Oil Cleansing

Oil cleansing is what you can replace your general cleanser/make up remover with. The science behind it is that ’like attracts like' and the 'good' oil you are using will help remove the 'bad' oil that’s built up on your face filled with dirt, impurities and makeup.

It is a much more natural alternative then most cleansers on the market to buy, as it is not filled with chemicals and is just the pure oil, Most the oils you can use for oil cleansers are filled with their own vitamins, minerals, and are moisturising.

First of all though before deciding to try this routine be aware that you are putting oil on your skin, some people may have to get used to the feeling, especially as when you wash it off you can still have a slight oily residue left on the skin, some people won’t mind this however if you don’t like having a 'greasy' feel then you may much prefer a micellar water to remove your make up.  Like all skin care routines it is whatever you find and feel most happy with, and feel is working for you.

We have been using the oil cleansing routine since February now to see what difference we would find on our skin, there are a lot of choices out there especially when looking on the internet there is loads of oils to use...all claiming to be the best. We decided to go basic and use just one oil rather than combining a few together, and chose Jojoba, which is known to be a good moisturiser, helps relieve inflammation and can help control the release of sebum on the skin.

The oil cleanse routine - It really is quite simple, take a small amount of oil in the palm of your hand, we used about a 10p piece, rub between your palms to warm the oil and then massage into your skin (eye makeup too!) using a washcloth and warm water gently remove the oil from your skin, you may want to rinse the wash cloth and repeat this step a couple of times to really feel you have removed the majority of the oil. Pat dry and you’re done!

The result? Smooth, blemish free skin...the odd outbreak of a blemish here and there naturally due to hormones, but on a whole makeup has removed thoroughly and skin feels soft and healthy! Like all skin care routines keep it up for about 4-8 weeks to really see the true result as when you change your skincare your skin has to have time to get used to the new routine.

After jojoba oil depending on your skin type you may feel like applying moisturiser or your skin may feel moisturised enough, we went will sweet almond after but only a small amount.

We hope that you enjoy the benefits of oil cleansing and have healthy, smooth and soft skin! :-)

Facial Cleansing

It’s time for bed...and time to cleanse the makeup off....

 

And we've all been there... its late, you lost track of time, you stayed out an hour or two later than expected...you decided to watch the end of the movie...and now you just want to crawl into bed...generally with the worry of a 7am alarm going off.

 

So you get in, make the long walk to the bathroom and then…you give your skin the quickest cleanse of its life with the promise that it’s ‘only this once’

 

The thing is, is that no matter how much you make promises to your skin that you’ll spend longer on it another day, or that you’ll give it a good scrub tomorrow, the layers of foundation, build-up of pollution, dirt and oil that has gathered on your face for the last 17 hours or so…is on your face now. And partially still on your face for the next few hours your sleeping till you shower in the morning.

 

And we wonder why we are suffering from a breakout or dull and tired looking skin...

 

To take those few extra minutes (which is nothing when you look at how long you will be asleep or awake for) will make such a difference to your skin! take the time to really work your cleanser into your skin, even use a skin brush and then moisturise it before bed really will give your skin a better chance to help repair and renew itself over night and look brighter, and healthier in the morning.

 

Just try it!, for the next month (when using a new skincare routine or new products it can take 4-8 weeks for results to show on the skin, as your skin cells renew themselves every 28 days or so) really make a determined effort that no matter how tired you are, how much you need to get to bed just take those few extra minutes to really clean your skin, ensuring all makeup has come off and your skin is squeaky clean before you apply your moisturiser and get into bed.

 

Let’s see what a difference we see in our skin!

 

‘Live in the moment’

 

 Beauty and the Spa

Top tip #2 hand and nail help

Your hands go through a lot which is why they show signs of aging first! 

Sun damage, water, cleaning chemicals, using them as tools, using your nails to open things, the cold weather, wind... All these contribute to how your hands and nails look.

Your hands and nails are also what people notice about you, having dirty nails, picked or chewed nails, dry cuticles, overgrown cuticles...these things never look appealing and are not going to make much of an impression! 

To help your hands and nails look there best only takes a few simple steps that take under a minute to do.

Carry around and use a SPF based hand cream, these can now be bought as non greasy and quickly absorbent, every time you wash your hands rub some hand cream into them to stop your hands from drying out, and keep them soft and supple.

Use a cuticle cream or oil every night before you sleep, keep a bottle by your bed and rub some Into your nails before you sleep. Cuticle cream helps keep your cuticles soft, nourished and can help keep them from over growing, the massage action also helps your nails grow faster! 

Use gloves whenever your washing the dishes, gardening or doing DIY work that could damage your hands! If your using cleaning chemicals then wear gloves to stop the chemicals going on your hands and drying them out.

