Our Blog – Page 54 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Chill out, don’t burn out

02/05/2017 02/05/2017 0

New Year’s Resolutions are long gone and the summer holidays are far away on the horizon, which means getting bogged down with life and not taking time out for you is easy to do.

The thing is, if you don’t slow down and stop once in a while, your health and wellbeing can suffer and you can be looking at burnout.

Not fun and totally not cool.

You might think the demands of your career, family, friends and relationship don’t leave you any free time, but we think you can find a slot or two a week to take care of number one.

This isn’t selfish and shouldn’t feel guilty, and let’s face it, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

We have some great ideas of how to recharge your batteries so you feel happy and balanced rather than tired and resentful of all you do for others.

Go for a walk. Simple as that. Getting outside, away from screens and the bothers of life. Taking in fresh air will not only clear your head but you will soak up some bone building Vitamin D at the same time.

Take regular exercise. Raising your heart rate and doing something physical you really enjoy is a great way to step away from life. It could be training to do a 5k run, open water swimming, surfing, boxercise, basically anything that gets you out of breath and sweating. Before long you will look forward to that game of netball or gym session, and the burst of feel good endorphins it offers will make your day so much better.

Meet a friend for a coffee, lunch or drinks after work and catch up. While many of use divulge the details of our lives for all to see on social media, there is something to be said for meeting up with your nearest and dearest in person.

Speaking of social media, turn it off. Once a week go screen free and see just what the world offers when it isn’t fuelled by likes and tweets and ‘look at me and my perfect life’ photos.

Book a holiday and have something to look forward to.

Have a massage or reflexology session. Modern day life is busy and demanding and just one hour of pampering can make a massive difference.

Write a journal, take up scrap booking or go to an art classes. Letting your creative juices flow can be good for you soul.

Meditate, everyday, and free your mind from the toxins that are cluttering it up.

Get enough sleep. Yes, we know this can be hard, but having a warm, relaxing bath, getting into clean sheets and really resting can be so beneficial for you and for those who live with you!

Get a pet. We aren’t talking about a fish, but a cat, dog and even a rabbit can be a real companion and offer a little bit of time out from the pressures surrounding you.

Bake a cake. The process can be relaxing and the rewards are delicious.

Read a book, watch a movie or go to the theatre and escape from everything and enjoy being in another world for a couple of hours.

Go dancing, let loose and have fun.

Learn to sew or knit. Yes, these might seem a bit old-fashioned, but you can really lose yourself in a hobby like this and as well as relaxing, you get something else for yourself at the end of it.

Whatever you decide to do, make time for you and don’t feel bad about it.

Team Pure Beauty.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Beauty Focus – Cellulite

29/04/2017 28/04/2017 0

Cellulite. We’ve all heard of it, some of us have it and some of us don’t, but there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it with even the slimmest celebrities with the most faboulous legs, such as Beyonce, falling foul of it. But what is cellulite? Why do some of us get it while others manage to steer clear? We’re hoping to probe that mystery today to give you some answers!

Cellulite - Beyonce — Image source: http://bit.ly/2pa42K4

What is cellulite?

According to Wikipedia: “Cellulite (also known as adiposis edematosa, dermopanniculosis deformans, status protrusus cutis, gynoid lipodystrophy, and orange peel syndrome) is the herniation of subcutaneous fat within fibrous connective tissue that manifests topographically as skin dimpling and nodularity”

To simplify, cellulite is an area of fatty tissue, close to the surface of the skin, which can look lumpy and bumpy on certain areas of the body. It can look quite bad from certain angles and many women will feel self-conscious because of it.

Why does it occur?

Cellulite has a number of causes, such as dietary changes, hormonal factors, genetic factors, and a high-stress lifestyle. However, simply being a woman will also increase your risk factor exponentially.

How common is it?

Although it may seem like lots of women manage to avoid cellulite, current wisdom suggests that 85-98% of women actually have cellulite to some degree, so actually, those of us who manage to avoid it are in a tiny minority!

