Our Blog – Page 58 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

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.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

From Desk to Dance Floor

13/12/2016 12/12/2016 0

From now until the end of the year, your diary will be be full of drinks, dinners and dancing….fun!

If you haven’t got time to go home before you head out we have some easy, beauty and fashion fixes and tricks that will ensure you look perfect day and night.

If you don’t have time to redo all your make-up from scratch, refresh your day-old foundation by patting a light shine liquid-base over your face and then add a new layer of your foundation for a perfect finish.

A light-shade bronzer can be used to create a healthy glow to your face as well as offering a dusting of natural colour to your shoulders and the décolleté.

A white eyeliner brightens and opens up tired, computer-strained eyes and makes you look fresh and ready to go.

Black eyeliner will then take your look from subtle to sultry in moments. Go for a silky, smooth pencil that can be easily blended for a smoky look.

Take a hard-wearing pencil through brow arches to fill in gaps and redefine shape and ensure you look well-groomed.

Spray dry shampoo onto flat, greasy roots to give your hair an instant volume boost.

A coat of bright nail varnish will add colour to any outfit and give you a polished finish.

If you don’t want to take your entire wardrobe to work, plan your outfit so small alterations can be made for maximum impact.

You go to work in trainers, but by night you will need to take off those flats and put on your party heels. Not only will they transform your look in a flash, but they will also make your legs look longer and leaner and give you an air of confidence.

Heels do mean you will need to pack plasters in your bag as well as pumps for the journey home.

Dark denim is great for the office with a crisp shirt, add heels and lace cami and you have a totally new look for that new bar in town.

A simple shift dress is perfect for meetings, take off the jacket, add some bling and statement heels and you are Christmas party ready.

A cool silver pleated skirt with a simple jumper works for HR, but swap the sweater for a pussycat blouse and sandals and you are winning in the fashion stakes.

Jumpsuits are hot on the dance floor and worn with jacket and ballet flats on the shop-floor they are totally versatile.

A leather jacker or faux fur jacket will add instant wow factor to an evening outfit so keep one on the back of your office chair, just incase.

If you really are running from meeting to mingling, add statement earrings for sparkle and a simple slick of red lipstick and you are instantly glam.

Whatever you do, keep safe, have fun and enjoy.

Team-Pure Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Firm Your Wobbly Bits!

10/12/2016 09/12/2016 0

We ladies come in all shapes and sizes and it’s very rare to find a single one of us who doesn’t have a bit of us that we wouldn’t change. From chins to tummys and back to upper arms, many of us have a wobbly bit here or there that we’d love to get rid of. Thankfully, Dermalogica and Decleor have your back with a range of products which can help.

Decleor Slim Effect Localised Contouring Gel-Cream

This gel-cream from Decleor is a powerful tool against cellulite and uses their Lipo-Cellulor Complex to reduce the appearance of cellulite as well as limiting the regrowth of fat cells in targeted areas. It restores the skin’s elasticity and firmness and reduced the ‘orange-peel’ appearance of cellulite, leaving you smoother and better hydrated.

Dermalogica Extra Firming Booster

Firming up your eyes and décolletage is a tricky job as you need a powerful product which is gentle enough to use on delicate skin. This extra firming booster from Dermalogica contains skin re-texturising seaweed, vitamin C and protein peptides which firm the skin and is gentle enough for the eye area.

Decleor Sculpt Firming Body Serum

Decleor Sculpt Firming Body Serum is a firming body serum that combats skin sagging and improves tone and elasticity of the skin. Providing preventative and corrective action on the main causes and of loss of firmness: lack of elasticity, stretch marks and skin ageing, this super serum leaves skin visibly re-vitalised and re-sculpted.

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Fatigue can play havoc with the delicate eye area, leaving it looking puffy and with accentuated wrinkles. This serum contains a high dosage of hyaluronic acid which not only firms and re-tenses the skin, but also deeply moisturises, preventing further aging of the skin.

Decleor Slim Effect Draining Massage Balm

Sometimes, areas of the body can become puffy because the area is engorged with retained fluid and massage can be a powerful ally against this. Using Decleor Slim Effect Draining Massage Balm to massage your limbs after a long day can help to drastically improve water retention, leaving you looking slimmer and smoother in the process. The balm is 100% natural, so can be used on any skin type without the need to worry.

Life and Fashion

The Best of European Christmas Markets

06/12/2016 06/12/2016 0

Yes, it’s that time of year again.

Time to pick a destination, book a ticket and step into the wonderful world of Christmas markets.

Mulled wine, mince pies, lights and gifts are all on offer, it’s just a case of which one to choose.

