Fiona's Beauty Tips

1st March 2010

Be healthy and happy!

It's getting lighter in the mornings and soon we'll be counting down the days till the clocks change. Personally, I tend to want to hibernate during the winter and its only about now I am beginning to feel motivated about getting myself back to a more healthy state! Recently, I have been going to the gym again and out for the occasional run and I must admit you do forget how much better it makes you feel.

And like many of you I’ve come to the conclusion there is only way to get fit and healthy. Eating less and making healthier food choices, combined with some form of regular exercise are the most reliable ways to keep your mind - and body - in good shape.

However, there certain treatments in the salon that can really help enhance and speed up results such as Mesotherapy for fat reduction and cellulite treatments using Mesotherapy and Endermologie Lipomassage (I am a big fan of this!). The best results are for those clients that are being healthy with diet and exercise but need that extra help in toning or certain stubborn areas. We also have a great range of internal supplements which are great to take when trying to tone and firm up and get back on track. For more information on the supplements or treatments you can get a free consultation at either of the salons.

Healthy eating and exercise have benefits way beyond the aesthetics. It really does help your frame of mind. Personally, I feel more energized, focused and motivated as well. Did you know that exercise has been proven to help with depression?About 1 in 6 adults in the UK suffers from depression and improving our health and increasing exercise is one way of preventing/alleviating depression. Drinking more water helps a lot too. Drinking good amounts of water each day not only helps to hydrate your skin but you are also helping your mind stay healthy. We all know the mind and body work as one so if we want to look good on the outside we need to start with the basics and put in good quality fuel and exercise our bodies. Actually focusing more on the health benefits and less on our image make it easier to put these into practice and we then get the added bonus of looking great as well.

Perhaps like me you find it hard to keep up the momentum. You start well, and then it all falls by the wayside. I think the most important thing to remember is that doing a few small changes a can make a difference and just because you’re not good or miss the gym one day does not mean you need to give up altogether. The spring is a great time to get your exercise and healthy eating regime off to a gentle start. So good luck and here’s to looking and feeling healthy and happy!

1st February 2010

Getting the base right can make all the difference

One of the best beauty tips you could ever get would be in relation to your foundation or base. Most of our clients wear a foundation of some sort everyday of life, and getting this right can make the difference between looking healthy and radiant to looking a bit off colour, or in the worst cases ill or very orange! Its really worth the time getting some professional help in choosing the correct colour and type of foundation and getting it done every 6 months or so as our skin type and skin condition change over time as does our colour. As well as colour advice a professional can help you to establish whether pressed powder, loose powder or a liquid base would be most suitable for you.

One of the most exciting advances in makeup in recent years has been the development of 'mineral makeup.' This type of make is really and truly fantastic: we only stock mineral make up now in our salons. There are various good brands around, we feel that the best ones are Jane Iredale and I.D. Bare Minerals, which we stock at Zen Lifestyle.

The main difference between mineral make up and traditional brands is their purity, so they are so much better for your skin. They never use talc, oil, F, D and C dyes, synthetic preservatives, (the much publicised parabens), or fragrance. So even the most sensitive of skins look and feel fabulous.

Mineral make up allows your skin to breathe, and the foundations are much lighter and more comfortable to wear all day. They are also completely water resistant and normally contain a high level of SPF, which helps protects your skin not only from sun damage but also aging. The mineral foundations react with the light in a way that adjusts to your own natural skin tone, so they are very forgiving, which makes a huge difference.

My personal favourite is the Jane Iredale Pressed Powder (with SPF 20), as it is so very quick, easy to apply correctly, and convenient. It gives excellent coverage and has such a wide range of natural looking colours, I can always get a really good match for clients. Nowadays, I rarely wear a liquid foundation and find the time-saving aspects of pressed powder so handy. I also think that you look and feel like you have much less makeup on, so it’s a much more natural look. I was originally very unsure about a powder foundation but now that I am converted I don’t think I could go back!

