Archive for the ‘Beauty Tips’ Category
40 Days to Feel Great! Detoxing Tips for Lent
Monday, February 27th, 2012
For many of us who’ve given up something we love for Lent, our end goal is not only to feel empowered that we’ve achieved something remarkable, but also to look great and feel physically ready to face Spring (and get ready for swimsuit season!)
While Lent can be tough, if you hope to emerge at the end of Lent butterfly-from-wilting-coccoon-like as a happier, healthier and more beautiful creature, La Spa is here to help*. We’ve some tips below on ways to get through Lent and a range of treatments that can help you get in great shape come Spring. (*Sorry, willpower not provided).
Tip One
All the Small Things. As with any health and beauty goal, start with small, achievable steps. If increased fitness is your aim, start with a daily brisk walk, not an attempted marathon. With each week increase your physical threshold so that by the end of your 40 days you’ll probably be ready for that marathon.
Tip Two
The Old Switcheroo. Giving up yummy treats for a whole 40 days? Good luck with that! Why not try replacing those cravings with something equally yummy but not as calorific? Swap sweets for protein and fibre rich snacks like unsalted nuts or vegetable sticks with spicy dips, olives or other luxury treats.
Tip Three
The Carrot not the Stick. This is all about reward instead of punishment. If you feel your willpower slipping, instead of feeling guilty about delving into that bottle of wine or big bowl of icecream (hey, nobody’s perfect!), reward yourself when you do resist temptation by treating yourself to non-guilty pleasures like an extra long lie-in on Sunday, a night out at the cinema, or a spot of retail therapy.
Tip Four
A Little Extra Help. If the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak and you’re in need of a little extra detox help this Lent, check out the following range of treatments available at La Spa Therapie.
- Diet Secrets
The Diet Secret is a simple yet complete diet and lifestyle plan that takes the annoying calorie and points counting out of weight loss, allowing you to eat the food you love while providing you with all the nutrional support you need as you lose weight. Know more…
- Body Wrap Treatments
La Spa has a wide range of body wrap treatments designed to help you lose inches, infuse your body with nourishing vitamins and minerals while detoxifying, hydrating and improving skin tone and elasticity. Know more…
- Collonic Hyrdotherapy
Not only does this cleansing treatment cleanse and detoxify it can also help treat many common ailments such as bowel disorders, fatigue, food cravings and skin conditions. Know more…
- Exfoliating Treatments
A fantastic way to finish off your detoxing regime, a full body exfoliating scrub will stimulate blood flow, cleanse and tone skin, and have your body in great shape for Spring. Know more…
To all our La Spa friends, best of luck with your goals for Lent! Remember we’re here to help you look and feel great so get in touch and make an appointment for one of our body and beauty boosting treatments today.
Lipstick Application Tips
Friday, January 27th, 20126 Quick Lipstick Tricks! PART TWO
Since Valentine’s day is just around the corner we thought now would be a great time to talk about that kisser of yours. Are your lips Valentine’s-ready? To make sure they are, here are a few lipstick application tips to make the most of your pout…
If you haven’t already seen PART ONE of our quick-and-easy guide to making the most of your lipstick then check it out here.
So on to part two… Our final three tips are all about application: If you need to plump up that pout or keep your lippy on for longer these tips are for you!
-
Lipstick Application
Using a lip liner and lip brush is the best combination for applying lipstick as it gives you greater control of the application. Apply the liner starting at one corner and tracing around your lip to the other corner, but avoid going right into the corners of your lips. Then apply your lipstick once with the lip brush, blot with a tissue, and reapply. Apply a third time if you want a stronger look. Another tip: try coating your lips with foundation to smooth and soften your lips before applying your lipstick. Your lipstick colour should stay on for hours – except for times when your mouth is busy doing other things of course!
-
Keeping Lipstick Fresh
No matter what colour lipstick you choose, apply lip liner to the outline and then use it to fill in the fleshy part of your lips, smudging slightly as you go. You can then follow with a gloss or lipstick but if you’re looking for ultra staying power use matte. You can always apply a thin layer of gloss over your matte lipstick to add shine. Another tip: when wearing a red lipstick, use a brown lip liner all over the lips first, as the red pigment will then last longer. -
Creating Fuller Lips
To get a bee-stung pout a-la Rosie Huntington-Whitely (http://bit.ly/tDymbB) hold off on the botox treatment and try a little artful lip design instead. The trick to remember here is that light brings forward, dark recedes; light, glossy colours reflect the light making your lips appear larger while dark, matte colours will make lips appear smaller.
So, how to do? First, using a lip liner close to your natural lip colour, trace the outer edge of your lips ever so slightly outside the natural line. Blend the liner into the centre of your lips with a lip brush to avoid a harsh edge. Use a deeper shade of that lip colour at the outside corners of your lips and then apply the slightly lighter shade to fill in the rest. Finish with a long-lasting gloss and don’t rub lips together as this will only reduce shine.
