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Beat the January blues

17/01/2017 17/01/2017 0

With January 16 dubbed as ‘Blue Monday’ we have reached what many consider to be the most depressing time of the year.

With the fun of Christmas and the optimism of New Year a distant memory, and a lack of cash in the bank, extra pounds on our waists and long, dark nights stretching as far as the eye can see, it can all feel bit doom and gloom.

However, we think that by making some simple changes to your lifestyle you really can see a little bit of sunshine everyday however cloudy it is outside.

Take a look at what you eat because that can impact your mood more than you might realise. Eating a diet that is rich in fruit and vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and seeds, good proteins and drinking plenty of water is key.

Keep an eye on your alcohol consumption as this can be a depressive and actually make your feel more miserable. Don’t use booze to mask problems and maybe ditch it altogether and take part in ‘Dry January’.

Get outside at least once a day. We know it is cold but fresh air and a little sunshine can do you the world of good. Take the dog, take a friend, take both but get your shoes and coat on and feel better instantly.

Don’t go bargain hunting. If you are looking for a quick hit from the sales you might not get the high you are looking for. Filling your basket with discount headphones, scarves and diaries might make you smile at the checkout but in the long run it will empty your bank balance and leave you feeling, well all spent out.

Many of us communicate with family and friends via email, text and social media and whilst it is an easy way to keep in touch, it can make you feel lonely. Meet up face to face for a coffee, lunch or maybe to take part in the pub quiz (water all round) and you will feel happier from real social interaction rather than a few ‘likes’ on Facebook.

Do something for someone else. Go shopping for a neighbour, volunteer for a charity or give blood – all of these are free and easy to do and will make you feel good.

Fill your diary with things to look forward to. Book a holiday, plan a spa day with friends or get tickets for a gig and know you have some great adventures ahead of you.

Paint a wall in your house your favourite colour and you’ll smile every time you see it.

Take a course. Be it gardening, cooking, sewing or web design, there are loads of free ones out there that you can plough your energy into that will make you feel happy and how knows, it could lead to a whole new career.

Exercise not only boosts your mood and self-esteem but it can also help you sleep, look and feel better. Whether it is running, a dance class or regular lengths in the pool, you will find those happy chemicals will benefit your mind, body and soul.

Turn off the news and listen to your favourite music instead.

Say hello to a strange and smile as you walk by – it is hard to feel rubbish with a smile on your face.

If you are struggling with feelings of anxiety and depression over a long period we suggest speaking to your doctor, or a family member or friend you trust.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness

Alternatives to Surgery

14/01/2017 13/01/2017 0

Go back just a few years and plastic surgery was confined to the likes of Hollywood and other high-profile, wealthy individuals. However, with the rise in popularity of things like botox and dermal fillers, it seems like everyone is opting for the more extreme beauty treatments. However, these things aren’t usually permanent (unless you go under the knife) and there are a lot of non-invasive alternatives for you to try first. Here, we look at five of the most common procedures and products you can use as an alternative.

Botox

Botox, for those who don’t know, is actually the botulinum toxin and is injected into the face to paralyse areas and reduce movement and wrinkles. It lasts around 3-4 months and costs an average of £200 per session, making it an expensive habit to continue. Alternatively, use Decleor Lift and Firm Day Cream which will firm and add radiance to skin for a fraction of the cost and on a long-term basis with regular use.

Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers are literally injected into your wrinkles and fine lines to plump them up from beneath the skin. They cost between £150 and £300 per session, depending on how much filler is needed and can last up to two years. However, if the thought of having injections in your face every two years doesn’t appeal to you, Decleor Lift Wrinkle Filler will specifically target deep facial wrinkles in a far less invasive manner.

Face Lift

A face lift is where the skin of the face is literally cut and pulled back, then stitched into place to make the whole face appear firmer and more youthful. It’s an extremely invasive procedure which costs an average of £6000 and the full healing process can take up to a year. The Dermalogica AGE Smart system contains a range of products which can actually prevent the biological triggers of ageing and if used correctly can prevent you ever being at a point where you’d consider a face lift!

