Sneak Peak- Stress Positive Eye Lift

 

The newest addition to the Dermalogica range is launching on the 6th April! Stress Positive Eye Lift.... 

Everyone has stress in their life, but it's how you handle it that affects the skin. Does a deadline give you the adrenaline rush to finish it or fill you with dread? Take the test to find out how you deal with the daily stress life gives you www.stresspositivetest.com 

This new product focuses on the eye area, which is as thin as tissue paper therefore being the first area to show signs of distress. The tube has a metal tip which is naturally cold, so it helps to soothe the eye area as the product is applied. 

 

 

Stress Positive Eye Lift helps to brighten, lift, hydrate and de-puff the eyes. It can be used in the morning or at night as an eye masque or leave on treatment. Check out my video blog about how to apply and energise the eye area https://flipagram.com/f/16HviN2LZ6n 

Join me on April 19th for a hands on demonstration or pre-order yours today for brighter eyes this Spring! 

Six Reasons to use Thermal Spas

 

"Thermal baths are also known as hot springs and water seeps deep into the soil and – when rising – brings with it a multitude of minerals. These minerals are said to be incredibly healing, though they vary depending on the minerals in the surrounding soil" states Natural Therapy Pages 

The heat increases blood flow around the body which helps metabolism, circulation and aids the absorption of beneficial minerals. This ancient past time is a natural remedy that has been used for decades to help heal skin conditions such as exczema and psoriasis along with many other health benefits. 

The seven most common minerals found in thermal baths or hot springs are: 

Calcium- is commonly known for promoting strong bones, but it also keeps skin healthy. Calcium in the epidermis keeps skin youthful by encouraging cell renewal. 

Sulfur- has healing and antibacterial properties which help keep the springs clean and treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. 

Magnesium- helps to heal the skin. It detoxes the skin, reduces fine lines, combats breakouts, and is excellent for cracked heels. 

Iron- helps increase the oxygen in the blood and promotes circulation. It helps combat dark circles, heal wounds and gives skin a healthy glow. 

Potassium- hydrates and balances the pH level of the skin. Soaking in potassium helps to soften and moisturise the skin naturally. 

Zinc- is healing and anti-inflammatory which helps clear congestion and calm breakouts. 

The skin is the largest organ in the body, so by regularly using thermal spas it promotes a healthy and youthful glow all over. 

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. 

Skincare Saturday- How to use skincare products

I had an email from a client asking me to further explain how to use her skincare regime and thought it would be beneficial to share. This regime is great for clients with dry skin and are concerned with ageing. 

 

Cleanser- Cleansers are used to remove makeup and daily impurities from the skin. Dermalogica uses a double cleanse regime to fully clean the skin.  Use Precleanse, an oil based cleanser to melt away the daily dirt and grime followed by your regular cleanser to clean the skin. 

Feature Friday- dirty skin http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2015/12/feature-friday-dirty-skin.html?spref=tw

 

Use: 

Precleanse- one pump of product with dry hands and massage into dry skin for 60 seconds then dampen hands massaging face to emulsify, remove with warm water and sponges. 

Essential Cleansing Solution- apply one pump with damp hands onto damp skin and massage to clean the skin for 60 seconds. Dermalogica cleansers are water soluble, so to help the product go further add more water. 

 

Exfoliant- Exfoliation is a key step in maintaining skin health, it sloughs off dead skin cells enabling serums and moisturisers to penetrate deeper into the skin. It is best to exfoliate 2-3 times a week depending on your skin therapist’s recommendation. If using a masque use after exfoliation.

Orchids Retreat: Skincare Saturday- importance of exfoliation http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/06/skincare-saturday-importance-of.html?spref=tw

 

Use: ​

Multivitamin Powerfoliant- This is a versatile exfoliant because it can be used with dry hands and dry skin for a deeper exfoliation; wet hands and wet skin for a moderate exfoliation or mixed with a cleanser for a power cleanse. 

Gentle Cream Exfoliant- Use a 10p size and evenly apply a thin layer all over the face avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes until exfoliant dries and remove in the shower or with a damp sponge. 

