Be berry-licous this summer

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acid berries, almond milk, almonds, amino fatty acids, anti-oxidents, B12, banana, berries, berry, beta-carotene, blue, bone building Vitamin K, boosts immune systems, cereal, Christmas, coconut water, cranberries, diet staple, dynamos, energy-boosting mineral, farmers market, fit and well, flavonoids, Fresh cranberries, fridge, goji berries, homemade ice cream, iron, kiwi, low in sugar and carbs, manganese, mango, natural goodness, natural infection-fighting super berries, old fashioned green grocers, phytochemical, pie, preserve, purple, red beauties, selenium, smoothie bar, South America, sugar heavy muffins, suggests, sunflower seeds, superfood hero, supermarket, traditional Chinese medicine, trees, urinary tract infections, vitamin B2, Vitamin C, yogurt, yummy superfood

Berries are here, there and everywhere. From the supermarket to the farmer’s market, the smoothie bar to the old-fashioned green grocers, those little nuggets of natural goodness are there for enjoying at every turn we take.

Given that there is so much choice out there, we are going to look at which berries might be best for you.

Blueberries
Long gone are the days when these berries were the preserve of sugar heavy muffins. These little blue (well, more purple) dynamos are full of the energy-boosting mineral, manganese, and bone building Vitamin K. Add a handful to salads and smoothies or sprinkle them on top of cereal and yogurt, and you will be glad you did.

Acia Berries
These tiny, dark purple berries grow on trees in South America and pack a punch when it comes to the amino fatty acids that keep us fit and strong and the Vitamin C that boosts immune systems. One of the easiest ways to enjoy this yummy superfood is to blend with other fruits such as banana, mango, kiwi as well as a little coconut water or almond milk and you will be set for the day.

Cranberries
While many people only get these bad boys out for Christmas, cranberries are natural infection-fighting super berries that need to be in the fridge all year round. Packed with flavonoids, they can help to lower the risk of urinary tract infections but are also a tasty way to keep fit and well. Fresh cranberries make a great addition to smoothies, jellies and homemade ice creams but you can also add the dried ones to your breakfast cereal and mix with almonds and sunflower seeds for an on the go snack.

Strawberries
These red beauties are a diet staple and for good reason. They contain Vitamin C and B12 as well as clever little phytochemicals and anti-oxidents which help us feel, and look good. Whether you slice them over ice cream, blend into a smoothie, add to a cheesecake or just eat them on their own after dinner, always add them to your weekly shop and enjoy whenever you can.

Blackberries
Blackberries might not be as sweet as other fruits, but they are just as good for you. Often found in hedgerows and gardens come September, the blackberry might be small but it is mighty in goodness and comes with plenty of Vitamin C, A and E was well as potassium and copper and is perfect in a pie or preserve.

Goji Berries
Dried goji berries, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, but in more recent times have become a superfood hero in the Western world too. As well as being a good source of Vitamin C, they are also loaded with beta-carotene, iron, vitamin B2, selenium and can be added to pretty much anything from energy balls and salads to smoothies and wraps for an instant health boost.

Raspberries
While these are found in everything from shakes to smoothies, we bet you didn’t know that the humble raspberry is packed with fibre and are exceptionally low in sugar and carbs? They also contain copper, magnesium and Vitamin K so make sure you pick up a punnet the next time you are shopping.

Team Pure Beauty

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Face washes with a difference

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3-in-1 cleanser, acne, Apple amino acid, berries, Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser, breakouts, Calming, Calming Balm Mint, clear, concentrated cream, conditions and moisturises, dead cells, dead skin cells, Decleor Hydra-Radiance Cleansing Mousse, Dermalogica Foaming Wash, Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel, dry or sensitive skin, dull, Elemis Sensitive Cleansing Wash, Elemis Smart Cleanse Micellar Water, face, face washes, foaming gel, foams, German Chamomile, glowing complexion, grape juice, healthy, hyaluronic acid, hydrate, iconic, Indian Soapnut, inflamed skin, infused, Jan Marini, Japanese white mulberry., Lady’s Mantle, Lavender extracts, make-up, micelles, moisture levels, morning, mouse, natural humectant, Neroli Essential Oil, new range, night, oft and fresh, orange peel, organic English Rose water, Papaya Extract, post-cleansing toner, Quillaja Saponaria, radiant complexion, rich, rich cleansing foam, rosehip seed oil, Salicylic Acid, soap free, soothing cleansing experience, soothing extracts, sorbitol, Special, spot, success, Tea Tree, thyme, toxins, unbalance

