Suncare Sunday- Award winning Cover Tint

Dermalogica's cover tint spf 20 is a broad spectrum, medium protection foundation.  It gives good coverage with a light-weight texture that leaves skin feeling silky smooth.  It won the Social and Personal Best Beauty Buys of 2013 as the 'Best Protecting Foundation'.  

This foundation contains Pearl Powder to simulate cell renewal and enhance the skin's luminosity, and silicones to help fortify the natural barrier function leaving a smooth finish. The Cover Tint is available in three shades- light, medium or dark.  For extra protection layering this foundation over a daily moisturiser and the Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer spf 30 will give maximum coverage for your skin and sun protection. 

Helen Palmer from Bournemouth won this product in our June monthly giveaway.  Follow us on twitter @orchidsretreat, Facebook on our Orchids Retreat page, or Instagram @orchidsretreat for future monthly giveaways, events and special offers. 

Makeup Monday- Arbonne Lipstick

I was introduced to Arbonne products a few years ago and was really impressed by a few of their lip care products.  I love their lipstick, lip liner and lip gloss, also known as lip polish. They are long wearing, smudge resistant and condition and hydrate the lips, so when they wear off your lips are still soft.  

Lip liners come in six shades including red, neutral browns, deep red, a soft pink and ginger colour.  They come in the form of a creamy liner with a twist top, so the liners are easy and convenient to use on the go. The key ingredients in these products are vitamin E and hyaluronic acid to keep lips soft and hydrated.  Use lip liner to define the lip and enhance the colour of lip polish or lipstick. 

Lip polishes are available in seven popular colours such as clear, nude, coral, pink, warm tan, burgundy, and a shimmery pearl.  They contain vitamins A and E to nourish the lips, polypeptides to prevent ageing, and safflower oil to moisturise and maintain shine without a sticky finish. The polishes have a built in sponge applicator for easy application and minimise product waste. 

Lipsticks come in fourteen shades offering several neutral tones, pinks, coral, deep and bright reds.  They are long wearing and because of the mango butter base they glide on smoothly for an even coverage.  Aloe vera and vitamins A, E and C condition the lips and keep them hydrated which prevents the flaky and shrivelled look of dry lips. Lipstick can be worn on its own or as part of a layered affect with lip liner and gloss to enhance the long lasting result. 

Arbonne products can be purchased from stockists or independent consultants.  For your nearest stockist or for more information visit www.arbonneinternational.co.uk 

Skincare Saturday- NEW BioSurface Peel

Hot in the press at the moment are different types of chemical peels.  Skin peels are in high demand because clients can see visible improvements to their skin immediately after a treatment.  It is a fast growing service that is being offered in the beauty industry, but clients should proceed with caution because like with the Botox saga several years ago these treatments performed by the wrong 'therapist' can be unsafe and can cause long term damage to the skin.  

There are four categories of chemical peels: 
1. very surface peel- like Orchids Retreat's Active Resurface 35 Facial 
2. surface peel- Bio Surface Peel 
3. medium peel- medical facial that uses Trichloroacetic Acid (TCA) 
4. deep peel- performed by medical professionals only 

Dermalogica's new BioSurface Peel is the first instalment in the Expert Strength line that has just been launched in the UK! It is a new concept that uses products researched and formulated to minimise downtime but to still produce excellent results. It is a biologically advanced skin peeling system that unites the layers of active ingredients for exceptional skin benefits and treatment outcomes. This formula is suitable for resurfacing all skin types, even sensitive skins. Therapists who offer this treatment have to be fully trained in the  products and procedure.  

Orchids Retreat will be offering this NEW results based treatment in September! 

Waxing Wednesday- FAQs

Over the years I've been asked the same questions about waxing, so I thought I'd share some of them with you.  Here are the top ten frequently asked questions and answers: 

1. How long does my hair have to be? 

About 1/4 inch, but the longer the better for smoother and long lasting results. 

2. Can I have a wax if I'm pregnant? 

Yes, of course.  It can be more sensitive with all the extra hormones in your system, but it is great for longer lasting results and we do many clients just before their natural and cesarean due dates. 

3. Can I tan after waxing?

No tanning- natural or sunless for at least 24 hours after your wax.  In the natural sunlight it can over sensitise and you can burn more easily, and sunless tanning can settle in the open pores to leave you with the 'plucked chicken' affect for much longer than appreciated! 

4. Will waxing make my hair grow back faster or thicker?

No, definitely not.  Waxing removes the hair from the root, which weakens the root and in time will damage the follicle so hair will be reluctant to grow. The hair will grow back softer and lighter in colour. 

5. How long does the waxing last?

Waxing usually lasts 4-6 weeks the more you wax the longer you can go. Some areas grow quicker or are more obvious like eyebrows and underarms, so to begin with some clients visit every 2-3 weeks until the growth cycle slows down. If you shave between treatments each treatment is like starting from the beginning again. 

