How to make self care a priority in 2019

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Demands at work, family pressures and the endless bombardment of information from social media means that making time for ourselves becomes increasingly difficult. The thing is, if you don’t do this, you will burn out and then you will be no good to anyone at all – harsh but true.

We have looked at some simple ways that you can build some time into your busy life to ensure you get the care you need to be happy and healthy.

Make a list
Whether you use a pen and paper, write on a blackboard or tap into Trello, make a list of what you need to do. As well as giving you a focus and ensuring you don’t forget to take the cat to the vet, a list can take away that feeling of overwhelm and give you a sense of achievement as you tick things off.

Spend time alone
Many of us spend a lot of our time with family, friends and work colleagues, and while it is good to be sociable, you need some time alone too. On that to do list, add in a slot where you can read a book, watch a movie or just have a bath and enjoy a little solitude.

Stop the chatter
You are kind to others when you talk to them, but do you extend the same care to yourself? You need to be your own cheerleader and that means ignoring the voice that puts you down and instead, focus on the good! Whether it’s your smart appearance, achievements at work or recent weight loss, give yourself a pat on the back and when you look in the mirror, smile at your reflection, because ‘you are worth it’.

Switch off
Technology and social media have a lot to answer for. While they might make it easier for us to connect, they can also totally take over our lives and negatively impact our mental health and self-esteem. We aren’t saying knock it on the head altogether, but don’t take your phone to bed with you (buy an alarm clock), you won’t miss out if you aren’t checking Facebook every three minutes and if you can, go digital free for an hour a day, working up to a whole day if you can.

Treat yourself
Whether it is going for a coffee with friends, having a relaxing facial or buying yourself a bunch of flowers on the way home from work, do something that is just for you. These things won’t blow the budget but they can really help to lift your mood and will put a spring in your step.

Get outside
Being inside isn’t good for us all the time. Get your coat on and get outside in the fresh air, however cold it is. A brisk walk at lunchtime, a run along the river or a bike ride with your partner will blow away the cobwebs and give you a blast of the natural endorphins that make you feel good! Put aside sometime each week to being outside and we are pretty sure your mental health will thank you for it.

Remember, 2019 is all about self-care!

Team Pure Beauty

How to shop in the sales so you really get a bargain

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a shift dress, bargain, birthday party, black dress, brogues, cash, charity shop, classics, coat, consumer rights, credit card, cute jumper, deal, dirt, discounts, doubt, dust, exchange, fits, fitted trousers, foundation, High Street, holes, killer heels, love, mix and match, online, pounds, purchases, receipt, refund, research, sales, save, savings, shop, shop floors, size, size 12, size 8, small, snags, spend, spontaneity, staff, staples, terms, trainers, trends, use, wardrobe, wear, wedding, wining, work do

Mention the word ‘sales’ and the temptation is to head to the shops and spend, spend, spend. The reality is that something in the sale is only a real bargain if it is something you need, something you are going to wear or use and something that fits.

With discounts out there on the High Street and online, we are going to have a look at how you can be a winning shopper when it comes to the sales.

Do your research
OK, this might take out a little bit of the spontaneity of sales shopping, but before you part with your credit card, just check you are getting the best deal possible. Those trainers with 20% off in one shop, might have a whopping 50% off somewhere else, so look around and you might be surprised at what you will find and where the real savings are to be made.

Buy for now
Yes, that black dress is amazing but if you are a size 12 and it is a size 8, don’t buy it ‘just incase’. Go for items that actually fit you now and you are going to wear, rather than something that will stare at you from the wardrobe and remind you of those extra pounds you keep meaning to lose, but don’t.

Go for classics
A wool coat, a black shift dress, fitted trousers and leather brogues are all classic staples that will stand the test of time. You really will make a saving if you go for items that you can mix and match as the trends change.

Check your diary
The sales are a great time to find something for a forthcoming wedding, birthday party or work do. See what’s in the diary and you never know, you might save stacks on a knock out dress and killer heels which would normally be way out of your budget.

Take a closer look
Let’s face it, shop floors in the sales can get busy and messy, so just check what you are buying. Look for dirt and dust, check for holes and snags, and look at the neck and ensure it isn’t plastered in foundation that might not even come off in a hot wash.

What are the terms?
Yes, you have consumer rights, but we would just suggest you check these before you buy. See whether you can get a refund or if it is exchange only and always put the receipt somewhere safe. Also ask when these changes have to be made, so you don’t end up taking that cute jumper to the charity shop because it’s just too small but can’t be returned.

Check your shoes
Now, you might see those perfect heels as the shop is closing and want to just take them then and there, but before you hand over the cash, make sure they fit and also check they are the same size. Nothing worse than getting ready to party and finding you have one size 5 shoe and one size 6!

