Spa Etiquette

Hey Y'all! I've had so many questions about what the proper spa etiquette is so I thought I'd throw together a few things that I see happen and the most frequently asked questions I get!

Day of Appointment:
It is customary for new clients to arrive 15 mins prior to the spa so we can get an intake form. some clients are hesitant to fill it out but it is essential we know as much as we can!! If you are a returning client, come a little early to relax! Let your Esthetician know of any changes in meds, skin care routine, or just over all how your skin has been since your last visit!!! Trust me we are just as excitd as you to see positive change!

Pregnant Clients: 
The only thing I would advise to you is if you are at the point where laying on your back is extremely uncomfortable, I highly recomment just going for a massage instead of a facial. If you just need a pillow and your legs propped, go for it!!


Cancelling an appointment:

Life happens and sometimes we have to cancel last minute! That is totally ok! Be sure you call the Spa as soon as you can to tell them you aren't coming. Never no- show an appointment. We could have filled the spot you didnt need. We do not get hourly so please be aware that some spas do charge a cancellation fee to make up for the spot lost! Nothing against you or to try and make a bad day worse, but we rely on this money so we have to be compensated for the cancellation.

Making an appointment:

If you aren't sure what you need skin care wise, call and ask to speak with the esthetician directly! It's completely ok to be overwhelmed a everything and not know. I also highly recommend to make just a consultation appt so the service member has scheduled time to look at your skin and tell you exactly what they think you need! 

Same day appointments:

This means you woke up today and said to yourself "I want a facial". If there is time in the schedule its usually zero problem! If it is a seasoned esthetician, you may not be getting a same day appointment. Don't harass the girls taking appointments because you can't be squeezed in.  weekends are the hardest time to get same day! be sure you call a few days ahead to reserve the time thats best for you!

Online Booking:

If you are a regular client with the esthetician and get the same thing every few months, this doesnt apply to you. If you area new client and not familiar with the spa world , we would much rather you just call then book it wrong by accident. For example: I cant tell you how many times a new client would book a bikini wax with me, come in for the appointment and say "oh well brazilian wasn't on there so I just clicked that one" not every esthetician does every service especially brazilians! So there was a lost spot, lost money, had to send them to another location to get it done because they just clicked and assumed instead of calling and asking. 

Tips:

Just like you tip at a restaurant, you would tip your service member. Generally its 15-20% of the service total! 

Children 

Children should NEVER be taken into a spa appointment. There are other treatments going on and if the child cries or is loud and disruptive, its very rude to the other people paying to get services done in other treatment rooms. Most spas will not allow them in waiting rooms either so its best to plan for a just you day!

Bad Experience

If you are someone who has had a bad experience, don't fret! Not every spa is the same, and not every esthetican is the same! Give a new place a try! Do your research, google reviews of places, see how long they've been doing it, and dont be afraid to ask to see their cosmetology license first! I have seen some people who are NOT licensed estheticans doing esthetics. 

Nail Salons:

For the love of God, please do not come to me saying the lady at the nail salon messed up your brows. your first mistake was getting your brows done at a nail salon. Nail Cosmetology license does NOT mean they are licensed to do waxing. Most of them don't follow the standard cleaning procedures, and dont know how to propery hold the skin/ treat it after. If they try and tell you otherwise, run. 

Scar trial

Earlier this suumer, my loving dog accidentally scratched my eye pretty bad. The doctor told me I was 100% going to have a scar. I took this as a perfect opportunity to try and help my skin heal so could get the least amout of scarring. In a matter of 3 weeks, I saw a difference!

Bottom day of scarring, top 3 weeks later

First thing, I wore sunglasses and used sunscreen ALL the time. The sun can make cuts much darker which is extremely hard/ almost impossible to reverse. Not this chick. 

Second, I used skincare products infused with some form of Vitamin E oil. Vitamin E oil is extremely important to the healing process. Vitamin E oil is full of antioxidants and nutrients your skin needs to get that extra boost!

Now, 2 months later, my scarring is extremely minimal!

