Our Blog – Page 59 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

5 Surprising Reasons for Spots

15/10/2016 14/10/2016 0

We all know that there are certain things which cause spots, like weather changes and hormones changes which are basically just a fact of life and have to be dealt with as and when they happen. However, there are quite a few totally avoidable reasons for spots which may not have even occurred to you, so we thought we’d take a look at those reasons and allow you to be pre-armed and forewarned.

Your Make-Up

Using make-up with is ‘non-comedogenic’ is basically the only way to ensure that your make-up will never cause you spots because this literally means that it doesn’t clog your pores. Other than that, making sure that you wash your face really thoroughly at the end of the day is the only remedy. We recommend Decleor Soothing Micellar Water and Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover to ensure a super clean face with no irritation from harsh chemicals.

Your Bed

Okay, so this one is a bit…icky…but if you’re not changing your bedsheets as often as you should, especially your pillow case, then your sleep-haven could definitely be giving you spots. Every night, you lay in bed and your face touches your pillow case which, if it hasn’t been properly sanitised, could be teeming with bacteria. Make sure to change your bedding at least once a week and wash them at a minimum of 60°C.

Your Partner

If your partner has facial hair of any kind, there’s a good change he could be contributing to your spots, especially if you’re a pair of kiss-aholics! If your partner has short, stubbly hair, this could be irritating your skin and causing breakouts, whilst a long beard could be harbouring sebum and bacteria, also causing you to breakout. Make sure he keeps his beard super clean and softened with a little beard oil.

Overusing Products

Having a skincare routine is something that we’re fairly evangelical about, but we’ll be the first to admit that there IS such a thing as overdoing it, and even we need to switch things up sometimes. Although products which contain salicylic acid can do absolute wonders for your skin, some of them are for occasional use only and using them too much can cause a whole set of issues by themselves, such as dryness and outbreaks of spots. If this happens to you, try to lay off the powerful products for a while and stick to something gentler like Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster.

Smoking

Sorry to be a bore, but smoking is bad for you in YET ANOTHER way. We all know the potentially fatal side effects of smoking, which is reason enough to quit, but smoking can also give you spots. When you smoke, you literally deprive your skin of oxygen and all of the chemicals in cigarettes will dry the skin, causing you to over-produce sebum which will eventually make you spotty. How to stop it? Quit!

Health and Happiness

50 easy things to do to make you happy

11/10/2016 10/10/2016 0

Bogged down, tired, stressed?

Many of us feel this way as life is busy, schedules are full and the nights are drawing in.

Don’t feel mad, sad or bad, instead take a leaf out of our book and do something easy today that will make you feel great.

Go for a walk in the autumn sunshine and get some fresh air.

Meet a friend for coffee and chat.

Write a letter.

Cook a cake.

Take up knitting – very therapeutic.

Swim in the sea.

Light some candles and enjoy the sweet smell filling up your house.

Listening to your favourite song on full volume.

Book a holiday.

Resign from the job you hate.

Tell someone you love them.

Have a horse-riding lesson.

Take a duvet day.

Pay someone a compliment.

Read that book you have had on your list forever.

Put all your photos in an album.

Buy a new pair of shoes and wear them out of the shop.

Propose!

Throw away the scales.

Buy a colouring book and relax as you draw.

Make a hot chocolate with double cream and enjoy every last taste.

Cuddle a newborn baby.

Say hello to a stranger and brighten their day.

Make a donation to a charity you believe in.

Cancel that expensive gym membership you never, ever use.

Call your mum and say hello.

Have a digital detox and turn off all devices and gadgets for the day.

Cook a roast dinner for the whole family.

Take a course and learn something completely new.

Go to a car boot sale and sell anything you don’t use or need anymore.

Go to the beach.

Paint your nails bright red and wear matching lipstick.

Make a mid-year resolution.

Have your hair done, feel special. You’re worth it.

Keep a diary of three good things in everyday and embrace happy.

Tell the truth.

Throw out your chipped mugs and buy a new set that matches and looks nice!

Send a postcard to your sister.

Snuggle up with your dog, and if you don’t have a dog, borrow one.

Say sorry and really mean it.

Throw a party, just because.

Meditate and take time out to rest, relax and find happiness.

Don’t skip meals, instead nourish your body and soul with good food and water.

Have an early night and catch up on some much needed sleep.

Get out the popcorn, close the curtains and watch your favourite movie in your pjs.

Volunteer your time. Whether you help at a local hospice, make tea at the school fete or do some shopping for a neighbour, do it for free and make a difference.

Make a list and stick to it, ticking each item off one by one.

Don’t keep anything for ‘best’ use or wear it everyday.