Neck Lift

There’s no doubt that a saggy neck isn’t a great look, but with a neck-lift costing around £5000 and taking several weeks to fully recover from, we think trying a non-invasive alternative first is definitely worth it. Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Serum is a powerful product which can be used on the face and neck to firm the skin and resurface areas, leading to a more youthful, smooth appearance and you won’t need 2 weeks off of work to use it.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an exfoliating technique that uses a rotating instrument to remove the outer layers of skin, usually on the face. This treatment is popular with people who wish to improve the appearance of their skin. Some of the conditions it can treat include fine lines, sun damage, acne scars, and uneven texture. It varies widely in cost depending on your practitioner but will usually be thousands rather than hundreds and you’ll definitely need to take at least two weeks off work (and you probably won’t want to leave the house at all!). Decleor Lift and Brighten Peeling Gel is an exfoliator with fruit acids specially formulated to gently treat mature skin which, over time, will give a similar effect to dermabrasion without any of the cost or discomfort.

Life and Fashion

MOT your sleep

10/01/2017 09/01/2017 0

The alarm clock going off at 6am can be quite a shock to the system after late nights and long lie-ins during the Christmas break.

Getting back into a routine can be hard, so this is the perfect time to give your sleep patterns an MOT so you can get on the on the right track to being bright eyed and bushy tailed.

Start at the beginning and work out how much sleep YOU need. The average amount of sleep an adult needs tends to be between seven and eight hours a night but we often get hung up on this figure. Some of us need more sleep whilst others can function on less. Go with your body and lifestyle but don’t stress if you don’t hit eight every night.

The January sales are a great time to update your mattress, something that can really affect your sleep. If your mattress is more than seven years old, it could be time to go and try out some new ones. Memory foam, pocket sprung, latex, open coil, there is a lot of choice out there so set a budget, work out what you like and go try them out in-store.

You may also want to use this as an opportunity to give your bedroom a really good spring clean. Dust, hoover, clear out the cupboards and wash the windows.

Check your curtains are keeping the light out and you clear clutter off surfaces.

Keep your bedding clean and fresh and check if your pillow is right for you rather than making your neck stiff and giving you headache.

Cut the coffee! We are always hearing that caffeine can stop you from sleeping, so if you can, stop drinking coffee, tea and fizzy drinks mid afternoon and quench your thirst and keep hydrated with water and herbal teas instead.

Food can also affect sleep so try to avoid big meals and rich flavours late at night as they can play havoc with your zzzzzzs.

Go digital free in the evenings. We know that can be tricky with emails, social media and the overwhelming need to Insta your dinner, but getting away from tech can help you sleep better. Set a cut off time and keep to it. Ban phones, tablets and TVs from the bedroom and use an old fashioned alarm clock to wake you up.

Set a routine. We know parents do this for their children, but you will find that if you follow a pattern each night your body will adapt and fall into line.

A little meditation can be a good idea in the evening. It doesn’t have to be a class, there are some great apps out there, but it will allow your to clear your mind so you are in the present moment and relaxed.

Having a bath is a really excellent way of letting your body and mind relax. Warm water, bubbles, candles and soft music aren’t just for the spa, they can sooth away aches, pains and worries and set you up for a sound sleep.

If you get under the covers and just can’t drift off, don’t lie awake dissecting your life, instead, get up, have a stretch, read, make a milky drink and go back to bed when you feel tired.

For ongoing sleep issues, go and talk to your GP, they might just be able to get to the route of the problem so you can get things under control again.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Changes to Make If You Suffer with Dry Skin

07/01/2017 06/01/2017 0

Dry skin is one of those things which can have many causes, and if your Mum or other family member suffers with dry skin then there’s a chance that it could be a genetic factor. However, there are lots of things which can contribute to dry skin which you may not have realised, so we thought we’d give you a run-down of some of the less-known triggers.