Daily Microfoliant- As in the name, can be used daily. Shake a 10p sized amount into damp hands and create a smooth lather. Massage all over the face, neck and decollate for 60 seconds and remove in the shower or with a warm damp cloth. 

Orchids Retreat: Daily microfoliant Christmas presents http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/12/daily-microfoliant-christmas-presents.html?spref=tw

 

Toner- using a toner is an important step in the daily cleansing regime. Dermalogica toners are formulated to help hydrate the skin and can also be used to spritz up to 5 times during the day. 

Orchids Retreat: Skincare Saturday- the importance of a toner http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/06/skincare-saturday-importance-of-toner.html?spref=tw

 

Use: Hold the toner at arms length away from the face and spritz three times- right, centre and left to enable even absorption of moisturiser. 

 

Serum- As the season’s change so to the skin’s requirements and serums help to give the skin a boost during these times or to aid skin regeneration and renewal. Serums are used under moisturisers because they are full of active ingredients to feed the skin. It is important to seal them in with a moisturiser for optimum results. 

 

Use: 

Multivitamin Power Serum- Use a 5p sized amount and smooth all over the face, neck and decollate morning and night to nourish the skin. 

Overnight Repair Serum- Use 6-10 drops all over the skin at night only. The skin regenerates at night and this antioxidant packed serum helps the skin to feed and replenish itself while you sleep. It also has a unique blend of essential oils to aid relaxation and deep sleep. 

Orchids Retreat: Fun Fact Friday- Collagen http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/06/fun-fact-friday-collagen.html?spref=tw

 

Eye Cream- Eye cream is specially designed for the delicate area to nourish and protect. It is important to apply it morning and evening before moisturising to help protect the delicate tissues. 

Orchids Retreat: Fun Fact Friday- Eye care http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/08/fun-fact-friday-eye-care.html?spref=tw

 

Multivitamin Power Firm- is an eye cream, but any residue can be used on your lips.  Using the ring finger squeeze a pea sized amount onto the fingertip.  Gently dab around the eye area. 

Intensive Eye Repair- is a nutrient-rich formula designed for dry eyes to help repair the skin overnight. Use a pea-sized amount and apply around the eye area before applying your evening moisturiser. 

 

Moisturiser- Moisturiser is used to protect and replenish the skin’s natural moisture. As the skin ages it becomes drier and the skin needs help producing and maintaining moisture throughout the day. It helps protect the skin from the elements and seals in targeted treatments. 

 

Use: 

Skin Smoothing Cream- a medium weight moisturiser that can be used both morning and evening. Apply a 5p sized amount all over the face, neck and decollate. 

Intensive Moisture Balance- an easily absorbed heavy moisturiser for dry skin that can be used morning and night. Apply a 5p sized amount all over face, neck and decollate. 

Orchids Retreat: Skincare Saturday- back to basics http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2015/01/skincare-saturday-back-to-basics.html?spref=tw

Dynamic Skin Recovery- to be used in the morning to protect skin throughout the day. Apply a 5p sized amount, avoiding the eye area and massage into face, neck and decollate. 

Orchids Retreat: Suncare Sunday- New SPF 50 http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/08/suncare-sunday-new-spf-50.html?spref=tw

 

Primer- Primers have been recently added to the skincare range to further promote skin health and prep the skin prior to makeup application. Some are formulated with sunscreen to help ensure the skin is fully protected in daylight and others aid makeup applicaiton. Dermalogica primers have been designed to be used on their own or as part of makeup application. 

 

Use: 

Skin Perfect Primer- Use a 5p sized amount all over the face and blend down onto the neck. This can be used several ways- on it’s own, under a foundation or mixed with a tinted moisturiser. 

Orchids Retreat: Skincare Saturday- Feature Product: Skin Perfect P... http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2014/07/skincare-saturday-feature-product-skin.html?spref=tw

HydraBlur Primer- is the newest addition to Dermalogica’s skincare range, it blurs lines and helps minimise the appearance of pores. It contains an H2O complex that slowly releases hydration throughout the day.  It has been formulated with micro encapsulated colour beads to match the skin tone of each user. This can be used on it’s own for a matte finish, under Skin Perfect Primer to ensure optimum hydration or mixed together for a quick application. 