Look for butterflies.

Smile, it is hard to feel down when you are grinning.

Go on, give these a go and we bet you will feel better for it.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness

De-Stress with Decleor and Dermalogica

08/10/2016 10/10/2016 0

Unless you’re the sort of rare creature who manages to remain Zen at all times, there’s a good chance that you’ll feel the need to de-stress at times. Taking some time to concentrate on yourself can be an excellent way to improve your inner-calm and we’ve got suggestions of five amazing products which will help.

Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil

This oil from Dermalogica is the perfect product for relieving stress and can be used in a number of different ways. It contains soothing lavender, sandalwood and orange oils and can be smoothed onto the skin during a massage, added to a bath, rubbed onto wet skin after a shower or even added to your regular moisturiser for an all-over effect. Additionally, patchouli and clary sage as well as tea tree, lemon and ylang-ylang combine to help to soothe your overworked mind.

Decleor Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum

This serum is perfect for skin which has been exposed to the stresses of everyday life. It’s won numerous awards for Decleor and soaks into the skin upon application to soothe and relax the skin. It works best when combined with Decleor Hydra-Floral Anti-Pollution cream and should be applied morning and night, smoothed onto the face a drop or two at a time.

Dermalogica Conditioning Body Wash

More often than not, when we need to de-stress, the first place we head for is the bath or shower and this body wash is the perfect accompaniment to your scrubbing to help you de-stress. It contains a blend of purifying and cleansing natural oils which also smell sublime and will leave you feeling as though all of your tension has melted away/

Decleor Sublime Re-Densifying Night Cream

Once you’ve de-stressed and are ready to hit the hay for a restorative snooze, using a night cream to continue the good work is a great idea. The cream contains an aromachological blend of iris, frankincense, immortelle and camomile to soothe and de-stress the skin, allowing you to wake up feeling fully revitalised.

Dermalogica Gentle Soothing Booster

This booster from Dermalogica does exactly what it says on the bottle by gently soothing dry, tired and stress-out skin. Red raspberry extract, healing honey and calming flower extracts soothe irritation and areas where your skin looks and feels stressed as well as reducing redness and natural moisture levels.

Health and Happiness

Relax on World Mental Health Day

04/10/2016 03/10/2016 0

World Mental Health Day takes place on 10 October and it is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world.

As life gets busier and pressure mount, it is very easy for anxiety to hit and for stress to spiral out of control.

“I find a full time job, as well as a collage course and planning a wedding can sometimes just be too much.”
Sarah

“I have three children under five and I admit, I get overwhelmed and stressed and don’t know which way to turn.”
Jo

“My business is growing really fast and my children are hitting their teens. As a single mum I find that life is really busy, stress builds and I just need to step away from time to time to regroup.”
Fiona

As tough as things might seem, there are some simple steps we can all take to try to ensure life doesn’t get too much.

Talking is always a good place to start. We aren’t saying book into therapy, but simply chatting to a close friend, family member or partner about how you are feeling can help. It is amazing how someone else will be able to look at things from another perspective and come up with ideas you hadn’t thought about.

Make a list. We all have a lot to do and life is busy, but if your mind is constantly busy and you don’t know where to start, nothing will get done. Work out what you have to do, what can wait and what just isn’t necessary at all.

Eat properly. Skipping breakfast, grabbing a burger for lunch and drinking too many energy drinks might give you a brief buzz but it won’t help keep your mood stable and body healthy. Aim to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables today, add good fats and protein to your meals, keep caffeine and alcohol to a minimum and drink plenty of water.

Ask for help. Yes, we know we are meant to have it all and do it all, but that simply isn’t reality. If things are getting on top of you, ask a friend to look after the children for an hour, employ a cleaner or join a support group to take the edge off. No one is super human and sometimes admitting this can help break the perfection cycle that is so easy to get into.

Do some exercise. Being stuck at a computer all day, driving to the office and being glued to social media all means we do less to get those magical endorphins pumping around our bodies. Jog in the park, swim in the sea or go to a body pump class with a friend and you will soon see a difference in your mood and waistline.

Relaxation techniques are a really helpful way to manage stress. We know they help but we don’t always take them on board, because we are too busy. Finding time to relax means your body and mind can recuperate and recover and you can generally feel calmer. Whether you read a book, have a warm bath, meditate, do some yoga or get an early night, all of these things give you the head space you need to get away from it all and think about you for a while.

If you find you simply aren’t coping, book an appointment with your GP so you can talk to a medical professional and look at the best options for you.

Good luck and keep calm.