Having said that, if you do prefer a liquid base this, it is also available in mineral make up. Once applied it's going no where all day and night as it sets after application. This is ideal for a big day like a wedding, or for example if you have, or if you have problem skin and want stable coverage all day long.

Our therapists are highly trained by the manufacturers of these products and can provide expert advice on colour and application, as well as doing your make over and helping you select the most suitable products. For a free colour match and consultation please call either salon. I.D. Bare Minerals is available at our Bruntsfield salon, Jane Iredale is available from the Teviot place Branch.

1st December 2009

Fraxel Laser treatents

We are really delighted to now be offering Fraxel in our skin clinic, starting on the 9th of December. You can read all about it in more detail on our website. I've had this procedure myself for tightening and pigmentation but it can also be used really effectively for acne scarring or just for overall skin rejuvenation to refine pores and even out skin tone and texture.

Its definitely more of a medical treatment- your face is completely numbed to begin with and you are looking at anything between 2-5 treatments. Depending on the intensity of treatment required you might need a day or more off work...so it's not for the faint hearted.

However, other than a hot red face for a few days its actually not that much hassle, especially when you see the results. I have had 4 sessions and am going to get one more.

Its not for everyone but if you are serious anti ageing or have skin which is damaged by the sun or scarring and really want to get results than I would highly recommend this.

Go to our Fraxel Page

Learn more about my own experiences with Fraxel, see December 09 entry in the Treatment of the Month section.

3oth October 2009

De Fuzz in Winter!

One of my all time favourite treatments ever has to be the IPL permanent hair removal. I first had this treatment about 7 years ago and I've gone on to have more areas treated over time. I have to say that this treatment really does work brilliantly well. I've not had any waxing done for years - like many of you my time always seems to be short and not having to spend time each month getting waxed is so incredibly convenient.

Compared to waxing the upfront cost can be a bit of a lump, but in most cases it's equivalent to about two years waxing expense. After that you are free forever of the cost and hassle of waxing. Even if you go for the low cost shaving option, you still have that nasty fuzz inbetween shaves, which you never have to worry about again if you go for the permanent solution.

You need to avoid exposing the treated area to strong sunlight so winter is the ideal time to get IPL (Intense Pulsed Light, it's like a laser but more efficient for hair removal).

I couldn't recommend this treatment enough, it really has changed my life for the better.

2nd October 2009

Be Wrinkle Free Forever!

We are always talking about ‘hydration’…. drink more water, drink more water, get your 8 glasses a day etc... Next to oxygen water is the most important thing we need. When we are born we are 75% water, but as we age this reduces to about 60%. That’s why a baby’s skin is so much more supple, firm, smooth and elastic

Be Wrinkle Free Forever!

However, often when we drink more water we just end up going to the toilet more. The critical issue for anti-ageing and general health is not how much water we drink but how much water retain. But water we retain which makes us feel bloated doesn’t help, it’s the water which is retained and utilised within our cells which is the key. We are all exposed to the ravaging effects of free radical damage to our cells. This damages the cell walls, meaning that cells lose water, so much of the water we drink is wasted.

Our body has to be able to hold onto the water we put into it. You need to be able to get the water into your cells and keep it there. So how do we go about changing our bodies and enabling this to happen?

One way to ensure that water stays with in the cell is to take essential fatty acid and glucosamine supplements. By keeping the lipid membranes surrounding the cells in good repair, the water content within the cell wall is maintained.

Leading US dermatologist Dr Howard Murad has studied The Water Principle in anti-ageing for many years and has based his skin care range and supplements around this principle. To read more on anti aging and the water principle you can purchase his breakthrough book Wrinkle Free Forever (£7.99). This is available from our online store or in either salon.

Dr. Murad also has an excellent supplement range. These are not only fabulous for improving your skin health and supporting your current skin care regime, they are also really great for your general health. One supplement you should definitely be taking if ageing skin is a concern is the Murad Wet Suit supplement. This gives us all the Essential Vitamins and Nutrients to helps us hold onto to our water. In particular it contains the right dose of EFA’s and glucosamine to protect the cell membranes. Wet Suit supplements can be purchased in either salon, £32 for a month's supply. You can also buy online (save £2).

