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!!