Dry Air

If you live in a house with damp, there’s a good chance you’ll be using some sort of dehumidifier to deal with the problem. The issue with these is that they suck an unnatural amount of moisture out of the air and humans need a certain amount of humidity to function normally. Try not to sleep in a room with a dehumidifier and limit their usage to when you’re out of the house or in another room.

Hot Baths or Showers

Spending a lot of time in a hot bath or shower can also dehydrate your skin and cause vital oils to be stripped away. Try to limit your bath or shower time to 5-10 minutes maximum and try not to have the water too hot. Use a mild cleanser on your face and a conditioning body wash so that the stripping effect isn’t exacerbated.

Timing

Moisturiser needs to be applied directly after washing your face and stepping out of the shower as it needs to be able to lock the excess moisture into your skin. If you wait too long to moisturise your face, it will already be too dry and won’t have the maximum effect.

Indirect Heat

Although sitting directly in front of an open fire, log burner or space heater can seem like a nice way to feel cosy, it can be the quickest way to dry your skin out. Try to heat your space with indirect heat sources and don’t sit too close to them – wrapping yourself in a blanket which has just come off of the radiator is a better solution if you’re the type to feel the cold as it won’t have the same effect on your skin.

Wear Gloves

Hands are one of the most common places to suffer with dry skin, especially in the winter, because of the constant exposure to the cold. Make sure you wear a decent pair of warm but breathable gloves (merino wool is excellent) when you go out in the cold but also wear protective gloves indoors when you use cleaning products and other irritants.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Keeping resolutions the easy way

03/01/2017 03/01/2017 0

We are pretty sure that at some point over Christmas the conversation will have turned to New Year’s resolutions.

This is an age-old tradition of turning over a new leaf, or two, and creating a sparkling new you that everyone will love and admire.

Whilst our intentions are good, keeping up with the ten mile bike ride, healthy diet or pledge not to swear, can be tricky at what is the bleakest time of the year with bank accounts empty and good cheer at an all time low.

“I say I am going to go the gym three times a week every year but my trainers sit in the car and I waste my money on membership fees”.
Debbie

“The reality is I just love my food to much to give up burgers and take always so that last stone doesn’t ever shift.”
Karen

“I really hate January and the last thing I want to do is run on the roads in the dark and wet so I never keep to my resolution.”
Kate

We know these feelings all too well so have come up with some ideas that might help you stay on track.

First of all, don’t try and change everything in your life. Pick one thing, set a start date (it doesn’t have to be the first day of the year) and stick to it.

Set small, achievable targets that you can meet and tick off. This will give you the boost you need to keep going and your goals will soon add up.

Don’t tell the world what your resolutions are on the 1st January as this creates more pressure to succeed and more chance of feeling like a failure if things don’t go to plan.

Do work side by side with a friend so you are accountable to someone else but there isn’t added pressure of achieving something for a mass audience.

If you want to get fit, find something you really love doing. If pounding the pavements isn’t for you them consider going swimming, taking up a dance class or trying yoga. Sport is good for all elements of your life and well-being so if you can find something you love and you want to do, you are half way there.

Keep a journal of your moods. If you are feeling like you want to be a happier, more content you, then see when you are in a good mood, what makes you unhappy and where the triggers for bad days comes from.

Don’t believe the hype on social media. You might feel like you need to make 101 resolutions so you can be as happy as your friends on Facebook but look deeper and don’t worry about what anyone else is doing or feeling.

Treat yourself to a small reward at the end of each week. A massage, fancy coffee or a glossy magazine are all ways to give yourself a pat on the back and are an incentive to keep going.

Don’t give up. OK, you might of had that cigarette, you didn’t go to zumba or you ate a piece of chocolate cake but it isn’t the end of the world. Dust yourself off, start again and go for your goal. You can do this.

Whatever you do and whatever changes you make, remember that at the end of the day life is short and happiness is the best medicine for anything.

Happy 2017.