Start now to shape up for Christmas

Do you want to fit into that little LBD for xmas..did you promise yourself at the xmas parties you would be somewhat smaller and more toned this year…. The bad news is if you don’t start now you may feel disappointed for yet another year…the good news is you still have time to manage it by starting now….

If you want a helping hand let us give you an early xmas present we are offering an extra £180 off our amazing mesotherapy fat reduction treatment at our Teviot place salon. This superb treatment delivers amazing results over a 7 week period. It works best on stomach, buttocks, thighs, and upper arms. We have had really excellent results and are getting booked up a quickly, so why not come in for a free consultation.

30th August 2009

Make your Nail Varnish last longer

Even though we have had changeable weather this summer it has been warm and humid which can play havoc with the old nail varnish making it thick and hard to apply well. If this happens try keeping it in the fridge. It will stay thin and then goes on much better. Also if you have a favourite colour that is getting thicker but this doesn’t work, rather than immediately buying a new one you should invest in some nail varnish thinner. It actually works pretty well and you can use it on all your colours. Just remember, like mascara, nail varnish dries out if you do not seal it up tightly. So wipe well around the bottle top before closing it and screw it on tightly.

3rd August 2009

Tanning at Home

One of the most popular treatments at this time of year has to be the good old fake tan…and quite rightly so who wants to be showing of the old peely wally Scottish blue skin colour! Fake tan can also help to hide a multitude of sins including the dreaded cellulite and any thread veins. It has to be said we do immediately feel slimmer with a bit of colour as well.

As we are all now well educated on the damage the sun and (dare I mention it, sun beds) can cause, we are keen to get good advice on fake tanning.

Be sure to do good exfoliations before you begin tanning as if you have a build up of old skin cells and dry skin it will not only look uneven and patchy but it will fade much quicker and unevenly as well…so the key to good tan application as every painter knows its all in the preparation. I generally do a couple in the week on the lead up to a tan for best results, especially for a big night out. Apply the tan to clean dry skin free of product. Only put moisturiser on the really dry areas such as elbows and knees to stop the tan “clinging” to these areas more. Be really careful of the hands and feet. it is much better they are too light than too dark. Everyone notices these areas, the tan can grab quickly to them as well and is impossible to remove. It is much easier to apply more if necessary. If you do end up getting some on your nail plate or under the nail, whitening tooth paste is actually pretty good at removing it. Also be really aware the hairline especially important if you are blond. A must is to wear disposable gloves when applying tan.

To make sure your tan lasts well, apply moisturiser every day. If you don’t like wearing moisturiser during the day or are in too much of a hurry in the morning just put some on in the evening paying particular attention to the front of your lower leg which can dry out quite quickly.

As your tan is beginning to fade do not be tempted to reapply more over an uneven fading tan. Just exfoliate well to try and help remove the old one, then start afresh – remember, you always need a good base to get the right finished look. Some of the tan prolongers however are really effective as they are quite subtle and have a lot of moisturiser in them as well.

Go exceptionally light on the face. I actually miss mine out altogether and just use make up, as it can often darken the pores and accentuate any pigmentation or uneveness on the face area… but this is personal choice.

There are a number of good products on the market. We have tried most of them and are happy to recommend the market leading brands Fake Bake and St Tropez.

Never be tempted to go for a sun bed. The terrible ageing effects for your skin are nothing compared to the dangers of skin cancer which have been comprehensively proven. If applying fake tan at home is too much of a faff for you, an in-salon application including exfoliation is another option. For very best results I always recommend spray tan – it’s quick, inexpensive and gives a lovely, natural result.

