It is Sixteen going on Seventeen

As the year draws to an end and a new one is on the horizon, it's a time I use to reflect and learn from the previous chapter. What an amazing year it's been! 

Awards, weddings, funerals, concerts, meeting stars in different industries, and precious family moments all contribute to the amazing memories made in 2016. 

This year I've been fortunate to be able to visit over 10 major cities around the world for product launches, marathons, meeting heads of industry, sports legends and rising stars! 

Life is short and it's about making the most of each day and valuing the memories made. 

This year I've learnt all you can do is work hard and try your best. If the Desire, Opportunity and Timing are in alignment the rewards are amazing. 

I'm looking forward to a new year with new goals and memories to be made! Next year already has some exciting things in store- becoming a Dermalogica brand ambassador, a part of the 2017 LGFB campaign, hosting my second skincare event at Ham Yard Hotel , 4 local VIP skincare events, and running the Chicago Marathon! 

Wishing you all a Happy and Healthy New Year, and always remember to be thankful for what you have. 

Skincare Saturday- Cleanse, Hydrate, Prime

Cleanse, Hydrate & Prime

Cleansing morning and night is the golden rule of a basic skincare regime. Use 1/4 teaspoon size of cleanser and massage the skin for 60 seconds. This helps dissolve the daily makeup, dirt and other impurities on the skin. Remove with warm water and sponges to ensure all product is gone. Then repeat to clean the skin. 

Hydrating the skin from the outside is just as important as drinking your 8 glasses of water a day. Ingredients like aloe, cucumber and hyaluronic acid promote hydration in a facial mist. If you're working in an office or traveling spritz up to five times a day to keep skin glowing. 

Priming the skin before makeup has become an essential part of a flawless finish. Primers are designed to blur fine lines, add radiance and protect the skin. Each primer focuses on a different aspect, so you can layer them if you're a real skincare junkie! 

This week started the 12 day count down to Christmas with a new daily giveaway contest. Each day I would post a photo of myself and the person to guess the location & find me won a free Skin Heroes set! Follow me for your chance to win! 

Treatment Thursday- the top 6 natural beauty uses of coconut oil.

I had a message from a friend in Colorado saying she loves my instagram feed and blog posts, thank you! 

So I have a confession- I've been using coconut oil on my face as a moisturizer before bed... my face looks so much better in the morning it's amazing! Is that weird/bad? -RH, Broomfield, CO 

There are many benefits of coconut oil for your skin, body and health. The low molecular structure in coconut oil allows the product to penetrate deeper providing the skin with richer moisture levels. 

Picture from Paleo Grubs 

Coconut Oil has also been known to be used as: 

• Face Cream 
• Body Oil 
• Makeup Remover 
• Cuticle Cream 
• Hair Conditioner
• Massage Oil  

Dr Axe states, a recent study found that 46 percent of patients with a chronic skin disease who used coconut oil had an excellent response in treating their condition

If you choose to use coconut oil in your beauty regime please make sure it is a pure product. Look for labels such as certified organic, raw or virgin coconut oil. 

Babble states, You don’t want to use any coconut oil that has been extracted with heat or refined in any way because that strips the oil of its powerful antioxidants and healing properties.

  

The subtle scent and quickly absorbed consistency make this coconut oil a staple in many beauty baskets! 

Give Thanks 365 days a year!

The definition of Thanksgiving is the expression of gratitude... 

In North America it is an annual national holiday marked by religious observances and a traditional meal. The holiday commemorates a harvest festival dating back to 1621. It brings together friends and family to give thanks and count their blessings whilst enjoying a hearty meal.

In keeping with the season, I am very grateful to all of my loyal clients, supportive family and friends along with my ever growing social media fans! What a fantastic year it has been for Orchids Retreat and myself, Diana Jenner! I adore each of my clients and look forward to seeing each one of you; it's like reading the next chapter in your life's book. I love it! 

Seasonal Treats to get you through the festive period: 

New Take 10 Treatment- A quick 10 minute flash peel to give your skin that healthy glow for the festive period. £10 for this add-on holiday treat. 