Team Pure Beauty

Life and Fashion

Grown-Up Ways to Wear Glitter

31/12/2016 03/01/2017 0

Glitter is a huge trend at the moment and with New Years Eve only a couple of days away, it seems like a great idea to bedazzle yourself with abandon. However, there’s definitely a fine line between grown-up, glittery glam and looking like you’ve been using your niece’s My Little Pony body glitter, so we take a look at some of the ways you can incorporate glitter into your look without looking like a Jem doll from the 1980’s!

Eyes

The eyes are a great place for bedazzling as they’re often the first part of your face that people look at, so it’s possible to make a bold statement. However, full-on glitter all over the eyelid can look a little bit berserk! Why not opt for a glittery white eyeliner and use in the inner corners of your eye? It will open your eye and make you look brighter and more luminescent with minimal effort.

Nails

If you want to go super glam with your nails then glitter is a great way to do it. There are loads of places where you can get glittery gel nails, or you can do-it-yourself with a slick of glitter over your favourite nail polish shade. Giving youself several layers of glitter will give you a much fuller, more glitzy look, just make sure you allow each layer to dry properly otherwise you’ll end up with a sticky mess!

Eyes…again!

Okay, so we’ve already covered your eyes once but we’re all about a glitzy eye, so we’ve got another suggestion! If you’re going for a smoky eye to complete your look, why not use a black or dark grey eye shadow which has glitter running through it? It will allow you to stick to the look you know and love whilst giving you a starry look on top.

Decolletage

If you’re wearing something with leaves your décolletage exposed, then applying the slightest hint of very fine glitter or shimmer powder to your décolletage with give you an ethereal look which will likely draw lots of glances from fellow party-goers. Ensure you use a good plumping cream first – there’s nothing more unflattering than glitter gathering in chest wrinkles!

Lips

If you’re feeling super brave then glittery lips can make a huge impact on your whole look. We’re not talking the odd speckle of shimmer here and there, we’re talking full-on embellished lips which look like Dorothy’s ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz! It’s relatively easy to do (you can find tutorials on YouTube) and you won’t fail to be the belle of the ball with such a bold look…just make sure you have an excellent make-up remover to hand when you get home!

Health and Happiness

Make yours a dry January

27/12/2016 03/01/2017 0

A month without booze.

31 days wine free.

Over the past few years Dry January really has become ‘a thing’.

After the excess of Christmas parties, long lunches and over due catch-ups with family and friends, January is a time to recover and dry out.

Jump on board and it can be a clear run of no horrible hangovers.

You could have more money in your bank account.

There are less nasty arguments.

You often end up with a leaner waistline.

Better health.

Clearer skin.

You can also steer clear of G&Ts in the name of charity and saving lives if you get sponsored for your sobriety.

The thing is, whilst giving up the hard stuff for a month can be liberating, but for some it is daunting and is often put off for another time or another year.

This year we are going dry in January and have come up with a few ideas to make it easier for us all.

Don’t hide away for the first month of the year as this can make things even worse and create make January a totally miserable experience.

Do it with friends. It is much easier to keep off the booze if those around you are doing the same. If you can get your partner, work colleagues and bestie onboard, it will be easier for all of you.

If you are raising money for a charity, set up an online page, get friends and family involved and really throw yourself into making a change for others.

Plan to replace nights in the pub with something, less, well alcoholic. Maybe make Wednesday a cinema night, spin on a Thursday after work and book a mini-break in the Lakes for one dry weekend. This is a time to do the things you don’t usually get time for, you never know you might actually like them more than propping up the bar.

Use this as a time to maybe join the gym, go for a swim, take that writing course you have meaning to do or even volunteer for a cause that is close to your heart.

Don’t swap the alcohol for sugary drinks as this can lead to weight increase and lethargy, not the aim of the experience really. Go for lots of water with ice and lemon, herbal teas and if you miss something cool, try a mocktail. Mix coconut water, fresh lime, raspberries with ice and sparkling water and you will feel bright eyed and bushy tailed the morning after rather than hanging and full of regrets.

