Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

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Dermalogica

Shave the right way

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Dermalogica Close Shave Oil

Let’s face it, shaving can be a challenge at times.

If you get it right you’re left with glowing, super soft skin, get it wrong and as well as cuts and nicks you can also suffer with rashes and ingrowing hairs. Not nice.

However, by reading this post, you could change of all that today.

At Pure-Beauty we stock a range of first class shaving products from Dermalogica that really do work.

The ‘Dermalogica Shave System’ is an easy to follow, effective 3-step regime that delivers the closest shave possible and healthiest skin ever.

Let’s take a look at the products and start with the Dermalogica Close Shave Oil, which is amazing and suitable for all skin types. This oil creates a cushion between the skin and razor and is when grooming around a goatee or sideburns. To use this product put a few drops of oil into wet palms and smooth over the skin you are shaving, insuring it is damp. Shave, rinsing the razor often and shave again if so desired. Not only will using the oil mean no nicks, cuts or razor burns, thanks to the natural ingredients skin is left calm, conditioned and smooth.

Not a necessity but the Dermalogica Daily Clean Scrub is great preparation for shaving and a real treat. This dual action exfoliating cleanser removes both oil and dead skin cells and leaves skin looking, and feeling, clean and clear and ready for a closer shave. Willow Bark Extract and Silica help remove dead skin cells, which in turn controls ingrown hairs. Tea Tree Oil eliminates nasty microorganisms, and helps calm and the skin whilst Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice soothes it and aids the regeneration of damaged tissues. Clever, no?

If you want a barber quality shave at home, we suggest you try the Dermalogica Invigorating Shave Gel. This oil-free shaving gel soothes, cools and softens the skin. The clear formula means you can see you can see the areas that need to be shaved and the result is clean, refreshed skin that looks and feels great. All of this is thanks to the combination of powerful, natural ingredients. Wheat Germ and Yeast extracts combat the irritation and redness associated with shaving. Clove Flower Oil soothes the skins and lifts beard hair and Tea Tree Leaf Oil adds a cool, calming element. For the best results, apply to clean, damp skin and as you have, rinse the blade often.

Once your skin is shaved, you want to keep in in the best possible condition. This is where the Dermalogica Post Shave Balm comes in really handy. Much more than a traditional after-shave, this super cooling treatment balm, helps reduce discomfort and redness. It also shortens post-shave recovery time by restoring lost moisture. A unique ingredient complex, controls shine and helps prevent ingrown hairs and bumps but doesn’t leave a heavy residue. Once applied, allow to absorb then apply the Dermalogica Daily Defence Block SPF15, and enjoy your day.

If you have questions or concerns about shaving or caring for your skin, get in touch and we will be delighted to help.

Team Pure-Beauty

 

Health and Happiness

Top Tips for Safe Tanning

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safe-tanning-tipsJust yesterday, a study was released which showed that the majority of the population was deficient in Vitamin D, an essential component which helps us to absorb calcium and keep our bones healthy. The main way to get vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight, which is tricky because too much sun exposure can also lead to skin cancer, so although we need to spend more time in the sun, it’s important that we do it safely. We’ve put together some tips on the safest way to get a tan, to keep you looking and feeling healthier:

Know Your Limits

It’s often advised that you should spend half an hour in the sun and then half an hour in the shade; sage advise if your skin is very light or freckly but if you have olive or dark skin then you can probably cope with a bit longer without sustaining damage as your skin will have more melanin. If you do burn easily though, spending time in the shade is essential as it gives your skin a chance to cool down.

Use Sunscreen

It’s a commonly held myth that you won’t get a tan if you use sunscreen. Sunscreen, such as Decleor Ultra Protective Hydrating Milk SPF50 Body will still allow you to go brown but it will just protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays at the same time, allowing you to tan without burning or advancing the signs of ageing. Obviously, if you have darker skin you can probably stand to use a lower SPF, such as Decleor Protective Hydrating Milk SPF15 Body.

