Posts Tagged ‘home spa tips’

How A CHI Nano Flat Iron Changed My Life

One of the joys of working in the beauty industry is the chance to try a variety of products, and when I think back to the product that’s had the biggest impact on my beauty routine, there’s one that really stands out- the CHI Digital Nano Ceramic Iron.

I have viciously curly hair- and it’s not the pretty kind of curl either. A nasty wave that often ends up imitating Einstein instead of Jessica Chastain.  As a kid, all I wanted was hair like Sailor Mercury. I envied her simple bob cut. Short, Sleek, Straight hair- was that too much to ask? But my mother had been told that “curly hair is easier to manage long.” Sooooo, by the time I was 12, I had 3 feet of frizz hanging off my head.

Then, in senior year, a miracle happened- Andrea brought her Chi Flat Iron to school.

Up until the 1990s, straightening irons just weren’t available to the average person (In fact, Andrea only had one because her cousin worked at a salon).  Finally, sleek, silky, straight hair was accessible to everyone. I felt liberated… I could cut my hair! Curly or straight, it didn’t matter anymore. I could style it any way I wanted! I went from Phoebe to Rachel over the course of a lunch hour.

When choosing a flat iron, it’s key to choose one that has ceramic or tourmaline plates. These plates are less damaging and provide even heat to the entire section of hair you’re working on. The negative ion on a ceramic plate help to reduce frizz. Also, ensure the plates are smooth and attached cleanly to the rest of the iron. There’s nothing worse then getting your hair snagged! A fully ceramic plate is going to last longer then one with just a ceramic coating. Make sure your straightening iron has an adjustable temperature control. To avoid damage, always straighten your hair on the lowest setting that’s effective.

Also, you want to get the right size. I actually have two that I use, a standard 1″ for the longer portions and a 1/2″ just for my bangs. The nice thing about a thinner flat iron (1″ or 1/2″), is that you can also use it to create loose waves. If you have longer hair, try a wider flat iron. The larger plates allow you to process more length faster.  One neat trick is to apply your CHI Enviro Hair Spray – Natural Hold (12oz) directly to the plates of your flat iron, as this will infuse the product directly into the hair for extra shine.

I’ve tried a variety of irons, and keep coming back to the CHI. There’s something about it that works wonders on my hair. It’s no surprise that it’s won several awards, here’s just a few: Best Hair Tool from Teen Vogue, Behind The Chair Stylists Choice Favourite Flat Iron, American Salon Professionals Choice Favourite Flat Iron.

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!

 

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!

 

BEHIND BEAUTY: Jane Iredale Spring 2013 Makeup Trends

Monday night, our team hopped a cab to the  Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup Spring Launch!

This fantastic training session gave us a sneak peek into the hot new colours and trends for Spring 2013. The big, exciting, AMAZING thing for Spring? New PureGloss Lip Gloss! With 11 new shades and 7 Fab Favs, they’ve reformulated to make the Glosses soothing and hydrating. With a variety of colours ranging from Snowberry to Black Cherry, as Jane says, “I challenge you to just pick one of the 18 shades – you’ll want to try them all!”

Ruben, the  Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup National Trainer and Makeup Artist, is in utter love with “Bellini” for nude or natural lips. We had a chance to test out these new formulations and they are glossy, creamy and delicious! They’ve redesigned the wand and it hugs the lip just perfectly. I had the chance to test out the Tangerine, a sheer orangey coral, and the lusciously dark purple Black Cherry. The Tangerine is much sheerer than it looks in the bottle which came as a bit of a surprise but it’s very wearable and will be finding a permanent place in my bag! The other big colour hit? Our team just adored the Crab Apple, a bold brick red that is just perfect for creating a statement lip!

Statement lips are the hottest trend for spring. We’re seeing of ethereal, glowing faces with minimal eye makeup and powerful pouts! I adore this trend. Especially, because it’s so easy! Some of the models are barely even wearing eyeliner! They’ve switched from heavy black to soft neutrals or even just a touch of white to give them little hot spots. The trend excites Ruben because, “If you can dream it- Do it! It’s so easy! No more fussing with your eyes in the morning, just pop on your lip plumper, gloss and go!”

Exclusive to Canada, we’re excited to be carrying the “Jane Iredale Fresh Delight Grab & Go Kit”. These special 7 piece makeup sets contain all the basics of their makeup line. Available in “Cool” or “Warm”, each set contains an Eye Gloss, Eye Shadow, Eye Highlighter Pencil, Blush, Lip Pencil, PureGloss Lip Gloss, and a stylish Travel Bag! Personally, I’m really excited for these kits. I really like being able to complete a whole look with a starter kit, and this set really achieves that goal. I do wish they’d been a touch more daring with the lip colours but the kit is extremely wearable, and you can always pick up a playful lipgloss!

These new colours are Especially sensational when paired with dewy, radiant, glowing skin. While Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup is perfect for creating that ethereal glow on your face, this spring we’re seeing the skin glowing everywhere!

Want the look? Ruben recommends pairing your  Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup with ST. Tropez Wash Off Instant Glow Body Lotion. A noncommittal self-tanning product, it acts more like as a body makeup than a true self-tanner. Creating a gentle glow on arms, legs and décolletage only takes a few minutes and drastically elevates your look. Especially when you add one of their ST. Tropez Skin Illuminators! For darker complexions, pick up the Gold or theRose (depending on your tan level). Want to celebrate your porcelain skin? The Violet Illuminator gave even my almost-see-though wintery skin a romantic brilliance.  Have a special even coming up and really want to shimmer? Try the St. Tropez Get The Look Instant Tan Kit (3pc). The Wash off products won’t stain and are designed for minimal transfer- they’re a bridal favourite.

Not to  cram even more news into this blog- but I’m going to cram even more news into this Blog! The Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara Wand has also had a major overhaul! With better bristles it opens the eye and helps to nourish your lashes. As we move into spring, we’re seeing a lot less on the eye- minimal liner and shadow. Because of this, we’re going to see a lot more emphasis on mascara.

My Spring 2013 Makeup Checklist:

• Vibrant Lips –  Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip Plumper in NYC with  Jane Iredale PureGloss Lip Gloss in Crab Apple
• Soft Eye Shadow - Jane Iredale PurePressed Eye Shadow in Hush or Peach Sherbet & Jane Iredale Eye Gloss in Peach
• Bold Lashes (Minimal Liner) - Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara & Jane Iredale Double Ended Eye Highlighter Pencil
• Glowy Skin - St. Tropez Get The Look Instant Tan Kit (3pc)

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!

 

The Great Stretch Mark Menace

If you really want to be rid of stretch marks, you can always try radio frequency or laser treatments. There are tons of options when it comes to the more radical treatments. Results depend greatly on the age of the stretch marks, overall health of the client, and genetics.

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!