Monthly Tips


On this page you will find all the tips from my monthly emails and often a bit of extra information which I couldn't fit into the email but still wanted to share with you. I hope you find them useful.

November 2025 Monthly Tip - 

I first gave you this tip way back in the early days of my emails, back before I was regularly adding the tips to my website. I’m telling you this by way of an apology, as it is something that everyone should know about!

When I paint your nails, as you know, I always apply 4 layers of polish, each layer has a specific reason for it’s application. The clear base coat is there to protect your nail from the staining effect of nail polish and to smooth out any bumps or ridges on the surface of the nail plate. Two thin layers of colour ensures an even consistency of colour across the whole surface of the nail. Now the top coat is applied, this clear coat not only gives the polish an extra shine, it extends the length of time the polish will last. Going about your day to day activities; washing your hands, going in and out of your bag, cleaning, life in general will wear away at the surface of your nail polish making it more likely to chip, peel or flake.

So, the actual tip, if you would like to extend the life of your salon manicure, or your own application at home, every couple of days add a fresh layer of top coat to re-protect your varnish. 

September 2025 Monthly Tip -

Whenever I hold a yoga workshop I always encourage participants to do a little bit of homework in between the sessions. My hopes are that this will help them to develop their own personal practice rather than only unrolling a mat when they come to class. I find the best way to encourage this, is by explaining that you don’t always have to unroll your mat to do yoga asanas. I would like to mention here that a personal practice is about so much more than just the physical asanas, but for this tip that is what I’m going to concentrate on.

I really could go on all day. Obviously, if you have the space and time to unroll your mat, the therapeutic benefits for the mind and body are enhanced even more by choosing to take some time out of your busy day for yourself. Not overwhelming yourself by feeling you have to spend at least 30 minutes on your practice, simply giving over 10 minutes to some simple postures, or a few sun salutations, will often lead to you spending closer to 30 minutes and loving every minute of it. Yoga should never feel like a chore.
I can honestly say I have never regretted making time for myself and my yoga. Having a little less time to do the housework or some other task which would benefit my body and mind in no way whatsoever, has never felt like a huge loss.

July 2025 Monthly Tip -

I was given this tip by a friend, who as it turned out, hadn't actually tried it herself before sharing it with me. She clearly does not have the same aversion to ironing as I do. From the moment she shared it with me, I have been putting it into use and sharing it with others every chance I get. Instead of digging the ironing board out from the back of the hall cupboard and trying to remember where you last saw the iron, in my case wherever my friend Claire left it last time she stayed over, use your hair straighteners! They are fantastic for getting in between buttons, fixing that collar that just won't sit quite right and catching just the bits of clothes that won't be hidden by whatever else you are wearing on top. I don't think my straighteners have seen this much use in all the years I've owned them!

April 2025 Monthly Tip -

In the morning it's recommended to drink water which is at room temperature or slightly warm, as your body might be dehydrated, and your system needs re-hydrating. Consuming water in the morning also helps support your body's natural detoxification process, eliminate toxins, and help with your digestive system, preparing you to be ready for the day ahead. For those who struggle with swallowing cold water, room temperature water may be a more manageable option. Not only is it easier on the digestive system, but it can also help improve hydration levels since the body absorbs it faster.This is because water at this temperature can be easily absorbed by the body and can be comfortably consumed without causing thermal shock to your system.The key factor for your health is to keep yourself hydrated, regardless of the temperature of the water you prefer. If you are in a hot environment or doing physical activity, cold water could be more desirable, but in other circumstances, room temperature water might be just as refreshing. Listen to your body and choose the temperature that makes you feel comfortable and revitalised.

February 2025 Monthly Tip -

I regularly speak to clients when they come in for workshops or 1 to 1's about how simple it can honestly be to integrate the practice of yoga into your everyday life. Whether that is doing a standing cat cow flow in the shower with the hot water helping to loosen your spine, standing on one leg while you clean your teeth or taking mountain pose any time you have to stand and wait for something.

It's very important however, to remember that yoga is not simply a movement practice, it is so much more. Find moments of stillness during your day when you can tune out the rest of the world and reconnect with yourself. If tuning out does not come easily then find simple ways to focus the mind, perhaps using the practice of pranayama by tuning into your breath, inhaling slowly, and exhaling even more slowly. I like to use a count, in for 4 and out for 6, perhaps building to leaving a pause at the peak of the inhale and exhale, see if you can learn to lengthen that pause.

Perhaps take your focus to something external and create a mindful moment out of any everyday task, taking a simple joy in the pleasure of eating lunch or making a cup of tea. Find your bliss by appreciating everything good in your life and trying to share that joy with every person you meet, a simple smile or a kind word can have an amazing impact on a persons day. 

November 2024 Monthly Tip -

This month my tip is something which I have been doing for years without even thinking about it. I simply hate wastage, and it's just such a good use of left over product. So, here it is, short and sweet.

As you already know from previous tips, eye cream should be applied with your ring finger and a gently taping motion onto the boney area around the eye, the orbital bone, and just above the brow.

The actual tip is what you do with that slight residue of cream left on your ring finger or in my case fingers, since I always use both. This residue makes a wonderful moisturiser for the delicate skin of the lips, simply apply any left over product to both lips to get all the same benefits that your eyes have just received. 

