We’re nearing the 1^st anniversary of our most recent website and we’d like to thank everybody that has gotten involved.

Over the past 12 months we have published over 60 blogs full of useful information covering a wide range of health and beauty matters, along with keeping you up to date on our lasted monthly and weekly special offers.

Our blogs and offers are easily accessible and in many cases linked to further useful information.  Some of these are just general informative chit chat, while others are really quite technical skin and well-being related issues.

We intend to continue this theme,  so please let us know if there is anything beauty and well-being you’d like us to be talking about and we’ll ensure theses subjects are covered over the coming weeks.

If you’re interested in our weekly subscribers only offers then please subscribe to our site and we’ll include you in on these very generous promotions.

For the next 12 months we have some lovely new treatments, products and events so please keep an eye on what we’re doing via twitter @wendyohare, Facebook or our website.

Once again, thank you and we look forward to seeing you soon.

Lots of love

Olivia, Stephanie, Caroline, Rosie, Francis and Wendy x

 

Acknowledgement: Picture – conversation by Jason Schultz.

 

 

Some famous people have recently admitted that they sleep with a full face of makeup, sparking outrage from many makeup artists.

A former X Factor and I’m a Celebrity contestant said: “The first thing I do in the morning is take off my makeup from the day before. I’m so lazy – I never do it at night.”

As well as leaving smudges on bed sheets, leaving mascara on overnight can dry out the lashes, causing them to thin and fall out.

Beauty expert’s also warned that sleeping in foundation and powder can create a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in dry patches and break-outs.

“It’s really important to cleanse, tone and moisturise your face each evening to remove any makeup, grease and general dirt which clogs the pores beneath the skin’s surface,” they add.

For women who frequently forget to remove their makeup, semi-permanent options such as lip liner dyeing and lash and brow tinting might be something to think about.

Removing your make-up at night is essential for healthy looking skin, except when it’s been a really good night and we’ve all been there!  So whether it’s at night, which is the best time or first thing in the morning, don’t forget to cleanse.  You can read more about the ‘Ultimate Cleanse’ at our blog Your step-by-step guide to the ultimate cleanse!

Thank you for reading!

Wendy

Source: London School of Beauty and Make-up – Wendy O’Hare

 

 

 

A little of what you fancy does you good – especially if it’s chocolate. Instead of feeling guilty for indulging, you can now feel virtuous, as chocolate according to Dr Sarah Brewer is officially beneficial for health.

Chocolate dates back to the time of the Aztecs. However, modern forms of chocolate combine cocoa paste with cocoa butter, sugar and cream or milk, with a variety of additional flavourings such as vanilla, nuts and liqueurs that may improve the flavour, but may reduce its health value. So lets take a look at some of the pros and cons of eating chocolate at anytime…

 

The Pros:
Antioxidant protection

The reason chocolate gets the ‘thumbs up’ from researchers is because it contains large quantities of antioxidants – chemicals that help to neutralise some of the harmful chemical reactions occurring as part of our metabolism and during exposure to pollutants. In essence, antioxidants stop us going rusty inside. Scientists have found that just 40g of chocolate contains more than 300mg of polyphenols – the same type of antioxidants that give red wine its heart-protecting reputation. And if you like your chocolate dark, you will obtain twice as many polyphenols, similar amounts, in fact, as are found in a cup of green tea. What’s more, the polyphenols present in chocolate are of the super-protective variety known as procyanidin flavonoids. While some of these flavonoids contain just one unit and are classed as monomers, the most protective are those containing two, three or more units, known as oligomers. Yes, you’ve guessed it, chocolate is especially rich in the larger oligomers that can prevent harmful LDL-cholesterol from becoming oxidised and taken up into artery walls.

Research recently published in the British Medical Journal suggested that a daily meal of seven ingredients, which included 100g dark chocolate (along with fish, fruit, vegetables, almonds, garlic and 150ml wine) could cut the risk of coronary heart disease by a massive 76%. The scientists predicted this could increase average life expectancy by six and a half years for men and five years for women. Surprisingly, olive oil was not included, as the researchers felt there was not enough solid evidence to support it as a single ingredient rather than as part of the Mediterranean diet. In contrast, they found clear evidence that eating 100g dark chocolate per day could reduce blood pressure by an average of 5.1/1.8mmHg, which is enough to reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 21%.

