Pure Beauty - The Lichfield Beauty Salon

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Health and Happiness

Run, run as fast as you can

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http://www.freedigitalphotos.netThe summer holidays might be over and bikinis packed away for next year but that doesn’t mean it’s time to let things slip on the exercise front.

Autumn is great time to get outside (or on the treadmill) and run. Running is a great, free way of not only keeping fit but also keeping stress at bay and getting some of that all too elusive ‘me time’ we talk about but often don’t get.

Whether you’re a total beginner looking for the way forward or a regular runner wanting to go up a gear, we have teamed up with guys over at Bark and have some excellent top training tips to help you kick start your new fitness regime this September.

Warm up
However long or short your run, before you hit the road make sure you always warm up. Start with lighter walking or jogging and add a couple of stretches and exercises to make sure your muscles and joints are ready to go.

Don’t run before you can walk
No we aren’t joking here. This might sound obvious but once you have started running bug, many people want to run and not stop. Whilst this shows willing it can be dangerous and cause injuries so try not to over do things. Use the ‘slow and steady’ approach and this will allow you to slowly build up the strength in your legs and improve your stamina. If you haven’t run before, start with as little as 100 metre jogs, and if you are more experienced, run a distance you know you can finish with relative ease. Once the aches and pains have eased (which a qualified masseuse can help with) from your first attempt, try to do the same distance again, but a little quicker. Once you’ve found your speed you can then concentrate on distance.

Take care
It doesn’t matter whether you’re an amateur or a professional, it’s easy to twist or sprain something when you are running. Listen to your body and when it hurts, stop. Tights hamstring, aching calves or a niggling ankle might means it’s time to take a break and let your body heal itself before putting your trainers on again. The same goes when your body feels tired, it needs rest so don’t be afraid to put your feet up and chill out.

It’s good to talk
When starting out it is tricky to know how quickly to run or how hard to push yourself but an easy rule is that when you’re running you should be able to hold a conversation without being out of breath. Getting a running buddy, or joining a local group, will help you improve, give you a social element to the sport and as you chat will have a welcome distraction from the road ahead.

You are what you eat
Nothing impacts your energy levels and performance when you are running that what you eat. Avoid indulging in heavy, rich foods such as red meat and fatty fried foods beforehand, instead go for high protein snacks that offer you energy and also remember to refuel afterwards. Nutritionists suggest the best sources of energy are slow-release carbs like brown pasta or bread, white protein like chicken and sweet potatoes.

It’s also essential to keep hydrated as you run, so don’t drink alcohol before you run, do take water with you and drink plenty of fluids afterwards too.

Don’t stick to a routine
To help you stay focused and challenged and to give your muscles and fitness levels the chance to improve, swap things around now and again. Taking a different route, adding sprints and tackling hill climbs will all boost your fitness and keep your heart in the sport you love. Add a little music into the mix and this can help keep you going when you just want to stop and sit down.

Don’t stop moving
Once your run is done, don’t stop moving immediately. Keep gently mobile, maybe take things down to walking and then do a little stretch but don’t screech to a stop altogether and that evening take a hot bath and relax.

Mainly, have fun!

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion, Skincare Advice

Sleeping Beauty

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Sleeping BeautyIt happens to everyone eventually; no longer are you able to wake up, slap on some BB cream and head out of the door…now you have to wait for the extra-deep creases on your face to disappear, and if you’re particularly unlucky, this can sometimes take until lunch time! Age related line are one thing, but sleeping related wrinkles seem like adding insult to injury. There are, however, a few tips you can try which will minimise your chances to waking up with a face like Gordon Ramsey, and we thought we’d put a few of them together in a handy “beauty sleep” guide:

Sleep on your back

This may seem obvious, but if you’re sleeping on your back, your face isn’t in contact with the pillow which means your face won’t have a chance to get all smooshed up (yes, that’s definitely the scientific term for it…!). Sleeping on your back is also better for your digestive health, as well as being better for your spine and hips, so trying to adjust the way you sleep could be beneficial in many ways. If you find yourself rolling in the night, try sleeping with a pillow at your side, which will hopefully help to stop you from turning over.

Invest in a silk pillowcase

Silk pillowcases may be on the expensive side, but the softer, smoother material is much gentler on your skin and won’t promote deep creases in the way that cotton or linen cases do. Silk is also much better for your hair and you’ll notice that you wake up with far sleeker locks when you sleep on silk.

