What to Think About When Choosing the Right Massage

With so many different types of massage to choose from, it can be overwhelming for a beginner to think about what they might need and want. Beauty salons will always provide tailored advice – and tailored massages – for your needs, but knowing in advance what you’re looking for and what your mind and body need will make a difference.

This post explores some of the top questions to ask when you’re narrowing down your massage choices.

How Much Time Do You Have?

Massages come in a range of time slots, and particular massages usually have a few options for how long you would like them, such as 60 minutes or 90 minutes. Knowing ahead of time how much time you have free will help for a stress-free experience. This includes the travel time it takes to get to your salon and back.

If you’re looking for a last-minute massage especially, make sure to think carefully about what kind of treatment best fits your time availability. Shorter massages, such as head and neck, are available if you don’t have time for a full body, for example.

Are You Looking for Relaxation or Deep Treatment?

Even the most relaxing massages which don’t work the muscles extremely deeply – such as a Swedish massage compared to a Deep Tissue massage – will always provide health benefits and essential body tuning, so even if you’re looking for pure relaxation, that doesn’t mean it’s a superficial experience.

It’s important to know before you contact your salon what you’re looking for. If you have a specific problem, such as a muscle injury, then deep tissue will be a better option than a basic massage.

Knowing the answer to this question also applies to when you’re ready on the table. Your massage therapist will ask what kind of pressure you prefer, so you can ask for deeper or ask for lighter.

No matter what you’re going for, be sure to look for a massage in Oxford for a range of treatments tailored for you.

Are There Any Areas You Don’t Like or Want Worked?

Certain massages, such as a full body, will work out all the tension in all places, but there might be certain places you’d prefer not to be worked on, such as your legs or arms. If this is the case, you can always tell your therapist to avoid those places, but if you’re paying for the full body experience and not being able to have it, be sure to check ahead of time if there’s any other massage more suited to the areas you’re happy to be worked on. This could be a back massage instead of a full body, or even a head massage if you’d rather focus on that and not have your back touched.

What’s Your Budget?

Finally, think about your budget. This is key because there are so many massages at different price ranges. You may know that you want a certain kind of massage but cannot afford it. It might be better to wait and save for the right one instead of getting a different one for the sake of it, depending on your needs and preferences – but all massages at any budget will always be a health benefit!

Benefits of Getting Regular Massages

Massages, throughout recent years, have become more and more popular with everyday people. Once they were exclusively for the rich and famous, now everyone can access the relaxing and beneficial beauty treatment. Here are the top reasons you should be getting regular massages.

Types of Massages

Deep Tissue:

This massage focuses on reaching the deepest layers of fascia to get the deepest pressure. This massage is mainly used for chronic pain and aches. It is also used on most parts of the body that become stiff and sore.

Hot and Cold Stone:

Hot and cold stones are used to relax your muscles and release toxins from anywhere in your body. They are used to massage any parts of your body for a relaxing and refreshing time.

Hydrotherm:

Two water cushions are used to heat the body temperature throughout the massage. This massage is 10x more beneficial than regular massages as it allows muscles to relax further due to temperature of the water. If you’re looking for a massage in Oxford, this is certainly a treatment you should check out.

Benefits

1.     Reduces back and joint pain

Being the most complained about pains, massages have been shown to minimise back pain and lower joint pain for almost anyone. It has also reduced the use of painkillers for those who do suffer from chronic pain.

2.     Decrease anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental illness and for a lot of people, massages can reduce the suffering. A massage can cut down your body’s stress hormones leaving you with fewer anxiety symptoms and a clearer head.

3.     Improves skin and hair health

Whilst you might go get a face and head massage to relax, there are even more benefits you might not know. One is that the massage helps reduce the look of and even prevents wrinkles from forming! This is because a face massage will help relax the muscles that have been strained on your face all day. They can also help boost your hair health by making your blood circulate more.

4.      Help with PMS

During the menstrual cycle, many women will suffer from PMS (premenstrual syndrome). A massage can help reduce the pain and cramps whilst helping reduce any muscle soreness caused by the body stress.

5.     Benefit Digestive Difficulties

Practically everyone has had digestive issues at some point, whether it was for a few days once or regular weeks of problems, and abdominal massage can do wonders for your digestive system. A massage can be a way to restart your digestive system and make you feel much better afterward.

There are many health benefits that massages have. As they become more popular, they will be even more benefits that come with new types.  Additionally, if you don’t want to go to a spa there are many self-massages you can do at home or you could even get a partner involved. Whilst these can help, it is much better to go to a professional and see how much of a difference it will make in your everyday life!

Why You Should Visit a Beauty Salon Regularly

People love to look good – when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, your confidence soars. The more confident you can be in life, the further you’ll go and the more successful you’ll be. As you can see, looking good, whatever that means for you, is crucial.

A beauty salon can help you look good, but many people only use beauty salons for special occasions and one-off visits. Although treating yourself to a trip to the salon is great, there are actually a number of reasons why this should be a regular visit rather than a sporadic one. Read on to find out what some of these reasons are.

Skin Needs Regular Maintenance

Your skin is the biggest organ in (or rather, on) your body, so it’s crucial that you take good care of it. Unhealthy skin doesn’t just look bad, it feels bad, and it can make you unwell too, thanks to bacteria.

In other words, it’s vital you look after your skin regularly. You can do some of this at home (and you should), but for the boosted results, you should visit a beauty salon. At our beauty salon in Oxford, for example, we have experts who understand exactly how to care for skin, no matter what type you have. When professionals treat your skin, it’s a deep clean, and it will look healthy with a great glow.

Keep Groomed

It’s vital to keep yourself well-groomed. Not only does it mean you look good (and as we mentioned above, looking good has a number of additional benefits that can really help you in life), but it’s also hygienic.

When you regularly invest in visiting a beauty salon and undergo treatments like threading, waxing, exfoliating, and even having a massage, you’ll be doing all you can to keep yourself clean and fresh and looking and feeling amazing. Of course, grooming and the levels to which you go must always be your own choice, but the fact is that visiting a beauty salon will help you achieve whatever you want to achieve.

