What is a Facial?

The basics...

I recently gave a short presentation to group of colleagues I network with to let them know more about my business. The topic was "What is a Facial?" and discussed the who, what, where, when, why's of facial treatments. Pretty basic info for the most part but if you aren't really familiar with facials or spa treatments, you might have a few questions. So I'm presenting my presentation here with a bit of editing and more information.

Who?

Who would you want to receive skin care treatments from? A number of inappropriate examples fit here. Short and simple, the answer is: a licensed esthetician. Licensed from his/her state board of cosmetology with the title "esthetician". They will have attended school or apprenticed to gain a background in skin care in order to pass the state board test and become licensed. For example, I went to Vatterott College in Joplin, MO to learn esthetics. I received a diploma and the training to pass the written and practical tests required to earn my license in Missouri.
So you want to make sure the person is a professional (and acts professional) and works in a professional environment (in a place licensed to offer these services). That leads us to...

Where?

Skin care treatments are offered in different types of facilities commonly known as spas. Also known as day spas, resort spas, skin care salons, salon and spas, medical spas. Look for clean, licensed, professional environments. Find the place where you are most comfortable. Are you able to relax? Does your technician listen and provide information if you want it?
If the room is cluttered or messy and unorganized, it may be distracting to you and the technician. If the technician can't explain what they are doing, well, hmmm. They may need more training. It's the same for pretty much any business. You want your doctor's office to be clean and organized and for them to be trained and knowledgable. Same for your car mechanic, hair stylist, insurance agent, etc.

What?

While a facial will be different at any place you go, it will generally consist of some or all of the following:
Cleansing - to clean the skin, allow for analysis of skin and further treatment
Skin Analysis - to what pretty skin you have, my dear :); with the aid of a magnifying lamp, wood's lamp, dermascope, etc.
Exfoliation - sloughing away dead skin cells
Facial Massage - relaxing, helps blood circulation and much more
Extractions - removing/relieving blackheads, dirt, oil from pores and pimples
Mask - there are different kinds; used for hydration, clearing acne, firming, etc.
Topical creams/serums/moisturizer/SPF
Advice for home care
(not necessarily in this order)
Can also include extras like a hand and arm massage, neck, scalp or foot massage - there many extra mini treatments that can be done during a facial

It's ideal for you to be able to block an amount of time and then receive a customized facial. The treatment is made to suit you and your skin at that time. Just like when you get your hair done. You tell your stylist that you want a cut and color. She blocks an appropriate amount of time and when you get there, you discuss what color and what kind of cut.
I'm very happy offering these kinds of facials. I use a skin care line (Osmosis Pur Medical Skin Care) that allows me to customize facials and address the concerns or issues you have with your skin on that particular day. It can be the same everytime or not. You are allowed to relax while I mix up different treatments for your skin.

When?

When should you receive a facial? How often? People usually get facials when they feel like they need a little more than they are doing at home. Consistent breakouts, upcoming events, signs of aging, feeling like your skin just needs...something.
How often to get a facial is dependent on the individual and the situation. Personally, I like to see most people at least once a month or 5-6 weeks is fine. Really need to kick that acne in the butt? 2-3 weeks. Home care is extremely important and can help you extend the time between facials.

Why?

Professional treatments are a great addition to any skin care routine. Usually the "treatment" products a pro uses are stronger than what you will be able to get for home care. So you definetly get a boost from regular facials. Facials can help you address issues and maintain the condition of your skin. You can get advice on your skin type, what products to use at home, and what future treatments to receive. It's time for yourself and will help you relax. Just relaxing can help your skin.


I would like to encourage you to try a facial. You may just really love it! They come in all shapes and sizes and prices so look around at different places to find what suits your needs or wants.

If you're in the Springfield, Missouri area, you can find me at Amore Salon and Spa. Find out more about the services I offer at http://www.abbyo.com/. Feel free to send me a message or post comments and questions.

If you would like to know more about the networking group I participate in, check out: www.businesspowernetwork.com.

Happy New Year!

Thanks for reading,

Abby O.