Intensive Night Cream

Opting for a rich, intensive night cream such as Decleor Iris Rejuvenating Night Balm or Dermalogica Overnight Repair Serum will drastically decrease your chances of waking up with deep lines as they both contain active ingredients which encourage the plumping of fine lines and wrinkles while you sleep. They also deeply moisturise the skin, an essential factor in the fight against the signs of ageing.

Drink Water

Proper hydration can make an enormous difference to the appearance and health of our skin and drinking plenty of water will ensure that fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sleep related creases, stay at bay for as long as possible. If you struggle to drink lots of water in a day, try a refreshing herbal tea or a water infuser, which allows you to infuse water with fresh fruit and veg, such as strawberries and cucumber, giving you essential vitamins as well as rehydration.

Wash Up

Having clean skin while you sleep is also important in the fight against wrinkles. Leaving skin clogged with dirt and make-up from the day will increase the chance of spots forming, but will also inhibit the growth of new skin cells, which will leave you skin looking tired and lacklustre. Wash your face with Decleor Youth Cleansing Milk for gentle cleansing and extra protection against the signs of ageing.

Health and Happiness

Drink more water without even trying

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ID-10060114We all know it is vital to drink plenty of water if we want to stay hydrated and stop potential health issues, but all too often we don’t quite get enough and just often think it doesn’t matter.

The thing is, it does.

Did you know that 70% of the human body is made up of water?

All of those little drops of H2O are needed by every single human cell to allow our bodies to run smoothly. Even mild dehydration can cause a lack of concentration, digestion issues, hormonal imbalance and play havoc with the immune system.

By simply drinking more water (at least eight glasses a day) you’ll you feel sharper, have fewer headaches, your joints will be stronger and more mobile, skin will be clearer and you’ll generally feel healthier and more energised.

We have made it easy for you to remember to get all the water you need to stay hydrated and feel great.

Keeping water close to you will make it easier to drink it. Sounds simple but how often do you fill up a glass and have it on your desk or keep a bottle in your bag when you are on the go? Probably not as often as you should. If you have water with you at all times and sip it regularly you will soon notice the difference.

Try to get into a routine when it comes to your water habit. Have warm water with lemon first thing rather than a cup of coffee to kick start your system and start your day the hydrating way. Then at various points in the day get into the habit of having some water. Whether it’s after the school run, when you arrive at work, with your lunch or before dinner, have it at the same time each day to build up associations and before you know it you will be drinking it automatically and meeting your targets.

Some people find the taste of water a little bland and boring, if this is the case jazz it up. Plenty of ice plus slices of lemon and cucumber, orange and mint or ginger and apple will infuse your water naturally and give it a tangy taste you will really enjoy.

We aren’t saying cut out all other drinks but if you do enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, combat the dehydrating effects by drinking at least one glass of water at the same time.

This payback approach can also be used with alcohol. When you are enjoying a night out, drink one glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consumer. This will not only save you money and keep you hydrated, it will help to prevent a hangover the next day too.

Always have a bottle of water with you when you exercise to combat the loss of liquids and potential dehydration. This is a key time when water levels can become depleted and you are left feeling faint and below par.

Sounds silly but use a straw and you will find you will drink faster and in turn, drink more!

Little reminders on your phone and Post Its on the fridge saying ‘DRINK WATER’ might seem daft but they are the little reminder you need to do exactly that.

We can drink lots of water but if you are eating the wrong foods you won’t be doing your body any favours. Junk like cake, crisps, chips and crackers contain little nourishment and no water so if you fancy a snack go with H20 packed cucumber, celery and carrots and you will soon feel the benefits.

Soup is a good way to stay hydrated, and great in the winter, just go easy on the bread and butter.

Adding spices to your food will not only warm your body and boost your digestive system, it will also have you reaching for your water glass to cool your mouth – this is a real water winner.

What a you waiting for, get a glass of water now.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Skincare Advice

Using the Right Foundation for your Skin Type

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Using the right foundation for your skin type. Now that the weather has started to cool down, your thoughts may be turning to your make-up and a more autumnal palette. During the warmer summer months, foundation might not be something you use regularly as you tend to have more of a ‘glow’ in the sunshine, so a BB cream with SPF is usually enough. However, when it’s cold and grey outside you may feel as though your skin needs something of a boost and with central heating increasing the chances of breakouts, better coverage is on the cards.

