Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Fantastic Treatments in a fabulous salon with only the best Products and the very Best Beauty Therapists!
 
Health and Happiness

Pack a healthy lunch

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

www.pexels.com

Back to school and as well as getting the PE kits ready and uniform washed, the pressure is on to pack up a healthy lunch.

While the requests might be for chocolate and crisps, the school rules and guidelines say otherwise.

We have had a look at some creative, tasty ideas that will get even the fussiest eaters, well, eating.

Monday: wholemeal pasta salad and fruit kebabs
A carb-filled wholemeal pasta salad packed with protein, is a good start to the week. Easy to make the night before, simply add some chicken or tuna, cubes of cheese, tomato and sliced pepper and you have a ready-made meal. Adding a rainbow fruit kebab is an added extra they will love. Remember to pack a fork for this dish or things could get messy.

Tuesday – star sandwiches and sweet potato crisps
Tuna and sweetcorn, ham and cheese or chicken and avocado are all great sandwich fillings and with a mini ice pack in your child’s lunchbox, they will be cool until noon. Go for brown bread, crusts on, and use a star shape cutter just for fun and they might eat the lot. Rather than a bag of ready salted crisps, make a batch of sweet potato chips by slicing the veg into thin strips, adding a drizzle of olive oil and then roast in the over for 20 minutes. Add a piece of fruit or bag of raisins and you will keep them topped up until home time.

Wednesday – wraps and flapjack
If you don’t want to send them with traditional sandwiches every day, a wrap can be an easy alternative. Go for the healthy wholemeal variety and use Edam and tomato, chicken and cucumber and if they are adventurous, falafels are super-feeling. Follow this with homemade flapjacks packed with dried fruit and seeds for slow release energy. Make a batch on Sunday with the kids and store in an airtight box so you can grab and go.

Thursday – pick and mix lunch
Put a selection of French bread or soft rolls, cheese cubes, a pot of cucumber and tomatoes and some carrot sticks into their lunchbox for a picnic style lunch they will love unpacking. Add an apple or banana and a pot of yogurt, but don’t foget the spoon!

Friday – pizza pittas
They have made it to Friday, so give them a treat. Fill wholemeal pittas with some grated cheese, ham and sliced tomato and they will have the perfect pizza pitta in their hands. You can also add a small sachet of ketchup to create the real deal. Send a pot of homemade popcorn and a piece of flapjack (if you have any left) and you have the perfect end of week treat.

Always include a bottle of water and some tissues and check what they ate at the end of the day.

If you’ve got a packed lunch idea you think we would like, then send it over!

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis

Micellar Madness at Pure Beauty!

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Micellar Madness at Pure Beauty!You may have noticed that micellar products have become all the rage recently, with just about every beauty brand out there getting in on the act. Decleor and Elemis are no exception and have released their own products using micellar technology (which, by the way is pronounced MEE-cellar, not MY-cellar!) so we thought we’d take a look at what they have to offer and why you should be choosing them above other, more traditional products.

What does micellar mean?

So, before we tell you what micellar products can do, you probably want to know what they are, right? Micelles are tiny particles of oil which are suspended in another liquid and attract dirt particles, then carry them efficiently away from your skin when the product is rinsed off. Because it’s oil-based, it means that your skin doesn’t get dried out, but the oil doesn’t come into direct contact with your skin either, so it doesn’t make your skin greasy. Genius, huh?!

So which products do we offer?

Here’s the low-down on all of our micellar products:

Decleor Micellar Oil

Not only does this cleaning oil make the skin feel silky smooth and super clean, it’s fun to use too! When spread all over the face it looks like a regular oil, but when you add a couple of drops of water into the situation, the product emulsifies, turning a milky white and changing slightly in consistency. This is where the oil starts to do the hard work of sweeping away the day’s grime while moisturising your face and maintaining the delicate natural balance of the upper epidermis. When rinsed off, skin feels fresh, nourished and revitalized, perfectly prepped for the next step in your skincare routine.

Elemis Smart Cleanse Micellar Water

This micellar cleanser from Elemis is an all-natural product which is gentle enough to use on the eyes and is amazing at removing all traces of make-up. It’s infused with organic English rose water and soothing anti-oxidant rich chamomile to gently cleanse the skin, while the natural moisture barrier is maintained. This will protect your skin and reveal a clear and radiant complexion with regular use.