Where do most people get it?

The most common areas for cellulite are the bottom, upper thighs, upper arms, tummy and lower back. Some women also experience it on the upper arms although closer to the pelvic region is the most usual place.

Is there anything I can do about it?

Of course! Many women report in improvement in the appearance of cellulite with regular skin brushing, because it helps to break down the uneven pockets of fat which are sitting below the skin, as well as improving circulation, which will prevent further development of cellulite. The Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush is perfect for this as it’s made from natural cactus bristles and will soften the skin in the process. May of our clients also report good results with Elemis Cellutox Active Body Oil as regular usage can help to dissipate the build up of toxins which contributes to forming stubborn pockets of cellulite beneath the skin.

Remember – if even Beyonce has to deal with it, it can’t be that bad!

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Turmeric – the superfood for super health

25/04/2017 24/04/2017 0

Take a look in your kitchen cupboards and we are pretty sure that 95% of you will find a jar of golden turmeric hiding in the spice rack somewhere.

You might only bring it out once in a while to add a warm, peppery flavour to curries and soups, but after reading this post, we think turmeric is going to be featuring a lot more in your life.

You might not know this, but turmeric is a tropical plant that belongs to the ginger family. It’s root is boiled and dried then finely ground to create the vivid powder we are so familiar with.

One of the reasons turmeric is so widely used and well-regarded is because it contains curcumin, a compound which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown this simple root could have endless positive effects on your health, including relieving gas and bloating, easing digestion, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, taking the sting out of colds and flu, helping with blood pressure and treating depression.

Wow, this is a superfood if ever we have seen one!

While none of this is 100% proved, it would seem that it is worth incorporating this little bit of this natural gem into your diet.

Yes, it is a fantastic addition to curries and spicy dishes, but there are other ways to get some of the golden stuff into your body so it can reap the benefits.

For a tasty breakfast that packs a punch, add a pinch or two to scrambled eggs.

Stir it into olive oil, then toss in roasted vegetables.

Blend into a vitamin packed smoothie, especially good post workout to help ease aching joints and muscles.

Use a teaspoon or two in chicken noddle soup for an added immune boost.

Add a pinch of ground turmeric to warm water and lemon to start your day the right way. You can also buy turmeric tea bags, which can be drunk alone or mixed with green, white, black, or mint varieties.

For something a bit different, add it into homemade vegan ice cream. Add a pinch of turmeric to a cup of coconut cream and blend with a ripe banana, five pitted dates, a drizzle of honey and some fresh ginger. Blast in the blender, then pour into pots, freeze, and enjoy.

What we are really saying is to aim to make this an everyday staple that can be used to season eggs, stir fries, pulses, guacamole, nut butter, humus, dips, sauces, dressings and even porridge.

If none of these ideas really appeal, pop along to your health food shop and buy some capsules and take if you take the suggested does each day it can help you get you in tip-top condition.

Got a turmeric trick, send it our way, we would love to know it.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness

5 Unusual Menopause Symptoms and How to Deal with Them

22/04/2017 24/04/2017 0

5 Uncommon Menopause Symptoms — Image Credit: http://bit.ly/2pJmyXT

The menopause is famous for making women feel uncomfortable and there’s a whole list of symptoms, such as hot flushes and lack of energy that we all know about. There are, however, several more “unusual” symptoms which people either don’t know about or haven’t worked out that they’re associated to menopause. We’ve put together a list of five of these unusual symptoms in the hope that we can help you to deal with them.

Dry Skin

As your body starts to wind down hormone production, dry skin can be a knock-on effect. The good news is that we have a whole army of moisturisers to help you to deal with this, and as skin ages it requires something richer like Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream Ultra-Rich which will ivisibly mprove hydration and firmness within 15 days!

Poor Sleep

We’re not sure if it’s the nocturnal hot flushes which make sleep feel elusive or just a generally restless night, but feeling tired even after a full night’s sleep is really common for menopausal women. Elemis Quiet Mind Temple Balm contains a blend of oils which combine to promote harmony, tranquillity and relaxation. Apply a couple of drops to your temples to help you to relax and drift off to a more restful sleep.