We know that there are many face washes out there which can make it tricky when it comes to knowing which one is right for you.

Today we are looking at our favourites and you will find something that hits the spot.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, find the right products can be hard, but we think you might find what you are looking for with the Elemis Sensitive Cleansing Wash. Perfect for even the trickiest of skins, the soothing extracts of Thyme, German Chamomile and Lady’s Mantle are key to this calming, soothing cleanser. The rich cleansing foam conditions and moisturises and the added antibacterial ingredients means this wash is effective but free of harshness. Used morning and night on a regular basis, irritation and itching will ease and your face will feel soft and fresh.

Jan Marini is a new range on the site and we love their Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser. As a soap-free cleanser, this product helps make the skin softer and smoother and rinses without the need for a post-cleansing toner. Sorbitol, a natural humectant that comes from berries, has been added to hydrate the skin and Glycolic Acid helps with texture. We have been impressed with the results and think you might be too.

For something special, why not try the Elemis Smart Cleanse Micellar Water? This brilliant product uses micelles, Apple Amino Acid, Rosehip Seed Oil and Indian Soapnut to take make-up, dirt and other impurities away from the skin gently. Infused with organic English Rose water and Chamomile, skin is gently cleansed, to reveal a clear, radiant complexion.

You really cannot go wrong with the iconic Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. Many of our regular customers choose this soap-free, foaming gel because it cleans their skin and makes it look great but doesn’t unbalance the moisture levels. Suitable for everyone to use, Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts soothe skin and natural Quillaja Saponaria foams away make up, dead cells and toxins. The results are simple – clean, happy faces.

If you are up for trying a mouse, we suggest the Decleor Hydra-Radiance Cleansing Mousse. Packed with effective caring ingredients, this 3-in-1 cleanser is at the heart of a healthy, glowing complexion. The rich, concentrated cream turns in a mousse when added to water and deep cleans your skin leaving it soft and velvety. Grape Juice, Papaya Extract and Japanese White Mulberry exfoliates dull, dead skin cells away and nourishing Neroli Essential Oil and Hyaluronic Acid are the added extras that make this product such a success.

For skin that is young and prone to acne and breakouts, the Dermalogica Foaming Wash is a saving grace as it cleans skin but doesn’t dry or take away natural oils. Orange Peel and Tea Tree energise and refresh inflamed skin while Salicylic Acid deals with dead cells and clears trapped oil. Packed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and sebum-regulating ingredients, spots are kept at bay and skin is left happy, as are customers.

If you would like more details about these or any products, get in touch and we would love to help.

Team Pure-Beauty

Hair Removal – What Are Your Options?

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age spots, ageing, ALA, alpha lipoic acid, anchovies, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, apricots, arms, berries, bikini line, blackberries, blemishes, blueberries, body hair, Brazillian, broad spectrum, Broccoli, chia seeds, damage, dark spots, decleor, Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel, Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Oil Serum, dermalogica, Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist, Dermalogica C-12 Pure Bright Serum, Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier, Dermalogica Post Shave Balm, Elemis, Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush, Elemis Energising Skin Scrub, Elemis Liquid Layer SPF30, Elemis Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir, epilate, epilator, epliation, exfoliate, eyebrows, fatty acids, fish, free radicals, fullness, hair, high factor, Hollywood, hyperpigmentation, ingrown hair, laser hair removal, liver spots, mackerel, nuts, oils, oily fish, omega-3, orange, plump, plumper, polyphenols, pomegranate, protection, raspberries, salmon, Shaving, SPF, spinach, spots, strawberries, sun, sunscreen, sweet potato, threading, UVA, UVB, vitamin A, walnuts, waxing, wrinkles

