Spa Girl Beauty Tips

Ravishing Red Lips: 10 great tips

Spa Girl — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:19:20 +0000

Red lips seem to be all the rage this season popping up in all of the most fashion-forward magazines around the world! If you’re like me and you never go beyond the barely noticeable pale pinks, but wish you could do the red and just don’t know how, follow this guide for some great tips from the experts:

1. Find the right shade for your skin tone: If you have a cool complexion, choose cooler reds like a true red or a pinkish red. If you have a warm complexion, choose warmer reds with a brown base, like a brick or rusty red

2. If you are unsure about your shade choose a cool, blue-red shade because they are more flattering to most complexions than warm reds with orange tones.

3. Line lips with a lip pencil before applying lipstick to prevent the color from seeping into fine lines or feathering outside the lip line

4. Fill in lips with lip pencil to act as a primer – lipstick will last longer and stay put

5. After you’ve applied your color, blot with a tissue, then re-apply color for more drama

6. If your teeth are not-so-white a warm toned red can make them look yellow, blue-toned reds can make teeth look whiter

7. Keep the rest of your makeup subtle! If you go for a bold lip don’t go for a bold eye or cheek (less is more)

6. If you aren’t quite ready for a full-on red lip, ease into it with a gloss as they can be a bit more sheer

7. Red lips can bring out red imperfections in the skin so be sure to cover blemishes with a yellow-based concealer

8. Use a lip brush for more control

9. Pair your red lips with a red accessory or a red nail polish

10. Deep reds can make thin lips look smaller so if you are thin-lipped you might want to use a lip plumper to add more volume

Red Lip Essentials:

Jane Iredale Lip Fixation ‘Passion’

Jane Iredale Pure Moist Lip Color ‘Carrie’

Fusion Beauty Lip Fusion XL

Youngblood Mineral Makeup Lip Liner Pencil ‘Truly Red ‘

We’d love for you to share your thoughts with us about the topic of this blog! Also, as a special offer for just being a follower of our blog enter coupon code BLOG10 for 10% off your next purchase! Also, remember to follow us @spaboutique on Twitter and “Like” our Facebook page! You could be the lucky winner of our many contests!

GM Collin’s Newest Addition

Spa Girl — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 22:39:12 +0000

Being that GM Collin is so well-known for their innovations in anti-aging skincare, it’s no surprise that they’ve come out with a brand new technology and a brand new product! It’s called GF Advanced Repair Serum and is made for use on mature skin with obvious signs of cellular damage (lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity etc.).

Two Types of Skin Aging
Skin aging can be classified as being biological (genetically determined by our biological clock) or environmental (determined by extrinsic factors such as UV damage). According to GM Collin, the breakthrough in epigenetic and gene science combined with growth factor technology allow a direct ‘time reverse’ action on both genetic and extrinsic factors to help delay the visible signs of aging.

What does all of this mean?
Growth factors are naturally occurring substances (that are depleted as we age) which can stimulate cellular growth, regulate cellular processes, repair damaged cells, rejuvenate aging tissues, and help to maintain optimum functions of the skin – all of which are vital for maintaining a youthful appearance. The GF Advanced Repair Serum contians 4 different growth factors.

Clock Genes
Clock genes are responsible for regulating the cycle in which the cells turn on and off their repair function. This function coordinates with UV exposure to repair at night and protect during the day. Over time these genes become de-synchronized dramatically increasing the skin’s aging process (repair capacity drops by 50% by the age of 50!). GF Advanced Repair Serum uses a peptide called ‘tetrapeptide 26′ to re-synchronize the internal clock of skin cells. This will greatly boost the skin’s natural repair process and defense mechanisms.

Last but not Least
GM Collin has one more trick up its sleeve: a peptide and protein complex. This complex provides an integral treatment to improve the overall collagen quality in our skin. To make a long story short, GF Advanced Repair Serum is formulated to boost the skin’s natural repair and protection processes which will prevent and delay the visible signs of aging.

Results
In GM Collin’s 35 day clinical trial users reported up to a 94% reduction in forehead wrinkles and a 69% reduction in nasolabial fold lines. In 14 days pore size was reduced by up to 35% and skin firmness was increased by up to 61%.

GF Advanced Repair Serum is applied 1-2 times per day on cleansed face, neck, and decolette. A small amount is all you need and this light fluid absorbs into the skin very quickly. Remember that this is not a moisturizer so you will want to apply your moisturizer right after your serum.

What’s New with Clarisonic?

Spa Girl — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:06:33 +0000

Clarisonic has been working on some exciting new products lately and we want to share the all of the ‘what’s new?’ with you!

The Oh So Popular Mia… Upgraded!
Its called the Mia 2 and it has 2 speeds and a 2-year warranty. Just like the original Mia it comes with a sensitive brush head, an international charger, and trial-size cleanser. The Mia 2 is currently only available in pink and white. Oh, and it also includes a handy travel case!