Relief for sore muscles

I have been trying to exercise a bit more recently and have recently signed up to do a half marathon. Getting the fresh air and being out doors appeals to me much more than the gym…it also really helps for stress and allows me to enjoy lovely dinner without feeling guilty! However, my muscles do get pretty sore after wards. I have been using the Elemis Musclease herbal bath sachets which have been great. I have a bath after a long running using the sachets of powder than rub in the Musclease concentrate when I get out the bath. It has been really amazing and has definitely helped my muscles recover much quicker than when I was running a few years ago. I find these products are also great for the aching back and tension in my neck after a long day in the salon. These products can purchased at our online shop or at either of our salons.

1st July 2009

Amazing Skin

The skin is an amazing part of your body: did you know for example that it is the largest organ in your body. When we are born it is about 1mm by adulthood it is about 2-3mm thick. The skin helps us to regulate temperature and prevent dehydration. It keeps us waterproof, guards us against harmful chemicals and sun damage. In the average adult the skin covers 1.5 to 2 square metres of surface area and it weighs up to about 8 pounds (dependant on size). As we age we begin to lose moisture and the dermis loses its elasticity. Then the skin begins to wrinkle, particularly around the face as we lose the soft suppleness we were born with.

Internal Skincare
For reasons of both health and appearance the skin is really well worth looking after. For best skin health we should treat the skin from the inside as well as looking after the outside. This well help the health of our skin all over not just the face but body as well. Internal skincare is critical and can have a much greater impact than relying on topical solutions alone. The best way to look after your skin is to sleep as much as you can, keep drinking plenty of water and keep out of the sun. (When you want to be bronzed, fake tan is safest and healthiest and these days you can get a really natural result. I strongly recommend the White-To-Brown spray tan at out Teviot Salon.)

Sometimes our skin needs a little extra help. Taking supplements, especially vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants can really help support your skin from the inside out. Often these are lacking in sufficient levels in our daily diet. Here are some ideas from Dr. Murad's brilliant range of supplements:

Hydration Boost

Wet Suit supplements are for dehydrated skin...works really well to plump put fine lines and rehydrate skin that has had too much sun or air-conditioning over the summer months. Also excellent for those dreaded hangovers to get your body rehydrated. The cost is £32 for 60 tablets, which is a month’s supply.

Stop blemishes and Breakouts

If your skin is more troublesome we have the Clarifying Supplements (£39 For 120 tablets) which gives amazing results, (pretty quickly too, which helps!) on problem or congested skin it contains a fantastic mix of vitamins and minerals including a high percentage of zinc which is the main mineral to help problematic skin. Take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening.

Anti-ageing magic!

Now for my personal favourite, this is a must for those of you who are, like myself, obsessed with anti-ageing! We have the wonderful Youth Builder. Well worth the £42 for a jar of 120. Take 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening. The mix in this is fantastic with everything from grape seed extract, flax seed, beetroot, tumeric root, as well as a wide range of all your vitamins and minerals, selenium and glucosamine. Amazing ,amazing…goodies for your skin.

Dr Murad is a renowned US dermatologist, pharmacist and skincare pioneer. Follow this link for information on Dr Murad's powerful antiageing facials. To purchase these supplements and others online follow this link to our online shop, where you can aslo browse the full Murad skincare range.

1st May 2009

I'm loving the new "3 week manicure"

We have recently launched this at Zen with both French and colour. Personally I am already totally addicted to it and it's jsut what we have been looking for for years. No smudging, no chipping, just perfect nails that stay in salon finished condition for 3 weeks. You can get this for your feet as well to give you lovely looking toes for the summer. The best part is that unlike our old gel nails system it does not get buffed off but can be soaked off at home, saving time and money.

28th April 2009

Get your skin checked out - it is always changing

Make sure you get your skin checked out and analysed by a qualified skin therapsist from time to time. Remember that as we are going from winter to summer weather your skin condition and needs can change with the changing weather and environmental conditions. Also as we age our hormonal balances change regardless of our age, this in turn has an effect on our skin. So we may need to modify our skin care regime to rebalance our skin.

