Easy ways to stress less every day

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anxiety, appreciate the little things, bed, best friend, bike, body, breathing, busy, caffeine, coffee, deep, demands, desk, edge, emails, endorphins, energised, exhaling, family, feel-good hormones, focus, food, full breaths, gratitude journal, gym, health, healthy sleep routine, herbal tea, here and now, Insta perfect, Inta perfect, life, look after, Meditative breathing techniques, mental health, morning, mouth, move, natural way, negative phrases, nose, physical wellbeing., Relax, relaxed, savour the moment, scroll, shallower, shifts, shorter, sleep, social media, stress, stress levels, stressful, sun shining, tension, to do list, trigger, vicious cycle, wake up, walking the dog

Life is busy, demands grow every day, the need to be Insta perfect plays on our minds and sometimes things can just get too much. It is just as important to look after your mental health, as it is to keep tabs on your physical wellbeing or things can start to get on top of you.

We have had a look at some simple ways you can take back control when it comes to feeling good about life and stressing less each day.

Think about how you start your day
For many people, anxiety is an issue and it can feel worse in the morning. To help with this, try to avoid activities that trigger your stress levels the moment you get up. Don’t look at your emails as soon as you wake, scroll through social media when you are at your desk and not in bed, and if coffee adds an edge, try a herbal tea and some meditation before hitting the caffeine.

List it
We aren’t talking about a to-do list, but a gratitude journal. Each day write down ten things that you’re grateful for and start to appreciate the little things we often take for granted, like family, health, food on the table and even the sun shinning. When you start to see what you do have and focus less on what you wish you had, shifts can be made and stress levels can go down.

And breath
Tuning into your breathing can make a real difference to how you feel as this really does affect your body. Think about it, when you are stressed out, your breathing becomes shorter and shallower, this can make you feel worse and a vicious cycle is set in place. Meditative breathing techniques can make a big difference to how you feel and allow you to become more relaxed and able to think straight. Start by simply taking deep, full breaths in through your nose, and exhaling slowly out of your mouth. Set aside ten minutes a day, more if you can, and just sit with your breath and feel the tension lift.

Get some exercise
Yes, we are all busy but there are real benefits for our mental health if we exercise. When you move your body releases endorphins, feel-good hormones, and when this happens it helps you to feel more energised and focused. This doesn’t mean hitting the gym twice a day or training for a marathon, but simply walking the dog, getting on your bike or taking a step class are all ways to bring good vibes into your life the natural way.

Be your own best friend
Have you ever stopped and thought about how you talk to yourself? Words like stupid, slow, lazy and failure are negative phrases we often use with ourselves, but now is the time to stop and be your own best friend and look after you.

Sleep it away
When we are tired, our worries seem to get worse and we find it harder to turn off and relax. Try to get yourself into a healthy sleep routine so you are able to give your body and mind time to recuperate and catch up. A set bedtime, having a warm bath with added essential oils, doing some yoga are all ideas that can have a positive impact on your mental health.

Live in the moment
It is all too easy to think about what went wrong in the past, or worry about the future, but why not start to enjoy and appreciate the here and now? You cannot change what has happened and we do not know what will happen tomorrow, next week or next year, so savour the moment and leave those worries at the door.

Team Pure Beauty

Get Help to Grow from Pure Beauty

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ageing, brows, chaperone technology, collagen, collagen synthesis, decleor, Decleor Aroma Nutrition Satin Softening Dry Oil, dermalogica, Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist, Elemis, Elemis Pro-Definition Eye and Lip Contour Cream, Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover, eye brows, eyebrows, eyelashes, grow, growth, hair, lashes, lips, make-up, mouth, nails, Nailtiques, Nailtiques Protein Formula 2, oil, over-plucked, peptide, plant, plucking, skin, stem cells, synthesis, TGF, tissue growth factor

Photo by Valerie Elash on Unsplash

One question that we see a lot is “what can I do to help my XXX grow” – be it eyelashes, fingernails or hair, many of us want to give our body a helping hand when it comes to growing. There are some products out there which claim to help, but which really don’t do much at all, but we’ve got the inside scoop on several products which really do help growth in some way. Here are five of them:

Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover

A lot of people hate their eyelashes, claiming that they’re too stubby, and many people find their own lashes damaged after having extensions removed. This make-up remover from Elemis is not just good for getting rid of the most stubborn waterproof make-up, but it also conditions the lashes from the root and encourages healthy growth.

Nailtiques Protein Formula 2

Nail growth often feels sluggish, especially if you’re someone whose nails are prone to splitting. This formula from Nailtiques is designed for soft, peeling and weak nails. It helps stimulate rapid growth and strengthens nails. It has won countless awards and is regarded as a cult classic by the beauty media.

Dermalogica Antioxidant HydraMist

If wrinkles and fine lines are your issue, then this mist from Dermalogica is the product for you. Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 stimulates collagen synthesis, which helps to firm skin and overrides the effects of MMPs. It also activates Tissue Growth Factor (TGF), a peptide that is required in its active state for collagen production to occur.

