Make a Point to Stand Out!!!

Coming up on my 18th year of being a skin therapist, I reflect back on all my tools that I use in my arson for anti-aging, relaxation, result orientation skin care and acne problems. One of the most tried and true treatments that I incorporate with every facial that I perform are pressure points. I first learned about pressure points at the Aveda Institute during my education for getting my aesthetics license. I remember sitting with my class outside (being that it was Minneapolis we didn’t get outside much). I had a fellow students head in my lap while she laid in the grass and I learned the technique. 90% of my new clients say, “I have never had a facial like that before!” I believe I stand out because I give them a pressure point massage. I want you as a therapist to have a technique that stands out from the rest. For me, I stand out because of my  pressure point massage and the use of high frequency, I’ll explain the importance of High Frequency in a future blog and featured article for Les Nouvelles Esthetique and Spa magazine.

You can incorporate pressure points at any time, with any facial. For example, if I cannot perform a massage due to red and irritated skin (roseacea, acne or post exfoliation treatment), I simply perform the main 15 points on the face. This relaxes the client, their muscles, increases blood flow, all the while not rubbing their face and increasing the irritation. I like to perform pressure points while they have a hydrating mask on; I perform right through the mask. You can also perform pressure points during the facial massage. I believe as Aestheticians, we are all our own chefs in the kitchen. We have our own flow, use different ingredients and liken our facial to our menu. There are no right or wrongs to when we perform pressure points on our clients.

There are fifteen points on the face that represent areas and systems within the body.

Facial Pressure Point Massage Chart

There are several types of pressure points – each is applied differently and each creates a different effect. Most pressure points are located on pathways on the nervous system. Some pressure points produce pain when struck, pressed, or rubbed, depending on the point itself. These points are also referred to as nerve centers. In acupressure, you compress key energy points on the skin’s surface with your fingers to stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities. Different kinds of pressure on the pressure points achieves different results, but the most common type of acupressure application is firm, prolonged pressure, from 1 to 3 minutes. You locate a point; sink in gradually with your finger, thumb, heel, or side of your hand; and hold it for at least 1 minute to calm and relax the nervous system. The depth to which you sink into a point should be enough to cause your partner to perceive it as a “good hurt”—a bit tender but so it feels as if it’s doing some good. Also remember to never break contact, rotate back and forth with your hands.

It’s important that both you and your partner breathe fully and deeply during the application of acupressure. Your partner’s deep breathing allows the points to release pain and tension and promote the flow of healing energy throughout the body. Your partner will feel her ability to regulate the steady amount of pressure you’re exerting with your finger, as the pressure increases on her inhalations and decreases with her exhalations, regardless of where on the body you are pressing. Your deep and steady breath will not only help keep you focused and centered on what you’re doing, but will also remind your partner to maintain a steady breathing pattern.

• Never apply any finger pressure in a jarring or abrupt way.
• Never loose contact
• Remeber to breathe with your clients
• Avoid areas of broken skin or recent scars.

I find the following pressure points to be the best during a facial pressure point massage:

The Third Eye point is in the indentation at the bridge of the nose between the eyebrows. This is a useful point for relieving anxiety, stress, chronic fatigue, and headaches. I like to start with this pressure point.

The Gallbladder 2 is a fingertip-size point where the top of the ear joins side of the face and is useful for alleviating headache pain, especially vascular headaches and migraines.

The Shoulder Well point is on the highest part of the shoulder, slightly closer to the neck than midway between the base of the neck and the outer point of the shoulder. It relieves anxiety, fatigue, shoulder tension, and headaches.

The Drilling Bamboo points are in the indentation of the inner eye socket just below the middle point of the eyebrows. They relieve sinus pain and congestion and eyestrain.

The Welcoming Perfume points are just to the sides of the nostrils, by the nasal crease. These points are good for sinus congestion and pain.

The Facial Beauty points lie directly below the pupils of the eyes as your partner is looking straight ahead, just under the edge of the cheekbone. These points help sinus pain and congestion, as well as eye fatigue.

Water is important because an increase in blood circulation means the body will get rid of waste quicker, it will make your reflexology treatment so much more successful if you follow these last two steps.1 Get the person receiving face reflexology a big glass of water. 2 Tell them to take it easy for the rest of the day and keep up the water

Relaxation is important. It allows people to stop and take time out from the stresses and obligations of life, relaxing is the same as hitting a reset button and these buttons are pressure points! And often can make us more efficient and happy just for having done it. Helping someone relax is helping them stay healthy. I encourage you to try, practice and stand out!