Headache

You may not think that head pain could be associated with your reproductive system, but lots of women report blinding headaches as part of their menopause symptoms. What most people don’t realise is that oestrogen withdrawal is a really common trigger for migraines, and therefore menopause and migraines tend to go hand in hand. Lying in a dark room and taking analgesics is usually the only sure-fire way to soothe a migraine.

Sensitivity to Sound and Noise

General irritability and feeling overwhelmed is reported as a peri-menopause symptom that some women experience, but some even go on to find that their sensitivity to light and sound is increased, leaving them feeling totally overloaded. Giving yourself time alone to unwind is really important for both your physical and mental wellbeing during this time, so taking yourself off to a bathroom or bedroom and indulging in some at-home spa treatments is a must. We recommend the Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi range to help you to unwind.

Joint Pain

Many, previously healthy, women say that they feel like they’ve aged by ten years when menopause starts because it can be so draining and although joint pain seems like a simple case of ageing, it can actually be caused by menopause. Adding fatty oils like Cod Liver Oil as well as a glucosamine supplement can help, as can regular soaks in a warm bath using something like Elemis Aching Muscle Super Soak to soothe aching bones.

Health and Happiness

Get up and jump into spring

18/04/2017 18/04/2017 0

During the cold, dark winter months we tend to snuggle up on the sofa with a hot chocolate and the remote control and watch one box set after another. As comforting as this is, with spring in the air and the nights getting longer, it is time to shrug off that fleece and get ready for summer.

We have had a look at how you can make health and fitness your best friends, rather than regarding them as the enemy, so you can feel your best you, ever.

Get outside for a brisk walk every day. Walking has a great effect on your health and, if done on a regular basis it can help reduce your cholesterol levels, balance your blood pressure and boost your mood. This is also a natural way to improve your Vitamin D levels, something we know that can be hard in the UK but it is worth a go and you can top up the good stuff with a supplement.

Find a sport you enjoy and do it. Whether it’s a run in the park, a swim at the lido or a kick boxing class, there is something for everyone, you just need to look for it. If you find it easy to sit back with a take away and skip yoga, go with a friend and then you can’t miss it or you’ll be letting yourself and them down.

Instead of having the three traditional meals a day we all stick to, try having more snacks and smaller meals. Go for low Glycaemic Index foods like fruit, vegetables and wholegrains and this will help your blood sugar remain steady and you won’t be hungry and tempted to grab a bar of chocolate or slice of cake at 4pm.

We know they taste good, but if you want to look and feel good we suggest you reduce alcohol, processed foods and refined sugar. Don’t ban them altogether but remember that saying, a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips, and you might ditch that doughnut for dates.

Whatever you do, don’t be afraid of healthy fats, they are good for you. Foods like nuts and avocado will fill you up without causing weight gain, unless you overdo it of course, and they will also help your hair, skin and nails look amazing.

If you are looking for some food and lifestyle swaps that are easy to make but can have a big impact, we have a few ideas:

Ditch the meat and go veggie at least twice a week
Park a mile from your office and walk the rest of the way
Swap sugar for cinnamon
Eat oily fish twice a week
Replace sour cream with low-fat Greek yogurt
Go sugar-free with tea and coffee
Reduce salt and use herbs and garlic instead
Ditch the white bread, rice and pasta and try whole grain versions
Swap those sweetened cereals for porridge or a vitamin packed smoothie
Brush your teeth after eating as way of avoid snacking
Eat fruit rather than drinking lots of fruit juice
Eat from a smaller plate, yes it works!
Swap the bus for your bike
Keep a food diary, you will be amazed at what you actually eat each day
Broccoli, cashew nuts and peppers will support your immune system and help you avoid infections and mean less sick days.

