Get a grip, defend yourself and chill out!!

Hmmm, the title no doubt sounds like you've got yourself in a right 'tizz' and I must say that some of you may already feel this way when searching high and low for products which work of course!

Crimson Catz are always looking further afield for new technologies which can make products help you look and feel great.  This Summer, we have ideal solutions to your little problems, and perhaps these can be carried through all year round!

This is a sought after product, let's start off with this bottle of fabulousness...

• Protects from harmful UV sun rays
• Contains natural ingredients: cherry extract, Alga Lite, bearberry and vitamins C & E
• Anti-inflammatory
• Evens skin tone
• Diminishes pigmentation (refer to our blog on hyperpigmentation).
• Moisturising
• Anti-ageing benefits

Well, may I introduce you to SELF DEFENCE, which can be worn under your moisturiser or even on its own. You only need a little bit as the product is 'concentrated' and therefore, should last you a good while.  Just click HERE to find out more!


Are you feeling the heat without even being in the kitchen?  Do you wanna cool down on those hot days and 'clammy' nights?  Well, here's the perfect solution which again has been tried and tested of course!
'CHILLICIOUS' is a lightweight revolutionary formula which chills instantly and reduces your body temperature over a long period. It's ingredients consist of dandelion, menthol and a blend of fresh essential oils.  Think of it as 'air conditioning' in a bottle and  Check out what it can do for you! 

• Instant and gradual cooling
• Alleviates 'hot sweats'
• Cools hot and clammy skin
• Lightweight, non stinging and non irritating
• Paraben free
• Refreshing, uplifting fragrance to restore confidence
• Handy, travel size
• Soothes aches & pains

No more 'sticky' necks, sweaty chests, and 'icky' foreheads,  Add a little bit to your pulse points and feel the magic happen! 

We all wanna get 'hot bodies' for the Summer hols and we all know that it just ain't right to be smelling of 'work out sweat', YUK, how disgusting is that!  But what happens if you just don't have the time to shower straight afterwards, perhaps forget your towel or there simply isn't a shower available?  If you suffer from 'clammy hands' this is the product for you!!
TAKE A GRIP, is a shower in a bottle!  This is what it's all about, take a look here and below.

• Sanitises the skin
• Removes sweat and stickiness
• Revives and refreshes
• Substitutes a shower
• Helps you focus and concentrate
• Clears the head
• Dries to a unique talc-like finish
• Confidence boosting fragrance
• A great post-shave lotion
• Cools the skin - wonderful in a hot climate
• Advanced airless pump bottle - hygienic and no waste

Now you see why we wanted to get your attention!  These Temple Spa products are so worth it, because YOU are!

Crimson love, Crimson Catz XX

For better or for worse?

Could this be a 'skin and paraben' marriage made in heaven or hell?   'For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer'  as the case may be, hmmm,  let's move on...

Parabens are cheap 'preservatives' which are added to many cosmetic & skincare products to give it long shelf life and kill off bacteria.  There are different types and are often found listed right at the end of the 'ingredients' panel of your cosmetic & skincare based product.  Methyl and propyl parabens are also used as additives in some foods.  (We're not liking the sound of that either).

The image to the right shows the Paraben family, become familiar with the names so you know what you're looking out for.

What harm, if any, can parabens do?

Parabens interfere with the body's natural production of hormones and are known as endocrine disruptors. They also act like the hormone 'oestrogen' (that's 'estrogen' to our American friends) and it has been said that parabens cause, contribute or increase the risk of cancer, yet this is still in debate in the world of science.   Past research showed that the chemicals were safe, taking into account that the chemicals would be absorbed quickly, metabolised and excreted as waste.

Since then, science has shown that over time chemicals build up in the body tissue and increase toxic build up and the chance that they can interfere with normal hormonal functions increases.  We need to look after our skin sensibly, it is the largest organ after all and thankfully there are companies who create products which are paraben FREE!

