The Veggie Beauty Queen

Industry expert, animal lover, veggie and working lecturer/therapist for over 15 years. I have a beauty salon and training school based in Chipping Sodbury, Bristol - along with 3 more training schools in Nottingham, Fife & Reading. I only use products that are Cruelty Free, Chemical Free, Paraben Free - and (where possible) Organic.

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Combat Cellulite This Winter!

Now as the winter approaches and we start to cover up again it is a perfect time to start on your Cellulite programme in order to combat it ready for next Summer!

90% of us develop cellulite.  Different sources will tell you cellulite is different things – some will say it’s just fat, whereas others will tell you it is composed of trapped toxins and excess water underneath the skin.  The truth is that cellulite is a condition that affects the appearance of the skin in areas with underlying fat deposits.  Because in women our fibrous bands tether the skin to certain points of muscles and underlying structures it creates discrete pockets where the fat can store creating a dimpling effect on the surface of the skin, most noticeably on the buttocks and thighs. In most men, this connective tissue is arranged in a diagonal manner, in a smooth and continuous pattern, therefore making the chambers slanted and allowing them to store far less quantities of fat.  Add to this that male skin is thicker, men are far less likely to form cellulite.

So how do we reduce it?  There are some very simple lifestyle changes that can be made in order to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Firstly there are some foods to avoid, or at least reduce the consumption of, as these will contribute to the formation of the cellulite:

·         Sugar

·         Caffeine

·         Wheat

·         Alcohol

·         Salty Foods

·         Processed/Ready Meals

  There are also some simple lifestyle changes that can be made:

  ·         Increase Activity – this doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune joining a gym but go for a walk on an evening, dance around your living room, invest in an exercise DVD.  Anything that increases your heart rate and gets your blood pumping is great!

·         Stop Smoking

·         Be More Aware Of Your Diet & Make Changes – More Fruit & Veg

·         Increase Your Intake Of Water.

  Good Food/Juices For Fighting Cellulite:

  ·         Banana – assists with a healthy circulation.

·         Watermelon – each slice contains at least 1 glass of water, this helps to fight fluid retention and is a good anti-oxidant due to its lycopene and  potassium content.

·         Pineapple – particularly good as it contains Bromaline which aids digestion.

·         Green Tea -  Is an antioxidant that contains theobromine which is known to stimulate the release of stored fat and has been shown to increase the rate at which the body burns calories

·         Avocado - Although high in calories, these fruits are packed with essential fatty acids which improve the health of the skin and circulation.

·         Oranges – As well as being an excellent source of Vitamin C, Oranges also contain methoxylated bioflavinoids which can improve circulation and strengthen capillaries.

·         Brocolli – contains selenium and calcium, both of which help to reduce cellulite.

·         Onion – are a natural diuretic.

·         Asparagus – combats fluid retention and is a rich source of Vitamin C.

      Other Tips & Advice:

·         Massage generally will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite due to the increase in circulation to the area.  Massaging specifically with coconut oil is one of the most effective remedies against the appearance of cellulite. You can also mix the coconut oil with a variety of essential oils such as rosemary, sandalwood, juniper, cedar wood, lavender.

·         Use a body brush prior to having a shower/bath everyday.  This will again increase circulation to the area and aid desquamation (the skins natural exfoliation process) therefore smoothing the surface of the skin.

·         Exfoliation - with a product like the Thea Walnut & Chamomile scrub will not only leave the skin feeling smooth but will also prepare it for any product that you apply after your bath/shower.  Use this product in the shower/bath on damp skin in small circular movements working upwards, encouraging the blood back towards the heart.  If you suffer with particularly dry skin you can apply this product, in the same way, to dry skin prior to getting into the bath/shower.

·         Cellulite creams are not the solution alone but can be very effective when combined with the other changes mentioned earlier.  The Thea Ultimate Toning Cream or the fabulous Vita Liberata Smoother Everyday Anti-Cellulite Treatment.

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Product Of The Week - Thea Age Revival Lifting Face & Neck Serum

So you have got yourself into a regular skincare routine, but now as we change seasons it is a good idea to introduce a serum – and I have the perfect one…….the Thea Age Revival Lifting Face & Neck Serum………..it is quite simply beauty in a bottle!