2 months after accident

Because i started right away with vitamin E and sunscreen, avoided any kind of waxing or plucking for a few weeks, was consistent with my skincare routine, and most importantly PATIENT my scarring did end up becoming minimal!



*please note this was not an existing scar, this would not be the result if the scarring was already there and if started much later after the accident. Based on my own experience*

9.19 Product Reviews!!

Its been too long my friends!! While I've been away, I've been trying some AMAZING products that I can't WAIT to tell you all about!!!

Tarte Scrublet

Tarte Scrublet

Tarte has come out with this amazing little exfoliation product! You can use any cleanser you please for an extreme clean feeling without the feeling that you've rubbed your skin raw. Great for my sensitive skin friends who still need exfoliation! I also love taking this with me on vacation to keep my skin glowing!! 

Tarte Maracuja Oil

Tarte Maracuja Oil

The benefit of Maracuja Oil is that it is high in fatty acids, which is essential for rejuvenation and evening out the skin tone. AMAZING for anti-aging, those with super dry skin, or those who just want a brighter complexion. This specific brand has a dropper so you get the exact amount you need each time. I put a few drops on before I moisturize and I only use it at night! This is because our skin rejuvenates itself at night, so why not give it an extra boost!! After one use, my skin felt healthier and looked brighter the next morning!! Highly recommend!!

Tarte Frixxxion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser 

Tarte Frixxxion Stick Exfoliating Cleanser

As you can see, I have quite a Tarte Problem. It's hard not to! This is a 3 in 1 product; It cleanses and exfoliates, or you can use it as a charcoal mask!!! I use this one about once a week right now and it really detoxes my skin. However, I would not use this more than 2 times a week! Over exfoliation can cause an over production of oil and acne. Still an amazing product to have on hand for my oily skin friends and acne prone friends!

Bare Minerals Bare Haven Soft Creme

Bare Minerals Bare Haven Soft Creme

When I saw BareMinerals came out with a skincare line, I knew I needed to try it. After using the Bare Haven Soft Creme, I don't think I'm going to be able to break away from using it! It's lightweight but not too light to where I have to pile on more. Seriously one of the best moisturizers I've used. They have 3 other types available as well. The one that I currently use is better for normal/ combination skin.  Get it, try it, love it. 

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash

I purchased this to have on-hand for a once in a while deep, deep exfoliation. As we approach a season change and the weather can't decide what it wants to do, it take a major toll on my skin. If I use this, I make sure I don't exfoliate 5 days prior or at least a week after. Yes it says gentle enough to use everyday, and you can try if you would like, but I highly recommend just once in a while! It really does give an amazing clean. If you want to use this as a dual exfoliation, get the Tarte Scrublet and use that with this cleanser. It's basically your own at-home dual exfoliation treatment!!! If your are interested in learning how to do this, I will be making a "How To?" post soon on at-home dual exfoliation treatments and what you will need!!

That's all for now!! Hope this helps and if you have any questions please contact me!!! 

Make good Choices!!

Scar Trial week 1 (6.28)

Hey Y'all!! Its been too long my skin-a-holics! I've had an unusual morning. My dog fell out of bed flailing and ended up scratching my eye pretty bad. No stitches, but the ER doctor did end up gluing it. she said I would have a scar after it healed and Im taking this as an opportunity for a little skincare experiment! Vitamin E oil is extremely good for helping the skin heal and help reduce the appearance of scars! I have my Vitamin-E infused products and Oil ready to go! Every week I will post a progress pic to show you.

Pre- glue

Post glue

The Products I will be using morning and night. 

Cleanser: Earth Science A-D-E  Creamy oil Cleanser

Toner: Coconut Water Toner

Eye Cream: E.L.F illuminating Eye Cream 

Trader Joes Vitamin E Oil

Moisturizer: Derma- E Vitamin-E 12,000 IU Creme

Alba Botanica SPF 30 

If you have scarring some things to remember are the sun is your worse enemy. The sun will darken the scar making it more visible and all the vitamin E skin care in the world won't do anything unless you protect the scar with sunscreen repeatedly throughout the day or protect it with certain clothing.