6. What is a Brazilian wax?

Brazilian is a thin strip, often referred to as a landing strip. 

7. What is a Hollywood wax? 

A Hollywood is all of the bikini hair removed in the bikini and bum area. 

8. Does waxing hurt?

Your first time maybe a bit uncomfortable because we are removing all of the hair from well established roots. With regular visits the hair becomes thinner and weaker which makes removal easier and less painful. 
9. How long will the area stay red for? 
Typically skin can stay red or have the 'plucked chicken' affect for up to 24 hours, but some areas will return to normal after a few minutes and others can last a couple of days.  It depends on the individual client, area waxed, frequency of waxing and skin sensitivity.  Most areas should calm down after a couple of hours.  By reapplying afterwax if the area remains red or tender it will help the further calm the skin. 

10. What is the difference between hot and warm wax? 

The difference lies in the curing process. Hot wax hardens on the skin while warm wax remains soft. Warm wax is removed with a cloth or paper strip, and hot wax is removed with a 'pick and flick' method.  Warm wax can be used all over the body, but hot wax is better suited for areas with thick, course hair like eyebrows, bikinis and underarms. 

Tan Tuesday- holiday tanning

The trio set that HeShi have on deal at the moment is a great size to take on holiday. Use it to top up your tan or to ensure you have an even tan all over without tan lines whilst on holiday.  The set comes with the three basic steps for sunless tanning- exfoliator, tanning gel, and moisturiser.  All you need is the tanning mit. The body exfoliant can be used as a daily body wash to ensure that your skin is smooth and to help give your tan a healthy glow.  After showering apply the moisturising soufflé to keep skin soft and moisturised. This soufflé can also be used after tanning to prevent over development of absorbent areas, such as knees, elbows, hands and feet. Make the most of this 3 for the price if 1 (£17) special offer while supplies last!

Suncare Sunday- Protection Sport in Tatler

It's summertime and the sun is shining! Make sure wearing an SPF 30 or higher is a part of your daily regime. 

Dermalogica launched their new Protection 50 Sport SPF 50 in March, which gives a higher sun protection without any added chemicals. Through extensive research they've found a special Oleosome Technology which is made of plant extracts that naturally provides higher sun protection. It's first summer debut and already winning awards, it's a Summer 2014 must have! 

Here's a fantastic video clip about what sunscreen does to protect your skin against ultra-violet rays. Check it out: 

http://www.upworthy.com/what-happens-to-your-face-when-you-wear-sunscreen-might-shock-you-it-did-for-these-people?c=ufb1 

Skincare Saturday- Spotlight: Multivitamin Power Serum

Last year Dermalogica reformulated their multivitamin capsules and created this user friendly cocktail of vitamins and peptides.  The Multivitamin Power Serum is now in a thin, silver tube and the consistency has changed so that it can be used morning and night, enabling a smooth makeup application.

It contains vitamins A, E, and C to increase skin renewal, boost collagen production, increase the barrier function, and fight the signs of ageing such as fine lines and hyper-pigmentation. This serum also contains the anti-ageing 'wow' ingredient Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is a highly active ingredient that stimulates collagen synthesis and treats hyper pigmentation caused by sun damage. All of these ingredients are suspended into a sunflower butter and silicone base to create a smooth, long-wearing formula.

It won the 'Best Anti-ageing Launch' in Pure Beauty Awards for 2013!  To help minimize wrinkles, dullness, skin sagging and other ageing factors, use Multivitamin Power Serum every morning and evening. Apply after cleansing and toning around the eye area, over the face, neck and decollate followed by a moisturiser. 

Treatment Thursday- Active Resurface 35 Facial

Treatment Spotlight- Active Resurface 35 Facial

The Active Resurface 35 is a professional facial that is tailored to each client that helps stimulate cell renewal and cell turnover whilst targeting specific skin concerns such as ageing, pigmentation, dehydration, congestion, and dryness.  The key product used in this treatment is Dermalogica's Exfoliant Accelerator 35 which contains highly active ingredients to exfoliate and smooth the skin leaving minimal redness. 

Sally Penford, Dermalogica Education Manager states, 

"Dermalogica does not rely upon one form of 'active' ingredient, but rather a synergy of 'actives' to achieve maximum results utilising a combination of cosmeceutical botanicals, alpha hydroxy acids (AHA's) and beta hydroxy acids (BHA's)- always with skin health as a priority." 

Lactic Acid is an alpha hydroxy acid that smooths and retextures the skin, giving the skin a burst of cell renewal of up to 30%! Salicylic Acid is a beta hydroxy acid that helps dissolve the top layer of the epidermis to enhance skin exfoliation. 

There are three levels of exfoliation depending on the individual condition and need of the client's skin.  During each facial a skin analysis will ascertain what level of exfoliation is recommended.  After each treatment wearing sun protection of factor 30 or above is required to protect the skin and if possible avoid exposure all together. 

