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Blackberry Delights

05/09/2017 04/09/2017 0

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?

02/09/2017 04/09/2017 0

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

29/08/2017 28/08/2017 0

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

26/08/2017 28/08/2017 0

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.

Health and Happiness

Feel good the easy way

22/08/2017 22/08/2017 0

So you’ve been on holiday, your tan is fading, your bank balance isn’t looking so smart and neither are your trainers.

Don’t despair, you don’t need to win the lottery to feel a million dollars (yes, we know it would help), but you do need to help yourself.

These easy to implement ideas will add a happy dimension to your life and give you a reason to smile just like you did in those Ibiza selfies.

Get outside! This really is the easiest way to feel brighter and better about life. Walk on the beach, run by the river or even cycle the park and let those feel good endorphins run through your body.

You know taking a bath is good way to relax, but why not mix things up and jump in the shower instead? The sensation of water hitting your skin combined with an aromatherapy body wash packed with uplifting ingredients, such as mandarin, lemon, grapefruit, ginger, rosemary and lemongrass can be the revitalising boost you have been looking for.

Fake it! OK, you might not feel like you are the best Account Exec in the office and might not have Arianna’s body but look around and see that there’s only one you and you have to own it! Put on your favourite jeans, have a new haircut or apply an extra swipe of red lipstick before you hit the bar and be the best you, you can be.

Run mindfully. Yes, you read it right. Get out your leggings and trainers, find a route that works for you and as your put one foot in front of another, use the steady rhythm, to process your thoughts and feelings so when you stretch out afterwards, you are left feeing physically and emotionally uplifted.

Go to a gig. It doesn’t matter whether it’s rock, pop or jazz, but live music gives us a real buzz and it’s got to be better than another night in front of the box?

Not just for solving morning sickness, ginger tea is an instant pick-me-up! It’s soothing and invigorating and will give you a totally natural boost and a warming glow.

Give back. Buy a stranger a coffee, volunteer at a local hospice, even hold the door open for someone else and you will instantly feel happier about your lot.

Bake a cake. You don’t have to be Mary Berry to reap the rewards of cracking eggs, sifting flour and creaming butter. Not only can you leave the stresses of the day behind you, but once your work is done you can sit down with a slice of cake and cup of tea knowing you’ve done a great job.

Go on a digital detox. Take a break from likes and Tweets and instead focus on the real world and what is happening in the here and now.

Have an early night. Turn screens off, light candles, run a bath then lie back and relax. Sooth your skin with an indulgent body cream and slip into clean sheets and sleep away your stresses.

Smile, the world is with you, not against you.

Team Pure Beauty

Elemis

Elemis White Brightening System

19/08/2017 22/08/2017 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

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

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

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

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.

Life and Fashion

Kitchen cupboard essentials

15/08/2017 14/08/2017 0

We know that cooking wholesome meals at home, from scratch, is good for us, but sometimes you go to the cupboard, and well it is bare and calling for a take-away seems like the easiest option.

Easy yes, healthy no and cost-effective, definitely not.

By simply stocking up on the essentials once a month, you will find it so much easier to keep on track with meal planning and making.

TINS

Tomatoes
These are the basic staple for many casseroles, sauces, soups and stews so stock up on this true all-rounder.

Pulses and beans
Chickpeas, red kidney beans and lentils are packed with fibre and protein and can be used in curries, casseroles, for dips and in salads. You can also use them to make homemade baked beans that taste amazing but come with less sugar and salt than supermarket versions.

Fish
We know fresh is great but don’t be without a stash of tinned tuna, salmon and sardines. Once washed, these can all be added to pasta, rice, salads and so much more. You may also want to add anchovies to that list as they pack a real flavour punch.

PACKETS

Pasta
This is a one stop wonder for everyone. Pasta can be used for bakes, packed lunches, a tasty tea or a chunky addition to soup. Buy in bulk and add in whole grains too.

Rice
We love whole grain rice because it is full of fibre as well as slow-release energy. Not just as a side for curries, this pantry staple can be mixed into salads, eaten with pulled pork or mixed with hard-boiled eggs and kippers and you have a fast, tasty, healthy supper in seconds.

Couscous
This little wonder food is full of protein and has become really popular recently, for good reason. It is has traditionally been eaten with spicy tagines but also goes well with a stodgy stew. Add some dried apricots and raisins and you a salad base that really can’t be beaten.