Brands such as Temple Spa prefer to use natural oils, such as grape seed, vitamins or extracts which protect the skin's health, preserves the quality of the product, finds and depletes toxins and also provides moisture.  Naturally, the products will cost a little more, but they are also 'concentrated' so a little goes a long way.  Whereas with the paraben based products, they are 'cheap as chips' and you will need more product to cover the skin's surface.  Therefore toxic build up is inevitable over time.

is the way to be! 

Crimson love, Crimson Catz, XX

Cos he's worth it...?

 Another special day is slowly creeping upon us, yes, it's Father's day and what best way to celebrate it but to spoil 'em rotten!

Most of the time, guys have the idea of their most wanted gift in their head, but never mention it until they get hit with another pair of socks, just like last year, and the year before that.  Their little sulky face tells another story when they say 'they're not bothered about it'.

We know that deep down inside they wanted something to play with, like a keyring that makes a million silly noises, or a very expensive dream car which they can zoom on the chicane with.
When they're taking a little while longer in the bathroom, it's because they're actually checking out your 'lotions and potions'.  


Distant unsure words of 'I'll be there in a minute' echo while he checks out your new 'eye cream' or tries to find something useful to help his morning shave.
Times have turned around somewhat, as we ladies no longer use 'his' razor but instead 'him indoors' wants to try to find something that will aid his appearance in many ways.

So there is help on the horizon, and even if you...the wife, girlfriend or whatever you happen to be, don't get him it, then he will always treat himself, but hide it away in an obvious place! (Sadly for you guys, women know where everything is kept - it's built in I'm afraid).

Let the head man become 'Head boy for a change, he'll feel like all his Christmas's have come at once!   There's nothing to say that you can't use a little something of his, once in a while...let yourself go 'wild',  we know you want to! 

If you really have no ideas, have a chat with us via our email catz@crimsoncatz.com, on twitter @CrimsonCatz or even on our facebook fan page and hey, why not join us?  It would be lovely to meet you!  

Oh, and one final thing, enjoy  Father's Day! (June 19th, 2011).  

Crimson love, Crimson Catz, XX

The darker the better? In some cases, not quite!

When we're on our travels or even in our home salon, we always get asked questions especially about the skin we're in, so we're going  to concentrate on one of them in today's blog. 

Some of you may notice that some areas of your skin have darker patches.  This can be located anywhere on the body, but most commonly found on the face, arms and hands.

This is called 'hyperpigmentation', it's harmless and means that there is more melanin content in the noticeably darker area.  There are many causes for this to occur, including Melasma, this is the more common name for it when the large darkened patches occur during hormonal changes, such as pregnancy and taking the 'pill'.  Freckles and age spots darken when in the sun, because the melanin absorbs the suns harmful UV rays in order to protect the skin from harmful exposure.  Therefore, wearing  sunscreen is a must to save the damage the sun can do.
Other causers of dark spots can be 'acne' and skin diseases, where the darker spots are found after the condition clears.

We also get asked "How can we get rid of freckles?" and our answer is "You can't, as they are hereditary, but instead you can use sunscreen to reduce their appearance".
Sometimes the answer simply isn't enough to bring a smile to the face.

However, there are other some interesting answers, such as: some people confide in laser treatments or prescribed creams containing hydroquinone which, as the active ingredient slows the melanin production down.  There are harsher creams which contain twice the amount of hydroquinone and cause sensitivity.  There is also Lumixyl peptide which I came across.  This is more advanced  and worth reading about.

Remember, you can also use camouflage make-up, in this case, please contact us to book a one to one consultation where we can go through the application/products which will help you without the use of laser, chemicals etc.

Should you be looking to use any creams or treatments for skin lightening or equivalent, do contact the company to book in for your consultation or seek advice from your doctor.  The information we have provided is to inform you of what hyperpigmentation is and what is available to you.  The choices you make are your own.

If there are any other areas you would like us to look into or if you have any questions, then please feel free to contact us via our facebook page, or via our website. 

Let us know your thoughts, we would love to hear from YOU!

Kindest regards

Sunita Johal (CC2) & Anita Cormier (CC1)

XX

Avoid the Summer slide!

