Chateau Haut Smith Lafitte

Do you know what this and skin care have in common? Lot’s actually! The Skincare range, Caudalie, is made at the vineyards of Chateau Haut Smith Lafitte – outside of Toulouse, in Southwestern France! I know! That’s so cool! Wine is good for you – so why wouldn’t the bi-products from the vines, seeds, and grapes be good for your skin? Well, it turns out, they are! Grape seeds are high in the anti-oxidants Vitamins A,C,& E. The skins of red grapes also contain Resveratrol, a phytoalexin (plants’ versions of antibodies) that has anti-aging benefits (so far only tested on non-human subjects).  Resveratrol is in all of their Silver anti-aging line.  Since 2006, the entire line has been paraben free – so its great for you organic gurus too!

Say you came in to see me at the salon – you told me your skin type was oily, perhaps prone to acne but still concerned about anti-aging? What would I recommend for you to use in the Caudalie line? Well – this is what I’d tell you! Cleanse your face with the Foaming Cleanser - which smells great and takes off eye makeup.  Then, you get your treatment and moisture all in one step. Use the Vinopure Mattifying Fluid as your moisturizer and mix in a couple drops of the Purifying Concentrate and a couple drops of the Vinoperfect along with one or both of your toners (Beauty Elixir – or Grape Water).  Their Contour eye-cream is fabulous for puffiness, redness, and dark circles! Once a week you could use the Gentle Buffing Cream to exfoliate and the Vinopure Mask (don’t sleep in – leave on for ONLY 20 minutes) to extract clogged pores! Your skin would be GORGEOUS in no time!

The Vinoperfect is their superstar product.  It’s anti-aging, because of the resveratrol.  It also helps to correct sun-damage because of the vitamin C.  You can add a couple drops of the serum to any moisturizer. You will totally see a difference in tone, firmness, and resilience of your skin. You NEED this.

 
The Caudalie body products are great – they have three scrubs that come in cute little jars – one for every taste. The Cabernet scrub is crushed grape seeds and is a great pre self-tan exfoliant. The Merlot Scrub is a sugar scrub, if that tickles your fancy. The Sauvignon scrub has tiny micro-nylon beads so its gentle enough to use on face and body! It’s the same beads as the Buffing Cream for the face! Not to mention their yummy-scented shower gels, heavenly and addictive lip balm, and the great Gentle Cleanser (for dryer skins) and the Cleansing Water (waterless cleanser/eye makeup remover).

If you’ve not experienced this wonderful range of products or tired one of our fabulaous Caudalie treatments then don’t  please take a look at the treatment menu.  Just follow the link below and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Caudalie Personal Skin Care treatments.

We’re here to help and thank you for reading!

Wendy x

Source: Caudalie, Wendy, Meg

Besides having facial hair, there are structural differences between a man’s skin and a woman’s. Androgen (testosterone) stimulation causes an increase in skin thickness, which accounts for why a man’s skin is about 25% thicker than a woman’s. In addition to being thicker, a man’s skin texture is tougher.

Sebum (oil) and its production also differ. After puberty, sebum production is greater in males than females, which is attributed to androgen secretions and accounts for why men have longer lasting acne.

Regardless of age, men also have a higher collagen density than women. Because collagen content is directly related to the signs of skin aging, it has been said a woman’s skin is about 15 years older than a man’s of the same age. However, men are less sun savvy than women, meaning they don’t use sunscreens, and could contribute to why the “15 year” skin age difference is not readily noticed. UV damage from the sun can add years to a man’s skin and negate the benefit of slowed intrinsic aging.

All our range of Skin Care treatments can be tailored to suit mens skin. There are a few differences but each consultation will tailor the  facial to their specific skin type needs.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you wish to discuss your own or your partners skin care needs.

Home care products for men and women:

Multi-ative Toner

An ultra-light facial spritz that refreshes and hydrates the skin while smoothing the surface. Helps condition skin to prepare for proper moisture absorption. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Intensive Moisture Balance

An ultra-rich phytonutrient moisturizer designed to combat dry skin and reduce the signs of premature aging. Contains no artificial fragrance or color.

Thank you for reading.

Wendy x

Source: Wendy O’Hare – Dermalogica

1. Precleance

• Apply half a teaspoon of PreCleanse to dry hands
• Massage over the face and eyes.
• Wet hands and massage the face again.
• Remove product with a warm steam towel or clean face cloth.

2. Cleanse

• Apply a pea-sized amount of Cleanser to wet hands.
• Work product all over the face for around 30 seconds.
• Remove product with a warm steam towel or clean face cloth.

3. Exfoliate

• Grab some Daily Microfoliant pour about half a teaspoon into the palm of your hand.
• Add some water.
• Make a smooth paste then apply all over your face.
• Massage gently to 30 seconds.
• Remove product with a warm steam towel or clean face cloth.

