Our Blog – Page 49 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Get a hobby that will chill you out

24/10/2017 23/10/2017 0

Long days, busy nights and a flow of information coming at you 24/7, can make life pretty stressful and even lead to depression, anxiety and insomnia.

While we know you have to pay the bills, and keep family and friends happy, it is also important to look after you.

So, step away from your phone, put the iPad down and find a new hobby that will let your mind rest and your worries fade away.

Make Music
This might take you back to band practise at school but playing a musical instrument is said to help keep the grey matter alive and stress levels down. Piano, guitar even the high-pitched violin will all do the job, so pick one and get going.

Cook your way around the world
We know clean eating is a ‘thing’ but why not do a little research and start creating meals from around the world. As well as a new focus, you can actually have more adventurous, healthier and more inspired diet.

DIY
Whether it’s a blocked drain, broken window or dodgy tiles, we all have jobs at home that need doing but get left for another time. Rather than forking out for a handy man, get some books, find the tools and you’ll be amazed at the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

A spot of culture
Free, full of interesting stuff and often home to a decent coffee shop, museums are a great way to get away from everything. From fashion and engines to trains and archaeological finds, most towns and cities are home to treasure troves that you may have pushed aside for something more modern. Give one a go, you never know what you might find and how much you enjoy it.

Knit yourself happy
You might think this is the hobby for the elderly but getting your needles out and casting on, could be just the tonic you need. There are plenty of YouTube tutorials out there and local groups and as well as using it to help you unwind, at the end of a session you could have a totally unique scarf to wrap up in.

Two left feet?
Don’t let a lack of confidence put you off something that offers so much fun, If you want to learn something totally new, have fun and get fit, why not try a dance class? We aren’t talking about applying for ‘Strictly’ but just getting on the dance floor and giving ballet, tap or ballroom dancing a go.

Marathon moment
If you need an end goal to get you motivated off the sofa, why not train towards running a marathon. Yes, you do need to be dedicated and they take a lot of training, but what an amazing achievement. Maybe start with a charity 5km fundraiser, move onto a half marathon and when the time is right, tackle the real deal.

Get your pens out
Over the past couple of years, colouring for grown-ups has become really popular. The experts believe a little bit of art without distraction can help you relax, refocus and breathe more easily. Well, what are you waiting for?

So, if you need to take time out for you, find something new and get absorbed.

Team Pure-Beauty

Life and Fashion

How To Give Yourself a Face Massage

21/10/2017 23/10/2017 0

You might not realise it but facial massages are hugely beneficial, not just to your face but to many other areas of the body. The face is full of pressure points and targeting the right ones can help with a whole load of health problems that you might be dealing with. So, how do you give yourself a facial massage and what are the potential benefits? Read on for our guide to facial massages:

The Basics:

You’ll want to use a facial oil such as Decleor Mandarine Smoothing Oil Serum to help lubricate your face while you give yourself a massage and the oil itself will actually increase the positive effects of the massage by helping to smooth your skin.
Try to always direct your hands in an upwards motion – you don’t want to drag your skin downwards.
Use gentle pressure around the eyes as the skin here is very delicate.
Use medium pressure around your temples as too much pressure here can be dangerous.
Use firm strokes around your cheeks and forehead.
Don’t forget your neck and chest – these areas also show signs of ageing and will benefit from massage too.
Concentrate some pressure on your jaw muscles, just in front of your ears – these are some of the most hard-working muscles in the whole body and often carry tension, contributing to headaches and neck problems if ignored.

The Benefits:

The face can be prone to puffiness, but massaging your face can help to reduce the build-up of fluid, making the face look slimmer and helping to move toxins
Regular facial massage has a great anti-ageing effect – some people even refer to it as a “natural facelift”.
Massaging the face allows your facial products to soak in more efficiently, letting them work even harder for your skin.
Massaging your face does WONDERS for your circulation, delivering oxygen to tissues more effectively and ensuring that your muscles have the best chance of healing. Many of our regular customers comment on how radiant they look after a facial massage and this is simply because their blood flow has been totally optimised.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

All about olive oil

17/10/2017 13/10/2017 0

There is no denying that over the past few years, olive oil has become a kitchen staple and something many people associate with healthy living.

Much of the world’s olive oil supplies, come from the gorgeous groves of Italy, Greece and Spain with France and California, getting in on the act too and sending it to families around the global.

Today we are going to take a look at just what makes olive oil so special and how best to get the best out of it.

