[mk_fancy_title tag_name="h1" color="#400080" size="30" margin_bottom="0" font_family="none" align="center"]Fiona's Top 5 Beauty Tips for Spring[/mk_fancy_title][mk_padding_divider]
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BY FIONA FOWLEY, DIRECTOR

It’s still a little chilly out there, but with spring fast approaching and the clocks going forward, it’s not only our wardrobes we will need to be overhauling – our beauty regimes need a seasonal update too. So I have put together a few thoughts on what I will be using over the next few weeks, and would like to share a few key recommendations with you.

[mk_fancy_title color="#400080" margin_bottom="0" font_family="none"]Slough away those winter blues[/mk_fancy_title]

Slough away dead skin cells, environmental toxins and season-long build-up of product and start the new season with a deep exfoliation treatment. A microdermabrasion treatment provides a satisfying boost and will leave your skin feeling clear, healthy and radiant. This can be supplemented by a chemical peel, which really helps to loosen the build up of dead skin cells. Nothing beats having the experts do it for you whilst you relax on the treatment bed. However if you are short of time for a salon appointment, there are some great products out there for DIY beauty at home. My favourites for exfoliation are the Elizabeth Arden PRO Sensitive Skin Peel Pads, and Dr Murad’s Intensive C-Radiance Peel.

[mk_fancy_title color="#400080" margin_bottom="0" font_family="none"]Lighten the load[/mk_fancy_title]

Along with our cosy cashmeres and winter woolies, our myriad of rich, intensive creams need to be replaced with lighter layers to avoid breakouts and clogged pores. Instead opt for water-like emulsions and hydrating lotions to leave skin nourished and moisturised but able to breathe. My spring favourites are the Murad Essential C Moisturiser SPF 30, which also works to improve radiance and firmness, Medik8’s C-Tetra Cream  – a light day cream that not only protects the skin from free radicals and boosts collagen production but minimises fine lines and wrinkles – and the Elizabeth Arden PRO Moisturising Facial Cream. This wonder product contains lactic acid for hydrated, smooth and radiant skin.

[mk_fancy_title color="#400080" margin_bottom="0" font_family="none"]The Eyes have it[/mk_fancy_title]

With the sun causing us to squint more, it must be time to invest in a great eye cream to combat those fine lines and wrinkles and plump up the delicate skin. I always advise a cream rich in antioxidants, collagen boosting properties. The Elizabeth Arden PRO Smoothing Eye Cream is an award winning favourite. It contains AHAs in the form of lactic acid, which is gentle but very effective at improving those fine lines around the eyes.

[mk_fancy_title color="#400080" margin_bottom="0" font_family="none"]Embrace SPF[/mk_fancy_title]

I’m a firm believer that for serious anti-ageing, SPF should be worn all year round. But of course it’s crucial during the spring and summer months. Even on the cloudiest of days in Scotland, the sun can still cause damage, especially those UVA rays which blast right through the clouds and age our skin. The new generation of sunscreens with ever-evolving formulas, improved technology feel lightweight on the skin with no chalkiness yet provide broad-spectrum protectors to minimise the damage from both UVA and UVB.

Try Dr Murad’s City Skin Age Defence SPF 50, an ultra-light, 100% mineral, broad spectrum PA++++ and SPF 50 sunscreen with Environmental Protection Technology, which shields skin from the 5 main causes of damage that accelerate signs of ageing. My personal favourite is Heliocare SPF 50 which I wear over my normal day cream and down my neck and décolletage.

[mk_fancy_title color="#400080" margin_bottom="0" font_family="none"]Colour injection[/mk_fancy_title]

Add a pop of colour on your lips and on your nails. My go-to for spring is Bobbi Brown’s Extra Lip Tint in Bare Pink (£25.50) and CND’s Blush Teddy, which I wear as Shellac, but it is also available as Vinylux polish.

Now once you’re canvas is perfected, all that’s left to do is enjoy the new season makeup trends!

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Fiona Fowley is the beauty expert and entrepreneur behind the Zen Lifestyle salons. Originally a beauty therapist, Fiona realised there was a gap in the market to create a unique kind of customer experience in the UK beauty and spa industry. She created Zen Lifestyle to provide discerning clients with an exceptionally high standard of therapies in luxurious, beautifully designed surroundings. she has led the business to 18 national beauty awards, as well as being voted UK Salon of the Year 5 times.

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