The feel-good factor

Eating chocolate makes you feel good. It increases brain levels of several chemicals, including mood-altering PEA (phenylethylamine, related to amphetamine), which produces a mild, confidence-instilling buzz. Chocolate also contains tryptophan – a chemical converted to serotonin in the brain to lift mood and increase euphoria – and theobromine, a stimulant that peps you up. Chocolate is also virtually unique in that it melts in the mouth at body temperature, producing a silky, luscious sensation that adds to its appeal and, according to psychologists, is one of the main reasons why chocolate proves so addictive.

Contains small amounts of caffeine

The amount of caffeine contained in chocolate is around 10 times less than that in the average serving of coffee, tea or cola drinks. In fact, low intakes of caffeine can be beneficial, as they improve fat metabolism, exercise endurance, increase alertness and decrease the perception of effort and fatigue.

The Cons:
Expense

Eating chocolate every day will undoubtedly increase your shopping bill. The BMJ researchers estimated it would cost £3 per week, but that spending more for a premium brand of dark chocolate might be rewarded by improved quality of life.

Calories

Sadly, chocolate packs a lot of calories. Just 100g contains: Milk chocolate 520 kcals, dark chocolate 510 kcals and white chocolate 529 kcals. It does provide useful amounts of micronutrients, however. For example, 100g dark chocolate contains: 33mg calcium (compared with 220mg for milk chocolate), 89mg magnesium, 2.3mg iron, 0.7mg copper, 4mcg selenium and 1.4mg vitamin E.

Glucose swings

Sweetened chocolate contains lots of sugar, producing glucose swings which, as well as encouraging you to eat more, are increasingly linked with the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. This is another reason why dark chocolate, which contains the least sugar, is better for you than milk and white chocolate. Low carbohydrate chocolate containing sweeteners such as maltitol, which do not affect blood glucose levels, are also becoming more widely available.

Mood swings 

Chocolate that contains a lot of sugar can also cause swings in levels of endorphins – brain chemicals that affect mood. This can, in turn, produce mood swings as well as carbohydrate cravings, one reason why women with pre-menstrul syndrome often crave chocolate before a period, when their endorphin levels are low. Unfortunately, as with addictive drugs, brain receptors eventually become desensitised to the mood-lifting effect of chocolate, so you tend to need more and more to get the same endorphin-raising effects.

Acne

The myth that chocolate can cause acne is not supported by the evidence, which suggests the culprit is hormonal fluctuations rather than dietary components.

Tooth decay

The fermentable sugar present in chocolate has the potential to trigger tooth decay. However, the antioxidants in chocolate may help to offset the acid-producing potential to a certain extent, while the calcium, phosphate and other minerals present especially in milk chocolate may also reduce the harmful effects on teeth.

Including chocolate in your diet

All in all, it seems that, as part of a balanced diet, we might all benefit from eating 100g chocolate per day – but make sure it is dark and expensive!

• Eat it after a meal when you are full and less likely to over-indulge.
• Eating chocolate after a meal means you can clean teeth and floss soon afterwards – perhaps with a chocolate flavoured toothpaste to prolong the pleasure!
• Buy small-sized bars, not family-sized slabs.
• Eat with fresh fruit – the renewed craze for chocolate fondues makes this simplicity itself.
• Let chocolate rest in your mouth for long enough to melt and coat your taste buds and the roof of your mouth to experience the full range of flavours and textures.
• Learn to savour the lingering memory of each bite before immediately devouring the next.

 

 

 

This product is a true skin booster. If your skin has been feeling dull, stressed and dehydrated from a heavy weekend out with friends or that crazy change in weather, apply the product on your entire face (avoiding the eye area) and leave on for 10-15min before rinsing off… or 20min if you need a serious boost to bring your skin back to life!

The formulation is packed with great skin recovery actives which I have categorized to help explain their function in the product.

Agea extract is a fantastic moisturizing and cell activating agent.

The mask is packed with vitamins such as Retinyl Palmitate (Vit A), Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vit C), Tocopherol Acetate (Vit E) & Beta-Carotene (a form of Vit A). All working together as anti-oxidants helping to recovery and improve the appearance of the skin. An added bonus to this product is that some vitamins have anti-wrinkle properties and will help against ageing.

Orbignya Oleifera (Babassu) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil Unsaponifiables, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil & Anthemis Nobilis(Chamomile) Flower Oil are wonderful natural plant bio-oils which are used for their conditioning and skin soothing properties.