Coconut oil

I've been a little late on the coconut oil band wagon! I did not understand how it could be used for so many different things. I have only tried it as a hair masque but can I just say this has changed my life. So my hair is very damaged from color i had done over a year ago. Its just a hot tangled mess all the time. I wont be chopping off my hair any time soon so my stylist told me about using coconut oil. Here is exactly what I did!

1) completely brush through hair and get out all knots and put a towel on my back so i wouldnt't have dripping wet hair. 

2) get the damaged portions of my hair completely wet. I didnt do all the way to my scalp, just about half way. 

3) Completely douse the wet portion of my hair with coconut oil. not just a little amount but i mean completely covered in coconut oil. 

4) brushed the coconut oil through my hair with my fingers.

5) put my hair in a bun still with the bath towel around my shoulders for about 30 minutes. 

6) hopped in the shower and washed my hair with my Paul Mitchell Awapui Shampoo 2 times then conditioned my hair

7) After I wash my hair I always put Avedas Smooth Infusion Nourishing styling creme and a few drops of Vitamin E oil then just let my hair air dry.  

8) Had my life completely changed by some coconut oil. Your welcome. 

Best eye make up remover!!

Did you know you can also use vitamin E oil as eye makeup remover?! I use Burts Bees mama Bee oil. I've been finding make up removing cloths aren't that great for getting all my mascara off. Put a few drops of Burts Bees Mama Bee oil on a cotton round and it breaks down the toughest mascara! Get it anywhere Burts Bees products are sold :)

My at home spa FAVORITES

If you love baths as much as I do then this post is for you! I have a few products that I have to have on hand and I hope you try them and love them as much as I do!!

     

Dr. Teals Epsom salt and bubble bath soap

Dr. Teals is essential in my at home spa session routine. They have different types like lavender for relaxation or a detox/ energizing one and I love them all. Epsom salt  has many amazing benefits from not only helping relax muscles but also can help calm your nervous system, balance calcium levels, help with joint pain, and help you reach that beloved deep sleep.  go pick up some dr. teals at Target, Walmart, CVS, pretty much anywhere!

Bath Bombs

Here in Richmond we have a store called Lush. Lush makes the most amazing bath bombs you will ever see!! They even have glitter bath bombs which are really fun! I dont recommend using bubble bath with them because then you can't see them "explode" and trust me, you'll want to see it. 

Body Scrubs

https://ladyburg.com/collections/body-scrubs/products/whipped-sugar-scrub-ocean-rain

A friend of mine got me this body scrub called Ocean Rain from a store in downtown Fredericksburg called Ladyburg. I've fallen in love with everything about it. My favorite thing is it doesn't just rub my skin raw like most body scrubs I've tried. When I rinse it off my skin feels exfoliated AND moisturized. If you're ever in downtown Fredericksburg i highly recommend picking up some!!

Oils

My favorite oil to add to my baths is a vitamin E oil from Trader Joes. I also add a few drops of this to my moisturizer at night! Vitamin E is great for anti aging. Its never too early to do a little anti aging every once in a while! 

 Life is too short so just take a deep breath and let your body and mind relax into a nice warm bubble bath with your favorite candles. You deserve it!!

Recently.

My life recently has become busy. Not in the "working all the time" kind of way... but in the Im getting married to my best friend in less than 2 months!! Ive also come out with a cover video of James Bays 'Let It Go'. Between seating charts, bridal showers, memorizing lyrics, vocally recording, music video recording, writing for future projects, and working I'm the busiest I've ever been! Im keeping on my Skin Care routine and trying to drink more water instead of caffeine which is really difficult. Why am I telling you al about my life right now?! Well if you haven't noticed I haven't posted as much lately because of this! Tackling everything at once is impossible. Im taking on what I can so I don't lost my sanity!! Regardless, I'm Still always your Esthetician so please come to me with any questions you have about your skin or a product!!

Review post 4.11.16

Hey beauties!!! So I've been trying a few products I'm in love with. This post will be a little different because I'm including 2 make up products I've recently tried from Tarte that are not only a good price,  but have also been AMAZING on my skin!!