August 2024 Monthly Tip -

I thought I would debunk a couple of urban myths this month, along with your monthly tip. Those little white marks you sometimes see on your nails are not a calcium deficiency; they are in fact signs of nail trauma, tiny little bruises on your nail plate. So no need to start consuming vast amounts of milk, instead just be a little more careful with your hands. To strengthen them up I should also point out, jelly will help in no way whatsoever! Strong nails are a combination of many factors, a good healthy diet with plenty of water, fruit and vegetables. Constant use of hand creams and cuticle oil, and by constant I mean several times a day, the most important one being last thing at night so the cream can soak in without being washed off. Using rubber gloves is essential, not just for doing the dishes but for anything that involves detergents!

Of course it goes without saying that the best thing you can possibly do for your nails is to treat them to a regular manicure!

June 2024 Monthly Tip -

With the busy lives which we all lead these days, it can be hard to find time to look after ourselves. I find it really helpful to pick one night a week, where I make time for some self care. When I come in from teaching my Vinyasa Class on a Wednesday night I am always energised and yet it is rather late in the day to feel this way. My perfect wind down is a soak in the bath, I utilise this time to give myself a little facial: double cleanse, exfoliate and face mask. This is the perfect wind down for me, perhaps it sounds like the opposite to you. This is the point, you make it work for you, you can apply an exfoliant and then set a little timer and get on with another task. Your mask should be left on for a minimum of 10 minutes but really the longer the better, pop it on and forget about it, you can even sleep with it on and follow your usual routine in the morning. Self care needs to work for you, find a routine that works, and stick with it. Picking a day/time will make it easier for it to become a part of your normal routine, your skin will thank you for it.

February 2024 Monthly Tip -

With all the additional activities of the festive period I found myself wearing make-up much more often than I usually do, which also means taking it off a lot more often than usual. This technique is something I always do in the salon to remove a client's mascara, and I find it also works really well at home. I'm sure you will have heard me say it a million times, but it's so important that I'm happy to harp on, always dampen cotton wool before using it on your face, and especially on the delicate eye area.

Apply Eye Make-up Remover to 3 pads, separate one of them so that you have two thin discs, fold these discs in half and slide each underneath your lower eyelashes. Place the full pads on top, and gently press into place concentrating on the lashes. Then one eye at a time use the top pad to lightly sweep across the eyelid and the lashes while still keeping the under eye pad in place. The other eye may have to be briefly abandoned at this point, but that's ok, you can come back to it after. You will quickly see how much of the mascara comes off on the under eye pad, make-up which would otherwise have been on your delicate under eye skin, and require even more rubbing to remove it. One of the best bits of anti-ageing advice I can give you is to be very kind to the delicate skin of the eyes, the more gentle you are the longer it will stay line free.

August 2023 Monthly Tip -

This month's tip is being sent out to you in the fervent hope that we have not yet seen the last of summer, and may still be helpful this year. If not, you can refer back to it next year when, and if, the good weather makes a reappearance. Below is a direct quote from 'The Fragrant Pharmacy' A complete guide to Aromatherapy & Essential Oils by Valerie Ann Worwood. When using aromatherapy massage to help one of my clients with the uncomfortable condition of Urticaria brought on by warm weather and sun exposure, I referred back to this book, as I so often do when looking to help with something very specific, and once again it came through for me. After her treatment I sent her a photo of the excerpt below so that she could continue treating the condition at home. At her last appointment she commented on what a great help it has been to her and to a couple of friends who also struggle with this condition.

PRICKLY HEAT is a rash of tiny blisters that look like pink or red spots. It is caused by blocked sweat glands and is extremely itchy. It can affect any part of the body, and the best line of action is to keep it as cool as possible, expose the area to air if possible, and only cover with light cotton clothing if not.

Apply a splash to the area, made by diluting 6 drops each of eucalyptus, lavender and chamomile to a teaspoon of alcohol (vodka is fine) and shaking it all in a quarter of a litre of spring water.

I suggested putting the mix into a spray bottle for application and always shake it right before you spray to make sure that the oils are dispersed through the water/alcohol base.

June 2023 Monthly Tip -

I have a very short but super useful tip for you today. Don't you hate it when you end up with mascara on your eyelid, having to try to clean it off without ruining your eyeshadow can be rather tricky. Never look straight into a mirror to apply your mascara, hold your mirror below your chin, and without dipping your chin tilt purely your eyes down to look into it. This allows you to take the mascara right through your lashes while keeping the brush a safe distance from the eyelid.