With more time at home, how about brushing up on your cooking skills? Maybe you fancy yourself as a Mary Berry baker, want to get ‘Lean in 15’ or would like to discover your inner Delia? Get some new recipes, invest in decent pots and pans and invite friends over for a delicious dinner.

Keep a jar in your kitchen and during the month and add the cash you would have spent in the pub. At the end of January you can either give it to charity or you could treat yourself to a facial, new coat of put it towards at Valentine’s treat for the one you love.

When 1st February arrives, don’t grab your coat and go running to you local for happy hour, instead, stand back and look at just what you have achieved and maybe, just maybe, you’ll like a life free of hangovers, bad breath and bleary eyes?

However you do it, we wish you luck and think you are great for giving this a go.

Team Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Stay Cool on Christmas Day

24/12/2016 23/12/2016 0

In our experience there are two kinds of women: those who relish the idea of hosting Christmas Day and feeding a dozen people, and those who break out into a cold sweat at the very idea. If you’re hosting Christmas Day this year but are struggling to remain calm about the whole thing, we’ve got some tips to help you to keep cool in the kitchen and allow you to still look fab by the time you take your seat at the table.

Don’t Drink too Much

We know it’s Christmas Day and for many of us that means starting on the Bucks Fizz with breakfast and not stopping until you hit cheese and port in the evening, but excessive drinking will no only leave you fuzzy headed, it will raise your blood pressure and add to your stress. It can also make you look red in the face, which is never a good look! Try alternating an alcoholic drink with a glass of water or juice to get your head clear and your body hydrated.

Spritzzz!

Keeping a cooling spritz in the kitchen will help you in a number of ways. As well as physically keeping your skin cool amongst the bubbling pots and pans, it will also help you to remain moisturised, something which can be an issue in a hot kitchen. Opt for Dermalogica UltraCalming Mist, which is also a toner, and keep it in the fridge for a real cooling boost!

Look After Your Hands

Christmas Day can be especially hard on your hands, between stuffing, peeling and washing, and this type of activity can really dry your hands out, leaving them feeling tight and uncomfortable. Keep a tube of Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment in the pocket of your pinny so that you can top up whenever you feel the need.

Keep Calm

It’s really easy to let the pressure of the day get on top of you, especially if you’re in charge of the food, because you feel the weight of everyone’s happiness directly on your shoulders. Succumbing to stress is the easiest way to start making mistakes, so make your own calm a priority. The calmer you remain, the more likely you are to take everything in its stride, even if problems do occur. Dab a little Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil onto your pulse points for a mind-clearing blast of soothing scent.

Enjoy Yourself!

The very best advice we can offer you is to just simply try to enjoy yourself! This is ONE dinner on ONE day of the year and even if it all goes wrong and your parsnips get burned none of it really matters! Take it in your stride. You can do this!

Health and Happiness

Tips for dealing with a festive hangover

20/12/2016 19/12/2016 0

Last week we shared some delicious Christmas cocktails, which we hope you have made and enjoyed.

We did say it is a good idea to drink responsibility, so today we have a guide to keeping those hangovers at bay during the party season, and what to do if things get a little too merry.

Let’s start at the beginning and look at exactly what a hangover is.

Hangovers are caused by drinking alcohol, a diuretic, which removes fluids from the body. When you drink too much booze this can lead to dehydration and leave you with a headache, dizziness and sickness. Too much alcohol can also upset your stomach, prevent you from sleeping and depending on how much you drink, traces of alcohol can remain in your system the next day.

We have put together some dos and don’ts that we hope will allow you to have a great time on the night, and will mean you won’t suffer too much the morning after.

Don’t ever drink on an empty stomach. Before you go out try to eat some carbohydrates as this will help slow down your body’s absorption of alcohol.

Don’t drink alcohol when you feel thirsty, instead have a glass of water to quench your thirst.