Tarte has recently come out with a skincare line and I could not be more excited!!! So far I have only tried the Deep Dive Cleansing Gel and I think I've found my summer cleanser. This cleanser makes me feel refreshed and hydrated without feeling dried out since its a gel cleanser. AND can I just say this entire bottle was only 25.00?!! For this quality skin care product I was falling in love so hard with Tarte. Remember, gel cleansers are best for oily to normal skin types! So if you have dry skin this is not the product for you. I am DYING to try their Rainforest of the Sea Moisturizer and their Rainforest of the Sea Boosting Mist! When I do I'll let you know! 

The next product from Tarte I want to give some love is their Rainforest of the sea Water based foundation. Now, when  I first heard water based i immediately thought it was going to be an extremely watered down foundation. I even asked one of the Sephora girls if the taste foundation would be better over Urban Decays Naked foundation. Im not a make up person, I'm just a healthy skin person so I honestly had NO idea! She informed me the taste foundations are more natural and much better for your skin! At only 25.00, I was completely sold. 

The final product from Tarte I want to completely brag about is their Tartelette 2 Eyeshadow palette!! I NEVER post about make up. Im not a make up artist in any way. I know how to do the basics and thats it. Ive tried many pallets before but this one took me by surprise. All these colors go together so its very hard for me to mess up which I haven't by the way ;) They have such good pigment and go on so smooth...not to mention these products are also non harming to your skin!

I know how this looks...all Tarte products she must have gotten paid to post this from tarte themselves. Not true at ALL!! All my posts are from my own personal experience without any sway from the companies. everything I review, I try. Make good choices my skin-a-holics!!

Product Review 3.24.16

Hey there skin care lovers! I've been trying a few different products I'm excited to tell you about! 

1) Origins Frothy Face Wash

I have to say I fell in love with origins the past few weeks. This face wash was amazing for my combination skin! It is super soft which probably sounds weird but if you'd try this product you'd understand! I instantly felt my skin looked brighter and gave me that perfect dewy look. Highly recommend. 

2) Origins Active Charcoal Mask

Again, another origins product I fell in love with and have to have on hand. Charcoal is great for when your skin needs a good detox. I love it when I'm breaking out because its that time of the month! After cleansing, apply the charcoal mask and let it dry. It only took 5 minutes to dry and i felt like when it did dry it dried up all the gunk with it! great for acne prone skin, large pores, oily skin, normal skin, or combination. I wouldn't use this mask if you have dry skin. It would take what little moisture you have right up! 

3) Alba Botanica 

I have to say I have loved every Alba botanica product until this one. Ill start from the beginning. Since this is technically a peel, I did not exfoliate for 2 weeks to prepare. I had been using my Philosophy cream cleanser which is super gentle and following with toner and a heavier creme. After I cleansed my skin I placed a small amount on my cheek and it instantly started burning. My face felt it was on fire. Ive only had this type of reaction once so I knew to take it off right away and follow with a cooling mask to alleviate the burn. I returned it the next day. 

4) Alba Botanica Jasmine and Vitamin E Creme

I had been dying to try this for a few weeks and finally picked some up a few weeks ago!! I have to say this is definitely one of my new favorite night cremes! It not only smells amazing but when I wake up the next day my skin looks and feels like a million bucks!!! highly recommend for dry/ dehydrated skin, normal skin, or even combination! Remember its better to use a creme at night opposed to a lotion because our skin does most of its rejuvenation at night. Helps give it the extra boost it needs!!

Products I will NOT review

Hey all, So I've been getting multiple messages from different people who are selling Mary Kay, Avon, ItWorks, Amway, ect. asking me to test their products to promote them and what they are selling. I am strongly against doing this and will not be doing product reviews on any of these products. I don't want to end up promoting one over another and if I end up not liking products I don't want to hurt someones business.

 I have a lot of friends who are currently selling and I'm so happy they've found something they love and are rocking at so keep on!