February 2023 Monthly Tip -

As anyone who knows me will know, I am very passionate about learning knew skills and furthering my knowledge of the human body. Last year I decided to begin my journey towards my 300hour Yoga Teacher Training, when completed this will bring my total hours to 500. It will be a long journey and is already proving to be an amazing one. When my teacher started up a conversation for our group she asked that we all introduce ourselves and share our favourite quote.
This is what I shared - As a Beauty Therapist I often find myself having rather open and frank conversations with my clients. This quote has become a little mantra which I always run through my head, not just in these situations, often in interactions with friends and family too.
"Before you speak ask yourself if what you are going to say is true, is kind, is necessary, is helpful." Bernard Meltzer
A fellow student shared a quote which made me laugh out loud, and I think shares the same sentiment beautifully.
"Be the person your dog thinks you are"

October 2022 Monthly Tip -

We are all guilty (myself included) of standing badly, that single leg prop - where you shift all of your weight to one side until that gets tired and then you shift it over to the other one. What you may not be aware of, is how much effect this lazy stance could be having on the rest of your body. The muscular weakness/tension caused by this simple habit will detrimentally affect your posture, possibly leading to back pain and sometimes sciatic like discomfort. I often recommend to my yoga clients that they practice mountain pose, 'Tadasana' whenever they find themselves in a situation where they have to stand for any length of time - waiting in a queue, cleaning your teeth, waiting for the bus, I could go on and on.

‘Tadasana’ is the foundation of your yoga practice, throughout any Vinyasa sequence you will find yourself returning to it time and again. It benefits your posture and your muscle tone, alleviates sciatica and reduces flat feet.

Follow this link to view a video tutorial of how to take moutain pose 

tadasana link

August 2022 Monthly Tip -

Home Skin Care Advice
Evening - Remove eye make up with eye make-up remover on damp cotton wool. Apply cleansing milk with fingertips to entire face, taking care to avoid delicate eye area. Remove with damp cotton wool. If wearing make-up repeat cleanse for a second time. Apply toner to damp cotton wool and wipe over entire face, taking care around eye area, tissue off excess. Pat on a small amount of eye cream/gel to eye area, taking care not to drag the skin. Take a tiny amount of skin concentrate/serum/oil and pat onto entire face, should be instantly absorbed. Apply a small amount of moisturiser to entire face using fingertips, avoiding eye area including the neck unless using a specific throat gel.
Morning - Wash face using appropriate skin wash and warm water. Finish with a splash of cold water to close pores. Pat on a small amount of eye cream/gel to eye area, taking care not to drag the skin. Take a tiny amount of skin concentrate and pat onto entire face, should be instantly absorbed. Apply a small amount of moisturiser to the entire face using fingertips, avoiding delicate eye area including the neck unless using a specific throat gel.
Weekly - If using an enzymatic exfoliant, after cleansing and tissue drying, apply a small amount of exfoliant to the entire face avoiding eye area. With dry fingers, make small gentle circular motions over entire face, work the product until the texture changes to a satin like consistency (radiance enhancing) or until it crumbles off (anti-ageing). Rinse off with warm water, finishing with a splash of cold water. Pat skin dry Apply a thin layer of mask to entire face, avoiding eye area (unless using the age benefit cryo mask, which can be applied over the eyes). Relax for at least 10mins. Remove with warm water, finishing with a splash of cold water. Pat skin dry and continue with toner etc, to finish.

June 2022 Monthly Tip -

I'm sure you have all heard that 'zig zag filing' is bad for your nails. So what actually is zig zag filing, this term describes taking the nail file back and forth across the nail without breaking contact. This practice put's excess strain on the bond which exists between the three layers of your nail, leading to the top layer separating form the other two and often peeling off. To prevent this from happening, always ensure that you take the file off the nail edge completely at the end of each pass.

April 2022 Monthly Tip -

This month's tip is short but super useful, when you clean your stainless steel does it always end up streaky? If so, this one's for you. Clean your appliance/surface/oven/etc with a non abrasive damp sponge and washing up liquid first. Dry the surface then spray some WD40 onto a clean paper towel (never spray directly on surface) and rub over the surface going with the grain. No polishing necessary, simply wet the entire surface evenly with the WD40, and leave to evaporate. As with any of these tips try it out on a hidden area first.


January 2022 Monthly Tip -

I'm sure that many of you will have received beauty products as gifts for Christmas this year, perhaps you even treated your self to a little Christmas Gift Set. What not all of you may be aware of, is that due to the highly active ingredients contained within beauty products, once opened they have a limited life span. Each individual product will have a specific time span printed on the container, often on the back or bottom. Take this jar of 'Melatogenine MorphoBiotique'

                    Melatogenine MorphoBiotique       Melatogenine MorphoBiotique       Melatogenine MorphoBiotique

On the base of the jar, in the top left corner, you can see an image of a jar with a number inside it. In this case the number is 9, this means you should use the product within 9 months of opening. Simple enough to remember if you got it for Christmas and opened it straight away, in reality how ofter does this happen, we usually still have some of your old moisturiser to use up first. This is when it gets tricky, think about the jar of moisturiser sitting in your bathroom or bedroom right now, can you remember when you opened it?

So the tip for this month is, when you open a new product write either the use by date or the date of opening on a sticker and pop it on the product, I usually put it on the back of mine so that I can easily check that it hasn't rubbed off or fallen off.


September 2021 Monthly Tip -

One of the very first monthly tips I shared with you related to the use of essential oil diffusers, this month I will repeat the tip and expand on it a little bit by including some essential oils which I find useful for aiding in getting a good nights sleep.

When using an essential oil diffuser to aid sleep never put the burner in your bedroom as this can have the compete opposite effect to the one desired; over stimulating rather than relaxing. Instead burn the oil in whichever room you will be in for the last hour before you retire to bed, thus allowing the effects to gently dissipate as you drift off to sleep in a lovely clear and fresh atmosphere.

