Our Blog – Page 63 – Pure Beauty – The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Get your feet summer happy

21/06/2016 20/06/2016 0

With the days becoming warmer and the evenings lighter, many of us are able to get outside and run once again.

Whilst it feels great to have the sun on the shoulders and a warm breeze in our hair, your feet don’t always thank you for that extra bit of exercise.

They take the whole weight of your body and this can easily lead discomfort and affect the way you run, walk as well as causing knee, hip and back pain as well as blisters and infections.

The good news is that if you invest in your feet and treat them with the kindness and love they deserve, you can prevent pain and problems.

First things first. When you run, do it in decent trainers. Shoes should fit well and feel comfortable. You need enough room to wiggle your toes, but you don’t want your heel to slip out as you run. Feet swell during the day, so when you go and get fitted for new trainers, do it at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest.

You may also want to make sure you wear good socks. Sounds silly but you will be glad you did. When you run in the heat your feet sweat and if you are wearing regular, cotton socks they will get wet and this can cause blisters. Go for socks made of a moisture-wicking material and your toes will thank you.

Make sure you thoroughly check your feet for blisters and cuts – you want to be sure there are no hidden problems. When you do get a blister, don’t pick it or try not to pop it, instead apply a bandage. If it does pop, wash, apply antiseptic area and cover the area with a bandage to prevent infection.

Calluses and corns are layers of compacted, dead skin cells that are caused by pressure and friction from skin rubbing against your shoes as you run. Calluses appear on the soles of the feet, and corns on the toes. Padding can help ease pain and speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the right treatment – don’t just try to remove them yourself!

Give your feet a rest. Don’t run everyday, wear soft comfortable shoes rather than heels, allow your feet to breathe and recover and soak them in warm water now and again.

Treat yourself to a pedicure from time to time. Not only will this help you relax but it will keep your feet healthy and toes looking pretty.

Listen to the warning signs and if any part of your body hurts during exercise, stop. Knee, shin, and foot injuries are common in runners. Experts suggest using the RICE routine at the first sign of injury:

Rest and keep off your feet.

Ice is to be applied to the affected area for a 20-minutes-on, 40-minutes-off cycle, and repeated.

Compression can be applied by wrapping an elastic bandage around the injured area.

Elevate the area by sitting or lying down and raising your feet higher than your waist to help reduce pain and swelling.

If you remain in paid and are worried book and see your GP or call 111.

Remember, happy feet, happy summer.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion, Skincare Advice

Beauty Focus – Hyaluronic Acid

18/06/2016 17/06/2016 0

The thought of putting acid on our faces might not be the most appealing one, but hyaluronic acid is a common ingredient in the best beauty products around and is a powerful one at that. The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid and when used in beauty products can help to heal the skin, smooth the surface and reduce inflammation, making it particularly useful against the signs of ageing. Dermalogica and Decleor offer several products with hyaluronic acid, and we thought we’d show you the best of the bunch.

Decleor Energising Smoothing Cream SPF15

This moisturiser not only contains an SPF for added sun protection, but it also contains galanga extract which actually stimulates the skins own hyaluronic acid production to smooth and reduce fine lines. It also contains ginseng extract, which instantly tones and visibly brightens the skin, eliminating signs of fatigue.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

As well as smoothing the skin, hyaluronic acid holds up to a thousand times its own weight in water, which gives maximum hydration to the skin. This moisturiser from Dermalogica helps to protect the skin from the external forces which cause ageing, whilst also repairing the skin and revering the internal forces of ageing. It also contains a high SPF to deflect the sun’s harmful rays.

Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer (35 pouches)

These little pouches are one of the most powerful weapons in Dermalogica’s arsenal and they’re clever too; as well as containing hyaluronic acid to resurface the skin, they also contain botanical skin brighteners and maximum hydrators which prevent redness and inflammation. They’re suitable for all skin types and will improve the appearance of just about every face they touch!

Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist

This facial mist offers a number of functions; it hydrates the skin deeply, forms an antioxidant shield against free radicals, firms the skin, improves elasticity, protects against pollution and a whole wealth of other things. It’s best used after cleansing as a toning and moisturising solution, but can also be used throughout the day, even over the top of your make-up!