Why not get a Visia facial skin analysis? This state-of-the-art technology is used by top dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons and gives a really amazing insight into what is happening on and beneath your skin - to 2 mm belwo the surface. At Zen Lifestyle you can get a free Visia skin analysis worth £35 when booking any facial lasting an hour or more until the end of May. Go to our promotions page for details.

27th March 2009

Get rid of that winter skin

The Elemis Body Brush (which is made from cactus) is just the thing you need for your daily body brushing. I tend to dry body brush before jumping in the shower and try and do it at least every couple of days go up the legs and arms in long flowing strokes towards the heart. It is a great way to exfoliate and also to move the lymph toward the lymph nodes for detoxing. The Elemis body brush is £17 and can be bought at either salon or ordered on line.

If you want a nice treatment to get you started why not try the Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Body Scrub & Massage. This combines the body brushing with the beautiful Exotic Lime and Ginger Body Scrub to give a really deep exfoliation leaving the skin re-hydrated and smooth and supple. The treatment is finished with a massage to leave you deeply relaxed….all for just £60! Available at either of our salons.

1st February 2009

Launch of the Fabulous Priori Forte!

For all you die hard Priori fans... have I got good news for you….the launch of Priori Forte! This range gives you everything that you get from Priori Advanced AHA with that extra little boost…let me explain. The Priori that you are using now has 12-13% of LAC (lactic acid compound.) The Priori Forte which is a medical grade product range contains 20% lactic so all the results you get from Priori Forte are intensified...These benefits include increased hydration, cell renewal, evening of skin tone and reduction of lines and wrinkles. I am totally loving it...we only got it in the salon last week and everyone is going crazy for it.

The range only has a Cleanser and Corrector, you would still use the Eye Cream, Hydrator, SPF etc from the Advanced AHA range or Prior Idebenone or whatever one you are currently using. My skin honestly has never looked or felt so good it feels so hydrated and plump I am recommending it to everyone.

Prevage..the skincare product sent from Heaven!!!!

Possibly even more exciting is the launch of Prevage MD which I have been trying to get into the salon for months since I first used it. Prevage was first launched last year by Allergan, the clever people who invented Botox. You may have seen Prevage (with 0.5% Idebenone) at the Elizabeth Arden counter in the department stores. However we are launching Prevage MD which contains 1% Idebenone- the strongest dose available- and only available through dermatologists and certain skin clinics such as Zen Lifestyle. Idebenone is the most powerful anti-oxidant yet discovered and the most anti-ageing ingredient available for skin care (1000x more powerful than Co-Enzyme Q10). This product again is medical strength so a little goes a very long way. It is retails at £135 for 50ml, (compared to £141 for the department store version with only half the quantity of the active ingredient). This is a really amazing product and it can fit in with your existing regime to really give your skin an amazing anti-ageing boost.

30th Jan 2009

Addictive Beauty treatments should come with a warning!!!…

Due to extreme popular demand we have introduced Nouveau Eyelash Extensions….for those of you who have not tried them up at out Bruntsfield salon be warned they are highly addictive!!! I have been told that once you’ve eyelash extensions for a month you’re addicted and you’ll never give them up- and I can see why. I had mine done recently and personally I think I’m addicted already…!!! Who wouldn’t be…they transform your face...everybody comments on how great they look or if they can’t work out what you’ve had done just how great you look in general. (I am not sure if you get addicted to the lashes or the compliments!) They are so natural looking, completely weightless and you can continue to do what ever you normally due like swimming etc with no problem at all. We are only charging £65 for a full set at the moment in other places around town they can cost up to £160. What’s the catch? Well, not all the girls are qualified so you need to book ahead a little bit and we will eventually be increasing the price quite a bit...so try them out while they are £65 and see what you think…I can guarantee you will not be disappointed. One great benefit is that when you get up hung-over on a Sunday morning looking rough you still have pretty lashes and things don’t seem so bad after all!