Lavender - numerous studies have cited the effectiveness of inhaling lavender oil to keep insomnia at bay. Lowering heart rate, temperature and blood pressure and reducing anxiety can not only help you fall asleep but also improve the overall quality of rest.
Ylang Ylang - when breathed in, the oil gives off a very fruity and pleasing scent, something which is calming in its own right. It alleviates stress and tension, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and quite naturally sets the body up for sleep.
Chamomile Roman - the subtle floral aroma has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind. Soothing anger, irritability, and agitation are also known to be benefits.
Neroli - is a wonderful sleep remedy as its hypnotic and soothing properties can help relax your mind, as well as relieve insomnia, grief, and feelings of despair. It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure, ease agitation, and benefit your overall wellbeing.   
Vetiver - with its deep, earthy smell vetiver oil isn't for everybody, however it’s sedative, grounding and restorative effects can help you to get a more restful night’s sleep.
Valerian - the deeply calming overall effect of this essential oil can help you to drift off to sleep and is believed to improve the quality of your sleep 
Sleep well!


August 2021 Monthly Tip -

Anyone who has attended one of my yoga classes or had a one to one with myself, would be able to tell you, my main weakness in my yoga practice is my balance. It has been a long journey from my early day's of always having to position my mat next to a wall so I didn't fall over, to finally being able to stand up in front of a class - on one leg! This journey has taught me many lessons, firstly practice and perseverance will pay dividends. Standing on one leg while cleaning your teeth or making a cup of tea is an excellent use of time, if you wish to improve the only way is repetition and practice. If you want to achieve a goal you must work hard towards it, simply holding one leg in the air is not enough, every muscle in your body needs to be active, from the soles of your feet to the crown of your head. Just hanging out there won't do the job. Grounding through the sole of your standing leg and lifting up through the pelvic floor, drawing the abdomen through to the spine, the shoulder blades down the back and lengthening up through the crown of your head. If you start to sway too much in one direction, rather leaning the other way draw your energies into your mid line, grounding down and lengthening upwards finding strength and stability in your core. Another lesson which balance has taught me is a sense of humbleness and compassion, balance levels the playing fields. Even if you have achieved a balancing asana many times before, there will still be some days where it simply is not attainable. For whatever reason; you may not have slept well, be fighting off a cold, there are multiple possible reasons and there is certainly no reason to berate yourself. Be kind and compassionate to yourself, remember you have achieved this asana before and you will achieve it again, just not right now. So I guess that is this months actual tip - let go of your ego and any need for instant gratification, try to develop a sense of humility and always be kind to yourself.


July 2021 Monthly Tip -

This months tip stems from my experience after having my first COVID 19 vaccine. I was one of the many people who suffered with a rather extreme headache shortly after receiving my jag, this headache persisted in a less severe form for the next few days. I followed the advice from the experts of taking a couple of paracetamol every 4ish hours. The other thing I did was something which I have always found to make a massive difference in staving off headaches, which is, drinking fresh water. Whenever I have felt a little niggle of a headache appear I always try drinking at least a pint of water before I even consider taking any tablets. I have found this so effective over the years that I have barely ever had to reach for paracetamol in the past. I'm sure you will all have heard me spout the various benefits of increasing your water intake, but here is a quick reminder:
May 2021 Monthly Tip -

I came across an article the other day which listed some of the things which can boost your mood, and a few of them really resonated with me, so I thought I would share them with you.

Take a bath (or shower)
Long bubble baths are synonymous with self-care, but even a 10-minute shower can be a mood booster that helps you feel refreshed both physically and mentally.
Read for fun
Pick a book you’ve been wanting to read and thumb through a few chapters. Nothing too heavy; a detective novel, romance book, or inspiring biography can help shift your mind away from the struggles you’re facing in your own life, even if just for a few minutes.
Smile at a stranger, maybe even say hello
Smiling costs nothing, but it is a serious mood booster. Offering a kind grin can make someone’s day. And plenty of research shows that helping others feel better boosts your own mood.
Eat something healthy
You don’t need to make an elaborate meal from scratch. But fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods can help your mind and body.
Buy a house plant
Greenery gives you something beautiful to look at while purifying the air. And research shows the mood-boosting benefits of being surrounded by plants.
Go outside
Being in nature has a positive effect on your mental health. Natural light exposure stimulates the body’s production of vitamin D and serotonin, both of which play a role in improving your mood. Even small amounts of time spent outside have been linked to overall well-being and a decrease in anxiety and depression.
Be grateful
People who regularly express thanks for the good things in their life are happier, less stressed, and more positive, leading to lower rates of stress and depression
Laugh
Laughter increases the amount of feel-good endorphins that are released by your brain, lowers your stress response, and can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier

 February 2020 Monthly Tip -

At this time of year with the shorter hours of daylight, and without the benefits of fresh air from spending more time outdoors in the summer months, our skin is not looking at it's best so we all tend to apply a little more make-up than usual. With extra make-up, enter the importance of extra blending. A few years ago I highlighted the usefulness of removing the foundation which builds up in your eyebrows during foundation application with a cotton bud. The bud then becomes a handy little tool for removing any mascara, eyeliner or lip liner accidents, with a simple light press and roll (if you haven't tried it before do, it's a revelation). The foundation doesn't just build up in eyebrow hair though, it can catch in the hairline too, especially noticeable if you are light haired. With this larger area to deal with, a useful tool for the job is a soft toothbrush. If used very lightly it blends the edges and prevents build up in the hair, creating a flawless frame to your face. As always remember double cleanse and tone at the end of the day, to make sure every last trace is removed before bed.