And lastly

Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Symphytum Officinale Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract- are all natural plant extracts with anti-inflammatory properties used as skin soothing protectors and really help improve the skin barrier function for a more even complexion.

Our skin always needs a boost once in a while, so grab yourself a tube of Dermalogica Multi-Vitamin Power recovery Masque retail price is £33.50)

 

Thank you for reading.

Wendy x

Source: Mateja Weber – Wendy O’Hare

There are many types of wand style heated eyelash curlers available.  However, the first or original ‘wand’ style and most efficient product is known as ‘eyecurl’.  I imagine because we are promoting this product, that you would expect us to say this.

However, we have been selling this item since 1999 and during this time, despite all the copycat products we have not yet found one that works as well.  We’ve found a few that are perhaps a little more aesthetic, but nothing to touch the results that eyecurl brings.

This is not to say that this product is better that the one you use, because we know that everybody has different eyelashes and that different products may produce different more suitable results.  All I know is what 12 years of research and 50,000 women have told me, and that is, that eyecurl makes the ‘wow’ difference.  I’ve seen this and enjoyed countless positive reactions from people when I’ve demonstrated the product to them.

So how do you use eyecurl?

1. eyecurl is a wand style heated eyelash curler and there are no moving parts.  Firstly place a battery into the rear of the wands by opening the battery cover.  This is done with a simple twisting action.

2. Insert a AA battery, nipple facing outwards.  Never buy a wand style heated eyelash curler that takes AAA batteries.  AAA battery life is shorter and the products they power cannot deliver the temperature needed to create a curl that will last all day.  When buying a AA battery always buy a good brand.  You will learn what battery works best for you when you’ve tried a few.  Remove the lid and switch the wand to the ON positions. When the lid is removed you will see an LED light, and when the product is on this will light up.  This LED indicator will flash or go dim when the battery life is fading.  It does not mean you need to change battery immediately, but you do need to think about buying a new battery!

3. On the back of the wand you will see a number of red (rubber) indicators.  As the eyecurl powers up to temperature these will turn white before your eyes and it is when all the indicators are white that the wand is ready to use. This takes about 40 seconds.

4. Apply you mascara, before you turn on the curler (to save your battery), when you’ve finished applying turn the wand on, when the mascara is dry you can use eyecurl.

5. If you can apply mascara then you can use eyecurl, the application is the same but rather than flick or role, you scoop your lashes and then hold for a few seconds.

 

 

6. The secret of using eyecurl is to start from the root, and slowly travel up length of the lash.  You are heating the mascara and not the lash.  It is the mascara that is going to hold your lash in a curl.  Heating it with the want moulds the mascara around the lash and then as it cools and hardens it hold the lash in the position that you have formed.  Simple, effective and easy!

7. With the narrow wand you have flexibility to curl all of your lashes, from the inside of the eye to the outer edges.  All you need to is practice a little and you’ll have the confidence to curl anytime of the day.

8. Remember to turn off the curler when you have finished and ensure that the lid is placed firmly back on.  This will protect the wand when not in use.

9. Finally always ensure that you keep the wand head clear of mascara, you can use the bush provided and occasionally a baby wipe, but always ensure it is dry when you’ve finished cleaning.  A build up of mascara will slow the heating process and use your battery faster.

10. Finally enjoy your curl, it’s a great product and can be used within your daily make-up routine or simply for a hot date!  The product is portable so it can travel with you and so long as you’ve looked after it, it will work for years.

Thank you for reading.

Wendy x

To purchase eyecurl click here!

 

 

 

This summer when you think of tomatoes, chances are they’ll be in a cold summer salad. But did you know that tomatoes could actually be your best defence against signs of aging?

A recent study conducted in the UK suggests that tomatoes can protect skin against sunburn, and damage to the skin caused by sun exposure such as wrinkles and discolouration.  In the study, 20 women were split into two groups; one group’s diet remained normal, while the other group introduced five tablespoons of tomato paste with olive oil for twelve weeks. The result? The women on the tomato diet had a 30% increase in skin protection.

So what’s the mystery ingredient that makes all the difference?

 

Lycopene 

Lycopene is the pigment that gives tomatoes their red colour – and it’s also a powerful anti-oxidant. Lycopene blocks free radicals that can damage skin cells, protecting it from damage that causes visible signs of aging. But it doesn’t just help your body look its best.

Research shows that those who ate a diet high in Lycopene-rich foods had less instances of prostate, lung, cervical and stomach cancers. Foods such as ketchup, tomato paste and soup can help deliver this anti-oxidant to your body, building a great defence against sunburn and damage.