You Need to Relax

The world is a busy, stressful place. Even when you don’t think you have any particular worries, there are still things that happen that leave you stressed. Bad weather, cancelled plans, terrible traffic, and so on – it can all add stress to your life, not to mention work, finances, relationships, and more.

5 Reasons to Get Eyelash Extensions

Putting on mascara or false eyelashes every morning can become tiresome rather quickly. It takes time, effort, and requires getting up a little earlier.

That's why eyelash extensions are so popular. Once applied, you don't even need to think about them! You can enjoy long, beautiful eyelashes without sitting in front of the mirror and carefully applying thick, black mascara with a wand. Need a little more convincing? Here are five reasons to get eyelash extensions.

1: It's a Relaxing Experience

Everyone needs a little me-time now and again. That's what you get when you visit your local salon to apply eyelash extensions. Don't worry – when you're in the hands of a professional, the experience is neither uncomfortable nor painful. In fact, many people enjoy it! After a busy day, it's nice to be able to sit back and let someone beautify your face.

If you're looking for your new favourite salon, our beauty salon in Oxford provides the best experience to all customers. You'll walk away completely in love with your new eyelashes!

2: You Save Time at Night and in the morning

The ability to save time in the morning and at night is always appealing. It gives you more time to sleep, do a hobby, or spend time with your loved ones. In addition, you save precious minutes applying mascara, false eyelashes, and makeup remover when you get eyelash extensions. It might not seem like a lot of time is saved in isolation, but over the course of a week, eyelash extensions could save you a good hour!

3: You Save Money

You might assume that eyelash extensions are more expensive, but if you're someone who wears mascara and falsies every day, eyelash extensions are a great way to save money. You don't have to buy mascara, false eyelashes, or even makeup remover. Instead, you only spend money on topping up your eyelash extensions.

4: You Don't Have to Worry About Your Mascara Running

When you wear mascara, you risk having it run down your face due to rain, sweat, or tears. With eyelash extensions, you don't have to worry about that. So whether you're lifting weights at the gym or running home in the rain, you can rely on your perfect eyelashes. No black smudge at all!

If you wear eyelashes often, you don't have to worry about them falling out in these conditions, too. False eyelash glue won't get you through the day the same way eyelash extensions will.

5: You Will Look Great When You Wake Up

Do you feel naked without a good set of eyelashes? The good news is that you don't have to apply layers of mascara or stick on some false eyelashes to feel like the best version of yourself. Instead, when you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, you will already have a great set of long, thick, luscious lashes. It can be a fantastic confidence booster!

As you can tell, eyelash extensions are perfect for those who want an alternative to mascara or false lashes. So book an appointment today and fall in love with your new look.

7 Self-care Ideas for When You Have a Day to Yourself

Self-care is essential for everyone. It’s not always easy to fit it into your schedule, though. Balancing work, a social life, family, studies, and hobbies can make it near-impossible to find time to relax.

If you find yourself with an entire day to spend relaxing, then it’s important that you make the most of it. Here are seven self-care ideas to help you do just that.

1: Book a Beauty Treatment

Nothing is quite as refreshing as a beauty treatment. At our beauty salon in Oxford, there are plenty of excellent treatments to choose from. Try a deep tissue massage if you need to relax, a lash and brow appointment if you need a mini glow-up, or skin treatment if your skin needs a little TLC. You will leave the salon a brand-new version of yourself.

2: Read a Book

With how prevalent technology is in everyone’s day-to-day lives, even those who love books sometimes forget to put down their phone and pick one up. When you have a day entirely to yourself, consider putting away all technology and sinking into a novel for a few hours. It’s a great way to escape from the real world for a while.

3: Cook Your Favourite Meal

Cooking might not be the most relaxing activity, especially if you’ve only got an hour to do it and you’ve already spent the day on your feet. If you have the entire day, though, it’s an opportunity to put everything you have into the meal. Don’t just cook – create. Enjoy every moment of the cooking experience and let your imagination run wild, right up until the last bite.

4: Put on a Face Mask

A day to yourself is the perfect chance to spend some time on skincare. Do the treatments you wouldn’t usually have time to do, like a face mask. Even better – put one on while running a bath, and then let the mask do its work while you enjoy a long and relaxing soak.

5: Sit Outside for a While

It’s a simple activity, but it can really refresh your perspective. In this day and age, it is not often that people get the chance to just sit outside and relax. You could watch the cars go by, or you could go somewhere a little quieter and watch the birds in the trees. To feel even more relaxed when outside, unplug from your phone and allow your brain to switch off.

6: Colour a Colouring Book

You might not be an artist, but that doesn’t mean you can’t colour in pages. It’s not just an activity for children! Colouring is a great hobby, as it destresses you while allowing your creativity to flourish. Plus, in the end, you’ll have a beautifully coloured picture to be proud of.

7: Meditate

Everyone should practice meditation from time to time. It gets your mind away from your daily stresses, if only for a little while. If you have a whole day, dedicate a portion of it to closing your eyes and focusing on your breath. You will feel much calmer and even euphoric at the end of it.

Top Reasons To Book a Massage

If you love having a massage and typically have one every now and then, you’ll be pleased to hear they’re not just good for relaxation but also for your health. Experts say massage has numerous advantages for the body and mind, so there’s never been a better excuse than to incorporate them into your wellness routine.

Take a look at some of the ways massage could help you:

Relieves stress

Most people experience stress at some point in life. Stress can lead to tension in the body and cause headaches and insomnia. Massage is a great way to relax the body and mind. The practice raises serotonin and dopamine levels to improve your mood.

Decreases anxiety levels

Many things cause anxiety in everyday life. The build-up can manifest to low mood and feelings of stress and depression. Having regular massage sessions encourages the body to relax and let go of unhappy feelings to balance your mind.

Reduces headaches

Headaches are a common occurrence, and they impact life in several ways. Different things cause headaches but largely play a part in stress and lack of sleep. Poor posture and neck tension are also contributors. Massage therapy is ideal for realising tension, which can lead to headaches and migraines.