Avoid Sunbeds

It’s tempting, especially when the weather here in the UK is so unpredictable, to use sunbeds. Many people use them before they go on holiday to give them the start of a tan, or to “get their skin used to the sun”. This is a bit of a myth; overexposure to the sun will still burn you, even if you have a starter tan, and it’s estimated that using sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 increases the risk of developing melanoma skin cancer by nearly 60%.

Own Your Tone

For many of us, the skin just doesn’t produce the amount of melanin needed to get a deep tan and no amount of laying in the sun will transform us into a golden goddess. Coming to terms with this fact and just having fun by the pool or on the beach will improve our holidays no end!

Fake It

If you’re really determined to get a tan, the only truly safe way to do it is to fake it. Tan from a bottle isn’t what is used to be; no longer do you have to worry about orange knees, streaky legs and stained palms. Decleor offer a wonderful Gradual Tanner, a moisturising lotion which builds a slight colour which can be layered over time to achieve the colour you’re comfortable with. It’s a natural looking glow which won’t risk your health OR require you to move to the Southern Hemisphere for 8 months of the year!

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

The ‘must-have’ summer holiday essentials

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You’ve booked the hotel, reserved your seats and are on countdown to your summer holiday and all that’s left to do is pack.

We’ve all done it, arrived in paradise and left that one precious item at home, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

We have the low-down on exactly what to pack so you’ll look picture perfect in selfies and have the best time, ever.

Before you pack, make a list of what you need and once you are done, tick off each item. When you mind is on the beach and cocktails, it is amazing how easy it is to think you have everything, only to arrive and realise, you don’t.

Whilst there might be a spa at your hotel, you don’t want to arrive with your back in knots because you’ve been carrying heavy bags. Go for a smart case with wheels and one in a distinctive colour or style so you can grab it at arrival and head off fast. Remember to check sizes, locks, how sturdy it is and if you can actually pull it along before you buy a new case.

We know, we know, it’s bit geeky but you’ll thank us for suggesting you get a travel wallet. There are some super-stylish options out there that look gorgeous whilst keeping your passport, tickets and receipts safe. Go for an oversized wallet, in a stand out colour and you will never have to pat your pockets at you approach passport control again.

As well as your passport, also make sure you take your driving license, insurance documents, next of kin contact details, visas if you need them, and credit cards. Keep them safe at all times – goes without saying we know, but it’s good to be careful.

As well as taking your mobile charger, also considering taking a power pack so you can charge on the go. These start at around £20 and are a worthwhile investment. Having your phone charged gives you peace of mind and you know you can like, chat and Tweet to your heart’s content whether you are on the beach, by the pool or at the airport.

When it comes to cables, make sure you take everything you need when you go away and put them in a dedicated bag or pouch. Also pack adaptors to ensure you can plug in on arrival.

If take regular medication – pack it!

Flights can be long, and delayed, so be savvy and pack an eye mask, socks, and a small blanket so you can keep comfortable and warm.

Remember that liquids will be confiscated at check-in, so pack carefully or Duty Free could be an expensive experience.

Whether you’re heading to Marbella or going to New York shopping, go for a capsule wardrobe of floral dresses, print T-shirts, shorts and kaftans. A denim jacket, tote, statement necklace and pair of wedges can be worn on the flight and mixed with other items on arrival.

Don’t over pack, roll up jersey, bikinis and underwear, place socks in shoes and got for flats as well as heels.

Sunglasses and hats are a given as is sunscreen! Pack them and use them, your eyes and skin will thank you.

Waterproof mascara is a holiday must-have, and however hard you have been partying, always take your make-up before you go to bed.

What ever you do, keep safe and have an amazing time.

Team Pure-Beauty.

Life and Fashion, Waxing

Waxing Styles and What to Ask For

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bikini waxIf you’re a complete waxing virgin, going to a salon for the first time can seem like a really daunting prospect, but there’s no doubt that waxing is one of the most convenient was to get your bikini line in check in time for your holiday. Not only is it one of the longer-lasting methods of hair removal, short of actually lasering it all off, it’s easier to pop to a salon and get is sorted rather than doing the splits in your bathroom to deal with shaving or depilatory cream! Knowing what to ask for can really help because the last thing you want is to walk in for a tidy-up and come out feeling like a freshly plucked turkey, so we thought we’d give you a simple guide to bikini waxing styles to help you to get prepared:

Standard bikini wax

This is what we like to think of as the “short back and sides” of the bikini wax – it allows you to remove the hair on your groin and inner thighs whilst completely leaving the rest alone. It’s quick and easy to do, will trim you up to bikini-wearing standards and will stay tidy for the duration of your holiday.