Acne Be Gone!
Acne sufferers are loving the new acne system which includes a new brush head and cleanser. The acne products are specially designed for deep cleansing while respecting inflammation and sensitivity associated with acne. You can also get a white Mia 2, acne brush, and the Acne Daily Clarifying Cleanser in a kit for a special price.

The Originals
The original Clarisonic Mia is the smallest model which has one-speed.
It comes with an international charger, a sensitive brush head, and a one year warranty. The Mia is available in a wide variety of fun colors.

The Clarisonic Classic is a full-size, 2 speed system which includes either a sensitive or normal brush head, a 120v charging cradle, and a trial size cleanser. The Classic model is available in grey, white, and pink and comes with a 2 year warranty.

The Clarisonic Plus is a full-size, 3 speed system and it is the only system which can be used with the body brush. This system comes with a sensitive brush head, a body brush head, an international charging cradle, 3 trial size cleansers, and a trial size skin polisher. The Plus is available in either pink or white.

The Brush Heads
Clarisonic has a brush for every skin type including delicate, sensitive, normal, deep-pore, acne, and body. The brush heads are now available in duo packs (saving you $10!).

What About the Delicate eye area?
Instead of brushing, the Clarisonic Opal system gently taps the skin around your eye at 125 sonic movements per second. The sonic movements help to maximize absorption of the Sea Serum in a way that’s not possible with your finger alone. After use the skin appears brighter, looks younger, and fine lines and wrinkles are reduced. The Opal system is available in black or white and comes with a 1.7 oz. bottle of Anti-Aging Sea Serum, 2 extra applicator tips, a universal charger, and a limited-edition travel bag.

Now that you’ve gotten in on all of the latest Clarisonic info, lets get brushing (and tapping)!

Wake up your Skin with a Yonka Mini Facial

Spa Girl — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:20:35 +0000

It doesn’t get much better than skin care with the amazing aroma and power of natural essential oils! Yonka is a pioneer in phytoaromatic skin care and has been researching and developing amazing products since the 1950s. At the heart of Yonka’s skin care range is their exclusive blend of 5 essential oils which includes lavender, cypress, rosemary, thyme, and geranium. Yonka also uses plant, fruit, and marine extracts which act to balance, soothe, revive, and regenerate the skin.

One of the (many) things we love about this line is the immediate result you get from using these products. Many of our clients complain about lack of vitality, dullness, and de-hydration around this time of year. Our answer? A mini at-home Yonkaa facial to get your skin ready for holiday celebrations! Here’s how:

1. Cleanse with Lait Nettoyant if you have normal-dry skin
This milky cleanser will remove makeup and impurities, smooth, and soften the skin.

1. Cleanse with Gel Nettoyant if you have normal-oily skin
This foamy gel will remove makeup and impurities, refreshes, and purifies the skin

2. Tone with Yonka Lotion (either normal to dry & sensitive or normal to oily)
An alcohol-free mist with natural, invigorating aromas

3. Exfoliate with Gommage 305 if you have normal-dry skin and Gommage 303 if you have normal-oily skin
These non-abrasive, gel exfoliators reveal smooth, supple, radiant skin by gently removing dead skin cells.

4. Tone with appropriate Yonka Lotion

5. Mask with Hydratant 60
This is a refreshing gel mask which deeply hydrates, softens, firms, and helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

6. Tone with appropriate Yonka Lotion

7. Apply either Dermol 1 (normal-oily skin), Dermol 2 (dry skin), or Dermol 3 (sensitive skin)
These highly concentrated formulations hydrate, smooth, and brighten skin while providing an excellent make-up base.

8. Moisturize with Pamplemousse (normal-dry or normal-oily skin)
This lightweight cream energizes, brightens, and alleviates skin dullness with grapefruit extract and essential oils.

9. Apply Phyto-Contour to eye contour
This eye treatment cream reduces dark circles and puffiness, firms, refreshes and relaxes the eye area.

Now that your skin has been made-over with this beautiful skin care line all that you have to worry about is your hair (and that’s another blog post altogether!). And please, use pure mineral makeup so that you don’t clog your newly de-toxified skin with a gross, mystery ingredient-filled, conventional makeup. As always, our favorite mineral makeup lines are Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup and Youngblood Mineral Makeup.

We Love Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant!

Spa Girl — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 23:56:29 +0000

One of our favorite products has just celebrated it’s 10 year anniversary and we thought it would be a great opportunity to share some information about it so that you can enjoy it as well. It’s an exfoliator by Dermalogica called Daily Microfoliant. Dermalogica considers this product to be their ‘heroe’ product because the results are outstanding and it’s great for everybody!