Add lentils and pumpkin seeds into your diet to improve your mood and remember that your metabolism will benefit from the protein found in lean meat, dairy, peanuts and pulses.

Make sure you drink enough water. Being hydrated is vital for good health and will also keep your brain clear, your skin glowing and hair glossy.

Put a photo of the dress, bikini or holiday destination on your fridge and every time you open the door you will go for the strawberries over the Starmix.

Go on, give these a go and we are sure you will see the difference in no time.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Facial Treatments

Care for Your Eyes with Decleor

15/04/2017 18/04/2017 0

Eyecare from Decleor — Image: Creative Commons CC0 license

According to a recent survey of over 1000 people, both men and women consider the eyes to be the most important feature when determining attraction and with more over 50’s back in the dating pool than ever before, looking after your eyes is key. Decleor offer a huge range of eye-care products, designed to keep the delicate skin around your peepers in top condition, so we thought we’d take a look at some of their most popular offerings.

Decleor Dark Circle and Eye Wrinkle Eraser

If you’re lucky enough to still be in the early stages of the ageing process then this cream is ideal for you. The correcting action smoothes and fills fine lines and wrinkles while the yellow pigment covers and corrects the dark areas of your skin. It comes with a special silicone applicator which allows you to apply it where you need it the most.

Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes

At the end of a long day, it’s really common for eyes to feel puffy and sore, which is why Decleor created this gel-cream. It’s got a light texture specially formulated for the sensitive eye area and will reduce dark circles, soothe the sensitive eye area, moisturise and protect the skin around the eyes and reduce the signs of reactivity. It’s great for hayfever sufferers, too.

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Hyaluronic acid is one of the most popular ingredients in anti-ageing products, and this serum from Decleor contains a high concentration of it to smooth deep wrinkles and reverse fine lines. The firming effect gives the whole eye area and much needed boost and can be applied morning and night to make you look well-rested even after the worst night’s sleep!

Decleor Lift and Firm Eye Cream

This eye cream from Decleor is a multi-functional potion. Not only does it lift and firm the eye area (as the name would suggest!) but it re-energises the support fibres and reactivates the micro-circulation of the eyes. It also contains light-reflective particles which add radiance. This means that not only will the puffiness and dark colouration be reduced, but you’ll look totally revitalised and youthful, just by using one cream.

Decleor Refreshing Eye Make-up Remover

It’s all well and good using specific eye creams to improve your eye area, but removing eye make-up with a dedicated product is equally important. Using an eye make-up remover will not only ensure that your make-up is removed efficiently (especially if it’s waterproof), it will also avoid irritating a delicate area, while camellia oil comforts and nourishes the skin.

Life and Fashion

Keeping moths at bay, the easy way

11/04/2017 18/04/2017 0

With news this week suggesting moths seem to have an appetite for precious curtains and carpets, costumes and tapestries in some of our most loved historic properties, we thought we would look at how to make sure they don’t get at your favourite clothes.

There are approximately 2,400 species of moths in the UK and whilst they pose no health risks, the larvae of some types can damage the natural materials like wool, cotton and silk and this puts your delicate items at particular risk.

No one wants to find holes in their wedding dress or precious family air looms, so the best thing to do is stop them getting inside in the first place, because once they find a dark cupboard or wardrobe, moths will lay eggs and the damage can happen faster than you can put a dark wash on. We accept that doing this can be hard, but we have put together some handy hints and tips to keep moths at bay in your home.

Use fly screens on your doors and windows and draw your curtains at night to prevent moths getting into your lovely home in the first place.

Check your loft every spring because moths love the bird nests in eaves of homes and will hide out all winter waiting to cause problems.

Clean under your beds on a regular basis and even check those in the spare room as they are dark and cosy, just what moths love.

Hoovering and cleaning your wardrobe every couple of weeks, and keeping the doors open every now and again, is a good way to stop the larvae eating away at your dresses and skirts.

It is also worth noting that moths and their larvae love dirty, sweaty clothes that smell, so only keep clean items in your drawers, wash the rest before putting them away.