This rich and luxurious serum not only feeds the skin of essential vitamins and minerals but also firms the face and neck with superficial toning being so active that results will be seen within 20 minutes and last 12 hours. 

It is a divine cocktail of some of nature’s finest anti-ageing ingredients

•DMAE – a highly nutritious B vitamin derivative proven to firm the skin and reduce sagging on the face & neck that also stimulates cell growth.

•MSM – organic sulphur, which is essential to the health of skin cells and helps to significantly repair, replace & strengthen mature skin, reducing wrinkles, spider veins and brown spots.

•Organic Aloe Juice – which attracts & seals in moisture, encourages new skin cells to grow & enhances circulation.

•Meadowfoam Seed Oil - adds moisture to the skin and locks in moisture, whilst reducing wrinkles and fine lines.

•Blue Green Algae – contains a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and nutrients to feed the skin.  This ingredient will actively re-texture, repair & detoxify the skin.

•Black Willowbark - soothing anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial which reduces  puffiness and rebalances the skin.

•Rosemary – a powerful antioxidant that improves circulation & eases fluid retention.

•Neem Oil – an antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-parasitic and very hydrating ingredient.

•Vitamin E – one of the best natural anti-ageing vitamins known to man.  Vitamin E protects, repairs and feeds mature skin and has a naturally occurring SPF of 6.

  For best results use this product day and night in an upwards, circular motion from the base of the neck up to the hairline.  Use it daily until it is finished, underneath your daytime and night time moisturiser.  Because the molecules of a serum are much smaller than that of a moisturiser it will travel much deeper into the skin where the cells are renewing making it more effective.  With that in mind whatever product you put over the top of it will also travel deeper as a result as the serum will carry it.  You can also use your serum underneath your weekly face mask to intensify the effect of the active ingredients of the mask – but remember to exfoliate first.

If you want to achieve a dewy, youthful and beautiful complexion this is the product for you and at just £40 it’s an absolute bargain!

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World Reflexology Week - Don't Miss It!

The 22nd-29th September is World Reflexology Week!

Reflexology is the wonderful art of applying pressure to points on the feet or hands that correspond with all other parts of the body. It is believed that as a treatment Reflexology creates balance, healing and relaxation and not only treats the body but also the mind and the spirit.

Forms of applying pressure to the feet has been used for thousands of years, with evidence of ancient reflexology in Egypt, Japan and China.  It wasn’t until the 19th Century that the concept of Reflexology began to emerge in the western world in the form of Zone Therapy, studied by Dr William H Fitzgerald, an eye, ear and nose specialist from Connecticut.  Dr Fitzgerald devised the first zone map of the feet but it is Eunice Ingham, a physiotherapist, who is credited with developing a system of reflex areas by 1938. Ingham devised a chart based on the belief that the feet and hands mirror the body and that each area corresponds with all of the organs, systems and glands (as pictured below).  The left foot and hand represent the left side of the body and the right hand and foot represent the right. 

  But how does reflexology work I hear you ask?

Reflexology works as the pressure techniques applied to the feet or hands interact with a part of the body's nervous system.  As a Reflexologist we may feel crystal deposits on the feet and hands which could indicate areas of sluggish energy flow, as the client you may feel slight tenderness.   During the treatment such areas would be worked a little more with the intention to break down the deposits and restore energy flow thus enabling the body to get rid of toxic waste products and heal itself. 

Who benefits from Reflexology?

Reflexology can benefit everyone, as it has the following benefits:

•             Relaxation

•             Calm

•             Peaceful State Of Mind

•             Reduce Pain – due to the release of endorphins.

•             Increase Circulation – which in turn will increase the oxygen and nutrients around the body.

•             Relieve Stress and Tension

•             Stimulate Lymph - which will aid the removal of waste and toxins.

•             Fight Infection

•             Restore Homeostasis

But does it actually work?

Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways. A survey of 170 reflexology studies from 21 countries shows that reflexology is effective, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns. 

So why not give it a try!  To celebrate World Reflexology Week All About Mi are offering HALF PRICE Reflexology sessions during September.

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One For The Boys

Today’s blog is especially for the boys, and the focus is the Thea Organic Rich Hair & Body Wash (which to be honest I have been known to use myself!).  This wash is neutrally packaged and has a subtle fragrance to It, achieved by the combination of ingredients, that is not at all girly.