It’s important to make sure that you’re using the correct foundation for your skin type, otherwise the overall effect may not be nearly as polished as you’d hoped for. We thought we’d put together a guide to help you to choose a foundation, whatever your skin type.

Oily Skin

When you struggle with oily skin, liquid foundation can be a disaster, leaving your face feeling shinier than ever. Prep your skin with Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion, which will use microsponges to absorb excess oil and then opt for an oil-free formulation with a matte finish to encourage your face to stay flawless all day.

Dry Skin

Dry skin can look awful with foundation caked over the top, so a little work is needed beforehand. Use a product such as Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant to keep the flakiness from dry skin to a minimum and follow up with Decleor Lift and Firm Day Cream for Dry Skin to nourish and rehydrate the skin. Powder and cream foundations tend to ‘cling’ to dry skin and make the areas look claggy, so a gel-based foundation is probably best as it can give excellent coverage as well as added hydration.

Older Skin

Older skin often lacks hydration and has areas of fine lines and wrinkles, which means that certain foundations will sit unevenly on these areas. Start by preparing the skin with a product which will plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, such as Decleor Mandarine Smoothing Serum and use a mousse foundation, which will be lightly whipped and will blend perfectly into ageing skin, without appearing heavy.

Uneven Skin

Uneven skin can be difficult to deal with, as you’ll need a good layer of coverage, but no-one likes to feel as though they’re wearing a mask. That’s why a mineral powder foundation is a good option as you can build coverage in areas of redness to give you a more even skin tone. Use a good-quality Kabuki brush and sweep onto the skin in a circular motion.

Spot-prone Skin

Using make-up on spot or acne-prone skin can be a tricky business; you want maximum coverage for your blemishes but don’t want to exacerbate things by blocking pores and drying out your skin. Although thicker formulations such as pan-stick offer maximum coverage, most of them are packed with ingredients which will ultimately irritate your skin and make breakouts worse. Using a good toner and Dermalogica Breakout Control before using foundation will help, and opting for a liquid formula which offers medium to full coverage will be kinder to your skin.

Life and Fashion

Be berry happy this week

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www.freedigitalimages.netKeeping young and beautiful is a quest for many, but with the beauty clock ticking, time waits for no one.

When it comes to hair, we know that grey, thinning locks can add years to our faces but it is possible that you, and your hairdresser, are making ageing mistakes without even knowing it.

Fear not, we are here to help save the day so you can have an amazing, youthful hair day, everyday.

Too short
We aren’t saying that healthy hair can’t be cut into a sophisticated crop but keep things a little shaggy and avoid of blunt lines so your look is modern and on trend.

Too long
Just as with hair that is too short, when your hair is too long it can actually drag your features down and act as an ‘anti-face-lift’. Whilst long, middle parted hair is great for teenagers, as you get older if you want to keep the length ask your hairdresser to add layers that frame the face and deflect attention away from fine lines and tired skin.

Too Straight
A poker straight hairstyle can make your face look long and drawn. If you have fine, straight hair go for choppy, long layers that will give your hair magical, youthful movement. Blow dry straight hair with a round brush, after adding a little lightweight mouse, to create volume and bounce.

Too blond
As you get older you completion loses colour and over-bleached hair will wash you out making you instantly look tired and sallow. Rather than all-over blond, go for a darker base colour with honey highlights that will warm your skin up and give you an instant golden glow.

Too dark
Solid black and brown hair at best draws attention to lines and at worse makes you look like you are wearing a wig. Adding in a few strategically placed highlights add softness and makes dark look more natural and flattering.

Too grey
We all dread those grey hairs but they don’t have to make you look ancient. Products that contain shine enhancers as well as high and low lights take away the aging effect of those silver strands away and leave you looking radiant.

Too dry
As well as your hair losing pigment as you get older, it also loses its ability to retain moisture. To keep your locks looking smooth, glossy and youthful, use a deep conditioning treatment once a week, don’t wash your hair everyday, don’t overuse the straighteners and have frequent trims to avoid split ends.

Too styled
Mouse, gel and hairspray are fine when used alone, but start mixing things up and you could get into trouble. Go with one product at a time and use the advised amount otherwise rather than your hair looking fuller it may look stiff and dry – the ultimate aging combination.

Remember to do all of this, because you are worth it.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

The Best Products for Your Gym Bag

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gym bag productsWhether you go to the gym to slog it out on the treadmill, swim or join in with a class, the chances are you’re rather hot and sweaty by the time you finish. Dealing with your skin after any sort of exercise is important and here at Pure Beauty, we’ve got a few favourite products which are essential for keeping in our gym bags.

