Harnessing the Power of Apricots

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alcohol, antioxidants, Apricot, apricot kernel oil, apricots, balance, cleansing, cotton wool, dermalogica, Dermalogica Precleanse, Elemis, Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm, Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner, fatty acids, irritation, linoleic acid, mineral oils, moisturisation, natural, oil, parabens, pH, Quillaja Wood, saponins, SLES, sodium laureth sulphate, soothe, soothing, spritz, Sweet Betty flower, vitamin A

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The humble apricot might not seem like anything special but it actually contains a whole host of things which are incredibly good for us, which is why several of the products we sell contain some element of apricot in them. From antioxidants to all-natural moisturisation, we take a look at some of the best apricot containing products from Elemis and Dermalogica and exactly what they’re doing to keep you beautiful.

Elemis Soothing Apricot Toner

One of the things which apricot does best is soothing the skin and reducing irritation, which is why Elemis has based this toner on it’s properties. As well as containing apricot extract, the toner also contains Sweet Betty flower, which Tones, moisturises and re-balances precious pH levels without the use of alcohol and saponins from Quillaja Wood help to soothe and harmonise the skin. As will all Elemis products, this toner has no parabens, sodium laureth sulphate or mineral oils, which can damage the skin in the long run. Sweep it over the face with a cotton wool pad after cleansing the face, or use as a spritz when your face is feeling hot, dry or tight.

Dermalogica Precleanse

You may be asking “why do I need to PRE-cleanse my skin?”, but this precleanse from Dermalogica has been described as a wonder-product by professional dermatologists, beauty professionals and our customers alike. It dissolves oil-based make-up, sebum, sunscreens and environmental pollutants from skin’s surface, enabling skin to be thoroughly cleansed, all without compromising the delicate balance of natural oils which exist within the skin. It contains apricot kernel oil which not only helps soothe to irritation, nourish, and moisturize the skin, but is also an excellent source of fatty acids, Vitamin A and Linoleic Acid which help to reverse and combat the signs of ageing.

Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating Eye Balm

The eyes can be a really tricky area to deal with; the skin is very delicate and the whole area can be really sensitive, even if the rest of your face isn’t, however, they’re also one of the main areas where people report the early signs of ageing first. This means that a product which is powerful yet soothing and delicate is imperative, which is where this balm from Elemis comes in. As well as containing omega-rich apricot kernel oil which nourishes the delicate eye contour area, it also benefits from chamomile, arnica and bird of paradise flower, which reduce wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. It’s free from fragrance and any irritating preservatives and is perfect for use on even the most sensitive of eyes.

Skincare for Make-Up Lovers

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cleansing, decleor, Decleor Soothing Micellar Water, Decleor Youth Cleansing Milk, dermalogica, Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque, Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner, Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover, make-up, skincare

These days it seems more than ever that there is a trend of heavily made up faces. Between the Kardashians and the girls from TOWIE, normal women have been following suit and wearing make-up which looks heavy and glamorous in their everyday lives. Contouring is huge, as are fake lashes, heavily coloured lips and smoky eyes. The problem is, heavy make-up can play havoc with your skin, so we thought we’d take a look at what you should be using to remove your make-up if you favour a full-on look:

Dermalogica Soothing Eye Make Up Remover

Using a specific eye make-up remover is a good idea because of the ingredients in eye make-up which make it longer-lasting and therefore harder to remove. This cleanser contains arnica, balm mint, lavender and aloe to remove all traces of dirt whilst also soothing the delicate eye area. It’s suitable for all skin conditions from dry to oily.

Decleor Soothing Micellar Water

This soft fragrance-free micellar water from Decleor is perfect for sensitive skin types or skin which has been over-sensitised by external irritants. It’s a 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and make-up remover which means you don’t need additional products although following your cleansing routine with a moisturiser is a good idea.

Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque

Using heavy make-up is one of the main causes of combination skin as it can both dry out sensitive areas and cause over-production of sebum, leaving some areas needing moisture and other areas which need something to mob up excess oil. Adding Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue Masque into your routine would be a good way to improve your skin and get it back to looking its best.

Decleor Youth Cleansing Milk

This cleanser is perfect of you have skin which is showing the signs of age as it not only removes make-up and dirt but also has extreme hydrating powers which will add moisture to the skin and plump up areas with wrinkles and fine lines. It contains sweet almond oil which gently cleanses the skin without causing any irritation, while hyaluronic acid reduces dryness and smoothes the surface of the skin.

Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner

Using a toner after deeply cleansing the skin is a good idea as it will replace any moisture which is lost during the cleansing process, as well as helping to close the pores and soothing the skin. This spray-on from Dermalogica is perfect for use throughout the day and is suitable for all skin types.

Top 5 Beauty Bad Habits

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bad habits, beauty, cleansing, spots

It’s no secret that most of us have a bad habit or two when it comes to our beauty regime and whilst most of them are minor indiscretions, there are some which can undermine your whole routine. Below, we’ve listed our top five beauty bad habits, with some handy suggestions on how you can beat them.

Nail biting

One of the most common bad habits on the planet is nail biting. Some people do it as a result of nerves, or feeling the need for comfort, but nails which are bitten down to the quick can look seriously unsightly. Use a bitter nail paint to discourage biting, then once your nails have started to grow, apply Decleor Ongles Nail Oil to help restore vitality and strength, as there’s a good chance your new nails will be weak and brittle.

Spot popping

Although the temptation to deal with spots and blackheads is huge, allowing them to heal by themselves is a much better option and reduces the chance that you’ll leave yourself with scars. Also, according to current wisdom, popping spots can actually cause more; when you apply pressure to the top of a spot, you also push more germs under the skin cause can spread and cause further outbreaks. Opt for dedicated products, such as the Dermalogica MediBac Clearing System which will remove the dirt and soothe the skin.

Not cleansing your face before bed

Everyone knows that removing your make-up before bed is an absolute must to prevent clogged pores, but you should actually be washing your face before bed even if you don’t wear make-up. The pollution and dust in the air can actually cling to skin and can be equally, if not more harmful than make-up. The Decleor Hydra-Radiance Smoothing and Cleansing Mousse with Cloth is a great product which gently cleans skin as well as giving extra moisture, cutting down the time you need to spend on your skin and maximising your sleep time!

Forgetting sunscreen

We live in an information age, which means that EVERYONE knows the harmful effects that the sun’s rays can have, so there’s no excuse for forgetting to wear sunscreen. Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50 is a great all-round lotion for anyone wanting to avoid hyperpigmentation, whilst the Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50 is water resistant and perfect for anyone wanting to go from pool to lounger without having to reapply.

Neglecting your neck

The vast majority of people seem to think that their beauty regime stops at their chin, but taking care of your neck and décolletage is just as important. The skin around this area often gets the most exposure to sun and the elements and needs restorative care to ensure is stays looking good. Decleor Clay and Herbal Cleansing Mask is a gentle mask which can be used all the way down to your décolletage area and will give you a fresh, purified and softened complexion.

Cleanse Your Face The Right Way

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cleansers, cleansing

Many women ask if they really need to cleanser their face and the answer is, quite simply, yes.

Cleansing is a vital part of any skin care routine but it can cause confusion, so we are here to help to clear things up.

Do I need to cleanse morning and night?
Yes. Cleansing in the evening makes sense because it takes away the makeup and dirt of the day but doing it again when you’ve ‘just’ been asleep seems a bit pointless. The thing to remember is that whilst you sleep, sweat and dead skin build up on your face so by cleansing when you wake you are left with a clean, fresh canvas for the day ahead.