This fabulous wash is packed with nutrients and vitamins which feed, soothe and energise the skin whilst cleaning the hair and adding a lustrous shine……….and contains absolutely no chemicals, parabens, sulphates or any other yucky stuff!  However it does contain a cocktail of natural and organic ingredients:

• Organic Aloe Juice – to attract & seal in moisture, encourage new skin cells to grow & enhance circulation.

• Jojoba & Rosehip Oils – these deeply nutritious oils will moisturise & hydrate.

• Organic Lavender & Roman Chamomile Distillates – cleanse, calm, repair & hydrate.

• Wheat Proteins – these are rich in essential nutrients and are soothing, regenerating and invigorating.

• Ylang Ylang, Patchouli, Cedarwood, Rosewood, Chamomile and Organic Lavender Essential Oils –these essential oils are relaxing, calming and soothing with a wonderful earthy, woody aroma.

• Vitamins B5 & E – these are the very best in men’s skin care vitamins. They protect, repair & feed the skin with a naturally occurring SPF of 6 (this however will not protect you just because you have washed in it, but if you have a moisturiser with Vitamin E in it will provide you with some protection – although it is recommended you still use a sun cream on top).

This wash would be used in the same way as you would use any other shower/bath product, because it can also be used as a shampoo it makes a great product to keep in your gym bag…..give it a go it’s only £13!

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Meditation

How many of you, when you saw the title Meditation instantly thought – boring, bare foot, religion and hippies??  Shame on you!

Meditation is a powerful tool for healing the body, mind and spirit and allowing you to achieve a state of calm in this very busy world we live in today.  Having said that, it is not something that comes naturally to all – myself included!  I am described by my husband as having 2 speeds – stop and go!  So for me to sit still, breathe deeply and use visualisation techniques to create a state of calm is not something that ever came naturally to me – I almost felt guilty because I wasn’t actually doing anything, or at least nothing measurable.  However, meditation can play a very important part in our daily lives and is invaluable for our overall health and well being.

Life is getting more demanding, there is less time yet more to do, there are more worries with work, money etc so it is no surprise that those suffering with anxiety and depression is on the rise in the UK, with the UK alone having the highest rate of depression in teenagers in Europe. These are frightening statistics and being typically British we don’t talk about these things but meditation can be a great relief to sufferers as it helps to balance our emotions, create harmony, sharpens our mind and our ability for more positive thinking.

The specific definition of Meditation is variable and can be quite spiritual and religious – which meditation does not have to be, if you are not that way inclined.  I always think of meditation as a period of time when all of your thoughts and attention are entirely upon you, in the here and now.  You block out your surroundings, your thoughts and any noise and just switch off from the world. A time of conscious relaxation.

I find meditation much easier when I have some relaxing music on in the back ground – but you don’t need to worry about sitting with your legs crossed looking like a pretzel!  Just sit, or lie however you are comfortable, focus on your breathing taking deep breaths in and slow breaths out ensuring you release all the air from the body.  If you can visualise then please do and focus on something that is relaxing for you – maybe the sea, a rainbow, a waterfall, a forest etc.  If you can’t visualise don’t worry, it will come eventually – just focus on your breathing, the most important thing is that you can clear your mind of clutter and thoughts, eliminate everything from your thoughts to allow for a fresh approach and clearer thinking.  Try and set aside time to do this every day – even if it is just for half an hour, and if you can, do it at the same time every day so as it starts to become part of your everyday routine.  If you really struggle with sitting quietly read a book for half an hour with the same principles in place – deep breathing, all distractions and noise turned off (phone, laptop etc).  This will still give you some time for you and allow for you to escape and relax.

Meditation will be a unique experience for everyone who partakes in it, there is no right or wrong way of doing it, it is just however you feel comfortable.  During and after the meditation some people may just feel a sense of calm, others may feel tired and sleepy and some may become tearful due to the release of emotions.  Any of these outcomes are fine and are positive as the process of clearing your mind of negative and oppressive thoughts are being released to allow for clearer, more positive thinking. 

We are what we think, and I know that may sound a bit ‘way out’ but it really is true.  When you think positively you attract good and positive things into your life, however positive thoughts are not always the first thoughts in our mind as fear gets in the way and we automatically think of the outcome we don’t want.  Because we spend our time fearing and focusing (however unintentionally) on what we don’t want – that very thought becomes the outcome.  By meditating and focusing on the positives and what we really want in life our thoughts will become our reality.  Give it a try, you will be surprised of the large changes in your life by carrying out such a small technique.