BUT if any of my friends selling these companies products have skincare questions, I'd be happy to answer! I love you all and good luck!!!

** If you are using these products and are liking them, keep on! This is not me saying I do not like these products at all, this is simply saying I will not be reviewing them.  

Acne part 3

Common Acne Misconceptions 

1) The skin is already oily so you dont need Moisturizer
False.  A light moisturizer will actually help keep the pores open after you cleanse helping prevent new blemishes from forming.


2) Toothpaste helps dry up acne so its O.K right?
False. toothpaste is an irritant to skin and will make your skin more red and could even cause the spot to peel. Use a specific acne spot treatment instead!

3) Using rough cleansers and exfoliants daily will treat acne
False. This can cause your skin to over produce oil on your skin not only causing an over production of oil, but even more breakouts.

4) Using a form of rubbing alcohol on your face will treat
EXTREMELY FALSE!!!!! This will cause so much more damage to your skin.it may make your skin feel better but rubbing alcohol actually breaks down skin cells in your pores. which means those pores are filling with dead skin cells causing more acne.

5) Washing your face more than 2x per day
Again, nope. This is stripping away any form of oils your skin needs making it dry and irritated and actually causes more acne.  2x per day is the perfect amount :)

Product Review 1.24.16

Hey Skin care Addicts!! Just a little post on a mask that I tried recently and wanted to tell you about!

Que Bella 

tea tree and witch hazel mud mask!

I found this mask at Target and it was only 1.50. At that price, why not!! I happened to be breaking out a little when I got it so it was perfect timing! This mask was well worth it. It has a slight tingly feeling but the packaging stated that was normal! It stays on for about 15 minutes then removed with warm water. The tea tree made my face feel so purified! the next day my acne spots didn't look as inflamed as they did the day before. I will be buying more of this brand! Great for oily to normal skin!

Skin Care Lines I Love

Hey Skin-a-holics! Ive attached links to some skin care lines that I've tried multiple products in and I LOVED! Hopefully you do too!!

1) Earth Science

Earth Science

Can be purchased online or at Whole Foods

2)Clarity Rx

ClarityRX webpage

Can be purchased online or at any Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa

3) Alba Botanica

Alba Botanica

Can be purchased online, kroger, Target, and most drug stores

4)Philosophy

click for Philosophy

can be purchased at any Ulta, Sephora, or online

5)Burts Bees

Click for Burts Bees

Can be purchased at Target, Kroger, Ulta, or online

6)Lush

Click for Lush

Can only be purchased at a Lush Store or online

7) Trader Joes Skin Care

Can only be purchased at Trader Joes. I saw it on Amazon but you can never trust someone didn't fill the product with something else. 

8) Aveda

Click for Aveda

Can only be purchased at an Aveda retailer or online. 

Good Read: My friends over at reviews.com also have tried over 300 cleansers to find the BEST products for our skin!! I've linked that post here! http://www.reviews.com/facial-cleanser/

Im almost out of a few products so I'll be able to try more lines and post individual reviews!!! I like to wait until I'm out before I buy more! If you have a line you want me to try just e-mail me! 

-Until Next Post, MAKE GOOD CHOICES!

Acne: Part 2

Teenage Acne
I've had some moms bring in teenagers and want a product that will magically keep all their acne away all the time. There is no such thing that will 100% keep away all their acne at all times. They are teenagers and they will get acne because their hormones are going all crazy! Something you can do to help if you are the parent or even the teenager reading this, getting a proper skin care regiment down now WILL help at least control your breakouts. Its important to wash your face twice a day no matter how tired you are.

If you play a sport I HIGHLY recommend getting some Cleansing cloths. Birts Bees has some really good natural ones that are inexpensive too! Throw them in your backpack and after a practice or game wipe all that sweat off your face so its not sitting there. especially if you wear helmets or any kind of face masks that can harbor old sweat.

Products I highly recommend for teenage acne:
-Tea tree oil (2 drops once a day)
-products with salicylic acid
-gel cleansers
-light moisturizers (dont not moisturize because you feel oily, your skin still needs it!)
-clay masks
-charcoal masks or cleansers
-toners (rebalances natural Ph of skin

Tips:
1)Dont exfoliate everyday. This strips away the natural oils you skin needs so your skin is overproducing oil. I recommend no more than 2 times a week.