Black Friday- Special offer 20% of everything in salon 8-4 to help with your Christmas shopping 

12 Days of Christmas- 13-24 December: Come and find me for a free skincare trio! 

The lowdown on cupping!

Today I had my first cupping treatment after running the New York City Marathon.  Dual-state licensed Acupuncturist, Donna performed the treatment at Georgia Louise Inc in Manhattan. 

The suction marks left after having the treatment. 

A cupping treatment creates negative pressure by using heat and glass cups to bring blood flow and nutrients to areas of tension. The pulling action draws toxins from the muscle tissues and helps remove the waste and build up of lactic acid in the muscles. 

Donna worked on my back, hamstrings, calves and quadriceps to help ease the sore muscles in my body caused by running 26.2 miles around New York City's 5 boroughs. 

The glass cups are heated by an open torch causing the suction in the bauble which pulls the muscle fascia and draws out the toxins from stagnant areas. 

My thighs after treatment, the red marks will change colour to appear like a bruise and can last from a couple hours to a couple weeks. 

The treatment is performed in a relaxing and comfortable environment and only lasts about 30 minutes. It is a minimum time commitment with maximum results. I would definitely recommend this treatment after an athletic event or hard gym session. 

What to bring on a photoshoot

I had the honor of joining Look Good Feel Better (LGFB) in the Photoshoot for their 2017-18 campaign. It is my favourite charity as it helps lift women up when they're at their rock bottom. It is empowering women to feel better about themselves when they're fighting a tough battle and part of their womanhood is being stripped away. 

LGFB host makeup masterclasses and workshops around the world teaching women how to apply makeup to enhance their features and create eyebrows and a lashline when their hair is falling out and their skin is sallow from chemotherapy. 

Speaking to photographer friend, I was told to wear all one colour such as black or white as it shows up best on camera. It is important to wear a strong base, heavier eye makeup and a bright lipstick so that your features stand out in photos. Photographic makeup needs to be more dramatic as the lighting is a lot stronger than natural daylight. 

Wear a smile, bring enthusiasm and an open mind! Enjoy the moment and create a memory! 

Happy Halloween

Halloween is a time to carve pumpkins, get dressed up, and spend time with friends. Face paints can cause congestion on the skin especially if it's not removed thoroughly. 

After trick-or-treating and Halloween parties it is essential to double cleanse. The first cleanse with help remove the makeup, dirt and pollution from your skin while the second cleanse actually cleans the skin. 

Use an oil-based cleanser like Dermalogica precleanse to help breakdown even waterproof makeup with kukui nut and apricot kernel oils. Oil sticks to oil drawing the impurities away from the skin, emulsify with water and remove with a sponge or cloth. 

The second cleanser should suit your skin type; foaming for oilier skins or creamy for a drier complexion. Massage into the skin for sixty seconds and remove. 

Happy Halloween and remember to double cleanse for glowing skin! 

Travel Tuesday: Desert Island Beauty & Wellness- Part 8: Serum

Travel Tuesday: Desert Island Beauty & Wellness- Part 8: Serum

A popular radio program in the UK called Desert Island Discs asks a variety of listeners what they would take to a Desert Island. If they were only allowed 8 records what would they pack?  

A friend asked me what my beauty version would be. The final item I would pack is an anti-ageing serum that helps me sleep. This series has covered skincare, food, fitness, books and assuming a desert island might not be plush with comfortable mattresses I would take my Overnight Repair Serum by Dermalogica to help me get a good night sleep. 

The Argan Oil helps fight antioxidants and protect the skin, the peptides help to stimulate collagen and hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin. There is also a complex of essential oils that help to synchronize the nighttime circadian rhythm to promote sleep, cell renewal and skin hydration. My age-fighting serum in a bottle!  

Motivation Monday- Another year older & another year of experience

Having just had a birthday & a year anniversary for Orchids Retreat Ltd, it's a great time to reflect on the year just gone. Another year older and another year of experience gained in the beauty industry. 

This time last year the company had just become Limited and I had just landed back from Berlin having rollerbladed 26.2 miles, the largest Inline Skating Marathon in the world! It helped me to regain my fitness after having 2 boys in under two years, and I also raised over £500 for Breast Cancer. 

