Posts Tagged ‘B. Kamins’

Best Exfoliants for your Skin Type Part II

Exfoliation: A Refresher Course

Last week, we took a look at the best body scrubs for your skin type. Today, we’re examining Facial Exfoliants.

What is a Facial Exfoliant?

A facial exfoliant or scrub is a gently coarse or acid wash or masque used to remove dry or dead skin cells and brighten the skin. Many masques also contain exfoliating agents.

Mechanical: Like body scrubs, the coarse part of the exfoliant is made from either salt or sugar, although there are a variety of other materials that can be used. Unlike body scrubs, the granules in a facial scrub should feel like rice flour, soft and grainy, instead of a beach. Since you’ll be applying this scrub directly to your soft facial skin, you want to ensure it’s not going to cut or tear. Avoid using body scrubs on your face as the strong formulations can hurt delicate facial skin.

Chemical: This is the second kind of facial exfoliant. Usually consisting of Alpha or Beta Hydroxy Acid (AHA or BHA) these exfoliants  aim to dissolve dead skin cells instead of scrubbing them away. The added benefits of these exfoliants is they also dissolve oil and sebum, great on oily skin. Depending on their concentration, chemical exfoliant can be used by all skin types.

What is the BEST Method for applying a Facial Exfoliant?

First, Read the instructions. Many facial exfoliants contain active acids or other ingredients in addition to a physical exfoliant. Some need to be left on for a few minutes and others are washed off right away. Some are activated only when combined with water. The key is to thoroughly read the instructions that accompany the product before using it. How often depends on your skin type. The average is 1-2 a week. However, if you have oily skin, aim for 3 times a week. If you notice your skin developing red patches, decrease the number of times you exfoliate a week.

BEST Facial Exfoliant For Sensitive Skin:

Exfoliating is probably my favourite part of my beauty routine. I’m partial to Laboratoire Dr Renaud Satinage Gentle Scrub and Vivescence Perfect Glow Express Exfoliant The jojoba removes dead cells and stimulates the skin. I love the tingly feeling you get from active and physical exfoliants. Lauren, one of our Estheticians, also picks Vivescence Perfect Glow Express as her personal favourite.

BEST Facial Exfoliant For Oily Skin:

Our team picks Phytomer Gommage Marin: Purifying Gommage Exfoliant. If you’re looking for an acid exfoliant instead of a mechanical, make sure to pick one such as Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel that has BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) as it dissolves oil.

BEST Facial Exfoliant For Normal Skin:

With normal skin, you have the most options (Lucky!). Our most popular exfoliant is Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant with Lactic Acid A mild, organic exfoliant, it’s gentle enough for daily use, while still offering effective cleansing. Looking for something a little stonger? Opt for B.Kamins Glycolic – 10 (50ml) 

 

BEST Exfoliating Masque:

For the ultimate treat in exfoliation, opt for an exfoliating masque. Two of our favourite Masques are the Eminence Rosehip & Maize Exfoliating Masque (2 oz)  and Beauty Through Balance by Ancient Secrets: Acai Facial Exfoliating Mask (60 ml/2 oz.). A masque treatment is one of the quickest ways to see results and refresh your skin!

BEST Cleansing / Exfoliating Tool:

If you’re serious about skincare, the conversation always turns to the Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Skin Cleansing System. It’s one of the most innovative tools for cleansing and exfoliating. Primarily a cleansing tool, you can also use a gentle exfoliant (avoid manual scrubs especially ones with large grains) to achieve deep exfoliation. As the Clarisonic Mia amplifies the effect of the exfoliant, it’s best not to over exfoliate, and you’ll want to limit the number of times you use the combination to twice a week or less depending on your skin type.

 

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

 

Happy Canada Day! Spa Boutique is Proudly Canadian!

Did You Know Spa Boutique is a Canadian Company?

Yes we are proudly Canadian! Our owner Nancy Mudford is originally from Montreal, where seeing an esthetician was a normal part of everyday life. Moving to Vancouver, she noticed that having a facial or a massage was considered a luxury for many women. With this observation in mind, she completed an in-depth business plan, obtained financing and soon after opened her French-country inspired award winning Le Petit Spa in September 2003. In March 2006, Nancy launched the Spa Boutique website and opened our very first retail store in the Kitsilano area of Vancouver, BC.

An important topic that we hear about a lot these days is to buy local. But are we really doing this enough? The long weekend is quickly approaching and I know many Canadians have plans to make a run for the boarder for some get deals. I love a great deal as much as the next person, but many local Canadian businesses suffer from this huge drop in foot traffic. Most people don’t know that we not a large corporation, but a modest company with 9 employees at the warehouse/head office and 3 employees at our retail store. Four of these employees are professionally trained Estheticians ready to help you with your skin or product questions!

Some proudly Canadian skincare lines that we carry are:

GM Collin

Vivierskin

Beauty Through Balance by Ancient Secrets
Golden Moor
Principessa
B.Kamins

So the next time you need to replenish those skincare products, stick with the True, North, Strong, and Free, Oh Canada!

