Top tips for sun safe skin

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We all know that a good skincare routine is important, but during the warm, sunny summer months it is even more critical.

Whatever your skin type, prickly heat, sunburn, rashes and irritation are all possible if you spend time in the heat, so it is vital to get things right so you don’t end up red and in pain.

We have some easy to put into practise tips, that will help you keep skin safe all year round.

Drink water
Yes, this again. It is really important to make sure you drink plenty of water when you are out in the sun, on the beach, by the pool or exercising outside. When the sun is out your body loses more moisture than usual and this can lead you to becoming dehydrated which will make your skin look, and feel, tired, tight and uncomfortable.

Use protection properly
So many people underestimate the power of the sun, even when it is hiding behind clouds, and this is a huge mistake. Whatever you skin tone, we suggest using a sunscreen that has a minimum SPF of 30 and to apply it to your face and body at least 30 minutes before going outside. If you are in the sun for more than a few hours, it’s really important to top up every couple of hours, and also apply after swimming. Some people mix tanning oil with sunscreen but we don’t suggest doing this because some key ingredients can interact and make your sunscreen less effective, putting you in danger.

Deal with the fallout
Even if you do your best to look after your skin, you may well end up suffering from prickly heat, sunburn and irritation. Don’t panic and do not rub or itch your skin as this can make it worse, instead, place natural yoghurt on the affected area for approximately 15 minutes, then pat dry with cold water and try to rest up. You can also use a good after sun product and keep out of the sun the next day to prevent further damage.

Try natural oils
Using natural essential oils on your face and body at night, can give your skin the extra conditioning it needs. Natural oils are a great way to moisture and sooth the skin, when it has been exposed to the sun and is suffering the effects of heat.

Remember to cleanse, tone and mositurise
It is really important not to forget to cleanse your skin as this will keep pores clean and complexions clear. Breakouts can be inevitable when your skin gets hot and bothered but if you stick to the rules of cleanse, tone and moisturise, you will help you and your skin stay healthy in the sun.

Try to exfoliate
It is important to remember to exfoliate your skin during the summer as this will remove dead skin cells and improve blood circulation which means your skin will be glowing. If you don’t get rid of these cells, they will sit on your skin and it will look dull and grey, plus the build-up of dirt, suncream and moisturisers can cause irritation and spots, and we can all do without those.

Cover up
Sunglasses, hats and sleeves in the midday sun are all good practise when it is hot and the sun it beating down on you. While you might want a tan, looking after your skin is much better than anything else in the long run and there are some really cute trends on the high street right now, so you can be safe and look fab.

Team Pure Beauty

Make the Most of Your Space

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Moving house to simply get more space is extremely common, but it is also very expensive.

From deposits and contracts to removal companies and packing boxes, the costs soon add up. Rather than making a big move, we think that you might have more room than you imagines. Whether you are a student in a studio flat, sharing a maisonette with mates or doing the full monty and paying a mortgage, we have some ideas to help you make the most of the space, and the cash, you do have.

Be Ruthless
Before you do anything else, have a good old clear out. Go room by room and work out what you want to keep, what is gathering dust and can go to the charity shops and what is just rubbish and needs to go. You will be amazed at the number of newspapers, books, cables and pairs of shoes you have held onto for all the wrong reasons and are just cluttering up your space, and life too.

Push It High
You might look at the space in front of you, but what about the pockets of air in high places that are left to gather dust? The top of bookshelves, kitchen cupboards and bathroom cabinets are all potential space savers, but we don’t always think about using them. These are great places to stack your books, photo albums (if you still have them) and even store those winter jumpers you never really have room for. Vacuum bags are good for clothing storage and you can buy some pretty cool boxes that look good and hide a multitude of space sins. Win, win.

Use All the Spaces
People often talk about dead space, but you don’t want to think about things in this way. Whether it is the few inches under the sofa, the top of wardrobes or the beside your kitchen cupboards, this can all be used for tucking away magazines, yoga mats, the clothes airer and a many other things that need a home, but currently don’t have one.

Don’t Forget Doors
Doors aren’t just made to be opened and closed, they are also made for hanging things on. Investing in a few over the door hocks can give you a lot of space, for a small price. Think hats, coats and scarves as well as towels, dressing gowns and hoodies, and your home suddenly become a bigger, better, brighter place.

Get a Basket
Or two. Baskets are a brilliant, easy, cheap way to store things that don’t have a place right now, but that you want to keep. Magazines, kid’s toys, bottles of wine, shoes and so much more can all be put in a basket, and if you go for a contrasting colour to your walls, or find bold prints and stripes, you will make a home decor style statement too.

Think Out of the Box
That chest you have in the living room, as well as being a cool coffee table, it can also be home to your bulky winter coats. The linen basket can double up as a handy table for your lotions and potions, and a wooden step-ladder becomes an on-trend bookcase after a lick of grey chalk paint.

Be Inventive
Yes, bookcases were made for books, but they are also the perfect resting place for plant pots, paintings, candles and those trinkets you want to keep for sentimental reasons. At the same time, you can have a desk in the kitchen, an armchair in the bedroom and a chest of drawers in the study.

