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

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.

Health and Happiness

The Benefits of Bathing

29/11/2016 28/11/2016 0

Whilst the pressure of modern life means many of us run in and out of the shower, one of life’s little luxuries still has to be taking a bath.

The simple bath has a long and detailed history and for centuries we have been getting in the tub to relax.

Let’s face it, there is nothing quite a soak in the tub to make you stop in your tracks and take time out from a busy schedule.

“After a hard day at work, I love a cup of mint tea and a soak on the bath’

Karen

“There is something really special about getting in the bath before bedtime and feeling the stress of the day float away.”

Claire

“I have a shower in the morning as it is quick, but a bath at 9pm is my way to really unwind and forget my worries.”

Gabby

The great news is that whilst taking a bath is relaxing, it is good for your health too.

Did you know that a hot bath can help improve your circulation? Hot water creates a physical pressure on the body and in return increases the capacity of our hearts. In other words, when we are submerged in a hot bath, your heart tends to work faster and stronger so a dip a couple of times a week can be of great benefit.

A raised body temperature can also help improve lymph circulation, act as a detoxification, increase metabolism and calm the nervous system with the result being a healthier, more relaxed you!

Over-stretched muscles, small sports injuries and even joint pain can be relieved with a hot bath and can be the perfect end to a session in the gym.

Many headaches are caused by the narrowing of blood vessels in the head. A hot bath can be used to alleviate the pressure on those blood vessels and ease that banging headache.

A warm bath is great before bed as it can aid sleep. When you are tense, and get into the bath, the water increases your body temperature and helps you, and your muscles, relax. As your muscles relax, not only do you relax physically, but mentally too. A bath of around 20 minutes can really help take stress and worry away and make it easier to fall asleep.

Pills and potions are great for a cold, but so is a bath. The steam from a hot bath can dry out the mucus that bungs you up and stops you from sleeping. Taking a hot bath for just 15 minutes can really benefit you when you are ill and if you add essential oils that can further help you and your cold.

Whilst a shower gets you clean, a good soak in the bath can open up the pores in our skin, and clean away some of dirt and toxins in our skin. The result is fresher, cleaner, glowing skin especially if you moisture once you are out of the bath and towel dry.

Sometimes complications can arise from a hot bath, so if you suffer from a chronic condition, check in with your doctor first. It is also worth remembering that taking a hot bath is not recommended if you are pregnant.

So, next time you feel a bit below par or have had a nightmare of a day, run a bath, add some salts, turn the lights down low and let your worries melt away.

Team Pure-Beauty

Dermalogica

Celebs Who Love Dermalogica

26/11/2016 25/11/2016 0

There’s nothing like a bit of celebrity endorsement to make up feel like we NEED a product, but there are celebs out there who don’t use skincare just for the pay cheque, but actually because they simply love them. We take a look at celebs who adore Dermalogica so you can see exactly how fantastic your skin can be with a little time and investment.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham is well known for suffering hormone-related skin issues due to suffering with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, something which can play absolute havoc with your complexion. She wrote about her love of Dermalogica masques on her autobiography, specifically the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque, which she referred to as “my little ambulance in a bottle”.

Lily Cole

Lily Cole is one of the most famous models in the UK (and the World) right now and her fresh-faced, blemish-free complexion is the single best testimonial for Dermalogica products. She’s a total devotee and once declared “I have so much make-up plastered over my skin all the time, I worry what it’s going to look like when I wash it off. That’s why I only use Dermalogica products on my face – they definitely do the trick.

Kristen Stewart

Whilst on the set of Twilight: Breaking Dawn, many of the cast had very young skin which felt the strain of wearing so much make up on a daily basis, as well as dealing with low temperatures and central heating. This meant that many of the cast suffered breakouts which had to be dealt with swiftly. Key makeup artist Jean Ann Black relied heavily on the MediBac Clearing System to keep the starts looking their best and said “With the extreme weather we experienced while shooting Breaking Dawn, Dermalogica was always a lifesaver with any problems regarding skin, whether breakouts, dryness or shaving issues”

Dannii Minogue

Former pop star, soap star and X-Factor judge Dannii Minogue is a great lover of Dermalogica products and relies on the Special Cleansing Gel to keep her skin super clean. She says “This is my fail-safe, all-in-one way to remove make up and get my skin feeling smooth and soft.”

Zoe Ball

Having sensitive skin can be really tricky as finding the balance of products can mean putting your skin through the ringer before you find something which works for you. Celebrity DJ Zoe Ball says that finding Dermalogica products, which contain no perfume or additive which will irritate sensitive skin, has been a life-saver “I have very sensitive skin so I use Dermalogica. I can’t use perfumed products and have to be careful with things like soaps. I swear by the Dermalogica toner, intensive moisturiser and lip balm. They make such a difference.”