Decleor Soothing Micellar Water

This micellar water from Decleor is designed as a product which can perform thre tasks in one product. As well as cleansing the face and removing daily grime, it also tones as it goes, allowing you to go without a separate toner. Finally, it also efficiently removes eye make up (even the waterproof stuff!) gently but efficiently, leaving you with a beautifully clean, comfortable and soft complexion.

Skincare Advice

Eradicate Acne with Our Pimple Perfecting Tips

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0
Eradicate Acne with Our Pimple Perfecting Tips
Royalty-free image

Acne and pimples can be really difficult to live with, affecting your confidence and leaving you in pain in some severe cases. This time of year, which is a time of new beginnings at school, college and university, can leave us feeling down about less-than-perfect skin, so we thought we’d pull together some of the best tips for keeping your pimples under control.

To Squeeze or Not to Squeeze

We know that the temptation to squeeze spots can sometimes be overwhelming and if you’ve got a noticeable pimple with a yellow head on it, the last thing you want to do is to leave it there for all to see. If you must squeeze, we recommend doing so using two clean cotton buds, as this will minimise the risk of scarring and bacteria transfer from nails which may harbour dirt. Popping a little Dermalogica Emergency Spot Fix will also help to reduce inflammation and kill any spot-causing bacteria.

Keep Your Face Clean

There’s a really annoying assumption that people with acne aren’t clean and we know that isn’t the case at all. There are, however, special face washes for people with acne to kill the specific bacteria which causes acne, such as Dermalogica Foaming Wash. It’s designed to cleanse acne-prone skin without causing further irritation to already sensitised skin and clears trapped oil to help wipe out existing and future breakouts.

Don’t Forget to Moisturise

When your skin is acne-prone, it’s usually pretty oily too, which makes it seem like adding more moisture to the skin could be damaging. However, acneic skin is often really out of balance and produces extra oil because it thinks it’s too dry. Using a balancing moisturiser like Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion, which contains oil-absorbing microsponges, will soothe and moisturise irritated skin whilst controlling oil production all day.

Use a Long-Acting Treatment

People with acne-prone skin, often report waking up with more spots than they went to bed with, so using an overnight treatment which will work on your skin while you sleep will give you a better chance of waking up without new breakouts. Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel is designed to clear congested skin and prevent future blackouts, as well as unclogging pores and reducing irritation.

Mask Up

Masks are great for acne as they allow you to do several things with one product. Dermalogica Sebum Clearing Masque will soothe the skin, soak up excess sebum, purify the skin to prevent future breakouts, clears congested follicles to minimise development of future comedones and breakouts, and even encourages the skins own ability to kill bacteria. It’s a must-have treatment for all sufferers of acne and breakouts.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Skincare Advice

Smooth it Out with Pure Beauty

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0
Smooth it Out with Pure Beauty
Royalty-free image

One of the biggest questions we’re asked by our customers is “how can I get smoother skin?”, which isn’t always about their faces, but sometimes also referring to their necks, chests or even their bottoms! Smooth skin has always been a desirable quality, but with the rise of the Instagram filter and re-touched photos it’s easy to believe that our favourite celebs have been hewn from alabaster by a master sculpter, while you feel like you’ve been moulded from jelly! Here, we’ve picked five products which will help you to achieve smoothness in any area to help you feel less mumsy and more masterpiece.

Decleor Hydra-Radiance Smoothing and Cleansing Mousse with Cloth

This three-in-one cleanser from Declor performs a number of different functions – the rich cream forms a thick foam to deeply cleanse the skin and rid the face of daily dirt, while the grape juice, papaya extract and Japanese white mulberry exfoliate and gently slough away dull, dead skin cells. Finally, the Neroli oil and hyaluronic acid lock moisture deeply into the skin and keep the skin properly hydrated. When used in combination with the accompanying cleansing cloth, the smoothing results are stunning.

Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer

This daily resurfacing product from Dermalogica is one of the most powerful smoothing products that we have to offer. It contains a combination of powerful enzymes which resurfaces and smooths skin without causing irritation or redness, helps to reduce the signs of premature ageing, and brightens with a unique botanical complex that helps even skin tone and balance pigmentation. The product is packaged into 35 individual pouches which give you the correct amount to use with each application, ensuring that no a single drop is wasted.

