Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

Fantastic Treatments in a fabulous salon with only the best Products and the very Best Beauty Therapists!
 
Health and Happiness

Treat Yourself!

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treat yourselfEveryone deserves a treat sometimes and there’s nothing quite so lovely and treating yourself to an indulgent, luxury beauty product. You get the thrill of picking yourself a present AND the added bonus of using it and benefiting from all of the wonderful, beautifying properties within! We thought we’d guide you through some of our most decadent products from both Dermalogica and Decleor to inspire you when looking for the perfect gift…for yourself!

Decleor Intense Nutrition Comforting Cocoon Cream

If you have very dry skin, this ultra-nourishing cream uses larch sugars and barley grain to envelope the skin and restore much needed moisture. The barley grain boosts lipid production while the larch sugars prevent further water loss, which means that regular use will actually improve your skins ability to hydrate itself. The cream itself feels wonderfully rich and smells divine!

Dermalogica Ultra Rich Body Cream

We couldn’t write an article about ultra-rich products and leave out one that actually says it right in the name! Dermalogica’s Ultra Rich Body Cream is an all-over moisturiser (which comes in a VERY handy pump-action bottle) which doesn’t leave a greasy residue and wraps you in a long-lasting layer of moisture.

Decleor Nourishing Body Milk

If you need an all-over boost of moisture, then this body milk from Decleor will soften and repair the skin and feel like an indulgent treat, all at once. Once applied it creates a protective layer of moisture over the skin, which helps to relieve the feelings of dryness and tightness that having under-moisturised skin can create.

Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts

One thing that we highly recommend, here at Pure Beauty, is treating yourself to a home spa experience every few weeks, to not only enrich your skin and maintain beauty, but also to help you to unwind and pamper yourself. This product can be used as both a soak AND a scrub, which allows you to slough away dead skin cells as well as lounging in a bath full of fragrant, mineral rich water, making it the perfect thing to buy for yourself.

Decleor Sublime Regenerating Cream

Mature skin should always be treated with extra loving care because, over time, it can lose the essential building blocks which keep it looking great and will even stop producing things like collagen. Decleor’s Sublime Regenerating Cream will replace some of those lost essentials and will even promote the skins own production of vital elements, leaving your face looking younger and more luminous than ever.

Health and Happiness

Eat yourself younger

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www.freedigitalphotos.netThe expression, ‘you are what you eat’, is banded about a lot and for good reason.

Your diet directly affects your appearance and plays a role in how you age. The building blocks for healthy skin and hair are found in the nutrients, minerals and fatty acids of your food. Not only does healthy eating do wonders for your waistline and boost your immune system, but it can also help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, make hair glossy and strengthen nails.

The first thing to do is cut out the bad stuff. Whilst refined sugars, processed foods, fizzy drinks, saturated fats and sugar-fueled alcohol are tempting, try to avoid them. They can massively age the skin because they damage the skin cells and affect the collagen production that keeps skin looking plump and young.

If you smoke, stop. It is as simple as that!

Stock up on anti-ageing foods
When it comes to an anti-aging diet there are some fantastic foods out there that taste great and will leave you feel energised and clean rather than sluggish. Top of the list are oily fish, which you should try to eat three times a week and a handful of almonds every day will give you all the vitamin B you need. Mix this with a colourful mix of fresh fruit and vegetables like red peppers, as they can boost your immune function, ward off sun damage and some even reduce your risk of cancer.

Avocado
Be sure to slice up this green goodness and enjoy at any meal. This versatile fruit is high in oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, that helps skin retain moisture to keep it soft, plump and supple.

Broccoli
Amazingly, half a cup of broccoli a day can make you feel energised and top up your immune system. How? Broccoli contains more than 2/3 of the daily recommended dose of vitamin C and is packed with sulforaphane, which helps with liver detox, and has properties that help fight cancer. What’s not to like?