Happy Canada Day Everyone!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Oprah, Lucky and Men’s Health Feature Our Lines

We’re proud that a couple of our products are getting some fame and glory!

Miss Oprah herself featured B Kamins Clear Control Purifying Mask in her magazine. We’ve known it’s one of the best masks for oily/acneic skin for awhile now, so it’s great that she’s showing her support for this Canadian product. As a bonus, for the month of September many of our masks are on special. So you can save 20% on this particular product.

Men’s Health did an interview with MD Skincare founder Dr.Gross. They go over skincare tips for men and highlight the soon-to-be-launched All Over Blemish Solution. This has been a best seller in the US for awhile now and we’re very excited for it’s arrival. MD Skincare has some very effective treatments for shaving irritation and ingrown hairs.

And finally, Lucky Magazine also featured MD Skincare, but this time it was my favorite, the Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel. One of the best exfoliants; you’ll get brighter, clearer skin, increased collagen production and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines.

*Note – we are no longer carrying MD Skincare

Congratulations to those awesome products! Everyone likes a little attention and love.

Have you used any of these products? Did you love them or hate them?

As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

New Video for B Kamins Glycolic 10

Here’s a quick little video about B Kamins awesome exfoliant Glycolic 10.

Glycolics are fantastic for controlling acne and fine lines and wrinkles. They deeply exfoliate and brighten the skin.

Wear SPF though!

I’ve been using it for about two weeks and am very happy with the results. It’s extremely active when it’s on the skin and is very itchy, so be warned. It only last for about 5 minutes and has dinished everytime I’ve used it. I’ve managed to lessen those pesky little lines that have been starting on my forehead.

Love it!

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!

Spa Boutique Client Talks About Her Skin Care Solutions

This is our first client post! Karen is a great contributor to us, she’s very active on our Facebook page and is always helping improve our site. We’re very excited that she participated and shared her skin care success. If you have skin like hers, hopefully this will help you out!

“Greetings makeup enthusiasts! I am excited to share my personal skin care regime, discoveries and difficulties with you. I love how makeup is a global community.  I am a married mother of two gorgeous daughters. Since their births and my on-going medical issues, I have been battling skin changes (eczema, break-outs, dryness, redness and sensitivity).  I found all the mentioned products through Spa Boutique’s Skin Care Analysis.

To wash my face, I use B. Kamins Bio-Maple Vegetable Skin Cleanser. I love how this product removes dead skin cells, toxins, impurities and my night cleanser effortlessly.  The cleanser rinses off nicely.  I use B.Kamins Matte Moisturizer SPF 15 to moisturize my face. A little goes a long way, but if I need more in the drier areas (cheeks, temples, outer edges of face) than I have play. This moisturizer is so non-greasy! Occasionally I apply B.Kamins Antipruritic Cream.  The antipruritic cream does tingle sometimes after application, but will decrease during product effectiveness.  Before bed, I reuse the vegetable cleanser, pat-dry my face and then apply B.Kamins Bio-Maple Night Cream. I really adore this product. There is no irritating scent. It applies and absorbs quickly. It helps calm my face and I notice the anti-aging agents work.

I prefer to use Jane Iredale products to enhance my natural beauty. Her line is categorized as the skin care makeup.  One way to feel expression is through creativity and Jane Iredale helps make that happen!

My face makes a better canvas when I let my morning moisturizer “settle” upon application.  I use her Handi Brush to apply Pure Pressed Minerals Pressed Powder Base With SPF 20 (Ivory). This product is a very excellent makeup multi-tasker.  I will try her Warm Silk color next because I want more coverage. I choose Circle Delete Under Eye Concealer Base (1) before and sometimes after the foundation.  First product I find that soothes while covering imperfections.  I use Pure Pressed Blush (Dubonnet) for my cheeks-a wonderful blending product.  My eye makeup includes: 24-Karat Gold Dust Powders (Gold) (I’ll add the Champagne and Bronze colors soon), PurePressed Eyeshadow Trios (Triple Cognac), PurePressed Eye Shadow (Dawn) & ( Bone), and Mary Kay eyeliner in Steely. I’m still hunting for an alternative to the eyeliner. Please note that you can create eyeliners with most powders.  I extend my collection with D20 Antioxidant Hydration Spray. I spray my face differently-sometimes alone without makeup or moisturizer; sometimes before and after final makeup application. Lastly, I spoil my nails with OPI Nail Envy! 

I have noticed a big difference in my skin since using (May-present) B. Kamins and Jane Iredale. My skin is less itchy, irritated and red. I do have my off-days but they usually correct themselves through religious use of the above-mentioned products.

I close by offering hope to all “lost and frustrated” enthusiasts. Keep in touch with Spa Boutique’s Team.  They can happily, honestly and professionally pamper your skin care and makeup needs.”

-Karen

Thank you so much Karen, you’re one of the reasons why Spa Boutique keeps on growing!

If you would like to contribute to our blog,  let me know in the comment section and I can contact you with how to go about it.

We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic of this blog! Feel free to leave your comments or questions below.  As always, just for being a follower of our blog, enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter, like our Facebook  page, and check out our boards on Pinterest! You could be the lucky winner of one of our many contests!