Improves muscle mobility

If you experience muscle soreness or tightness, massage is an excellent remedy. The techniques improve blood flow to the area and improve flexibility to overworked muscles.

Aids digestive issues

Some people may suffer from issues in the digestive tract which impact the digestion of food. There are specialist massage techniques that aid the relaxation of involuntary spasms and contractions in this area to help move things along.

Improves sleep

It’s surprising how many people don’t get enough sleep. Sleep is vital for your body to relax and rejuvenate. Anything preventing this will impact mind and body health in the long run. If you find it hard to drift off or suffer from insomnia, massage can help. This therapy provides relaxation and releases hormones in the body that aid sleep.

Complements fitness routines

When you work out, your body goes through a lot to push your results further. Unfortunately, these workouts may cause muscle fatigue, which in turn may impact how often you can hit the gym. To improve your recovery, massage is the perfect solution.

Reduces the appearance of scars

Creams and lotions may help improve the look of scarring, but overall, massage is the best way to minimise the appearance. This technique helps to break down scar tissue, and over time you’ll notice a big difference in the look and feel of the affected area.

Improves energy levels

Want to feel energised and ready to tackle the day ahead? Regular massage sessions could be the answer. Incorporating massage treatments into your self-care routine will ease tension, stress and muscle soreness to leave you feeling fabulous.

Ready to book your next massage treatment? Call our beauty salon in Oxford to feel the benefits for yourself. 

Top Tips To Improve Skin Confidence

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the images we see of perfect skin every day. However, in reality, these airbrushed pictures are a far cry from the look of skin at any age. Imperfections and texture are just a snippet of what makes your skin beautiful. With some care and attention, your beauty routine can help you build confidence in your skin.

Take a look at a few key steps to start your journey:

What is good skin?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Everyone is different, and that’s what makes you unique. Our definition of good skin is - skin you are comfortable and confident with, and yes, you can still feel great even with a few breakouts.

Steps to achieving skin confidence

Simplifying your skincare routine

There are tons of skincare products on the market, but not all of them will work well for your skin. Researching products and chatting to a specialist can help you choose the best options for your skin type. Also, try to keep it simple with good quality products. Most people don’t have time to go through a 10-step process each day so find what works in your routine.

You are what you eat

There’s no getting away from the fact that the condition and health of your skin can be attributed to your diet and lifestyle. What you eat and drink can directly affect whether it feels dehydrated one day or oily the next. So, where possible, try to eat varied and wholesome foods. Also, opt for meals packed with nutrients. Some of the best vitamins for your skin include C, D, E, and K, as these help reduce pigmentation, breakouts, and wrinkles.

Book a beauty treatment

Specialist beauty treatments are a great way to improve the look and feel of your skin. There are numerous techniques used alongside high-quality products to combat all types of skin issues. Popular skin treatments facials, microdermabrasion, and LED light therapy, to name a few. These treatments don’t just make your skin look great. They also offer you a chance to relax and rejuvenate. Check out the skin treatments at our beauty salon in Oxford for more information.

Use makeup that complements your skin

Makeup trends come and go. However, the best way to achieve skin confidence is to use products that compliment your natural beauty. For example, it’s common to want to pile on concealer when a spot appears but this can do more harm than good. Instead, focus on things that highlight your features without applying heavy makeup. It’ll do your skin a world of good and also offers a boost of confidence in your healthy glow.

Don’t skip the sunscreen

Getting a bronzed glow can come at the expense of your skin health. The sun’s rays can cause harm at a cellular level, so don’t forget the sunscreen even on cloudy days. There are various products with an effective and lightweight sunscreen developed especially for your face and neck.

Effective ways to practise self-care

Self-care is an important concept these days, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on us all. Deliberately setting aside some time to look after yourself is vital for both our mental and physical health, plus it can help to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and generally do wonders for our wellbeing. So the real question is not whether we should be practising self-care, but what the most effective ways of doing so are. Read on for some top tips you can try!

Take care of your body

Looking after your body is key for having a long and healthy life, and there are plenty of ways to do so. Firstly it’s important to eat a healthy diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as to drink plenty of water. It’s best to avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and processed foods as much as you can (although, of course, you can allow yourself the occasional treat!). If you smoke, you should definitely think about quitting – not only is it bad for your health, but it also ages your skin. Exercise is another key aspect of self-care for the body, whether it’s a dance class, yoga session, going for a run, or hitting the gym.

Indulge in some pampering

Pampering is a vital aspect of self-care, because it helps you to relax and also feel better about yourself. Here at our beauty salon in Oxford, you can unwind with a full body massage, boost your confidence with a skin treatment or body contouring session, or treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. In between your treatments, you can also pamper yourself at home with a long soak in the bathtub (extra points if you’re surrounded by scented candles and enjoying a glass of wine or reading your favourite book!).

Give mindfulness a go

Mental health is perhaps the most important aspect of self-care, and mindfulness is a huge part of this. There are lots of techniques you can try in order to boost your psychological wellbeing, such as:

•   Adult colouring books to reduce anxiety

•   Breathing exercises to relax and reduce stress

•   Meditation to calm the mind (try apps like Calm and Headspace if you’re a beginner)

•   Keeping a gratitude journal to help you appreciate even the smallest positive parts of your day

•   Decluttering your physical space to feel lighter

•   Taking up a creative and inspiring new hobby such as drawing or playing a musical instrument to increase cognitive function

Spend time in nature

Getting out in the natural world is an effective way of improving both your mental and physical health. Sunlight boosts your body’s serotonin levels, lifts your mood, helps us to produce vitamin D, and can even improve the quality of your sleep. Likewise, being surrounded by greenery has been shown to raise our creativity and productivity, in addition to making us feel happier. Don’t panic if you don’t have the time for long walks or if you live in the middle of the city because having some houseplants in your home can bring you many of the same benefits.

5 Reasons to Try Laser Hair Removal

Most women spend time and money removing hair from their faces and bodies by shaving, waxing, or tweezing regularly. Laser hair removal offers a longer-lasting and sometimes permanent solution to unwanted hair on any part of the body. In some cases, hair follicles are completely destroyed, meaning new hair cannot grow back.