Brazillian wax

The Brazillian is probably the most popular type of wax that most people go for as it goes a little further than a standard wax but leaves you with what’s known to most as a “landing strip” down the middle! It’s perfect if you plan to wear a very high-cut bikini or swimsuit and will give you the confidence that there are no stray hairs anywhere.

Hollywood wax

The Hollywood is a wax which is NOT for the faint-hearted as it gets rid of literally everything, from side to side and front to back! It’s great if you like the completely smooth feeling of no hair at all and is probably the most efficient way to get rid of all of your hair from that region.

French Wax

This is where we start to get really precise! The French wax falls somewhere between a standard and a Brazillian; it’s more than a short back and sides but also leaves you with more than just a landing strip and doesn’t take anything from the back! Obviously, it’s all down to personal preference but some women really dislike the look of a Brazilian, so a Frech wax could leave you feeling a lot more comfortable but still feeling like you can wear skimpy swimwear.

Postage Stamp

This is probably one of the least asked-for styles, but is still a favourite for many women. Hair is removed from the back and sides, leaving a square of hair on the pubic bone. It’s a neat style for anyone who doesn’t want to get rid of too much or doesn’t like the “all off” styles of waxing and most good salons will be able to do it.

After any waxing, don’t forget to use a good post-waxing treatment such as Decleor Post Wax Cream for sensitive areas to soothe and heal the skin, which can be left red and sore after your treatment.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Happiness Hacks

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There are some days when you just feel, well, a bit below par.

Maybe you’ve got too much work on, haven fallen out with a friend or are unsure about the future after the Brexit news.

You know what, that’s OK.

You can’t be happy 100% of the time; it’s just not possible. However, if you can’t quite shake off that ‘can’t be bothered’ feeling, we have some easy ways to put a spring in your step and put a smile on your face once again.

Do more exercise
Whilst it is easy to sit on the sofa with chocolate and a weepy film, this isn’t going to make you feel any better. We aren’t talking about training for a marathon or going to the gym every day, but putting on a pair of trainers and getting out of the house will help lift your mood. Start small and make exercise a part of your routine and in no time that fresh air and increase in endorphins will you happier.

Step away from gadgets
We live in a non-stop, 24/7, media heavy age where most of us believe we are on call all of the time. From time to time go gadget free. Even if it’s for just an hour a week, turn off social media, put your phone on silence, close the computer away and do something less boring instead.

Stop comparing
You might think someone else has the perfect life, but you never know what goes on behind closed doors. It is all too easy to think that Jo from the office has a great car and Caroline wears the best designers clothes – but does this make them happy? Think about the positives in your life, what you have to offer others and what you do have, not what you don’t.

Give back
Pay someone a compliment, buy a friend some flowers, do some voluntary work or simply open the door for a stranger – it is amazing how great giving back can make you feel.

Don’t skip meals
Maintaining a well-balanced diet is key to keeping happy. Skipping meals, excessive calorie counting and junk food are all a recipe for misery. Fresh fruit and vegetables, good proteins, healthy oils and water, will all keep you full, hydrated and happy. Limit alcohol and caffeine as these can both be bad for your health and well-being.

Get to bed
Not getting enough sleep can be a real mood killer. If you don’t have enough sleep not only will you feel anxious and lethargic, but it can also slow reaction times and impair your memory. If you set a bedtime routine, have a bath, use a blackout blind and turn screens off, you will have a better chance of sleeping. If you really cannot nod off, get up, have a warm drink, relax and try again.

Sing
Whether you sing in the car, join a choir or go to a gig, singing is a great way to feel good. You don’t have to be in tune or know all the words, but add a little bit of dancing and you will soon feel happier.

