Year: 2014
Yoga Tune Up Foot Roll Out
Using the Yoga Tune Up balls I’ll show you how I roll my feet out everyday.
What To Expect at That First Facial
Ready for your first facial? This soothing and cleansing treatment is a favorite of many, but if you’re a first-timer here’s what you can expect during your appointment.
Check-in
After you arrive, you’ll be guided to a comfortable room for your facial. You’ll be asked to put on a robe and get comfortable. You’ll fill out a health form, which will help our aesthetician understand your skin type and issues.
Cleansing
Your facial will begin with a cleansing treatment. This is meant to remove any makeup and dirt to prep your skin for the facial.
Exfoliation
Some form of exfoliation, usually an enzyme that digests dead skin cells and is packed with antioxidants and other nutrient-rich ingredients, will be applied to your face. This process is usually followed with a hot towel or steam to soften the skin for extraction.
Extraction
Blemishes are removed, including blackheads. You’ll experience some pressure during this process, but it shouldn’t be very painful since the skin has been prepped for this through the first part of your treatment.
Massage
Expect a soothing massage of your head, neck and shoulders. This is not only relaxing, but it promotes blood flow and muscle relaxation which helps reduce wrinkles over time.
Mask
Depending on your skin type and the needs of your skin, a custom mask will be applied to your face. There are a variety of masks to pick from. For example, a hydrating mask can help with dry skin. A clay mask can treat oily skin, and an oatmeal mask can help irritated skin.
Moisturizing
Before you go, special serums and moisturizer will be applied so you are as hydrated and glowing as possible.
SPF
If it’s daytime an appropriate SPF will be put on you. Sometimes even some skin care makeup to keep you looking good all day.
If you liked your facial, schedule another one before you leave. A monthly facial can keep your skin looking bright and youthful. Call to schedule your appointment today.
The Importance of SPF
We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen, but which SPF is best? A walk through the sunscreen aisle reveals dozens of options, with varying SPFs. The highest SPF protect is 100, but does that make it the best? It’s just one of the many questions consumers have when it comes to the dizzying array of sunscreens. Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more.
What does SPF measure?
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures the product’s ability to block the sun’s UVB rays. Those rays can turn your skin into a fiery-red hide. It does not take into account UVA rays, which can damage skin and lead to certain kinds of cancer.
Does SPF 100 offer the best protection?
People assume the higher the SPF, the better the protection. Sunscreen with SPF 50 offers twice the protection of SPF 25, right? Wrong. Sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 94 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. Yes, SPF 100 offers the highest protection, but it’s not significantly more than its double-digit competitors. Anything higher than 15 or 30 SPF needs chemicals to make it work which can cause allergic reactions and is often what most people hate about the “gross feel” of sunscreen. Plus, doctors fear consumers who buy products with SPF 100 apply it less, making it less effective than other options. No matter what the SPF, you should apply sunscreen every two hours and as soon as you get out of the water.
When do I need SPF?
Whether it is a day at the pool, walking from your car to the mall, or an afternoon walk in the park, make sure that you are arming yourself with sun protection so that you can enjoy many sunny days ahead. It’s also good to remember that you can burn in the shade. UVA rays penetrate in the shade, through windows, and even through many fabrics. If you’re going to be outside a lot look into SPF clothing and be sure you wear your SPF every day!
What to look for?
Rather than focusing on the SPF number, look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with as little chemical as possible. You want the first ingredients to be Zinc or Titanium Dioxide. These will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering full protection without chemical. Sometimes a chemical SPF is needed for extra sticking power during sweating or water activities. In these cases aim for something that still uses Zinc and Titanium Dioxide but also with a little chemical. The jury is still out of most of these, but the least disturbing to me is Octinoxate. It doesn’t clog and has a very low allergy report.
Need To Have Makeup Tools
When it comes to makeup, tools and compacts can add up. Let’s face it; there are a ton of useless do-dads that help apply makeup. Which ones are actually useful and worth splurging on? Here’s a list of the top four makeup tools you should have:
Eyelash curler
For eye-catching lashes, you’ll need a curler. While you can buy a cheap curler at any department store, there are other options that last a bit longer. The award winning Kevyn Acuoin lasher curler is my favorite non heated curler. The patented red pad helps you see where your lashes are laying before you curl. The silicone material is also long lasting and replaced easily with an email to the company.