Look for this article in Les Nouvelles Esthetique & Spa magazine, Feb 2013 www.LNEONLINE.com

The Waxing Facial

The Waxing Facial

I have been doing waxing facials throughout my career. Most Aestheticians that I speak to have never heard of this concept. I would like to share this concept with you. This type of facial is for the Aesthetician who understands the skin and waxing procedures, and not afraid to combine them. If you break down a facial, waxing is done in laue of the exfoliation stage. Waxing exfoliates the skin naturally. Think of this facial as a cool facial, DO NOT USE STEAM OR HOT TOWELS!!! This facial does not include a massage as well. This facial can be done using strip or stripless wax. I personally prefer stripless or hot wax for the face. The hot wax doesn’t adhere to the delicate facial skin because of a protective barrier by using an oil. The wax only adheres to the hair only. With stripless or hot wax, you also can go over the treated area more than once, this helps to make sure you get every hair. This is why I prefer stripless or hot wax for Brazilians as well.

The Waxing Facial Protocol

Cleanse- Use a cleanser that is strictly for the clients skin type

Tone- Prepare the skin for wax. Many wax manufactures provide a pre-cleanser or toner.

Oil- Thinly and sparingly apply a prewaxing oil. If you utilize a strip wax, then apply powder. I personally don’t care for Johnson and Johnson’s because it has fragrance in it.

Wax- I use ONLY Stripless/Hot Wax

Start with Chin and move clockwise. It is as if you are plowing a field. By using Stripless wax you can slightly overlap your areas. This makes sure you do not miss any hairs. I like to finish with the brows.

Post waxing solution if wax residue is left behind.

Mask- Aloe/CoolingSoothing Mask allows the skin to calm down.

High Frequency- I use the mushroom bulb through the mask. High Frequency kills all bacteria.

Remove the mask with a cool towel.

Vitamin C- Anti Inflammatory

SPF- this is a must. Any exfoliation procedure elivated photo sensitivity

Contraindications

As skin therapist, we understand the basics in dealing with contraindications with waxing, however the facial skin is different. If the client is having exfoliation treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels or even enzymes,  the skin has been compromised. The ability of removing skin is greatly increased. Prescription creams can cause trouble as well. Please stay abreast on common prescriptions that doctors give their patients, they may just be on your table. Make sure your intake form has been studied before any waxing is provided. As a cautionary time line, I prefer 1 month out of the use of ANY Alpha or Beta Hydroxy’s such as Glycolic’s, Salicylic, Lactic or Mandelic home care products or treatments. If the client is taking antibiotics or are on a course of medical skin treatment(s) such as Accutane, Retinol, Retin-A, or Renova, hold off on waxing until you have finished the medication and the chemicals are out of their system. These medications should be listed on your intake form for your clients and patients to indicate. Having a “clean” skin palette is the key to prepping their face for waxing, and has as much to do with what’s not present — as well as what is. Make sure the face is free of any injured areas which includes minor cuts, irritated pimples, or a sunburn. If your client is pregnant, they are more likely to be sensitive to waxing, and diabetics typically take longer to heal after a wax.

On the menu…

When I have listed “Waxing Facial” on my spa menu, this sparks peoples interest. This is why your spa menu is another avenue of advertisement and not just a list of treatments and prices. This tells your clients that you are prolific with facial waxing. I like to have The Waxing Facial on the menu booked out for 1 hour. This time allots you to be thorough. As you work with your clients and become comfortable then you can do the Waxing Facial for 30 minutes. Your pricing should be comperable to a basic 60 min and 30 min facial, minus $20 (for example, if your 60 minute European Facial is $85, then your Waxing Facial should be $65). Waxing is one of the most rewarding treatments we can do in our rooms because you give them immediate results and has the highest loyalty rate. When a clients mind is sparked with the possibilities of a hairless face, they book. —

If you are interested in having the Waxing Facial with me, I am at Essentials Spa in Wesley Chapel on Fridays and Sat’s! http://www.myessentialsspa.com/

The Cell Cycle

A Journey lasting 4 to 6 weeks…

Aging is a part of life, if we could stop the process, we would all be millionaires. The cell renewal rate slows down when we age. This is because there is less blood circulation, less oxygen is delivered to skin cells, so they are not replaced as quickly.

