Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

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

Look after your back, and your back will look after you

www.freedigitalphotos.netAre you slouching in your chair as you read this?

It is more than likely that you are.

Sitting down for hours and hours everyday can dramatically affect your posture, and in turn cause back, neck and shoulder pain.

When we say sitting down, we don’t just mean at a desk. This also covers watching the TV, using a computer, reading, doing homework as well as travel by car, bus or train

Prolonged sitting is thought to slow the metabolism, which affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure and break down body fat.

Studies have linked excessive sitting with weight gain and obesity, type 2 diabetes, some cancers as well as premature death.

We have some simple steps that can be taken to help keep your back strong and safe.

Stand, sit, and walk tall.
Your mother was so right. By standing tall you work the deep postural muscles which hold you up against gravity. When you slouch, not only does it look bad as your stomach bulges, shoulders slope and back arches, but it also puts added pressure on the spine and affects your breathing. Remember to lengthen up through the crown of your head and you’ll look taller and slimmer.

Get up
Sitting still at a computer is a recipe for disaster but something you can avoid. No matter how well your desk is set up experts recommend breaking up sedentary time every 30 minutes for at least one to two minutes.

Keep your back mobile
An inflexible, unused spine can be massively ageing and painful. Exercises such as waist twists can easily be done anywhere and not only keep your back mobile but also help work your tummy and waist muscles.

To do this easy exercise, sit or stand tall with your feet parallel and hip distance apart. Fold your arms in front of your chest just below shoulder height. Breathe in and then breathe out as you move your head to the right, turning your neck and body but keeping your pelvis still. Breathe in as you return, spiralling upwards and repeat four times each side. Try to do this once an hour.

Breath
OK, this sounds really obvious but it is amazing the number of people who don’t breath properly. Effective breathing can help reduced stress; create better posture and ensure greater stamina. For the best results sit tall and place your hands on your ribs. As you breathe in focus on your back and ribs as they expand. Breathe out completely and feel your ribcage closing but stay tall. Repeat five to ten times and feel yourself growing calmer and more relaxed.

Your Desk
Workstation factors that can affect your back include:

  • Seating posture
  • Computer screen, keyboard and mouse position
  • Desk equipment layout
  • Chair height

Ensure you have all of these set up correct and if you are ensure, ask your manager to arrange a workplace assessment for you.

If you have ongoing back pain or posture issues, be sure to see your GP for expert help.

Once a Month…

menstruationPeriods. They aren’t the nicest topic in the world but given the fact that pretty much half of the world’s population has to deal with them, it’s a conversation that simply has to happen. Aside from the obvious part, there are a number of horrible side effects that go along with your menstrual cycle and we thought we’d take a look at some potential remedies to help you feel better.

Skin Breakouts

Many of us suffer with skin breakouts during our time of the month, which means that you need to focus on products which target the specific problem. Decleor Imperfections Roll-on is great for treating individual blemishes as and when they occur and Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier is great for controlling shine and the overproduction of sebum which can occur during this time.

Bloating

Many of us have a tendency to feel bloated during our periods, due in no small part to water retention. It might seem bonkers to suggest adding MORE water to your body, but drinking plenty actually encourages the body to release stored fluids, so upping your water intake can really help. It’s also wise to avoid salty, carb-heavy food, no matter how much you want to stay indoors and eat crisps while you feel sorry for yourself!

Pain

Pain levels vary from person to person and whilst some of us find cramps relatively easy to deal with, others of us struggle to function. Heat is your friend – invest in a microwavable beanbag to hold against your tummy and if you feel like having a bath, add a few drops of Dermalogica Stress Relief Treatment Oil to help you unwind.

Greasy Hair

One of the most annoying physical effects that happens at this time is greasy hair – over-production of sebum isn’t limited to the face and often our hair can seem lank and greasy almost as soon as you wash it. Dermalogica Shine Therapy Shampoo will keep your hair clean and oil-free and is gentle enough to use daily without stripping your hair.

Mood Swings

We all know what it’s like – one minute you’re laughing away at “World’s Funniest Animals” and the next you’re sobbing at the Dolmio advert because the two old puppets seem like they really must still love each other, even after all those years of marriage. The best advice we can give you is this; be KIND to yourself. If you’re feeling delicate, take some time for yourself, have a nap, watch a film, eat some chocolate. All terrible clichés but they still seem to help!

Help, I am going to a spa for the first time

www.freedigitalimages.netIf going to a spa for the first time can make you nervous, but do not worry, you are not alone. Many people receive a spa day as a gift and whilst it is meant to be a relaxing treat, it can make you anxious.

As well as wondering where to put your coat (they have lockers), what to wear on your feet (slippers are provided) and what to wear many people wonder just what is involved when they have a body treatment.

A body treatment is the collective term for non-medical, relaxing procedures including facials, manicures, pedicures and massages. There are many treatments on offer and whether you are massaged, scrubbed, wrapped, immersed, soaked or stroked, the main thing to remember is to relax and enjoy your treatment.