You really can get into the spirit of things at the markets in Edinburgh between now and early January. Put on your warmest coat and gloves and jump on the big wheel, star flyer and fairground rides. Bring the little ones and they can visit Santa Land and buy presents from their friends at the kid’s market. With beautiful presents, hot drinks and delicious food on sale in Princes Street, what are you waiting for?

You might not associate Paris with Christmas markets but we think this is a pretty special place to spent a day or two. Until the 11^th January, the Champs-Elysee to the Place de la Concorde will be dotted with over 200 pretty wooden chalets creating a winter wonderland like no other. Visitors can stroll arm in arm as they try out local culinary offerings whilst sipping fragrant wine under the gaze of the 400-lit Christmas trees.

Back on home turf and Newcastle has a fantastic market running through to 11^th December, so be quick if you want to catch it. Set on Grey Street, over 50 traders are based in wooden lodges and offer a gastronomic delight. From crepes and paella to cakes and pastries, this is the perfect shopping stop-off.

Set beside the beautiful cathedral, Exeter has to be one of our favourite festive markets at Pure-Beauty. This year the city has really gone to town with decorating the cabins and making it really Christmassy following the devastating fire that hit the area just weeks ago. Devonshire independents can be found selling a range of locally produced foods and wines and there are also many unique gifts to be found too. Close to a vast array of bars and shops, the market can be part of a great day out, but don’t hang around it will be gone by 19^th December.

If you fancy flying, how about visiting Stuttgart and trying out one of the oldest, biggest Christmas markets in Europe? The well-established event is on until 23^rd December and is home to nearly 300 stunning stalls. Choirs and music groups mingle with visitors and traders to create a magical atmosphere that you can’t help but love. As well as shopping, eating and drinking, be sure to pop by the ‘Winterland’ on Palace Square for a dose of traditional Christmas.

Belfast is a sure bet for festive cheer, and beer. Held in the grounds of the Belfast City Hall, this market is part of the ‘Year of Food and Drink NI 2016’ and as such is alive with all things delicious to eat and drink. The festive village is a hive of entertainment and crafts and will dazzle the senses.

Last but by no means least we can’t leave out London. As well as Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, there is also the exceptional market on the South Bank. Stalls full of gingerbread lattes and mince pies are set against the River Thames and trees sparkling with fairy lights, a sight not to be missed. With a sprinkling of shows, ice-skating and even a contemporary circus, this is something a little special in the heart of the capital.

If you go to one of these, or any other market, drop us a line and let us know how it goes and what goodies you tried!

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Combat the Christmas Hangover

02/12/2016 06/12/2016 0

For many of us, Christmas is the one time of year that we allow ourselves to eat, drink and be completely merry, whilst maintaining a clean lifestyle for the rest of the year. This can often mean only one thing – a nasty hangover the next day! As much as we aren’t advocating drinking to excess (it speeds up the ageing process, you know…), we thought we’d take a look at a few tips and products which can help you feel better without reaching for hair of the dog.

Drink Water

Come on. You know this stuff. There’s no such thing as a magical hangover cure, but drinking plenty of water the morning after a big night is the only sure-fire way to speed up your recovery time. Alcohol dehydrates your system, which is what is usually responsible for your banging headache, so topping up your fluids is a sensible idea.

Spritz Yourself

Often, the combination of wearing a full face of make-up, being up late and indulging in one too many sherries can make your face feel tight and sensitised, leaving you feeling very uncomfortable indeed. Using a cooling spray like Dermalogica UltraCalming Mist will help to relieve inflammation and discomfort, and will also replenish moisture lost because of the dehydrating effects of alcohol.

Refresh Your Legs

If you’re anything like us, then a night on the town usually means a lot of time spent on your feet, dancing with friends and having a good time. This is usually all well and good while you’re doing it but can leave your legs and feet feeling very tired the next day. Using Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Toning Gel can help you to get your legs feeling less achy, gets your circulation moving and reduces inflammation.

Get Some Sleep

If you’re able to, taking a catnap when you’re dealing with a hangover can really do you the world of good. Sleeping through it gives your body a chance to rest and repair and will give you a break from the percussionist playing in your head! If you struggle to sleep when it’s not bed time, try rubbing a little Decleor Relax Intense Relaxing Dry Oil on your pulse points.

Have a Snack

You may not feel like eating if your tummy is feeling like a spin dryer, but eating the RIGHT snack can really help to settle your stomach and make you feel better. Bananas and pretzels are a great combination – bananas contain potassium which is depleted when you drink alcohol and pretzels are covered in salt, which is also usually lacking in your system after a night on the booze.

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