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

Care for a slice or two?

Crimson Catz® are always looking for something innovative and refreshing, especially after listening to you, our clients and what causes to hinder you on a daily basis.

For us, the product has to work, and we go behind the scenes, delving into the scientific aspect of the product, the reviews, whether it is effective, convenient, cost effective and so forth! We always ensure that most of the products we source are unisex, can be used by pregnant women, and that it is infused with natural ingredients rather than chemicals.

After much time researching and testing we believe that we have finally found what you will absolutely love to use time after time. We all know that a simple cucumber out of the fridge can be popped onto your eyes for a period of time, but the science behind this showed that the humble cucumber caused an allergic reaction to some people.

Instead, the makers use Aloe Ferox from South Africa to give it's calm, soothing and restorative properties.

We welcome you to the multi award winning Eye Slices® which was founded by Kerryne Krause-Neufeldt, the CEO and took 7 years to develop into what it is today.

How do eye slices help?

eye slices is a global first in cryogel polymer technology, a dermal delivery system that helps to reduce the appearance of the following listed below within 5 minutes of use!

Puffiness – from sinus and stress

Tired eyes – from late nights and computer work

Dark circles – from diet and sleepless nights

Redness – from allergies and fatigue

Irritation – from dust, pollen and change of season

Signs of ageing – fine lines and wrinkles

Who is it suitable for:

• Men and women

• Mums to be and new mums

• Brides to be, especially on the morning of the wedding

• Models on the go, jet setters needing those few minutes to sparkle

• When used on hereditary dark circles, the appearance can be reduced when used frequently.

• Anyone with an up and down shift pattern, the list is endless.

Well I just don't have time for this!

That's what you think, eye slices takes only 5 minutes of your time and if you don't have five minutes, then you can pop one on at a time and continue doing whatever it is you're doing. They are made to sit on the eye area with ease.

A few key facts

• eye slices are NOT tested on animals.

• You don't need to be sitting or lying down to use them.

• The eye slice case is so small, you can pop it into your hand/man bag.

• You can use the same eye slices 10 times, then they are safe to dispose naturally.

• Refills are readily available from Crimson Catz for top ups.

• This is a bacteria free product with life expectancy of 2 years prior to opening.

• Do not share with anyone, well why would you want to it's yours?

• If you have an eye infection at the time and wish to use it, you will have to dispose of the eye slice afterwards so not to spread infection, otherwise don't use it for the time being.

• The product is natural and non toxic.

• You don't need to put it in the fridge unless you want to, it's already chilled.
  
  

• Do not put it in the freezer, it doesn't need it.
  
  

• The eye slices® product has been tested and approved as a non-irritant, however should irritation occur as with anything, discontinue use.
  
  Do enjoy your purchase, eye slices is now an addition to our Crimson Catz beauty specialist facials, professional wedding makeup and even some massage treatments.
  
  If you would like to RELAX, RESTORE and REVIVE yourself or a friend, why not purchase a pair which comes in a neat, curvy and very sexy box, or book in for a treatment and let the eye slice work it's magic on you.
  
  Simply call us on 07786088126 or 07887937070 or email us at
  catz@crimsoncatz.com for more info including costs, info will soon be added to crimsoncatz.com.
  
  Crimson Love, Sunita (CC2) & Anita (CC1) xx

N.B. This isn't a substitute for sleep, or lack of fluid intake. Do ensure that you continue with a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. Some people will notice more of a difference after continuous use.