Cell turnover rate slows down so new cells take longer to reach the surface. This leads to a buildup of dull, devitalized, dead surface cells and rough skin texture. When this build up occurs, skin conditions such as hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, pore size enlargement are more prevalent.

As a skin therapist, it is crucial to explain how the cell cycle works in order for your clients to understand what exfoliation treatments will be chosen and why they will need more than just one to do the trick.  I like to think of weekly treatments as if you are chiseling, little by little at the skin by way of a controlled trauma (exfoliation treatments such as peels, microdermabrasion and enzymes), until you get your clients skin through a full cell cycle. It is as if your clients face is a block of marble… and little by little you are carving out their beautiful skin. metaphorically you are using a small pick ax instead of a one shot treatment as using a chainsaw. I explain that if they want faster results, then they will have longer down time. By treating their skin on a weekly basis and getting them through a full cell cycle, the need for down time and possible adverse effects are minimized. I understand that working with a clients skin on a weekly basis is very involved however, this is the optimal avenue in which to treat them.

The Epidermal Layer

The epidermis is composed of the outermost layers of cells in the skin “epi” in Greek meaning “over” or “upon”, which together with the dermis forms the cutis. The epidermis is the skin’s outer structure  serving a protective function however, the part we can see, the horny layer (horny is referred to the look of the skin under a microscope. The microscopic ‘tags’ the skin cells have allows for natural, daily exfoliation) is   the only a minute part of this stratified  squamous layer.

It is the ultimate result of the keratinisation process  and marks the final stage of a 4 to 6 week journey made by the  keratinocytes. Human skin is continually being renewed. The desquamation of cells on the skin’s surface should  naturally be compensated for by renewal of the epidermis, a process that is responsible by the keratinocytes (85% of the cells in the epidermis). These possess two  properties which successively come into action – the ability to actively divide  and the ability to differentiate.

The epidermis contains 5 layers. The upper or outer layer of the two main layers of cells that make up the skin. The epidermis is mostly made  up of flat, scale-like cells called squamous cells. Under the squamous cells are round cells called basal cells. The deepest part  of the epidermis also contains melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, which gives the skin its color. From bottom to top the layers are named stratum basal, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum licidum, and stratum corneum. The bottom layer, the stratum basal, has cells that are shaped like columns. In this layer the cells divide and push already formed cells into higher layers. As the cells move into the higher layers, they flatten and eventually die. The top layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, is made of dead, flat skin cells that shed about every 2 weeks.This layer, the most superficial of the epidermis, is  in direct contact with the external environment and therefore plays a vital role  as a barrier against all sorts of aggression. It also regulates the amount of water released from the body into the atmosphere through transepidermal water loss (TEWL).

The Cell Cycle Treatment

The thickness of the epidermis varies in different types of skin. It is thinnest on the eyelids at .05 mm and thickest on the palms and soles at 1.5 mm. The epidermal layer is the layer that we Aestheticians exfoliate and treat on a weekly basis.

The first treatment of exfoliation is day 1. The Basal cell layer (the nursery as I like to call it) starts kicking out new cells. These new cells replace the old cells. This takes 28-40 days for the new cells to reach the surface of the skin. I want to give my client an exfoliation treatment once a week for 6 weeks. By their 4th treatment the Basal layer gets very stimulated and gets fatigued. The Basal layer calls for backup, thus collagen and elastin are synthesized. As a therapist, I like to explain that I want to get their skin through a full cell cycle in order to reach optimal results. This speeds up the cellular turnover, thus results are achieved.

Cell Cycle Graph

Treatment 1/Week 1- Day 1 of a cell cycle

Treatment 2/ Week 2- Day 7 of a cell cycle

Treatment 3/Week 3- Day 14 of a cell cycle

Treatment 4 /Week 4- Day 21 of a cell cycle

Treatment 5/Week 5-  Day 28 of a cell cycle

Treatment 6/Week 6- Day 35 of a cell cycle
The cell cycle time of basal keratinocytes 3 days after abrasion is drastically reduced to about 11 hrs. This is compared to 5 to 7 days in the normal epidermis. The cell cycle time gradually increased to 14 hr at 5 days. It is sped up to 1 to 2 days at 7 days, and 4 to 5 days at 14 days after abrasion. This dramatically changes the skin, minimizes the skin conditions and the skin has been renewed.