September 2019 Monthly Tip -

Those of you who attend the salon for facial treatments may have noticed that all full length facials now include a double cleanse to ensure maximum efficacy of the facial and ensure immediate and visible results. By performing two consecutive facial cleanses the skin surface is left completely clean - a blank canvas. Dead skin cells are effectively removed leaving a smoother, healthier, younger-looking skin, whilst pores are stripped of impurities and toxins. This enables all the products applied during the facial to penetrate more deeply into the skin giving you the best possible results.

So the actual tip, you should also be performing a nightly double cleanse, especially if you wear make up regularly. The skin cannot function properly in the day or night if it is waterlogged with make-up, dirt, toxins, dead skin cells and sunscreens. Poor cleansing leads to a dull, lifeless complexion. The first cleanse breaks down the make-up and any build up on the surface of the skin, by emulsifying them into itself,  but when you remove it traces of this emulsion remain in the pore openings. The second cleanse removes the remnants of this emulsion and actually cleanses the skin of the face, allowing your facial serums and moisturisers to be absorbed more easily into the skin giving you maximum results in minimum time. Remember always follow your cleanser with an application of toner, on damp cotton wool, before continuing with the rest of your products.


June 2019 Monthly Tip -

As a few of you already know, I am currently working my way through a yoga teacher training course. I thought this month I would put to use one of the many fascinating subjects which we have been covering - the breath. This subject is so important to yoga that our reading list includes an entire book on the subject  - "Science of Breath: a practical guide", I can highly recommend it. I'm sure you will all have heard the saying 'take a moment, or more importantly a breath, before you speak' - and I'm sure at some point you did just that. Do you remember how much wiser/kinder/considered the words which you chose to use were, than those which initially popped into your head? There are several reasons for this; firstly the simple act of pausing allows your internal filter to kick in, preventing you from using words which once out there, you cannot take back. Oxygen - the delivery of fresh oxygen to your brain, fires up those synapses allowing your brain to function more effectively. Then there is the calming effect of a lovely deep breath. This simple act can be enough to calm the emotions and deliver a little more oxygen to the organs, thus allowing a calmer and more considered response to a situation. Think about the way you breathe when you are flustered and stressed; rapid short breaths, now turn it around, if you take slow deep breaths they can influence the body and mind into moving into a calmer state. Imagine being able to exert control over your emotions at any time, the arguments you could prevent, no hurt feelings or regrets for things you wish you had never said.


April 2019 Monthly Tip -

A random little tip for you this month. I have always suffered from snappage along my hairline, I'm sure any of you with longer hair will have experienced the same problem. When you wear your hair tied back in a ponnytail, it seems to put a lot of tension on the hair on the top and front of your head. At the end of the day, upon releasing my hair from it's band and clips, I am often to be found furiously scratching at this area of my scalp. Not any more, I have discovered the joy of a bun! By piling all my hair up high on top of my head I can leave the hair around the hairline loose, no snappage, and the weight of my hair is now being supported by my head rather than the hair roots. A twist, a bobble and a couple of kirby's (bumpy edge to scalp, remember) to keep it in place and your good to go! 


March 2019 Monthly Tip -

Whenever I have a client in for a make-up lesson I always ask if there are any particular products that they would like to learn how to apply. Without fail eyeliner is always mentioned, it seems to be the one thing which everyone is a little bit scared of. The real trick to applying eyeliner is not to apply it in a line! Start by applying the pencil in between your eyelashes, dotting and working it into the roots of the hair. If it feels a little bit uncomfortable, then you are doing right. The whole point of eyeliner is to make your eyelashes look thicker, you can just stop at this point and you will have a hint of a line, a great natural look. The next stage is to make little dashes with the pencil to build up a thicker line, keep going until you reach a thickness you like. Then if you wish, finish with a little flick at the end, beginning the flick slightly before you reach the outer edge of the eye.


January 2019 Monthly Tip -
This months tip has actually already made an appearance, it featured in my May 2013 email, and is probably the tip which I have given verbally the most often over the years. When you think you have reached the end of any tube or bottle, don't throw it away, cut it open. It is amazing how much product is still in there. Store it in a zip lock bag until you have used every last bit!

September 2018 Monthly Tip -

While on holiday you are applying body lotion in the form of suncream and hopefully, aftersun at least once a day which helps to counteract the damage which the UV rays are causing to your skin. Let's face it, a sun tan is actually a sign of skin damage, but oh don't we all love to get a nice tan.