Watermelon
This holiday favourite is loaded with lycopene, an antioxidant that make the fruit red and helps skin stave off UV damage. Researchers believe that watermelon contains as much as 40% more of the phytochemical than raw tomatoes; that’s the equivalent of an SPF 3, so eat it to boost (not replace) your daily dose of sunscreen and protect your skin from those UV rays.

Don’t forget carrots
In this day and age the simple carrot gets left behind, but that could be a mistake. Carrots are pack with beta-carotene, which not only helps with skin-cell renewal, but it is also a powerful antioxidant that’s excellent at getting rid of free radicals that can make your skin age faster.

Enjoy red berry smoothies
A smoothie packed with frozen berries, one banana, a splash of apple juice and kale is full of of anti-ageing antioxidants and makes a great start to the day. You can add in a handful of complexion enhancing blueberries for added vitamins C and E that brighten skin, even out tone and fight off free-radical damage.

Go for eggs
Whether they are poached, scrambled or hard boiled, make sure you add eggs to your weekly menu planning. Your finger and toe nails are made of protein and a deficiency can turn them soft and prone to splitting. Eggs are a fantastic source of biotin, a B complex vitamin that metabolises amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein, so don’t forget to eat them!

Don’t forget to drink water
Staying hydrated is absolutely essential for maintaining glowing skin and keeping fine lines and wrinkles away. Being hydrated is essential for plumping out skin and softening fine lines so aim to drink at least two litres of water a day and we think you’ll see improvements in no time.

Life and Fashion

Our Top Eye Make Up Tips

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Eye Liner with a SpoonApplying eye make-up can be a tricky business and getting it just right takes a lot of practise. We’ve lost count of the amount of times that we’ve applied a slick of mascara, only to blink too hard and smudge it everywhere! We thought we’d gather together our top tips for applying eye make up to help you to perfect your techniques and take your eyes to the next level.

Erase Lines

Applying make up to eyes with crow’s feet and fine lines can be a tricky business; the skin tends to be softer which means it moves under the brush when you try to sweep the applicator across the area and fine lines can cause colour to bleed. Using a plumping eye cream like Decleor Regenerating Eye and Lip Cream will reduce lines and make it a lot easier to apply your make up.

Prime the Area

Primer is an absolute must before applying eye make-up as it mattifies the area, giving you the perfect surface on which to apply shadow. Dermalogica HydraBlur Primer actually blurs the skins uneven areas and provides light coverage, as well as hydrating the skin and refining pores.

Use a Spoon

Creating the perfect flick with an eyeliner pen or pencil is very difficult to do freehand. Try using the back edge of a spoon as a guideline; hold it against your eye and literally use the spoon as a stencil for your lines. You’ll create the perfect feline flick with absolutely no effort at all.

Vaseline

If you do happen to make a mistake or smudge your eyeliner or mascara, there IS a way to rectify things without needing to remove the whole lot and start again. Use a cotton bud dipped into a little bit of Vaseline like an eraser in areas with smudges. It will allow you to remove the offending smudge with total precision without fluffing up the rest of your hard work.

Quality Brushes

More often than not, the brushes and applicators which come with eye make-up are a little bit…naff! Investing in a decent set of brushes will really up your eye make-up game and will allow you to blend and build your make up to a much better degree of accuracy. They don’t have to be mega expensive, but opting for the best ones you can afford is a really good way to give your eyes that extra 10%.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Healthy food shopping the savvy way

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We are constantly seeing more and more reasons to eat more healthily, but it isn’t always the cheapest option. Don’t let the cost put you off, instead look at small changes you can make so you can then reap the rewards.

Get the basics in
If your kitchen cupboard is well stocked you will always have a fantastic meal at hand, even when the fridge is looking bare.

Tinned tomatoes, olive oil, sardines and tuna, curry paste, coconut milk, pulses, stock cubes and Marmite are great staples. Add a collection of herbs and spices, rice, pasta, flour and noodles and you will be on your way to having a basic, but versatile kitchen that will keep you away from the local take away.

Plan your meals
Boring maybe, but planning your meals for the week can ensure you get a balanced diet and don’t over spend and then waste food. It is amazing just how much food is put in the bin due to over-buying.