I understand that some exfoliation treatments can be extremely strong and may need more recovery time. Jessners, TCA’s and other stronger peels that purposely sheet or shed the skin needs more time to heal. These peels can be used on a 10-14 days rest period. In other words, with these stronger peels, you will have to double your time and get them through 2 full cell cycles. This takes longer and has more opportunities for adverse effects. Just take precaution and work within your comfort level. Being a result orientated therapist with advanced skills, personally like to use a Jessner on the 6th treatments with a client that is having consecutive peels. I call it the “crescendo” of their treatment. If you think of it, after they have had their 5 consecutive/weekly treatments, the skin is prepped and ready for such a Peel. As I have said before, do this only if you are confortable with it.

The Base Line

After you work with your clients on a weekly bases by getting them through a full cell cycle, other treatments can be utilized. I call this stage in their course of treatment (and you know you will always want to see them for maintenance and further treatments) “The Base Line”. “The Base Line” means you have gotten their skin through a full cell cycle and their skin is functioning at its optimal level of cellular turnover. I want to take advantage of the skin in their stage because of increased function. Oxygen treatments, LED, Ultrasound, micro current and other skin care treatments can be more affective due to getting their skins cell cycle up to speed, mind the pun.

After you work with your clients on a weekly basis by getting them through a full cell cycle, other treatments can be utilized. Oxygen treatments, LED, Ultrasound, microcurrent and other skin care treatments can be more affective due to getting their skins cell cycle up to speed, mind the pun.

Keep your eyes open for this article in Febuary 2013 issue of  Les Nouvelles Esthetique and Spa magazine. Or visit www.lneONLINE.com

Jennifer M. Anderson’s Introduction Video

This video says it all… who I am, what I do and how I can help you!

Thank You Carrie for the video!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKg-0bZFftg

Carrie Rokosz Managing Partner-Owner

727-631-1735

CarrieRokosz@me.com

ROKOSZ Studios

Q & A Microdermabrasion from A to Z

There are a lot of misnomer’s about Microdermabrasion. I wanted to break the entire process down for you, explain each detail of what it is, how it works and what it can do for your clients skin. I believe this is a powerful tool in an Aestheticians room and should be utilized.

What is Microdermabrasion?

Let’s break it down…

Micro/Derm/Abrasion: Microsopically Abrade (remove) the top layer of the Epidermis to improve the skins elasticity, texture and clarity.

A physical (not chemical in which certain acids dissolve the despinosum which is the glue that hold all the dead cells in its place) removal of dead skin cells by way of a flow of crystals (aluminum oxide, salt, baking soda, oatmeal or diamond tip) that loosen and lift the cells, then a vacuum (negative pressure) draws the skin close to the apparatus, sweeps away the cells and crystals while increasing circulation of lymph and blood. Under the microscope, the skin looks like overlapping fish scales.

 

How does microdermabrasion create results?

There are two ways Microdermabrasion create results, Epidermis and the Subcutanious layers of the skin.

Epidermis- the surface of the skin.  The skin is alive and will protect itself and when you exfoliate the skin it goes into survival mode. The Basal Layer (I like to call it the nursery) is where all the cells are produced and it start kicking out new cells, these new cells replace the old cells that are removed from the Epidermis, hence cellular turnover is increased. During this process collagen and elastin fibroblasts (connective fibers of the skin that supports the skins form) both get stimulated and increases the firmness of the skin. I like to explain to my clients in this way, “Microdermabrasion is a controlled trauma procedure. The nursery layer where all the cells are generated from gets stimulated. After 3-4 treatments depending on the client, the Basel Layer gets fatigued and calls for back up from the dermis and then collagen and elastin are produced.”

subcutaneous under the skin where blood and lymph are present. Lymph and blood flow are increased due to the negative pressure that removes the crystals and dead skin cells from the surface of the skin and draws them back into the machine. Lymph is the toxic waste dump of the body and has two functions; lymph supplies all cells with moisture and nutrients. Lymph also draws toxins away from cells keeping them in optimal health. Lymph does not move throughout the body on its own; it moves by way of muscle contraction, message and natural body movement. There is a specific direction to move the apparatus so that the negative pressure (massage) can be fully utilized, always moving out and down towards the lymph nodes that specifically filter the lymph. Oxidation to the skin happens when the negative pressure not only moves the lymph but also draws blood to the surface of the skin which stimulates circulation nourishing and oxidizing the skin.

