Skincare Saturday- Clear Start

Clear Start has been formulated by Dermalogica to provide skin care solutions for teens. 

'Three out of four teens get infected with acne and some of them may end up with severe psychological damage or physical scarring for life' -Dermalogica UK 

This range contains potent active ingredients and gentle botanicals to achieve clearer skin in three easy steps. 

1. Cleanse- use Foaming Wash morning and night. For a power cleanse mix Pore Control Scrub with Foaming Wash, or use on its own before applying Breakout Clearing Cooling Masque. 

2. Tone- spritz All Over Toner onto the face and neck before moisturising twice daily. This can also be used to absorb shine throughout the day. 

3. Treat & Moisturise- if the skin is congested apply the Daytime Teeatment or Overnight Treatment and then moisturise. Use Matte Moisturiser in the day to help control oil & protect against ultraviolet rays, or Hydrating Lotion at night to rehydrate the skin. 

For extra clearing you can add Emergency Spot Fix as a 'zit zapper'; Breakout Clearing Cooling Masque to calm and soothe, and oil blotting sheets to absorb shine during the day.  

Skincare Saturday- NEW Hydrating Lotion

This week the newest addition to Dermalogica's Teen range was launched! Clear Start Skin Smoothing Hydrating Lotion is a light-weight and oil-free moisturiser which has been specifically formulated for young adults with dry, dehydrated and breakout-irritated skin. 

It has been developed with Ginger, Orange and Grapefruit botanicals to help soothe and protect skins that are sensitised from prescription acne medications. 

Hyaluronic Acid and Squalene rehydrate and soften making this a great lotion to nourish the skin throughout the night. 

To use, apply on its own or over Overnight Treatment after cleansing and toning. 

Feature Friday- it's all about brows

I'm It's all about the brow, about the brow, about the brow, no trouble...

Whether it's brow extensions, growth serums or makeup, this season is all about eyebrows! 

Eyeshadow applied with a soft round brush to maintain a subtle natural finish. (Makeup by Claire Mulleady) 

I went to a MAC cosmetics masterclass at their Carnaby Street store yesterday. They've recently remodeled their Pro Store and have a private demonstration room upstairs. The Senior makeup artist had just got back from doing the International Fashion Week circuit and was full of ideas, insight and inspiration. 

Each model had very different brows from an Afro-Carribean well defined eyebrow to an Oriental fine eyebrow. There is a way to add definition to suit all styles- pencil, powder, gel, colored brow mascara are just to name a few. 

Even if you use a brow serum such as LiBrow or have extensions to enhance the natural appearance make up is needed to complete the look. MAC's new range has a brilliant array of Colours from fair blonde to red to dark brown. Full eyebrows with a natural finish are trending this season and are a hot topic for next Spring/Summer styles. 

Flip the Switch on Anti-ageing with Overnight Retinol Repair

Dermalogica have launched their best anti-ageing product to date!! The NEW Overnight Retinol Repair contains 0.5% encapsulated retinol so 100% of the retinol is absorbed into the skin reducing fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and uneven skin texture. 

As the skin ages the thick fibrous network that gives young skin its strength and resilience starts to degrade and the production of collagen and elastin starts to decrease.  The skin also starts to have less hydration causing the collagen fibres to become brittle and the skin becomes more delicate and vascular issues are more apparent. With these factors working against the desired youthful complexion it is important to help the skin by using products that promote biological stimulation and ingredients that kick start the skin renewal process. 

The most profound results with this product are between the ages of 50-70 years because there is a differential change in the skin. Those who are in a younger age range still notice better texture and brighter skin as a result of using the Overnight Retinol Repair. 

This customisable retinol therapy comes with a complimentary buffing cream that enables you to adapt the product to suit the client's individual needs. There is a formula to follow to introduce retinol to your skin and to help build its tolerance. 

ORR:BC
Week 1-2 1:3
Week 3-4 2:2
Week 5-6 3:1
Week 7-8 ORR

Changes in texture are noticeable within the first few days, but results are noticeaeable within 15 days of daily use and the skin's appearance continues to improve with the best results after 90 days. The Retinol works at a cellular level, so the skin retains at least 12% of its regeneration once the treatment is complete. For ongoing repair it is important to discuss treatment and product options with your skin therapist. 

Skincare Saturday- 3 tips to healthy hands

Looking after your hands is just as important as your face because they show signs of ageing just as much as the facial, neck & decollete areas. Hands can't be hidden behind makeup or a face lift. Yes you could wear gloves, but it's not practical all year round. Gloves are an important factor in taking care if your hands and should be worn when doing the dishes, cleaning, gardening, and daily during the cold months of autumn and winter. Maria Thorburn, International Senior Instructor for Dermalogica says,

“Don’t forget that whilst driving you can also catch the sun. A great idea is to keep an SPF product in the glove box of your car. You can then apply as needed, especially to the backs of your hands whilst driving.” 

So how can you look after your hands? It's pretty simple really, it just takes a bit if thought and dedication by following these 3 simple steps. 

1. Moisturise- every time you wash your hands apply a hand cream. I keep a hand cream by every sink in the house to help this.  Also reapply as needed throughout the day- keep one in the car, your handbag, and in your desk to help prevent ageing. 

2. Wear Gloves- as mentioned above, wear gloves to protect hands from harsh chemicals and the elements which dry hands out and can accelerate skin ageing. 

3. Wear SPF- apply sunscreen when your hands are exposed to the elements and when driving to help prevent age spots.  

By following these three guidelines your hands will reap the benefits. I have a client in her sixties who even wears gloves for peeling vegetables and her hands look fantastic- no age spots in sight! 

Feature Friday- FMON & charity

We had a very successful second annual Face Map Our Nation event with 12 women having their face mapped in the skin scanner. 

The skin scanner enables clients to see their skin condition, pigmentation and sometimes damage on a deeper level. It helps them to understand how their current regime or lack of affects their skin with a one-to-one consultation and skin analysis.  Each client received a customised product prescription so they could participate in a skin bar session enabling them to try the products that suited their skin type and lifestyle. 

Excellent feedback from those who attended. Thank you for your support! 

Wedding Wednesday- 'correct toes' support for glam shoes

Wedding Wednesday- glam shoes and party feet are essential at weddings. Podiatrist, Helen Seamer recommends 'Correct toes' to keep feet comfortable in heels. This pliable plastic contraption fits between each toe to give support in closed-toe shoes. 

'Align, restore & strengthen your feet' says Helen Seamer, podiatrist at All About Feet. These medical grade toe spacers can help a variety of foot problems especially those with bunions and corns.