Noodles
Just like pasta, these budget basics can be used across the board and add bulk and texture to soups, stir-fries and veggie curries.

JARS

Honey
This kitchen multi-tasker is great on toast and stirs right into porridge but it can add a little something special to marinades, sauces and your cake baking. You can also mix with mustard to create the most delicious meat dishes.

Olive oil
No kitchen can be without a bottle of decent olive oil.

Vinegar
Forget the fish and chip shop, red, white, cider and balsamic vinegars can really bring your meals alive. Salad dressings, marinades and rich sauces can all be enhances with vinegar and the flavours you can create are out of this world.

AND THE REST

We all have different tastes and budgets but some of the other basics to keep in your kitchen cupboards include:

Herbs and spices – a decent collection will last for ages so don’t scrimp on flavours
Salt and pepper
Tomato purée (add a flavour punch to lots of different dishes)
Plain, self-raising and bread flour plus dried yeast
Dried fruit
Cocoa powder
Sugar (white and brown)
Porridge oats
Baking powder and bicarbonate of soda
Condiments such as tomato ketchup, brown sauce, mayonnaise and Tabasco are a must for many.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Skincare Advice

Flower Power with Pure Beauty

12/08/2017 14/08/2017 0

Here at Pure Beauty, we often talk to you about the ingredients in our products and focus on the individual benefits of each thing. Today, we’ve decided to shine a light on the products we sell from Decleor, Dermalogica and Elemis which are based on the powers of flowers! From rose to lavender to camomile to cornflower, there’s a whole meadow of blooms in our favourite products, and these are five of our favourites.

Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover

The power of flowers is perhaps most evident in this product, because it’s right there in the name! As well as containing white tea, this powerful paraben-free make-up remover contains white peony and white water lily, combining to cleanse, refresh and condition your face. It removes all trace of make-up, even waterproof mascara and will soothe a tired eye area. It’s delicate enough for contact lens wearers and even those with sensitive or allergy-prone eyes.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Serum

This serum from Dermalogica is designed to intensively replenish ageing skin with moisture and vitamins, and is based on a mixture of sunflower butter and microencapsulated vitamins A, C and E. It provides antioxidant protection and actively prevents hyperpigmentation in prematurely ageing skin. It also helps stimulate collagen synthesis which will help your skin to look plumper and younger.

Decleor 24 Hour Hydrating Light Cream

Decleor has developed this cream, designed to deeply hydrate your skin with the lightest touch by harnessing neroli oil. Neroli oil comes from the flowers of the bitter orange tree and is part of their Hydra Floral range, which uses natural flower oils to enrich the skin with moisture and protection. The moisturiser guarantees to offer 24-hour hydration and in a study conducted by the brand, 85% of women noticed their skin was revitalised and softer after the first application.

Elemis Jasmine and Rose Hand and Nail Cream

Jasmine and rose are well-known for their enchanting scents, which do indeed add to the delicate aroma of this hand and nail cream, but they also lend their nourishing oils and softening flower milks, to offer intensive and long-lasting moisturisation. The cream replaces lipids which have been lost from the skin and will protect hands from further damage. It’s produced in line with the Elemis promise, which means it’s totally free from parabens, SLES and any other artificial nasties.

Dermalogica Phyto Replenish Oil

This daily-use treatment oil harnesses the very best that nature has to offer and its numerous phytoactives will help to solve dryness and dehydration while reinforcing the skins natural protective function. It contains oils extracted from camellia, orchid, sunflowers and rosemary, as well as those from other natural sources, such as tamanu, rice bran and chia seed. It can be applied directly to the face or added to your daily Dermalogica moisturiser to act as a base.

Health and Happiness

Iron – what’s it all about?

08/08/2017 07/08/2017 0

There is so much information out there about what we should eat, and what we shouldn’t, that at times it can feel pretty overwhelming and you just want to head out for a KFC.

Don’t!

A good rule of thumb is to eat a balanced diet of fruit and vegetables with good lean protein and whole grains. Drinking plenty of water, limiting processed foods and sugar as well as alcohol and getting some exercise all help to keep you in optimum health.

One thing we often hear about is not getting enough iron, which isn’t great for you. We iron so that our bodies can make haemoglobin, the blood protein that helps transport oxygen around our bodies.

