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Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Drink to your health

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Whilst many people get hung up on what they eat to keep healthy, many forget that what they drink also matters. A little bit of know how and research can ensure you make the healthy liquid choices that will make you feel and look great.

Water
No matter how many times we say this, there is nothing better for quenching your thirst and promoting good health than drinking water. It is calorie and sugar free, it helps keep you hydrated and all of your organs working well. Drink it cold with ice, add orange or ginger for a natural zing or boil it and enjoy with fruit tea or a slice of lemon.

You might be tempted by flavoured water but check the labels as many hide hidden sugars and preservatives.

Fizzy drinks and squash
We all grew up with these but today we are more aware than ever that fizzy drinks, squashes and juice drinks come laden with sugar. It is best to avoid them whenever you can and not only will this cut down your calories intake but also keep your teeth and skin healthier.

Milk
There is no denying that milk is a fantastic source of calcium and helps keep bones healthy. It is also full of protein but no sugar – bonus. The healthier choice when it comes to milk for adults is to go for semi-skimmed, 1% fat or skimmed varieties.

Beware of milkshakes, hot chocolate, condensed milk and milk-based energy drinks as they are stacked with sugar and nasties that won’t nourish you at all.

Tea and coffee
Drinking tea and coffee is fine as part of a balanced diet but don’t over do it. They both contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can make us feel more alert depending on how much you consume.

It is pretty easy to reduce your caffeine intake by switching to low-caffeine options, fruit or herbal teas or just having a few extra glasses of water a day.

Beware of adding sugar, flavoured syrups and artificial sweeteners to you hot beverages as they aren’t great for your teeth, body or waistline. If you can, go without and if you reduce little by little and acclimatise, you won’t even notice the change in taste.

Juices and smoothies
Over the past couple of years fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies have become increasingly popular and ‘trendy’. You can make them at home, enjoy them in cafes and buy them in supermarkets, but how good are they for you?

Well, a small glass of fruit juice counts as one of your recommended five a day but it doesn’t contain the fibre you will find in whole fruits and vegetables and still comes full of sugar, even if it is the natural type.

If you are going for a smoothie, especially when making in your own kitchen, aim for the green types that are full of vegetables and a piece or two of fruit so you aren’t putting your teeth at risk. Include them as part of a balanced, healthy diet but don’t get into the habit of using them to replace meals.

Energy and sports drinks
These might seem like a good idea, especially if you are tired but the high levels of caffeine, sugar and calories won’t do you many favours. Many come with a significant serving of sugar and are high in calories making water the healthier choice once again.

Alcohol
Recently safe alcohol limits have been reassessed and the UK’s chief medical officers now recommend that both men and women drink no more than 14 units a week. That is equivalent to six pints of beer or seven glasses of wine. Pregnant women are advised not to drink alcohol at all. These are guidelines but be beware that alcohol is void of any goodness, full of sugar and empty calories and linked to illness.

So, before you raise a glass, cup or mug to your lips just think about what you are drinking and how it will make you feel.

Life and Fashion

Winged Eyeliner – How to Master This Season’s Statement Eye

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winged eyelinerIf you’re the sort to keep an eye on what the celeb world is up to, then you can’t fail to have noticed that winged eye liner is ALL over the place. From Adele to Taylor Swift to Gigi Hadad, you’re nobody if your peepers aren’t perfectly lined and favouring a feline flick. There’s a real art to getting it right, however, so we’ve put together a handy guide to help you along the way.

Prep the area

Using an eye cream which will plump the eye area and smooth away any fine lines is a must as skin which isn’t perfectly taut is SO much harder to work with. Cleanse the area with Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser and then opt for something powerful like Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm to ensure that you’ve got the optimal canvas to work with.

Use a pencil THEN a liquid

Liquid liner is a must for this bold look, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t give yourself a fighting chance of getting it right by tracing your line with a pencil first. Use a kohl liner to get your flicks just right before covering with liquid liner for your final flourish.

