Is Your Wardrobe Spring Ready?

5 Easy tips on how to update your Look this Spring

With the flowers in full bloom and the longer days stretching out ahead of us, I can almost taste summer. I am dreaming of lying on an exotic beach far away, whilst sipping a refreshing mojito - sunshine I am ready for you.

Read my 5 simple ways to update your own wardrobe this summer:

(Which one will you try!)

1. Change up your footwear: This is a simple way to elevate your look, switch your boots to loafers or your trainers to

backless mules for a fresh look this season.

2. Introduce accessories: This is a great way to build colour, texture or interest to an out t. Opt for a silk scarf under a denim shirt, a bright patterned bag or add a pop of colour with your shoes.

3.Choose lighter wash denim: Jeans will continue to be one of your most hard-working items in your wardrobe. This summer, put away your black or dark denim and opt for a lighter shade. This will help you look spring ready.

4. Inject Colour: For an instant way to boost your mood and freshen up your wardrobe, wear colour. Ditch the black and opt for brighter shades.

5.Playful Patterns:

Mix up patterns in your wardrobe - choose from orals, stripes, polka dots and animal print to update your look. Ditch the knitwear and go for a striped shirt instead.

If you have any style dilemmas, are in need of a perfect out t or would like to know your best colour to wear, why not consult the professionals.

Fashion: Key Autumn Trends 2024 - Lisa Wood

As the temperatures drop and the leaves turn, it's time to refresh your wardrobe with this season's standout trends. Autumn 2024 brings a blend of rich colours, luxurious textures and bold prints that can easily elevate your style...

1. Burgundy - The Colour of the Season

Burgundy is the key colour this autumn, bringing depth and warmth to any outfit. If you're unsure whether it's in your personal colour palette, try introducing through footwear -burgundy boots or flats make a stylish, subtle statement.

2. Dark Chocolate Brown

Deep, rich chocolate brown is the perfect neutral alternative to black. Look for it in outerwear, knitwear, and accessories for a modern, earthy update to your wardrobe.

3. Leather Everything

Leather continues to dominate this season, from jackets to trousers and even dresses. Opt for pieces in classic black, rich browns or autumnal shades like deep green to add an edge to your look.

4. Leopard Print - It's a Neutral!

Leopard print is back (did it ever go away?) and more versatile than ever. This bold prints acts as a neutral, easily paired with bright colours (such as red) to create a striking look.

5. Double Denim

Double denim is making a comeback, offering a chi, modern take on the Western trend. Mix light and dark denim pieces for a balanced look or go head-to-toe in matching shades for a bolder statement.

Id you're feeling unsure about how to incorporate these trends or need help shopping your wardrobe. I'd love to help to rediscover your style this season!

The Boots

When I think about early autumn, I think about the yearly back-to- school shopping trip. When you’re young, you’re always growing, so at the end of the summer we’d head into town to buy everything we needed. I’d acquire a new pencil case, new uniform, and all the other things that parents find themselves shelling out for each year. But most importantly, I’d get a new pair of winter boots.

I still remember the thrill of the hunt. Even at an early age, I spent hours scouring magazines and, later, watching YouTube videos about the latest trends. I can recall specific pairs from each year: the grey knitted ones that made a hideous squidging

noise when you got caught in the rain and eventually fell apart halfway through a trip to London; the brown cowboy boots that I wish I’d never grown out of; my first ever, much-loved pair of Doc Martens... Even now, I dedicate a day to the search for the boots every autumn. It’s often a fruitless endeavour - the right ones, the ones I can see in my mind’s eye, don’t seem to exist.

So, what have I got my eye on this year?

Firstly, slouchy thigh-high boots. They’ve been on the runways at Stella McCartney and Isabel Marant, and they look like they could be great fun in a swashbuckling, girl-about-town

sort of way. I’ve seen them paired a lot with looser, oversized looks, but I think I’d wear them with a miniskirt and a long coat.

Another trend has been the appearance of laces and buckles – tough, practical boots that won’t leave you with aching arches (as most of my favourite shoes tend to). I think that this harder, utilitarian look must be in tribute to the late Vivienne Westwood, and if you want to stay in tune with her loud, eccentric spirit, you can pair them with draped, hippyish silhouettes. But, for something different,I’d combine them with sharper, sleeker pieces.

May your boot hunt be fruitful!

Food For Thought.....

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past couple of years, you can't have failed to hear the term 'superfood' But what exactly is a superfood and can we really benefit from these ingredients in our skin care?

Although there has been no legal or medical definition of what exactly constitutes a superfood.  It is generally considered to describe a fruit, vegetable or pulse/seed that contains a high level of materials deemed to have a beneficial effect on our health.

Traditionally ingested, the theory behind superfood skin care is that we can utilise these ingredients and harness the power of their nutrients by incorporating them into our daily skin care products to help treat a variety of skin conditions.  And now no longer limited to the food and drink, superfoods have begun to make a big presence in the beauty department, as a result of consumers being much more aware of what they are putting into and onto their bodies.