Take a break
Shopping is fun, but while you are out make sure you stop and refuel and take stock of what you have already bought. If you are tired and hungry, you may well make purchases you regret which will mean a return visit so you won’t have saved any time, or money at all.

If doubt, don’t do it
What we would say is that if you are in doubt, then don’t buy it, move on and save your money for something you really love.

Happy shopping.

Team Pure Beauty

Up the beauty odds this autumn

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air conditioning, Aloe Vera, antioxidant serum, battering winds, beauty, beta hydroxy Salicylic Acid, bobble hats, brisk, central heating, chilly, chunky knits, coat, complexion, Coneflower, dead cells, Decleor Flash Radiance Mask, Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant, Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance, dull, eased, elderberry, Elemis Lip Revive, Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm, environmental attacks, evidence, exfoliate, express mask, feed, fine lines, freezing, gentle, Ginkgo, glow, grape seed, Hydrocotyl, imperfections, infused, intensely cleansed, Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum, Lactic Acid, lavender, layer up, Natural fruit enzymes, non-abrasive, nourished, October, Optimega oils, Padina Pavonica, rare rose extracts, renewed, roses, Saro essential oils, skin, snow, soft and supple, staple, starflower, stimulated, summer, thermal tees, Vitamin C, Wild Yam, winter

While we have been enjoying warm sunshine during early October, those brisk early mornings and chilly dark evenings, and battering winds, are all the evidence we need at Pure Beauty to know winter is on the way.

You can layer up in chunky knits, thermal tees and bobble hats to keep your body warm, but at this time of year you need to be thinking about your skin too. Harsh frosts, rain and lower temperatures mixed with the endless blasts of air conditioning and central heating, means our skin is constantly on high alter for all that you throw at it.

At Pure Beauty we stock some great products which will help your skin to glow all winter long.

One way you can be sure your skin is winter ready, is to exfoliate away the dead cells that are getting you down. We love the Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant which is a gentle, non-abrasive exfoliation treatment. Lactic Acid, Beta Hydroxy Salicylic Acid and natural fruit enzymes have been blended to ensure that not only is dull skin removed, but renewal is stimulated too. As you would expect from this brand, conditioning botanical extracts including Lavender, Aloe Vera and Coneflower, have been added and together they soothe the skin and make it as soft as snow.

While roses are usually identified with summer, the Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm is a perfect winter staple. This deep cleansing balm not only dissolves make-up but daily dirt and pollutant build up too. Skin that has suffered at the hands of the elements is immediately cleansed, nourished and renewed by this gorgeous product. Made from a blend of rare rose extracts from around the world and infused with Elderberry, Starflower, Optimega oils and Padina Pavonica, this is a beauty winner in our book.

If you are thinking of stepping up your mosituriser this winter, the Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance could be a good bet. This ultra-rich phytonutrient moisturiser is perfect for dry skin and thanks to added Vitamin C, fine lines are eased and skin is left feeling soft and supple. Vitamins A and E, and Ginkgo protect against environmental attacks while Hydrocotyl, Grape Seed and Wild Yam, reduce the signs of premature ageing, so you will look better than ever.

The harsh winter months can leave even they healthiest skin looking dehydrate and tired. To combat this, why not feed your complexion with the Jan Marini C-ESTA Serum. This powerful antioxidant serum is packed with Vitamin C goodness that helps to ease the appearance of the fine lines and wrinkles that can look more prominent during the colder months. Ongoing use will help skin look smoother and more evenly toned, while deep lines will seem less pronounced and you will look healthie,r even if you are freezing under your coat.

Unless you wear a balaclava, your lips are going to take the full force of winter. Don’t despair, if you carry the Elemis Lip Revive with you, they will stay soft and perfectly moisturised from dawn to dusk, and beyond. A nourishing White Bees Wax base has been enriched with added vitamins and peppermint to create a lip salve that is too cool for school.

For those nights out when you want your skin to glow, why not try the Decleor Flash Radiance Mask? This clever express mask has been created to specifically revive complexions and hide imperfections. Leaving the blend of Elemi and Saro Essential Oils on cleansed skin for just three minutes, will restore radiance and skin will be soft, smooth and even.

We would love to help you decided on which products could be best for you this winter, so why not get in touch and chat through some ideas?

Team Pure Beauty

Wear pink with confidence this spring

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Look through any magazine and you will see that pink is everywhere.

If you’ve wondered whether this is the colour for you, the answer, this season at least, is… absolutely!

From the palest blush to honey hues and bright splashes, this sugary shade is here for spring, and beyond, and we have looked at how you can make it chic not shiny.

Go for a coat
If you want to make a statement with pink, go for a coat. Whether it’s a ruffle hem cape, silk bomber jacket, fitted Chanel-esque blazer or even a lightweight puffa, it will be a wardrobe staple. These are perfect all great trans seasonal items and can be worn with jeans and boots while it is still chilly, but pop over a dress and flats later in the season and you will still be on-trend.