Daily Microfoliant is very different from any other exfoliator because it starts out as a powder. It’s actually a rice grain powder which gently exfoliates the skin both physically and with enzymes. The rice grain provides a light physical polish and the phytic acid in the rice extract provides the deeper enzymatic exfoliation. Daily Microfoliant also contains salicylic acid which is another enzyme exfoliator which works great at disolving hardened oils within the pores. This exfoliator is so quick and easy to use – just follow these 4 simple steps:

1. Shake about a teaspoon amount into palm (get your hands really wet first)
2. Mix with water in hands to create a smooth, frothy paste
3. Massage over the face for about a minute paying special attention to areas of congestion (add more water if it feels sticky)
4. Rinse with water

Daily Microfoliant is gentle enough for daily use and works excellent for acne skin because it provides crucial exfoliation without being too harsh. It also helps to even skin tone with complexion brighteners like grapefruit, rice, and licorice root. Last but not least the container lasts for so long, I started my last one over a year ago and it’s still going strong!

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Spa Girl — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:25:40 +0000

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Top 5 Autumn Beauty Makeover Tips

Spa Girl — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:29:33 +0000

Thanksgiving has already come and gone, the leaves are changing color and falling from the trees, and Halloween is right around the corner. Summer is definitely long gone, but have you updated your beauty routine yet? Each change of season should signal a change to our hair, makeup, and skincare routines. Here are our top 5 autumn beauty tips to get you fall/winter ready:

1. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate!
Sunny summer days equal sun damage on our skin. Also, the use of non-mineral sunscreens can cause a greasy build up on the skin. Fall is the perfect time to begin an intense exfoliation series such as microdermabrasion or chemical peels to shed all of the dead summer skin cells and reveal a bright, fresh complexion. Don’t have time to go into the dermatologist’s office or spa? No problem, there are various professional intensive exfoliation systems that you can safely use at home (Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx Powerfoliant is excellent!). Always be sure to ask your esthetician first to ensure that the system is right for your skin type and always follow directions carefully.

2. Boost that Hydration!
One of the biggest skin complaints we get during the fall and winter months is dehydration/dryness. Since serums and masks have the highest concentration of active ingredients use of one or both will give you quick and noticeable results. One of our favorite hydrating masks is the Guinot Moisture-Supplying Radiance Mask which is like a big drink of water for the skin! It may be necessary to switch your moisturizer to a richer, creamier version as well. Another easy way to increase your skin’s moisture level is simply by using a hydrating toner before you apply your moisturizer. Apply your moisturizer while your skin is still damp from the toner so that the moisturizer penetrates easier. If you wear mineral makeup you may also spritz your hydrating toner right over your makeup throughout the day.

3. Change your Makeup Colors and/or textures
Since our skin tone tends to lighten 1 or 2 shades during this time of year we should be sure to adjust our makeup accordingly. Be sure to match your shade to your neck/decollete area. Remember that cosmetics expire so toss your last year’s shade and get a fresh replacement (this is your skin we’re talking about!). If you used a tinted moisturizer during the summer or a light powder, you may like the feel of a creamy liquid foundation now as they tend to be a bit more nourishing. Switch your summer color pallete for a new fall pallete and be sure to use 100% pure mineral makeup (nothing tops Jane Iredale Mineral Makeup)!

4. Don’t Forget your Feet!
We don’t see them so much anymore now that the sandals are out and boots are back in, but that doesn’t mean we should neglect them. Give your toe nails a break from polish to re-hydrate and allow the de-hydration spots (white, dry areas) to grow out. Go in for a natural pedicure to slough off all of the dry skin left over from summer. Instead of polish go for a paraffin wax treatment which will help to seal in moisture and soften skin. Don’t stop applying your foot moisturizer either (remember what your feet looked like when you put your sandals on for the first time this spring!).

5. Last, but not least: Hair
Our hair goes through a lot of stress during summer with sun exposure, chlorinated pools, salt water, sand… and the list goes on. First of all – get a trim to tackle dry, split ends. Our hair needs re-hydration as well just like our skin. Switching to a moisture-boosting shampoo and conditioner as well as the introduction of a deep moisture mask once a week will definitely help. When temperatures dip don’t go out with wet hair as it may freeze then break off. Instead gently towel dry, apply a thermal protection product like KQC Thermal Shine Spray, and blow dry on low-medium heat.

Calming your skin with Phytomer Accept

Spa Girl — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:49:17 +0000

Itching, burning, flaking, dehydration, redness, inflamation… These are all signs of sesitive/sensitized skin or a normal skin having some sort of reaction. How do you know if you have sensitive skin? You will experience one or more of the above symptoms all the time if you are not using a proper skincare regime. Your skin will probably react to almost any kind of product or makeup (in some cases even with water!). Solution: Phytomer’s Accept range.

