Hilary Lowry, Author at Beauty Haven Belfast Online

Author Archives: Hilary Lowry

Our Favourite Moisturising Skincare Products
October 12, 2016 8:00 am Comments Off on Our Favourite Moisturising Skincare Products

As Autumn is upon and there is a noticeable chill in the air often our skin can change along with the changing environment. Our skin can react to changing seasons in a number of ways, and at this time of year in particular, it can become environmentally sensitised. It sounds a bit scientific doesn’t it? Well, when you’re out in the cold weather- to meet your friends, to take the kids outside, or to brave the chill for a run- you may have noticed afterwards that your face has gone red and tender; this is common and we have many products that can help. The ultra calming range by Dermalogica is fantastic for environmentally sensitised skin and can reduce redness considerably. Preparation to face the elements; in this case, a good moisturiser is our best line of defence.

Picking new products or knowing which products you need for your skin type can be a bit tricky. At Beauty Haven we have a wide range of products for a number of different skin types. We can identify your skin type and recommend a suitable range or specific product for your skin’s needs. If unsure of what to buy, we offer a face mapping in depth skin consolation to ensure you are using the correct products to suit your needs.

A quick overview of our top selling moisturisers ……..

If you have oily skin, active moist is a great option for every day, it’s lightweight and easy to wear; it’s also oil free which suits this skin type.

Dry skin can become aggravated in colder weather. Dermalogica’s intensive moisture balance, which is rich with healing vitamins and botanical components to help you combat the cold!

For sensitive skin, which again, can sometimes worsen with the weather, barrier repair is fantastic, as the name suggests it provides a barrier to protect the skin against the environmental triggers that can aggravate sensitive skin. This is the white knight of moisturisers!

Mature skin can benefit from a little more TLC, especially when facing the harshness of the cooler months! The AGE smart range has a number of great options, Dynamic skin repair being top of our list. This moisturiser not only helps combat seasonal dryness and provides SPF 50, it also promotes firmness and elasticity- bonus!

For younger skin, our Clear Start range is tailor made for teenage, breakout prone skin. With special botanical oil absorbing properties and hydration where you need it, the matte moisturizer in this range is perfect for you as we move into sweater weather.

Our lips are always the first to be impacted by the chill in the air. It’s always a mark of the season when you feel notice those chapped edges! Happily, we have done some research for you and found the top 5 lip balms out there that won’t break the bank but will repair your lips!

A classic handbag or backpack staple- Vaseline’s Lip Therapy Tin. At just £2.00 it’s hard to say no to this quick fix for dry, sore lips. Our preference is the cocoa butter tin, as this adds an extra silky smooth feel.

Another classic solution at just £2.55 is Carmex’s Lip Balm Pot. That tingly feeling after application gives you peace of mind that your lips are protected.

A crowd favourite at £3.69 is Burt’s Bees Lip Balm. With a range of different fruity scents, all enriched with vitamins to keep your lips quenched, everyone is a fan of Burt’s. Try the pink grapefruit !!!!

Slightly more expensive is The Body Shop’s Chocomania Lip Butter at £4.00 but worth that little bit extra in our opinion.

This creamy lip butter provides instant hydration for dry, damaged lips. Available in many tempting scents including strawberry, mango, honey and my personal favourite …. chocolate.

Top of our list and top of the price scale at £9.50, is Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm.

This translates as Honey Dream, and we have to say, it’s a fairly accurate description of what exactly is inside that little pot! This balm has a smooth and creamy texture that feels divine on your lips. Unlike so many lip balms, this gem doesn’t leave your lips sticky or caked in product. Nuxe has created a must have in this balm, it soothes and calms; really leaves your lips feeling as dreamy as the name implies!

We all understand the importance of skin care but prevention is better than cure. So try to remember, if you keep hydrated and healthy, your skin may not need as much extra help as you think. Your body is yours to take care of, taking small steps day to day, by drinking lots of water for example, may save you some pennies on any repairs your skin could need over winter!