Fun with Fall Colors

Fun with Fall Colors

Sorry to be absent for soooo long. Got really sidetracked.

I've been having a lot of fun with switching into some more fall oriented makeup colors and just wanted to share my thoughts on this with you.

The goal of makeup is to enhance and highlight your features. Apply certain colors in specific places to make your eyes pop, bring warmth to your cheeks, or spotlight great lips.

Take a look at a color wheel. Colors opposite your eye color will make your eyes stand out the most.

I've been having fun with the purples, dark blues, rosy reds. They work with many neutral colors to add contrast and create a great look. Also liking the metallics - silver, copper and gold. Apply your colors in different ways to create new looks.
For instance, I have a trio from Jane Iredale (Silver Lining from the Fall Collection) (http://www.janeiredale.com/) that contains a dark charcoal, a shimmery silver, and dark shimmery purple. The colors can be light or intense depending on how you apply. With my light skin coloring I have to be careful how I apply these colors so I don't look washed out. And I had been using all three when I used them. I got a tip from a fantastic JI rep to try using the charcoal to create a smoky eye (applying the dark color from lash line to just the crease) and then blending a rosy pink/red into the crease. I loved this when I tried it. It added contrast and warmth. My new fave look. Something so simple that gave me a new look with my makeup colors.

I also tried to find a red lipstick. Always fascinated with women who wear red so well, I've tried and tried to find my red. Well, I think I succeeded. Just had to get the right one for my skin tone. Line your lips first and apply red lipstick carefully. I also like to brighter colors in lipgloss. It seems less intense when it's shimmery.

Different colored mascaras are a simple, fun way to change things up a bit. Blue eyes - try auburn or plum; brown eyes - try blue; green eyes - try plum.

The point is to be experimental. Take cue from the season - muted pinks, deep reds, dark green, browns. And as fall winds down and turns into winter, brighten up your days with gold, copper, or silver. Inspiration is all around us in the color of the leaves, clothes, a wrapped present, decorated Christmas tree.

Your fall homework? Have fun! Find your red and wear it confidently (see how much you get noticed), try a smoky eye look. If you want suggestions for colors or applications techniques, just ask. I'm happy to share!

And on a personal note...I was fortunate to have some opportunities (job wise) to consider this fall. After a lot of thought, I've taken the leap into the world of booth renting. I'm now my own boss in my own business (inside a business). You can now visit me at Amoré SkinSpa inside Amoré Salon and Spa. I'm grateful for this opportunity and am really excited to be working with such great people in a beautiful place. I offer different kinds of facials (focused on customization and results), waxing, and lash treatments in a down to earth spa setting.
I've chosen Osmosis Pur Medical Skin Care as my product line and very pleased with the choice. Having used it personally for almost a year and seeing great changes in my skin, I'm happy to be using it professionally and have the chance to see changes in others' skin.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Abby O.
www.abbyo.com

Skin Cancer-the Who, What, Where, When, Why

Not a fun subject I know BUT an important one! I'll try to stick to the basics.

Cancer is like a weed that takes over your garden. The difference between the weed and the pretty flowers that spread all over your garden is that the weed is stronger, grows faster. Let go it will steal the nutrients from the flowers, the flowers will fight but may not be strong enough to fight the weed.
In the body, cancer begins when cells in a certain part start to grow out of control. When DNA in a cell is damaged normally the cell repairs itself. When it can't, it dies. With a cancer cell, the DNA is not repaired but the cell does not die. Instead it keeps reproducing new cells all with the same damaged DNA. These abnormal cells grow out of control and can invade other tissues which is what makes them a cancer cell vs. a normal cell.

The 3 Main Types:
Melanoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

According to the American Cancer Society, "Cancer of the skin is the most common of cancers, probably accounting for at least half of all cancers. Melanoma accounts for less than 5% of skin cancer cases but causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths."
Some estimates: About 68,720 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. during 2009. Deaths - 8,650
Melanoma begins in melanocytes, the pigment making cells. It is more than 10 times more common in whites than in African Americans; slightly more common in men than women.