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica

The Best Gel Products from Dermalogica and Decleor

01/10/2016 04/10/2016 0

The products that we sell come in many different forms, from sprays to creams to serums and more. Today, we’re focusing on the products which come in a gel form and we’ve a gel for almost every part of the body – read on to find a gel from Dermalogica or Decleor which you’ll love.

Decleor Lift and Brighten Peeling Gel

Gels are great for older skin which can handle a lot of moisture without becoming flooded. This peeling gel from Decleor is a powerful exfoliator which actually removes the top layers of skin to revive and brighten the skin as well as tightening and lifting the face. Use it once or twice a week to allow the specially selected fruit acids to drastically improve the appearance of your complexion.

Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel

This gel from Dermalogica is great if you have acne or breakout prone skin and need something to help you to get control of it. Smooth it onto your face before you go to bed and the niacinamide and biotin combine with zinc gluconate, yeast extract, caffeine and nordihydroguaiaretic acid to sooth irritation, minimise overactive sebaceous gland activity and purify the skin, allowing you to wake up looking fresh-faced.

Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Toning Gel

As we mentioned above, our gels aren’t all for your face – this gel is designed for your legs! As well as improving your circulation, this gel will help to revive heavy legs after a long day and help them to shake off that heavy feeling. Use it daily after a shower, smoothing the gel upwards towards your knees, for best results.

Dermalogica Invigorating Shave Gel

This shave gel is primarily aimed at men, offering a “barber-close shave”, but obviously, plenty of us ladies shave too and this gel will help you to achieve total smoothness without nicks or rashes. It soothes, cools and protects the skin, and best of all, won’t clog the razor because of its gel consistency.

Decleor Fresh Purifying Gel

Oily skin can be a pain to control but this gel from Decleor will purify the skin, cutting through excess oil and minimising shine. The gel actually lathers into a fresh and soft mousse upon contact with water and contains peppermint oil and ylang-ylang to help oxygenate it and eliminate excess sebum.

Health and Happiness

Keep winter germs at bay

27/09/2016 27/09/2016 0

As the nights draw in and there’s a distinct nip in the air, we are turning to chunky knits, winter boots and dare we say it, flu jabs.

Whether you decide to have the vaccination is your call, but it is really important to keep yourself fit and healthy during the winter months to give your body the best chance of fighting colds, flu and other nasty bugs.

Taking exercise, drinking plenty of water, having a decent night’s sleeping and keeping stress to a minimum are all key players in positive winter health – both mental and physical.

Diet is another factor and as well as a variety of fresh, seasonal fruit and vegetables, other vital nutrients can be added to your diet to keep your immune system strong.

You might not know this but oats are thought to boost immunity, speed wound healing, and even help antibiotics work more effectively. A bowl of steaming porridge will not only keep you full all morning but because it contains beta-glucan, a fiber with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, it could be more effective than taking cold busting Echinacea.

As well as drinking water, you might also want to start sipping on green tea. Olyphenols are powerful plant antioxidants that give this tea amazing immune-boosting powers. To make a cuppa use just-below-boiling water and let the tea stew for no more than two minutes. Don’t add milk, but if you need to tackle the natural bitterness, a little lemon and honey will do the job and add a little extra goodness too.

Yogurt is full of probiotics (good bacteria) and can support not only your immune system but also your gut. Add to smoothies, pop on cereal or eat with blueberries and you will be set to ward of nasties all day.

Speaking of smoothies, add a handful of spinach to every one you make. As well as smashing the glass ceiling when it comes to Vitamin C levels, a simple cup of cooked spinach contains some of the much needed potassium and magnesium the body needs for sustained energy levels and good hydration.

Sweet potatoes are full of Vitamin A and beta-carotene and are an excellent source of fiber. Peel, cut into thick wedges, boil for ten minutes then roast in the oven with a little olive oil and garlic for a healthy treat.

Why not add broccoli, the green God of vegetables, to your lunch or evening meal? As well as naturally detoxing the body and preventing illness, it also contains acid choline which keeps cells functioning properly and with high levels of Vitamin C and calcium it is a real winter winner.

If you do get a cold, make a pot of chicken soup. Hot chicken soup makes noses run which gets rid of the viruses and bacteria lurking in there. Like any liquid, soup keeps you hydrated and raises the temperature of the airways, both of which are help loosening secretions. Try adding chilies, garlic or anti-inflammatory turmeric to make it a real immune-boosting broth.

Oh and don’t forget to steer clear of anyone with a cold, take a good supplement and wash your hands to stop catching or spreading germs.