Before you go for your treatment, it is best to decide just what you fancy.

Each treatment involves various techniques and outcomes. A massage can be great way to soothe sore muscles and help relieve stress. When it comes to dealing cellulite, a less relaxing more rigorous scrub to exfoliate stubborn skin might be needed.

If you would like to firm up those tummy muscles, you can go from electro magnetic pules and for the ultimate detox, being wrapped in mud and sweating out those toxins could be the answer.

We asked people what their favourite treatments are:

“I love facial reflexology as not only does it make me stop and chill out for a while but it also makes my skin look glowing”.
Jenny

“There is nothing like spray tan when I go to the spa to really pick me up and make me feel confident in my own skin again”.
Jo

“I do a lot of cycling and running and whilst yoga helps me stretch, there really isn’t anything quite like a deep tissue massage to work those muscles and feel relaxed again.”

Sam

Most spas will have a list of treatments on line with descriptions so you can get a good feel for what is involved. You can call up beforehand to talk about the options and most venues and therapists are more than happy to discuss your concerns and needs.

You will also be able to find reviews of the spa, and treatments, on line and this gives a great indication of whether the description matches the reality.

If you are pregnant or have any serious medical issues, it is always a good idea to check that the treatment you are considering is actually suitable.

If you are at the spa for the day, get there in plenty of time, ask for a tour when you sign in so you know where you are going and to ensure you get the most of your time there.

It is a good idea to avoid large meals and alcohol whilst you are at the spa as these can cause discomfort, which is the opposite of the desired outcome of your treat.

Drink plenty of water before, and after, your session to ensure you are fully hydrated as some therapies, especially those using heat, can make you very thirsty. Rather than filling up on caffeine-injected coffee, sip herbal teas and if you feel hungry there are often healthy snacks and fruit on offer. You really want to use this time to enjoy some calm and tranquillity; so keeping away from stimulants will help this.

If you have time go in the sauna or steam bath before your treatment. Not only will take away some of the strains and pressures in your body but it will also open your pores and relax your muscles, making the treatment even more effective.

During your treatment you will be in a warm, private room with low lighting and soft music. It is you therapist’s job to ensure you feel safe and secure so if you have any questions just ask. Try to relax for that precious hour and feel your worries melt away.

Afterwards you will be given time to get changed and have a glass of water. If you have any questions your therapist will be happy to help. If they used particular products you maybe able to purchase them to use them at home, but do not feel pressurised to buy something because it is suggested.

You can then spend time at the spa having a swim, reading a magazine or catching up with the friends you went with.

Most of all enjoy the experience and book to go again soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Resurface Your Skin with Dermalogica

Exfoliating your face is a hugely important part of your beauty routine as it allows you to slough away dead skin cells and reveal the newer cells beneath which are more radiant and have a better texture. Exfoliation is especially important is you suffer with dry skin but even oily skin or faces prone to breakout need exfoliation too, so we thought we’d point you in the direction of the best products to use for each skin type.

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub

Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub

One of the newer products from Dermalogica, Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub contains natural Corn Cob Meal and soothing botanicals to buff away dead skin cells and won’t over stimulate the skin or encourage the overproduction of sebum. It’s specifically intended for use with normal or oily skin and contains extracts of arnica and cucumber to soothe and refresh.

Dermalogica Ultimate Buffing Cloth

Dermalogica Ultimate Buffing Cloth

It’s important to remember that exfoliation doesn’t end on your face and that your body needs TLC too. The Dermalogica Ultimate Buffing Cloth is inspired by Japanese spa processes and allows you to exfoliate in hard-to-reach areas. The cloth is fast drying and therefore hygienic and safe, and is the perfect accompaniment to the face and body washes in the Dermalogica range.

Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant

Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant

One of the most powerful products in the range, this exfoliator actually self-heats when exposed to water to deeply penetrate the skin and assist the effectiveness of the active ingredients. This product is perfect for dry or prematurely aging skin and contains a number of highly scientific formulations to polish the skin and encourage cell renewal.

Dermalogica Pore Control Scrub

Dermalogica Pore Control Scrub

The product is from Dermalogica’s Clear Start range and as such is perfect for teenage or spot prone skin. The scrub helps to remove the bacteria associated with acne and spot breakouts; the earth clays help to control sebum production whilst the salicylic acid reduces inflammation and resurfaces the skin. It’s gentle enough to use daily without upsetting the skin’s delicate balance.

Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer

Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer

This pot actually contains 35 pre-measured portions of this potent three-in-one treatment which resurfaces the skin whilst minimising irritation, helps to reverse the premature signs of ageing as well as dealing with uneven skin tone and hyper-pigmentation. The product contains Rooibos (better known as red bush tea!) and green tea to soothe the skin and shield it from free radicals, as well as a whole host of other ingredients to keep your skin looking its best.

Finding happiness in 2016

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Have you noticed that the word ‘happy’ is banded around a lot at the moment?