Also, don’t knock back a double vodka to give you dutch courage. This approach will, more often than not, mean the alcohol will hit your system faster, making you feel you drunk and potentially taking away inhibitions which can lead to a disaster!

Don’t leave your drinks alone. It is sad but true that people do spike them, so be safe.

If you are having a party, do serve healthy, soft drinks as well as jugs of water with ice and lemon.

Don’t mix your drinks, it will really hurt the next day.

Don’t take advantage of buy one get one free offers as this can get messy.

Don’t leave your friends and don’t get into an unlicensed cab.

Don’t go for dark-coloured drinks as they contain impurities, which can irritate blood vessels and brain tissue and make hangovers worse.

Do drink a glass of water between each alcoholic drink.

Do drink at least a pint water before you go to be and do make sure you have a glass of water by your bed to drink during the night.

Don’t try the old adage ‘hair of the dog’ the next day. Drinking more alcohol will not help and can bring the hangover back, but worse.

If you wake up with a hangover do take over-the-counter tables to help ease the pain. Paracetamol-based products are preferable, as aspirin and ibuprofen can further irritate the stomach and increase sickness.

Do replace those lost fluids with water, coconut water and isotonic sports drinks.

Do limit your caffeine. Your body might be screaming for coffee but this will only aggravate hydration levels – so go for just one and leave it there.

Do have a shower and get dressed – it will make you feel more human.

Don’t skip breakfast as this will only make you feel worse. Nourishing food is the best way to replace the vitamins and minerals your body will have lost. Go for wholemeal toast with eggs and bacon and a glass of Vit C rich orange juice.

Don’t get in your car if you think you might still be over the limit.

This Christmas, do have fun, but don’t put you or others at risk by drinking too much.

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Skincare Advice

Skincare for Santa

17/12/2016 16/12/2016 0

Being Santa must be a really tough job. You spend all year tucked away at The North Pole, making toys, keeping lists of who’s naughty and nice, and keeping thousands of elves in check, only to spend one manic night flying around the world in an open-top sleigh making sure all the kids get a toy. Poor old Santa doesn’t sound like he has a lot of time for skincare, but we thought we’d make some suggestions of things he could use to keep his rosy cheeks in check.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser

It’s commonly thought that Santa gets his rosy cheeks from drinking a nip of brandy in almost every house in the world, be we have it on good authority from the Head Elf that poor old Santa actually suffers from rosacea. That’s why Dermalogica UltraClaming cleanser would be a good choice for him as it cleanses the face without irritation and actually contains ingredients which will actively calm redness and sensitivity.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment

Father Christmas is pretty hard on his hands, between toy crafting and reindeer husbandry, not to mention the havoc that the reins on his sleigh play with them, which is why we hope Mrs. Christmas has stuck a tube of Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment in his stocking this year. It’s a non-greasy treatment containing pure vitamins that help to repair chapped hands and strengthen brittle nails – perfect for Mr. Claus!

Decleor Lift and Firm Day Cream – Dry Skin

The cold wind on Santa’s face whilst circumnavigating the globe on his sleigh gives him terribly dry skin, so we’d recommend Decleor Lift and Firm Day Cream for dry skin to rehydrate and soothe his wind-blown cheeks. It also contains anti-ageing properties which are essential for a man who’s approaching 1,746 years old!

Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts

We’d hazard a guess that Santa is pretty sore and achy after his one night delivery service, so slipping into a hot bath full of Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts when he gets home is an absolute must. It soothes aching muscles and can also be used as a skin-smoothing salt scrub – perfect to get rid of a whole world’s worth of pollution off of your skin!

Decleor Iris Rejuvenating Night Balm

Finally, when the deliveries are done and it’s time for Santa to have an EPIC sleep, we’d highly recommend that he slather his tired face with Decleor Iris Rejuvenating Night Balm. It contains 100% natural ingredients (only the best for St. Nick!) and will encourage cell renewal within his skin while he sleeps.

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