For eye-catching lashes, you’ll need a curler. While you can buy a cheap curler at any department store, there are other options that last a bit longer. The award winning Kevyn Acuoin lasher curler is my favorite non heated curler. The patented red pad helps you see where your lashes are laying before you curl. The silicone material is also long lasting and replaced easily with an email to the company.
Tweezers
This multi-purpose tool is a must-have. Your tweezers can remove stray hairs from your face. They’ll be put to good use on your eyebrows, as stray hairs appear in between waxing appointments. Pick a metal pair with a slanted head for the best results. Many have free sharpening too which is great since once they get dull they start breaking hairs more than tweezing them.
Foundation Brush
If you’re applying a cream or liquid foundation, primer, or even a tinted moisturizer a large Foundation Brush is your ticket to smooth success. Get one that isn’t too fat and has pointed tips so you can really get product into the pores.
Eye shadow applicator
Yes, you can use your finger to apply eye shadow, but an eye shadow brush is better. A brush allows for sharper edges and a cleaner look. The small applicator that comes with most eye shadow compacts will work, but a bigger brush, the size of your eyelid below the crease, is often more helpful.
As always, I can guide your makeup decisions. From tools to application tips and tricks, I am up-to-date on the latest makeup trends. Book a Makeup Consult today!
Don’t Bother Blemishes With Bad Products
I know you’ve heard it a million times, SPF is important and should be worn everyday. But many people with oily or sensitive skin are prone to breakouts when using over the counter SPF’s. The thing is, a good SPF will keep you protected and clear. You just have to know how to pick one and apply it. Here are a few sunscreen tips:
Mineral Makeup
If you plan to spend time outside skip heavy makeup and use a mineral based makeup like Jane Iredale. You’ll get your SPF protection and look good while doing it.
If you plan to spend time outside skip heavy makeup and use a mineral based makeup like Jane Iredale. You’ll get your SPF protection and look good while doing it.
Broad spectrum sunscreen is best
For the best protection, go for a broad spectrum brand. I always recommend Titanium Dioxide and Zinc as the primary ingredients. Remember to reapply every few hours. You’ll also want to make sure you pick up a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 to 40. Anything over 40 is really not necessary and isn’t worth the added chemicals on your skin for the slight increase in protection.
Avoid added fragrance
Some sunscreens contain dyes or perfumes to make the product look and smell more appealing. Leave the scented sunscreens on the shelf and opt for a product that’s perfume and dye free.
Pick an SPF you love
If you don’t love it, you won’t wear it so choose something you like. I carry eight different SPF options because everyone has different preferences.
Don’t let the sun hinder your radiant look, just prepare for it. Spend some time selecting the right sunscreen to make sure you’re covered for both sun protection and acne prevention.
How to Harmonize Your Facial Features
The textbook idea of beauty is all about the harmony of our facial features. They must be symmetrical, balanced and proportionate to each other. Following this idea of beauty means that the most beautiful person in the world would have to have features that aren’t too big or too small, too far apart or too close together, too protruding or too deep-set. Basically this person would have to be perfect and let’s face it, nobody’s perfect but we’re all beautiful.
When it comes to big eyes versus small eyes, often times people experience this feeling of “The grass is greener on the other side.” But the truth is both are beautiful and enhancing your natural beauty is just a matter of knowing how to make your eyes look more proportionate to the rest of your features. Here are a few tips to help you out.
Big Eyes:
- Elongate eyes by applying eye liner along the top lashes and flicking it up at the outer corners, creating the Cat Eye look.
- Thick strokes of eye liner will make your eyes appear more proportionate.
- Avoid shimmery eye shadows, because they make big eyes appear abnormally large. Instead, use matte eye shadows and line your lower waterlines.
- Make sure to highlight the inner corners of your eyes and brow bones with light shades of matte eye shadows.
- Apply mascara on both the upper and lower lashes.
Small Eyes:
- Use shimmery eye shadows, because they will help reflect light and make eyes appear bigger.
- Highlight your brown bones and the inner corners of your eyes with a light matte or shimmery eye shadow to make eyes look more open.
- The Cat Eye look is great for small eyes. Just make sure to use thin strokes of eye liner rather than thick stokes, or else your eyes will appear even smaller.
- Avoid dark eye shadows. They’ll close up your eyes and make them appear itty-bitty.
- Line your lower waterlines with a white or nude eye liner to make eyes appear bigger and more open.