When it comes to washing, as well as sorting items by colour, try to wash clothes that are stored in the same drawers or hanging space together too. This will help prevent cross contamination and keep any problems under control.

Lavender bags in your wardrobes and chest of drawers will not only ensure everything smells lush but they will keep the moths away as they hate the smell.

Rather than keep all clothes out, all of the time, change them by season and store in vacuum bags, again with a little lavender as an added moth deterrent. If you don’t want to spend cash on the real thing, you can fold your clean clothes into a bin liner, put the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner in the top of the then seal with you hand and the bag will shrink in front of your eyes. Seal with a hair band or tape and store away until needed.

One way to get rid of damage causing larvae is by freezing it. Put your affected clothing into a plastic bag, seal and store in your freezer for 24 hours. Take them items out then wash and dry them and hang up next to a lavender bag.

If the sun comes out, hang your coats and jackets on the washing line and beat areas like the collar and seams to kill eggs and larvae and breathe fresh air into the fabric. Note, if someone is having a bonfire or BBQ, do it another time.

There are a range of products on the market including sprays and traps, that can be hung in wardrobes and cupboards to deal with small infestations and protect your clothes and fabrics.

Got a tip for moths we haven’t covered? Drop us a line, we would love to know your moth combatting secrets.

Team Pure Beauty

Skincare Advice

Eat Your Way to Better Skin

08/04/2017 07/04/2017 0

When it comes to some of the most common skin problems, we at Pure Beauty have products to help to heal, reverse and soothe most of them. However the old adage says “you are what you eat”, and this is true of a lot of skin complaints. Today, we’re looking at some of the things you could add to your diet to help to get your skin into tip-top condition.

Wrinkles

If your skin is starting to show the signs of age and you want to do something to add a little more plumpness, we’d recommend adding berries to your diet. Berries are a good source of anti-oxidants and will help to fight the free radicals which contribute towards the look of ageing. Use in tandem with Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist for maximum effects.

Dry Skin

If you want to improve your skin’s hydration on a cellular level then you need to boost your levels of essential fatty acids such as Omega 3. This can be found in oily fish such as anchovies and mackerel, as well as nuts such as walnuts. Adding a handful of chia seeds to a daily smoothie can also be a great help, as well as using a daily dose of Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir which contains Omega-3 rich camelina oil.

Sun Protection

Spending time in the sun is good for us in many ways, including helping the body to release happiness-boosting hormones. However, we’re all well aware of the damage that the sun can cause so protecting ourselves is really important. Eating pomegranates before spending time in the sun is said to be beneficial because of the high levels of polyphenols in the fruit, but we wouldn’t suggest relying on this alone; add a broad spectrum high-factor sunscreen to your daily routine, such as Elemis Liquid Layer SPF30 if you’re spending time in the sun.

Hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation, also known as age spots or liver spots, are areas where the skin has produced too much melanin and is usually a sign of ageing. Eating green veg such as broccoli and spinach will help as they contain high levels of alpha lipoic acid (ALA), an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant which helps to even out the skin’s pigmentation. Dermalogica C-12 Pure Bright Serum will also help to banish dark spots.

Spots

Spots and blemishes can be tricky to deal with, especially as food triggers can make things worse. However, foods which look orange, such as sweet potato, apricots and mangoes all contain high levels of vitamin A which is a powerful weapon against spots and blemishes. Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier is a topical treatment which also contains vitamin A and will help to break-down excess sebum and heal spots.

Health and Happiness

Go out and enjoy spring

04/04/2017 03/04/2017 0

The clocks have gone forward, there are leaves on the trees and flowers in bloom, meaning it’s time to turn off the TV and explore all the spring has to offer.

A picnic is a great way of eating out that encourages activity and helps boost your mood. Whether you unwrap your sandwiches in the back garden, at the park or by the sea, eating alfresco is good for family-bonding and the fresh air and Vitamin D will help you feel refreshed and alive after the stuffy winter months inside.