4. Hydrate

Spritz tone with Multi-Active Toner over the face and neck to hydrate skin – keep your eyes closed.

(Tip: your skin should be damp for the next step)

5. Protect

Mix together your moisturiser and Solar Defence Booster SPF30 and apply to your face and neck. (Only add this in the morning)

Use light upward strokes and don’t forget behind your ears.

Minimum fuss with maximum results… and your skin looks great!

If you are having problems and struggling with your sleep , Central Otago New Zealand cherries could be just the bedtime remedy, say researchers.

They say Cherries grown in sun-rich Central Otago are a natural source of melatonin with levels 30 times higher than their northern hemisphere counterparts.

Melatonin in humans, is produced by the pineal gland and is a hormone that aids sleep.

Thank you for reading!

Wendy x

Sugar isn’t so Sweet!

Sugar makes you put on weight. In fact, it converts to fat quicker than fat itself: sugary foods raise your insulin levels, which cause fat storage.  Studies show that 40% of the sugar we eat is converted straight to fat, and that’s in a relatively healthy weight individual. If you’re already overweight, up to 60% is converted straight to fat and stored around your stomach, waist and hips – meaning 60% of that cupcake is heading straight for your tummy.  Put simply – if you eat sugar everyday, you’ll always find it a struggle to lose weight and you’ll never have a flat tummy.

Sugar also makes you more wrinkled.  Your skin is supported by something called collagen – this is a protein found in the connective tissue of the skin.  It’s like a mattress that keeps the skin plump, bouncy and firm to the touch and looking young.  Over time, however, collagen breaks down causing a sagging, wrinkled appearance, and sugar ultimately speeds up the breakdown.  So that cupcake won’t just add inches to your waistline – it will add wrinkles and years to your face too.

Sugar also leaches vitamins from your body, and a body starved of vitamins becomes hungry.  That’s why overweight people can be hungry al the time – they simply don’t eat enough vitamin-rich food and are actually malnourished.  Sugar will never satisfy you or fill you up.  Plus, sugar also makes you tired, lowers libido and weakens the immune system.

So why do we love sugar so much? Sugar is physically and emotionally addictive.  It’s physically addictive because it has the same effect on the brain as pain-killing medication, such as morphine, producing an almost instant feeling of pleasure and satisfaction and giving you an energy hit.  But this energy is all too fleeting – sugar raises your blood-sugar levels too quickly, causing then to crash, and leaving you exhausted.

It’s emotionally addictive too.  Most sugar fans grew up viewing it as a treat or a reward, just like I did in the form of birthday cakes or a bag of sweets.  And now, as an adult it can still be seen that way!  Sugar has always been associated with making us feel better.

As the Mary Poppins lyrics go:

“A Spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
The medicine go down-wown
The medicine go down
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down
In a most delightful way”

We need to look beyond the birthday cake and pink icing and see sugar for what it is – a fattening toxin that makes us all wrinkled, tired and malnourished, while adding a layer of flesh on to your tummy!

Thank you for reading!

Source: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Wendy O’Hare

It’s already a staple on many beauty editors’ bathroom shelves and Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant® is celebrating its 10^th Anniversary.  The rice-based enzyme powder is one of the gentlest, yet most effective, daily exfoliators we’ve found, making dull skin look and feel instantly cleaner and brighter:  But it is so gentle and non-abrasive that it can be used daily without risk of over-exfoliation.

The powder formula activates when in contact with water, creating a soothing, brightening complex that helps to balance uneven skin tone and pigmentation.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – 75g

Dispense about a half-teaspoon of Daily Microfoliant® into very wet hands and create a creamy paste by rubbing hands together. Apply to face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Massage gently for one minute, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with Multi-Active Toner or Soothing Protection Spray and prescribed Dermalogica Moisturiser.

Price: £38.50 click here to purchase this item.

Thank you for reading!

Wendy x

Lets’ face it, every girl desires longer and more beautiful eyelashes. While some girls are born with long eyelashes they like showing off, there are some ladies who aren’t so lucky. However, there are some tips and inexpensive natural products worth using to improve the length of a woman’s eyelashes.

It can be very beneficial to apply olive oil or vitamin E oil to your eyelashes at regular intervals. These natural oils help to strengthen your eyelashes and let them grow longer before they shed. Some woman also like to apply Vaseline for longer eyelashes as it has shown some benefit when it comes to longer lashes. The difference between using Vaseline and the natural oils is that while Vaseline has a tendency to clog pores, vitamin E and olive oil don’t have this problem. Vaseline is usually applied in the evening washed off the following morning. Although it’s fine to use olive oil or vitamin E oil during the day, it will be next to impossible to use it if you plan on applying mascara. It should come as no surprise that diet also plays a very important role in the health and appearance of your eyelashes. The right nourishment and multivitamins go a long way in helping you grow longer eyelashes naturally. You’ll find Biotin is typically recommended for strengthening of hair and nails so it stands to reason that it will benefit your eyelashes as well. Always talk to your doctor before taking any supplements or multivitamins on a regular basis, especially if you are taking prescription medication.