How many of you continue to care for your skin when you get home? Your skin needs at least a couple more days of after sun application to counteract the intensity of the suns rays. After those first couple of days return to your normal lotion which I hope you apply daily anyway but if not, then yes a daily application for the foreseeable. It will prolong the life of your tan and keep your skin healthy.
Once your skin is fully recovered from the excess sun exposure, then the best thing you can do for it is to give it a really thorough exfoliation, as always followed immediately by moisturiser (you will all have heard me say "if you don't have time to moisturise, then don't exfoliate!). This removes any build up of products and dead skin cells, allowing the moisturiser to do it's job even more effectively. Leaving your skin glowing, happy and healthy!

May 2018 Monthly Tip -

This months tip is also linked to the ongoing toilet renovations. I'm sure a lot of you already know that rather than washing out paint trays, rollers and brushes after every use, if it is emulsion paint they can be wrapped up to keep the paint from drying out. Individual items can be wrapped in cling film or just wrap the whole lot in a bin bag. I have been successfully using the bin bag technique for over a week now! However not everyone knows about the gloss tip. A gloss covered brush can be left in a cup of water for a couple of days to stop it from drying out. Simply wipe off the excess water on newspaper, or similar before reusing. 


April 2018 Monthly Tip -
At this time of year we tend to be at our most dehydrated; hair, skin, nails etc. For a deeply nourishing nail treatment, try gently warming coconut oil in a small bowl until it melts, submerge your finger tips for as long as you like (at least 10mins) then spend some time massaging the oil into your fingers and nails. The anti microbial action of coconut oil makes it a natural anti fungal, the lauric acid content gives it anti bacterial properties, vitamin E and fatty acids provide moisturising effects and vitamins and minerals help to promote healthy shiny nails. 


March 2018 Monthly Tip -

This months tip was actually given to me by a fellow professional and has proved to be incredibly helpful, so of course I want to share it with you. I often suffer from muscular discomfort in my lower back and sometimes feel as though the muscles are going into spasms. This technique has provided a great deal of relief from these symptoms. Hula hooping, but without the hoop (or with the hoop, if you prefer). Hold your upper body as still as you can, hands on hips if it's comfortable, and rotate your hips in a clockwise direction and then in an anti clockwise direction - roughly 8 each way. Repeat until you feel it easing. This technique helps to free up all the muscular attachments of the lower torso, giving a wonderful release to any built up tension. Activate your core at the same time by holding in your stomach - for an extra benefit. Of course it goes without saying that to properly relieve back pain, you can't beat a good back massage. 


January 2018 Monthly Tip -

How do you keep your nails as long as possible, well by cutting them of course! The trick is to work out at what length your nails break, and keep them just below it. It's all about being pro active; by regularly trimming all your nails down a little bit you remove the dehydrated tips, which can peel and seperate if left unattended. Weak nail tips break easily, and if they break by themselves then they will end up a lot shorter than they would have had you trimmed them. If a nail does break then take the rest down too, once one has gone the rest will soon follow and uneven nails is never a good look, no matter how short they are, your nails will always look better if they are all the same length.


November 2017 Monthly Tip -

This months tip is yet again something which came up in conversation with a client, so often these are the very best tips. Telephones can lead to break outs. We tend to hold telephones against our faces, think about how many times that phone has been in contact with make-up, perspiration, etc; and if it's an office phone then it won't just be your face. If you regularly experience blocked pores and breakouts around the side of your chin, jawline or temple, then perhaps this is the cause. Keep those telephones clean, and your face will thank you.


August/September 2017 Monthly Tip -

This months tip is something which I do on a regular basis, without even thinking about it. The feedback which I've received from yourselves regarding my tips, has shown that these tend to be your favorite ones. On a regular basis I clean the necks of all my nail polish bottles, not only does this prevent dried out polish gluing the lid to the bottle, making it very difficult to open. More importantly a clean bottle neck allows the bottle to be closed properly. If the bottle is not closed properly air will get into the polish which can cause the solvents to evaporate, leading to it thickening and becoming gloopy. Simply wipe round the bottle neck with a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover after every other use, or every time if your a little bit messy with your polish.


May 2017 Monthly Tip -
This month I want to draw your attention to the many benefits of the Gatineau facial masks. Both the Aquamemory High Hydration Cream Mask and the Melatogenine Futur PLUS Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Mask can be used in the normal manner - apply a thin layer to freshly cleansed and exfoliated skin and leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes. For a more intensive treatment they can both be left on overnight and removed in the morning revealing youthful, radiant skin. Both products can also be applied slightly within in the normally avoided eye socket area and to the lips, for optimum results use 2-3 times a week.

Don't forget your Gatineau face mask when you are traveling to sunnier climates. When traveling by aeroplane make sure you have a travel size mask in your hand luggage, once your settled in your seat apply a thin layer to your entire face - by the time your flight lands the mask will have disappeared and you will be feeling fresh and hydrated, instead of the usual dry puffiness we all experience. While on holiday continue to use your mask as you would at home, it will help to sooth and hydrate your skin during this time of extra exposure. 


April 2017 Monthly Tip -

This month I have a short and sweet tip for you. It's something I've been doing for a while but a conversation with a client the other day reminded me what a good tip it is. Never keep your tomatoes in the fridge, the minute you chill them they loose a huge amount of their flavour. For myself I also find it more pleasant to eat them at room temperature and since there really isn't anything bad in a tomato, they make a great snack.