During April and into the start of May, many of the UK’s woodland areas become a vibrant sea of colour as stunning bluebell carpets appear. This natural phenomenon occurs just once a year so make the most of the magic and go on a bluebell walk with family and friends.

Another very British spring pastime, is lambing. There is nothing cuter than watching little lambs with their mums as they embrace their new life and take in the world around them. Many farms open to the public so it is worth keeping an eye out for events and going along for an adorable afternoon.

Why not hand your camera over to your children and see what spring looks like from their little eyes? Not only will this allow them to exercise their creativity, but you will find the images they create will be very different from the ones we try so hard to ensure are picture perfect.

Why not plan a walk in the sunshine, or showers, that involves a spot of afternoon tea? There is nothing quite like cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam and fresh cream and a slice of Victoria sponge to get those feel good hormones going.

Find a festival and start the summer as you mean to go on. Whilst Glastonbury, V and the Isle of Wight festival all take place in the height of the sunny season, in spring there are loads of food & drink festivals, arts and crafts fairs as well as local spring fetes to enjoy, so go on Google and get involved.

Padding in the sea -brisk maybe but lots of fun and you can enjoy fish and chips afterwards as the sun goes down.

For all you nature lovers, this is the perfect time to spot some spring birds. April is when many birds return north after the winter and settle for the summer, just last week a rare hoopoe bird was spotted at Seaview in Cornwall and he caused quite a stir with his exotic colouring and distinctive feathers. You can get flocks of these dear little creatures to gather at your place by putting out bird feeders and houses, but make sure you place them out of reach from cats, then sit back and watch your feathered friends fill up.

If you are feeling like a real adventure, why not leave the internet behind and go off grid by taking a camping trip. A couple of days in the wild, or at campsite, is a cheap, but fun way to chill out, relieve stress, connect with nature and each other once again. Take warm clothes, a pack of cards, some yummy food and you will have a great time whatever the weather.

Got a spring activity you love? Drop us a line, we would love to know what it is.

Team Pure Beauty

Skincare Advice

The Lowdown on Crow’s Feet

01/04/2017 03/04/2017 0

Most of us have heard of crow’s feet, even if we don’t have them (yet!), but what are they and what causes them? Today, we’re looking at one of the most common signs of ageing and trying to work out what you can do about them.

So, what are crow’s feet?

‘Crow’s feet’ is simply a colloquial term for the fine lines which appear around your eyes and mouth. They’re called crow’s feet because of the shape of them – they usually spread out and look like a bird’s foot.

What causes them?

Crow’s feet usually occur in areas where there’s lots of movement from facial expressions, mostly smiling and talking! In your youth, your skin produces plenty of collagen and the skin is plumper, however as we age collagen production slows down and areas which move a lot show signs of wear, and don’t “ping back” quite as efficiently as they did when we were younger.

What can I do to prevent them?

Obviously, keeping your face totally still isn’t an option, so you’ll want to add a few beauty products to your arsenal to keep crows feet at bay. Firstly, a high factor SPF is essential to protect your skin from UVA rays which accelerate the ageing process. You’ll also need to use a rich moisturiser to ensure your skin is adequately hydrated as dehydration can make crow’s feet appear exponentially worse. Using a good night cream is also a good idea to maximise the care you give your skin, even whilst you sleep.

Is there anything else which can help?

There are plenty of other things you can do to help prevent crow’s feet. Eating a healthy diet and avoiding alcohol is a pretty simple one, as is not smoking. Spending too much time in the sun will accelerate ageing, as failing to get enough sleep won’t help either. Finally, ensure you drink enough water as being dehydrated will make any skin issue far worse.

Will make-up cover crow’s feet?

The short answer is no, but it can help if you use the right products. Opting for a primer before you apply your make up will even out the skin and plump your crow’s feet for a smoother finish. You should also opt for a foundation with a light finish, or a mineral powder as heavy liquids often “bunch” inside the wrinkles and make them even more noticeable.

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