Smile
It is a small thing but turning that frown into a smile can make a big difference to you and those around you.

Write a poem, walk your dog, blow bubbles, eat a banana, buy some flowers, talk to a friend, watch the sunset – whatever you do, add a little happiness to your life today.

Team Pure-Beauty

Decleor, Dermalogica

Delve into Nature’s Kitchen with Dermalogica and Decleor

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Some of the most powerful ingredients in our best-selling Dermalogica and Decleor products come straight from natures kitchen, harnessing the power of Mother Nature to keep your skin looking its best. We thought we’d take a look at some of those ingredients, find out what they can do and in which products you can find them:

Witch Hazel

witch hazel

Witch hazel comes from the flowers of a North American shrub and contains both a natural astringent which cleanses and tones the skin, and anti-inflammatory properties which help to reduce redness. It can be found in Dermalogica’s Skin Purifying Wipes, which are specially formulated for acne-prone skin and can be used throughout the day to refresh the face, get rid of excess oil and prevent breakouts.

Coconut Oil

coconut oil

Coconut oil has become something of a powerhouse in the world of beauty, fitness and nutrition lately with people putting it in everything from their coffee to their conditioner. It’s a fantastic source of moisture and vitamins and keeps the skin and hair supple and soft. It’s no surprise that Dermalogica has utilised the deep moisturising power of coconut in its Super Rich Repair, a heavyweight cream for dry and dehydrated skin. It’s perfect for very dry or mature skin because it smoothes fine dryness lines and helps restore elasticity.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is commonly associated with menstrual issues and when taken as a capsule can help with bloating, mood swings and other symptoms. When applied topically it can also be wonderful for the skin, and Decleor have harnessed it’s power within its Mandarine Smoothing Night Balm. It’s 100% natural and improves the skin’s luminosity whilst reducing fine lines and wrinkles and restoring vital moisture.

Zinc

Zinc

Zinc is a chemical element which is actually vital to nutrition and good health. It’s known to help to fight against the common cold and is very important for clear skin, helping with cell regeneration and replication. It’s particularly good for controlling acne, which is why it’s found in Dermalogica Breakout Control. This little bottle of clear cream helps to prevent and control acneic breakouts and eliminates bacteria and excess sebum.

Peppermint

Peppermint

Peppermint doesn’t just smell and taste good; it also has soothing and purifying properties which help to prevent the skin from producing too much oil, thus preventing skin congestion and acne. Decleor Fresh Purifying Gel contains peppermint and deeply cleanses the skin, refreshes the face and leaves you feeling super clean.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Getting jet lag under control

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Jetting off on our summer holiday is something many of us look forward to all year.

Two weeks in the sun, enjoying an American city break or cruising around the Caribbean are all amazing experiences but if jet lag strikes it can really put a spanner in the works.

Whilst flights make it easy, and fast, to travel from one side of the world to another, this doesn’t mean your body clock will keep up.

The world is divided into 24 time zones and whilst crossing one or two time zones (from the UK to South Africa) doesn’t usually affect people, crossing 8 time zones (UK to LA) can cause more severe jet lag.

As you travel between these time zones your internal body clock has to adapt to new times of light, darkness and eating. If this doesn’t happen and you simply cannot deal with the changes, jet lag kicks in.

One of the most typical symptoms of jet lag is disturbed sleep and being unable to nod off sleep at the usual times. Other problems you might experience, include:

Anxiety
Diarrhoea and sickness
Constipation
Disorientation
Excessive sweating
Headaches
Lack of focus and concentration
Lack of appetite
Irritability and mood swings
Memory loss
Lightheadedness
Sore muscles

Whilst you can simply put up with these symptoms, some of which can last up to a week or more, we have had a look at how to deal with them head on and prevent anguish and suffering.

During your flight ensure you drink plenty of water and restrict your alcohol and caffeine intake.

When you are on the plan, make sure you get out of your seat at regularly intervals to walk and stretch. Doing exercises like toe raises and shoulder shrugs in your seat can keep the blood flowing.

If you are flying overnight, sleep at the right time for your destination. Using earplugs and an eye mask can help with this.

