illusion of having had a good night’s sleep.

Elemis Instant Refreshing Gel

Feeding a baby, be it by breast or bottle, can sometimes be a slightly uncomfortable experience – holding them for what seems like hours while they finish their meal is a magical thing…which can leave you very achy, especially in the neck and shoulders. This gel by Elemis is designed to soothe aching muscles, utilising arnica, birch and witch hazel, as well as cooling camphor and menthol to relieve muscle tension and set you up for a few more hours of feeding baby!

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