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To Wax Or Not To Wax......That Is The Question.

Waxing is a very beneficial routine to get into but it can be hard work to begin with. 

When you go from shaving to waxing the first problem you encounter is that you have to leave your hairs to grow a bit, this can be quite uncomfortable as you will feel a bit bristly (not to mention un-feminine!).   Then once you have reached a suitable length to wax – usually about 3-5mm you can have them waxed leaving you fuzz free!  Great……..But……….a few days after your wax you can feel bristly bits again and at this point most people give up.

But why do you feel stubble?  I mean you have been waxed after all.

The problem is each hair is in a different stage of hair growth and at the time of waxing that hair that you can now feel as bristle had not grown above the surface of the skin in order for it to be waxed.  It will also still feel bristly because when it is shaved a hair is just cut producing a blunt end, when it is waxed it is removed by the root so when it grow back it will have a soft tapered end.  To achieve this you will need to be waxed a few times so as over a period of waxing you will have waxed each hair from each follicle, so each of them will now be growing back with tapered ends….but you will need to persevere over 3 or 4 treatments to get to this stage, which is why the winter months are a good time to start.

Once you are in a routine you are likely to have your waxing treatment every 3-4 weeks meaning you don’t have the hassle of shaving EVERY DAY! Plus as time goes on the hairs will reduce and grow back at a slower speed – with some giving up altogether.

So make this Autumn/Winter the season that you get to grips with waxing – you will thank me for it I promise!

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Glorious Grapefruit!

When you are wandering around the fruit and veg department of the local supermarket do you ever give the humble grapefruit a second glance?  Are you put off by its bitter taste?  Or perhaps you have never even tried it before?

The glorious grapefruit is one of the few fruits that is as effective in its juice form as it is as a whole fruit……and the effects it can produce are amazing!

Grapefruit is:

·         Rich in Vitamin C – like all citrus fruits grapefruit is rich in vitamin which is necessary for collagen stimulation and production.

·         Full of unique Phytochemicals (bioflavonoids) which promote skin health.

·         Bursting with Anti-Oxidants that will protect the skin against harmful free radicals.

·         Able to reduce cellulite due to the removal of toxins and breakdown of fatty tissue.

·         Rich in Lycopene – this amazing Cancer fighting chemical ingredient also reduces the effects of free radicals………Tomatoes are also rich in Lycopene.

·         Able to alleviate inflammation and redness of the skin and is very good at reducing the symptoms of Psoriasis.

·         Full of Naringin – this ingredient reduces toxins in the liver, which in turn will result in a healthier appearance to the skin.

·         Protective – it is claimed that 3 glasses of grapefruit juice a day will protect you against colon and lung cancer.

·         Able to aid the reduction of Acne as it increases the pH of the skin.

Give it a go!  If you can’t stand the bitterness of eating the fruit, and if I am honest I find it a bit sharp, introduce a glass of grapefruit juice with one of your meals and benefit from the effects J.

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Vitamin E & The Skin

As one of the most beneficial, and natural, skin care ingredients known to man Vitamin E creams, or creams with a large percentage of Vitamin E (combined with other active ingredients) in are essential in the fight against ageing, amongst other things.

For Ageing:

Vitamin E is a vital antioxidant and is essential in protecting skin cells from UV rays, pollution, and other elements that produce cell damaging free radicals. Anti-oxidants fight free radicals which play a prominent role in causing ageing, therefore the use of Vitamin E helps to protect the skin from such free radicals maintaining a youthful complexion.

For Sun Protection and Sun Burn Treatment :

Vitamin E protects the top layer of skin, the Epidermis, from early stages of UV damage. Vitamin E is also a natural protector against UV, but only offers a minimal protection of around SPF 6. However when Vitamin E is added to a sun cream it will increase its effectiveness.

For The Treatment of Skin Diseases

When applied topically Vitamin E is great for conditions such as  Psoriasis, Eczema etc.  However, you can also take Vitamin E orally and this will aid any erythema (skin reddening) and inflammation.

For The Treatment of Scars

It is claimed that Vitamin E is beneficial in the prevention of scarring in cases such as Acne, surgery, burns etc.