Decleor Daily Defence Fluid Shield SPF30

If you prefer getting outside to exercise, with a game of football of netball for instance, then you’ll probably need a decent sunscreen to ensure that the only redness on your face is from over-exertion and not sun damage. Decleor Daily Defence Fluid Shield is a light-weight sun protection which won’t make your skin feel coated and heavy and will offer a shield from the suns harmful rays and the primary signs of aging.

Decleor Brightening Cleansing Foam

Decleor offers a wide range of cleansers for all number of skin types, but sometimes you want a product which can just be taken into the shower with you when you’re in a rush. Decleor Brightening Cleansing Foam is an all-purpose creamy cleanser which cleanses deeply and also works on evening patchy complexions.

Decleor Harmonie Calm Soothing Milky Cream

Swimming in a chlorine-laden pool is a fantastic way to get a full body workout, but spending time amongst the chemicals can be gruelling for your skin, which is why a moisturiser is essential once you get out of the pool. We recommend Decleor Harmonie Calm Soothing Milky Cream which is specially formulated to soothe irritated and sensitive skin, whilst reinforcing the skins own barriers against environmental pollutants.

Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Leg Gel

Workouts like a spin class are amazing at getting your blood pumping but they leave even the fittest gym bunny feeling pretty knackered afterwards (well, they do if you’re doing it right!) so a product like Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Leg Gel will feel like a real treat in your aching lower limbs. The cooling and toning gel helps reduce the unpleasant effect of “heavy legs” and will help to revive tired legs.

Dermalogica Shine Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner

Hair is one place which often suffers with exercise – scraped back in a ponytail and covered in sweat, it’s important to use a good shampoo and conditioner to remove the oils and build up of products, as well as a smoothing conditioner which will nourish and strengthen hair as well as relieving any potential irritation to your scalp.

Life and Fashion

Apply mascara like a pro

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www.freedigitalimages.netWe love mascara, it can make and break a look and is quite simply the easiest ways to make you, and your eyes, stand out. It can make your lashes look darker, longer, fuller, flirty and fun. Wearing mascara will add depth to your eyes, open them up and give you a hit of glamour that people just can’t quite put their finger on.

The trouble is, if you get it wrong and don’t apply it properly you can look more circus clown than catwalk model. Spider lashes, flaking, panda eyes and running can ruin your look but we have some easy to follow tips so you get it right time after time.

Finding the ‘one’
Just like the perfect jeans or love of your life, finding the right mascara is trial and error and you might have to try a few out before you get it spot on. There is so much choice on the market that knowing where to start can be bamboozling and getting it wrong is so easy.

The main things you need to know are:

Formula curling, lengthening, thickening and volumising are all out there so think about what you want to achieve. If your lashes are short go for a a lengthening mascara, if you are looking for a fuller look choose one with added volume but be aware that there are some products in the shops that do both. If you are heading out in the evening go for mascara that adds curl and volume for a glamorous look, we really like the Diorshow Backstage Mascara in black because it gives lashes a triple-shot of glamour so they are luxuriously thick, lengthened and curved to the maximum.

If you are on the run all day, swim after work, or cry a lot, go for a waterproof product but remember that these are harder to remove so you will need an effective eye make up remover so you don’t wake up looking like a raccoon.

It is also handy to know that waterproof formulas really hold a curl and prevent mascara from smearing during the day. Simply apply your normal mascara first and finish with a coat of waterproof. Stunning.

If you wear contacts or have sensitive eyes it may be best to find mascara that is hypoallergenic to avoid irritation.

When it comes to colour most of us play safe and go with black for a more dramatic, fuller look that lasts all day. If you have fairer skin and don’t want to overwhelm your face, brown / black tones are a good option and if you are looking for a fun look there are a wide range of coloured mascaras to suit every eye colour and skin tone.

Once you have found a product that works for you, follow these rules and you will look like Betty Boo everyday:

Curling your lashes before you apply mascara will create a longer, fuller look and open up your eyes. Start with the curler at the bases of your lashes, press it together, hold for around 10 seconds before repeating with the end of your lashes.

We know everyone does this, but pumping the wand in and out of the pot is a no-no. This will push air into the tube, drying out the mascara and causing clumping and flaking on application. It is far better to twist the wand in circular movement so you get the right amount of product and no trapped air.