We hope these six tips on creating the perfect lip come in useful during your next make-up application. If you have any great tips you would like to share please leave a comment!
If you want perfect lips for your next big occasion, call in to La Spa for a full make-up treatment.
See our pricing list for more info http://www.laspatherapiemalahide.ie/spa-treatments/make-up
The La Spa Guide to Silly Season Beauty Survival
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
With all the fun of the festive season it can be easy to blow off your usual health and beauty routine as you embrace the moment – eating, drinking and generally being merry (in between long bouts of laziness and obligatory family games). And that’s great! We highly recommend getting properly into the swing of things this Christmas and New Years – go on and enjoy yourselves!
But to survive the holiday madness with your good looks still in tact, take a few tips from us girls at La Spa. We always have a few basic beauty tricks up our sleeves – for those just-in-case moments – and we’re happy to share them with you.
Here are a few cheap and cheerful beauty tips for surviving this holiday season…
Emergency Balm
Every girl should carry a tin of Vaseline (or something similar) in her purse. A good petroleum jelly-like substance has a multitude of uses. A good balm can prevent cracked lips, add gloss to lipstick, smooth and shape brows, or even moisturise lashes before curling. You can use it to exfoliate your lips when removing red wine and dark lipstick stains; rub it in to cracked skin to soothe and relieve dryness; use as a gentle eye makeup remover, a shaving balm, a split-ends repairer… the list goes on and on! Readily available in just about every shop you can think of and costing next to nothing, your little tin of petroleum jelly will be your best buddy in times of need.
Fresh Breath on a Platter
Spicy dinner party? It’s not always practical to carry around a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and mouthwash, but there is another way to refresh your mouth after you’ve had your fill of the finger food: grab a sprig of parsley or slice of lemon from the platter and have a chew. Parsley (that green garnish usually left over on a plate) is a natural breath deordoriser, and lemon acts as a natural breath mint as the acidity helps destroy bacteria in the mouth. If the thought of sucking on a sour lemon makes you squirm, just squeeze some into a glass of water for a refreshing, palette-cleansing drink.
Eye Repair Care
After a big boozy night out, tired eyes can really suffer. Grab some cotton balls, run them under a cold tap, squeeze to drain then place them on your eyes for 10 minutes or so. The coolness will improve circulation, reduce swelling and restore bright eyes. If you’re the planning-ahead type, put the wet cotton balls in the freezer on some wax paper over night for even better results. It’s also a great excuse for a cheeky forty winks!
Happy Feet
A long day gift shopping, traipsing up and down the high street, can leave your feet in a bad way. When you get home, use a combination of hot and cold soaks to relieve tired and swollen feet. First, soak your feet in a tub of warm water and sea salt for 10 minutes, then alternate with a cold water soak for 10 minutes, and repeat. The warm water eases soreness while cool water reduces swelling. When you’re done, elevate your feet to drain built up fluid. Then massage to stimulate circulation and apply lotion leaving them soft and fresh as a daisy.
Get Hands On
Your hands also need special care at this time of year. Keep mitts covered in the cold, do some occasional simple hand exercises to relax and improve circulation, and remember to apply a replenishing moisturiser after every hand wash to prevent skin from drying, cracking and prematurely ageing. Keep some hand cream in your purse and one by any sinks at home and your hands will always be in good condition. If you are out of lotion, luckily you have that petroleum jelly in your purse; that’ll also do the trick.
And finally…
Drink Water
How many times have you heard this one, right? Well there’s a reason for that. Water hydrates, detoxifies and replenishes every part of you. Water not only (…take a deep breath) acts as an appetite suppresant, relieves headache and body pains, helps your brain function more clearly, regulates your body temperature, helps prevent joint cramps and sprains, aids in digestion, increases metabolism, improves your immune system, relieves fatigue and flushes toxins from your organs… (phew!) it also replenishes skin tissue, moisturises and improves skin elasticity, and makes your skin look young and fresh. In other words, water – free, easily accessible water – makes you beautiful. So make sure you’re drinking at least 8 glasses of water a day – more when you’re drinking alcohol and eatting rich, fatty foods – and every bit of your body will thank you for it.
We hope these few tips keep you in good nick during the festive season. Don’t forget if you need a little extra TLC to come in and see us at La Spa Therapie Malahide!
Lipstick Application Tips
Wednesday, November 16th, 20116 Quick Lipstick Tricks! PART ONE
OK, so the first challenge of this blog post? See if you can say “Six Quick Lipstick Tricks” three times fast!