As you pull all your warm clothes from the attic, to protect your body from the worst of the cold weather no doubt coming this way, don’t forget to protect your skin too! Before wrapping up in your sweaters, scarves and hats- moisturize and protect; don’t forget your handy lip balm either!
The Low Down on Thread Vein Removal
October 11, 2016 7:21 pm Comments Off on The Low Down on Thread Vein Removal
Are thread veins causing you to feel embarrassed? Do you constantly worry about their unsightly appearance? Well fear not, for you are not alone! Almost all of both men and women will be affected with thread veins at some stage of our lives, and although they are not deemed to be harmful in any way having them removed can not only be aesthetically pleasing but can also improve your self confidence. Our I²PL treatment is an effective and clinically proven therapy to remove unwanted thread veins.

What are thread veins?

Thread veins are small blood vessels called telangiectasia that run close to the surface of the skin. Also known as ‘spider veins’ or ‘broken veins’, they appear as fine red or purple wiggly lines in the most superficial layer of the skin.

What causes thread veins?

With thread veins there is usually no obvious cause although they do tend to appear as we age due to our skin and blood vessels becoming less elastic. Thread veins also tend to be more popular in women as we experience hormonal changes throughout our lives such as pregnancy and the menopause. Other factors thought to cause their development include too much sunbathing.

Thread veins vs varicose veins, are they related?

Varicose veins tend to be much larger and deeper than thread veins and are more blue or purple in colour. Mainly affecting the veins in the legs, varicose veins can occur on their own or as part of an inherited problem. If you suffer from varicose veins you are more than likely to have thread veins also, however the reverse isn’t true. Varicose veins cannot be treated with laser and often require specialist treatment from a dermatologist with sclerotherapy, a treatment which uses a tiny needle to inject a solution that causes microscopic damage to the cells in the lining of the vein. Sclerotherapy is used to treat the smaller varicose veins however they can come back and often surgery is the best option. Seek advise from your GP in the first instance.

Treatment of thread veins with Ellipse I²PL

Ellipse I²PL is a laser treatment which uses short, safe bursts of intense pulsed light directed at thread veins. Each pulse is less than a thousandth of a second and the laser only targets the unwanted vein leaving the rest of the skin untouched. The treatment involves the laser sending a wavelength into the skin which is absorbed by the haemoglobin in the blood and thus destroys the problem vessel. Three to four treatments are recommended at 4 weekly intervals. The treatment time is relatively short, typically 10 – 20 minutes and the sensation is likened to an elastic band pinging against the skin. The treatment can only be carried out after a consultation and patch test and you cannot have had any sun exposure within 30 days before or after treatment, this also includes the use of self tanning products before and throughout course of treatment. It is advisable to avoid smoking for 3 – 4 days prior to treatment to ensure optimal results.

Its important to have realistic expectations from the treatment. The smaller, finer veins are treated very easily although the thicker veins can be more difficult to treat. Usually about 90 per cent clearance is acheived.

The cost of treatment can vary as the treatment is charged dependant on the number of shots used. Treatments can start from £60 up to £125 pr treatment but you will be advised of cost at your initial consultation.

It is important to carry out a good homecare routine, especially if you have a fragile, sensitised skin that is prone to dilated capillaries. Avoiding harsh exfoliants and using an SPF 30 + will help. If you have a hobby or job that involves a lot of exposure to the elements then you should consider a product such as Dermalogica’s Climate control to help protect the skin and provide a barrier to harsh extremes of weather.

Sometimes when the course of thread vein treatment is complete there can be an underlying redness which has most probably always been there but because your focus has been on the veins you may not have noticed. Although not always the case, this underlying redness can be removed with a skin rejuvenation treatment, usually one treatment will suffice.

For any further information please do not hesitate to contact us here at Beauty Haven and we will be happy to answer any query you may have.
Treating Male Skin
October 6, 2016 8:22 am Comments Off on Treating Male Skin
The male grooming industry has never been bigger. The rise in non surgical treatments over the past few years has been well documented. Research shows that 52% of men worldwide feel their appearance is ‘very important.’ Finally, males have started to take an interest in looking after their skin, all be it many centuries later. It would have been a rare occurrence to see a male browse the skincare counters in boots but now when you enter your regular Beauty clinic, you are guaranteed to see a male in the reception, waiting to have a treatment.