Health and Happiness

Hygge – What’s It All About?

22/11/2016 21/11/2016 0

Every now and again a trend comes along and has us captivated.

Unless you’ve been camping out on the moon it is likely you have heard the work ‘hygge’ being banded about, but what does it actually mean?

It’s about candles, isn’t it?
Donna

Oh hygee is a type of Scandinavian hug, isn’t it?
Joanna

‘Hot chocolate, candles and wooden huts.’
Debbie

OK, there seems to be some confusion, so we are here to help.

Hygge (pronounced ‘hooga’) is a traditional Danish term, dating back to the end of the 18th Century, which pretty much translates to ‘creating cosiness’. It’s all about self-care, connection and creating a cosy, safe environment where you feel happy, more content, oh and warm.

The Danish winters are long, dark, and pretty harsh so the Danes use hygge, and the many candles that go with it, to keep sprits high and bodies warm.

The great thing about hygge (there are many) is that you can apply it to life anywhere in the world, not just in Denmark.

Some easy ways to add a little hygge into your life include:

Get the light right. Bypass bright, white blubs and instead go for cosy lamps, fairy lights, and of course candles, to create that perfect warm, hygge atmosphere.

If you do want to go all out and revamp the entire house, why not create a hygge corner. This can be a small cosy nook that is packed with cushions, throws, and blankets that uses low lighting and creates the perfect snug for reading, chatting with a friend or simply meditating.

Think hot drinks! It is said the Danes are Europe’s biggest coffee drinkers with some of them even calling it ‘Kaffehygge’. Get some chunky mugs, good coffee and hot chocolate and enjoy a warm drink by the fire.

To go with those milky drinks, how about a slice of cake, warm cinnamon rolls and freshly baked bread – well it is about indulging in the good things in life.

Soft socks, big jumpers, bobble hats and endless scarves are all signs of a hygge life so go out and get some today.

Cooking together is the perfect time to spend time with loved ones . There’s no better way to spend a weekend afternoon than by filling your house with love and sharing hearty food at the table. Yes, this is oh so hygge

Want to really appreciate life, and hygge, start a gratitude journal. With a mug of hot chocolate, curl up in your hygge corner, buy a pretty notebook and write about all the things in life you’re thankful for.

Nourish the soul and go gadget free.

Ask you friends over to your home and spend time together. We’re not talking fancy dinner parties with canapés and champagne but simply eating, drinking and talking with loved ones in the warm, caring environment you have created.

Why not embrace higgle and make enjoyment a priority in life?

The Danes are some of the happiest people in the world, it’s kind of easy to see why.

Team Pure-Beaty

Skincare Advice

Keep Your Pores in Check with Dermalogica and Decleor

19/11/2016 21/11/2016 0

Pores. Your skin needs them in order to allow it to ‘breathe’ but for many of us, pores can play havoc with our complexion. Whether they’re too big, prone to collecting a lot of dirt or something else besides, we’ve got a selection of products from Decleor and Dermalogica which will help you to keep them under control.

Decleor Micellar Oil

If you’ve got even the slightest interest in beauty, there’s a good chance you’ll know how popular micellar oils are right now and that’s because they are basically minute particles of oil suspended in water, which translates to deeply penetrating cleansing for your pores. The micellar oil is able to cleanse away dirt that normal washes couldn’t reach which will help to rid your skin of dailiy grime without stripping away any of the skin’s natural moisture.

Dermalogica Daily Clean Scrub

Nothing says ‘clean pores’ like a really thorough scrub (apart from, you know, the micellar oil we mentioned above!) and this one from Dermalogica is powerful, but gentle enough for daily use. Many scrubs would leave this skin raw if used on a daily basis but this one contains natural ingredients which both cleanse and soothe the skin. Oh yeah, and did we mention that it’s actually from the men’s range?!

Dermalogica Emergency Spot Fix

If you’re prone to spots them you’ll want something which can penetrate your pores during a breakout and get deep down to destroy the spot-causing bacteria within. This spot treatment from Dermalogica can be used directly on a blemish to kill the germs, clear the pore and reduce the inflammation after just one application. Perfect for teenage skin, or those of us prone to acne.

Dermalogica Pre-Shave Guard

Another one from the men’s range, this time designed to be used before a shave to open up the pores. This is important because it lifts the hairs and allows you to get a really close shave, as well as allowing you to cleanse your skin more deeply. This pre-shave guard does this and also protects your face from the harsh abrasion of shaving, ensuring that you don’t end up with ingrown hairs or shaving rash.

Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, it’s just not possible to get rid of every single open pore, which is why this primer is your best friend. As well as hydrating your face and ridding it of excess oil, this product also give an almost magical blurring effect across your whole face, reducing the appearance of any blemishes or inconsistent areas of your complexion, giving you the confidence to forget about your pores once and for all!

Health and Happiness

Swap your coffee for a herbal tea today

15/11/2016 14/11/2016 0

Many of us start the day with a shower, social media scrawl and a strong cup of coffee with milk and a spoon or two of sugar.

Whilst a burst of caffeine can give you the wake up call you need, using it to keep you going all day long isn’t ideal.

We aren’t saying give up the hard stuff altogether but why not try a healthy alternative that will keep you warm and give you a reason to get up from your desk, stretch your legs and chat with colleagues?

Green tea is en-vogue at the moment and for good reason. Packed with antioxidants, and a burst of caffeine, this slightly bitter drink, is thought to help protect against dementia and as well as improve cholesterol levels, making it a healthy winner in our book.

Ginger tea is brilliant. Not only does it taste great and give a warming kick, it also helps soothe the digestive system, calm morning sickness, relieve gas and lower fevers. It is gentle enough to offer to children and the elderly and when it comes to colds, add a little immune-stimulating antioxidant honey and you will be smiling again in no time.

High in Vitamin C and flavour, rooibos is a great alternative to coffee and can be enjoyed with or without milk. Largely grown in South Africa, this tea helps ease nagging headaches, insomnia, asthma, eczema, hypertension, allergies and even keeps ageing at bay.

Peppermint tea can be enjoyed anytime of the day but if it is drunk after dinner it can aid digestion and cleanse the palate. You might also like to know that the menthol in this tea acts as a muscle relaxant making it perfect for anyone suffering from stress and anxiety.

If you have cut down the caffeine and are still having trouble sleeping, why not give chamomile tea a try? This tea has mild sedative effects, and has been used for centuries to relieve insomnia and encourage a good night’s sleep. If you’ve been having sleepless nights, a soothing mug of chamomile tea before bed could be just what you need. Insomnia and broken nights can also lead to anxiety and depression, don’t worry, this tea can help ease these feelings too!

If you have been out and over done it with the cocktails, rather than a tall Americano, why not try a cup of milk thistle or dandelion tea? These gentle, but effective, natural ingredients help regenerate the liver so it can function at a higher capacity. They also help with the production of bile and as such can aid the digestive process.

Come on, why not give one of these a go, and you never know, you might find something you love more than your 3pm skinny latte.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Prepare for Cold Weather with Dermalogica and Decleor

12/11/2016 14/11/2016 0

2016 was a great year in terms of summer weather with warm days stretching right the way to the beginning of October, but if the weather reports are to be believed then the cold weather is coming for us with a vengeance! The cold weather can have some negative effects on our bodies, so we’re taking a look at products that we can use to protect ourselves from Jack Frost.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment

Hands can be prone to dryness during the cold weather which can feel very sore and uncomfortable If allowed to crack and bleed. Nourishing the hands with a rich hand and nail cream is vital if you want to avoid painful hands during the cold weather and this Dermalogica treatment will replenish vital moisture and vitamins to the skin.

Decleor Intense Brightening Mask

Dull complexions can be a problem during the cold weather and a deep treatment is often the only way to revive your skin back to its former glory. These cloth masks from Decleor are infused with a “White Focus” plant complex making it ideal for intense action on skin’s luminosity and help regulate the skin pigmentation process.

Dermalogica Climate Control Lip Treatment

Here at Pure Beauty one of our biggest collective bugbears is chapped lips in winter. Dry, flaky, bleeding lips are never a good look and you need something powerful to re-hydrate the area. Dermalogica’s Climate Control Lip Treatment is designed to shield skin from environmental assault by enhancing the skin’s natural lipid barrier.

Decleor Circularome Stimulating Body Serum

Lots of us are far less active during the colder weather simply because we aren’t spending as much time outside which means that we’re using our body less and this can sometimes leave us feeling sluggish and stagnant. This serum from Decleor, when massaged into the skin, can help stimulate and boost circulation in tired skin leaving you feeling revived and invigorated.

Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub

If you’re anything like us, you’ll feel like going into hibernation each winter, with usually involves wearing pyjamas and shaving our legs far less! However, dry skin can start to feel uncomfortable so using an exfoliating body scrub could really help. It’s suitable for all skin types and contains ultra-fine olive, date seed and fig fruit powders to remove dull and dead surface cells without scratching skin.

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