Not so easy, is it? Well, the second challenge is much easier. We want you to break open your make-up bag, pull out your lippies and get experimenting with our six super easy ways to make the most of your luscious lips. Because we have such a wealth of advice on this topic we’ve split this blog into two easily-digestible posts… so stay tuned for part two.
Our first three tips are all about choosing the right lipstick and keeping your lips in good condition.
- Choosing the Right Colour
When choosing a lipstick colour you need to think about what colours best complement your complexion. Here are a few pointers…
Fair skin: Choose plum, wine and berry reds with a blue undertone. Also light-to-medium brown or beige with pink undertones. Avoid bright pink.
Olive skin: Choose rich, deep brown reds and dark berry shades. Avoid pink and orangey/pinky reds.
Medium skin: Choose rich deep pinks, reds, caramel shades, medium brown with yellow/pink undertones, and creamy coffee brown. Avoid pale browns, which make your skin look washed out.
Dark skin: Choose reds with blue undertones, mahogany, deep plums, wine reds, rich, and dark coffee browns. Avoid orange undertones.
- Choosing the Right Texture
There’s more to choosing a lipstick than finding the right colour; you also need to think about texture. A single shade can look very different in different textures. Matte lipsticks have dense colour, no shine and little, if any, moisture. Cream lipsticks deliver strong color with moisture but may not be as durable as matte. Gloss lipsticks are translucent, moist and shiny. Lipstick stain looks very dark in the tube but goes on sheer and gives long lasting colour, but can have a drying effect. Frosted colours contain sparkly white and are generally more suited to youthful complexions.
Different texture lipsticks work well for different looks. Stain is great for everyday-wear lip colour, gloss is great for glamming it up, and matte is the ultimate in creating a strong, sophisticated look. There are no right or wrong lipstick choices so just have fun experimenting!
- Dry Lips
No amount of gorgeous lipstick colour will do you any justice if your lips look like you’ve spent the past few weeks adrift in a lifeboat under the harsh unforgiving sun. Dry, flaky, crusty lips are the enemy and must be defeated! Here’s how…
Before applying lipstick, try using a lip exfoliator with added moisturizer. Choose a sheer, tinted lipstick or shimmery gloss. This fresh look will stay on longer and keep your lips hydrated. Avoid matte lipsticks, which can dry your lips out further. Always use balms with sun protection to keep lips hydrated and soft at all times and whatever you do, don’t lick your lips as this will only make your lips even drier and flakier.
In our next blog post on all things lip related we have some great tips on lipstick application and creating the perfect pout.
If you want luscious lips for you next big occasion, call into La Spa for a full make-up treatment. See our pricing list for more info http://www.laspatherapiemalahide.ie/spa-treatments/make-up
Lashes Fit For a Princess !
Monday, May 2nd, 2011Rachel here from La Spa…
What Lashes will the new princess wear?
We have recently taken on a new range of lashes from the lash emporium with exciting new trends and shapes, from natural flowing lashes to the extravagant feathered, long and fuller lashes.
With the Royal Wedding on the horizon we at La Spa Therapie were dying to see what type of Lashes that the new Princess would wear………..
We feel for the occasion at hand, that a subtle, natural but ‘wow, she has amazing lashes!’ look would be perfect.
We love the Lash Emporium Lashes as they are
• 100% handmade
• Strip lashes are all re-useable
• Strip lashes are lift-resistant
• Lashes are made with the softest hair available
• All lash products carry a quality guarantee
Quality lashes means that your lashes last longer, look more natural, remain lift-free & can be re-used over again. Whether you are a casual wearer or if you wear lashes night & day there is a set for you. See our pic below of what we think the new princess would love!
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Looking Good while Keeping Fit!
Monday, March 14th, 2011Rachel here from La Spa…
Now that Spring has arrived we are all thinking about how we can get our bikini bodies back for Summer! Be it running, walking, step aerobics or in the gym, we all need to look the part while sweating it out!
So let’s start with our skin. If you are braving the outdoors then you will need to be protecting your skin, using a hydrating moisturiser that isn’t too thick is key, so that it will illuminate your skin without blocking the pores. Also use an SPF to protect against the environment. This will have your skin looking glowing, rather than over exerted!
Next is our hair. Even though we may have our hair tied up when exercising we still need it shiny and looking its best. A great way to achieve a high shine is to treat your hair with leave in conditioners and use heated styling tools as little as possible so as not to dehydrate the hair.
We all need a little help getting back into shape and I think that a good kick start is a great way to feel good when exercising. Two great treatments to help us along the weight loss or body toning path are the Universal Contour Wrap and the Endermologie machine. The wrap helps to eliminate fat cells using intense seaweed clay, offering guaranteed inch loss and the Endermologie is excellent for cellulite and body contouring.
With all of this help we will definitely look great in our trackies this Spring!