Due to testosterone, men tend to have an oily skin, which in the long run is beneficial as research shows a drier skin ages much quicker. Although this may be the case, a male skin can often be environmentally sensitised from daily shaving, leaving it inflamed and irritated, which eventually weakens the protective barrier function.

On average a man may have up to 30,000 hairs on his face, making it practically impossible for product absorption and achieving a smooth, clean finish for any longer that a few hours. We are all aware of the ‘5 o’clock shadow’ which may appear within a few hours of a clean shave. Male skin is up to 25% thicker than a woman’s, its’s fair to say a male skin needs a bit of TLC every now and again.

Market research tells us that moisturiser is one of the most commonly used products with males, which aids hydration, especially after shaving. Active Moist from Dermalogica RRP £44, is a male favourite as it is oil free and lightweight. Advertising has influenced many clients to over-moisturise which can increase problems such as acne and also create a sensitivity to products. Professional advice is key to ensuring you are using the correct products.

Acne scarring is a common problem we encounter in both men and woman: Woman however, are fortunate in that they can use concealer to cover blemished skin. Clients often admit to concern more over the redness of acne scarring rather than the indentations on the skin itself and this can have a profound effect on confidence. Our approach with acne clients is to begin with a good homecare routine. There are a number of professional salon treatments that are suitable for acne, as our first approach we recommend 3-4 laser treatments, however a professional peel prior to commencing laser treatments will optimise the results. The laser treatments are carried out at 4 weekly intervals and the results for acne clients have had a significant impact on confidence and quality of life. Treatments can be a bit tingly so not for the faint hearted. As they say ‘no pain no gain.’

A patch test and consultation is required prior to the first laser treatment to ensure the client is suitable for treatment. There is very little downtime with these treatments and the results are visible very quickly.

Another approach to a healthier, clearer complexion is Microdermabrasion. A deeply exfoliating treatment which helps the appearance of fine lines, acne scarring and enlarged pores. Once the laser treatment has cleared most of the redness from blemishes, the microdermabrasion is a great treatment improve the texture of the skin. A minimum of 4 sessions is advisable and results are instant!

With hectic work schedules and busy lives we are all looking for that quick fix these days, minimal sessions and treatments with short downtime to achieve the desired result. A simple three step homecare routine is vital, in helping prolong the benefits of treatment. This would consist of a cleanser to remove oil/dirt, an exfoliant to aid removal of dead skin cells and a moisturiser containing an SPF of 30 or higher. Dermalogica’s Solar Defense Booster RRP £38.90, can be mixed with your day moisturiser. A skin consultation would be beneficial, to ensure the products are best suited and used appropriately.

Dermalogica has a wide range of products suitable for all skin types and concerns. Top selling male products at Beauty Haven are Special cleansing gel which is a foaming face wash, skin prep scrub, a skin polishing exfoliant and Active Moist, an oil free fast absorbing moisturiser. There is also a shave range, great for those clients who shave daily, as the ingredients are soothing and invigorating.

If you are interested in a treatment plan or need advice on a homecare regime, please do not hesitate to contact Beauty Haven and we will be happy to help.
Laser Hair removal for Men.
September 29, 2016 1:34 pm Comments Off on Laser Hair removal for Men.
A few years ago, hair removal for men was still something of a novelty. Sure, a few brave souls would have their shoulders and backs waxed at their local beauty salon but that was about it. How things have changed! These days, hair removal is no more unusual than moisturising. In fact, according to research company Euromonitor, 3 out of ten 18-34 year olds remove body hair regularly, with 9 out of 10 of them reckoning they look better as a result. What’s more, surveys have repeatedly shown that women prefer their men to be smooth too.

Excessive or unsightly body hair can be upsetting for both men and women and difficult or inconvenient to remove. Laser hair removal is a rapid, yet gentle way of removing unwanted hair, and is medically proven to give you permanent hair reduction.
- Laser hair removal can result in permanent removal of unwanted hair. Statistics show that 60-95% of targeted hair is permanently gone after the recommended course of treatments.
- Laser hair removal is an effective treatment for ingrown hairs. No more irritating skin and red bumps caused by those ingrown hairs we are all affected by.
- Laser hair removal procedure is much shorter than other methods such as electrolysis. Advancements in technology means you are able to carry on with your daily routine straight away with no down time.
- No more shaving or waxing! Someone can shave 11,540 times in one lifetime – with statistics like this it is easy to see why anyone would like to remove unwanted hair permanently.
- Laser hair removal is carried out by our fully qualified Practitioners who are specially trained and highly experienced in carrying out laser hair removal treatments. As the laser is passed over the area being treated, the hairs are destroyed, reducing further growth and leaving a silky smooth feel even on sensitive skin.
- Suitable for a wide variety of hair and skin types.
* A patch test is required prior to first treatment.