An iron deficiency can lead to anaemia, a condition that leaves us feeling weak and tired, short of breath and complexions become paler. Not something you want to be dealing with.

We also need iron to regulate our immune systems, if we don’t have enough we are more likely to pick up colds and bugs and it will take longer to recover.

The suggested amount of iron you need is:
14.8mg a day for women (19-50 years)
8.7mg a day for women (50-64 years)
8.7mg a day for men (19-64 years)

Ideally, you should be able to get all the iron you need from your daily diet and excellent sources include:

red meat including liver, beef and lamb
dark-green leafy vegetables like spinach, watercress and curly kale
clams, mussels and oysters are great sources
beans and pulses
nuts
dried fruit (dried apricots and figs are great options)
whole grains – such as brown rice
fortified breakfast cereals

One thing to be aware of is that Vitamin C helps your body to absorb iron. This means when Vitamin C rich foods are combined with foods rich in iron, absorption of the iron is substantially increased. We all know oranges are the ‘go to’ source for Vitamin C, but also consider strawberries, broccoli, red peppers, kale, grapefruit and Brussel sprouts – maybe not all at once!

It is also worth noting that dairy products like yogurt, cheese, milk and eggs can interfere with iron absorption, so once again it is just really important to make sure you try to eat a varied, balanced diet that covers all food groups.

One way to get your day off to a good start, is with a bowl of homemade, iron packed muesli that is also full of fibre.

For this you will need three cups of oats and a cup of mixed nuts ( including macadamia nuts if possible) as well as
½ a cup of sesame seeds, ½ a cup of sunflower seeds, ½ a cup of raisins and ½ a cup of dried apricots. Add them all into an airtight container and enjoy a bowl for breakfast with nut milk and a glass of orange juice.

If you think you might be iron deficient or anaemic, speak to your GP for more advice and a diagnosis and if a supplement is suggested, stick to the prescribed does and hopefully you will see a change in your spirits and energy levels.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Elemis, Skincare Advice

A Balm for Every Problem…

05/08/2017 07/08/2017 0

Beauty balms are becoming more and more popular, and with good reason; they often tackle a number of problems with just one product. Balms are rich and potent and offer the skin an extra dose of healing goodness, and are especially good after cosmetic procedures or sun exposure. Elemis, Dermalogica and Decleor all have some excellent balms within their ranges, so we thought we’d shine a light on five of the best.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Aging skin is often too delicate to deal with harsh cleansers, which means that getting rid of make-up and dirt at the end of the day can almost do more harm than good if you aren’t using the right products. This cleansing balm from Elemis encourages collagen production which plumps the skin and banishes wrinkles, all while using nourishing elderberry, starflower and optimega oils to dissolve make-up and pollutants.

Dermalogica Post Shave Balm

Shaving is a necessary evil; it’s an efficient way to remove hair, but it can also be detrimental to your skin, which can be left red and raw. Using a balm after you shave, like this one from Dermalogica, is great as it will sink into your skin and deeply replenish lost oils which are stripped away when shaving. It reduces hair regrowth and prevents ingrowing hairs, too.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm

Balms are an excellent product to use on skin which feels like it’s lost its mojo, and that’s why Elemis produced their Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm. It enhances the skin, improving radiance, and leaves your skin exuding vitality. Unlike other balms, it’s light enough to be used under make-up and actually makes a fabulous primer for foundation. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be applied daily after cleansing.

Decleor High Repair After Sun Balm for the Face

Over-exposure to the sun is one of the quickest ways to damage your skin, both short-term and long term. In the short-term, you’ll suffer with tightness and pain, depending on the severity of the burn and in the long-term, if lost moisture is replenished, the ageing process will speed-up. This balm from Declor is designed to be used after sun exposure and will both soothe the burn and ensure that vital nutrients are replaced in the skin, helping the healing process and halting the signs of ageing.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Neck and Decollete Balm

Forgetting your neck and decolletage is one of the ultimate beauty sins, but it’s something that SO many women do! Fortunately, Elemis have created this balm specifically for those areas, harnessing the power of sea buckthorn oil, one of the richest known plant-sources of Fatty Acid Omega-7, to visibly improve the appearance of skin elasticity and smoothness, reducing the appearance of crepiness and skin slackening.

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