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Recession Busting Beauty Tips
Monday, January 31st, 2011Rachel here from La Spa…
We women always want to know the secrets of saving money on our ever growing cosmetic bag! Especially these days when every cent counts….
Below are some top tips for a savvy make-up bag or cosmetic cabinet!
- Did you know that most make-up products can be used in more than one way?A cake eye-liner can also be used as an eye shadow base to achieve a super hot colour on the eye, weather its black purple or brown cake liner, they can all be used as eye bases for your eye shadow.
- You can also use your cake liner to add dept to your brows when doing an evening or a daytime look. Just use an eye liner rush and comb a small amount of your cake liner through your brows adding colour and dept with one application. You can use a shade that matches your natural brow colour or go a shade darker, if you’re brave enough!
- All lip and eye pencils are just that! No matter weather they say lip or eye on them, they can both be used on both areas of the face. So if you have a cute peach or light brown lip pencil that is great for a day time look you can also smudge a bit of this on your upper and lower lash line to give a really soft look.
- Any powder colour can also be used as an eye shadow. So you can use your blush as an eye shadow too!!
- Look out for the more advanced cosmeceutical skincare ranges. The reason for this is a lot of these newly formulated results driven brands have the latest in skincare revolutions, such as the hydrating vital C serum from Image. This little beauty is so light weight, but yet contains enough moisture for even the driest complexions, that you can also use it on the eye area, ruling out eye cream!! Talk about a great recession buster!
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Red Lipstick – How To Get One That Suits?
Tuesday, December 14th, 2010Rachel here from La Spa…
Have you always wanted to wear red lipstick but could never find the right colour lipstick or maybe never 
have the confidence?
Well then this time of year is a perfect time to start!!
Firstly, you need to know the undertones of your skin, the underlying colours in your skin tone. This is important as a lot of red lipstick has underlying tones also and this way you can choose a lipstick that will match your skin.
Once you know what skin tone you have you can then match up to your lip stick.
The following are some red shades of lipstick and the matching skin tones…
- Blue/Red – this shade is for somebody with pale/blueish undertones in their skin
- Orange/Red – this shade is for somebody with sallow undertones in their skin
- Pink/Red – this shade is for somebody with peachy undertones in their skin
- Brown/Red – this shade is for somebody with darker undertones in their skin
- Yellow/Red – this shade is for somebody with orange undertones in their skin.
If you are unsure about what skin tone you are, what not ask a member of staff at your local day spa.
So get shopping for your festive red lipstick!!
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
Top 3 Essential Jungle Products!!!
Monday, November 22nd, 2010Rachel here from La Spa…
As we all know it takes a whole cabinet of stuff for hair skin and make-up to keep us happy so what would you take with you?
Well considering that make-up, skin care and hair care is important to us I thought I would like to bring a product from each to look and feel at my best!!
- My mineral foundation is a must as this contains a natural SPF, does not clog pores and will give my skin a fresh healthy look.
- As mineral make up washes off with just water, I felt that a cleanser would not be as important as a good moisturiser so I could not leave without my vital C Serum from Image skin care, which is a cosmesuitical product that gives the best results on the skin for de-hydration.
- As there is no electricity for hair straighteners and blow dryers!! I thought that a hair mask would be the best way of keeping your hair in good condition. This would also give me something to do if I was bored!!
I would love to know what thoughts you all have on what products you find essential….
Get the X Factor Look – Top Tips
Monday, November 8th, 2010Rachel here from La Spa…
X Factor is everyone’s favourite Saturday night thing!! I’m sure all girls (me included) love to watch the not only for the singing but for the fashion and style too!!
I’m also sure that most of you wonder how to achieve some of the make-up or hair style looks on the show, so I thought that I would help you all out and give some tips on how to do this.
As we do not have our own stylists we need to know how to dress and create a look for ourselves that suits us and our colouring.
The main thing to know when shopping for clothes, hair colours or make-up colours is to know your own underlying skin tones.
If you have pale skin and flush quite easily then you probably have some pink undertones in your skin and therefore colours with peach and pale pinks and corals will look really good on you.
If you have an olive type skin and tan quite easily then you will have orange undertones in your skin and colours such as coppers or black or greens will look really good on you.
Another great way to judge what tones are in your skin is to stand in front of a mirror and using some of your own clothes garments with different shades of blue, red, orange, pinks etc, hold them up against your skin and take note of which shade makes you look more bright and awake and which shade makes you look more tired or drowned out. This is a sure fire way of figuring out which colours suit you best and so you will never buy another garment or make-up product that doesn’t suit your colouring.
If you would love to achieve some of the make-up looks on the show why not go to your local beauty salon and book in for a make-up lesson?
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, if you have any questions, post them in the comments section and I will reply as quickly as I can.