Royalty Free Image (source: https://pixabay.com/en/grimace-funny-expression-mask-388987/)

Hair removal – it’s one of those things that most of us do but few of us ever talk about it, but it’s a fact of life and needn’t be taboo. There are various different methods that you can use for hair removal, some more permanent than others and varying in price and effectiveness. Here’s a rundown of a few of them:

Shaving

Probably the most common type of hair removal on the planet, shaving is also one of the cheapest ways to remove hair, with some disposable razors costing a matter of pennies. It’s not a very long-lasting method because it only trims the part of the hair which sits above the skin, but it’s definitely convenient and can be done on any part of the body that you care to use it. If you plan to shave, use Elemis Energising Skin Scrub beforehand to prevent ingrown hairs and soothe the skin, post-shave, with Dermalogica Post Shave Balm.

Waxing

Waxing lasts longer than shaving and gives a smooth finish, but does have it’s downsides. You need to leave time between waxes to allow the hair to be long enough for the wax to adhere to, and there’s obviously the pain-factor. Also, unless you wax at home, you’ll need regular appointments which can be pricey. If you do wax, treat your skin with Decleor Post-Wax Double Action Gel to soothe and repair.

Laser

Laser is probably the most expensive way to remove hair but it’s also the only way to remove hair permanently. Most people require between 6 and 10 sessions for complete removal and occasional touch-ups if you get a rogue hair or two growing back, but most people have great levels of success with it. Your skin will feel sensitive after a laser session, so treat your skin to some Decleor Rose D’Orient Soothing Oil Serum.

Threading

Threading is an ancient form of hair removal from Asia which involves using pieces of twisted thread to pull the hairs out. Many Asian women use threading to remove facial hair and arm hairs and the method is actually incredibly accurate, allowing you to get a really nice shape when threading eyebrows. There are many tutorials online to allow you to learn how to thread yourself, but we’d recommend going to a professional at least for a while!

Epilating

Epilating is the Marmite of hair removal – most people either love it or really hate it! It’s usually done with a handheld machine which pulls the roots out and it actually lasts quite a long time – if you can deal with the pain! Ingrown hairs are a real issue with epilation, so regularly scrubbing the areas you epilate with Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush will help minimise this.

Be ‘Berry’ Healthy!

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acai, anti-aging, antioxidants, berries, bilberries, blueberries, camu camu, cholesterol, fibre, free radicals, goji, health, plant sterols, potassium, Vitamin C, vitamins

For many of us, this time of year is synonymous with the age-old Wimbledon tradition of strawberries and cream and while this is a tasty treat to enjoy, there are actually many other berries with huge health benefits which you could be putting in your bowl. Here, we take a look at the best of the bunch and exactly what each of them can do for your health and wellbeing.

Goji Berries

Goji berries are often called a “superfood” and have been used in Chinese medicine for over 6000 years. They’re best known for their anti-aging properties and contain enormous amounts of vitamin C, whilst remaining low in calories and low on the GI-index, meaning they release their energy slowly. They’re mostly sold as a dried fruit and are delicious eaten with cereal. Also, as a side note, one of the Pure Beauty team fed goji berries to her elderly hamster a few times a week and it lived for about a year longer than it was expected to…make of that what you will!

Acai Berries

Acai berries come from South America and are thought to be higher in antioxidants than almost any other fruit available. They have cholesterol-lowering powers and contain high levels of plant sterols which will help to keep your heart healthy. Acai berries contain around the same amount of Vitamin C as blueberries and are also rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and E. They also contain calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper.

Blueberries

Blueberries are probably the most well-known of the berries on our list. They contain high levels of fibre with relatively low sugar and calories, making them idea for someone on a low-sugar diet. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, also known as ‘cancer killing’ compounds. They’re also thought to help with recovery after exercise; In a small study of female athletes, blueberries accelerated muscle recovery after strenuous leg exercises.