Team Pure Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica, Facial Treatments

Everything’s Rosy with Dermalogica and Decleor

24/09/2016 23/09/2016 0

We think it’s fair to say that most of the products from Dermalogica and Decleor contain natural ingredients, added for their beauty-giving properties, as well as lending their delightful scent. One such ingredient is rose oil, which is found in many products across both Dermalogica and Decleor, and we thought we’d give you an insight into our best-selling rose-scented products so that you can try them for yourself.

Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum

This serum is perfect for skin which is succumbing to the signs of age and works overnight to repair damage and increase luminosity. It will drench dry skin in moisture and help to minimise fine lines. As well as containing rose oil, it also contains rosehip seed oil which is naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamins which will replenish your skin with the nutrients it needs to encourage cell growth.

Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Night Balm

This night balm from Decleor contains 100% natural ingredients and not a single preservative, so you know that what you’re putting on your skin is going to be entirely beneficial. As well as smelling wonderful and helping to soothe you off to a good night’s sleep, the balm will soothe skin and reduce signs of irritation as well as protecting the skin from irritation and increasing the skins’ strength by 33%.

Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist

This product has SO many functions and benefits that it’s tricky to even list them all. It’s a soothing spray which provides a burst of moisture as well as an antioxidant shield to protect the skin against irritants and free radicals, which increase the signs of ageing. The spray creates an instant lifting and tightening effect while the rose and clove extracts comfort and refresh skin.

Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Oil Serum

Another totally natural product from Decleor, this serum is designed to soothe and calm redness and areas of sensitivity. This is a true “a little goes a long way” product, as only 2 drops are needed for smoothing over your whole face, preferably before bed, to restore your radiance to its former glory.

Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser

Rose flower oil makes a great addition to cleansing products like this resurfacing cleanser from Dermalogica because it allows them to use other ingredients which are tough on dirt and sebum whilst having the rose oil to immediately soothe the skin. This means that you can be assured that your skin will be refreshed and renewed without redness, irritation or added sensitivity – basically, the holy grail of deep cleansing!

Life and Fashion

Beauty fixes in a flash

20/09/2016 19/09/2016 0

We all love to look our best but if time isn’t always on your side, don’t worry.

We have put together a list of easy to follow, quick to use beauty tips that will ensure you look every inch the celebrity even if you are just heading to the shops for a pint of milk.

By mixing a liquid bronzer with firming body cream and massaging it into your arms and legs, you can look like a golden goddess all year long.

On those mornings when you don’t have time to wash your hair, use dry shampoo, then put it up. Tease your hair around your crown, then flip your head upside down and spray the underneath with hair spray. Flip your head back up, gather your hair into a soft, loose bun and secure with pins. Add a little more spray and you are ready to go.

We expect spots as teenagers, which makes adult acne the pits. If you want to save face, use a specific acne treatment, then apply foundation, concealer and powder and no one will see anything other than perfect skin.

We have all looked in the mirror half way through the day and noticed our foundation is caked on and uneven. Don’t panic! Lightly spray your face with water, smooth out with a damp sponge, blend well at the edges and you will be ready to go.

Create a healthy, youthful flush using a peach powder blush. Swirl a clean, fluffy brush in the power then apply in small, circular movements across the apples of your cheeks and back toward your hairline, and you will glow.

You see them on kids all the time, so why not add glittery accessories to your hair for an instant touch of glamour?

If you love selfies, but hate shine, use a mattifying lotion on your t-zone before you apply your make up.

Don’t you love it when you’re just about done and then you go and smudge your mascara? Don’t flap and start over, instead put a little moisturiser on a clean cotton bud and gently remove the smudge from your skin before using the other end of the bud to smooth your foundation. Job done. Fab looking skin.

If you’re going out after work, you don’t have to cleanse your face and start over. Gently pat a light moisturiser over your day ‘face’ to create a fresh, dewy base on which to apply evening make-up.

When you paint your nails, always add a shiny, clear topcoat over the polish. Not only will this give your nails a glossy, salon finish but also prevent chips so your nails always look freshly done.

We all hate dark circles, but these can be covered up using a salmon-hued concealer. The pinkish shade counteracts those pesky bluish undertones and makes you look wide awake and radiant.

If you love lipstick but it’s gone in a flash, we have any easy way to make it last longer. Start by lining your lips with a pencil the same color as your lipstick. Apply your lipstick, blot it with paper and then powder your lips. Repeat these three steps again and the colour will last for hours.

Have you got a tip you think we would love? Drop us a line, and let us know.

Team Pure-Beauty

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Beauty Tips for Olympians

17/09/2016 16/09/2016 0

After the London Olympics in 2012, the people of the UK naturally went a little sport-crazy, with participation in athletics and cycling rising by a combined 31%. Team GB had a whole load more successes in this years’ Olympics and it’s sure to inspire even more participation in sports, so we thought we’d take a look at some of our most successful athletes and what they could do to manage any damage done by their chosen sport.