For Skin Cancer Benefits of Vitamin E

One of the most important benefits of Vitamin E is the prevention of skin cancer. This occurs because of its sun protection quality and of course its powerful antioxidant properties, which help reduce or prevent sun damage.

And as if all of that was not enough Vitamin E has many other benefits:

·         Prevent the appearance of age spots

·         Reduce the appearance of stretch marks

·         Maintain the skin’s oil balance during the cleansing process

·         Reduce water loss from skin and strengthens the skin’s barrier function

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Do You Have To Spend A Fortune On Skin Care For It To Work?

Let’s face it skincare products can vary dramatically in price from just a few pounds to quite literally hundreds of pounds, so is it a case of the more money you spend the better the product? 

In some respects yes. But ultimately what you are paying for is the science behind it, the research and the quality of ingredient – which will ultimately be over shadowed by the chemicals it will then be pumped with to preserve it.

There are many premium brands who also manufacture cheaper alternatives, where although the science behind it is exactly the same the quality of the product and ingredients used to make that product are very different and not of the same standard making the higher priced product a better buy, better quality and more effective.  However, this is based on the purchase of non-organic products.  If you are buying non-organic products regardless of what you spend on the products of your choice they will be so pumped full of water, chemicals and preservatives that you don’t get the true active ingredient so you had just as well buy the cheaper version for all the effect it is going to have.

However, if you are buying Organic or Natural products you don’t need to spend a fortune you just need to be savvy when reading the labels and ingredients.  Sadly a lot of products are packaged very cleverly, some would say misleading, to look natural and make you believe they are a natural product.  This is not always the case so you need to check the ingredients to make sure there are no parabens or sulphates in the product as these are chemicals that will mask the active ingredients and are not natural.  A good Organic product will simply have listed a hand full of ingredients (none of which are chemicals) and will specify the percentage of Organic ingredient within it.  These products will be far more effective both when it comes to cost and the result you will achieve on your skin.

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Retinol - What Is It??

You often hear about Retinol as it is commonly used as a key ingredient in anti-ageing products but what is it and is it any good?

Retinol is the animal form of Vitamin A and is derived from animal sources such as dairy products and eggs, it is fat soluble and highly active in the fight against ageing and acne.  For acne Retinol - an antioxidant - is said to help neutralize substances called free radicals that can destroy skin cells. It is believed that neutralizing free radicals "calms" the skin, decreasing stress factors that may produce acne.

In the case of ageing, Retinol increases cell production and stimulates the production of collagen which will help to plump the skin and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

But is it good for you?  I have issues with Retinol due to its animal connection and also the fact that it can cause a lot of skin sensitivity.  Retinol can cause reactions, redness, dryness and flaking - this can occur even if you aren’t allergic to Retinol.  It will occur because Retinol increases the turnover of skin cells, due to this speed of cell renewal cells will accumulate on the surface of the skin making it flaky and dry.  The skin will also be very sensitive to UV rays, this is because the cells on the surface of the skin are much younger due to the faster cell renewal making them much more vulnerable to sun damage – with this in mind it is essential that you use a high SPF over the top to protect the skin.

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Maintaining Your Summer Glow!

So, you have returned from your Summer holiday, you have a lovely tan and now you need to maintain it for as long as possible.

When we tan our tan develops in the lower layers of the Epidermis (top layer of the skin), the best way to intensify and prolong the appearance of your tan is to exfoliate!  I have had a lot of people over the years who have said to me, when I have been exfoliating them during a treatment, oh you are taking my tan off now……when in truth what I am doing is strengthening the appearance of the tan. 

By exfoliating you remove the top, dead layers of the epidermis, in doing so you help to speed up cellular renewal and in turn display a much deeper tan.  As well as exfoliating the skin needs hydration and moisturisation, this in part is because it will have become dehydrated due to exposure to the sun and the cells will need more hydration in order to maintain their function and prevent premature ageing that is often caused by sun exposure.  Moisturisation of the skin will also improve the overall appearance of the tan and give it more of a glow.

Exfoliate every other day and moisturise daily in order to optimise your tan and make it last well into the autumn J

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Digestive Detox

Constipation…..that got your attention didn’t it.  Constipation is a very uncomfortable and common condition particularly experienced by women.  I get a lot of ladies in suffering with IBS, constipation and general tummy complaints all of which can be quite distressing.  Thankfully at All About Mi I have a wonderfully relaxing treatment that can help, it is Digestive Detox.

