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.

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.