Decleor Hydra-Radiance Smoothing and Cleansing Mousse with Cloth

If you’ve never used this cleansing mousse before, you’ll be hooked once you see how the cream takes on a mousse-like texture when it comes in contact with water! The hyaluronic acid is combined with grape juice, papaya extract and Japanese white mulberry as well as neroli essential oil which will exfoliate, hydrate, smooth and soothe the skin.

Health and Happiness

Easy ways with avocado

14/06/2016 13/06/2016 0

Last week we looked at why avocados are so good for you. Packed with many nutrients and vitamins, eating these super-fruits can make your skin glow, hair look glossy and help maintain a healthy weight.

This week we are bringing you a number of easy to make, delicious to eat recipes that use the green goddess.

For avocado purists, eating half an avocado sprinkled with lemon juice and pepper is heavenly but they are also perfect as part of breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack.

Anytime is a great time to peel and eat an avocado.

The breakfast smoothie

Start your day the avocado way with this clean, green smoothie that’s packed with goodness and will keep you full for longer than sugary cereal.

½ an avocado peeled, stoned and sliced
A large handful of washed, organic spinach
A handful of washed, organic kale
One apple chopped – skin on, pips out
A small piece of ginger
300ml coconut water
Ice if desired

Place all the ingredients in a blender; the NutriBullet is an excellent choice. Blend for 30 seconds or until you are happy with the consistency and enjoy.

Lunchtime avocado and hummus pitta

It is so easy to grab a sandwich on the go, but white bread, butter and processed meats don’t fill you up and probably won’t offer your body the goodness and nutrients it needs. Adding avocado, hummus and salad to a pitta gives you a quick, healthy filling lunch that won’t have you reaching for a Kit Kat at 3pm.

You will need

2 big tablespoons of hummus – ideally homemade or organic if shop bought
½ a small avocado peeled and sliced
Lemon juice
Spring onions
Several coriander leaves (optional)
Sliced organic beef tomato
Wholegrain pitta

Split and toast the pitta with the hummus, then add the avocado, onion, coriander and tomatoes and squeeze the lemon. Wrap your lunch up and take to work with an apple and some nuts and the staff canteen will be a place of the past.

Tasty teatime avocado salad

One tablespoon of pumpkin seeds
One tablespoon of walnuts
One ripe avocado, the Haas is a popular choice and found in most supermarkets
200g packet feta cheese
A bag of fresh, trimmed and washed watercress or favourite salad leaves
Lime juice
1 tablespoon of olive oil

Method

Dry-fry the seeds in a frying pan for a few minutes until they look toasted
Halve the avocados, remove the stones then peel and slice
Cut the feta into equal sized cubes
Put the avocados, seeds and watercress into a large bowl with the walnuts
Mix the lime juice and olive oil together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour over the salad and mix the ingredients together before serving with warm pitta

Guacamole is a simple, easy way to enjoy avocado at any time of the day and it is easy to make. Take one ripe Haas avocado, peeled and pitted, and mash with lemon juice, crushed garlic and little salt and pepper. Enjoy with sliced carrots, cucumber or pitta and feel the goodness get to work.

Another tip for using avocado is to swap it for butter or mayonnaise when having sandwiches and using as a filling in a baked sweet potato.

Why not let us know what your favourite avocado recipe is?

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

The Benefits of Citrus with Dermalogica and Decleor

11/06/2016 10/06/2016 0

For most of us, citrus fruit is synonymous with summer and warm weather; who doesn’t enjoy a grapefruit for breakfast or a naughty Bucks Fizz on a special occasion at this time of year?! Citrus fruits are actually really beneficial for your health and can be especially useful in products for your skin, with several Dermalogica and Decleor products containing citrus oils. We thought we’d take a look at the citrus-infused products and what they can do for you.

Decleor Mandarine Smoothing Oil Serum

This serum is specifically designed to harness the power of mandarine oil, which can smooth the skin and drastically reduce the signs of ageing. It also contains hazelnut and sunflower oils, which combine to ensure that skin is deeply hydrated. The citrus scented product is also proven to uplift the senses and improve the mood.

Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer (35 pouches)

These little pouches might not look like much, but they contain one of the most potent offerings from Dermalogica. The three-in-one treatment resurfaces the skin using salicylic acid and other ingredients, combined with botanical brighteners, citrus unshiu peel and rice extract, to help even skin tone and control melanin production. It also contains extracts of green tea and Rooibos tea to soothe the skin and reduce redness.

Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil

This wonderful treatment oil can be used on its own on specific parts of the body, added to a bath, combined with a moisturiser for an all day feeling of well-being or even used in a diffuser. The orange oil is combined with sandalwood and lavender and is proven to relax the muscles and the mind. It also contains clarifying lemon oil, along with ylang-ylang and patchouli for ultimate relaxation.

Decleor Hydra-Brightening Lotion

This ultra-effective toner from Decleor contains extract of lemon, amongst other ingredients, to gently tone the skin after cleaning to help close the pores and remove the final traces of sebum, before you apply your moisturiser. It is especially useful for people with dull skin as it actively brightens the complexion and refreshes even the most dreary of skin.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

This exfoliator is a unique product which micro-exfoliates dulling debris and instantly leaves the skin noticeably smoother and brighter. Grapefruit oils, along with rice enzyme powder, bearberry and a huge array of other ingredients, combine to leave the skin looking extraordinarily radiant and refreshed.

Health and Happiness

Why we love avocados

07/06/2016 07/06/2016 0

Whilst relatively high in fat and calories, avocados are one the best foods you can eat. Not only are they delicious but they are also jam-packed with nutrients like Vitamin E, iron, potassium and niacin.

Native of Central America, the main varieties of avocado include:

The Hass with a thick, dimpled green skin and rich, creamy smooth flesh.

The Fuerte is longer and thinner than the Hass. It has a smooth green skin, which peels away easily when the fruit is ripe and whilst the flesh is a lighter colour than the Hass, it is just as tasty and good for you.

There is also the pear-shaped, smooth-skinned Ettinger and more spherical Nabal.

Numerous studies have found that including clean foods, like avocados, in your diet can help decrease the risk of diabetes, heart disease and obesity. It can also help your complexion glow, hair shine and give you more energy and a healthy body weight.

Other reasons for eating this green goddess include:

Avocadoes contain mono-unsaturated fat, which helps slow digestion and prevents blood sugar levels from dipping after a meal.Mashed avocado on sandwiches instead of mayonnaise or butter is a really easy, delicious way to add this fruit to a meal and stave off those afternoon slumps that have you diving for a bar of chocolate.

Many people do not know this but an avocado can provides almost a quarter of the recommended daily intake of folate. This B vitamin plays a key role in a healthy pregnancy, so if you are planning a family or expecting a baby, it’s a good idea to include avocados in your diet.

Despite its rich, creamy texture, avocados are actually high in fiber and contain around six grams per half fruit. Eating foods that contain natural fiber can help to prevent bloating and constipation, help maintain a healthy digestive system and can even lower the risk of colon cancer.

We have talked about folate for babies, but it is also associated with lowering the risk of heart attacks and heart disease. We should all aim for healthy hearts and if there is a history of family heart problems, or you are at risk of heart disease, adding avocado to your diet is an extra smart move.

Avocados are a brilliant source of lutein, a carotenoid that works as an antioxidant and helps guard against eye disease. The goodness doesn’t stop here however because avocados can also help you better absorb vital nutrients from other foods you eat. Carotenoids are soluble in fat rather than water, so when you eat carotenoid-rich foods like fruits and vegetables with monounsaturated-fat-rich avocados it is easier for your body to absorb the carotenoids. A super-easy way to do this is to add avocado to your salads and smoothie.

Next week we will look at some delicious recipes using avocados so watch this space.