Aim for your eyebrow

Generally speaking, a flick which points to the outside corner of your eyebrow will make for the best (and most natural) shape. Use something like a lip pencil as a straight edge and line it up against your eyebrow and the outside corner if your eye. If you’re really dexterous, you could even use this like a stencil to help you get the line perfectly straight.

Warm it up

If you only have a pencil to hand and no liquid eye liner, heat the end of the pencil for a bolder look. You can do this by either holding the pencil (kohl end first) in the palm of your hand, or for an even more “gel” look, you could even heat the end with a match or lighter – just make sure it’s not too hot when you apply it to your lids!

Contrast

A line of contrasting colour along the top of your black line is a really fun way to enhance the look and add a flash of colour to your eyes if you aren’t wearing shadow. Golds and silvers work really well, as do bright colours such as turquoise and electric blue, but you can always just opt for a colour which matches your outfit.

Life and Fashion

Keep the winter blues away

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www.freedigitalphotos.netWith the Christmas decorations back in the loft, the turkey eaten and credit cards maxed, January can seem bleak but it doesn’t have to be that way.

By looking after yourself in the coming chilly weeks, you can be as happy in winter as you are on those balmy summer evenings in August. Really.

Exercise
Serotonin, known as the ‘happy hormone’, is a chemical produced by the brain and is mainly responsible for maintaining a balanced mood. If you are deficient in this it can lead to anxiety, low mood or even depression.

If this sounds familiar one of the easiest ways to boost those feel good hormones is to exercise. Make sure you go for an activity you really like because if you feel as if you are forcing yourself it may not have the same beneficial effects. Whether it is running with a friend, taking a boxing class at the gym or getting out on your bike, once you have found a sport you love you’ll soon start to look forward to doing it and will reap many benefits.

Good Food
We’re not saying change everything you eating but simple swaps can make a big difference on your mood and shape. Cutting down on alcohol and sugar can really help to balance your mood because they both increase a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine makes us feel great for a while but it doesn’t last long and once levels fall we can feel lower than ever.

The brain is made up to nearly 20% Omega-3s, however, we don’t produce this amazing brain food so they have to take it from other sources. Try eating oily fish at least twice a week, snacking on chia seeds and taking a fatty acid supplement as these are and can help fight mood swings and make you happier.

Don’t forget about proteins as they are responsible for keeping our mind and mood balanced. Nuts, seeds, meat, fish, bean and lentils, whey protein and eggs are all great choices and taste good too.

Even with these changes you may find you suffer with an imbalance of gut flora. Try taking a good-quality probiotic supplement to restore the intestinal flora and include fermented foods in your diet including kefir, pickles, sauerkraut and miso.

Sunshine
The lack of sunlight and shorter days, means many people are affected by SAD which causes feelings of depression and a general low mood. These symptoms can be accompanied by reduced energy levels, the need to sleep more, increased appetite and poor concentration.

Try to get outside each day, even for a 20-minute walk as this will help blow the cobwebs away.

Taking a Vitamin D supplement can make a big difference if you’re feeling tired, irritated and struggle to get up every morning. Magnesium is an excellent mineral to take as it not only plays a major role in the development of serotonin, it can also increase energy levels and helps us to feel better about ourselves.

A special light lamp alarm clock can also help as it works by gradually getting brighter like a natural sunrise so you wake you up slowly before your alarm goes off.

Be sociable
When it is cold outside it is tempting to simply put on your PJs and stay under the duvet for the day, don’t. Whether you make plans to see a friend, go to the movies or head out for a bite to eat with the family, getting out of the house and doing something fun will make you feel better.

Make plans
This is he perfect time to make plans for the year ahead. You might want to look at taking a course, having a change it career or simply visiting a new country. Whatever it is, researching a project and putting dates in your diary can really give you something to look forward to and feel enthusiast about.

Happy January, there’s a lot to be excited about.