Change your watch to the time of your destination when you get on the flight.

When you arrive at your destination (holiday or back at home) establish a new routine as soon as possible.

Make sure you eat and sleep for the time zone you are now in and whilst it is tempt, don’t sleep or nap as soon as you get b to your destination, however tired you are. It is much better to keep active until the right time to sleep, as this will reteach your body clock what it needs to do.

Spend some time outside, as the natural light will help your body adjust to a new routine.

Spraying lavender on your pillow or using essential oils can help relax you and promote sleep when that is what you are trying to do.

Drink plenty of water and keep well hydrated.

Avoid drinks that are high in caffeine as well as alcohol as these can dehydrate you and make you feel even worse.

If you are a frequent flyer and suffer with jet lag, speak with your GP about suitable sleeping medication.

Happy holidays and try to keep the jet lag at bay.

Pure-Beauty.

Health and Happiness, Pedicures

How to Prevent Hard Skin on Your Feet

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hard skin feetTaking care of your feet can sometimes seem like a thankless task; no sooner have you got them looking in tip-top condition but the hard skin seems to have come back and you’re back to square one. As well as keeping up a regular foot care routine, there are several things that you can do which will actually help to reduce the formation of hard skin on your feet, and we thought we’d take a look at a few of them, to help make your life (and your pedicures) a little easier:

Properly Fitting Shoes

Hard skin will often form in response to shoes which rub or are too tight in certain areas. Many of us buy “off the peg” shoes without realising that we actually have feet which are wider (or narrower) than a standard size, so going to a decent shoe shop to have both the length and width of your feet measured could really help.

Keep Your Feet Dry

It is SO common for people to get out of the bath or shower and dry their body but neglect to properly dry their feet but making sure your feet are properly dried and free from residual body wash can also help to prevent the skin from drying out.

Moisturise

This one seems like a bit of a no-brainer, but despite the fact that feet are one of the most common places for dry skin, they’re often completely neglected during the moisturising phase of any beauty routine. Use a rich moisturiser such as Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream will replenish the moisture lost during the rigours of the day and will help to prevent hard skin from forming by keeping the area soft and supple.

Pumice

Whether you use a traditional pumice stone or one of the newer contraptions on the market, pumicing your feet should be a regular occurrence. So many people only do it once in a blue moon, once a build up of hard skin is already there, making it a far harder task to remove, but regular usage each time you get out of the bath or shower will prevent a build up of hard skin and also helps to keep your feet clean, too (but make sure you keep your pumice stone clean too as they often harbour nasty bacteria if not properly sanitised).

Socks

Wearing cotton socks is another thing which could be potentially making your callouses worse. Cotton will absorb foot sweat but doesn’t wick the moisture away from your feet, allowing the sweat to hang around and makes your socks rub. Wearing socks which are made of wool, merino wool, or a man-made fabric (especially during periods of exercise) will help to draw the sweat away from your feet FAR more effectively than cotton and will greatly reduce the risk of rubbing and callous formation.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Keeping an eye on alcohol

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Summer time is the perfect time for getting outside and socialising.

After work drinks, birthday parties, Royal Ascot, BBQs, long afternoons in sunny pub gardens, sitting in a beach bar. The list goes on and on.

Whilst these are all great fun, and being outside soaking up the rays is a bonus, it often means your alcohol intake increases, without you even knowing it.

‘I love a cocktail after work on a Friday with the girls, but it often ends up being a more than just one’.
Jo

“I love to drink wine at lunch time and have a few more glasses at night when I am on holiday, something I just don’t do in the winter.”
Kate

‘Once you fire up the BBQ, the beers are cracked open and they just flow all night”.
Liz

Being aware of how many unit of alcohol is key to control your drinking and keep your health, well, healthy. The NHS recommends men and women should drink no more than 14 unit of alcohol a week and that these should be spread out over seven days .

If you aren’t sure what 14 units look like, it is about six pints of average strength beer or 10 small glasses of low strength wine.