Remove any excess product from the wand before you start to apply as this will help avoid clumpy lashes – not a good look.

Before you apply the mascara, bend the tip of the wand so it is perpendicular to the handle. This makes it easier to reach even they tiny hairs toward the inner corner of the eye on both the bottom and top lashes.

Start the mascara process with your bottom lashes or the top lashes will smudge when you look down. When working on your top lashes, look straight ahead and place your wand at the base of your lashes and then use a zig-zag motion while moving the wand up your lashes for a really professional look.

How you hold the brush when applying mascara can make a huge difference to the end result. If you hold the brush horizontally and wiggle it back and forth you will end up with voluminous lashes. Holding it vertically and running the tip of the brush along the length of your lashes will give you a more natural look.

If you have thin or light lashes, coat both sides by alternating between looking up and looking down while applying mascara. This ensures all the hairs are fully covered and also make them look much thicker.

Most mascaras are only meant to be layered twice, three times, at the most. Whilst it is tempting to blast on the layers remember the more likely it will dry mid-application so it will end up looking clumpy and spidery.

Clear up any rouge mascara marks with a cotton bud but do this once it is dry so you don’t end up with smears and having to start again.

Once your mascara is on, add some lashings of lip gloss and enjoy your day.

Decleor, Dermalogica, Health and Happiness, Life and Fashion

Skincare Tips for Ageing Skin

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ageing skinOnce you get to a certain age, your skin usually starts to show signs of wear. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, tanning and diet can all play a part in how your skin ages and there are certain steps you can take to slow down the signs of ageing. We thought we’d share with you our favourite products for ageing skin to help you decide upon a skincare regime which fits in with your lifestyle.

Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex

The eyes are often the first place where we start to give away our true age and even with plenty of sleep and proper hydration, it can be tricky to reverse those signs without a super powerful product. That’s where Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex, comes in. This cream is a five-fold threat to ageing eye areas, combatting wrinkles, crows feet, puffiness, dark circles due to hyperpigmentation and skin sensitivity due to dehydration. The complex contains a number of exclusive scientific formulations as well as natural ingredients like soy and white tea to offer deep hydration and sensitivity.

Decleor Daily Defence Fluid Shield SPF30

Sun protection is more important than ever for ageing skin, which means that a good daily moisturiser containing a high SPF is a must. You’ll still develop a healthy glow if you spend any time in the sun but your face will be protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays, which are directly responsible for ageing and burning delicate skin.

Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Leg Gel

The legs are another place which seem to suffer with age; long periods spent on our feet can mean tired, swollen lower limbs and circulation can suffer too. Treating your legs to a rub down with Decleor Circulagel Refreshing Leg Gel will energise and revive tired legs, encourage circulation and reduce the feeling of heavy, swollen legs. This lightweight gel is instantly absorbed, leaving your legs feeling fresh again.

Decleor Dark Spot Corrector Concentrate

Hyperpigmentation, or age spots, are an unfortunate sign of ageing which can be hard to combat. Decleor Dark Spot Corrector Concentrate is a targeted cream which reverses the darkening, prevents new age spots from forming and evens the skin tone of the whole face. The precise applicator makes it easy to apply and can also be used on the backs of hands, another common place for age spots.

Decleor Lift and Firm Day Cream

It’s important to remember to include your neck and chest area within your daily skincare regime; it’s all very well having a baby-smooth neck, but a tired décolletage will give the game away immediately! Decleor Lift and Firm Day Cream is a great product which will firm and tighten the skin, and can be used all over the face and décolletage for maximum effect.

Health and Happiness

Kick that cold to the curb

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ID-10072928We are still in the throws of summer (apparently) but even when the sun is shining if you don’t keep your immune system happy, healthy and strong, bugs and colds can strike at anytime and knock you for six.

Despite the age old saying, it takes more than an apple a day to keep the doctor away but drinking plenty of water, getting lots of sleep, taking regular exercise, minimising stress and eating a well balance diet can keep you in tip top condition.

We have found some great foods that will nourish and revitalise your body, and give your immune system a serious boost in the process.

Chilli
As well as being fantastic metabolism booster, a single chilli pepper contains beta-carotene and twice the recommended daily allowance of antioxidant vitamin C. So ditch the sugary orange juice and start adding spicy, low cal chillis to your food instead. Oh and it’s pretty good at clearing blocked sinuses too.