As a make-up artist/tutor, I have one moisturiser which helps to give make-up more 'staying' power regardless of your 'skin type' and of course there is more to the application of make-up, but we all have to start somewhere, right?

You too can own 'Moisture Matte', simply by clicking here or calling me on 07786088126 or Anita on 07887937070.
If you would like any more info on make-up application, make-up courses or have any 'beauty' queries, please do contact me via our facebook fan page or email catz@crimsoncatz.com.  
Speak soon,  Sunita Johal - MFHT, MICHT, MIFHB, BSYA(col). 

Fantastic make-up artists make it to the catwalks, so can you!

Hello, I'm Sunita, the other half of our 'wonderful' health & beauty based company Crimson Catz and I want to share with you the splendour that is in the form of make-up! To add but a 'twist,' after many many years in the beauty, fashion and make-up industry, I am now running my own courses in basic and professional advanced level make-up course.

The basic make-up course consists of one day intensive training and you will learn about make-up application/techniques for use on you, your friends and family. We will cover various areas including colour matching, safe beauty, face shapes and you will gain a certificate of achievement upon successful completion of this course.

Now, P.A.L.M which stands for Professional, Advanced Level Make-up, is the next level up! It's an intensive four day course and it's in its last stage of accreditation which is fantastic news and will be a recognised qualification! You will need a basic certificate in make-up via Crimson Catz, or if you already have one, then great! You will be able to fast track onto the P.A.L.M course. The course also complies with National Occupational Standards and we use current 'safe beauty' methods throughout the application of make-up.

The next course date for basic make-up is the 27th April 2011 and for the advanced level, the course will run from the 3rd - 6th May 2011.

To find out more including fees and to book your place, please contact me on 07786088126 asap as spaces are limited at any one time and check out our make-up page for more info!

Thank you, speak soon!

Sunita Johal
MFHB, MICHT MIFHB - BSYA(col)

Top tips in preparation for Christmas!

ANITA’S TIPS ON GETTING FIT

It has always been said that your health would benefit from at least 30 minutes worth of daily exercise. Why not try the following to keep you active through the coming months?

* Work out your Christmas shopping budget, this will help reduce stress as you will know clearly how much you can spend.

* Go shopping - all that brisk walking will get your heart rate elevated.

* Everyone likes to have a tipple or two at Christmas, just ensure you don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach. Eat some complex carbs; such as a salad sandwich, at least this will line the stomach and soak up the alcohol. Drink plenty of water in between to avoid getting completely dehydrated. Instead of an English fry up opt for some porridge, a small amount will make you feel full and keep you snug for a few hours.

* That Christmas party is calling, don’t sit down all night, get up on that dance floor and party!

* Getting the housework done at home will definitely get your heart rate elevated.

It’s very easy to have that moment of weakness due to it being the festive season, but is it really worth throwing all that time spent making yourself look good during the summer months than to let it go in the winter?

* Check yourself out in the mirror everyday and ask yourself why you worked so hard to achieve the body composition you have. Picture yourself bigger than normal. That would definitely make you think twice about eating unhealthily!

*Drink at least eight glasses of water a day. You can add some cordial but preferably ones with no added sugar, or watered down fruit juice if preferred. Tea is actually worse for the skin than coffee and robs the skin of vital minerals as it is a diuretic.

Unfortunately many people lack motivation when it comes to exercising and getting fit, get a group together to motivate one another and gain good health

*If you’re struggling to put in time for exercise; park your car a good walking distance from your workplace and using the stairs rather than the lift, this will help with gaining some form of daily exercise.

*If you love cycling - then why not cycle to work if feasible, or around the area or to the local store rather than taking the car?

Carrying these out these exercises on a regular basis will improve your stamina, endurance and good body composition. Of course this would also keep your heart healthy as long as you are also maintaining good food management.

Follow these tips and you’ll be ready for the festive season.

Crimson Love
Anita Cormier AICHT, AHFST

Managing Partner of Crimson Catz

Health and Fitness Consultant & Nutritionist