Healthy Fats
Olive Oil is rich in mono-unsaturated fats which are believed to be great for helping keep our hearts healthy, which saturated and trans fats don’t do. Mono-unsaturated fats can also help control insulin and blood sugar levels and have been found to help increase good cholesterol, lower bad cholesterol and normalise blood clotting.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Olive oil has anti-inflammatory benefits because it contains the polyphenols which are believed to decrease the production of molecules that increase inflammation.

Omega 3
Olive Oil is a fantastic source of the omega 3 fatty acids that are vital for brain and body development, health and function.

Added Extras
The oil also contains modest amounts of Vitamins E and is loaded with powerful disease fighting antioxidants.

Types of Olive Oil
As olive oil has become more popular, the number of brands and varieties has risen giving people a huge amount of choice but virgin and extra virgin varieties are the best to go for.

Virgin olive oil is created using a process called ‘cold pressing’ and only involves the washing, decanting, centrifugation and filtering of the oil which means it should contain high levels of nutrients and goodness and comes with a great taste too.

Extra virgin olive oil
This is seen to be the healthiest, and tastiest form of olive oil, with stronger anti-inflammatory properties due to higher polyphenols levels.

How to Use Olive Oil
You might think that because it is good for you, this is an all-purpose oil, but that isn’t true. If you cook at high temperatures, olive oil isn’t your best bet and you should use alternatives such as coconut or rapeseed oils that keep their nutrients when heated to a high temperature.

Olive oil is best for using in salad dressings, lightly sautéing onions as well as mixing into salsas and homemade humus so you get the most out of the goodness and distinctive flavour.

You can add it to marinades and sauces for meat, fish and poultry.

Spread it on bread and toast rather than using butter or margarine.

Drizzle onto pizzas and pour onto pasta dishes.

It can also be used on your skin to keep it smooth and soft and olive oil makes a great hair mask for glossy locks.

It is important to remember that while olive oil can contribute to good health, it is still oil and comes with a hefty calorie count so a little goes a long way!

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Dry Skin Saviours

14/10/2017 13/10/2017 0

Although the weather is still unusually clement for this time of year (anyone else envisioning wearing shorts and a t-shirt on Halloween?!), once the weather starts to get cooler it’s going to be the prime time for dry skin. The combination of central heating, extremes of temperatures and the simple fact that we’re less likely to take care of our skin when it’s covered in thick clothing, autumn to winter is when our skin goes from fab to flaky. We’ve got some fabulous dry skin saviours to offer, and these are five of our favourites:

Elemis Sensitive Cleansing Wash

Getting dry skin completely clean without drying it out further can be really tricky, which is why Elemis developed this cleanser which is made specifically for dry and sensitive skin. It contains soothing extracts of thyme, German chamomile and lady’s mantle, which are well-known for their anti-bacterial properties, for a calming and soothing cleansing experience which won’t dry your face further.

Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster

This hydrating booster from Dermalogica is intended to give a wash of hydration to even the dryest complexion. It’s comprised of a concentrated blend of hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycolipids and algae extract to restore moisture balance and absorbs almost immediately, leaving the skin softer, more subtle and sublimely hydrated.

Decleor Intense Nutrition Nourishing Cocoon Cream

This luxurious and extremely nourishing cream from Decleor is intended for very dry skin types. The blend of ingredients is intended to restore and maintain the skin’s own moisture balance and will prevent tightness and dryness. As well as wrapping the skin in a protective cocoon to prevent further drying, it also encourages the skin to produce and retain its own moisture, helping your skin to look better for the long term.

Elemis Skin Nourishing Body Cream

This body cream from Elemis is made from the highly nourishing oil exracts of starflower and camellia tea. It helps to balance the skins acid mantle and because it’s an Elemis product, it guarantees to be free from SLES, DEA, mineral oil, artificial colours or parabens, giving you the confidence that your skin is getting only the very best.

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil

This treatment for dry skin from Dermalogica is a next-generation approach to dry skin and can be used daily if needed. It works in three phases to strengthen, hydrate and create a shield for healthy, luminous skin; first it strengthens, then it hydrates and then it shields, all using a rich combination of oils derived from nature such as camellia, orchid, rosemary and tamanu.

Health and Happiness

Get well soon

10/10/2017 07/10/2017 0

Winter is on the way and along with Halloween and Christmas, it also brings seasonal colds and bugs.

A balanced diet full of nutritious food and packed with valuable vitamins and minerals is a good starting point. Lots of water, regular exercise and fresh air plus decent sleep all help keep you fit and strong and keep your immune system firing on all cylinders. For those who need it, the flu jab is another way to keep healthy over the winter months as well as always washing your hands.