February 2017 Monthly Tip -

The way in which you remove your nail polish is almost as important as using a base coat when it comes to preventing nail discolouration. The traditional method of scrubbing at the finger nail simply smears the polish all over the nail and the finger. Prolonged scrubbing in this manner will force the coloured polish into the nail plate, there by discolouring it. To prevent staining and general messiness here is a quick how to -

Apply a polish remover soaked pad to the surface of the nail, don't move it around just hold it in place, you will start to see the polish soaking into the pad.

 step 1    step 2

Once you can clearly see the full nail imprint in the pad, firmly slide the pad off the end of the finger.

step 3    step 4

Fold the pad over and use a clean area to remove the last traces of the polish.

step 5     step 6

If you fold your pad carefully you should be able to use it for a couple of nails.

A lot less mess and no staining. Once your finished always wash your hands thoroughly and apply cuticle oil/hand cream. 


September/October 2016 Monthly Tip -

This months tip relates to a question which I am often asked by clients regarding back pain; what can we do to help ourselves? Having a regular back massage is obviously a wonderful way to help prevent back pain, however it is equally important to help yourself. One of the most important things we can do for ourselves is to improve core strength. There are many different types of exercise out there which target core strength; yoga, pilates, etc. There are however a few simple things which we can do without the need to put on any lycra! Posture, posture, posture! Pull your shoulders back and down, push your chest out and pull your stomach in. Consciously tightening the muscles which support the base of the spine and lowering your shoulders away from your ears will go a long way to reducing back problems. By improving your core strength you can provide a support frame for your lower back, consciously engage your pelvic floor, pull in your stomach and clench your bottom. Try to both lower your shoulders and engage your core whenever you remember, especially when you are on the move, it gives the muscles an even better work out. Every time you do this it will get a little bit easier and as an extra bonus it will help streamline your torso.


July/August 2016 Monthly Tip -

Another random little tip for you this month, something that has made my life easier and I hope will benefit some of you too. I have always suffered with very oily skin and hair. Finally my skin has balanced itself out but I still suffer from very oily hair roots. The day after washing it, it is already an issue. I had tried dry shampoos in the past but never with much luck, until my sister explained how I should be using them. Shake the can vigorously, hold it 20-30cm from your head and spray directly onto the roots, working in sections lifting the rest of the hair out of the way. Now the important bit, which they don't tell you on the can, leave it alone for a couple of minutes before you massage it into your roots like you would a normal shampoo and comb through.
The leaving it alone bit allows the dry shampoo to absorb the oil so that you don't get the powdery look at the end.


May/June 2016 Monthly Tip -

As most of you already know, I try to eat a reasonably healthy balanced diet but still enjoy a little bit of bad stuff too. When it comes to the bad stuff I try not to over do it and where possible I try to find some excuse for why it's ok, because 'honest it's good for you really' (in small doses). For a while now I have been eating at least 70% cocoa dark chocolate as one of my treats, because 'honest it's good for you really'.
As long as you are only consuming it in small quantities, a square or two after dinner, and preferably organic.

Foods to improve gut health

March/April 2016 Monthly Tip -

A very short and sweet tip this month, but wow what a difference it has made for me since reading it. For years I have been using Kirby grips incorrectly. If like me you have always had the smooth side against your scalp, try turning the grip around and discover what a difference it makes. With the bumpy side against your scalp the grip actually stays in place. For the first time I have been able to do a 10 hour day without once having to rearrange rogue kirbys!

January/February 2016 Monthly Tip -

When testing potential new foundations you need to make sure you get the correct shade for your skin tone. Never try them out on the back of your hand, it is your face you are going to be wearing it on, so that's where you should be trying it out. A line of product taken from the lower edge of the eye socket all the way to the jawline will give you a clearer view of how it will blend with the varying tones of your skin. Trying at least two shades, preferably three on your cheek will give you a clearer idea of the correct colour to choose by having a point of comparison.

December 2015 Monthly Tip -

This months tip is from a magazine I was reading the other day, it caught my eye for the same reason which I'm sure all of you will like it. Food which helps with fat burning is always a good thing!

Chilli - Spices like chilli are thought to boost your metabolism by up to 50% for up to 3 hours after eating as it increases you heart rate. Fresh chilli or flakes added to a meal are a better option than a Indian takeaway obviously.
Garlic - The oils within garlic encourage peristalsis, which loosens the fat within your body and helps to flush it out. Also, garlic can raise your body temperature, which can help to stimulate your body's ability to burn fat. If your temperature begins to drop, your body will respond by storing fat in order to raise it.
Ginger - Previous studies have shown that ginger can help to burn calories by supporting digestion and stimulating your metabolism. Ginger is known as a vasodilator, meaning it works to increase the diameter of arteries and improve blood circulation. Increased blood flow can lead to an increase in body temperature, which promotes metabolism and burns calories.
Spinach - Vitamin B is crucial for turning fats, carbs and proteins into energy, and spinach is high in this vital vitamin. Spinach is also great for muscle function, as it can help your muscles to recover faster. This can result in a faster metabolism as more muscle mass encourages you to burn calories, even while you're asleep.
Cinnamon - An increase in blood sugar levels can cause your body to store fat, making it difficult to lose weight. Cinnamon helps to control insulin, which is the chemical that works to regulate your blood sugar levels.