Basal cell cancer begins in the lowest layer of the epidermis. Usually beginning on areas exposed to the sun (such as the head and neck), basal cell tends to grow slowly. Very rarely does it spread to other areas but if left untreated, it can grow into nearby areas and into the bone or other tissues beneath the skin. American Cancer Society says, "about 8 out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma". Once mostly found in older people, occurances are rising in younger people.

Accounting for 2 out of 10 skin cancers, squamous cell cancer begins in the upper part of the epidermis. Like other skin cancers, it usually begins in areas exposed most often to the sun but can also show up within scars or skin ulcers. Squamous cell is most likely to spread into fatty tissue just beneath the skin and into lymph nodes and distant parts of the body. This is uncommon, though.


Melanoma shows up in the form of moles. Keep an eye on freckles, moles and other marks on your body. Any changes should be noted and checked by a doctor. That means if its size, shape or color changes a melanoma could be starting and it's best to see a doctor.

Basal Cell Carcinoma tends to appear translucent, have an irregular border and tiny blood vessels running through them.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma is an irregular, crusted, red papule (meaning is it red like the beginning of a pimple but with no head, no pus).

You've all seen the ABCD rule. It's meant to help us recognize when something is just not right.

A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B - Border Irregularity: The edges are irregular or not smooth; may look ragged, blurred, or notched.
C - Color: Color is not the same all over. May be shades of tan, brown, or black and sometimes patches of pink, red, blue or white.
D - Diameter: Mole is larger than about 1/4 inch. Sometimes melanomas can be smaller.

Let me mention...
Actinic Keratosis - a pre-cancerous growths caused by too much time in the sun. They are small, rough spots that may be pink-red or flesh colored; flat or raised and irregular in shape and border. Actinic Keratosis is slow growing and usually just a sign that your skin has been damaged by the sun. Best to have it checked and removed.

Risk Factors. The following are risk factors for skin cancer. It doesn't mean you will get skin cancer from these, but they are linked to skin cancer.

UV Light: Overexposure may be the biggest risk factor. We are exposed to UV light from the sun and tanning beds. And it really depends on the amount of time exposed, the strength of the radiation, clothing, time of day, where you live, your skin type...

Moles: Moles are benign skin tumors. Certain types will increase a person's chance of getting melanoma and having many moles raises the chance.

Fair Skin: White people are more likely to get skin cancer than dark-skinned African Americans because the melanin in their skin raises their natural defense system.

Family history and your own past history of melanoma increases your risk. Best to be very careful about sun exposure if you have a family history.

Weakened immune systems- Medicines that suppress your fighting machine increase your risk of getting melanoma.

Age - While melanoma is one cancer that seems to play no favorites in this category, older people are more likely to get melanoma. Basal cell and squamous are more commonly found in older people because of all the exposure to the sun they have experienced. But more cases are being found in younger people.

Gender - Sorry guys...you have a higher risk rate of skin cancer than women.

Smoking - a risk factor for squamous cell but not for basal cell.


Skin cancer can be treated if caught early enough. There are many options for treatment. Let's all be safe and just protect our skin. When you see the weed growing you pull it, right? Take care of your skin like you do your garden (in spring ;) ). I'll go over sun safety tips next time.

If all this info isn't enough, I suggest you click on the linked words above and check out the pictures. Yes, I picked those sites on purpose. That should make you jump out of the tanning bed when it suddenly pops into your head. :)

Stick with me. Next time: Sun Safety. As summer turns to fall, this does not mean we should stop wearing our sunscreen.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Abby

Demystifying the Myths of Tanning and Sunscreen

According to the American Cancer Society, "cancer of the skin is the most common of cancers accounting for at least half of all cancers".

I'm sure you've all heard by now that tanning isn't the greatest thing you can do for your skin. And by "tanning" I mean regularly using a tanning bed or laying out to "get some sun" - which means you either want and will get a tan or will burn trying. All of this without sunscreen. The purpose of this entry is not to lecture you. I'm attempting to give you enough information to help you make informed decisions. I rarely read a magazine article that gives me the complete who, what, where, why, and how. As a skincare professional, these issues are important to me, and I address them with my clients. And I care. I only want the best for your skin and your health. So over a series of entries, I'm gonna lay it all out for you.