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Body Cream

It’s all well and good having a flawless face, but if your body isn’t looked after then you won’t look your best. This body cream from Elemis is designed to be used all over your body to help to hydrate your skin, leaving it silky smooth and delicately scented. It contains a unique blend of exotic oils, while leaving out any artificial nasties and will give lasting hydration and supple skin.

Dermalogica Body Hydrating Cream

As well as containing botanical extracts and essential oils moisturise and condition the skin, this hydrating body cream from Dermalogica also utilises natural hydroxy acids from sugar cane and apple extracts, combined with lactic acid help to smooth the skin. Oils from green tea, lavender, tea tree and chamomile soothe the skin, giving ongoing softening powers, while sandalwood, orange, clary sage, patchouli and rosemary all give lasting hydration.

Decleor Phytopeel Smooth Exfoliating Cream

One of the things that we love about this cream is that it powerfully exfoliates the skin without the use of harsh particles which can actually cause micro-abrasions to the healthy skin beneath. It will cleanse and remove impurities, remove the layer of dead skin cells and reveal a new, smoother layer of skin beneath, giving you the complexion you desire.

Health and Happiness

Blackberry Delights

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

www.pexels.com

Head out into your local parks and hedgerows and you will find them are brimming with dark, ripe blackberries just crying out to be picked.

As well as tasting delicious, they are at their best in early to mid September, blackberries are a good source of Vitamin C, as well as dietary fibre which is found in the tiny seeds.

As well as munching as you pick, you can also use this much-loved fruit in jelly, jam, compote, tarts, pies, crumbles and we have a couple of ideas too.

Banana and Blackberry Overnight Oats

This is basic breakfast with a seasonal twist that is easy to make and perfect for any day of the week.

You will need

1 cup fresh ripe blackberries (plus a few for topping)
1 large banana
1/2 a cup of almond milk
¼ of a teaspoon of cinnamon
½ tsp of good quality vanilla extract
½ cup of rolled oats
Extra sliced banana and blackberries for the topping

To make simply put the blackberries, banana, milk, cinnamon and vanilla in a blender and whizz until totally smooth.

Pour the mixture into a clean glass jar and stir in the oats. Cover the jar and place in the fridge overnight during which times the oats will soak up the goodness and soften. Before eating add fresh blackberries and the slice banana to the top of the oats and enjoy.

Frozen Blackberry Fool

If you want a simple, this impressive, dinner party dessert gets our vote every time.

To make six servings, you will need:

300g of fresh, ripe blackberries
The juice of one medium lemon
300ml of fresh double cream
90g of golden caster sugar
Shortbread biscuits to serve

To make these puddings, mash 80% of the blackberries with the lemon juice and half the sugar. Whip the cream together with the remaining sugar before folding the cream and blackberry mix together to make a pretty mauve concoction.

Place the resulting mixture into a freezable container and freeze until set.

When ready, put scopes of the purple pudding into clean cocktail style glasses and serve with the shortbread biscuits and remaining blackberries.

Berry Smoothie

At Pure-Beauty we love smoothies and when the fruit is seasonal and fresh, they taste even better.

For this beauty, you will need:

225g of fresh blackberries
225g of fresh strawberries
25g of fresh blueberries
1 large, ripe banana
150ml of vanilla yogurt
150ml of milk – cow or nut are both good options
Ice cubes if desired

All you have to do is place the ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and enjoy.

Got a berry recipe you love, why not share with us?

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Which Nutrients Does Your Skin Need in Autumn?

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0
Which Nutrients Does Your Skin Need in Autumn?
Royalty-free image

With each changing season, we find that our skin is in need of different nutrients in order to maintain balance. Summer is all about protection from the sun and replacing oils lost to heat and salt water, as well as beating the shine. Autumn, however, is a different kettle of fish and with the cooler weather and shorter days, you might find your skin lacking something you hadn’t even thought of. Here, we look at some of the things your skin might need in Autumn and in which products you can find them.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of those things that your skin gets in spades during the summer without you even thinking about it; citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are typical summer fare as well as things like strawberries which are in season during warmer months, and bell peppers which we seem to eat way more of when the weather is warm. Decleor Extreme Brightening Essence is an intense brightening oil which is absolutely packed with vitamin C and will leave your skin brightened and as vibrant-looking as if it were the height of summer.

