Beauty boosters to beat the blues

05/11/2012 @ 11:23

Our beauty guru Sarah Rowlands of purebeauty shares three ways to beat the winter blues and throws in a great reader offer

I would just like to start my column by thanking everyone who came to our Open Day last weekend, we had a fantastic day, I hope those who were lucky enough to have a free make-over enjoyed the day also and we appreciate your support!

The nights have drawn in and the winter weather is upon us but hopefully my three instant mood boosters will help you beat the winter blues!

It really is a dreary time of year. It is cold, the favourite chunky jumper re-appears and waking up gets harder as we adopt the I’ll-just-set-the-alarm-for-10-more-minutes attitude - 20 minutes later and we’re still in bed! Evenings are even more lethargic with a cuddle-up on the sofa, hobnobs, cuppa and Coronation Street. All very comforting but not the healthiest way of spending winter and just a few small changes in your lifestyle can beat the hibernation blues.

Give yourself a pamper!

The Daily Mail claimed last week that The Duchess of Cornwall treated herself to a £3,500 a night spa break in India, how lovely! That may be something we can only dream of but it goes to show how spa therapies and massage can play an immediate role in how we feel. We may not be able to offer you the climate of India but here at purebeauty we can offer you a very high standard in massage and we are only down the road!

Massage has existed as long as there have been human beings. It is a nature instinct to "rub away pain" which can be considered the simplest form of massage.

Why should you invest your time in a massage? Not only are massages good for your muscles, they help the rest of your body and mind. Getting a massage helps you relax, relieve tension, and de-stress, and it also helps boost your immune system, so very important to introduce into your routine through the colder months to fight away any germs and infections.

Benefits of Massage

*Assists venous flow of blood *Encourages lymphatic flow *Stimulates sensory receptors of the skin and subcutaneous tissues *Relaxation *Improves self-esteem *Improves flexibility *Provides gentle stretching of the tissues *Encourages endorphin release *Can stimulate or sooth nerves

We offer Hot Stone Massage Therapy, Hopi Ear Candle, Indian Head Massage and Full Body Aromatherapy Massage here at purebeauty for men and women. Each massage treatment is tailor made specifically to each client depending on their mood that day, every treatment experience is personal and hot towels used to finish every massage.

The power of scent!

What a simple but great mood booster, more specifically, by diffusing or dabbing a few drops of essential oils, these are known to have an emotionally uplifting effect around your home. You might find a beautiful and much-needed mood booster makes the season more manageable, here are a few of my favourite scents:

Citruses: The essential oils of lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, and oil are familiar scents that bring sunshine to the heart. We use this scent in all of our OE Facials, which creates an immediate mood-enhancing surge. Other citrus-derived oils include bergamot and neroli.

Happy herbs and spices: Rosemary, sweet basil, and cinnamon oils are also familiar scents that, for many, induce a sense a well-being.

Florals: Lavender and Geranium oils are recommended for emotional uplift. While the scent of lavender is familiar to many, geranium oil is frequently used in massage oil blends and in many aromatherapy therapeutic treatments.

Of course, the fun is in discovering what works for you; smell, like all senses, is a subjective experience. If the smell of a certain oil make you scrunch your nose up its probably not going to make you feel happy! Also a few friendly warnings, these oils are powerful, so a few drops go a long way… don’t go too crazy! To avoid skin irritation, do not apply oils directly to skin. Always mix them in a massage-grade carrier oil and if you are pregnant check which are safe to use.

My favourite oil is Oe Relaxing Face and Body Oil, I put a couple of drops in a warm bath after a long day or massage a couple of drops into my moisturiser before bed, it really helps me to unwind and I think promotes a good nights sleep – (Oe Relaxing Oil £24.50 and available in salon)

Exercise!

A great way to energise you through the winter is Exercise, yes I said it, that word we all dread to hear. Motivation is the key, as much as we would like to we are not going to burn calories sitting on the sofa every night! Now is the time to not only create a fitter and more healthier you, but we have only a few weeks to trim up for the party season to get into that little black dress!

Working a busy schedule, I don’t have an awful lot of free time, so like many who work hard or have children to look after going to the gym seems a big effort. But knowing that I wanted to tone up and increase my energy levels I knew I had to do something! I decided to opt for Personal Training with CM45 Fitness (classes are also available at The Armoury). I really look forward to my one-hour sessions. I feel re-energised after each session and it has given me the motivation I needed. I feel better already after four sessions... well worth all those lunges!

We all have insecurities and I for sure have a few! But by changing your lifestyle and involving a lot more ‘feel good’ things into your life it makes these gloomy months more bearable!

READER OFFER:

Sarah has come up with a fantastic offer for every reader! Book an Oe Facial and De-Stress back massage for only £45 (saving £18). Don’t delay, give a call today on 552202 or visit http://www.purebeauty-salon.com/.