One superfood everyone has heard of is seaweed - jam packed with antioxidants and a concentrated source of calcium.  Pumpkin is also reputed to have a number of health benefits from aiding weight loss through  to the free radical neutralising powers of carotenoids helping to keep those cancer cells at bay, whilst keeping the skin wrinkle-free.

Others to look out for are avocado (rich in Vitamin A, A and E as well as Omega 9 to help keep skin nourished, hydrated and soft); broccoli (high levels of Vitamins A and C, fibre, magnesium and folic acid); goji berries (used in Chinese medicine for many years); pomegranate (antibacterial and antioxidant, gently exfoliating and helps prevent skin blemishes and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; Green Tea (powerful antioxidant offers antibacterial properties and is ideal for targeting problematic skin, helping to rebalance and improve dry and oily skin conditions, whilst reducing redness).

BEAUTY: The Bright Side

Over the course of the winter, we have all witnessed our skin looking lifeless and lacklustre. 

A tired skin presenting an uneven texture or tone is a result of many factors - the natural aging process, stress, poor diet and sun exposure to name but a few. In addition, some may also present highly common imperfections such as age spots, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, which can diminish confidence and exacerbate dull complexions further.

There are two types of concerns addressed by brightening products and treatments: dull, tired and uneven skin and those suffering from more resistant hyperpigmentation. Many of the new ingredients and treatments can improve both problems successfully, but resistant pigmentation will take longer to show improvement.

A Clear Start

The quest for perfect skin can be a long and gruelling process – blemishes, wrinkles and pigmentation issues are just some of the problems that many of us face every day.

What is the answer?
Microdermabrasion is a total skin rejuvenating system that can treat a number of issues, ranging from acne scarring, signs of ageing and sun- damaged skin through to pigmentation problems. The technique also stimulates collagen production, revealing healthy, youthful glowing skin.

Generally speaking, there are two types of mechanical Microdermabrasion – Crystal or Diamond. During Crystal Microdermabrasion, the outermost layer of the skin – the stratum corneum – is peeled away by blasting the surface of the skin with a spray of microcrystals to reveal the healthier skin beneath. 

The crystals are then removed, along with the dead layer of skin, using vacuum suction. Diamond Microdermabrasion, on the other hand, it is crystal-free. Often referred to a Diamond Peeling this system typically uses a diamond tipped wand in place of the crystals.

Both these treatments can be tailored to suit any particular skin type or problem. With Crystal Microdermabrasion, the rate at which the crystals glide over the skin can be altered along with the pressure of the vacuum. It is a progressive procedure and, although results may be seen after the first treatment, customers are encouraged to take a course of treatments in order to get the best results.

Which system?
“With the Crystal Clear MDA system, the degree of abrasion can be controlled so that the therapist can take control of the exfoliation process,” says Sharon Hilditch, MBE, Founder and CEO of Crystal Clear. “The entire face and neck can be treated in a single session with particular attention paid to the client’s areas of concern.”
Whichever system you choose, here’s to a happy, healthy, rejuvenated skin! 

Living Coral

As you may be aware, Living Coral is the Pantone Colour of the Year 2019 - it’s a rather gorgeous pinkish-orange with a golden undertone. Pantone describe it as a ‘nurturing colour’ symbolising our ‘innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits!’ It is vibrant and energetic, yet surprisingly mellow at the same time.

 I wonder if it has been inspired by the difficult political climate – we all need to energise but remain calm in today’s world! Beauty and fashion reflect the trend with a lovely array of beautiful clothes and make-up hitting the stores. 

Living Coral is not for the faint hearted – it’s a strong and confident ‘look at me’ shade – but, for those gentler souls, there are plenty of similar but softer versions that will work perfectly for you. However, Living Coral is a surprisingly flattering colour to wear next to the skin!

Whether you dress in it from head to toe or just wear a pop of coral in a scarf, nail, eye or lip colour, it kindly compliments most skin tones. The world of hair styling also gives a nod to this year’s Pantone colour, with some stunning coralbased hair tones a hot trend as we move towards the spring.

These range from gentle pinks and peaches through to strong and stunning bright corals, only for the bold, that will really make you stand out in a crowd. Wear streaked through your hair, on the ends or as a full head… ask your hairdresser if you dare! And of course, Living Coral features strongly in home interiors– are you ready to surround yourself with this buoyant and beautiful effervescent trend? Colour can have a huge effect on your wellbeing - with a link to nature and a pop of energy, Living Coral will lift your spirits in 2019! Find it everywhere!

Exfoliation: Out with the old....

Exfoliation is a topic that is prone to causing some confusion – some don’t do it enough, others do it too often and, in many cases, some don’t do it at all!

As the key to a healthier, glowing and younger- looking complexion, exfoliation offers countless benefits and I really can’t emphasise its importance enough when it comes to ensuring a healthy skin function.

Our skin is constantly shedding the outer layers of dead skin cells in a process known as desquamation, and the role of an exfoliator is to mimic this process. As the skin sheds dead cells, the detritus can get clogged in the pores, causing congestion and a dull appearance. By removing the topmost layer of skin, exfoliation encourages the production of new cells and speeds up the skin’s ability of rejuvenate.