Make a shopping list
Once you have your weekly meal plan, write a shopping list and stick to it. Whether you shop online or in-store, try not to be tempted by impulse purchases or special offers. Buy what you need and nothing more.

Buy a chicken
Chicken is a healthy meat option and you get the most for your money if you buy the whole bird. From a whole chicken, you’ll get two breasts, two thighs, two drumsticks as well as the carcass and wings that can be used for making stock. Plan what you are going to make and you will find stir fries, curries, casseroles and sandwiches will be easy, delicious and affordable.

Buy cheaper cuts
This isn’t for everyone but choosing a cheaper cut of meat, such as braising steak, shin or shoulder, can make a great meal for less if you have the time to cook it for longer and add more seasoning.

Go veggie
Going veggie is good for your pocket and health. Meat and fish tend to be the more expensive food items on a shopping list but not always the most healthy. Adding vegetables and pulses to traditional meat dishes like curries and casseroles could make difference to how much you spend and how well your jeans fit and complexion looks.

Cut down on ‘so called’ luxuries
Let’s face it, many of us buy fizzy drinks, crisps, biscuits and cakes which aren’t good for us and can make our bills soar. Go for sparkling water and fruit juice, make batches of flapjack and granola bars and freeze smoothies for an alternative to ice cream.

Shop at the end of the day
You will find most supermarkets discount their fresh items at the end of the day. If you time your visit right and get to the reduced to clear shelf before everyone else, there are saving to be made. Make sure you check the use-by dates and only buy something you will eat or it is a false economy.

Shop around
As well as supermarkets, consider going to independent stores, farm shops and markets for variety and value when it comes to fresh goods.

Use vouchers and loyalty cards
Some people don’t like their every move being tracked, but there are some great store reward systems out there that give money off and if you save them all year, your Christmas shop can be free. Vouchers from magazines and newspapers, money off coupons and freebies might seem cheap but if they save you money and allow you to try new, healthy ideas, why not give it a go?

Happy shopping and healthy eating.

Health and Happiness

Peanuts – The Snack of Champions

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peanutsPeanuts are one of the world’s most popular snacks and there’s no doubt that they taste fantastic (especially when teamed with a cold beer or G&T!). However, there are also several health benefits to eating peanuts on a regular basis so we thought we’d take a look at them so that you don’t feel so guilty next time you reach for a packet of KP!

Fat

Yep, believe it or not, the fats within peanuts are actually good for you. Peanuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, the type of fats which keep your heart healthy – in fact, one small study by scientists in the USA suggested that the consumption of peanuts on a regular basis would reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 22%

Antioxidants

It’s easy to think that antioxidants are only found in things such as fruit and veg, but it’s ALSO easy to forget that a peanut is actually a legume, not a ‘true’ nut and therefore contains high levels of oleic acid. Oleic acid is an incredibly powerful little compound which has been associated with lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of breast cancer, making your night time snack all the more appealing.

Flavanoids

Flavanoids are another celever little component of peanuts which have been shown to reduce inflammation, have anti-bacterial properties and modify the effects of aging, amongst a whole host of other things, and peanuts have been shown to be packed with them. This means that, while you snack, you’re actively improving your chances of living to old age AND looking good while you get there!

Gallstones

Another thing that these wonderful little beans do is prevent the development of gallstones, when eaten regularly as a part of a balanced diet. The research has been carried out on over 80,000 women over the course of twenty-odd years and the results show that you can decrease your risk of gallstones by 25% by regularly indulging in peanuts.

Weight Gain

Although peanuts are relatively high in calories, they’re actually really beneficial to weight loss. A 28-month study involving 8,865 adult men and women, found that the subjects who ate nuts at least two times per week were 31% less likely to gain weight than the subjects who never or almost never ate nuts. And out of the subjects who gained weight, those who never ate nuts gained, on average, almost half a kilo MORE than those who ate them frequently.