Decleor, Skincare Advice

Spotlight On: Decleor Aroma Purete

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Here at Pure Beauty, we’re huge fans of all of the products we stock from both Dermalogica and Decleor and are all users of products from the ranges that we love. One of our favourite Decleor product ranges is ‘Aroma Purete’ as it’s perfect for combination skin and can therefore be used by just about everyone, so we thought we’d take you through the individual products and show you exactly what they do.

Decleor Imperfections Roll-on


 Decleor Imperfections Roll-on

If you hve skin which is prone to blemishes or hormonal break-outs, this roll on is great for keeing in your handbag. It can be applied 4-5 times a day and will help to reduce redness and swelling which makes blemishes look unsightly, as well as purifying the skin with a concentrated blend of essential oils.

Decleor Shine Control Oxygenating Fluid

Decleor Shine Control Oxygenating Fluid

This moisturiser is brilliant if you have both areas of dryness and oily patches as it will moisturise the skin at the same time as reducing oil production in the skin. This will give you an even, all-over mattified look and help to prep your skin for foundation.

Decleor Ylang Ylang Purifying Night Balm

Decleor Ylang Ylang Purifying Night Balm

Using an overnight product to rebalance your skin is not only a good way to maximise the effectiveness of your chosen product, but it can also save you time in the mornings as your skin will need less prep before you leave the house. We love the Ylang Ylang Purifying Night Balm, which rebalances the skin and melts into the skin to reduce inflammation and imperfections.

Decleor Ylang Ylang Purifying Serum

Decleor Ylang Ylang Purifying Serum

Serums are usually the most powerful product in a range and that’s definitely true here. This super-serum not only moisturises dry areas but also contains powerful ingredients which specifically target the sebum-producing parts of the skin and moderates production, reducing areas of excess oiliness.

Decleor 2 in 1 Purifying and Oxygenating Mask

Decleor 2 in 1 Purifying and Oxygenating Mask

Mask treatments often feel luxurious but don’t really do much – that’s definitely not the case here! This mask, as the name suggests, oxygenates and purifies the skin, whilst Egyptian Loofah Fibres gently eliminate dead skin cells. It can be used a couple of times a week to maintain balance and hydration, and takes less than 15 minutes each time to restore your skin to perfection.

Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Make New Year’s Resolutions and Keep Them

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www.freedigitalphotos.netIt’s that time of year when once again we feel the need to turn over a new leaf.

A time when we believe that the arrival of another year will provide the magical motivation we need to reinvent ourselves and become the perfect person we have always wanted to be.

Traditionally, New Year’s Day is seen as the time to kick start a new phase in your life by making New Year’s resolutions.

The reality is that the start of the year is also one of the worst times to make a major change in your habits because it’s often a busy, stressful time bang in the middle of the festive season.

This year don’t pledge to make huge changes that will be hard to keep and leave you feeling disappointed, but instead follow these simple steps that we believe will help you keep to your resolutions all year long.

Pick One Thing
You might want to change your life or your lifestyle but it is pretty impossible to do it all at once. Go for one area of your life and stick with that. If you’re successful with that then go ahead and make another change after a month or two. By making small changes one after another, you can still be the best you but it’s a much more realistic way of getting there.

Don’t pick a New Year’s resolution that’s bound to fail either, like running a marathon in three months if you get out of breath walking upstairs. Plan to start with walking, small jobs and graduate to running in short bursts, constant running by April and a Santa fun run at the end of the year.

Plan Ahead
If you really want to succeed when it comes to New Year’s resolutions it is a good idea to plan ahead rather than making a rash decision at a party you might regret the next day.

Whether you want to give up smoking, train in the gym, become a vegetarian or write book, find out exactly what is involved. Read books, research on the Internet, speak to friends and generally find out all you need to make the changes you want to see.

Plan for success so ask for new trainers for Christmas, do a vegan shop before New Year starts or buy nicotine patches so you really have no excuses not to start on the right foot.

Pre-empt Problems
Things migh not be easy and there might be problems along the way so make a list of what they could be.