It seems to have become a bit of a buzzword but when life it tough, the days are dark and it is cold, having a sunny smile for the world doesn’t always come easily.

The key here is to stop, for just a moment, and evaluate your life. There will be areas that will stress you out like your job, and others that make you laugh out loud, like your kids.

Making some small changes could have a pretty big impact on your happiness and the way you live your life.

Focus on the positives
Improving your happiness levels can depend on how positive we are. The more you seek out the best in a tricky situation, the more likely you will feel good about it. Even when a challenge comes along, look for the silver lining and the eventual outcome might surprise you.

Relationships
The Christmas period can really put close relationships to the test, so January is the perfect time to re-evaluate. Spend time together and if there are issues, look at how you can address them. Learn to communicate with each other. Feeling lonely and resentful can take a toil on any relationship so be honest and work out a positive plan for moving forwards.

Money
As the Beatles sang so well, Money Can’t Buy Me Love. This is so true. Yes, we need money to pay for the necessities in life but is a massive pay rise or a win on the lottery going to actually make you happier? Would it make you feel fulfilled, better inside or would you just buy more stuff, bigger houses and faster cares?

Use technology less
It is reported that 76% of adults now own smart phones and we all know that using them for social media and apps can distract us from the real world. By spending less time attached to technology you can start to really engage with the people around you and enjoy being in their presence rather than liking and poking in virtual reality.

Work
You spend a lot of your life at work so do something that makes you happy. Whilst a job provides routine, structure and self-worth if you don’t enjoy, look for a new one that will challenge and motivate you once again.

Friendships
Men and women need friends in their lives to make them feel happy and appreciated. It can be hard to make new friends as you get older but joining a new gym, going along to a pub quiz or getting to know your neighbours can connect you with new people and before you know it you’ll have a whole new social life.

Be kind
This might sound silly but if you stop thinking about yourself and do something for someone else, you will feel good. Whether it is once a day, once a week or once a month, decide you are going to do make a difference to someone else and watch their face as you bring happiness to their lives.

Say ‘thank you’
It is amazing just how powerful these two little words are. Expressing your thanks for someone else’s actions is a really positive move for everyone involved. Saying thank you to the smallest gestures, like a cup of tea being made for you or a door being opened, will help improve gratitude levels and build bonds.

Gratitude diary
Speaking of gratitude, you can train your brain to focus on the good things that happen rather than the bad. A brilliant, easy way to do this is to keep a gratitude diary. Every day you write down three good things that have happened. Whether it’s a walk in the park, coffee with a friend or getting home early from work, they all count. You will be amazed how soon you start to look for the good in every day however hard it might have been.

Meditate
Regular meditation can really boost positive mental health. It can be done pretty much anywhere and quickly take you away from the stresses of the day and leave you feeling calm and refreshed.

Enjoy the moment
Stop worrying about the past and fretting about the future and instead live in the present. Appreciate all you have to be happy about right now because you do not know what is round the corner.

Kale – The Leafy Superfood You SHOULD Be Eating

KaleTraditionally speaking, January is a time for healthy eating and re-evaluating your lifestyle. More new gym memberships are taken in January than in any other month of the year and the ‘new year, new you’ mantra is one which is taken up with gusto by many. There is, however, an old saying which goes “muscles are made in the kitchen”, meaning that you need to look at your diet before you start pounding the treadmill, and we thought we’d take a look at kale, one particular food which you should be incorporating into your new eating plan as often as possible.

Nutrients

Kale is absolutely packed with vitamins and minerals, offering per 100g portion up to 199% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A and a full 200% of your vitamin C! It also contains iron, calcium and vitamin B6…and the best part is that each 100g portion only contains 49 calories. In fact, kale is packed with so many different nutrients that it is credited with improving everything from skin and hair, to reducing inflammation and fighting against some of the major causes of cancer.

Fibre

Kale is a good source of dietary fibre, which is great if you’re trying to avoid grains as it means that you can maintain intestinal motility, keeping you regular and avoiding that bloated feeling which can really put a dampener on things.

Fat

Although we’re coming around to the fact, through the most up-to-date research, that fat isn’t quite as bad as we were once led to believe, it’s good to know that kale actually contains ZERO saturated fat, which means that you can concentrate on getting your fats from other sources, such as nuts and butter from grass-fed cows.

So..How Do I Eat It?

Okay, so we know that “put it in your mouth and chew” is the obvious answer here, but there are some rather more interesting ways to incorporate kale into your diet. Many people add it to their smoothies (leading to a worldwide shortage of the leafy green in the past couple of years!) which helps to disguise the flavour with other fruits and veg. It’s also delicious as a salad, with a drizzle of olive oil, a dash of lemon juice and some seeds and nuts thrown in. Kale chips are also a trendy way of getting kale into your diet, and while we won’t try to pass them off as a decent substitute for a bag of Monster Munch, it’s a great way to add variety.

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.

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

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.

Keep the winter blues away


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.

Spotlight On: Decleor Aroma Purete

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.