First - a little background on your skin:

Skin is the largest organ in your body and has many functions. Skin protects and covers your internal organs, serves as a barrier to germs, prevents the loss of water and other fluids and helps control body temperature. Your skin is complex little layers that are affected (as well as the rest of your body) by everything you do - how hydrated you are, whether you smoke, have a bad or good diet, how much sleep you get. Personally, I find how our bodies work amazing (when I really sit down and think about it) and so is your skin. We should take care of it.

To make my points (and not bore you completely), I'm going to mention specific things found in these layers for discussion later.

Your skin is made up of 3 layers:
--Epidermis
--Dermis
--Subcutaneous


Epidermis -the top layer - the protective layer - and very thin. Melanocytes are found in the epidermis. Melanocytes make the skin tan or burn in response to UV rays. They protect the deeper layers of skin from damage. Excessive exposure can eventually destroy them. Melanocytes are the cells that turn into melanoma. Would also like to note that the stratus germinativum aka the basal layer and where melanocytes are located is the bottom layer of the epidermis. When a cancer advances, it generally spreads through this barrier.

Dermis - Thicker than the epidermis, nourishes the epidermis. It is the skin's main support system containing sweat and oil glands, hair follicles and is rich in capillaries and blood vessels. Fibroblast cells produce collagen, giving the skin strength and structure, and elastin, which gives the skin stretch and elasticity to prevent sagging.

Subcutaneous- The bottom layer composed mostly of adipose (fatty) tissue. Acts as the body's shock absorber and insulator.

Next: UVA, UVB, and UVC rays

UVC - are the shortest rays, beyond the ozone and have little effect on the exposure skin receives. I've been a part of discussions of whether depletion of the ozone will change this. I think that remains to be seen and have done any research on the matter. UVA and UVB are bigger dogs to tackle.

UVB - the rays we are exposed to most frequently aka "the burning rays". These rays penetrate the lower layers of the epidermis and stimulate melanin production. UVB rays are one thousand times more powerful than UVA and cause sunburn.

UVA - the longest ray most frequently used in tanning beds. They take longer and require a larger amount to burn. BUT UVA rays penetrate beyond the epidermis to the dermis and destroy valuable protein substances - collagen and elastin.

Lessons to learn: Here's a couple...
First, realize that collagen and elastin are our friends. Your body does not produce these little guys at the same rate forever.
Second, overexposure to UVA and UVB is not good. It can destroy the melanocytes that are there to protect the other layers of your skin. UVA damage goes deeper yet is often turned up to a higher level in tanning beds to allow you to tan without the burn. Melanin production is stimulated without the high levels of UVB giving you a burn.

An article I read on the American Cancer Society website states that "tanning beds pose a greater cancer risk than previously believed". They have been "elevated to the highest cancer risk category - carcinogenic to humans - by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the World Health Organization that developed the widely used system for classifying carcinogens". "Current research shows tanning bed use raises the risk of melanoma of the skin by 75% when use starts before the age of 30". Obviously this is a cause for some concern when so many young women and men tan on a regular basis.

This subject raises many arguments and questions. Usually Vitamin D synthesis comes up. I have personally seen a billboard for a tanning business with something about Vitamin D on it. Vitamin D is synthesized by UVB rays. A lot of tanning beds use higher levels of UVA so that kinda doesn't make sense for them to advertise that way. You can also find Vitamin D in food (imagine that) like seafood - cod liver oil, salmon, mackerel, tuna. Ok - not completely appealing to all. Vitamin D can be found in fortified foods like milk, some yogurts and some cereals and juices. Supplements are reliable and safe. You can get what you need from supplements - look for D3 form aka cholecalciferol. It seems there is a slight disagreement on what should be the Adequate Intake, but for now it's 200 IU for under 50, 400 for 50-70yrs, 600 for 70yrs +. Or ask your doctor.