If you are planning to stop drinking alcohol in the week, schedule gym visits rather than going to the pub with colleagues.

Once you’ve identified when tricky times will occur, work out coping mechanisms and these should help you feel prepared and equipped to deal with most things that challenge you.

When to Start
Whilst many people think they have to make their changes on 1st January, this isn’t always the case.

You can go for tradition if you want to but also consider picking a day when you will feel rested and relaxed and in a positive frame of mind. If you are serous about making changes then find a time that works for you and take on your challenge with enthusiasm and determination.

Give 100%
When you do start, really go for it with total commitment. One fantastic way to keep on track is to use one phrase that you post on your mirror, fridge and carry in your bag. Whether it is I am a non-smoker, I am committed to eating clean or I enjoy yoga on daily basis, find something that reasonates with you and keep up the phrase where you can see it during the day.

Tell Others
We don’t mean place an advert in the local paper but it is a good idea to let family and friends know your intentions so they can support you and look out for you. If you are eating more fruit and vegetables they can plan for when you eat together and if you are getting more exercise maybe take a walk together rather than going out for tea and cake.

There Will be Blips
Let’s face it, no one is super human. If you miss a gym session or you have a glass of wine on Monday, don’t go into meltdown. Work out what triggers these blips and learn to avoid these situations. Maybe getting up half an hour earlier will give you time to have a swim or packing lunches the night before will allow you to keep calm in the morning rush.

Reward Yourself
Having little treats and rewards will keep you going. Maybe going for a cup of tea with a friend, buying your favourite magazine or having a massage once a week as a way of recognising how far you have come. You are working hard to make positive changes so give yourself a break because you’ll have earned it.

Whatever your goals are for 2016 go for it and make it the best ever.

 

 

Decleor, Dermalogica

The Eyes Have It…

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They say that the eyes are the windows to the soul…but your soul is going to look old beyond it’s years if you don’t start thinking about the signs of aging, and nowhere shows these signs as readily as the eyes. Crows’ feet, dark circles and fine lines are all prominent around the eyes, so we thought we’d showcase our best products which are targeted specifically for the eyes.

Decleor 2-In-1 Dark Circle and Eye Wrinkle Eraser

Decleor 2-In-1 Dark Circle and Eye Wrinkle Eraser

This is a super-powerful product from Decleor and requires a single drop to be applied to each eye with the applicator. The formulation is proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and fatigue, making it the beauty equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife.

Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF15

Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF15

The delicate skin around the eyes is thinner than anywhere else on the face and requires a lot of protection, especially from the sun. This eye cream from Dermalogica not only smooths, retexturises and hydrates the vulnerable skin around the eyes, but also offers an SPF15 non-chemical sunblock to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Decleor Hydrotenser Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

Tiredness is a menace to the eye area and sometimes there’s just not enough hours in the day for all the sleep you need. That’s where this product from Decleor steps in; the powerful serum helps to fight and reverse the signs of aging and also smooths out fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover

Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover

We all know how important it is to remove our make-up before bed, but this can be tricky for two reasons – firstly, eye make-up is often waterproof and tricky to remove and secondly, eyes are delicate which means that too much rubbing is a no-no. Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover is not only hugely effective at removing every last bit of make-up and grime, but also moisturises and soothes the eye area in the process.

Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes

Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes

Have you ever noticed how, at the end of a long, hard day, your eyes can feel puffy and sore? Decleor Harmonie Calm Relaxing Milky Gel-Cream for Eyes is perfect for these occasions, immediately cooling and soothing the eyes, leaving them feeling fresh and rejuvenated in a trice.

Health and Happiness

Keep Calm this Christmas

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www.freedigitalphotos.netFor many people, Christmas is happy time and offers the chance to relax and catch up with family and friends.

But for others it can be very stressful and almost dreaded. Old behaviour patterns emerge, stress levels rise and our ability to cope flies out the window along with the turkey.