Decleor, Skincare Advice

Combat Stretch Marks with Decleor

04/06/2016 03/06/2016 0

Stretch marks. Most of us have them, but no-one likes talking about them and we all do our best to cover them up. They’re a fact of life, caused by pregnancy, weight gain and subsequent weight loss, even muscle growth, and the tummy, buttocks, breasts and thighs are the areas of the body most often affected. But that doesn’t mean that we have to like them, which is why Decleor has developed a range of products to help to combat them and we thought we’d take you through each of them to help you decide which one you need:

Decleor Sculpt Stretch Mark Restructuring Gel-Cream

This rich gel cream is specifically formulated to actively fight the appearance of new stretch marks whilst repairing the skin and helping to reduce the unsightly redness of existing stretch marks. The gel-cream has been extensively tested under the strict supervision of gynaecologists, who’ve deemed it totally safe for use during pregnancy, making this the ideal gift for someone who’s expecting a baby and wants to combat the usual effects of skin stretching.

Decleor Sculpt Firming Balm

Perhaps one of the most impressive things about this ultra-rich firming balm is that all of the ingredients are 100% natural and it’s also safe for use during pregnancy. It intensively moisturises the skin, helping you to avoid the dry, itchy feeling which goes along with over-stretched skin and also firms and soothes the skin when used after a bath or shower.

Decleor Sculpt Firming Body Serum

This sculpting body serum is a great product if you also like to use a moisturiser as it can be slathered all over your body before applying your regular moisturising product. Apply to the body in a sweeping upwards motion and it will repair existing stretch marks and prevent the appearance of new ones. It also prevents and reverses many of the tell-tale signs of ageing, such as lack of elasticity and is also safe for use by pregnant women.

Decleor Prolagene Gel

Decleor’s Prolagene gel is a truly multi-functional product which tones, firms, repairs and revitalises the skin. It targets the cellular structure of the skin and supplies the deep tissue with the active ingredients necessary for the reconstruction of its natural collagen. It absorbs into the skin quickly and easily, making it a convenient product to use day and night, which will continuously improve the appearance of your skin.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Get bikini confident

31/05/2016 31/05/2016 0

Booking a holiday is easy; feeling like you are ready to get into a bikini can be another matter altogether.

Many of us hesitate when stripping off in front of our partner or doctor, so it is little wonder that the thought of bearing pretty much all on the beach makes us nervous.

Forget crazy pre-holiday diets and fat zapping procedures and instead embrace your body shape and use our body-confidence tricks to look and feel great when you hit the beach and hang out by the pool.

Get a changing room
There are endless two-pieces on the market and it can be overwhelming. The best thing to do is to try them on and see which cut, size, materials and styles work for you. Some women love the support of a halter neck, others look for padding and if the tummy area is a bug bear, high waisted bottoms top the list. Go with what makes you feel confident and not what is on the pages of the fashion magazines and remember you don’t have to buy anything on your first trip.

Scrub up
Making sure your skin is in tip top condition will make a difference to how you feel about it. A full body exfoliation session is an easy way to make your skin look fresh and glowing, especially if it has spent the winter hidden under jeans and jumpers. Use a gentle product that will not only buff away dead cells and dry patches but also help your skin become healthy and hydrated.

Fake it
We all know that baking in the sun isn’t good for your skin but we also understand that a little colour can give a girl an instant lift, so fake it before you go away. A subtle tan can make your arms and legs appear more toned, it can hide the appearance of cellulite and will perfectly set off a white or coral bikini. Whether you go to a salon or do it at home, make sure you exfoliate before, mousiturise afterwards and remember, you still need to wear sun cream, as it won’t protect you from the sun.

Stand tall
With a killer bikini and buff body, you need to think about how you stand to really show off your best bits. Good posture is not only essential for your spine health, but it can help you look totally different from when you slouch. Tuck in your pelvis, engage your abs, and drop your shoulders back from your ears and you will see a difference. Not only will you look taller and stronger but this will instantly make you stand proud and feel confident in your own skin.

Stay hydrated
To eliminate bloating try to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. Add a slice of lemon in each glass and this natural diuretic will help you look leaner and feel even better about your gorgeous body.

Stop comparing
Yes, there’s pressure to look perfect in a bikini, but ignore the hype and the air brushed models on the pages of glossy magazines – they aren’t real – and concentrate on you. Summer holidays are meant to be about sun, sea and stepping away from the stress of everyday life. Celebrate the person you are and love the body you have. We all come in different shapes and sizes and you are beautiful because you are you.