Other fruits and vegetables that are high in lycopene include gac fruit, tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, pink guava, papaya, seabuckthorn, wolfberry (goji, a berry relative of tomato), and rosehip.

 

Thank you for reading!

Wendy x

Sources: Skin Vitality Medical Clinic (US), Wikipedia, Wendy O’Hare

 

How much water should I drink?

The recommended amount for the average healthy person is: 2 Litres/4 pints (8 average sized glasses) per day.

It is best to sip the water, spacing out the amount throughout the day so that you drink steadily, rather than gulping down a few glasses at once.

If you are not drinking enough water, start by drink gradually, adding a little more each day until you reach the recommended amount.

You should not exceed more than two pints per hour.

Thirst is an indication that you are already dehydrated, so drink water even when you do not feel thirsty – “…Make it a good habit!”

Filtered Water – Whenever possible only drink filtered tap water, and use this for boiling kettles too.  Carbon-activated jug filters are inexpensive and remove sediment, chlorine and rust but not the healthy minerals such as potassium and calcium.

Water from bottles – Try to drink only from glass bottles (to avoid any contamination from the plastic, this should be rare but it is possible), sourced from the local area to avoid travel pollution.  And don’t drink from a plastic bottle that has been sitting in the sun.  Chemicals are prone to leaching from warm plastics.

Don’t drink carbonated water if you are prone to gas or bloating.

Don’t drink tonic water or commercial fruity/sugared waters: they don’t cleanse the body and are high in calories. (Obviously this isn’t the case when it’s mixed with Gin. I joke here, but we all have to have some treats).

Soda water contains sodium salts and carbon dioxide, so avoid if you can.

Symptoms of mild dehydration – These  include chronic pain in joins and muscles, lower back pain, dry itchy skin, headaches and constipation. An easy way to check that you are drinking enough water (providing you are not on certain medications) is to check the colour of your urine.  Your urine should be transparent and pale yellow/straw colour.  The darker the colour and stronger the odour the more dehydrated you are.  We would always recommend that you seek advice from your doctor if you are worried about any of these symptoms.

So drink clean good water regularly thought the day even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Drink Water – “…Make it a good habit!”

Thank you for reading.

Wendy x

Source: Elizabeth Peyton-Jones, Hildon Water, Wendy O’Hare 

JANE SCRIVNER

NOURISHING CLEANSER

 

It’s more than just a cleanser, It’s beautifully balanced skin….and it comes with a gorgeous extra fluffy mitt!

 

Award Winning, 100% Organic Jojoba Oil, blended with 9 ‘Skin Essential’ Oils.  Melts makeup, dissolves dirt, washes wrinkles and purges pores.  Deep clean without dehydration.  Increases elasticity, provides protection and plumps skin.  Anti Oxidant and anti ageing…it comes with a gorgeously fluffy mitt too….

 

Use as a cleanser, a treatment masque, an overnight rescue balm or for ‘post sun’ skin repair.

Apply a small amount of cleanser and massage into face.  Dip mitt into warm water, wring and cleanse from face, repeat if necessary.  Finish by rinsing mitt in cool water and wiping face gently.

To use as a night balm, apply a thin film over skin and awake to beautifully nourished skin.

 

If you want to purchase this wonderful product then visit us at the salon or click here! Price £35.00

 

What people are saying……

 

“BEST Cleanser Ever! and I’ve tried quite a few, I’m hooked! I’ve noticed a huge improvement.  Not only that, the product is a joy to use, I love the simplicity”

Mrs J Lee – Cheltenham

“JANE SCRIVNER epitomises everything a luxury organic skincare brand should be and her Balance Nourishing Cleanser is one of our favourites”

Fiona Klonarides The Beauty Shortlist

 

If you love a cleansing balm, then I doubt you will find fault with this one!

Jane Cunningham www.britishbeautyblogger.com

 

 

AWARDS WON

Beauty Shortlist, shortlisted! 2012

Free From Beauty Awards 2012

Winner Natural Health Beauty Awards Best Cleanser 2011

Janey Loves Platinum award winner 2011

 

It’s our Thirteenth Birthday today!!!!

On the 16th July, 1999 – Wendy O’Hare Skin Care opened it’s doors for the first time.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all our lovely clients, followers and friends.  It truly is difficult to express how much your kind words, loyalty and friendship has meant to us over these years!