Laser hair removal involves passing a laser over the skin where it will be absorbed by the hair follicle pigment. The light converts to heat which then damages the hair follicle so that it cannot produce hair. For the best results, it is necessary to do 6 to 8 laser hair removal sessions; this is because the hair can only be destroyed when it is in a certain stage of growth and hair does not grow at the same rate. 

After each treatment, the skin is likely to look red and feel sore, but with moisturisers, cool compresses, and sunscreen it should calm down in a few days. If you are curious about laser hair removal but not sure whether it’s the right choice for you, here is a bit more information and five reasons why you might want to give it a try. Our beauty salon in Oxford can answer any specific questions or concerns you might have about the procedure.

1.    Treatments are quick

Some people are put off by the idea of laser hair removal because they assume it will be a lengthy and painful procedure. In reality, a session can be completed in as little as 20 minutes when treating the face, underarms of the bikini area, and larger areas like arms and legs take no more than an hour. The laser does not damage or remove the skin around the hair follicle, and the pain is comparable to waxing or the twanging of a tiny elastic band against the skin.

2.    The results are long-lasting or possibly permanent

While it is not possible to guarantee permanent removal of hair, laser hair removal is about as close as it gets. If you continue with the treatment for the full term, you should see a significant reduction in hair regrowth, and any hairs that do regrow will be much finer.

3.    Laser hair removal actually saves you money

There is obviously an upfront cost of laser hair removal, but over time you should see a return on your investment as you will not be spending money on razors, creams, gels, waxing, etc. You will also enjoy a much smoother result.

4.    You’ll get all that shaving or waxing time back

Shaving or waxing is a time-consuming task. Most people will find that even after all that effort that they have missed a section and will have to go back to sort it out. If you are travelling to a clinic to get waxed, you are also spending time and money to get there. Laser hair removal gives you all that time back and removes all the hassle from hair maintenance.

5.    The laser can remove and prevent ingrown hairs

Laser hair removal can be a fantastic solution to ingrown hairs, removing them and preventing them from returning. Plus, many people with sensitive skin find that they enjoy much healthier skin as they do not have to irritate it with waxing or shaving.

How to Keep Glowing Skin Between Facial Appointments

Your facial appointment is a crucial part of your healthy skin journey. That doesn’t mean it should be all that you rely on, though. While professional hands provide you with that beautiful glow, there are ways to ensure it lasts right up until the day before your next appointment. Here is how.

Ask for Recommendations

You beautician has a wide range of knowledge when it comes to skincare, so ask them for their advice! Remember – everyone’s skin is different, and they will know what to recommend based on how dry, oily, and hydrated your skin is. So, when you next visit our beauty salon in Oxford, be sure to ask for product recommendations to keep your skin looking amazing until your next appointment.

Drink Two Litres of Water a Day

Glowing skin starts from within. If you find that your skin becomes dry not long after your facial appointments, but you are using good products, then your hydration levels might be the cause. To give yourself a glow from morning until evening, aim to drink around two litres of water per day (depending on your weight).

Use Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient in some of the best skin care products, and it also naturally occurs in the body. It is an excellent addition to any skincare routine, as you will see an instant glow to your skin from the second you put it on – something you don’t usually get from most products. Over time, after frequent use, you will notice supple, youthful skin that never dulls.

Use Oil Overnight

Moisturiser is, of course, important in any skincare routine, but if you really want to glow, consider using oil overnight. Even doing this just once a week is enough to give your skin a youthful and hydrated appearance. Do your research before picking up just any old oil, though, as some might make you break out depending on how naturally oily your skin already is. Some of the best oils for your face include argan, rosehip, and jojoba.

Cut Out Bad Habits

Bad habits like drinking alcohol and smoking will only cause dry, dull, and aged skin – something you definitely want to avoid! While a couple of glasses of wine each week is usually OK, binge drinking and smoking heavily must be avoided. Once you cut the bad habits, you’ll soon notice a brightness to your skin that wasn’t there before.

Eat the Right Foods

What you eat has a real effect on how your skin appears. Eating a fresh, healthy diet full of fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins will show on your face through clear, supple skin and an undeniable glow. Some foods work even better than others, so be sure to incorporate these into your diet more:

·        Carrots

·        Avocados

·        Fish (especially salmon)

·        Lemon

·        Turmeric

·        Blueberries

·        Kale

If you really want a glow, consider putting some of these foods into a smoothie for your morning boost.

By doing these skin-boosting habits between your regular facial appointments, you are sure to never lose that gorgeous glow.

Everything You Need to Know About Body Contouring

Do you have any stubborn areas of fat on your body that appear to be resistant to exercise and diet?

If yes, then body contouring could be the perfect beauty treatment for you.

Providing long-lasting and natural results, keep reading to find out everything you need to know about body contouring and how it can help you achieve the body of your dreams.

What is body contouring?

Body contouring, also known as body sculpting, is a nonsurgical beauty treatment that is used to target stubborn fat deposits on areas of the body such as the abdomen, the thighs, and the “love handles”.

Hailed as a less intrusive but equally effective alternative to liposuction, body contouring promises to help you achieve a toned and shapely body without any discomfort or recovery time needed.

It is worth knowing that body contouring does not actually make you lose weight, moreover, it helps to shape the body, get rid of extra skin, and eliminate excess fat.

What are the different types of body contouring?

The process of nonsurgical body contouring is called lipolysis, and there are several different methods that you can choose from:

·       Cryolipolysis. This uses very cold temperatures to dissolve fat cells.

·       Injection lipolysis. This involves putting deoxycholic acid into the body to target your fat cells.

·       Radiofrequency lipolysis. This uses ultrasound waves and heat to target your fat cells.

Here at utopiaboutique.com, we are excited to reveal our new cavitation and radiofrequency body contouring treatment that provides permanent fat removal with zero pain and no recovery time.

What areas of the body can be targeted with body contouring?