If you do come into contact with bug and your nose is running, your eyes are sore and everything aches, we have some helpful hacks to get you through the worst of it.

Keep warm
Keeping your temperature stable and body warm is really important when you have a cold. Go for layers of clothing, use a scarf if you have swollen glands and when you go outside, wear a hat and gloves to keep the heat in and chills away.

Rest
We know this isn’t always easy, or possible, but resting is one of the best ways to get over a virus. If you can take time off work, even one day, and catch up on some sleep, your body will thank you for it. Don’t try to fill all your time with activities and events as this is one way to add to the stress that lowers your defences and leads to bugs being caught.

Kill the pain
Antibiotics won’t do anything for the common cold, but you can take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, to reduce temperatures and ease tension and aches.

Keep it contained
Colds spread fast, so try to minimise who you give it to. Always sneeze and cough into tissues to help prevent droplets from your nose and mouth entering the air and infecting others. Clean your work surfaces regularly to keep them free of germs, use your own cups, glasses and cutlery and don’t share towels or toothbrushes!

Keep hydrated
You might not have much of an appetite, but it is important to drink plenty of fluids as this helps break up congestion, prevents dehydration and keeps your throat soothed. Water, sports drinks, herbal teas and cold juice are all good options. Try to steer clear of caffeine loaded drinks as they can contribute to dehydration and will stop you from sleeping, something you need lots of.

Gargle
If you are suffering with a sore throat that medicine just isn’t touching, gargle salt water gargle. Mix up a teaspoon of salt with half a pint of cooled boiled water and gargle, repeating as necessary. Honey can also really help with sore throats and can be mixed with lemon and hot water.

Deep breaths
One of the best things you can do to clear your sinuses, is inhale steam. Vaporisers are available on the High Street or you can simply add a little Olbas oil to hot water, put a towel over your head and breath in the herbal mist.

Go for a rub
Dabbing a simple menthol rub under the nose and on the chest and back can help ease blocked noses. Some people also believe that a little rubbed into the soles of the feet can help sooth coughs and help you breathe more easily – do put socks on for maximum benefit and don’t get it in your eyes.

While your doctor can fix a cold, if you aren’t getting better and are in pain, do make an appointment to check you don’t have an infection.

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Give Your Skin a BOOST with Pure Beauty

07/10/2017 07/10/2017 0

Here at Pure Beauty, we often hear our customers say that although they’re happy with their every day skin routine, sometimes they feel as though they need a little something extra to give their skin a BOOST. Luckily for them, we stock a whole host of products which are designed to do exactly this, so today we’re sharing with you our top 5 beauty boosters:

Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster

This booster from Dermalogica does exactly what it suggests in the name – when applied to sensitive skin it gently soothes the face, reducing redness and allowing skin to recover from whatever has caused it to be over sensitised. It’s oil-free and can be used alongside your normal skincare products to reduce irritation and calm acne or razor burn, leaving your face feeling normal again.

Elemis Daily Moisture Boost

Unless their skin is made of some sort of weather-beaten leather, most blokes will tell you that nothing leaves the skin feeling more stripped than shaving. Running a blade over your skin might be an efficient way to remove hair, but it will also remove moisture and leave the skin feeling lacking in vital nutrients. This moisture boost from Elemis is designed for use after shaving to replenish the skin with all the things that shaving takes away, leaving skin feeling hydrated and supple.

Decleor Face Tan Activator Serum

Getting a tan is more than just a case of sitting in the sun, and sometimes you want to prep your skin to maximise your tanning potential. This tan booster from Decleor can be applied before your SPF to prepare the skin for the sun by boosting its natural defences, promote an even and long lasting tan and prevent skin from ageing. Perfect for slipping into your beach bag on holiday!

Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster

If your skin is feeling dull and weighed down, or struggling to push back against the ageing process then there’s a good chance that you need a good exfoliating product to rid you of dull, dead skin cells. This booster from Dermalogica uses a blend of hydroxy acids and natural humectants for increased cell renewal, giving you more supple, healthier-looking skin. Lactic and citric acid help to smooth the skin and reverse the signs of ageing.

Elemis Hydra-Boost Serum

Thirsty skin often needs a boost to get it back to its fully hydrated glory, which is why Elemis created this serum. It contains a highly-targeted blend of acids and oils which work together to infuse the skin with moisture and lock it in so that skin stays hydrated for the long term. It also contains anti-oxidant compounds which help to bolster the skin’s own natural defences.

Health and Happiness

Sleep well this winter

03/10/2017 02/10/2017 0

Winter is on the way and while the nights are drawing in and the mornings are darker, that doesn’t mean we sleep any better.