Happy holidays.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Skincare Advice

5 Things Only People With Oily Skin Will Understand

28/05/2016 23/05/2016 0

Unless you’re one of the very few people who is blessed with truly perfect skin, you’ll likely have your own set of daily struggles when it comes to your complexion. No-one gets this more than people who deal with the over-production of sebum – or oily skin, as most of us would put it. We take a look at some of the daily struggles that only oily skin sufferers will get and try to recommend things that will help.

Constantly Reapplying Make-Up

When you’ve got oily skin, make-up can be a blessing and a curse. When you first apply, your skin looks flawless, but it’s only a matter of time before the shine breaks through and your foundation effectively melts away. Prepping oily skin before applying make-up is a must, and using a product like Decleor Fresh Matifying Lotion will help to mop up any excess oil and prevent your skin from producing more, leaving you with a soft, matte finish all day long without the need to re-apply foundation again and again.

Finding a Moisturiser is HARD

When your skin is basically producing a self-formulated moisturiser all day long, it’s tempting to forego the moisturiser altogether, especially seeing as it’s so hard to find one which won’t exacerbate your shininess. There ARE products out there which work with oily skin, however, and finding the right one, such as Decleor Shine Control Oxygenating Fluid, can actually help your skin to balance out your sebum production.

Your Face Never Really Feels Clean

With oily skin, one of the most annoying things is that it basically only feels clean for roughly ten minutes after you’ve washed it and then not at all for the rest of the day. What this probably should tell you is that you’re using the wrong products to wash your face. Opt for a pre-cleansing lotion like Dermalogica Precleanse, followed by a gentle cleanser such as Decleor Soothing Micellar Water as this won’t over-stimulate the skin and will leave you feeling cleaner for longer.

Taking Photos is a Nightmare

Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how good the lighting is, how recently your make-up has been done or how good the photographer is, as soon as that flash goes off, your whole face becomes one big shiny reflective surface. Aside from demanding final editing control of all photos taken of you before anyone sees them, you’re going to need something powerful on your side – we recommend Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion, a feather-weight lotion which actually contains tiny sponges which control your oil production and help you to maintain an all-day matte complexion.

Sometimes it Feels Like All You Do is Deal With Your Skin

Unless you’re at a point where you’ve given up, it’s easy to feel like all you think about is your skin and that your bathroom is being taken over by different products. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is a beauty detox; get rid of all the old products and invest in a selection of new, targeted formulas which are designed to tackle oily skin. The Dermalogica Skin Kit for Oily Skin contains five key products which will help to keep your skin clean and shine-free all day and it allows you to try them before investing in the full-size version.

Health and Happiness

Easy ways to eat clean

24/05/2016 23/05/2016 0

We are constantly hearing about clean eating in the media but what does it actually mean? Well, it is a pretty simple concept that involves eating whole foods that are as close to nature as possible. It’s about eating more of the healthiest options available and less of the not-so-healthy ones.

The key to eating clean is to embrace, and enjoy, pesticide free and organic food such as

Fresh fruits and vegetables
Dried legumes
Nuts
Organic eggs

You can also include:

Unrefined grains like whole wheat bread and pasta, popcorn, quinoa and brown rice
Frozen fruits and vegetables
Unprocessed meat
Organic dairy products
Healthy oils

Clean eating doesn’t mean everything has to be raw and straight from the ground, but it does mean your food needs to be minimally processed and the fewer added ingredients, the better.

An easy way to clean up your diet is read the ingredients on food packaging. If the list is long, and so are the names, it is probably best to steer clear. Go for healthy, homemade options such as whole-wheat macaroni cheese, tomato pasta sauce and goodie packed granola bars.

It is worth remembering not everything that comes out of a box or can is bad for you. Whole-wheat pasta, tomatoes and chickpeas are all clean packaged foods because they are minimally processed and offer great nutrients and vitamins.

One thing you can do to make a big difference is cut out white flour and refined grains. These are most typically found in unhealthy packaged foods like biscuits and cakes and offer no real goodness or nutrients. Swap white rice, bread and pasta for brown rice and whole wheat bread and pasta and your body, and waistline, will thank you.