So, rip up the furniture bible of the past and go your own way to make more space in the home you live in and love.

Team Pure Beauty

The perfect Christmas table

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The pressure of hosting Christmas Day can be big.

There’s the decision over turkey or beef.

Whether to serve champagne or Prosecco.

Brussels or cabbage???

Who to sit next to whom and where everyone is going to sleep.

Well, one thing you don’t need to worry about is making a good impression when it comes to your dinning table as we can help you make sure it looks as amazing as any Michelin star restaurant.

First things first, decide on a colour scheme or theme. Maybe you love a little bit of bling, embrace Santa or like things to be cool and calm. Whatever you decide on, we are certain it will look great.

Christmas is one time of the year when can invest in new china, cutlery and linen, just because. A lots of shops have already started their sales so there are many bargains to be snapped up that look a millionaire dollars, but many only cost a few pounds.

Next, take a look at your dining table and work out just what can be achieved. The main thing to remember is that you don’t want to fill every inch of the table as it will look cluttered and things are likely to get knocked over and people might get upset.

If you have a separate dining room you can set your table as far ahead as you like, but if not, you may want to set it on the day to prevent things being moved or spoilt.

Before putting on the tablecloth take time to iron it, as this will look smart and professional. If you don’t want to use a linen cloth, you will find some stunning paper and wipeable alternatives in the shops that will sparkle and shine. The same goes for napkins and runners if you plan to use them.

Depending on who is coming for lunch, and how well people get on, you might want to consider name places!

When it comes to china, place the starter and main places on top of each other as this is the start of a a beautifully dressed table with a wow factor. Remember guests can move them as they wish once seated but you want that initial impression to be a good one.

When it comes to cutlery what you place on the table, depends on what you are serving on the big day, including a fish course. As a rule, you start from the outside and work in and you can the add dessert cutlery at the top of the place setting.

When it comes to glasses, go for one wine, one water and a champagne flute if you are serving fizz. If you have children at lunch, maybe go for beakers or plastic glasses to avoid any smashes and accidents.

Napkins can be added next with crackers, something that is a true part of Christmas lunch. Buy ones that match your theme and again, if little ones are joining you, you might want to get fun, junior crackers to keep them happy and stop big hats covering their eyes.

A really nice touch is to add a vase or two of seasonal foliage and flowers to your table as well as candles. This not only creates a lovely aroma but also looks really festive and welcoming. Do look at where these go as you don’t want to stop people from speaking and you of course don’t want any holly to catch fire mid starters.

It is a good idea to leave some space on the table for the wine bottles, water jugs and serving bowls.

With all of this done, the main thing is to have a fantastic time with your nearest and dearest and to make memories that will last way longer than the turkey.

Team Pure-Beauty

Quick Fixes For Greasy Hair

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We’ve all been there, haven’t we?

You wake up late or want that extra time in bed, so you think to yourself: “Ah, I’ll just skip washing my hair.”

However, when you get out of bed and look in the mirror you realise that it’s greasy, but now you now don’t have enough time to wash it!

It can be a total nightmare situation, but don’t worry, there are a few really simple things you can do to quickly fix your greasy hair.

Dry Shampoo
If you’ve never used dry shampoo before, start now it really could change your life! Dry shampoo is brilliant for those mornings when you simply don’t have time to wash your hair but you still want to look groomed and together. It quite simply works by absorbing the oil in your hair, which makes the greasy look disappear and as it you have just stepped out of a salon. We’re not promising miracle but this stuff is totally magical! There are so many other reasons to love dry shampoo.

Baby Powder
If you’re a mother, baby powder is a must in your household. The good news is that it can also be a solution to quickly fix that greasy hair! If you don’t have dry shampoo, powder also does a great job of absorbing the excess oil. Applying it straight onto your hair can be a bad idea as you can end up looking white and dusty if it comes out too quickly. Instead, carefully shake some into your hands and rub them together, then gently rub it into your hair, starting with your scalp. Slowly brush your hair through and make sure there are no white patches.

Create A Distraction
Another quick fix is to add something to your outfit or style to steer attention away from your greasy hair. Bold, stylish sunglasses are perfect and unless it is raining you can wear them anytime or even use them to push your hair back. During the cold winter months a bright headband or bow can work well too. Alternatively, if you want to get in the festive mood, earmuffs and hats are on trend and there are some pretty funky earphones out there too so you will look cool however your hair feels.

Plait It
A simple plait or braid can make a difference to the look of your hair. French plaits or a lace braid at the front can make the hair look less greasy. What’s more, the oil from your hair can actually make it easier to style. Plaiting also means you can be creative and try out loads of new styles.

At the end of the day it’s important not to let your greasy hair get you down. There are many causes of greasy hair, lots of ways to fix it and even lots of steps you can take to prevent it from being an issue in the first pace. Always remember that you look fabulous no matter what your hair looks like so put on a smile and get on with your day.

Clare Weyers is an expert in all things hair and beauty and runs Elite School of Beauty Therapy in Bishops Stortford. Elite offers a variety of professional beauty, hair and holistic therapy classes for all skill levels.