Wear the jeans
From the catwalk to the High Street, there are some pretty pastel jeans on offer and they can be the perfect way to add a flash of pink into your day. Team with a navy long sleeve tee or an oversized sweatshirt in grey and silver trainers for a weekend look that will work all spring long.

Blouse it
An easy way to add pink into your office or evening outfits is to wear a soft pink blouse which will take the edge off black trousers but still look professional. It you get the right shade for you, it will reflect onto your face and give you a healthy glow.

Look at your feet
You might not have thought about wearing pink shoes but this is a brilliant way to start your fashion adventures in pink. Metallic pink loafers worn with a dark grey pencil skirt is a killer office look and you can inject energy into your gym kit by matching steel leggings with cerise trainers.

Accessorise the pink way
Pink accessories are an easier way to buy into this look before you really invest. Sunglasses, gloves, pumps, heels, scarves and bags are all the perfect way to add a pop of pink into your wardrobe and once you feel comfortable with this, you can go bigger.

It’s all in the make-up
Adding pink to your beauty bag is a great way to update your look. Swap your bronzer for a cream pink blush and apply to the apples of your cheeks, for a fresh, spring look. Experiment with lipsticks and go for a pink that adds warmth to your skin and brings your eyes alive. A bright, vibrant nail varnish can totally change your look and worn on your toes with white gliders is a winning look that never dates.

We hope we have convinced you that pink can work in any number of ways and you now feel brave enough to take the plunge.

Autumn fashion the weather way

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Accessories, arm, bag, biker, bling, cardigans, case, cases, chic, clutch, coat, December, demin, earrings, edge, fashion, glittery accessories, jacket, lash lengthening mascara, midi skirt, mini break, navy, October, on trend, oversized, pixie, points, rain, scarves, shadows, sheepskin, sophistication, style, sun, sunglasses, tote, UV, weather

We don’t know about you, but it seems like the weather is still pretty mild for mid-October?

One minute it is almost balmy, the next there is rain pelting down on your freshly made up face.

With this in mind, knowing what to wear so we aren’t too cold or too hot is a bit tricky.

“I keep my umbrella and sunglasses with me at all times, together with a pair of gloves.”
Joanna

“I am still wearing my maxi-dreses in October but add a demin jacket when the sun goes in.”
Tina

“It am still in flip flips and have a regular manicure. I’m just not ready to get out the winter boots.”
Maria

With this in mind, we have put together a few ideas for the perfect autumn transitional wardrobe.

Jeans are a staple for pretty much everyone. Dark denim can be dressed up with a crisp white shirt and boots for work and a simple, black t-shirt and Converse trainers make skinnies the right side of casual for the school run. Find a brand that works for you, get your size right and mix fitted with boyfriend styles and you will never struggle with jeans again.

Layering is at is most useful between October and December. Stock on staples such as long-sleeved, cotton tops, pretty vests and fitted cardigans in neutral tones and you can adapt your look as the weather changes.

We aren’t yet really in the realms of heavy winter coats, but chilly mornings and early evening shadows, mean that for many, a jacket is a must. Go for a structured denim or leather jacket that is easy to carry over your arm but will keep you warm once the sun goes in. If it’s rain that catches you out, there are some pretty smart shower resistant coats that look smart and keep your dry.

What to wear on your feet? A pair of silver ballet pumps or snake print trainers, make the perfect autumn footwear. They can be worn with jeans for coffee with the girls, add a little sophistication to a midi skirt and give an edge if having an early evening drinks.

If you are thinking boots, invest in a pair in either black or tan and go for a heel if you are up to the challenge. Long or short work well, pixie and biker are both in the shops and on trend. Shiny metal hardware adds an extra statement and if it is really cold, consider sheepskin – you know what we are talking about.

Accessories really make an outfit work as the seasons change. Pretty scarves, waterfall cardigans, cute earrings and a splattering of bling can totally change any look in seconds. Flick through a few magazines or scroll Pinterest and you will soon find looks something that will work for you.

Never leave the house without a pair of sunglasses. They add an instant touch of chic even if you are going to the supermarket. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but got for a dark, over sized pair that offer adequate UV protection and keep them in a case to prevent scratching.

Your bag can seriously make or break your outfit. There are some fantastic totes in the shops this autumn in rich navy and reds that add an instant look of glamour to even the plainest pair of jeans and pumps. For evenings, go for a minimal clutch with a little glitter for extra style points and if you are going on a mini break, wheeled cases are the way to go.

Add some lash lengthening mascara, a swipe of plum lipstick and a smile and you are ready to go come rain or shine.

Team Pure-Beauty