Body contouring can be used to target most areas of the body where you are likely to have fat that you cannot shift, including:

·       Arms

·       Back

·       Belly and flanks

·       Buttocks

·       Neck and chin

·       Thighs

Is body contouring painful?

As a non-surgical procedure, body contouring is not painful. It has been described as feeling like a deep, hot massage and can, in fact, be quite relaxing for some people. Depending on your pain threshold, you may feel a little bit of discomfort for a few seconds when your most prominent areas of fatty deposits are targeted, but this is not more painful than a standard wax treatment.

How many sessions are recommended?

Body contouring is not a one-time treatment process, and if you want to enjoy optimum results, you should aim for between 6-12 sessions overall. The duration of your treatment will be dependent on the area of the body that you wish to target and how stubborn the fatty deposits are. Despite saying that, each session lasts around 40 minutes and should be carried out by a trained professional.

Are the results permanent?

The best thing about body contouring is that the results are similar to liposuction but without the pain and long recovery time. This means that as long as you follow your recommended diet plan and practice regular physical activity, the results of your treatment should be permanent.

How Often Should You Be Getting Your Beauty Treatments Done?

Whether you are a beauty treatment addict or you go to your local beautician just enough to maintain your look, it can be a good idea to know how long you should wait in between treatments, as recommended by experts in the business.

From manicures to facials, hair cuts to waxes, keep reading to determine how often you should be getting your preferred beauty treatments done. Plus, discover how you can adapt your beauty routine at home to make each treatment last longer.

Manicures – Once every 2 weeks

If you want to keep your nails in pristine condition, you should ideally get a manicure once a fortnight. Although this may seem like a lot, waiting too long between appointments can lead to unsightly issues such as ragged cuticles, hang-nails, and poorly shaped nails that are much harder to manage and maintain.

Your local beauty salon will also be able to offer you tips on how to care for nails in-between visits to maximise the longevity of your chosen manicure treatment.

Pedicure – Once a month

Pedicures are one of life’s little luxuries that once you start indulging in, you never look back. Providing a chance to relax and give your tootsies some much-needed TCL, a pedicure should be carried out once a month if you want to keep your feet looking and feeling healthy and beautiful.

That being said, if you want to wait a little bit longer in between visits, then you should remove any dead skin cells yourself, moisturise daily and trim and shape your toenails as and when needed.

Facials – Once a month to four times a year

Rather than being a yearly birthday treat, ideally, you should be getting a professional facial at least four times a year, and if possible, monthly if you want to enjoy a glowing complexion.

Facials actively work to stimulate your tissues and get your blood circulating, ensuring your skin stays looking younger for longer.

Hair cut – Once every 4 to 6 weeks

Although there is no hard and fast rule for getting a haircut, professional stylists typically recommend once every 4-6 weeks if you are looking to keep your hair in optimal condition, particularly if you are trying to grow your hair.

That being said, if you do not want to visit your hairdressers that often, you can instead look at the condition of your hair and visit your salon when you notice obvious split ends.

Eyebrow waxing – Once every 3-4 weeks

Again, everybody is different when it comes to eyebrow waxing, as it depends on your individual rate of eyebrow growth. However, as a general rule, most people notice that their eyebrows need waxing once every 3-4 weeks, although some can go as long as 8 weeks between waxing.

To figure out exactly how long you should go between waxing, leave your eyebrows completely alone and let them grow naturally until you are unable to find a definitive line. Once this happens, this is your timeline for getting them waxed again.

How to Save Time on Your Makeup Routine

Even if you have a passion for makeup and beauty and enjoy trying out new products, there's no doubt that a dedicated makeup routine can sometimes be time-consuming — and when you're trying to get ready efficiently before a day of work or even if you're running late, a long makeup routine can take up valuable time.

Here's how you can look to save time on your makeup routine, without compromising on the look or style you're going for.

Get to Know Your Favourite Products, and Stick with Them

Your makeup application can become a lot easier when you know you can depend on all your products. Not only that, but products you're familiar with mean that you can easily apply them without a second thought.

While there's nothing wrong with trialling new makeup products and colours, it's a good idea to stick to the one you love for your base coats like foundation and powder. This means you don't have to waste time finding the right application method or coverage or waste time applying more because it's not as thick or dark as you'd like.

Think About Getting Eyebrow and Eyelash Treatments

Two key areas of a makeup routine can be eyebrows and eyelashes. You may be spending a long-time applying product to your eyebrows to get the shape and style you want, as well as aiming for the longest lash. If you can eliminate both these steps, you'll be saving heaps of time.

Eyebrow and Eyelash treatments mean your eyebrows will be ready to go without having to manipulate them with products, and your eyelashes will be long and luxurious without you having to try with layers of mascara.

Take Better Care of Your Skin

Although makeup is an important way to express yourself and never has to be dependent on having good or bad skin, you can save time by promoting better skincare. This means fewer blemishes, redness, or dark circles to cover with dedicated products if that's the reason you're spending so much time applying makeup.

A bigger focus on skincare means a healthier canvas for your makeup, as well as enabling you to save money on coverup products!

Stay Organised

The messier your dressing table, makeup bag, or bathroom shelf, the longer it's going to take for your everyday routine. Be sure to have a system for all your skincare and makeup products, so that you can grab and go. Have your regular products together where you know they'll be, so you don't have to wonder where you put your favourite foundation, or which handbag your powder is in.

Try for More Neutral Shades

Unless this means sacrificing your own style and personality, of course! However, if you can embrace lighter shades for your day-to-day, these can be much easier and quicker to apply. Lighter eyeshadows and lipsticks will require only a quick sweep, whereas dark eyeshadows and dark lipsticks will require more care and attention to have them looking perfect.

5 Benefits of Dermalogica Skincare

If you love going to the beauty salon for a facial, a massage, or another skin treatment, chances are you have experienced Dermalogica skincare products. An industry-leading skincare brand, Dermalogica is known for their commitment to skin health rather than just beauty and pride themselves on creating innovative formulas that actively target specific skin complaints such as acne, sensitive skin, and ageing.

Interested to know more about Dermalogica skincare and how it can transform your complexion?