 This revolutionary new treatment is based on an ancient Javanese tradition and cleansing ritual, it combines a full body exfoliation in order to stimulate the circulatory system and cell renewal, with a deep, cleansing colon massage and a rejuvenating navel candling technique. 

The benefits of the colon massage and navel candle are:

·         To stimulate the lymphatic system.

·         Improve menstrual cramps.

·         Remove toxins and impurities.

·         Alleviate the symptoms of IBS.

·         Aid constipation.

·         Reduce bloating.

·         Improve digestion.

·         Relieve aches and pains.

This 1 hour treatment begins with a full body exfoliation followed by a 30 minute massage of the abdomen, using a mixture of essential oils including lime, ginger and eucalyptus, the massage works systematically on the large intestine and small intestine following the path that waste would take in order to move it along and relieve any blockages.  This procedure is then completed with the navel candle, which creates a warming sensation that relaxes and relieves tension and a full body application of a detoxifying body cream.

If you have a specific concern a course of treatment may well be recommended, but I would highly recommend trying this treatment and experiencing it for yourself.  There are some cases in which treatment cannot take place – please seek advice from your therapist before the treatment commences.

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Stone Therapy

Our lives are getting busier, we have more commitments, more “to do”  lists and less time “to do” it all in.  We are working longer hours and most of us are not getting the time we need to relax.  One of the best forms of relaxation, in my opinion, is Hot Stone Massage.

The therapeutic use of hot and cold stones has been used for thousands of years in many cultures for health, well being, healing or to ward off bad spirits.  More recently, stones have been used in the beauty and spa industry within luxury massage, manicures, pedicures and facials.

The stones we use in therapy today are basalt stones.  These stones are volcanic rock that, over the years, have been worn smooth by weather, rivers etc.  When used hot, the stones are heated in water and used within the therapists hands during the massage to massage with.  Due to their smooth texture it is hard to tell that you are being massaged with a stone but you are aware of the heat created by them.  One movement with a stone is the equivalent to 8-10 movements of a standard massage using just the therapist’s hands so it is a much deeper massage.  The heat penetrates into the muscle tissue allowing quicker relaxation, easing muscle tension and increasing the blood circulation. The deep relaxation and the increase in circulation not only accelerates any healing process but also creates a state of deep mental relaxation.

Cold stones can be used in treatments, sometimes alone during refreshing facials and  pedicures, for example, or they are  often used alternately to hot stones during body massage.  Cold stones have a decongesting effect so particularly good in facials if someone suffers with puffiness and dark circles, or for those who suffer with their sinuses.

As well as relaxation, stone massage has many other benefits including:

Hot Stones:

·         Improved Circulation – this improved circulation will bring more blood flow to the tissues and organs bringing nutrients and oxygen to all areas of the body.

·         Increase In Lymphatic Drainage – this will aid the removal of waste and toxins.

·         Reduce Muscle Tension

·         Relieve Aches & Pains

·         Create A Feeling Of Well Being

·         Emotionally Balancing

·         Reduce Stress & Anxiety

Cold Stones:

·         Relieve Congestion

·         Soothe Inflammation Of Muscles & Joints

·         Reduce High Blood Pressure

·         Improve Circulation

·         Refreshing

·         Provide A Cooling Effect During Hot Flushes

·         Refreshing

·         Stimulate The Mind

As with all beauty treatments, hot stone massage may not be suitable for everyone and some medical conditions may prevent the treatment from taking place.  A full consultation will be carried out by your therapist prior to treatment to ensure it is safe to proceed with the treatment.

After the treatment, to get maximum benefit from it, I would suggest that for the following 24 hours you drink lots of water, avoid any stimulants – tea, coffee, caffeine generally, alcohol, nicotine, avoid strenuous exercise, keep the rest of your day free to rest, relax and allow your body to heal.

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Brow Treatments - A New Phenomena Or A Repackaging Of Old Tricks?

Eyebrows have become big business and had a big boost of late, largely due to the celebrity culture.  HD Brows is a precise procedure that transforms any, and I mean any, eyebrows into their perfect shape dramatically enhancing your facial features with fantastic results!