Jessica Ennis-Hill

Jess is one of the best-loved female Olympians, giving her all in both London 2012 and Rio 2016 in her chosen field, the Heptathlon. It’s an intense event which involves high jump, a 200m sprint, shot putt, 100m hurdles, long jump, javelin and 800m – something that the majority of us would find impossible! There’s a good chance that Jessica needed a lot of TLC after her events and treating her legs to a good rub down with Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Toning Gel could really help to relieve any aching.

Amy Tinkler

Amy is perhaps one of our most remarkable athletes, winning bronze at the tender age of sixteen. Gymnasts are expected to look immaculate and being so young and caked in make-up (whilst sweating buckets, we imagine!) probably plays havoc with Amy’s skin. We’d recommend the Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Kit which contains everything you need to keep teenage skin in order, and it’s in handy travel sizes, making it perfect for chucking in your suitcase.

Nicola Adams

When it comes to sportswomen, they don’t come much tougher than Nicola Adams, our gold-medal winning flyweight boxer. As much as we admire her, we can’t imagine that being punched in the face does much for her complexion and she’s likely to feel swollen and bruised for some time after. Decleor Harmonie Calm Comforting Milky Gel-Cream Mask would probably be a welcome soothing treatment for Nicola after her gruelling Olympic experience.

Sam Queck

Team GB’s gold medal count was bolstered by the ladies who were part of the field hockey team, who beat the Netherlands to bring it home. Sam Quek is a defender, putting her in one of the toughest positions on the field, and both her training and playing means that she spends a lot of time outside. We recommend Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50 which is specially formulated to withstand sweating and other moisture whilst giving your skin excellent protection.

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning

Helen Glover and Heather Stanning are part of Team GB’s rowing team, winning gold in the coxless pair event. They spend a huge amount of time in boats and on water and keeping their hands in tip-top condition is hugely important, so using Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment would be a really good idea for them both.

Skincare Advice

Feed your skin with natural oils

13/09/2016 12/09/2016 0

It seems that every month there’s a new oil trending on Twitter that promises to make you look 20 years younger and take away those deepening lines and annoying age spots.

News flash!

The hype isn’t just hype.

Natural oils are free from the parabens found in many cosmetics and are actually nature’s skin nourishers.

Many are easily absorbed and because they are packed with antioxidants and goodness, they can help keep skin and hair healthy as well as working on stubborn problem areas.

With so many products on the market, it is hard to know where to start. Do not worry; whatever your beauty requirements, we think we have found a natural oil that is right for you.

Anti-ageing is something many people are concerned about and coconut oil is becoming a popular choice. This go-to anti-ageing winner can help protect skin from the effects of the free radicals that cause lines and wrinkles. Experts believe medium and short chain fatty acids penetrate the deeper skin layer and connective tissues making skin look young and dewy again. It is also packed with lauric acid, which can help with inflammation, another potential cause of skin ageing. As well as applying the oil directly to the skin as either a make-up remover or moisturiser, you can also reap the benefits by using it in cooking and in dressings.

You might think that adding oil to acne prone skin would make it worse, but Rosa Mosqueta oil is super-rich in Vitamin A, which can help spots and blemishes. Vitamin A is the main ingredient in pro-retinol, which is well known for its benefits for dealing with acne and problem skin. Rosa Mosqueta also contains more Vitamin C than oranges and is rich in other bioactive ingredients that help tissue-regeneration. This multi-purpose oil is also great for treating age spots, stretch marks and scars and can ease issues such as eczema and psoriasis. The easiest way to use this oil is to add one drop to three teaspoons of olive oil and apply to damp skin and leave on overnight.

If it is soft, supple skin you want, look no futher than the sweet almond oil. Found in the kernels of the almond tree this light oil is easily absorbed leaving skin silky not greasy. It also contains the plant flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol that are thought to protect the skin from sun damage. Whilst it is suitable for all skin types, take care if you have nut allergy and speak to your GP before using it.

Isn’t just our skin that can benefit from natural oils, so can our hair. Rather than causing lankness, Moroccan Argan oil leaves hair soft and glossy. This light, easily absorbed oil also has high levels of Vitamin E and omega 3 and 9 fatty acids making it the perfect solution for dry, brittle, colour-treated and over-styled hair. Simply massage a little oil into the hair overnight and wash away in the morning to reveal sleek, glossy locks.

Why not give these a go and let us know what you think?

Team Pure-Beauty

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