Whilst a drink or two is fine, upping the units on a regular basis can be bad for your skin and liver. It can leave you feeling dehydrated, sluggish and wanting to eat the wrong kind of foods to compensate for having a hangover.

If you think you might be going over this limit, even a little, there are some easy steps to remedy the situation.

Set aside a couple of days a week as alcohol free zones. Maybe Sunday, Monday and Wednesday would work and on these days keep away for the bar and instead go to the gym, see a film with a friend or have a regular pamper night at home.

One really easy way to cut down the number of units you consume, is to dilute your drinks. A white wine spritzer with lots of ice or a cool shandy will last longer than your normal drink, taste great but cut the units and calories.

When drinking at home use a smaller glass, measure spirits and add ice.

When it comes to mixers, steer clear of sugar heavy fizzy drinks and opt for the slimline versions.

Alternate your drinks. For every glass of wine you drink, have a glass of water in between. Not only will this keep the units down, but will also stop you from becoming dehydrated, drunk and then hungover the next day.

By actually enjoying what you drink you will slow down. Cheap beer might make your bill look good but won’t do your health or waistline any favours, so sip on something that tastes great and your habits will soon change.

Ask yourself if you really need another drink. Many of us simply get into the habit of having one drink after another and we often don’t need ‘one for the road’ and regret it the next day.

If you’re in the pub, steer clear of rounds as this puts you under pressure to drink more than normal. Buying your own drinks also makes it easier to alternate an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic one without look like you are a cop out.

Keep a diary of how many units you drink. You might think you aren’t drinking that much but if you write it down you will soon get the real picture. You may also notice patterns and habits as well as triggers for drinking such as feeling stressed after a long day in the office or meeting up with certain friends.

Drinking and driving is a big no, so offer to be the designated driver for family or friends. This way you can’t over do it as you’d let others down and will have no option than to sticking to soft drinks for the evening.

Cutting down alcohol reduces the risks of alcohol-related cancers, diabetes and heart disease. It puts less pressure on the liver and helps you maintain a healthy weight and bank balance.

If you follow these guidelines we think you will start to notice a positive difference.

Life and Fashion, Manicures

Beauty Trend – Matte Nails

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Whether you keep them short, have gel extensions, shellac, wraps or paint them yourself, nail trends have never been hotter and one of the main ones at the moment is for matte nails. At first, we weren’t sure about how nails looked with a complete lack of shine, but they’ve grown on us now, so we thought we’d show you some of our favourites, along with some tips for keeping your fingers in tip-top shape.

Matte Contrast French Tips

matte contrast tips

Matte nails look especially effective when they’re contrasted against something shiny, which is why these French manicure-inspired nails look so fab. Treating your nails with Decleor Ongles Nail Strengthening Serum before painting is a great way to ensure that they don’t end up dry and brittle, as is so often the case when using dark colours or several layers of paint.

Ombre

Ombre

Ombre is not only on-trend for hair, it looks great on nails too. Using a darker colour close to the cuticles and a lighter colour at the tips will make nails look longer. You’ll need to make sure that your cuticles are neat and tidy for this look to work well, so treating them with Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Oil Serum will soften the skin, allowing you to trim them effectively.

Statement Nail

Statement Nail

Another way to make your mani really pop is to have one statement nail amongst the matte ones. We love this grey and silver combination but it would work with so many different colour combinations and can be co-ordinated with your outfits.

Bowie-inspired

Bowie-inspired

Since the passing of the late, great Mr. Bowie, tributes to him have been popping up just about everywhere and these nails are no exception. We adore the brightly coloured matte nails which remind us of Ziggy Stardust, but with a massively modern twist. Keep the skin on your hands hydrated and healthy with a good dollop of Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment a couple of times a day.

Embellished

Embellished

A full hand of embellished nails can look a little overwhelming, which is why an understated matte manicure looks fabulous with just one or two embellished nails. Jewels, studs, lace-effect overlays and geometric patterns are all great ways to take your nails from plain to POW, and we love this Gaga-esque design. Hands are often susceptible to signs of age, with dark spots and hyperpigmentation giving away your age well before your face; keep the age spots at bay with Dermalogica C-12 Pure Bright Serum.