Echinacea

Echinacea is a great supplement for bolstering your immune system and fighting against seasonal colds and flu, but it also makes an ideal ingredient in your facial products thanks to its healing properties. You may not think you need sun protection during the Autumn and Winter, but it’s just as important, so choosing a foundation like Dermalogica Ultra Sensitive Tint which has it included will be a great decision. It will give you a glowing complexion and great coverage to allow you to simulate that summer colouring.

Vitamin B

Vitamin B is vital in the fight against fatigue, and if you’re anything like us then Autumn is the prime time for our bodies to start feeling like they’re on a slow-down, as the days get shorter and cooler. Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash contains a healthy dose of pro-vitamin B5 which energises the skin, keeping it soft and supple and giving your body a much-needed wake up call to get you through the dreary darker seasons.

Omega 3

Omega 3 oil is known as an essential fatty acid, which is vital for keeping your body moving and maintaining good cell renewal. It’s a soothing ingredient for the skin, making it perfect for the Autumn when the skin can feel under attack from cold winds and central heating. Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir is a rich serum which encourages collagen production in the skin, rejeuvenating a youthful visage and significantly reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, using the power of omega oils, among other things.

Life and Fashion

September Holidays

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

www.pexels.com

With schools back and costs down, September is the perfect time for a late holiday in the sun.

Whether you are looking for water sports, pool parties, cultural tours or just the chance to sit back and relax, there is plenty of choice out there.

Canary Islands
With all year sunshine and a welcoming atmosphere, the Canary Islands are a popular choice for UK holiday makers. The white sand in Costa Calma, Fuerteventura and the volcanic sands at Los Patos beach in Tenerife, are just two examples of the 500 plus stunning beaches on offer on these spectacular islands, and with a reputation for windy conditions, as well as sun, this could be the surf style break you have been looking for.

Balearic Islands
The Balearic Islands are set in the Mediterranean, between Spain and the North coast of Africa and won’t disappoint at this time of year. We love Ibiza because not only because of the great partying on offer, but if you travel away from the busy resorts you are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful beaches, secluded sun-kissed coves, culture and delicious traditional food.

Greece
The Greek islands of Crete, Rhodes, Kos and Corfu all make the perfect late break destination and if you do your research, there are some fantastic deals to be had. With temperatures still high, the sea perfect for swimming and the food out of this world, this is a popular choice with holidaymakers needing some downtime. If you are looking for a little history, have a day or two in Athens before hitting the scenic fishing villages full of pretty white washed villas and and enjoy cocktails by the pool as you watch the sun go down.

Malta
Often referred to as the ‘island of sunshine’, Malta enjoys at least 300 sunny days a year and is a truly beautiful island to visit any time of year. With over 6,000 years of history, Malta is great for anyone who is keen to enjoy a little bit of culture and as the capital, Valetta, is on the UNESCO-list, it is definitely worth a visit. You can of course simply lounge by the pool during the day, then visit the picturesque town St Julians where the streets are lined with family run bars and restaurants and you can enjoy dinner and drinks while listening to live local music.

Venice
If you are more of a city break lover, then look no further than Venice. This truly exquisite city is full of meandering waterways and has to be one of the most romantic places on earth. From beautiful palaces and churches and out of this world restaurants to the labyrinthine of secret streets and alleyways full of hidden treasures, this is a city where magic happens and memories are made.

South Africa
With no time difference to account for but sunshine on your side, Cape Town in South Africa is a popular autumn choice. With spectacular views, shopping at the V&A Waterfront, white sandy beaches, world-famous vineyards, Table Mountain and the Aquila Game Reserve all on offer it is hard to know where to start and we are pretty sure if you visit, you won’t want to come home.

Wherever you go, we hope you have a fantastic time and don’t forget to take the sun cream.

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor

Let Decleor Smooth Your Skin Without Make Up

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0
Let Decleor Smooth Your Skin Without Make Up
Royalty-free image

For many women, make-up is a fact of life and a normal part of their daily routine. There are, however, plenty of us who would rather forego the faff of putting their face on and who dislike the feeling of heavy creams and foundations on their skin. The problem there is that very few people have naturally perfect skin, and although you may want to go bare faced, you may not have the confidence to do so. Decleor have a great selection of products which promise to give you much smoother skin, so we thought we’d take a look in honour of our foundation-free sisters out there:

Decleor Mandarine Smoothing Night Balm

One of the things that we love the most about this night balm from Decleor is that not only does it do a powerful job of smoothing the skin and eliminating imperfections, but it’s also made from 100% natural ingredients. The antioxidant powers of mandarin essential oil help to visibly smooth wrinkles and create a luminous skin finish, while evening primrose plant oil, shea butter and cupuacu butter provide optimal hydration.