Bilberries

No, this isn’t us mistyping ‘blueberries’ again, bilberries are an actual thing (although they do look similar to blueberries…). Bilberries contain chemicals called anthocyanosides with antioxidant properties, as well as the high levels of vitamin C. Antioxidants prevent, decrease and reverse damage to cells from free radicals that develop from oxidative stress, making them a great ally against the signs of ageing both internally and externally.

Camu Camu Berries

Okay, so we’d never heard of these berries before now either, but it turns out they’re a bit of a wonder-fruit. They’re widely known as one of the world’s most abundant sources of vitamin C and actually contain SIXTY times more than oranges! Because they’re pretty rare, they’re often sold powdered or in capsules so that they can be more easily transported and one teaspoon of the powder can contain almost 1160% of your daily vitamin C requirement. They also contain a number of essential amino acids (meaning our body doesn’t produce it so we need to eat food containing it) such as valine, leucine and serine, which are essential for cell growth and repair.

The most important meal of the day

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bagel, banana, berries, blueberries, breakfast, content, energy, five a day, grades, green smoothies, levels, low-fat, microwave, oats, porridge, protein-packed eggs, salmon, semi-skimmed, smoked salmon, stress, surgar, wholemeal

When you have a busy morning, it’s easy for breakfast to become low on your list of priorities. However, taking a few minutes to have something to eat can make a big difference to your day on so many levels.

Breakfast provides your body and brain with fuel after fasting overnight and that’s where the name originates, breaking the fast. If you don’t eat it you will be running on empty and it will be a bit like trying to drive car without petrol. Tricky!

It is suggested that breakfast should be eaten within two hours of waking and it should make up around 25 – 30% of you daily allowance of calories. We all have different energy needs based upon gender, activity levels and life stage and men generally require more calories than women. Men typically require around 2500 kcals a day and women 2000.

Just like any other organ, the brain needs energy to work at it’s best. Breakfast restores glucose levels, which the brain needs in order to function. Studies have shown that eating breakfast can improve memory and concentration levels, make us happier, improve our mood and lower stress levels – which is always helpful.

It is also interesting to notice that children who eat breakfast tend to have better attainment and behaviour levels and ultimately grades too. If you can, eat breakfast together. Establishing and maintaining healthy breakfast habits from childhood throughout adolescence can help develop good eating habits that last a lifetime.

Apart from providing us with the energy we need to function, well chosen breakfasts tend to offer excellent good sources calcium, iron and B vitamins plus protein and fibre. Fruit and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals so try to include a portion of your daily five at breakfast. That can be a serving of melon, a banana over cereal or a goodness packed smoothie.

Breakfast can be good for waistline too because if you eat it you’re less likely to reach for sugary snacks that pile on the pounds when the mid-morning munchies strikes.

Even if you are short on time, these ideas will ensure you are fuelled up for the day ahead:

Muesli, fresh fruit and yoghurt
Fruit added to your muesli (one with no added sugar) counts towards your five a day and a low-fat yoghurt provides calcium and protein. Do remember if you go for low-fat to watch out for the sugar content as this can be higher.

Porridge with banana and blueberries
Mix oats with semi-skimmed milk then heat in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, stirring every so often. When ready, add the banana (a great sugar substitute) and the berries and enjoy.

Smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel
Halve and toast a wholemeal bagel. Spread low-fat cream cheese on one side and top with super-fresh smoked salmon. Add a squeeze of lemon and a little black pepper and you have a breakfast fit for a king.

Beans on wholemeal toast
This is not only naturally low in fat but also packed with fibre and protein making it a brilliant start to the day. If you are really hungry, or have had an early workout, add two poached eggs.

With energy-boosting porridge and protein-packed eggs, green smoothies and homemade granola bars, breakfast isn’t just the most important meal of the day but it can also be the tastiest.