September is the perfect time to get started as you are required to have a course of six treatments at six weekly intervals. The treatment cannot be carried out 30 days before or after sun exposure so we have found that starting the treatments in Autumn/Winter will cause less disruption to your treatment plan.

A payment plan can be discussed if cost is a concern, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team who will be happy to discuss options with you.
Makeup & Beauty Must Haves for Anyone in a Hurry
September 20, 2016 11:03 am Comments Off on Makeup & Beauty Must Haves for Anyone in a Hurry
Do you find it a struggle to balance work, family and social life when your ‘getting ready time’ has been severely cut down? For most of us it can seem impossible to find the time to look and feel our best but fear not! For we have the perfect products to help you look fabulous in minutes to ensure you remain glamourous even in a hurry.

First things first, a good even skin tone…foundation and powder can takes ages with all the blending and buffing. So why not try a BB cream? A BB cream (blemish balm) is so fast and easy, and can give you that flawless base. A BB cream can be used as a primer, tinted moisturiser, a concealer and a day cream all in one. This cream can also be applied with just your fingers so no need for that blending brush!

One BB cream that I would recommend would be the Estee Lauder Day Wear BB

* Anti-Oxidant Beauty Benefit Crème *

This BB cream also contains SPF 35 which is an added extra to protect your skin as well!

If the mixed matched socks and the unbrushed hair doesn’t give away that you’re in a rush, maybe those dark eye circles will! And instead of piling on the concealer we have a fantastic two in one eye wand that will help you look awake and refreshed!

The Charolette Tilbury mini miracle eye wand can work wonders. The mini miracle eye wand is a dual ended eye pen, one end has a lightweight gel-cream hybrid that leaves the skin around the eyes looking fresh and well rested ….. this gel-cream consistency is a potent cocktail of hyaluronic acid, rice proteins and peptides!

The other ended on the eye pen is a light diffusing liquid concealer that actually covers up dark circles with out sinking into fine lines – now that definitely is a miracle!

So now we’ve got a beautiful even base, your dark eye circles are covered, now lets add a bit of colour! Contouring and highlighting – ain’t nobody got time for that when you’ve got 10 minutes to get ready! So the next best thing, cream blusher. Cream blusher is great, because it can be used for multipurpose! Your cream blush can be used on your cheeks, on your eye lids, and on your lips as well! Another little tip, try a cream blush with a little bit of sheen in it, as it adds a nice healthy glow to your skin!

One product that I would recommend would be the Bourjois cream blush. It’s easily applied (fingers work just fine), it’s inexpensive, and there’s several colours to suit your skin!

If you’ve got another 60 seconds to spare, let’s do something with our eye brows. Eye brows really do frame your face, you wont believe the difference they can make! But in 60 seconds I don’t think you have them time to carve out that “fleeky” eye brow.. an amazing brow saver would be the Benefit Gimme Brow. Benefit’s Gimme Brow is a brush on fiber gel that holds your brows in place, it adds depth and colour and make’s them look ‘groomed’. This product comes in two shades light/medium and medium/dark so it will suit most hair colours!

So now you are looking like a natural put together beauty.. and with all these products I can guarantee it has taken you less than 10 minutes to actually get ready – whether you did it in the car, on the train or sitting at your desk at school or work!

An extra product that is optional but may just safe your life as well.. Dry shampoo. Oh my goodness this is a must for me when I’m running late! Dry shampoo helps to soak up access oil in your hair, it refreshes your hair, it gives more volume to your roots, it smells great – AND it allows you to skip that morning shower and having to wash your hair!

One brand I would highly recommend would be Batiste. Batiste dry shampoos are brilliant – they have loads of different scents to choose from – and depending on what your hair actually needs – I’m sure they’ve got it!