It is thought that on average, adults need eight hours of sleep a night. The thing is, this isn’t the reality for many of us and having that figuring hanging around in your head at 2am as you count sheep, isn’t helpful.

We have had a look at some tips to help you get the rest you need to keep healthy this winter.

Keep it clean
Spring clean your bedroom so you have a peaceful haven for sleep. Fresh bedding, decent curtains, blackout blinds, soothing smells and a fresh carpet can all enhance how you rest.

Tidy up
You might not think it, but if your bedroom is a mess, your sleep patterns might be too. Piles of books on your bedside table, washing all over the floor and old cups of tea on the table are not conducive to a restful night. We aren’t saying go minimal but be mindful that your bedroom is a place of calm, not calamity.

Check the temperature
If you are too hot or too cold you won’t sleep so aim for a room temperature of 16 – 18° C (60-65° F) and as the nights get cooler add a warmer duvet or thicker PJs.

How is your mattress?
Having the right mattress can make all the difference to how you sleep. An old, sagging mattress or one where you can feel the springs as you roll over, won’t help you rest and may actually keep you awake and cause aches and pains. Why not pop into your local bed shop and give a few mattresses a go, it could be the change you have been looking for.

Turn it off
We know some people think this doesn’t make a difference but turning off technology can only be a good thing when it comes to sleep. Avoid mobiles, laptops and TVs and use an alarm clock for waking up. You may also want to consider ramping down the use of devices an hour or two before you go to bed to give your mind time to wind down and relax.

Think about what you eat
We all know that big meal and strong coffee at 10pm isn’t going to help us sleep. We suggest avoiding stimulants like caffeine and cigarettes in the evening, and if you do want a sleepy snack, try eating turkey, chicken, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or peanuts as they contain tryptophan which the brain turns into the serotonin that helps us sleep. A hot milky drink or herbal tea, such as camomile, can also help us get ready for bed.

Before you settle down
A warm bath with lavender oil, a little stretching, playing music and reading can all help you get into a relaxed mind-set and allow you to let go of the stresses and worries of the day.

The 20-minute rule
If you go to bed when you are tired but are still awake after twenty minutes, get up and do something else. Don’t turn on your phone, instead use low lighting to help you read, practise some yoga, listen to a guided mediation or have a warm drink. When you start to feel relaxed, go back to bed and give sleep another go.

If you still find your mind racing and sleep avoiding you, maybe talk to your GP and talk about what’s going on.

Team Pure-Beauty

Elemis, Skincare Advice

Why You SHOULD Be Dry Brushing

30/09/2017 02/10/2017 0

Dry brushing is a practise which has been around for many years, done in both spas and at home. The people who already do it know the benefits that it can have for their skin, but not many people know about all of the other ways that dry brushing can help. Read on for five reasons that you should be using a Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush to dry-brush your whole body.

Exfoliation

The most obvious reason for dry brushing is to exfoliate your skin, brushing away the top layer of dead cells and revealing the newer cells beneath. But did you know that this is for more than just appearances? Brushing away dead cells will not only make your skin look better, but it will also allow it to ‘breathe’, helping it to regenerate more efficiently, helping it to heal itself better and unclogging pores, thus reducing the risk of ingrown hairs and other imperfections.

Stimulating Your Lymphatic System

The lymphatic system is a bit like a waste-removal system for your body, hundreds of miles of tubes winding their way around and carrying away waste materials. Sometime, your system can become sluggish or blocked and a vigorous body-brushing can help to get things started again, allowing your body to dump the toxins which may be stagnating within.

Getting Rid of Cellulite

We’ve written before about how cellulite can be a genetic fact of life for many people, but a strict body brushing routine could be just what you need to help break down the collected fat cells and smooth them out. The fat deposits become more evenly distributed, ridding your body of that uneven appearance.

Stress Relief

Massaging yourself after a hard day can be next to impossible and if you don’t have a willing masseuse at home (or the budget to go to a spa every evening!) then body brushing is the next best thing. It helps to unknot muscles, get rid of tension and totally de-stress your body after a long, hard day.

Improving Circulation

As well as kick-starting your body in other ways, it’s been shown that dry brushing can improve your circulation. This helps your body to deliver oxygen more efficiently to your brain, helping you to feel more awake and better equipped to deal with life! We highly recommend dry-brushing after you’ve been to the gym which will really accentuate the benefits you’ve got from getting your heart-rate up!

Health and Happiness

Get Your Vitamin D Fix this Winter

26/09/2017 26/09/2017 0

With the much hoped Indian summer looking unlikely as the end of September fast approaches, it would seem winter is on the way.