Something else people usually bring up is: "Well, I'm not going to stay out of the sun." I'm not telling you to. No one is. I'd recommend avoiding tanning beds and playing it safe in the sun.

Just remember this: skin damage, premature aging, dry, leathery, peeling, itching, wrinkling, sagging and permanent discoloration - all things that can happen from overexposure to UV light whether it's from the sun or a tanning bed. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

And this is definetly not the end of the discussion. Some future subjects: skin cancer, sun safety tips, sunscreen, getting a tan (w/o the damage).


Anything you want to see added to that list?



Thanks for reading! Happy Friday!



Abby O.



www.americancancersociety.com

All About Lashes

There are many different things women will do in the name of beauty - we get our hair done, powder our noses, sometimes we sit still long enough to get a facial so our friendly esthetician can study our skin and tell us what to use. Sometimes we follow those directions. We might even let that same nice lady rip the hair off of various areas of our bodies.

Recently I've received several requests for services that involve eyelashes. Lashes are getting plenty of attention these days thanks to new TV ads promoting a lash growth product. These little protective hairs are rarely overlooked. As eyebrows frame the face, lashes frame the windows to our souls. Enhancing lashes makes the eye more noticeable. Some mornings, mascara helps me look more awake but also completes my look - however simple or involved it might be that day.

Aside from mascara, there are several services you can have done to enhance eyelashes.

Lash Tinting: Tinting is dyeing eyelashes a color - always black - unless someone absolutely does not want black. There are other colors. Basically, you lay back, close your eyes and when you open them, your lashes will be beautifully black. This is great for lighter colored lashes and to fill them out at the tips. Top and lower lashes are included in the procedure. Lasts around 5 weeks; procedure takes about 30 min.

Lash Perms: Perming lashes is exactly how it sounds. Your lashes will stay curled for 1 1/2 to 2 months. A sticky round "rod" (more like a skinny, long, round piece of cotton with adhesive on the outside) is place above the top lash line on your eyelid. The lashes are rolled up onto the rod to stay in place and curl them. Perm lotion is applied - we wait. Once the perm lotion is removed, setting lotion is applied - and again, we wait. Setting lotion is removed, nourishing lotion is applied. The rod is removed and your lashes are beautifully curled. There are different sizes of rods for shorter or longer lashes. Procedure takes about 1 hour. (sorry no pictures yet)

Lash Extensions: I use NovaLash Extensions. They are individual, synthetic lashes that are glued onto your individual lashes (allowing your lashes to shed as they wish). The result is natural looking, longer lashes. With many different lengths and curly lashes (slightly more curled than the regular lashes), you can get a glam look or a "I have lashes!" look. NovaLash products are American made to higher standards in order to ensure that we are using the safest, best product. They last 4-8 weeks. Will look great on anyone, especially brides, athletes, water sport/lake/pool lovers, those with short lashes, those wanting to forget about mascara. Learn more about them at www.novalash.com. NovaLash has also come out with some exciting new products like Lash Liner, a skinny little liner pencil designed to deposit color in between your lashes to make them look thicker, and Lash Doctor, a lash growth product.

Lash Growth Products: For the last couple of years (that I know of), lash growth products have been gaining momentum. There are a couple of staples in the industry and more than a few copies. All of these products are designed to make your lashes appear (using the word appear because of FDA regulations) longer. You do have to keep using them to get the results. Some of them have slightly undesirable side effects. I've heard of a few brands recently (NovaLash being one) that are more natural, claiming not so many undesirable side effects.

Mascara: Mascara use goes all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians. It was worn to ward off evil spirits and bad energy. The first packaged cosmetic mascara was created in 1917 by Eugene Rimmel, founder of Maybelline Cosmetics. Mascara comes in many different formulas, colors, with skinny or round fluffy brushes to create a variety of looks for whatever kind of lashes you have or don't have. There are also primers. I use Jane Iredale's PureLash Extender and Conditioner. It has algae extract that conditions and protects lashes. And then I use JI Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthing Mascara in Black Ice. I love that it comes in a squeezable tube so I can get all the mascara out of it.