Last autumn, I attended the private film screening of Suffragette at The May Fair Hotel and an exclusive panel discussion with whom Jane Wurwand, and Helen Pankhurst were amongst. 

Beauty is a fast paced industry and there are always new exciting treatments and products being launched. What an amazing year it has been personally and for the business.

This year I achieved the Derm Circle status with the skincare brand Dermalogica. This status is awarded for  dedication to education, which I am a Skin Therapist Expert; and for the sales goals set by the company. I was the smallest account in the UK to achieve this status and it has inspired others to reach for this goal! 

In February, I attended the exclusive HydraBlur Primer launch in Selfridges London with makeup artist Nicola Schuller. She demonstrated the various ways to use the hydrating primer- by layering, mixing or solo! 

I flew to Glasgow in the Spring for the premier of Dermalogica's newest Expert Ion Active treatment launch. An ion-charged treatment that delivers immediate results for all skin concerns. 

In April I ran the Paris marathon raising over £1200 for Look Good Feel Better, a charity I'm passionate about as it helps so many women around the country and the world! I also volunteer for LGFB hosting Masterclasses throughout the year. 

The British Association for Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology Awards entries opened at the beginning of the year. The application process and preparation for each step forward through the semi-finals and finalist stages took a lot of dedication.  

In June the awards ceremony was held at the Hurlingham Club in London. It was a great experience and an amazing achievement to win National Beauty Therapist of the Year, Runner Up for Waxing Therapist and Runner Up for best New Business. The biggest honour was being nominated by BABTAC and selected as Winner of their prestigious Gold Award for my contribution to the beauty industry and upholding the ethos that BABTAC stand for. 

In July Orchids Retreat Ltd launched its new website www.orchidsretreat.co.uk which now includes a full treatment menu. 

In August Orchids Retreat rebranded to include the Refresh • Relax • Restore strap line and a new orchid symbol along with the fresh mint green colour scheme. 

Aurelian Lis, the new Global CEO of Dermalogica was in town last month and I was invited to join him at a networking and brainstorming session with the U.K. Dermalogica management team and other top accounts from around the country. 

 

In September, I hosted my first exclusive event in London's award winning Ham Yard Hotel. In the hotel's resident Soholistic Spa I gave a talk giving tips about skincare over the coming months, Bare Minerals make up artist Ioannis joined me to launch their new Bare Pro foundation and Dermalogica demonstrated their new Dewy Skin DIY with Phyto Replenishing Oil. I have been invited back to Ham Yard Hotel to do another event next Spring. 

I cant wait to see what the year ahead holds! 

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate." -Oprah Winfrey 

Travel Tuesday: Desert Island Beauty & Wellness- Part 6: Food

A popular radio program in the UK called Desert Island Discs asks a variety of listeners what they would take to a Desert Island. If they were only allowed 8 records what would they pack?  

A friend asked me what my beauty version would be. So here's the six entry of an eight part Beauty & Wellness series about what I would take with me if I was only allowed one item. 

On a desert island In would assume coconuts would grow naturally, but if they didn't I would pack coconut oil. It is so versatile! You can cook with it, use it as a face and body moisturiser, a conditioner for your hair, cuticle oil for your nails, a balm for your lips, massage oil... Oh the list goes on and on.  For more tips and recipes check out http://bit.ly/2d79Azc 

Image curtesy of Babble

Whenever I pack for holiday I always try to pack multi functional items, and coconut oil wins hands down! So if you're headed somewhere hot, pop a tub of coconut oil in your luggage and the natural soft scent and conditioning benefits will keep your skin glowing and healthy! 

Treatment Thursday- personalized skincare regime

Geographic location holds no bounds for Diana Jenner

Living in England, Canadian born and USA educated has opened many doors and travel opportunities throughout my life. Now with social media I can connect with people world-wide on a daily basis. 

Photo taken at The Hurlingham Club. 