There is no denying that the holiday season can cause feelings of being overwhelmed, depressed and lonely. Whilst we can’t stop the world from turning, we have been speaking with Francesca Moresi and she has some strategies that might help you keep calm and enjoy the break rather than struggle though it.

Don’t let your family stress you
At Christmas we often spend more time than usual with our family which can be a challenge. Embrace a positive and peaceful attitude. Make the first step towards reconciliation and don’t try to make your point at all costs. Let it go…you’ll feel lighter!

Nothing is set in stone
We know it’s hard but don’t do things just because you feel you are meant to. Try to negotiate with family and find a compromise so you all do something you enjoy and start new traditions that can be followed year by year.

Forget expectations
Expectations can be a huge weight on our shoulders and can really put us under pressure. So, don’t let go of expectations and set yourself free.

Create a warm atmosphere
Create a calm, relaxed atmosphere so that you can spend time at home connecting with the people you love.

Give yourself as a gift
This might sound silly but think about it. We often struggle to spend quality time with our family and friends, so you can give them that as a gift. Find something you and your friends love doing together and give them a voucher at a time that works for everyone.

Treat yourself
Dedicate time to yourself and treat yourself so you don’t feel you’re using all your energy to make others happy. Whether it’s a hot chocolate in your favourite café, a bubble bath or watching a festive film, do it.

Help someone else
Embrace the spirit of Christmas and reach out to someone who needs a helping hand. As well as giving you a sense of pride you will also feel more grateful for what you have in your life!

Avoid waste
Whether it’s money, food, or wrapping paper, be mindful so that you can save and recycle.

Don’t be too harsh on yourself
Stop demanding too much from yourself and stop worrying about your performance. Make a list of all your qualities and appreciate yourself for who you are; increase the awareness of the positive in you and in your life and enjoy it.

Make a wish for the New Year
Nothing too serious or important…just something that will make you smile.

Give these a try, we think you will like the results.

Life and Fashion, Manicures

Christmas Manicures That We Love!

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What better excuse for a seriously extravagant paint job on your nails than Christmas? This time of year is synonymous with bright colours, glitter and all things festive, so we thought we’d take a look at some of our favourite Christmas manicures from around the internet to inspire you to get creative with your nails.

Scandi Style

Scandi Style

Scandinavian style decorations have been everywhere this Christmas and we can see why – the minimalist red and white or green and white patterns look traditional and gorgeous and commute oh-so-well to a seriously on-trend manicure. Invest in a white nail polish pen and you could probably manage to do this yourself at home.

Frosty the Snowman

Snowman

Not everything needs to be red and green to be festive, as shown by this gorgeous snowman manicure. We love the light blue and white as a contract to the usual colours and the design looks amazing without being too intricate, which means everyone should be able to perfect it with a little practice.

Candy Canes

Candy Canes

We love manicures where one finger is totally different to the others, and what’s not to love about this candy cane design? Achievable with some French manicure stickers and a little patience, you’ll make your nails look good enough to eat with this design.

Santa

Santa

We couldn’t put together a list of Christmas manicure ideas without including the Big Guy himself! This adorable Father Christmas manicure is pretty easy to achieve and will have you feeling festive all the way until New Years’ Eve!

Wrapped Gifts

Presents

 

This is probably the simplest idea of the whole lot but looks really effective and can be customised to co-ordinate with just about any outfit. A later of glitter before you add the ‘ribbon’ would really take these festive fingers to the next level.

Health and Happiness

Look after your feet and your feet will look after you

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www.freedigitalphotos.netWe take them for granted most of the time, but it is important to remember that our feet take the weight of the entire body and we need to take care of them. Small irritations can quickly lead to pain and affect the way you walk as well as causing knee, hip and back pain.

We have some easy to follow tips that will not only keep your feet in check, but your whole body:

Keep your feet clean and healthy by washing them every day in warm soapy water but don’t soak them every day as this can affect the skin’s natural oils.

When you wash your feet make sure you check for blisters and cuts – you want to be certain there are no hidden problems and if they are, get to them fast.