Phytomer is a high-quality, French, marine-based skincare line. Accept is a sub line which is made to calm, soothe, and protect a sensitive/sensitized/reactive skin. The following regime is ideal for working to soothe your skin short-term and work to build up your skin’s long-term immunity and resiliency.

Cleanse with Accept Neutralizing Cleanser morning and evening.
This cleanser will reduce irritation and inflammation. Contains Corallina Officinalis which is a vasoconstricting, calming, soothing, and decongesting sea algae.

Tone with Rosee Visage morning and evening after cleansing. Rosee Visage may also be used alone as a makeup remover & toner in one.
Main ingredients include OLIGOMER®, which delivers an optimum dose of trace elements and minerals to strengthen the epidermis as well as softening rose water.

Exfoliate with Peeling Vegetal 1-2 times per week.
This non-abrasive exfoliator goes on like a mask and uses ingredients like papain (an enzyme from the papaya) to gently loosen and disolve dead skin cells.

Apply Accept Desensitizing Mask 2 times per week or whenever you have a flare up or reaction.
This mask contains purified yeast extract which is an anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory ingredient. It also contains Laminaria Digitata wich is a soothing and defense boosting sea algae.

Treat with Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum under your moisturizer morning and evening.
This serum contains all the same excellent caming and soothing ingredients as the rest of the accept line, but in a higher concentration to really boost your skin’s immunity.

Moisturize with Accept Neutralizing Cream morning and evening.
This is a vasoconstricting, calming, soothing, decongesting moistuirzer which also reduces irritation and inflammation.

Last but certainly not least, be sure to use an SPF every single day to protect your skin against harmful UV radiation.

Natural Beauty 411

Spa Girl — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 23:27:45 +0000

Organic, natural, vegan, biodynamic… and the list goes on. What does all of this mean in terms of cosmetics? And, how do you know if it’s just a marketing ploy or what you are purchasing really matches what the advertisement or label says? Well, I’m going share some information that will hopefully answer some questions that you may have about this subject.

Organic means that the plant ingredients have been harvested on a farm without the use of chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Unfortunately there really isn’t much regulation with organic products and consumers are often fooled into purchasing something that says ‘organic’ on the label, but in fact contains the same chemicals and synthetics as the conventional counterpart. Always check the package for a certified organic logo from a legitimate organization such as Certech, USDA Organic, or EcoCert. Each organization has differnt standards in terms of what percentage of the product is organic and natural.

The term ‘natural‘ is very broad and dificult to define. It usually means that the ingredients weren’t created in a lab. What the consumer usually wants to avoid by purchasing natural products are harsh or toxic chemicals and synthetic ingredients that are not good for the skin and overall health.

Vegan, in terms of cosmetics, means that the product is 100% animal-friendly. There are absolutely no animal-derived ingredients and of course there is no animal testing (also known as ‘cruelty-free’).

Biodynamic is a word used to refer to a method of farming in wich the farm is completely self-contained and respects nature to the fullest extent. Only natural medicinal herbs and mineral composts are used. Biodynamic farming is based on the interrelations between the plants, animals, and insects to support the production of high-quality, powerful, health-giving products.

Always be sure that the products you are using are ISO certified. ISO is a quality management system designed to help organizations ensure they meet the needs of customers. Each organization must fulfill strict standards in order to become ISO certified.

Some of our favorite natural and/or organic lines are Dr. Hauschka Organic Skin Care, Eminence Organics, Spa Ritual, and G.M. Collin Bio Organique.

How to get the most out of your Moroccan Oil hair styling products

Spa Girl — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 23:27:37 +0000

Moroccan Oil has quickly taken the world by storm with their beautiful line of hair care products. All products in the line contain the signature ingredient argan oil – an antioxidant and UV protector which is rich in vitamins that strenthen hair and increase elasticity. We wanted to share some of our favorite ways to use the Moroccan Oil stying producs to achieve great results.

If you have natural curly hair:
On clean, damp hair apply one or two pumps of Intense Curl Cream and work through. Let it dry naturally or use a diffuser to create more volume. Spray a light even mist of Glimmer Shine Spray about 10 inches away from hair to add incredible shine and provide UV and free radical protection. A small amount of Moroccan Oil Treatment Oil may be applied to dry hair to control frizz and protect against environmental factors.

If you have naturally straight hair:
On clean, damp hair apply a loonie-size amount of Moroccan Oil Treatment Oil and work through. Style as usual. Spray a light mist of Glimmer Shine Spray about 10 inches from hair to add incredible shine and provide UV and free radical protection.

If you heat style:
On clean, damp hair apply one or two pumps of Hydrating Styling Cream and style as usual. Spray with Moroccan Oil Luminous Hair Spray for a non-sticky, weightless hold.

Note* If you are blonde or fine-haired use the Moroccan Oil Light Treatment Oil. This is a lighter formulation which doesn’t contain the same golden pigment as the Original Moroccan Oil Treatment.