Health and Happiness

Keep your hands and nails in tiptop condition

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www.freedigitalphotos.netDo you have brittle or damaged nails?

Are your hands dry and chapped?

Did you wish things were different?

Achieving strong and healthy nails might seem impossible, but if you take a little of time it really isn’t.

You might currently be making some easy mistakes that are contributing to the poor health of your nails but you don’t even know it.

If you want healthy nails that are strong, grow fast and look great then we have all you need to know to make it happen.

Tidy up regularly
Your nails are soft when you come out of the bath or shower so this is the best time to trim or file them. Use clean manicure clippers to trim your nails straight across for a clean, smooth finish.

Choose your files carefully
The old-fashioned orange emery boards are generally considered to be too harsh for our nails. They can cause fissures and cracks that lead to breakage and tears. Instead, go for a file that is smooth and fine. File in one direction only, and do it slowly and evenly to reduce risk of breakage.

Don’t share nail files
Did you know that the innocent nail file is actually a porous germ-trap? Well it is, so keep yours to yourself and replace it once a month.

Don’t cut cuticles
The biggest manicure tip we can offer you is never to cut your cuticles all the way back. Cuticles are the barrier that protects against bacteria and infection, which means you do not want them to be removed altogether.

Use cuticle oil
We will let you into a secret; cuticle oil is key to healthy nails. Cold temperatures and exposure to chemicals in nail polish and removers can weaken your nails. Cuticle oil can help repair damage and keep them looking hydrated and healthy. This can also help avoid hangnails; the torn, painful skin you can get at the root of fingernails.

Go with a base coat
You might think that the colour of nail varnish is the most important thing about how your nails looks but it’s the base coat that matters the most. You don’t see the base coat but it is essential to use it to ensure your nails stay healthy and nourished. Applying nail polish directly without a base coat can leave your nails looking colored and grey tinged.

Apply a new topcoat every other day
Whilst you don’t have to change your polish everyday, it will start to look less than perfect in a short amount of time. If you want your nails to get attention for the right reasons, you need to be sure to apply a new topcoat every other day. Topcoats can lose their luster pretty quickly, which distracts from the appearance of your nails so look after your manicure or go bare and simply mositurise.

Keep your nails dry and clean
Dry, clean nails are less likely to gather bacteria, fungus and other germs from developing. Use a gentle soap, clean towel and great mosituriser.

Moisuturise
Nails need to be moisturised throughout the day to keep them smooth and supple. Nails can crack, peel, and become brittle if they are dehydrated. Keep a moisuturiser in your handbag, kitchen and bedroom and apply as required.

Lots of water, rubber gloves when washing up and keeping warm when you are outside will all help keep your nails in tiptop shape.

Life and Fashion

A Proper Bedtime Routine

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SleepSleep is one of the most important factors in maintaining good health and allowing your body to heal, but it’s not always as simple as falling into bed and nodding off. Sleep can be an elusive mistress for many of us, and in fact it’s estimated that up to a third of the UK population suffers with insomnia and sleep problems. Getting into a proper sleep routine isn’t just important for babies; we grown-ups also benefit greatly from a good night time routine, and we’ve got some tips to help.

Caffeine

Caffeine can be beneficial in some ways, but it can be your enemy when sleep is eluding you. Try limiting your caffeine intake for at least three hours before bed to limit the effects and stop you from lying in bed, eye balling the ceiling for hours on end.

Food

There’s always the temptation to indulge in a pre-bedtime snack, but filling yourself up just before bed can be a real no-no. Loading your digestive system with extra work when your body is trying to switch off is a sure-fire way of keeping you awake and can contribute to acid reflux and other digestive problems.

Switch Off

So many of us are guilty of staying attached to our devices right up until we go to sleep, but evidence shows that phone and tablet usage can prevent our bodies from producing the hormone which induces sleep. Try to put down the phone for at least an hour before sleep and try reading or listening to music instead.

