How to Get the Best Results from Your Facial and/or Peel

In my years of being an esthetician, I have seen clients come in for many different reasons. Some would come in to be pampered or just needed a deep clean for simple maintenance, others had a special event coming up where they wanted their skin to be glowing, and of course there are those coming in to treat bothersome skin conditions.  Those coming in for the latter typically want to see results! Some are desperate to see results. While I've stated it on my website, here I will further explain my special note.

Down and dirty...If you want to see results, here's what is highly encouraged:

• Come in for a facial and/or peel regularly (as advised by your esthetician)...and
• Keep regular home care maintenance (as advised by your esthetician and/or doctor)!

At least 5 to 6 treatments are recommended for the best results (whether you're getting a facial or peel) every 4 to 6 weeks. I have plenty of options to save you money as you complete your skin series ~ all you have to do is ask if I don't bring it up first. Do not expect to see the results you're after after just one session! Yes, your skin will be glowing and radiant for the days following your treatment, but one session is generally not the cure-all.  And you've gotta keep up with the home maintenance.  Cleanse, tone, and moisturize morning and night!  If your esthetician or doctor has given you a treatment or nutrition guide to follow, DO IT!

Compare it to getting your body in shape. You can't expect your arms, abs, and legs to be completely tightened and toned after just one workout at the gym. You HAVE to keep up with it! From eating well at home, possibly even doing some workouts at home or taking a walk or bike ride around your neighborhood, and continually going to the gym. It's the same idea with your skin! Keep up with it!

My skin went through years (over a decade) of acne problems...and while I originally suppressed with it a hormonal prescription, I recently stopped taking the prescription and worried how my acne condition would handle this change. You know what's kept it at bay?  Everything I mentioned above. Making sure I take care of it at home ~ with the right balance of moisture, hydration, vitamins (in my Fenix products), the right amount of exfoliation, and acne topical treatments only when needed. A recent Vitamin Infusion peel and Derma*Diamond treatment has helped keep my skin glowing and clear recently, too.

Finally, if you have any questions for either your esthetician or doctor, or need clarification, ASK! Otherwise, you really may not see the results you're looking for if you're not following the instructions properly.

Take care of yourself with this advice, and your skin will be thanking you for it!

Thanks, Honey!

Earlier today, I updated my Facebook status with "Sitting here with a HONEY MASK on my face..."  These past few days, my skin has been atrociously dry and flaky (not to mention a sudden breakout on my cheek) ~ as much as anyone, I don't like these sort of skin conditions sneaking up on me...but more so as an esthetician and actress.

I've been doing all I can think to do to moisturize and exfoliate (without over-exfoliating!), and sadly, nothing could take care of this severity.  Even the two products I do have for very dry skin were not working (most likely because both have chemicals in it that further aggravated my skin).  Not wanting to aggravate it any further, I remembered how effective honey is said to be on moisturizing.

Verdict: I was quite impressed! One area of my skin that seemed to be the toughest to moisturize is now flake-free!  The small patch of eczema on my cheek...virtually gone!  I do still feel a bit of tightness around my face, but it's nothing compared to what it was before using the honey mask.

Also to be noted: I used a gentle exfoliating scrub (Fenix's Green Tea Exfoliating Scrub) before putting the mask on...but again, a few days ago when I had used it, plus a moisturizing mask by a professional brand name company, my skin still tightened up and flaked.  So, thus, my problem lied with using an ineffective mask...until today!

So, dry, flaky skin sufferers...try using honey as a mask and see what wonders it will do for your skin!  I recommend going with an all-natural/organic honey, if you can.  I got mine from my local farmers' market.

Directions:

• Cleanse skin w/ a gentle cleanser
• Exfoliate skin w/ a gentle exfoliating cleanser (do *not* use an apricot scrub ~ way too rough for any and ALL skin types)
• Mask ~ Apply honey on damp skin ~ leave on for 15 to 30 min.
• Remove with warm water
• Use a gentle (alcohol free) toner to hydrate, pH balance, and remove any residue
• Moisturize

2011 Treatments Revealed!

Well, as you saw from the post, it's all (or mostly) about long, sexy EYELASHES in 2011!  So, without further ado... here's what's coming to Ethereal Oasis:

February (starting in the next week or two)
LiLash hits the shelves!!! ~$139.97
I'm super excited about this product ~ it's a natural lash enhancer. Similar to Latisse, but less aggressive. Applying it once a day (and applied in the correct way) will result in longer, fuller lashes in 4-6 weeks! One tube lasts for 5 months. GREAT complement to the lash treatments I'll be adding (see below)! And be sure to click on LiLash's website above for more info! 

*ethereal DEAL: Contact me if you want this amazing product. Get 10% off as a first-time buyer, AND if you refer a friend to me, receive 10% off your next order or treatment. I'm putting my order in by the end of the week. So, let me know as soon as you can! info@etherealoasis.com

Late February or Mid-March
Lash + Brow Tinting ~$30
Subtly (or dramatically) darken those lashes and brows with tinting! Great for those with light brows/lashes...or for those who are sensitive to mascara and/or have busy lifestyles and don't have the time to bother with mascara everyday. Lasts 4-6 weeks.

Lash Perming ~$65
Love the look of curled lashes, but don't have the patience to curl your lashes everyday or for every special occasion? Lash perming will take care of that! I had my lashes done last November and LOVED the way it turned out! I actually pretty much stopped using mascara during the time my lashes were permed. Depending on the thickness of your lashes, the perm will last 4-8 weeks.