2)Get a clay mask you can use once or twice a week. Clay helps absorb excess oil without drying you out!

3) Charcoal products act as a magnet to dirt and oil. This is great for those of you who are super active and need that extra something everyday. ( I will be doing some reviews of charcoal products next month)

Acne is annoying and frustrating. Dont give up! We've all been there and please email me if you want to get a perfect routine down for you!


Adult Acne
The first thing about adult acne is it is NOT the same as teenage acne. It should NOT be treated the same either. There are so many causes of acne just like there are so many different versions of a cold.

Birth control can take 6 months to a year for your skin to adjust when going on or off it. Adult acne could be a result of whats going on internally as well.

Adult acne could also be the result of a new food allergy. if you think this could be you I highly recommend going to a dermatologist so they can go through that process of figuring out what it is your allergic to.

If you have just given birth or are breast feeding, your hormones are going absolutely crazy resulting in acne. This could take a few months to clear up.

Stress and that time of the month are another major cause of adult acne. Usually  you will break out along your jaw and chin area.

This chart above is an acneic facial chart. It is believed that whatever part of your face is in a breakout is telling you something internally is off. For example, if you eat a lot of junk foods and you have a lot of acne in your cheeks (Red) your body is telling you it needs better food choices. There are different versions of this chart online this is just the one i reference the most :)

Products:

-lavender oil or Tea tree. If more severe, use tea tree. If less severe, use lavender.

-No salicylic acid. Its too harsh and meant more for teenage acne

-Determine your skin type ( see previous posts) and follow that regimen

-use more natural products such as whole foods brands. your skin could be more sensitive to drugstore brands. I like Alba botanical products and Earth Science products. 

-exfoliate once a week. no more than that or it could cause more acne. 

Blizzard of 2016 **

Hey skin-a-holics! It's been too long! I have been busy busy and haven't had time to write a post in a while! It is still currently snowing here in Richmond and will continue until early tomorrow morning. Its been a blizzard outside since yesterday morning. My pups are enjoying it but me not so much. Our 7 month old puppy Sampson is really enjoying his first snow experience! We also have a husky named bear who of coarse like any husky loves it! Hope everyone is enjoying their snow days and staying safe!

Bear and Sampson

Since I will be snowed in for the next few days there will be no more excuses! I will be adding more into the Acne series you guys love and posting more product reviews! If you're snowed in like me, take this time to let your skin breathe! Take off the make up, put on a hydrating mask if you have any, and relax!! 

-Until next post, MAKE GOOD CHOICES! 

Sampson

Plastic Microbeads Now Banned.

Read this and thought I'd share it with you all!  The U.S bans plastic microbeads in facial cleansers. there are cleansers out there that are NOT plastic. Hopefully now the companies will create an environmentally friendly version of these products!

Click here for article

Product Review #4

Hey All!! I hope your christmas and new years was as amazing as mine! What better way to start the year off right then create the perfect skincare routine?! Ive been trying 2 new products for you all over the holidays and I'm really excited to tell you all about them! 

Product 1:

Burts Bees Facial Cleansing Toweletts

I have been trying this product for 2 weeks now and I am in LOVE! My mascara is extremely stubborn to get off and this product made it so much easier to get all of it completely off! The other night i came home from new years completely exhausted. I did not feel like washing my face that night at all. I just used one of the towelettes then moisturized after and called it a night! I dont recommend this for every night but once in a while is ok! road trips, long flights, long nights, they are great. Love love love! 

Product 2:

Alaffias' Everyday Coconut Facial Toner for All skin types

I purchased this product about a week before christmas at Whole Foods. I have to say this product has grown on me! When I first introduced this into my skincare routine i did break out a little but thats normal sometimes when changing your routine. Its in a great spray bottle so I know I can't overuse it. definitely a good product for all you coconut oil lovers! Again, highly recommend!