Dry your feet thoroughly after washing them, especially between the toes. This is where fungal infections like athlete’s foot can develop and can cause the skin to become itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked and blistered. Not something you really want to deal with but if you do have it, ensure you get the right medication and deal with it.

Trim your toenails regularly using nail clippers and don’t pick at your toes. Cut straight across, never at an angle or down the edges, as this can cause ingrowing nails.

If you like your toenails to be pretty, go for a salon pedicure once a month and in between you can keep them in good condition, touching up polish and filing as required.

Sounds obvious but change your socks daily to keep your feet fresh and odour free.

Be savvy when it comes to footwear and always wear the right shoes for the job. This means so no flip-flops for mountain climbing or heels for the school run. Go for comfortable shoes to and from the office and if you can go, just wear smart shoes whilst you’re at work.

When you do wear heels try to vary the height, between low, medium and high and if they start to hurt, swap for flats – there are no prizes for pain.

Give your feet a rest from high heels during the party season and by day wear soft, comfortable, flat shoes that let your feet to breathe and recover.

When you go shopping for new shoes it is a good idea to do so in the afternoon. Your feet naturally swell during the day so by the afternoon they are at their largest and you can be assured the shoes you go for will always be comfortable.

If you got to public areas such as gym showers, swimming pools and hotel bathrooms try to wear flip-flops to avoid catching athlete’s foot and verrucas.

We have mentioned flip-flops a couple of times and it is worth saying that whilst they do come in handy, don’t wear them all the time. They might look good and feel cool but they don’t provide support for your feet and can cause arch and heel pain when worn too much.

If you take part in a lot of sport, whether it is running, netball or even dance, make sure you wear the right shoes for the job and rest your feet afterwards. Pounding the streets can take its toil so just be mindful of your feet.

As you get older, your joints begin to stiffen and your feet become more vulnerable to the cold. It is a good idea to have your feet checked every six months and never put up with foot pain as feet really shouldn’t hurt.

If you have a problem or new pain then it is best to seek advice from a professional. Either your GP or a qualified podiatrist will be able to assess the situation and give appropriate treatment.

Be safe, be happy and be feet aware.

Life and Fashion

Casual Christmas Hairstyles

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There’s a fine line between looking cute and casual at Christmas and looking like you’ve rolled out of bed and walked straight to the dinner table, and as much as it’s tempting to do the latter, you’ll probably regret it when looking back at the dozens of photos which will be taken by your relatives! It’s easy to look casual yet put-together with just a little planning ahead, so we thought we’d take a look at some easy-to-do hairstyles which will help you to avoid looking like The Grinch at Christmas!

Messy Bun

Messy Bun

Sweeping your hair up with a hairband into a messy bun is the easiest thing in the wold, but it doesn’t always look very ‘done’. Adding a simple braided headband takes this look from drab to divine with almost zero effort.

Tiny Braids

Tiny Braids

If you like to wear your hair down, but want to add a little detail, take the sides of your hair and plait them before pinning at the back of your head. The tine braids will look delicate and sweet whilst giving you the added bonus of keeping your hair off your face.

Give it a Twist

Front Twist

This twisted style is a chic way to keep your hair out of you way while you play the tenth round of Pie Face with you younger cousins. It’s so easy to do and looks great with round or heart-shaped faces as it adds height.

Knot it Up

Knotted

This style could KNOT be more simple…(did you see what we did there?!). Seriously though, all you have to do here is take you hair into two sections and knot it all together twice. It looks way more complicated than it is and gives a really sweet result. Using a little sea salt spray before-hand will also help to give you added texture.

Messy Fishtail

Messy Fishtail

Braided hair can have a tendency to look a little juvenile on grown-ups, but a messy fishtail lends an element of complexity and style which gives this look added sophistication. Practice your fishtail on smaller sections of hair before attempting the whole ‘do, but remember, perfection is not what we’re aiming for here!