Thank you!

Lots of Love, Olivia, Stephanie, Caroline, Aimee and Wendy xx

Happy Birthday Wendy O’Hare Skin Care

We will be Lucky 13 on July 16^th, 2012 and to celebrate this and thank all our customers we will be offering some of our most successful offers from the past few years as a special menu for the month of July.  Our ‘Birthday Gift’ promotion is 13 Special Birthday Offers.  So whether it’s some must have maintenance or that luxurious treat, everyone is welcome to take advantage of these fantastic offers.  There’s something for everyone.

 

“…13 Special Offers to celebrate 13 Brilliant Years!”

 

1. Age Smart Facial

This treatment is designed to firm, nourish, regenerate and energise while controlling the bio-chemical triggers that lead to skin ageing.  Effective and relaxing.

Receive a FREE Stress relief Shoulder massage – Offer Price £53.00

 

2. Bio-brasion Deluxe Facial

A wonderful luxury treatment which combines the benefits of the Bio-brasion Facial with an anti-Aging collagen treatment,

Your skin will feel fresher, softer and rejuvenated.

Regular price £66 – Offer Price £46.00

 

3. Hollywood Lashes

These amazing new lash extensions give a natural look to your lash.  Looking gorgeous but also weightless on your eyes, they look totally amazing.

Offer Book a Full set of lashes £64.00 and receive an eyelash tint worth £16.00 absolutely FREE

 

4. Hopi Ear Candles

Candle Therapy has a number of therapeutic effects which help ease ear and sinus problems.  This is a totally relaxing experience.

Regular Price £32.00 Offer Price £25.00

 

5. Balance Face and Body

Face and Body stimulating and relaxing, cleansing and relaxing.  You will be perfectly balanced calm and relaxed after this treatment.

Regular Price £60.00 Offer Price £45.00

 

6. Luxury Spa Pedicure

Make sure your feet are Flip Flop Friendly this summer.  Your feet will be exfoliated, moisturised and massaged.  Nails are polished to complete this luxurious treatment.

Regular Price £35.00 Offer Price £30.00

 

7. CACI ULTRA

Facial toning and skin rejuvenation CACI non-surgical face lift offers a viable alternative to surgery.

Bok a course of 10 treatments and receive 2 FREE CACI Classic Facials.

Regular Price Offer Price £434.00

 

8. Emergence Detox Treatment

A luxurious, pampering and balancing cosy cocoon.  Dry mineral scrub to stimulate and exfoliate the body.  Hungarian wellness mud, Quartz crystal, honey and Detox oils to nourish and soften the body.  A deliciously detoxing treatment.

Regular Price £70.00 Offer Price £55.00

 

9. Luxury Spa Manicure

A manicure to energise and lift the spirits using the oils of the citrus family.  Hands are exfoliated, moisturised and massaged with anti aging products.  Nails are polished to complete this superb treatment.

Regular Price £33.00 Offer Price £27.00

 

10. Full Body Mineral Scrub

Mineral rich sea salt and fruit enzymes combine to smooth and silken the entire body.  To complete the treatment your skin will be drenched in customised moisturiser.

Regular Price £39.00 Offer Price £30.00

 

11. Back Therapy Treatment

This Stress Busting Treatment refreshes and cleans this hard to reach area.  Cleansing, exfoliating, steaming massage and a customised masque will leave you relaxed and your skin radiant.

Regular Price £41.00 Offer Price £30.00

 

12. CACI Ultra Lift Anti-Aging Facial

Combining future tec skin resurfacing, light therapy and face lifting application.

Regular Price £61.00 Offer Price £50.00

 

13. Caudalie Vinxpert Firming Facial

Specifically created for skin lacking vitality and firmness.  Thanks to this amazing massage techniques and mask rich in unique anti aging active ingredients the lifting effects are immediate.

Regular Price £55.00 Offer Price £47.00

 

Some T&C’s apply which are listed below:

Email: hello@wendyohareskincare.com

Web: www.wenduohareskincare.com

Twitter: @wendyohare

Facebook: Wendy O’Hare Skin Care

 

Terms and Conditions:

 

These offers can be purchases as gift but they will expire at the end of July 2012 and may not be used after this time.

Multiple treatments can be bought but these must be used within the month of July 2012.

The offers can be used together but not in-conjunction with any other offers outside the birthday selection of offer

Existing discount schemes or offers cannot be used in-conjunction with the July Birthday Offers