- Curl lashes and apply two coats of mascara for that extra oomph.
These are only a few suggestions to help you bring balance and harmony to your features. Experiment, try different techniques and decide which work best for your features. Who cares what the textbook says about beauty? As long as you feel beautiful, that’s all that matters. If you’d like to learn more about how to enhance your unique features, make an appointment with us today.
Drink More Water
You’ve heard since childhood that drinking water is good for you. The benefits of taking in some H20 include preventing dehydration and keeping body fluids maintained. But that glass of water you drank at lunch is doing much more than that. Most people don’t know about all the benefits of water. Check out these little-known facts:
Water helps with weight loss
Picking water over a sugary soda will help you drop some unwanted pounds. Plus, water makes you feel full, so you’re less likely to snack if you keep your body hydrated.
Water keeps your muscles in check
Water has a way of revitalizing your muscles. When your body is deprived of water, your electrolytes shrink and your body is forced to borrow nutrients from cells around your muscles. That process leads to muscle fatigue and weakness.
Water keeps wrinkles away
Drinking a bottle of water a day won’t erase wrinkles, but by keeping your skin hydrated it’s less likely to dry out and sag. Water also helps bring out the natural glow in your skin, which means a healthier complexion.
How much water?
A good rule of thumb is to take your body weight, divide it in half, and that’s how many ounces to aim for in a day. BUT remember that consuming that water needs to be slow and steady throughout the day. Chugging 20oz in 5 minutes isn’t going to let your organs process. Imagine the rain in Los Angeles just flooding the streets. That’s what too much water at once does. But water a little here, and a little there, and suddenly you have a watered lawn.
Water in your foods
The good news is you don’t have to drink bottles upon bottles of water everyday. A lot of the food you consume, especially fruits and vegetables, are a good source of water too.
Less is More this Spring
With daylight saving time upon us, warmer weather is just on the horizon and it’s time to freshen up our sense of style. Spring is all about flaunting your natural beauty and putting a fresh-face forward. Follow the directions below to create your fresh, flawless look:
- Prep skin for a smooth makeup application with a good facial primer like one of Jane Iredale’s Smooth Affair products, Absence, or Bioelements Stress Solution.
- Instead of using a foundation, opt for a tinted moisturizer like Jane Iredale’s Dream Tint with an SPF of 15 or higher. Tinted moisturizers are fast to put on and give a dewy finish. If you use Jane Iredale you can even turn your pressed powder into a daily tinted moisturizer.
- Create a soft wash of cheek color with a cream to powder blush. Use circular strokes starting from the apples of the cheeks, along the cheekbones and towards the temples. A cream to powder goes on creamy but sets as a soft powder making a glowing soft look.
Now that you’ve enhanced your natural beauty, it’s time to compliment your fresh-face look with a modern nude eye. The modern nude eye is all about tight liner and lush lashes. Create the modern nude eye by following the directions below.
- Prep lids with an eye shadow primer and simply sweep a light, neutral shade of eye shadow all over lids.
- Optional: Use eye liner and sweep along the upper lash line.
- Finish the look by applying two coats of black or espresso mascara.
This fresh look will have you radiating with a natural glow. Continue to carry the natural look forward with either a nude lip gloss or a light pink lip color. Full of versatility, this look can be worn to the office, on a date or even to a pool party.
How to Find the Right Foundation
The right foundation is key to your overall look. If your foundation is the wrong shade or looks blotchy, it can drastically change your image. To find a foundation that looks natural, you’ll want to check out these four tips.
Test Foundation On Your Jaw Line And Neck
Many women rub a little foundation on their hand or arm to test the color, but this isn’t the best way to find the right shade. The best place to test the foundation is on your jawline and neck. Necks tend to be a lighter shade than our face and chest so find a color that blends both well, or make sure to apply some foundation to the neck too.
Check Your Look In Natural Light
You should have natural light while testing out new makeup. Just take a mirror over to a window to get a glimpse of the new look.
Different Season, Different Foundation
One shade doesn’t always fit all. As you get more sun in the summer and less in the winter your base color may change. Be sure to check to make sure your color is right for you through the different seasons.
See A Makeup Specialist For The Best Foundation
When it comes to finding the perfect foundation, department store makeup falls short. It’s not easy for an untrained retail clerk to match your skin tone under the florescent lights of big box stores. Instead, call and make an appointment for a makeup consult. You’ll get the best quality makeup and application tips.