Spring
Lash Extensions ~$200 - 250 / upkeep rates TBD
Get longer, fuller lashes in one session! Lashes are applied one lash at a time to your natural lashes to give you sexy, dramatic lashes that make you a star! Lashes last for 2-5 weeks.

Detox/Chakra Balancing Body Wrap ~price TBD
Rejuvenate your skin and ethereal body with this cleansing wrap. An organic mask will be painted on; its nutrients deep cleanse and eliminate toxins, while a SpaRitual oil and your technician balance your chakras to align your energies.

Don't miss out ~ Be sure to get your appointment booked!  Also, take advantage of the Ethereal Valentine's Promo and save up to 40% on two facials. Call or email me today.

*please note that rates are subject to change.

Rolling Out...New Treatments for a New You!

So, I know I've been a little quiet after my announcement of new treatments for 2011.  I'm still going to be a LITTLE secretive while I iron out all the details, BUT I can say that in the months ahead, you will be seeing treatments added to make your eyes pop and make you look like a STAR! Longer lashes, darker lashes...

Details coming SOON!

That won't be all...there will be just a few more surprises ahead, and I'll be sure to let you know as soon as everything is official.

And the Paparazzi Swarmed...

Paparazzi gathered around our tucked away building the other week as Vanessa Hudgens came out from a waxing appointment with my colleague, Ricki.  Not only did they catch shots of Vanessa, but they managed to catch my business sign, as well (right of the door, at the bottom)... if only they had moved their camera right and zoomed in just a tad more... ;D

For more photos, visit Zimbio.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to a brand new year! For most people, a new year brings new resolutions ~ resolutions to better ourselves, to bring the best to ourselves and family, and to be the best versions of ourselves.

I am extremely grateful for what the end of 2010 brought me ~ a home for Ethereal Oasis! And I am excited for the possibilities to grow Ethereal Oasis in 2011. My new year angels and I are working on the possibilities of adding even more luxurious treatments to our already extensive menu.

Stay tuned for these new additions as they reveal themselves in the upcoming weeks AND months... I look forward to helping you look and feel your best in 2011!

Anti-Aging Superfoods

A blog I posted on my merchantcircle.com blog last month... enJOY!

Anti-Aging Superfoods
I had a client the other day ask me "What is THE BEST food for my skin?" That's a loaded question! There really isn't just ONE food that tops them all to give you the best skin. Eat healthy, and you'll get the benefits of the vitamins, antioxidants, water, and omega-3 (if you choose the fish route) for radiant, glowing skin!

After my morning meditation, I stumbled across this article... Anti-aging Superfoods.  Here's the breakdown:

Anti-Ageing Superfoods
By Joanna Kite

We spend time and money investing in beauty products to enhance our appearance, but we often forget that our diet also plays a vital part in how we look. Eating a healthy diet is important for health and weight, but involving certain foods in your daily eating regime can have great benefits for your looks, and give you a healthy glow that comes from within.

Eat your way to clear skin, strong nails and glossy hair…

Quinoa Available from health food stores, the grain is cooked in a similar way to rice and is rich in good natural fats. It is also the best non-meat source of protein, which keeps skin looking young and healthy by kick-starting the production of collagen.

Anchovies High in Omega-3, anchovies and other oily fish (such as mackerel, salmon and tuna) are excellent fish to eat to nourish your skin.

Blueberries The blue colour in blueberries is Anthocyanin, which keeps Collagen strong, making blueberries a fantastic Anti-Ageing food.

Soya Drinking soya in place of your regular dairy milk helps to gently increase levels of Oestrogen which helps skin keep its glow.

Uncooked brightly coloured vegetables These are full of Anti-Oxidants which, amongst other important functions, play a major role in destroying free radicals. Free radicals attack skin collagen which keeps skin plump and elastic.

Dried Fruit (e.g. prunes) Drying concentrates the skin-protective Anti-Oxidants in fruit –giving you more collagen boosting power to fight wrinkles!

Seaweed A good source of Iodine, essential for skin repair. Add to salads, stocks and soups to get your fix.

Nuts Packed with protein and minerals like Selenium, Zinc and Magnesium, nuts provide essential nutrients that women can lack in their diets. They also contain Anti-Oxidants, Vitamin E and Zinc. Lack of Zinc can lead to ugly stretch marks, stubborn blemishes, white spots on fingernails and dandruff.

Seeds Just a small amount of seeds provides essential Omega 3 fatty acids to help maintain healthy cells and skin. All seeds are nutritional powerhouses. Sesame seeds are high in Calcium required for strong bones and teeth, while sunflower seeds are also an important source of Vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important Anti-Oxidant vitamin essential for healthy skin.

Keep your brain happy! Western 21st Century diet is low in Omega-3, which is bad news for our brains! Countries that eat a diet rich in Omega-3 (such as Japan and Taiwan) report the lowest rates of depression and Bi-Polar disorder. Keeping your brain happier means you have a higher level of endorphins in your system, which Noella Gabriel, Director of Treatment and Product Development at Elemis, explains help "reduce tightness and help soften and relax the face to portray a happier and more youthful you". So eat nuts, seeds and oily fish to keep your brain healthy and your face smiling – the best beauty trick for everyone!