 

Use: 

Sheer Tint- Sheer Tint Moisturiser has an spf to help protect the skin throughout the day and give an even and light-weight coverage. It comes in three colours that can be mixed to find the exact match for your skin. Use a 5p amount and blend over face and onto the  neck. 

Orchids Retreat: Suncare Sunday- Medium Tint SPF20 http://orchidsretreat.blogspot.com/2015/02/suncare-sunday-medium-tint-spf20.html?spref=tw

Feature Friday- dirty skin

I had just read an article in Living Skin magazine, Is our skin dirtier than ever? The next day, I woke up to a what's app message from a client saying her skin is lumpy, spotty and HELP! it's the festive season.  Skincare is an essential part of daily routine, and many already follow a simple cleanse, tone, moisturise regime every morning and night.  This basic regime is great to have in place, but it is important to do it properly. 

Research by the International Dermal Institute found that 'women only spend about 20 seconds washing their face.' For thoroughly clean skin it is advisable to use a double cleanse routine such as Precleanse by Dermalogica which is made from apricot kernel and kukui nut oil, the oil helps draw oil, impurities and makeup away from the skin. Then use a second cleanser to suit your specific skin type- foaming, cream, etc. Each cleanser should be massaged into the skin for 60 seconds. Count as you massage your face in gentle upward strokes 1 Mississippi, 2 Mississippi until your reach 60 then remove the product with a warm damp flannel or sponge. 

The environment is much dirtier now than it used to be in our parents and grandparents era because there are so many more pollutants, types of makeup, sunscreen, etc. The face is exposed to everything everyday and a quick 20 second cleanse won't cut through the dirt, oil and makeup on your skin. If your skin isn't properly cleansed then the moisturiser can't penetrate to the skin properly and a dull appearance then starts to become congested. Exfoliating can help, but start with a good basic regime and build on that to maximise glowing healthy skin. 

Makeup Monday- bridal masterclass

I attended a Bridal masterclass with MAC makeup artist Cher Webb. She gave some great tips and created two different looks. Cher is a makeup artist to the Stars, Fashion Week and several Awards events. She said she likes to, 'make real women and men feel and look their very best.' 

Wedding makeup is about enhancing the Bridal party's natural features without looking like they're wearing anything. Prepping the skin is an essential part of bridal makeup. It is important for the Bride to look after her skin with a regular home skincare regime that includes exfoliation. It is also important to keep the  skin hydrated by drinking plenty of water and not too much alcohol. 

Smokey eyes and glowing skin with red lips are trending this season. If red lips are taking centre stage it is important to create the look around the lip colour. By starting with bright red lips, less colour is needed on the cheeks and eye area. 

Smokey eyes are created by contouring with a selection of dark neutral colours. Blending and layering a mixture of dark and light nude eyeshadows and liners develops the definition with a soft finish. 

When going for a wedding makeup trial bring pictures of desired makeup looks, a swatch of the dress, and any accessories that will be worn on the Special day. This enables the makeup artist to use Colours to compliment and enhance the Bride's natural beauty. 

Tan Tuesday- NEW HeShi Gradual Face Tan

The NEW Overnight Ageless Tanning Balm from HeShi has arrived!! 

This gradual tan is designed as a velvety, anti-ageing product to smooth fine lines and give the skin a subtle bronzed glow. It contains jojoba protein and hyaluronic acid to moisturise and hydrate the skin. 

Best used after gently exfoliate the face, neck and décolleté areas. Apply 5-6 pumps of the tanning balm as an evening moisturiser applying all over the face (including eye area) neck (including ears) and décolleté. Blend thoroughly into hairline and eyebrows. 

Avoid contact with water for 6-8 hours to allow Overnight Ageless Tanning Balm to develop. Reapply twice a week to maintain a bronzed, youthful glow!