This is an intensive resurfacing treatment that uses a mixture of the the most advanced cosmeceutical ingredients available.  The treatment is customised to suit individual skin requirements and is recommended as a weekly course of six facials to achieve optimum results, but can also be used as a seasonal booster treatment. 

Waxing Wed- waxing bars

I thought I'd do a google search to see if there's anything new in the waxing industry, besides the new Lycon and Sine waxes there wasn't much to report.  However, I came across a franchise company that's hitting the states like wildfire! It started in Las Vegas in 2008 and is the first international 'Wax Bar' in North America.  

They cater for everyone so the salons are designed to be gender neutral and treatments are performed by 'Waxperts'.  There since have been other companies that have set up and operate a tier system like those found in a hair salon with a pricing structure that reflects the experience and type of waxing expertise needed. 

After researching waxing bars further, I came across a company called Strip Wax Bar and Boutique in Notting Hill London, and it was started up by two sisters in 2005!  They have had so much publicity from it that they have opened further salons in other prestigious areas. 

Several years ago, at one of Dermalogica's networking lunches, I spoke with one of the 'new' salon owners who opened her business with a twist.  She was having a specialist in each category- nail technician, esthetician, waxing specialist, etc and her clients responded so positively to it she opened her second salon in less than 2 years!  

A friend of mine who lives in Japan sent me a message today just to share her latest waxing experience...her half leg wax took 90 minutes!!! I was shocked that this was performed by a professional in industry! If this is some of the obstacles that other countries have to deal with then I understand why the states and other cities have started to specialise in waxing bars. 

Suncare Sunday- New SPF 50

One of Dermalogica's favourite products has just been relaunched with the same great ingredients, but now with an SPF 50!! Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 is part of the Age Smart range and helps to combat the triggers of ageing and reduce the appearance of age spots. 

Through extensive research Dermalogica has created an oleosome technology that provides a broad spectrum sun protection without adding more chemicals to the product because these oleosomes are plant based so they blend easily into the skin. 

This daily moisturiser contains two of the anti ageing 'wow' ingredients that help stimulate collagen production.  Lysine Polypeptide acts as a sugar magnet that attracts sugars in the body to help prevent the signs of ageing.  Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 helps to stimulate collagen production and firms the skin. 

It also contains evening primrose oil that conditions the skin and helps restore softness, and and an antioxidant called White Tea.  Camellia Sinensis aka White Tea leaf protects against free radical damage that is brought on by ultraviolet rays. 

Dynamic Skin Recovery is designed as a day cream that should be applied every morning after cleansing and toning.  Use the size of a 5p coin and apply evenly to the face, neck and decollate. 

Fun Fact Friday- Eye care

The eye area is thinner and more delicate than the rest of the skin on the face; this is why it is usually the first area to show signs of ageing.  As mentioned in previous blog posts the skin starts ageing at 21 years old and protecting the appearance and health of the eye area is important. 

Using an eye makeup remover to take off makeup and other eye products helps to prevent dehydration caused from other cleansing products.  Check labels for S.D. alcohol free and water-soluble formulas, unless you're removing waterproof products then an oil is required to break down the makeup particles. 

Eye creams are developed to strengthen the corneocyte cohesion and help shield against environmental assaults whilst also hydrating, brightening and nourishing the delicate skin.  They often contain ingredients to help minimise the appearance of dark circles caused by lack of sleep, dehydration and hyper pigmentation.  There are many types on the market and it is best to have a professional recommendation that suits your skin and lifestyle requirements. 

Fresh 5 a day Juice

1 cucumber 

1 apple 

1 pear 

1 orange 

1 grapefruit 

Juice & enjoy! 

Makeup Monday- longer lashes

Make natural lashes look longer by following these two easy steps. 

1. Apply prep + prime lash  two coats and allow to dry

2. Apply two coats mascara I use mac zoom lash black 

Tips: 

1. use eye makeup remover with cotton pads to remove make up 

2. Don't rub eyes as this can damage delicate tissue & lashes 

3. Use an eye cream, nutrient rich formulas also feed the lashes 

Suncare Sunday- Q&A's

Q: Can you use facial sunscreen around the delicate eye area (I don't do this;))? or is there one you can recommend? 

A: No, you should not use regular sunscreen around the eyes. It is such a delicate area and regular facial sunscreen is too heavy. Dermalogica has an excellent eye cream Total Eye Care which has an SPF 15 and reflective particles to help protect the delicate area. 

Q: I apply dermalogica sunscreen SPF 50 on my face, neck and décolleté. It says reapply after 4 hours of water exposure. I use it on my neck/décolleté  area because of the piercing heat when walking to my car and driving in Las Vegas. Does it have withstanding ability even when not exposed to water, or should I reapply to those areas after 4 hours? 

A: When exposed to direct sunlight sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours. Reapply after 40 minutes if using in and around the water. If you're swimming and sunbathing, reapply as soon as you get out of the water to protect your skin.