Please do remember that to achieve the removal of any unwanted fat a healthy diet and regular exercise are essential.


October 2015 Monthly Tip -
Last months tip involved encouraging all of you to replace your mascara on a regular basis, which of course involves spending money.  This month staying with the make up theme I'm helping you save some pennies.  You can extend the life of your pressed powder cosmetics by simply completely removing the top layer with a clean tissue on a regular basis and, as previously mentioned, cleaning your make up brushes regularly so that everything is like new. Similarly regularly sharpen any pencils and keep the sharpner itself clean and the pencil will also be as new.


September 2015 Monthly Tip -
I'm sure you have all heard that you should change your mascara every 6 months but do you know why. It's not just particles in the air which get into the mascara bottle when your using it but also anything which is on your eyelashes. How many coats do you apply? Each time you reinsert the brush into the bottle anything which is on your eyelashes goes back in too, that includes eyeshadow/liner/foundation/skin cells, all being reapplied to your lashes with each use. If you have had an eye infection then change the mascara straight away.  The same rule applies to lip glosses and anything which is applied from a bottle or tube with a wand or brush.

August 2015 Monthly Tip -

As I'm sure you all know a sun tan is actually a sign of skin damage and this is never more apparent than when you return home after your holiday. While away we are applying moisturiser twice a day at least, in the form of sun cream and after sun. If you do not continue this practice at least once a day upon returning you will very quickly see the damage in the form of peeling skin. Regular moisturising, and once all the redness is completely gone, a good exfoliation will enhance the look of your tan and reduce the risk of peeling keeping your skin in tip top health.


July 2015 Monthly Tip -

At this time of year we all find ourselves exposing our skin to the suns UV rays a lot more than we normally would, I would like to remind you how important it is to make sure that you are being safe and protecting your skin properly. Did you know that you can burn your skin in as little as 10 minutes if it's unprotected. Using a minimum of SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93 percent of UVB radiation and the higher the SPF you go the safer you become. You also have to watch out for the UVA rays which can do damage without even making you red.
It's not enough to just apply the lotion, you have to make sure your using enough of the lotion for it to protect you properly; re apply suncream every two to three hours and apply more after swimming, make use of sun protective clothing, large hats, sun glasses and be sure to seek shade regularly.
If you do burn the skin it can be red, painful and peeling for a week or more, the damage to your skin is for life and doubles your risk of skin cancer.


June 2015 Monthly Tip -

A tip to help treat/prevent athletes foot and other fungal infections.  Using a tea tree based skin wash to clean your feet regularly can help to keep them clear of infection, at the end of your shower/bath and after exercising a small amount of skin wash applied between the toes then rinsed clean will keep the skin fresh and healthy.  For an even more effective treatment follow up with a small application of tea tree hand and body lotion.
For this treatment to be effective it is very important to use a top rated brand of tea tree product, in the salon I stock the Australian Body Care Tea Tree Oil products, a well known and highly rated brand, for further information, just ask.


May 2015 Monthly Tip - 

I came across a great article the other day and I just had to share it.  Remember when we were little girls, we all wanted to be Wonder Woman, well apparently we still should!

"We appear more dominant when we open up our bodies.  Our bodies change our minds, our minds change our behaviour and our behaviour changes our outcome" According to Social Psychologist Amy Cuddy.  Apparently standing in a 'power pose' for two minutes increases testosterone levels by 20% and decreases the stress hormone cortisol by 20%.


Wonder Woman Power Pose

  • Raise your chin and broaden your shoulders
  • Lift your arms slightly away from your body or place your hands on your hips
  • Stand with your legs at least hip-width apart.

More Power Poses

  • Stand and lean over a table, using your hands to support you
  • Sit with an arm spread out and resting on the chair next to you
  • Sit with your hands behind your head
  • Lean back in your chair (rather than hunching forward)
  • Stay in a power stance even when no one else can see you
What Not to Do
  • Touch your face or neck
  • Fold your arms
  • Slouch in a chair
  • Cross your knees or ankles tightly while sitting
  • Hide your hands in your pockets
  • Hunch over a table with your forearms on it
  • Rest your head in your hand

April 2015 Monthly Tip -
This months tip is all about taking care of yourself when your taking part in regular exercise. There are a number of ways to alleviate those can’t-make-it-up-the-stairs symptoms. A sports massage is one good way to reduce the effects. “A massage will move the fluid and blood around in your body, which can help heal the microtrauma in your muscles better,” blog.myfitnesspal.com. A study in the Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation found massage to be beneficial on both gait and feelings of post-workout soreness.
Other common ways to treat DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) include foam rolling, contrast showers (alternating between hot and cold water), Epsom salt baths, increased protein intake (to increase protein synthesis) and omega-3 supplementation (to reduce inflammation), and sleep. New research in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that supplementing with saffron may also help to alleviate DOMS. A healthy balanced diet which makes sure you’re taking in all the nutrients you need to help your body heal can really help you to get the best you can out of your exercise.