26th January 2009

The boost you need…

I have always had great feed back on the Murad Firm and Tone Supplements and clients always seem to come back for more as soon as they are finished- and tell us what great results they have had. We have had a promotion on them in the salon (which is a great deal if you haven’t heard about it yet) and so many of the clients have been buying them saying that they love the energy they get from them as well as watching the cellulite disappearing…I guess it makes sense when you look at the amount of quality vitamins and minerals you are taking, all your essential fatty acids etc. I think it really encourages you to take them because of how they come all individually wrapped up for each day am and pm…it’s so easy really and a great way to firm up!

15th January 2009

Time to Detox!

At this time of year after all our partying everyone is feeling pretty tired and run down too much eating drinking and not enough sleep we all do it every year then throw ourselves into a massive detox come the new year. Often your skin is the first to give away the tell tale signs of over indulgence… even for those of us who do not suffer breakouts can often show unsightly lumps and bumps….
Anyway, I was one of those people and I reached out on the good advice of one of my colleagues and took the Murad Skin Care Supplements. These are great for any wee lumps, bumps and imperfections under the skin and literally within days I noticed a difference!

I have been doing loads of body brushing and facemasks at home and having long relaxing baths in the evening to try and catch up on my sleep and get into a better sleeping pattern again. I have had several Omnilux red light treatments which I just love at this time of year. You see an instant hydration and lifting/tightening effect so after the heavy party season it’s a real godsend. I’m also prone to a touch of SAD (seasonal affective disorder) during the dark Scottish winter, which the Omnilux is a great remedy for- in Sweden it is known as the happy lamp!. It gives you a great boost to your immune system so…I’ve been recommending it to loads of clients who are also loving it.

I am back on my Murad body supplements…these are a fantastic way to get your body back in shape and are great for detoxing, firming and toning. There is a great offer on in January and February for these so check out the promotions page on the website. These dietary supplements have everything you need to balance out our diet. When I am taking my supplements it really encourages me to exercise and eat well.

If you are needing a helping hand with body toning why not come in for some Endermologie. Its such an instant boost immediately making you feel slimmer and firmer… I actually find it a really relaxing treatment and am totally addicted now although some clients do find it uncomfortable. However, it does get easier and as they say no pain no gain!!

15th October 2008

Beautiful open eyes!

They frame your face and some would say are the windows to our soul….others may have the attitude never trust anyone who’s eyebrows meet in the middle!! Personally, I think it is essential to keep your eyebrows well maintained and groomed…..for men and woman alike. Waxing for eyes in salons is sometimes over-used as a quick fix and often therapists do not take the time to do a full consultation about the shape and where the arch should be to make the most of your assets.

Threading, however has no heat and therefore it completely eliminates the opportunity to burn the skin. It is precise and more importantly not harsh on the skin like waxing can be. The eyebrows certainly looked groomed and I believe there is much less room for error. All staff here have gone mad for it and the results are amazing I could not recommend I highly enough.

1st October 2008

Always SFP! Even in winter…

Now lets face it, this summer was not exactly one that would regularly make you think to reach for the sun block. However we are often more inclined to put it on during the summer months….if I can give you one piece of advice that is proven to slow the ageing process more dramatically than any treatment or cream it is too use an SPF every day, 365 days a year without fail.

The UVB rays are the rays that tan you the UVA rays are the rays that age you. (Sunbeds are about 95% UVA - little ageing machines).

I personally would not sell a course of anti-ageing treatments to a client that was using an ageing box (sunbed) as I feel they are wasting their money and should save it up and go and age themselves on the comfort of a beach. Why would you do this to yourself when you can get a fantastic tan in minutes and be brown all year? It really does not make any sense to me at all. Anyway UVA is emitted from all around us- our computer screens , tv’s, fluorescent lighting and many other sources. And do not think you are protected when you are in the car as it comes though the window (unlike UVB) and is magnified many times so even worse…..Therefore you can now see why regardless of cloud, rain or sun it is so essential to wear a good quality high protection factor as part of your daily skin care regime…this does not include one you have had in the drawer for 2 years. I would say replace an unfinished SPF as often as you should your mascara, i.e every 6 months.