The treatment consists of 7 stages – claimed to be “eyebrow artistry”

Stage 1 - To begin your therapist will assess your colouring and face shape to determine the best result for you.  You may only need 1 treatment to achieve your perfect shape, or if your eyebrow need a little work you may need several treatments.

Stage 2 – Tint – The treatment begins with your eyebrows being tinted.

Stage 3 – Wax – Both above and blow the current shape.

Stage 4 – Threading – To perfect the shape.

Stage 5 – Tweezing – To fine tune the shape.

Stage 6 – Aftercare – Some clients may still need to fill in any gaps with powder or pencil.

Stage 7 – Brow Beater - This is applied to set the shape.

For best results it is advised that you leave your eyebrows “to grow” so to speak so as there is plenty to work with. A patch test is required before hand but all will be explained and advised by your salon of choice.  The treatment needs to be repeated every 4-6 weeks and costs around £35-£45 a session.

However, isn’t this just a repackage of a standard eyebrow shape and tint?  Well some may say so.  It is a little more intricate and does take skill due to the shaping threading etc but if you get a well experienced, good beauty therapist fantastic results can be achieved with an eyebrow shape and tint for little more than £15.  Again, this would need to be repeated every 4-6 weeks. 

  My best advice would be to speak to your usual therapist or a salon you trust and make your decision from there.

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Eco Aware Beauty Business

When I started my business I made a conscious decision that all of the products I would use within my treatments would be:

·         Cruelty Free

·         Chemical Free

·         Paraben Free

·         Organic (where possible)

There were many reasons for this, as a vegetarian and animal lover it would be impossible for me to use anything that had been tested on an animal.  This is much easier now with the recent change in the animal testing laws, although with animal testing being a legal requirement in China it is worth checking the brand you use policy on animal testing worldwide and not just in Europe.

As a responsible therapist it was key for me to offer organic, or at the very least paraben and chemical free, products as I wanted to offer products that were as natural as possible.  There were many reasons for this, for many years Parabens have been used within cosmetics as a preservative, mainly because they are not as expensive as natural preservatives and are considered to be more efficient.  They are primarily used because they have a bacterial and fungicidal effect, and of course because they prolong the shelf life of products such as moisturisers, shampoos, conditioners, make up etc etc. They are Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Butylparaben and Propylparaben, and are usually listed together – the higher in the order of ingredients they are listed the greater the level of that ingredient.

However, in recent years Parabens have been linked with controversy as there have been traces of Parabens found in Breast Cancer Tumors.  Average levels of 20 nanograms of Parabens have been detected in small sample of 20 breast cancer tumors.  Parabens have also displayed the ability to mimic Oestrogen – a hormone that is known to play a role in the development, growth and progression of Breast Cancer, it is also become an increasing concern that due to the Parabens ability to mimic Oestrogen this may become a factor in contributing to early puberty in girls.  Although there has been no direct link between Parabens and Cancer some scientists have concluded that the presence of Parabens may be associated with the occurrence of Breast Cancer, either way  it is enough to make you think.

Organic products are more readily available than they were 5 years ago and they are extremely effective.  There was a time when organic beauty products were disregarded as it was assumed that the shelf life wouldn’t be very long and that the products themselves wouldn’t be very effective.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body accounting for 16% of our total body weight and covering surface area of 2 square meters; it provides us with protection and needs to be looked after.  60% of the chemicals within skincare, that are applied to our skin, enter the blood stream and typically there are more than 200 harmful chemicals within the products you are using (collectively) on your skin each day.  So 120 of those harmful chemicals are reaching your blood stream.  Staggering isn’t it?

Organic skincare, much like organic food, contains ingredients that are naturally grown without the addition of any pesticides, preservatives, paraben or other man-made chemicals.  So if you were to act upon this and choose an organic range of products you could remove all of these harmful toxins from being exposed to the body – but would your skincare still be as effective and give you the desired results?  Absolutely!

Preservatives, parabens and pesticides within our daily skincare products create a situation whereby our skin has to fight against itself to battle with the pesticides therefore hindering the skin as opposed to helping it.  Research has also concluded that Parabens are associated with the occurrence of Breast Cancer (as discussed earlier).