Since winning Beauty Therapist of the Year, a national accolade awarded by BABTAC (British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) I have connected with other professionals in the beauty industry in Japan, South Africa, United States, Dubai, Canada and Australia. It's fantastic to gain inspiration and share ideas with such a large group of people especially having visited their countries, which makes it easier to relate to the different cultures. 

Beauty is one of the fastest growing industries. The United Kingdom market was worth £16.6 billion in 2014. Raconteur states, “Spending on beauty and skincare in the UK is expected to reach new highs in 2015”, and it did! In 2015 the beauty market reached £17 billion, 3% growth in three years doesn't seem like a lot, but we're talking billions and that is a lot of spending! 

Picture from amyhowardsocial.com 

I love the beauty industry, it's about making others feel better about themselves. By sharing knowledge about the industry and educating people it enables them to be a better version of themselves. 

Travel Tuesday: Part 5 Desert Island Beauty & Wellness- Suppliment

A popular radio program in the UK called Desert Island Discs asks a variety of listeners what they would take to a Desert Island. If they were only allowed eight records what would they pack?  

A friend asked me what my beauty version would be. This is the fifth entry of the Beauty & Wellness series about what I would take with me if I was only allowed one item. 

I started taking a daily collagen supplement after reading a blog about how it helps your skin. A collagen supplement didn't make sense to me at first because your skin produces collagen not the body, but I thought I would try it anyway... Anything to slow the ageing process right?!

I started to research and read a bit more about the benefits on the skin by ingesting collagen. This incert from Amino-collagen summarises the benefits that studies have proven. 

"As the skin undergoes natural chronological aging, and is attacked through photoaging, the natural skin structure begins to deteriorate. Fortunately, lost body collagen stores can be effectively replaced through the right supplements. Supplemental collagen can increase strength around high movement areas of the skin where wrinkles form. Fortifying the skin's structure by eating collagen also results in the strengthening of pore walls, slowing down sagging skin and enlarged pores. The result is more youthful looking skin during aging."

This whole article explains the benefits of a collagen supplement on the body. http://amino-collagen.com/collagen-benefits-side-effects.html Amino-collagen states, 'taking collagen can decrease wrinkles by 13%' and other fun facts about this anti-ageing supplement.

So the vitamin or supplement I would take to a desert island would be collagen capsules to help combat the signs of ageing caused by the sun. 

Motivation Monday- hill training

Sunday Runday didn't happen because I was up at 3.00am to drive the family down to Fowey for a weeks holiday. Living each day to the full my Aunt and cousin were in town so lunch and family time prevailed over an 11 mile run! 

If any of you readers have children in sure you can understand the lack of sleep on a first night holiday due to unsettled children in a new environment... My two boys, three and under are no exception! 

After only four rough hours of sleep and a cooked breakfast I had to dig deep this morning to find the strength mentally and physically to do my weekly long run. 

Fowey is very hilly but it was lovely to explore on foot, and I ended up running 12 miles around this quaint seaside village! 

Charcoal masque whilst stretching to get my twice weekly exfoliation and masque in... It's all about multi-tasking!! 

The BABTAC Effect

Hello September! What a whirlwind the past three months of summer have been. It was such an honour to win the British Association of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology (BABTAC) Gold Award and Beauty Therapist of the Year in June! It is just starting to sink in, but I am still hanging onto the reins riding the BABTAC effect. 

The past few months have brought so many exciting new opportunities for me. I have had a page feature in Vitality Magazine for two consecutive months, been mentioned in Professional Beauty Magazine, interviewed as a Woman to Watch for the International Dermal Institute's Living Skin Magazine and featured in local papers! 

Last week, Aurelian Lis, the global CEO of Dermalogica, was in town for four days and I went to London to meet him! We had a Tribe meeting with the U.K. Management team and other professional skin therapists from around the country discussing the exciting new vision for Dermalogica over the next couple of years. 

On Thursday, 15 September I will be giving at talk at Ham Yard in London about seasonal changes for skincare and will have the opportunity to meet beauty bloggers and editors! The talk will be hosted in Ham Yard's Soholistic Spa and and we will be showcasing Dermalogica's new Phyto Replenishing Oil that launches today along with their new Face Fit treatment. 