Keep reading to discover five benefits of using this best-selling beauty brand on your skin.

1.   Dermalogica is suitable for all skin types

Not one to discriminate, Dermalogica offers skincare products that are suitable for all skin types. From oily skin to dry skin, sensitive skin to ageing skin, you will be able to find the perfect Dermalogica skincare product for you and your complexion.

2.   Dermalogica is cruelty-free

All products created by Dermalogica are certified cruelty-free, meaning that they were not tested on animals at any point during the testing or manufacturing process. Dermalogica also offers an extensive range of vegan skincare products, which are all formulated without animal-derived ingredients.

3.   Dermalogica offers face mapping

As briefly mentioned above, Dermalogica skincare is based on the principle that healthy skin translates to great-looking skin. This is why Dermalogica products are designed to be prescribed by a professional skin therapist who will select the right products for your individual skin type.

During our skin treatments in Oxford, our professional therapists will carry out face mapping analysis, which is a process of analysing your skin, zone by zone, to diagnose any skin conditions and to prescribe subsequent products for maximum results.

4.   Dermalogica provides long-lasting results

Dermalogica only uses high-quality ingredients in their products that are specifically designed to help keep your skin at an optimal level of fitness, rather than just cover up with cosmetic results.

Furthermore, your chosen professional skin therapist will be able to identify any emerging skin conditions or issues and prescribe new skin treatments accordingly. Your skin is always evolving, and Dermalogica skincare will evolve with it.

5.   Dermalogica products contain natural ingredients

Dermalogica skincare products are free from lots of potential skin irritants that are often found in other skincare products such as mineral oil, lanolin, SD alcohol, and artificial colours and fragrances. Instead, they contain natural ingredients including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, seed extracts, amino acids, salicylic acid, and retinol, all of which will actively help improve the overall tone, texture, and appearance of your skin.

Dermalogica stock an extensive range of skincare products that you can try next time you visit your local beauty salon, including cleansers, toners, serums, masques, moisturisers, eye creams, and exfoliants. If you are new to the world of Dermalogica, you are in for a treat as no other skincare brand provides the same long-lasting and noticeable results as this leading brand.

Don’t believe us? Come and try one of our Dermalogica skin treatments for yourself!  

5 Beauty Treatments That Can Help Turn Back the Clock

If you feel like you are fighting a losing battle against fine lines and wrinkles, now might be the time to start thinking about getting a little professional help. Fortunately, when it comes to beauty treatments that can combat ageing skin, there are many different options for you to choose from.

Whether you want to go full throttle and indulge in a face full of fillers or you want to try a more subtle approach such as a good facial or a skin peel, there is something for everyone with the below five beauty treatments that are specifically designed to help turn back the clock.

1.   Microdermabrasion

This highly effective beauty treatment involves a minimally invasive procedure that is used to renew your overall skin tone and texture. Known for improving common signs of ageing, including sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, microdermabrasion is considered a safe option for most skin types and colours.

One of the best aspects of microdermabrasion is that there is little to no recovery time. You can resume your daily activities straight after your appointment. Plus, you should see noticeable results immediately.

2.   Skin Peel

One of our most popular Oxford beauty treatments, a skin peel, also works to improve the tone and texture of your skin, which in turn lessens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

There are three types of skin peels: superficial, medium, and deep, with the one you choose being dependent on the results that you want. As a general rule, superficial and medium peels are safe and non-permanent, whereas a deep chemical peel is a little riskier but more long-lasting.

3.   Brow Lamination

Thin, overly plucked brows can add years to your face. Fortunately, brow lamination is the solution you have been looking for if you suffer from this issue. Ideal for anyone who wants to make a thin brow appear fuller in as little as half an hour, brow lamination can last for up to 6 weeks.

With the ability to dramatically enhance the shape of your eyebrows and take years off the clock, this affordable treatment is perfect if you want a quick and completely pain-free way to look younger.

4.   Face Mapping

Face mapping is essentially a professional skin analysis that is designed to help keep your complexion as clear and healthy as it can be. Involving the face being split into different zones and each area closely studied, once complete, your dermatologist or beauty therapist will then be able to determine why you are experiencing a specific skin condition such as dry skin, premature ageing, or acne and create a bespoke beauty treatment plan moving forwards.

5.   An Anti-Ageing Facial

An oldie but a goodie, having regular facials is one of the most effective ways to prevent the signs of ageing skin. Furthermore, with an extensive range of facials that are specifically designed to help target and combat ageing skin, you are guaranteed to find one that provides the results you want.

From gold collagen facials that stimulate collagen production and improve your skin’s elasticity to vitamin C infusion facials that restore clarity, texture, and firmness, you can find facials to suit all skin types and budgets.

5 Hair Removal Treatments You Should Know About

Hair removal: it’s an essential part of a beauty routine for many people, and especially during those summer days when you’re planning on revealing more of your skin. Suppose you’ve never had a hair removal treatment before or don’t know much about them. In that case, you may always have been struggling through the laborious task of traditional shaving, only to have the hair return faster than you’d hope.

There are many different hair removal treatments you can look into instead. Hair removal is about what works for you, so here are five different treatments you may want to consider so that you can ditch the razor.

1.   Hair Removal Cream

Hair removal cream is designed to be applied to a specific area and have the hairs washed away with the cream after a certain application length. These removal creams come in many shapes and sizes designed for particular areas of the body, so it’s important if using a hair removal cream to invest in one which is designed specifically for the area of the body you’re looking to remove hair from (such as one suited for legs or bikini line).

Hair removal cream works by applying to the intended area and waiting for the hair to be dissolved by the cream; you can then wash it away.  

2.   Strip Waxing

Strip waxing is where a thin layer of wax is applied to an area of the skin and then removed (along with the hair) by a sheet of paper applied and pulled back. This is then done in stages, piece by piece. Due to the nature of strip waxing, this can be preferable for less sensitive areas, such as the legs.

3.   Hot Waxing

In comparison to strip waxing, hot waxing is where wax is applied to an area of the body, but no paper strip is needed to rip away the hair. With hot waxing, you would wait for the melted wax to harden after application, in which it would then gain a hold on hairs and pull them free once the wax is removed.