By eliminating the preservatives and going organic you will by no means be eliminating the effectiveness of the product.   Many natural ingredients can have profound effects on our skin to heal, moisturise, rehydrate, calm etc .  Look at ingredients such as Aloe Vera which are fantastic for sensitive skins or anyone who is experiencing any irritation as it is so soothing and calming, Grapeseed is good for the skin due to its ability to retain the firmness in the skin and preserve the collagen and elastin, Tea Tree is a natural anti-bacterial/germicidal ingredient that is brilliant for acne prone and spotty skin, Argan Oil has the ability to lock moisture into the skin and rehydrate…..the list is endless.

However, you must be sure to research the products thoroughly as unfortunately there are currently no laws to guarantee that any beauty product labelled as organic actually is organic, most, good quality products will have a minimum of around 70% organic ingredient but be sure to check the ingredients and what else is included as just because it is organic it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be paraben free - for example as it may just contain Organic Lavender for example.  The best thing to do is look for the Soil Association logo (or similar bodies) that way you know it has been inspected, tested it and researched that the ingredients are organic.

[marie-louisecoster]

Night Creams - Essential Or Not?

Night cream is a product that a lot of people don’t see as an essential, and more of a luxurious expense that they can live without.  So why do you need a night cream?  And why can’t you just use your daily moisturiser at night?

These are reasonable questions, so allow me to explain why you do need a separate night cream…..

Ultimately your day cream is there to provide a base for make-up and to provide protection.  Although our skin has a natural protective layer called the Hydrolipidic Film, this can be destroyed by incorrect product and external aggressions. 

During the day we are exposed to many external aggressions such as the sun, wind, rain, central heating, air conditioning etc.  These have a great effect upon the Hydrolipidic Film and its ability to protect and maintain moisture levels of the skin, therefore our daytime moisturiser backs up the skins natural protection against these aggressions. 

But these aggressions are factors that are not a concern at night as we are not subjected to things such as UV rays, wind etc.  so to use your day cream at night is just a waste of product  really.  Also, because during the day our moisturiser is busy fighting these external aggressions and free radicals and generally protecting the skin it isn’t feeding and replenishing the skin in the same way that your night cream can.

Essentially your night cream is applied to replenish the skin of lost moisture and vitamins that has occurred during the day, to feed the skin with nutrients and active ingredients and improve the overall health of the skin cells.  Your night cream will be more effective at this because it hasn’t got to fight any external aggressions and therefore will achieve great results in the fight against anti-ageing and other skin care concerns such as dryness.

So as you can see it does a very different job to your day cream and is as essential J

[marie-louisecoster]

Skincare Regime's - What's Your Like??

It may sometimes seem that extra products outside of the realm of Cleanser, Toner & Moisturiser are not necessary and just a way that your therapist, or the sales assistant in the department store are going to meet targets or make extra money.  Believe me this is not the case, I am sure there are some people out there who will sell to meet targets and not to provide you with the results you need but a good skincare regime will include the following:

·         Eye Make Up Remover

·         Cleanser

·         Toner

·         Moisturiser

·         Eye Cream

·         Night Time Moisturiser

·         Exfoliator

·         Mask

To this you could add serums, neck cream, lip cream etc. but the essentials are on the list above.  Don’t be overwhelmed, get yourself into a routine first of cleansing, toning and moisturising do this day and night and when you get used to that start adding extra products – begin  by extending your night time regime.  Add an eye make-up remover at night to cleanse the delicate eye area, strengthen the eye lashes and prevent ageing, follow this with your cleanser (you may want to do this twice if you have had make-up on), toner and then introduce your night cream to replenish the skin.

Once you get yourself into this routine, which I assure you will take 5 minutes in the morning and a maximum of 8 minutes at night, you can start adding extra’s such as an eye cream day and night – use this after cleansing and toning, but before your face cream, and then add an exfoliator and mask. 

Your exfoliator and mask only need to be used a maximum of twice a week – and ALWAYS TOGETHER.  Turn it into a bit of a pampering session for yourself, a treat at the end of a busy working week.  I would suggest doing this within your evening routine as you will probably have a bit more time than you do on a morning, and you won’t be putting any make up on after so the skin will benefit more from the intense cleanse and active ingredients of the mask. 

You would slot your exfoliator and mask into your routine after toning.  Once you have exfoliated apply your mask and leave it on for at least 10 minutes and once removed complete your routine with your eye cream and night cream.

Don’t think of your skincare routine as a chore, enjoy it after all you only have one skin and no-one wants to look older than they are!