Wind Down

Getting yourself physically prepared for sleep can help to set the wheels in motion. Having a bath in Dermalogica Hydro-Active Mineral Salts, which contain lavender, sandalwood and clary sage to help you relax and follow a cleanse, tone and moisturise routine for you face and you’ll feel ready for bed in no time.

Sanctuary

Treat your bedroom like a sanctuary – limit electricals whilst in the bedroom, make sure your bed is made and keep lighting low. Use a room spray which contains lavender to give you an olfactory boost and try a white noise machine to stop your mind from ticking over instead of relaxing.

Health and Happiness

The secrets for eating for shiny hair and glowing skin

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ID-10012078When it comes to skincare products, we all have go to lotions and potions we love. Whilst vitamin C packed products can help us achieve luscious locks and bright skin, the real key to looking great lies in what you put into your body.

There’s no denying that the health of our skin, hair and nails is linked with what we eat and drink. A diet that is high in antioxidants foods, as well as vitamins, minerals, fluids and good fats, plays a vital role in the appearance and health of all these things.

Yellow peppers equal a radiant complexion
Research by the British Journal of Nutrition revealed that women who ate a higher amount of green and yellow vegetables, which contain vitamin C, had fewer wrinkles, particularly those pesky crow’s feet. One yellow bell pepper contains more than double the daily requirement of C, which is more than the infamous glass of orange juice we all reach for. Go for the brightest peppers as these are packed with the most nutrients, especially the powerful antioxidants that stimulate collagen production and protect the skin from the dangerous free radicals that damage it.

You can of course get Vitamin C from eating eating broccoli, kale, cantaloupe melon, strawberries, kiwi fruit, mango and oranges.

Unleash the power of almonds
Not many people know this, but these bland looking nuts are packed full of magnesium; a key nutrient for ensuring nail resiliency and strength. It is easy to know if you are deficient in this mineral as you’ll see ridges on your nails, known as Beau’s lines, something none of us want.

Almonds also come loaded with protein, an essential building block for healthy nails and hair and consuming good sources of protein is essential for strong, healthy nails.

Pumpkin and sunflower seeds, quinoa and whole grains are all high in magnesium and contain protein, too. So add them to your shopping list and experiment with your cooking.

Oily fish is a must
Oily fish like salmon, anchovies, sardines and mackerel are fantastic for health on so many levels as they are some of the best food sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which our bodies can’t produce. These fats are key to tip top brain and cardiovascular health and helps us achieve great skin, too. Not only do they lubricate internally, they also keep your skin moisturised and young looking.

If you don’t fancy fish but want to capitalise on the benefits of these essential fats, go for other sources, like walnuts and flaxseed instead.

Get shiny hair with eggs
Eggs are powerhouses rich in protein and biotin, a B vitamin that is essential for hair growth and scalp health. Biotin helps produce keratin, the hair’s main protein, so enjoy them boiled, poached or scrambled and see the shine come out.

If eggs aren’t for you, then you can supplement your diet with other protein-rich foods such as poultry, meat, beans, nuts and whey protein. Almonds, avocado and salmon are also rich in hair-healthy B vitamin so be sure to eat some everyday if you want to look, and feel, your very best.

Go for it, what have you got to lose?

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness

The Power of Aloe Vera from Decleor and Dermalogica

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Aloe VeraAloe Vera has been used in beauty preparations for hundreds, possibly thousands of years, and it’s well-known for its soothing, calming properties for the skin. Both Decleor and Dermalogica have products in their ranges which contain aloe, and we thought we’d take a look at the best of the bunch.

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

This toner from Dermalogica is actually in spray form and contains aloe vera to soothe and repair the skin. It also contains lavender and balm mint to actively rehydrate the face, as well as Sodium PCA for moisture binding. It is suitable for all skin types and is especially good when sprayed onto the face after shaving, to close the pores and protect against razor-burn.

Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel

Waxing is a fantastic, long-lasting method of hair removal but can also cause damage to the skin leaving it feeling sore and irritated. That’s why Decleor have used ale vera in their Post-Wax Double Action Gel to soothe the skin and reduce the redness associated with waxing. The unique formula also minimises hair regrowth, reducing the frequency with which you’ll need to wax, with ongoing use.