4.   Laser Hair Removal

This procedure involves dedicated pulses of light which reach the hair follicles under the skin and disrupts their ability to regrow hair in that area. This laser targets hair at the source. As well as being a more long-term solution for hair removal in terms of length of time, you can expect hair to return. Some people may also see significantly less hair in the targeted area over time.

Laser hair removal can also be used on smaller areas, such as the face and lip line, as well as large areas of the body.

5.   Threading

Threading is a popular choice for small hair removal, particularly of the eyebrows. It’s a cosmetic procedure that sees a thin thread being twisted and manipulated in order to pull out hairs in a chosen area. It is similar to plucking, but threading can pull out more than one hair at a time in comparison.

If you’re considering any new beauty or hair removal treatment, be sure to speak to a dedicated professional for advice if you’re unsure whether any treatment would be suitable for your skin.

5 Spring Footcare Tips for Fabulous Feet

If you have neglected your feet over winter, then you are far from alone.

The comforting and concealing features of winter boots mean that many adopt the out-of-sight, out-of-mind approach when it comes to footcare over the colder months.

Unfortunately, with spring fast approaching and the prospect of wearing open toe-sandals and flip flops fast becoming a reality, you need to take action to revive your feet sooner rather than later.

From swapping to more breathable fabrics when it comes to socks, to exfoliating your feet daily, to prepping your toenails, keep reading to discover five spring foot care tips that will transform your feet from frightening to fabulous.

1.   Swap your socks

Your feet have more than likely been hidden away for the last six months in thick, fleecy socks, tights, and slippers. Although essential in the winter months, as the days slowly start to get warmer, now is the time to switch to more breathable fabrics so that your feet can start to enjoy the fresh air again.

Opt for natural fabrics and looser socks that will allow your feet to breathe and minimise the dampness in your shoes that can cause bacteria to grow.

2.   Exfoliate your feet daily

If you suffer from dry, cracked heels, you need to start exfoliating daily to help soften the skin on this part of your feet. Calluses are also common in the winter months, but these can be kept at bay with regular pumicing. Choose from manual, electric, or chemical treatments, all of which should be applied before you shower when your feet are dry.

You can even make your own exfoliation treatment using just lemons, white or apple cider vinegar, and the miracle ingredient, Epsom salt.

3.   Moisturise before bed

Unless you want to be slipping around in your socks, it is best to apply foot creams or moisturisers just before bed. For optimal results, apply generously and then pop on a pair of cotton socks to keep the moisture locked in.

Do not think you need to spend a fortune on expensive foot cream, as you can make your own using just two store cupboard ingredients – honey and milk.

4.   Remove hair

Although you may not like to admit it, toe hair is something that everyone has. Ensure that your tootsies look smooth and hair-free by using a good quality epilator, waxing, cream, or shaving.

Alternatively, if you want a more permanent solution, laser hair removal is extremely effective, although be warned, it is not the cheapest option.

5.   Get a pedicure

Last but not least, no feet will be ready for their first spring outing without a luxury pedicure. Although you could choose to go DIY, why not instead treat yourself to some professional nail services which will include the full works of foot care, including a foot soak, nail, and cuticle tidy, hard skin removal, exfoliation, massage, and polish of your choice?

Go on; you know you deserve it!

Beauty Treatments You Should NOT Do Yourself

In the last 12 months, women up and down the country, and in fact worldwide, have had to embrace DIY beauty treatments. From waxing your own legs to dying your own hair and giving yourself a manicure, when all the hairdressers and beauticians closed, you had to take matters into your own hands. You may have had some successes, although if you are honest, you probably had a few failures too.

Now, wouldn’t a little bit of hindsight been helpful?

Of course, it would, but as the saying goes, “better late than never”. So, whether you are thinking about trying out a beauty treatment at home for the first time or you would like to know what you can and can’t safely do without the help of a trained professional, keep reading to discover the four beauty treatments you should never carry out yourself.

Plus, learn a natural and 100% safe DIY alternative for each one!

1.   Chemical Peels

A highly effective procedure that involves removing the outer layers of your skin, trying one of these at home is dangerous and can result in you burning your skin. The same goes for microdermabrasion and other advanced skin treatments that should only be carried out at a reputable beauty salon.

For a safer and natural alternative to a chemical peel that you can do from the comfort of your own home, mix one egg white, ½ cup of deseeded cucumber pulp, and one teaspoon of lemon juice to make a paste. Apply to your skin, leave for 20 minutes and rinse with warm water.

2.   Derma fillers

This may seem obvious, but it is never a good idea to try and give yourself fillers as this advanced beauty treatment should only ever be carried out by a trained professional. Although you can buy filler online, you will never be completely sure about what product you are getting and how safe it is.

Injecting fillers that are unsafe into your face can lead to serious problems, including nerve damage, skin necrosis, and, in some cases, even blindness.

If you feel like your skin needs a little plumbing, try adding more collagen-rich foods into your diet, such as dark green vegetables, soy, and oily fish such as salmon or mackerel.

3.   Piercings

You may think that the piercing process looks simple, especially if you only want to add another hole to your ears. However, there is a reason why there are professional piercers, notably because it takes both skill and experience to carry out this procedure, as well as the right equipment.

Do you know where important vessels and nerves lie in your body? If not, best to leave this beauty treatment to a pro.

Plus, if you are looking for something a bit more specialised such as nose piercing, you will be happy to know that salons have a special piece of equipment to make this hole with no needles in sight!

4.   Extractions

If you are feeling tempted to carry out extractions on blackheads, whiteheads, or cystic spots yourself, then you should know that this is highly rejected by dermatologists. This is because extraction is a medical procedure that, when done incorrectly, can lead to pigmentation, acne scars, and even skin infections.

If you urgently need an at-home remedy for your problem skin, why not try a shop-bought exfoliator or make your own using ½ cup of finely ground almond meal, 2 tbsp of whole milk powder, and a dash of warm water?