Decleor Aroma Nutrition Satin Softening Dry Oil

The current trend for thicker, more defined eyebrows is all well and good, but if like many of us you spent the Nineties and Noughties over-plucking your brows into oblivion, you might not have much to work with. Lots of people are having good results with this oil from Decleor, which conditions the existing hair and daily massage helps to stimulate hair growth.

Elemis Pro-Definition Eye and Lip Contour Cream

Bigger lips are pretty popular right now, and if you don’t want to opt for invasive procedures like lip fillers, then this lip cream is a good alternative. New chaperone technology with scientifically proven plant stem cells help to re-densify, plump and re-build thin, ageing skin around the lips, leaving your mouth looking plumped and more full.

How to feed your skin with Vitamin E

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Active HydraMesh Technology, antioxidant, Avellana Seed oil, cleansing, combination, complexion, creams, Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Firm, Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream 2.0, deserve, dirt, elements, Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser, Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream, essential fatty acids, excess surface oils, Eyes, fine lines, free radical activity, fresh, goodness, green tea, hand creams, hands, healthy, healthy serving, hyaluronic acid, hydrate, hyperpigmentation, important, Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus Mask, Jan Marini Luminate Eye Gel, jasmine, lecithin, lime blossom, Litsea, locks in, lotions, lush, luxurious cream, magnolia, make-up, Milk Protein, moisturisers, mouth, new formulation, nourishing, nutrient, oil, Omega 7, polish skin, pollutant build up, products, protect, protecting, purest, Red Seaweed, removes, repair, retinol, samples, Shea butter, silky barrier, skin brighteners, smooth skin, soft, sooth, sun damage, sunscreens, sweet smelling, toners, under eye circles, vanilla, versatile, vulnerable skin, wrinkles

Vitamin E is both a nutrient and an antioxidant, and the oil in its purest form is extremely versatile and nourishing and a great way to feed your skin. You can find Vitamin E in many creams, lotions, hand creams and cleaners as well as sunscreens, moisturisers and skin brighteners.

We have had a look at some of the products we stock that could help you get the skin your deserve because they come with a healthy serving of Vitamin E.

Cleansing your skin is really important, and we would suggest trying the Elemis Balancing Lime Blossom Cleanser if you have combination or congested skin. This lush product removes pollutant build up, dirt and make-up and thanks to extracts of Lime Blossom, Lecithin and that all important Vitamin E, it also helps to balance excess surface oils and soothe your skin.

We love the Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream 2.0 and the new formulation means it is better than ever for your complexion. Incorporating Active HydraMesh Technology™ this cream can hydrate your skin for up to 48 hours as well as protecting it from the elements. Vitamin E is just one of the antioxidants that helps reduce free radical activity, and because this cream locks in moisture and protects your skin’s beneficial bacteria, you are left with healthy, soft, smooth skin that you will love.

Vitamin E is also found in the Jan Marini Age Intervention Retinol Plus Mask which is great when it comes to dealing with the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and hyperpigmentation. Packed with Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Essential Fatty Acids, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, when applied to the face for just ten minutes, twice a week, you are left with fresh, polish skin that is glowing and healthy.

If dry, ageing skin is a problem for you, we would suggest trying the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm because the blend of ingredients in this firming complex, help to protect, repair and strengthen your skin. Vitamin E, along with Vitamins A and C have been mixed with Red Seaweed and Green Tea to protect vulnerable skin and prevent the moisture loss that can be so ageing around your eyes and mouth.

Dry hands are a problem for many of us and it isn’t surprising given what we subject them to on a daily basis. For hands that are soft and smooth, as well as sweet-smelling, the Elemis Pro-Radiance Hand and Nail Cream is just the ticket. This luxurious cream contains Milk Protein, Avellana Seed Oil, Omega 7, Vitamin E, Camellia, Virgin Plum and Macadamia Oils which together form a silky barrier that locks in moisture. Thanks to Litsea, Jasmine, Magnolia and Vanilla, this cream smells amazing and we think you will be hooked from the very first application.

We are big fans of the Jan Marini Luminate Eye Gel and for good reason. This little pot of goodness not only brightens skin but also helps to reduce the appearance of under eye circles, fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin E is just one of the ingredients in this gel which will get to work hydrating the eye area, making it look smoother, healthier and brighter.

If you would like more information, or are interested in samples so you can try new products out before investing in them, get in touch today and we would love to help.