Ginger
We love ginger. Not only does it keep morning sickness at bay and aid digestion but popping a little into a desert, smoothie or stir-fry can cook up a healthy sweat to get rid of that nasty cold.

Green leafy veg
Kale, spinach and broccoli are leafy goddesses rich in Vitamin C that helps increase the production of white blood cells and Vitamin K which has excellent anti-inflammatory properties. Pack with folate and photochemicals, they are best eaten raw or stir-fried with garlic, chilli and ginger to real kick.

Green Tea
Green tea contains high levels of flavonoids, antioxidants and L-thenine – an amino acid – all of which help your body produce germ-fighting compounds. If you’ve already got a cold, the steam from a hot cuppa can help to unblock congested nasal passages.

Garlic
Garlic has been used to boost the immune system for centuries. Not only does it contain vitamins B and C but it also has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties that fight infections and the bacteria that cause them.

Onions
Not keen on garlic? Try onions. These pungent super-bulbs contain a powerful natural chemical called quercetin, which protects against infections and viruses, reduces inflammation and bloating, eases digestion and detoxifies the blood. Add to this the lowering of cholesterol in the blood stream, safe destruction of E.Coli and salmonella, and you have to wonder why we don’t eat more of them.

Red Bell Peppers
This red lovely is full of vitamin C that not only stands up to the common cold, but can also help strengthen your skin and increase antibody production. What a winner winner. Red bell peppers actually contain nearly twice the amount of vitamin C you will find in most fruits – including oranges – so add them to salads, smoothies or soups and let their goodness take over.

Sweet Potatoes
Not only are these babies bursting with vitamin A and beta-carotene they are also a great source of fibre and slow-release energy, which means your blood sugar levels are kept on track. Peel, cut into thick wedges, par boil and roast in the oven with a little olive oil and garlic for a healthy treat.

Tomatoes
We just love lycopene packed tomatoes because they aid the body’s natural defenses against nasty free radicals, which helps prevent the onset of cancer and other serious diseases.

Watermelon
This fruit is now going out of season but if you find watermelon on the shelves grab it because it contains the powerful antioxidant’ glutathione’ which helps the liver remove pollutants from our systems and makes us stronger.

Health and Happiness

Coconut Oil – What’s All The Fuss About?

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Coconut OilUnless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll no doubt have been hearing from everyone how great coconut oil is. It has a number of uses, thanks to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil, to you and I) which increase metabolism, brain function, thyroid regulation and can also help with diseases like diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

We thought we’d look at the main beauty uses of coconut oil and try to work out what’s myth and what actually works, so that you can maximise the usefulness of your stash.

Calming the Frizz

Coconut oil is usually sold as a solid bar, but has a very low melting point, so will usually turn to liquid in your hand. Many people use it as an intensive conditioner for the hair and, we have to say, this is one thing we like coconut oil for. It’s almost like a conditioner and a serum in one and it really did noticeably smooth out our locks, although it takes rather a lot of rinsing after application to make sure you don’t end up with hair like Ross from Friends!

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling, in case you aren’t up to speed, is a natural alternative to tooth-brushing and involves swishing the oil around your mouth for 5-10 minutes, twice a day. The theory is that the oil removes plaque and bacteria, whilst whitening the teeth and is actually a fairly ancient method of oral hygiene. Extensive studies, however, have been largely inconclusive at proving the effectiveness of oil pulling, and without putting too fine a point on it, the whole process is fairly gag-worthy. We’ll be sticking to our Colgate for the foreseeable future!

Moisturiser

Applying coconut oil to the skin has been proven to offer moisturising properties and many people swear by it. Having said that, it can be tricky to apply without ending up looking like you’ve got stuck in an oil slick and if you aren’t a fan of the smell of coconut, then it might not be the best body oil for you. For a more straightforward approach, try Decleor Nourishing Body Milk, which has a velvety, creamy texture for a pleasant all-over feel and moisturises deeply to reduce discomfort, tightness and roughness.

Lip Balm

While we might not be a fan of covering our whole selves in coconut oil, it does work surprisingly well as a lip balm. The delicate coconut scent and flavour aren’t overwhelming and are far more of an olfactory treat than the industrial-smelling petroleum jelly products around. Try repurposing an old Vaseline tin for keeping a lip-balm sized pot in your handbag for repeat applications.

Do you have any other tried-and-tested uses for coconut oil, or are you simply sick of the latest beauty fad to take over? Let us know in the comments below.