How to Stay Hair-Free for Longer

Hair grows incredibly fast, especially when you don’t want it to, and many people find that their leg hair and armpit hair has grown back before they even get out of the bath. This can impact your confidence in your body and can be extremely frustrating, especially when you are planning to wear certain outfits that reveal parts of your body that you wish were hair-free. To stay hair-free for longer, read on.

Opt for Waxing

For speed, most people opt for a regime of shaving every morning. However, while shaving is a quick solution for busy mornings, waxing can help you never to have to worry about hair growth again. Waxing can help you remove the hair at the root, which means that it will take your hair much longer to grow back than when you shave. Not only this, but it can give your skin a much smoother feel and appearance than shaving and will stop your hair from growing back darker and thicker. There are two types of waxing that you can opt for. Lycon hot waxing uses hot wax and oil to protect the skin while it is being waxed, removing both longer and shorter hairs at the same time. In contrast, strip waxing is the more traditional type of waxing and can make your hairs thinner and ensure that they grow at the same time, making professional hair removal techniques more even and effective. There are many common areas where waxing works well, and this includes your underarm, your bikini area, and even your face.

Try Threading

If it is your upper lip, eyebrows, jawline, or the side of your face that you are worried about, then threading could be for you. Threading is much more effective than plucking your eyebrows or facial hair as it is much more accurate and allows every single hair to be taken away. Threading allows multiple hairs to be removed at once, leaving a straighter eyebrow line and ensuring that no hair is left behind.

Avoid Shaving

Although you might still consider shaving in-between your appointments, shaving can leave your hair uneven, meaning that it will not grow at the same time. When your hair does not grow at the same rates, it can be more difficult to remove at once and to create the glossy shine that you are looking for. Not only this, but your hair may grow back coarser, which can make it harder for the wax to do its job.

Look After Your Skin

In between sessions, you should also make sure that you look after your skin. This includes exfoliation, which can ensure that the wax can remove the hairs from your skin more easily, as this will lift hairs as well as remove the dead skin that clings to them. Not only this, but it has the additional benefit of making your skin clear and giving it the fresh appearance that many people want to gain.

Have a Hair Removal Schedule

Even when you are using long-lasting methods of hair removal, you still need to have the new growth removed regularly. Therefore, to prevent your good work from being put to waste and to ensure that you never have to see the start of hair growth, you should make sure that you have a tight hair removal schedule of every 4-6 weeks. This will ensure that your legs, bikini area, and arms remain hair-free throughout the year.

Parabens - do you really know the truth?

You're looking to purchase some skincare products and it's down to two - one states that it is "Paraben Free!"...the other, does not.

Which one do you buy?

Like most people, you're probably more likely to buy the first one - the one that contains no parabens whatsoever.  But do you know why?

I know a lot of people who stay away from these ingredients but when I ask them why, they can't give me an answer - "because they're bad for you, right?"  But do you even know what parabens are?

Firstly, let's answer that question -

Dr Philippa Darbre

Parabens are preservatives used in different cosmetic, pharmaceutical and even some food products to inhibit the growth of fungus and moulds, keeping the product stable and giving it a good shelf life.  The four most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben, and propylparaben.

So what's the big deal?

Back in 2004, a report was published by a Dr Philippa Darbre (in the Journal of Applied Toxicology), which examined breast tumour tissue in 20 (yes, only 20) people - and parabens were seen to be present.  This started a huge media frenzy in which people took it out of context, and started claiming that parabens had oestrogenic properties (increased amounts of oestrogen has been shown to play a part in the development of breast cancer) and should be avoided as "parabens cause breast cancer".

This information got back to Dr Darbre who, just a few months later, published a report stating that nowhere did she infer this - she simply stated the presence of parabens in the tissue, but had never inferred that this was in fact the cause of the breast tumours.  In fact, she said the parabens could have been present from a number of things (like I said before, some foods contain it, and even some toothpastes) and could not be linked to the cause of the tumours themselves.  It simply had not been proven that the tumours were present due to the parabens in the underarm deodorant.

In fact, in a peer review (a review in which scientists determine if it is legitimate science) of the original study by Dr Darbre, they found that the sample size was too small and there was no control group.

So, DO parabens have oestrogenic properties?

Dr Diana Howard of Dermalogica

In a review of the oestrogen-like activity of parabens, (Golden et al., in Critical Reviews in Toxicology, 2005) the authors concluded that based on daily exposure estimates, "it is biologically implausible that parabens could increase the risk of any oestrogen-mediated endpoint, including effects on the male reproductive tract or breast cancer".

Interesting, right?

Dr Diana Howard is the vice president of research and development at Dermalogica, and in her position not only researches and develops all of Dermalogica's products, but her and her team also research for Dermalogica's curriculum for training skin therapists - I've had the pleasure of meeting her a couple of times (and a very nice lady she is!).

Dr Howard says "I still think parabens are one of the best preservatives that can be used - they are the least toxic.  The amount used in cosmetics is so low and small."  It's kind of like avoiding going outside in case you get hit by a car!

However, because of such a huge backlash from the media and such a bad name that parabens now have, consumers are looking to avoid these ingredients, and so more and more companies are finding ways to remove parabens from their formulations, whilst keeping the product preserved and safe to use.  So whilst back in the day Dermalogica did use parabens in their products, over the years they have fazed them out, and to date only TWO of their priducts still contain parabens - Soothing Eye Make Up Remover and Special Cleansing Gel.  According to Dermalogica, it is an "ongoing reformulation of the line to make it completely paraben-free", which is in a "progressive stage".

SO...do we use parabens at Utopia?

Quite simply, not if we don't have to.

Because it is such a sore topic with consumers, we do look to use products in the salon which do not contain them.  Apart from the two products listed above, none of the other products we use in our treatments contain them.  Consumers these days are led so fiercely by the media that it is important to us to use ingredients and products that our clients want.

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So there you have it - a bigger picture, but one that we understand people still have concerns over.  I hope I've helped to shed some light on the subject!  I am a self-confessed product snob (anyone who knows me will tell you that!) so I find these things super interesting - after all, we want to know what we're putting on our skin, right?

Nikki x