Treat yourself to regular manicures to help your nails and hands look there best! 

Xx

Top tip #1

Skin brushing is a fantastic way to help beat cellulite! 

If your bothered by the dreaded 'orange peel' effect of thighs, hips and bum then invest in a dry body brush! These are not expensive and you can generally get one under £5

In the morning before you shower brush your skin with upwards strokes concentrating on problem areas.

Do this every day and not only will it help improve the appearance of cellulite but you will also help boost your skins circulation, aid in lymphatic drainage which will help remove the build up of toxins and help exfoliate your skin keeping it soft and smooth! 

Beauty and the Spa

X

Your Skin And Winter

Those cold harsh winter nights are starting to make an appearance, but don’t let your skin show any signs of winter.

During the winter months your skin has to deal with cold harsh winds, rain and snow, then when you go home the central heating is on all night both with which can be havoc on your skin!

To help your skin through these month here are some reminders...

Make sure you are moisturising your skin daily...Morning and evening

Ensure your daily moisturiser still has a SPF in it to protect against the winter sun

Ensure your night cream is full of vitamins and hydrating properties to heal your skin through the night

 If you can invest in a serum now is the time to do so, serums work deeper down into the surface of skin which means longer benefits for you. They have different properties but a hydrating one would be beneficial for these winter months.

Exfoliation is still important! Rid yourself of dead skins cells so your moisturiser can work on skin that needs it. At least once or twice a week you need to exfoliate, remember your face is more sensitive and delicate then your body so a specific exfoliator is needed (don’t use a body exfoliator on your face it is much too harsh)

Christmas generally means more parties and social gatherings...Which can mean more makeup is applied than normal. Make sure you cleanse your skin thoroughly on an evening before bed, if you are wearing makeup then make sure you cleanse your skin twice to make sure it is clean. Even if you wear no make up a cleanser is still important to clean your skin of pollution, dirt and grime that may have gathered on it that day.

At least once a week apply a face mask, this can be for 10-20 mins or a one you can apply and leave overnight, it will help replenish your skin of loss of moisture and vitamins and leave it feeling plumper, smoother and softer.

As well as external factors affecting your skin internal factors effect it also, to help your skin look its best make sure you are drinking plenty of water and herbal teas, avoid toxins like alcohol, smoking and caffeine, eat plenty of vegetables and fruit, and have a healthy balanced diet.

Skin is for life not just for Christmas!

Matrixyl..anti-aging wonder product...?

 Business is Business and skincare and cosmetic companies will always be interested in sales and generating higher sales using unique selling points on there products whilst keeping there customers happy.

 Below is an interesting article though about a wonder product that companies wont advertise is in there product even though it has had proven results!

http://alifestyleworthliving.com/matrixyl-the-anti-aging-ingredient-you-dont-know-about-but-may-already-use/

Makes you wonder what else is in our skincare which they dont tell us about... We put a lot of trust in companies to 'work wonders' and 'help' our skin...but do we ever really think about what is going on it?

A lil something just to make you think on a Monday afternoon! :)

NFW 2013

Event Northumbria...Newcastle Fashion weekend...The Zen Den!..

The weekend was filled with Fashion..Beauty and more! There were catwalks, speakers, make overs, Hairdressing, Massages, Nail Painting...the list goes on!

Running from 11-5pm over the 2 days every moment was filled with glamour and fashion! Set across 2 rooms at the university you could chill in the zen den with ourselves along with other Beauty and hair companies like Lush or Skullduggeri..Receiving special offers, discounts and pamperings! .Or go through and have a coffee and cake with the French Oven and watch the stunning catwalk hosted by ' Caryn Franklin and Ollie Locke...Browse the rail upon rail of fashion and accessories! and if that all got to much you could relax and enjoy a cocktail or two!

And that's all just the start of the fashion week! Fringe events are running across all of Newcastle along with Headlining official events each day..and lets not forget the incredible After party that always has celebrity guest appearances! Check out all the events at http://www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/nfw/ and Enjoy what the city has to offer!!

SS13....she's got the look!

The SS13 catwalks may be over but check the looks they have left us with!!

Pastels and neons are back again! Along with prints and patterns becoming squares and stripes!

If you can't afford the fashion then make yourself picture perfect with Beauty and the spa!

Grab yourself a Audrey 'pink' pedicure with ourself and have a gorgeous pastel pink on your perfectly pedicured feet! (There was lots on legs on show so make sure you have them 'perfect looking pins') , then have some fun glittery neon acrylics on those fingertips! Or go truly fashion inspired with some stripes or squares....mix it up and have both!

We're coming into March now as well so don't underestimate what a monthly mani n pedi can do for you by the time it gets to summer!! Start now and there won't be a frantic rush job when the day comes for the flip flops to make an appearance!!

Become SS13 inspired!