Dermalogica Cooling Masque

Acne is a condition which can be tricky to treat – outbreaks can leave the skin feeling hyper-sensitive, but using the wrong product can make everything worse. The Dermalogica Clear Start system is specifically formulated for use with acne-prone skin and contains aloe, amongst other ingredients, and it soothes the skin and reduces inflammation without causing further irritation.

Dermalogica Environmental Control Deodorant

The armpits are an area which are often neglected, but between regular hair removal and chafing fabric, there’s a real risk of soreness under your arms. Dermalogica’s Environmental Control Deodorant not only contains powerful botanicals and bactericides to neutralise the bacteria which causes body odour, it also contains aloe and chamomile to keep the area cool and soothed.

Dermalogica Post Shave Balm

Shaving, like waxing, is a convenient method of hair removal, but can also leave the skin feeling sore and under duress. This post-shave balm from Dermalogica is designed not only to soothe the skin using aloe, but also contains salicylic acid and a unique blend of other ingredients to prevent ingrown hairs and control excess sebum, making this a powerful, multi-function product.

Health and Happiness, Skincare Advice

Top Tips for Glowing Winter Skin

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We know it’s still winter and the sun keeps hiding behind deep, dark clouds but you can still have glowing, healthy skin whatever the weather.

We have some easy to follow tips that will have you looking, and feeling, a million dollars before spring arrives.

Go pro with sunscreen
You’ve heard it a million times, but wearing sunscreen everyday is the easiest way to look younger. It’s easier to prevent sun damage than fix it, so no slacking over the winter months because the rays can still be strong especially when they reflect off of buildings and water. The Dermalogica Daily Defence Block is a multi-tasking, light-weight daytime lotion that defends against skin ageing and a must-have even when it is raining.

Take a dairy break
Most dairy products, even the organic ones, contain hormones that stimulate the oil glands and pores, which can lead to acne. These hormones tend to be concentrated in fat, so go for the skimmed options if you must have dairy and watch out for hidden sources in many ready meals and processed foods.

Get your zzzzzzz
It’s called beauty sleep for a reason. Your body’s cellular renewal takes place when you sleep and this is when your skin gets the nutrients and hydrating ingredients it needs to look, and feel, good. At least three nights a week get those magic eight hours and you will feel the benefit, not only with your skin but your mood and energy levels too.

Use a serum
These were once considered a luxury, but a small amount of serum on your skin is a must have. Many contain antioxidants that help the skin falling foul to free radicals and stress is a good choice and will boost collagen so your skin has a firm, youthful appearance. For best results, apply to freshly cleansed skin and of course follow with an SPF moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Snack on watermelon
Watermelon is a lycopene-rich food and as such eating it can help reduce damage and redness caused from sun exposure, prevents future wrinkling and possibly even lowers skin cancer risk. Aim for one cup a day, which isn’t hard as it is so delicious and as well as being eaten alone it can be used in smoothies, salads and sorbets.

Go for glasses
As well as looking stylish, sunglasses protect against lines and wrinkles. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest on your body and where you’ll most likely see the first signs of aging. Each time you squint from sunlight, you’re creating and deepening lines. Go for a pair of good quality, polarised glasses with a dark tint and ones that fully cover the eye area.

Drink more water
As well as clearing the toxins that cause inflammation and blemishes, water also helps transport oxygen and nutrients and to skin cells. This helps with hydration which makes the skin appear fuller and healthier. It is recommend you drink at least eight glasses of a day and if you want to jazz it up added slices of lemon, lime or ginger as well as ice.

Don’t mess with spots
Picking, even a little, at spots can cause permanent damage. Each time you press a pimple, it further inflames and distresses the skin. At the same time, bacteria is pushed deep inside the pore, and the oil glands burst, causing more damage. The result is more acne, discoloration, soreness and scarring. Use gentle products, don’t cover with tonnes of make up and don’t pick.