Application Tips! When using a primer, apply the primer starting at the base of your lashes and rocking the wand slightly side to side to coat your lashes. While the primer is still wet (you don't want it to dry!), apply mascara starting at the base and moving the wand up to the tips. Fewer, slower, complete strokes will get you better results than fast, short strokes.

Tools: Mechanical Curlers vs. Heated Curlers - I prefer the heated. It's easier to use, easier on your lashes and portable as well. If you need help finding one, just let me know. You can use the heated curler after you apply mascara, too, which should not be done with a mechanical curler. Sorry, mechanical curler - only for emergencies. :(

Of course, if you have your lashes permed, you don't need a curler. :)

A little note on other fake lashes: Strip lashes (can be found anywhere) are good for a day, easy to apply - especially when cut into 2 or 3 sections. There are many fantastically fun lashes out there to experiment with. Cluster lashes are a little group of lashes knotted together at the bottom. Good for a day or two. Continual use of these lashes is not recommended. They are usually stuck to more than one of your natural lashes at a time which can cause problems when your lashes are trying to fall out. Plus the quality of the glue that is sold to apply these lashes with is (in my personal opinion!) of a questionable nature. Smells like acetone. I can help you apply any kind of fake lashes you want. Strip and cluster lashes are great for temporary use - so for special occasions or a fun look.

Did I forget anything? Amazing all the different things we can do to our lashes, isn't it?

I hope this has "opened your eyes" to all the services/products available for your lashes. I get excited to see the results of the services on each person. It's always different and always fabulous. And I hope they spend copious amounts of time looking in the mirror and batting their eyelashes at themselves.

If you have any questions about any service mentioned, please let me know.

Thanks for reading and Happy Weekend!

Abby O.

Still to come: Demystifying the myths of tanning and sunscreen.

Lip Gloss - Pure Girlish Fun in a Tube

Lip Gloss is fun. It can be shiny, shimmery, sweet, colored, uncolored, flavored, sticky, not so sticky, very sticky and can drive men nuts. According to the song titled "Lip Gloss" by Lil Mama: "my lipgloss be poppin, my lipgloss be cool and all the boys be jockin and chasing me after school". I've only gotten complaints from my hubby about its stickiness when he kisses me. Goes both ways I suppose. By the way, I watched about a minute of Lil Mama's "Lip Gloss" video on YouTube then watched a knockoff version by Lil Brittany. Lil Brittany's version is quite funny (much better) and worth a look if you have the extra time. Reminds us not to take ourselves too seriously.

And I find that lip gloss helps in that aspect. It's the not so formal, more undone sister to lipstick. Gloss gives a shine to the lips that makes them appear fuller and is easy to wear. There are many kinds of lip gloss available and different ways to apply it - the little sponge applicator in the tube, a brush, or with your fingers out of a jar. The first commercially available lip gloss was Max Factor's (inventor of many things makeup) X-Rated in 1932 and was sold until 2003 when it was retired. It's safe to say that every makeup line available now offers some type of lip gloss.

Because of that fact, the task of finding your perfect/favorite one might seem daunting. But really this is the fun part. Find the nearest department store (or come see me) that allows you to try out makeup before buying and take advantage. Try different types - plumping, super glossy, shimmery - there's an endless selection. Plumpers are nice if they aren't too tingly and help those with thinner lips. The effects of plumpers are temporary like so many things in the beauty world but the great thing about lip gloss - you can just reapply ;)

Lip gloss is actually pretty versatile as well. You can wear it alone, under or on top of lipstick, over a lip pencil, wear one color lipstick or lip pencil and a gloss in another color to create a different color and look. Gloss can change with your mood.