It is important to remember that you always need fat in your diet, but go for the healthy ones. Swap saturated fats like those in butter, cheese and meat for olive oil, avocados and oily fish. These fats are great for keeping your heart healthy and can help raise your good HDL cholesterol levels.

Cutting back on processed foods helps reduce your salt intake and you minimise this more by using herbs, spices and garlic when cooking.

You might also want to look at how much sugar is in your diet. It is really easy to consume more of the sweet stuff than you realise because it is hidden in many everyday products. To clean things up limit fizzy drinks, sweets, cakes and biscuits. Also check those healthier yogurts, sauces and cereals for their sugar content.

Eating clean doesn’t mean giving up meat completely, but by eating less of it you will seriously cut the amount of saturated fat from your diet. Give vegetarian proteins like beans, tempeh and tofu a try and then go large on vegetable so you get loads of vitamins and feel full.

That said, eating clean doesn’t mean you can eat and eat and eat. This food might be healthy but it still contains calories and you need to be mindful of portion sizes. Aim for your plate to be filled three-fifths of fruits and vegetables, one-fifth protein, and one-fifth healthy carbs.

We aren’t saying you have to do all of this today, but if you are looking for a healthier way to eat and live, give some of these ideas a go and we are pretty sure you will love the results.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Weird Historical Beauty Traditions

21/05/2016 20/05/2016 0

Throughout history, there have been plenty of weird and wonderful beauty practices which have been adopted by people, many of which have foundations in science, others of which not so much! We thought we’d take a look back at the oddest traditions and have a go at suggesting some slightly more modern (and less DEADLY!) alternatives to keep you looking your best.

Milk Baths

We’ve all heard about how Egyptian queen Cleopatra liked to bathe in asses milk, which is probably really easy when you’re a queen and probably have your own flock of asses. However, when you’re a normal person and the average bath holds 80 litres, you’re looking at a pretty expensive soak in the tub, regardless of how many benefits it may or may not have. We’d suggest Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts instead, which will soften and nourish the skin and smell a LOT better than milk!

Fish Pedicures

This Japanese tradition was popular here in the UK a couple of years ago and shops were popping up all over the place, filled with tanks full of dead-skin eating fish. It was rather an acquired taste and eventually lost popularity as it became clear that it was more of a quirk than a really effective dead skin removal method. If you’d rather avoid expensive fish remedies, we’d recommend Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub to help you to slough away dead skin.

Strychnine Pills

Believe it or not, back in Victorian times, if people suffered with acne they would take a pill which included, amongst other ingredients, strychnine! And if you’re thinking “isn’t that poisonous?” then yes, you’re spot on. Getting rid of acne really isn’t worth risking your life over, so we’d suggest taking a look at the Medibac Clearing System from Dermalogica as it contains a whole bunch of non-poisonous acne treatments!

Lead Face Powder

Way back in the 1700’s, people lived in pretty filthy conditions, as well as suffering from all kinds of pox, which left them with less-than-desirable complexions. This meant that they needed something to cover their faces, and nothing worked better than products made from lead. Unfortunately, lead is also wildly carcinogenic, as well as causing pretty serious damage to the central nervous system. If it’s a matte finish you’re looking for, take a look at Decleor Shine Control Oxygenating Fluid, which will moisturise your skin at the same time as cearning excess sebum and shine, leaving you with an even finish.

Crocodile Poo Face Mask

Possibly the most horrific one on our list, according to history books, Romans and Greeks used to make face masks out of crocodile poo. They believed that something in the poop left their skin looking beautiful, which may be true but there’s NO WAY we’d put up with the smell! Opt for Decleor Intense Brightening Mask for a far more hygienic way to condition the skin on your face.

	Treatments	Click & Collect
Monday	Open	10am-4pm
Tuesday	Open	10am-4pm
Wednesday	Open	10am-4pm
Thursday	Open	10am-4pm
Friday	Open	10am-4pm
Saturday	Open	Closed
Sunday	Closed	Closed

Pure Beauty Online
–
Our Top Brands
	Dermalogica
	Elemis
	Medik8
	SkinCeuticals
–
	Click & Collect to the Salon
	Get a Discount Offer Code