My PR consultant, Sarah Branson suggested I start a weekly video blog which I launched in July. Check out Orchids Retreat social media channels for my Happy Hump Day weekly updates. 

I really enjoy sharing my passion for the beauty industry with others and would like to further my career by helping to educate others through consulting, presenting and being a brand ambassador. 

Sunday Runday- back on the training wagon!

Last week we were on holiday and I fell off the training wagon missing two weeks of pump, my 9 mile run and over indulged a bit too much! 

This week was super busy with work, but I was able to start getting my balance back with fitness, family and work. Five days of working 12-15 hours in a row does mean that you have to dig deep to find the motivation to add fitness into the mix! 

Yay back in the game! 

By Wednesday I was back on the training wagon and ran a slow 3 miler! Friday I did a spin class (after a Gin & tonic at kiddie tea- I hadn't planned on exercising!) and Saturday was my weekly Karen Davis Fitness TRx session. Today I completed slow a 10 miler in the wind & rain, but I'm back on track! 

In running the New York Marathon for Team for Kids. I have to raise over £2,500 and have self funded my travel, hotel and entry fee. Please donate to help me reach my goal. 

https://runwithtfk.org/Profile/PublicPage/33186

Acne types & how to treat

Perfect prom makeup

Feature Friday- The Man Rug

Everyone loves a manly rug, but when is it too much? When it starts sprouting from your shoulders and out the top of your t-shirt! 

 

Three tips and tricks for a clear back and to get the most out of a back wax. 

1. Regularity- For best results, waxing should be done every 4-6 weeks so that the hairs become weaker and thinner. This results in fewer ingrown hairs and decreases the hair growth, which means the man rug will shrink! 

2. Exfoliate daily- Use the Dermalogica Buffing Cloth in the shower every morning with shower gel to exfoliate dead skin cells and remove bacteria allowing the hair to regrow smoothly. Exfoliation also lifts the hairs which enables the next waxing treatment to be performed quicker. 

3. Moisturize- Use a tea tree based moisturizer for its antiseptic, antibacterial & soothing properties for 2-3 days post wax. 

 

Feature Friday- Men's skincare

Feature Friday- pros and cons of wet shave

Men's crows feet

Skincare Saturday- Crystal Clear Microdermabraision

Crystal Clear were one of the main sponsors at this year's BABTAC (British Asssociation of Beauty Therapy and Cosmetology) Awards evening. They contacted me asking to give a demonstration of their electrical facial and body machines. 

I had a meeting with Victoria, a lovely representative from Birmigham and an asset to the Crystal Clear team. As part of the demonstration I got to receive a microdermabraison facial! 

My skin before the treatment. 

The machine uses crystals to exfoliate the skin and a mini suction tube plumps the skin whilst removing the crystal residue. 

The crystals are quite transparent as you can see, the left side has been exfoliated and the right side is just cleansed. The brightness is noticeable immediately! 

My skin after the suction phase, there is a slight erythema, but the texture is soft and smooth. 

There are two types of facials: 

- a 30 minute treatment to exfoliate and plump the skin. 

- a deluxe facial that includes a scalp massage or hand treatment & peel off masque 

The peel off masque. It feels cool on application and has a rubbery texture. 

The microdermabraison facial is great for improving pigmentation, anti-ageing, acne scarring or just maintaining overall skin health. 

Glowing skin & improved texture after one treatment without any down time! 

The Microdermabraision facial can be booked every two weeks to treat specific skin concerns or can compliment regular skin health treatments. The crystals work on a deeper level, so it is important to maintain a thorough skincare regime to achieve optimum results. 

How clean is your skin? After your treatment the used crystals are compared to demonstrate how clean your skin is.  

The little patch in the top is pure white crystals before the treatment, the larger circle of grey crystals are the dirty post treatment crystals. The difference after my facial is slight, but Victoria said in London sometimes the crystals are black from the pollution, and in Essex they come out orange from the fake tan! 

The aftercare recommendation is the same as most facials: avoid heat, direct sunshine and makeup. It is paramount to use a high factor spf to protect the freshly exfoliated skin from sun damage.