Team Pure Beauty

Look After Your Lips

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collagen, contour, cream, decleor, Decleor Post-Wax Cream – Sensitive Areas, delicate, dermalogica, Dermalogica Lip Renewal Complex, drying, Elemis, Elemis Lip Revive, Elemis Pro-Definition Eye and Lip Contour Cream, Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover, fine lines, lips, lipstick, long-lasting, make-up, mouth, plump, sensitive, skin

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Your lips are one of those areas which take a lot of punishment, be it with long-wear lipsticks which dry them out, too much sun, cold weather, central heating, dehydration, there seems to be a million ways that they can end up damaged! Fortunately, the geniuses at Elemis, Dermalogica and Decleor have many products which will help you to keep your lips in perfect condition, despite any external factors. Here are our favourites:

Elemis Lip Revive

Petroleum-based lip preparations may feel like they’re lubricating your lips but they are actually well-known for drying your lips out over the long term. This nourishing lip reviver from Elemis contains no petroleum and is based on a natural combination of white beeswax and peppermint oil which will soothe dry, chapped lips and make your pout appear plumper.

Decleor Post-Wax Cream – Sensitive Areas

Lots of women don’t talk about the fact that they wax their upper lip or other areas of the face, but you’d be surprised just how many of us do it on a regular basis. The skin under your ‘tache is pretty delicate though and can end up red and damaged with too much waxing, so this cream from Decleor has been designed specifically to soothe sensitive areas like your top lip after waxing. It also prevents ingrown hairs and slows regrowth, making it less necessary to wax so often.

Elemis Pro-Definition Eye and Lip Contour Cream

Thinner skin around the lips means that this is one area which is particularly susceptible to wrinkles and the dreaded “cat’s bum” mouth (not our favourite expression, but a descriptive one nonetheless!), an affliction particularly seen on smokers. This cream from Elemis is gentle yet powerful and is designed for the delicate eye and lip areas which need a boost. It contains active plant stem cells from edelweiss, as well as mafane flower and alaria esculenta which combine to make the areas appear firmer, plumper and redensified.

Dermalogica Lip Renewal Complex

As we age, our body loses the ability to produce collagen and retain moisture, which can leave it looking prematurely aged and wrinkled. This Lip Renewal complex from Dermalogica has a sophisticated formula which minimises contour lines and smoothes rough, uneven lips. Its superior conditioning lasts hours beyond application and is ideal for wearing alone or as a smoothing primer before lipstick application.

Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover

With long-lasting, matte lipsticks more popular than ever before, having a product which removes all traces of make-up whilst conditioning the lips is really important. Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover cleanses the eye and lip area of all make-up, including waterproof mascara. Formulated with White Peony extract to hydrate and cooling White Tea to soothe and refresh.

How to Embrace The No Make-Up Selfie

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bare face, corrector, cover up, dark spot, Decleor Daily Defence Fluid Shield SPF30, Decleor Dark Spot Corrector Concentrate, Decleor Velvet Mattifying Fluid, Dermalogica Emergency Spot Fix, Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Firm, Eyes, make-up, make-up free, matte, mouth, protection, selfie, SPF, sun

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have seen the slew of celebrity selfies doing the rounds in which the famous snapper is totally make-up free. It started with Alicia Keyes who, rather dramatically, took to social media and declared herself DONE with make-up, and then bravely stuck to her word by attending various award ceremonies and premiers with a completely untouched face and the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, Selena Gomez and Adele have all followed suit. However, no make-up doesn’t mean no skincare at all, so we thought we’d take a look at some of the products which can help you rock a no make-up look with maximum confidence.

Mattify

If you’re prone to oily skin, using a mattifying product to keep shine at bay is a good idea, especially if you’re planning to photograph your face. Decleor Velvet Mattifying Fluid is the perfect product for this as it moisturises the skin whilst clearing excess sebum and keeping shine at bay, giving you the perfect complexion for going make-up free.

Clear Blemishes

There’s a good chance that going make-up free will help to keep your skin much clearer if you’re prone to spots, but on the off-chance that you have a hormonal breakout you’ll want something to help clear your skin while you don’t have foundation to cover it up. Using something like Dermalogica Emergency Spot Fix will reduce redness and kill the bacteria which causes spots, allowing you to restore your complexion to it’s former blemish-free glory.

Protect From the Sun

Many of us take it for granted that our foundation will contain some level of SPF which will protect our skin from the sun, but going make-up free means we no longer have this layer of protection. Using a daily SPF like Decleor Daily Defence Fluid Shield SPF30 will not only fend off the sun’s harmful rays, it will moisturise your skin and also help to protect against the signs of ageing.

Remember Your Eyes and Mouth

Your eyes and mouth are usually the first places to show the signs of ageing with fine lines forming around the edges of our lips and corner of our eyes. Although there’s no shame in showing your age, keeping your skin in tip-top condition after it’s started to age is really important. We’d recommend Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Firm for these areas as it will help to plump and firm the skin while adding back important nutrients to help the skin to renew its own cells.

Reduce Dark Spots

If you’re completely make-up free, there’s a good chance that your complexion doesn’t look totally even which is where a dark spot corrector can come in seriously handy. We recommend Decleor Dark Spot Corrector Concentrate which will help to lighten areas of hyper-pigmentation, allowing you to regain a more even skin tone.