When you wear makeup, try to avoid letting your mascara dry out on your eyelashes as this can end up breaking your lashes. To help prevent your eyelashes from drying out, it’s helpful to use an eyelash conditioner like Ultracil before you apply your mascara. Many women have claimed to get longer eyelashes after trimming them however this is considered mostly myth. If you do decide to trim your lashes, proceed with caution or leave it to a professional. If you do it incorrectly, you’ll be stuck with your mistake and be waiting a long time for your lashes to return to their normal length. And when it comes to eyelash curlers, try to be very gentle. Many older metal clamp style curlers have a tendency to pull and break your eyelashes which is obviously something you want to avoid. One of the new heated eyelash curlers would be a better option.

These more modern curlers such as eyecurl use a small heating coil to assist in curling your lashes without causing the damage of the older models.  Another benefit of the heated curlers is that you can use them before or after you apply your mascara, something that’s not possible with the clamp type curlers. Try these tips and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to having longer and more beautiful eyelashes without breaking the bank

Thank you for reading.

Wendy x

Source:makeeylashesgrow.net – Wendy O’Hare

Want help to look younger?

It’s incredibly tempting to crack open a bar of Green & Black’s mid-afternoon, but according to CHLOE DOUTRE-ROUSSEL, author of the Chocolate Connoisseur, we should be drinking the stuff instead.  Cocoa Powder is rich in antioxidants and therefore super-anti-ageing.  Try having a cup of cocoa with water instead of milk when you feel your energy levels dropping – but don’t be tempted to add sugar!

Thank you for reading!

Wendy x

Source: Francesca White

Is your current eyelash care routine virtually nonexistent or lacking? While there isn’t much work involved in maintaining good care of your lashes, it’s important to give your lashes the grooming they need. In this article we are going to talk about ways that you can maintain good eyelash health as well as cosmetic ways to get a fuller looking set of lashes.

Why is it that we often apply conditioner and other replenishing treatments to the hair on top of our heads, but we often neglect the needs of our eyelashes? Just like any other hair on our body, our eyelashes sometimes need a boost to remain supple and produce good re-growth volume. Some people recommend using olive oil or almond oil to provide this nourishment. Before bed, dip the end of a q-tip into the oil. Just a dab is needed. Close your eyes and gently apply the oil to your lashes. Use a bit of tissue to wipe off the excess oil. Open your eyes and comb through your lashes with an eyelash comb. If you do this routine about three times a week, you should notice a difference in not only the number of new hairs growing, but also in the flexibility of your lashes. It’s also a good rule to remove all eye makeup before going to bed. Eyelashes need a chance to breathe, and they won’t get that if they are coated in mascara 23 hours a day.

If you are looking for a quick fix, then pay attention! Sometimes, mistakes happen. Maybe you pulled out a few (or a lot!) of your eyelashes by being too vigorous with the lash curler. Or perhaps you simply weren’t gifted with ultra thick or luxuriously long eyelashes. But for whatever reason you might have for wanting to improve the look of your lashes, cosmetics are here to save the day! Your fist option is applying false eyelashes. While this takes a steady hand, it isn’t impossible. The first thing you need to do is practice putting them on! Don’t wait until 10 minutes before you need to be out the door. A quick job could mean the embarrassment of one of your eyelashes falling off during dinner or being applied crooked. Make sure the false lashes are the same length as your eye. It’s okay to trim off the excess lashes. I find it easier to apply the lashes if you put the lash glue on the back of your hand first, then dab the base of the lashes into the glue. This keeps the glue from being too runny when you apply it to your eyelid. Try to get the false lashes as close to the base of your natural lashes and press down on the ends of the lashes (this reduces the likelihood of your lashes sticking to your fingers). Blend your natural and false lashes together using mascara. Curl them gently using an eyelash curler such as eyecurl.

eyecurl heated eyelash curler

Another way that cosmetics can make your eyelashes appear fuller is to apply eyeliner as close to the base of your lashes as possible. This will aid in helping your lashes appear fuller. Apply your mascara as usual. If you want to make them look longer as well, use an eyelash curler after applying your mascara. It is recommended that you use the curler very gently, as pressing too hard can result in cutting your eyelashes.

If you want a longer-lasting remedy and don’t mind spending a few hundred pounds, you can always look into the possibility of an eyelash transplant or professional eyelash extensions such as Hollywood Lashes. Whatever cosmetics you apply throughout the day to improve the overall look of your eyelashes, remember that it’s only a quick fix. For genuinely healthier eyelashes, you must commit to a routine of gently removing all eye makeup before bed and applying some sort of nourishing treatment a few times each week.

For more information on professional ‘Hollywood Lashes’ extensions click here.

To buy eyecurl click here.

Thank you for reading.

Wendy x