Decleor Energising Smoothing Cream SPF15

This cream from the Aroma Lisse product range is for use during the day and contains light-reflecting particles to give a smoother, more radiant look to the skin while offering protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Hyaluronic acid and ginseng extract will plump the skin, deeply hydrating as it goes, as well as protecting against the attack from daily pollutants and eliminating signs of fatigue. It’s a real multi-tasker which will leave your skin photo-ready without the need for cosmetics.

Decleor Hydra-Radiance Smoothing and Cleansing Mousse with Cloth

Often, problems with a lack of smoothness can be traced back to improper cleansing and not exfoliating the skin properly – how can your skin be expected to shine when it’s being shrouded by old, dead cells? This cleansing mouse and cloth combination will thoroughly cleanse the skin, sloughing away not only the day’s dirt and grime but also ridding the skin of dead cells and revealing a smoother complexion beneath. It’s also suitable for all skin types and can be used every day.

Decleor Phytopeel Smooth Exfoliating Cream

Many exfoliators are harsh on the skin and contain particles which actually scrape the dead skin cells away. This exfoliating cream from Decleor doesn’t contain any particles and uses active ingredients to absorbs and eliminates impurities. Best used once or twice a week alongside your regular skincare routine, it will stimulate the cell renewal process and leave your complexion looking smoother and fresher for the long-term.

Decleor Mandarine Smoothing Oil Serum

Many of the most powerful beauty products that we sell are in serum form and this smoothing oil is yet another. It will help to prevent the first signs of ageing and correct fine lines and wrinkles while ensuring a deep skin hydration thanks to hazelnut and sunflower oils. It should be applied each morning after your usual cleanser and before you moisturise to guarantee an improved complexion and continuing smoothness.

Elemis

Elemis White Brightening System

 , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Hyperpigmentation and an uneven skin tone is an issue which is suffered by many people, especially those with ageing skin or those who have been life-long sun worshippers. Sun damage itself can be tricky to reverse, but there are things that you can do to deal with hyperpigmentation, which is why Elemis developed the White Brightening System, a whole range of products designed to tackle that exact issue. Here’s a look at the products in the range and an overview of how each one can help:

Elemis White Brightening Dark Spot Corrector

Elemis White Brightening Dark Spot Corrector

This spot corrector is an intensive treatment which is designed to put used directly on each spot of hyperpigmentation, and can be used on the face, neck, decolletage and even your hands, to target and reduce the appearance of dark spots. The ELEMIS Brightening Complex of encapsulated vitamin C, pea and daisy is blended with garden cress, rich in a powerful anti-oxidant phytonutrient, to help reduce the intensity of dark spots without affecting the surrounding area.

Elemis White Brightening Even Tone Cleanser

Elemis White Brightening Even Tone Cleanser

A good facial routine begins with your cleanser and this one is perfect for reducing the appearance of dark spots. It eliminates excess oils and uses extracts from kiwi and other botanicals to smooth the skin and make your skin tone look more unified. It can be used daily but should be kept away from the delicate eye area, but still upholds the Elemis promise with no parabens, SLES or other nasties.

Elemis White Brightening Even Tone Lotion

Elemis White Brightening Even Tone Lotion

This Even Tone Lotion is intended for use right after cleansing and will help to maximise the anti-dark spot effect of the other products in the range. It helps to reduce the appearance of dark spots, age spots and existing imperfections, whilst red algae extract intensely moisturises the skin for lasting hydration. The lotion will restore visible clarity and luminosity, leaving the skin soft and shine free.

Elemis White Brightening Even Tone Serum

Elemis White Brightening Even Tone Serum

Serums are usually an intensely powerful, enriched product which have the most profound effect on the skin, and this one is no exception. It contains potent ingredients which promise to reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation and dark spots in just 28 days of use, which is a pretty bold promise, even for Elemis! Not only will it tackle already-existing dark spots, it also works beneath the skin on a cellular level to prevent further spots from forming, giving you a more even skin-tone for the foreseeable future.