Hopefully this blog has helped if you are generally a person who is always getting ready in a hurry – even if you have all the time in the world – these are all brilliant products to just minimize the time you need to take to look fabulous…because looking fabulous is timeless.
Best face masks to keep your skin looking fresh and flawless!
September 14, 2016 10:35 am Comments Off on Best face masks to keep your skin looking fresh and flawless!
You cleanse, you tone, and exfoliate 3 times a week (If you’re lucky!), you moisturize and that’s about it. You look at your face thinking “I need a bit of life”.. and sometimes you’re not really sure what to do with your skin.

Then do you ever sit on the couch on a Friday night with a bowl of popcorn, a tub of ice cream, and a towel on your head, wondering what can you do to pick yourself up?

Why not try a face mask? They’re so simple yet so effective in many ways. Face masks are a great way to treat your skin, and the best thing about it is, there are so many different masks to choose from, and to suit what your skin needs.

So in todays blog we will be discussing why to use a mask, what masks might be good for your skin, and how to/how often you should apply them.

So why should I use masks? Well there are several reasons why..

First thing, it’s a great way to RELAX, yes I said it, R E L A X. Face masks allow you at least 10 minutes of down time (depending on the mask you choose). This can be a therapeutic time to just sit down, kick your feet up, and let the mask do it’s magic!

Secondly, it’s an extra treat for your skin… and even better, the results are normally instant – who doesn’t love instant results! If your skin is dull and needs brightening, or if its congested and oily it may need some unclogging, a mask is a fantastic way to really give your skin an extra oomf!

The list of reasons are infinite, and if you’re not already on Amazon looking for a mask to buy – you will be,after I tell you a bit about the different kinds of masks and best ones for each skin type!

Masks come in all different forms..

You have clay masks, sheet masks, peel off mask, cream masks, and organic masks.

Clay masks are one of the most commonly used in the world of face masks, and they are great for oily/combination skin. The clay helps to absorb up the excess oil, draw out impurities and it also helps to reduce pimples and redness. These masks always remind me of the Mrs. Doubtfire scene!

A great clay mask is Glamglow’s Super Mud clearing treatment! This mask helps to draw out impurities, remove black heads, deep cleanses, and gives your skin an amazing glow – hence the name of the brand. With ingredients like kaolin, and glycolic acid this is a great one for you oily prone people!

Sheet masks are a bit funky, and you look a bit crazy with them on, but basically it’s a thin cotton sheet, which is doused in a liquid based formula. Sheet masks are serum based, so they are for either hydrating, brightening, or to treat fine lines.

Sarah Champman skinesis 3D moisturise infusing mask is amazing! This mask is 440 times finer than fabric masks, so you can be sure to get the most out of the hydrating plumping ingredients.

Peel off masks are quite fun too! Peel masks come in the form of gel, paraffin wax or plastic subtypes. These kind of masks are great for mature, sensitive or for congested skin as they can really help to remove black heads (which look really cool when they come out!)

Boscia Cool Blue Calming mask is great for sensitized, inflamed skin. With ingredients like aloe vera and sea whip, it’s amazing for calming the skin.. the mask goes on blue which adds an extra bit of fun!

Cream masks are typically for softening skin. They’re brilliant for adding moisture and rejuvenation, these masks are usually cooling and refreshing which sounds really enjoyable. The creamy, cooling texture of these masks makes them another fantastic type for the dry, mature skin type.

And finally organic masks, organic masks can come pre-made, or you can even create your own at home! One tip for making a face mask at home is to ensure everything is organic, non-organic ingredients can contain pesticides that are not suitable to use on your delicate skin! Probably haven’t thought of putting honey, oatmeal and banana on your face now have you! LOL. Organic masks can be tailored for what your skin needs!

A simple at home mask that can be whipped up in a hurry is a cucumber and avocado mask, with a dash of honey. This mask is ideal for sensitive or dry skin, as cucumber is well known for its soothing qualities and the natural oils and vitamins in the avocado make it a nutrient rich mask with hydrating qualities. To give this mask a nice finish add natural honey, which also hydrates and tones to give you that fresh facial glow. What are you waiting for, raid the fridge and see what you can cook up!

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