In a small, informal survey some gloss faves are Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment ("smells wonderful, no goop, contains SPF and just the right amount of gloss"), Cherry SoftLips ("tastes good, smells good, feels soft and when it melts, makes my purse smell good"), Jane Iredale Pure Gloss ("so many colors to love and choose from") and a couple votes for the old standby - Cherry Chapstick.
Fresh is a great product with good ingredients. SoftLips, kudos to them, now has a 95% USDA certified organic lip product and Jane Iredale (a favorite of mine as well) is a natural product that plumps without chemicals and isn't too tingly. When I looked up these different brands on the Internet, I was pleased to see the ingredients were easy to find. Very helpful in this day and age.
A little more on Jane Iredale Pure Gloss...I do use this mineral makeup line personally and professionally so, yes, I know a lot about it. Their glosses have a base of organic vegetable oils with a tingly mint and ginger flavor that plumps without chemicals. They contain coconut oil and palm oil - natural emollients and moisturizers and soybean oil - a natural moisturizer and antioxidant. Some of my favorite colors are Cotton Candy, Candied Rose and Cosmo. The website is chock full of info on all the products which is refreshing. They also offer plumpers that have a soft sheen and subtle color.

Many glosses and balms contain petroleum which interferes with the skin's natural moisturizing factor and causes lips to dry and chap. Which is why we apply them so much more often than we need to. Finding petroleum free lip products means less reapplying. A fantastic balm is Jane Iredale's Lip Drink - SPF 14, in a base of macadamia nut oil with edible zinc oxide for sun protection, antioxidants Green Tea extract and vitamins E and C, and a great lemon and orange oil smell and flavor. Lip Drink is one of my favorite, absolutely must carry with me products. And it's colorless- great for women and men.

Any way you like it - or don't - lip gloss is a simple way to express yourself or a simple way to moisturize and treat your lips. And it's okay to blow yourself a little shiny kiss in the mirror after applying :)


Coming up: Demystifying the myths of tanning and sunscreen.

Questions, Comments and Requests are always welcome!

Thanks for reading,
Abby O.

Me...

In this introductory blog, I'd like to, well, introduce myself. My name is Abby and I'm an esthetician. Estheticians can provide a wide range of services and knowledge to keep you and your skin looking healthy and beautiful. I do facials, waxing, makeup applications, and lash extensions. As it says in my profile, I love what I do and it can only get better.

More than a few years ago...

I was in college wrapped up in the psychology world but a few little twists(back with my parents) and turns(new boyfriend) here and there found me in a different world. The working world. My first real 8-5 job and after some time I knew there was something else for me. And esthetics became that something else. School was fun. Learning was -gasp!- fun...most of the time. I always enjoyed being in the treatment room doing whatever was on the books that day. It seems to give one a sense of control. I wonder how many other esthy's would agree with me...

I found a love for eyelash extensions at school. First in the form of cluster lashes, the little bunches of lashes knotted together that you can buy at any store, and then, having previously read about them, in the form of high quality individual lashes glued one by one to yours. Tedious and a bit difficult at times, I have finally gotten much more comfortable with the process and always love the result. Longer, beautiful lashes every time. Curious? I use NovaLash (the best in my (and many others) opinion). Check their website and drop me a line.

Back to the story...I loved school and when I was done, we moved to Springfield, MO, got my license and a couple months later I was working in Branson at a beautiful resort spa. Got some real experience, great experience with great people and a great product line but that came to an end and I found another little place actually in Springfield. A skincare salon-a place dedicated to skincare(an unusual thing in Springfield it seems). Offering unique treatments that are different than what I was used to, Face Gallery has allowed me a better schedule :) and the chance to get to know people in Springfield. I'm building my clientele - made easier by affordable and effective treatments - and always learning.

"About face" is a term used in the military but also means a total change in attitude or viewpoint. I've done an about face when it comes to skin care and what products I will or will not use since going to school.

We all need a change once in awhile (or more often if you wish) whether it's a new career, hair color, lip gloss or what we think about tanning (is it safe??). I'm not going to ask you to do an "about face" and change your mascara because I said another one is better. I just want to share my knowledge and give you something to chew on...a little food for thought as they say. And if you change your viewpoint about tanning (by the way, it's not safe) then OK. I will smile at that one but otherwise it is just my opinion - my educated, professional opinion ;-)

Next time...Lip Gloss-pure girlish fun in a tube. I have lots I want to talk about-this is what popped into my head. Comments, suggestions, and questions are welcome.
Thanks for reading!


Abby