Isn’t water in enough for my skin?
No, splashing water on your face doesn’t constitute cleansing. You wouldn’t splash a dirty shirt with water and wear it again so why do the same with your precious skin? A good cleaners will take away the make-up, dirt and pollution that sticks to you skin and leave it clean and fresh once again.

A good place to start is by using Dermalogica’s Special Cleansing Gel. This is a soap-free, foaming gel that removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance and is suitable for all skin types.

Help, I hate my spotty skin.
The key to acne free skin is a good diet, sleep, water and the right products. Dermalogica Foaming Wash is a purifying cleanser that is perfect for troubled teenage skin and anyone who is prone to breakouts.

The gentle formula helps clean and purify the skin without stripping away precious natural oils. Orange Peel and Tea Tree energise and refresh the skin and Salicylic Acid breaks up dead skin cells and clears trapped oil to help deal with existing spots and prevent future ones.

I am fed up with my dry skin, what cleanser should I use?
The Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution works wonders for dry and prematurely ageing skin as it replenishes it and maintains moisture levels. Essential vitamins and plant extracts nourish and condition skin and because it is water-soluble it simply rinses off leaving you ready for the day ahead.

Can I use a scrub everyday?
Whilst gentle exfoliating scrubs have a place in a skincare routine they aren’t intended to be used everyday. The Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser is a dual action product that can be used two or three times a week leaving skin visibly brighter and smoother from the first application.

Lactic Acid concentrate removes dead skin cells, Vitamin E conditions and enhances softness and soothing Rose Flower Oil calms sensitivity.

I’ve heard cloths are good for taking cleaner of, is this true?
Yes, there are a number of products on the market so choose one that is right for you. The Dermalogica Sponge Cloth is super soft and you simply dampen it with water before taking off the cleansing product.

Keep it clean! A guide to the ideal skincare regime.

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cleansing, moisturiser, skin care routine, skin types, using toner

Looking after our face is an important part of our cleanliness routine but it is easy to ignore it until the ill effects of poor care begin to affect our looks. Exposed to the elements and the grime of everyday life, our face will look better and feel nicer if we take care of it regularly. A simple skin care routine with products that support and condition the skin will have a benefit in how it looks and feels. Healthier skin also holds makeup longer and makes us look more alert.

It’s important to understand what type of skin you have before purchasing product. If you have normal skin it is likely to be fairly robust, firm and smooth and have only occasional spots or blemishes. Cleansing, treating any spots and moisturising will keep it in tip top form. Oily skin, which will look shiny and is likely to have larger pores and more blemishes requires toner as part of the skin care regime and will benefit from exfoliating, while dry skin tends to be flaky and needs regular moisturising, including at night. If your skin is a combination type, with elements of all of the above, try to ensure you target problem areas with the correct products and attention. Sensitive skin, which tends to react or become irritated by products, requires careful testing and gentle treatment so make sure you use hypoallergenic skin treatments and patch test them first.

Your face has extremely delicate skin which can become infected easily to try to avoid picking and squeezing spots or touching it more than necessary as bacteria can easily be introduced to small cracks or open pores.

A daily cleaning routine should involve:-

• Cleanse twice daily, either with milk or lotion cleansers or a foaming cleansing solution. A warm water wash first will open pores, then massage the product in using fingers or cotton pads. Give it some time to soak in and remove the grime before wiping or washing it away. Splashing with cold water will close pores up once it has been removed.
• Toner is applied with a cotton pad and restores the ph balance of your skin. While it is most essential for those with oily skin, all skin types will benefit. Do not wash toner off after application.
• Next, apply a moisturiser best suited to your skin type to restore moisture and build strength and protection into the skin. There are special products available for eye areas.
• A couple of times a week exfoliate to remove dead skin and freshen up the surface. Since this helps to prevent blocked pores, pay special attention to the area around the nose, where creases trap dead skin.

These simple steps will rejuvenate your skin and help keep it as fresh as a new daisy, perfect for making sure you always present your best face to the world at large.