An exfoliator’s job is to remove dead cells from the skin’s surface, revealing glowing, healthy skin underneath. This is particularly important over the changing seasons as a good exfoliator will gently buff away dead skin build-up, whilst nourishing and targeting any additional skin problems.

Physical exfoliation uses a scrubbing motion to detach the cells from the skin’s surface. This process requires a rough compound to abrade as it passes over the skin and usually comes in the form of a polish or scrub type product. 

Meanwhile, chemical exfoliators are also renowned for their ability to work deeply into the epidermis, but do not require the same abrasive action as their mechanical counterparts. Chemical exfoliators use acids or enzymes to soften and dissolve the outer layers of the skin, so that the cells will loosen and can be removed in a non-abrasive manner. This means that you don’t get the stinging sensation that can sometimes accompany physical exfoliation. 

Why not give your skin some exfoliating love today?

Early Skin Cancer Detention - Signs to look out for and Sun Safety...

Ignorance around the early signs and symptoms
of skin cancer and melanoma is widespread. With over 86% of all cases of melanoma preventable and early detection vital for survival, educational intervention is key to reversing the soaring rates
of skin cancer in the UK, saving many lives in the process. This is why, as a salon, we have decided to study an online accreditation programme. Because of the treatments we carry out, we are in a unique position to become powerful advocates in the fight against the UK’s most common cancer.

Here are a few key guidelines that we can all be aware of, courtesy of MASCED.UK.

Look for these signs in any moles you have:

A – Asymmetry: when one half of a mole does not match or look like the other half of the mole.

B – Border: when the borders of the mole are uneven, irregular, ragged or have blurred, undefined edges.

C – Colour: when the colour changes or varies

throughout the mole; reddish blue or black are a particularly bad sign.

D – Diameter: when the diameter of the mole is greater than 6mm.

E – evolving: changes in a new or existing spot or mole over variable time is the biggest indicator of melanoma.

Using a sunbed just once a month can increase
a person’s risk of developing skin cancer by more than 50% and regular sunbed use under the age
of 35 increases a person’s risk by an alarming 87%.

Over exposure to UV is a serious health risk. For sun safety follow the five S’s of sun safety.

SLIP on a t-shirt


SLOP on a quality sunscreen of spf 30+

SLAP on a hat


SLIDE on sunglasses


SHADE: seek shade whenever possible

Prepare for Spring!

Right now, I’m sure that you feel the winter will never end. However, spring is just around the corner.

Here are a few things you can do to make sure you’re in tip top shape for when the warmer days arrive.

1. Improve your vitamin D levels - With the short days and lack of sunshine over winter, the majority of us unknowingly suffer from low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is used to help keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy and a lack of which can lead to tiredness and aching. Always try and include vitamin D in your diet (oily fish, red meat and egg yolks are good sources). However, with the busy lifestyles many of us lead it can be hard to do this well. Vitamin D supplements can be bought in tablet form or even a once daily spray.

2. Start using a moisturiser with a minimum SPF of 30 - This is the best way to prevent skin damage and protect against skin cancers. The sun’s rays cause over 80% of skin ageing and are a huge contributor to fine lines and wrinkles. The sun can damage your skin in winter too!

3. Look after your body from the inside out – Some of you will still be keeping up with your New Year’s resolution to get fit, but it’s just as important to eat well too. From a skin point of view, cut down on the sugar and increase your hydration levels. Sugar has been shown to accelerate the ageing process through a process called Glycation.

4. Start using a retinol on your skin to reverse the signs of ageing - Retinols are one of the only proven anti-ageing skin products on the market. They work by exfoliating the skin, aiding in the production of collagen, and fighting free radicals. Retinol is applied at night and gradually increased in strength as your skin becomes more tolerant to it.

Health Benefits of Antioxidant

When it comes to protecting skin, nature has provided us with a powerful weapon. Antioxidants have long been known for their health benefits, but their importance in helping with skin care is now becoming increasingly clear.

Antioxidants have a positive effect on the condition of our skin and our overall health.  They work by neutralising free radicals, highly reactive molecules that can damage the skin cells, leading to greater cell stability within the body.  However, as they do this they themselves become oxidised.  So they need to be constantly replenished.  To maintain your skin in a youthful condition, you need to make sure you're consuming high levels of antioxidants.

Eating the right foods will help; vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and artichokes and fruits like cherries, watermelon and raspberries are high in antioxidants.  However, you can also take them in supplement form, which may be easier than changing your diet.

The best-known antioxidants to improve skin condition including vitamins C and E along with minerals such as copper, zinc and selenium.  Plants use antioxidants to protect themselves from the hazards of sunlight and our skin uses them in a similar way to ward off UV damage.  When the sun hits the skin, it releases free radicals which go on to damage the skin cells. leading to wrinkled, thickened skin and uneven skin tone.

All antioxidants have a sun protective effect, but Lycopene, found in tomatoes, is considered to be one of the most powerful in this regard.