As well as swapping maxi dresses for jeans and flip-flops for Uggs, this is also the time to start thinking about getting enough Vitamin D to keep healthy as the nights draw in and temperatures dip.

Vitamin D is really important for healthy bones and is also needed to keep teeth and muscles strong, so it is a pretty key nutrient.

In the UK, the best time to absorb Vitamin D from the sun is between late March and the end of September, so you still have a window of opportunity. Come October however, sunlight in the UK simply doesn’t have enough UVB radiation for our bodies to create Vitamin D naturally.

You might not think this isn’t a massive problem, but it can be. A lack of vitamin D isn’t great because it can lead to bones becoming soft and weak which in turn can lead to deformity. In children, a lack of Vitamin D can lead to rickets and in adults osteomalacia, which causes bone tenderness and pain, is a possible outcome.

People most at risk of a Vitamin D deficiency include:

Women, especially teenagers and young women
Babies and the under 5s
Over 65s
People with little exposure to the sun
People with darker skin, such as African, African-Caribbean and South Asian origin, as these groups aren’t able to make as much of the vitamin as people with paler skin

So, with this in mind, how much Vitamin D do we actually need?

Public Health England advises that babies up to the age of one need 8.5 – 10mcg of Vitamin D a day and children from one, and adults, need 10mcg of Vitamin D a day.

With the sun not helping us over the winter it is time to look at how we can source Vitamin D, and this is from the food we eat and the supplements we take.

Great sources of Vitamin D are found in:

Oily fish, with herring, fresh tuna, herring, salmon and sardines are all being good Vitamin D friendly options
Red meat, especially liver
Egg yolks
Fortified foods including fat spreads and breakfast cereals

It is interesting to note that cows’ milk in the UK isn’t considered to be a good source of Vitamin D because it isn’t fortified, but some non-dairy milk alternatives are helpful sources.

If you still think you will be deficient in Vitamin D, you can buy supplements or vitamin drops that include Vitamin D at most chemists and supermarkets. While you can’t overdose on Vitamin D from the sun (but of course your skin can burn if you don’t use sun protection), it is possible to take too much when using supplements. As with all supplements, always follow the instructions and note that more than 100 micrograms a day could be harmful, so if you have any questions ask your GP or pharmacist.

So, make the most of the last of the September sun, then stock up on Vitamin D friendly foods and supplements and keep healthy all winter long.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Facial Treatments

Our Favourite Beauty Masks

23/09/2017 26/09/2017 0

Here at Pure Beauty, we simply adore using face masks – they make our skin look fabulous and force us to take five minutes for ourselves, rather than rushing around from morning til night, like we usually do! Masks (or ‘masques’, depending on your preference) can soothe a whole load of different beauty woes, and we’ve put together a list of five of our favourites for your consideration.

Elemis Exotic Cream Moisturising Mask

We’re huge fans of Elemis’ Exotic ranges here at Pure Beauty, mainly because they smell heavenly, but this mask is so much more than a nice smell! It combines mimosa and honey absolute, with extracts of sea rocket, orange and bergamot which leave the skin feeling luxuriously enriched with moisture. All of the ingredients are 100% natural and it can even be left on overnight for a more intensive treatment.

Decleor Deep Cleansing Clarifying Clay Mask

Clay is an ingredient which is commonly used in masks and it’s easy to see why; as well as giving this mask from Decleor a smooth, creamy feel, it possesses natural absorbent elements which wick away dirt and oil from your skin, leaving it rebalanced, clean and soft. It can be left on for up to 15 minutes for best results and washes off easily, leaving skin ready for a gentle toner and moisturiser.

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask

Lavender is an incredibly soothing plant which can not only help your mind to relax through aromatherapy, but also contains anti-inflammatory properties which help to skin which is feeling over sensitised. This mask from Elemis uses lavender to repair skin, helping to banish blemishes and reduce redness.

Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque

If your skin is prone to acne and breakouts of spots and blackheads, then this sebum-clearing masque from Dermalogica should be the choice for you. It harnesses the power of bentonite clay, which purifies, absorbs excess surface oil and helps prevent future breakouts. Niacinamide, zinc gluconate, yeast extract, caffeine and biotin purify and reduce overactive sebaceous gland production while soothing irritation.

Elemis Fruit Active Rejuvenating Mask

If you skin has been feeling dull and lacking ‘glow’, this mask from Elemis will sort you out. It uses rich extracts of strawberry and kiwi to cleanse and refine the skin, revitalising dull complexions and enhancing circulation. Use twice a wekk for best results and your complexion will feel renew in no time.

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