 

What is the treatment regime?

Anyone who wants healthier and younger looking skin can have a treatment done, age is applicable on what the client is trying to achieve. Clients can have 1 treatment per week for consecutive weeks (up to 12 if needed) to achieve optimal results. As a therapist, I want to make sure that a clients goes through their treatment regime to get them through a full cell cycle. Cell cycle can be anywhere from 21-45 days. Getting them through a full cell cycle makes sure that they will have the best results. Having treatments close to one another makes sure that the basal layer is continually stimulated; this is important for elastin and collagen syntheses.

Maintaining is needed and encouraged due to the inability to stop the ageing process. Clients can have 1 treatment per month, the every 3rd month and so on. Remember that all clients are not the same. Each individuals and each have different home regimes and lifestyles. The professional must listen and take account their specific needs and desired results. It is always recommended to each client to use

 

pharmaceutical skin care products with SPF to protect the newly exfoliated skin. When you have removed the dead skin layer, skin care products can be more quickly penetrated, providing the skin with immediate surge of moisture, nutrients, acids and vitamins. Always inform them that 20% of their results happen in the treatment room and 80% of their results happen at home.

What are some things to be aware of?

It is extremely important and it is the professionals responsibility to prescreen each potential clients. .Some clients will not be able to utilize the microdermabrasion procedure because of the following:

*Active or open acne lesions such as pustules.

*Rosecia- depends on each client. Never during a time when the skin has inflammation due to blood circulation.

*pregnancy Hyperpigmentation masking may be stimulated due to hormonal levels.

*dermatitis inflammatory condition that may flare up.

*Broken capillaries the vacuum or negative pressure may further the condition.

*Herpes Simplex I & II- Preexisting condition. Can cause an outbreak for the client.

*HIV & AIDS- The skin is thinned and can cause lesions due to a inefficient immune system

*Diabetes- The skin is extremely compromised with many medications.

*Tattoos- Tattoos can be lightened

What can you expect from getting treatments?

I like to tell my clients that results vary from client to client. I also like to explain that the longer it took to get the skin conditions a client has, the more treatments a client needs. Overall the skin becomes healthier and appears fresher, younger. Sun damage is reversed. The following results can be achieved:

*Hyperpigmentation such as age/liver spots are lightened and/or removed.

*Acne scars and pore size are minimized thus texture of the skin is improved.

*Tone and clarity due to blood and lymph circulation looks evened out.

*Elasticity and firmness are increased due to the exfoliation process.

*Restoration of the skin to its natural beauty and diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are achieved.

*Decrease of oil production in oily complexions, safe for certain Rosacia clients.

What is a treatment like, from start to finish?

Wear gloves and a mask.

*Cleanse twice with lukewarm water and NO steam, no need to draw up circulation before the use of the vacuum.

*The use of an alcohol based toner/astringent/solution thoroughly dries the skin due to fact evaporation and removes all evidence of cleanser. Since this is a dry process the professional must not leave the skin moist. The use of a 2%-5% chemical acid can start the exfoliating process due to dissolving the dead skin cells even before they are loosened and swept away, and kills bacteria as well.

*Microdermabrasion procedure. Moving the apparatus down and out towards the lymph nodes.

*Removal of all crystals. This differs and depends on which crystals are being utilized.

*Extractions are best and easiest at this time.

*Ultrasound with Vitamin C and retinol (take advantage of the skin)

*Mask application re nourishes, moisturizes, calms and treats.

*Moisturizer with an SPF to protect the new skin from further damage. This skin is now photosensitive.

I recommend everyone try a treatment. Do your homework and get one!!! Happy Exfoliating everyone!

Wash-On Sunscreen?

Wear your sunscreen… everyday!

There are many misnomers about sunscreen, sun block and all of the rays out there. I would like to try and shed some light on the subject.

On my ‘About FACE’ show this morning (www.rhinoonair.com) I had an exceptional guest by the name of Allyn Armstrong who is a chemical engineer with the skincare/SPF line, Solise.  There are so many misnomers about sun care, ultraviolet rays, product ingredients and chemicals and today’s show struck a particular chord with me. And by writing this I also wanted to share this wonderful new invention with you, use it personally and then report on my findings.

Firstly here are some facts…

Experts say that consumers should not purchase sunscreens with an SPF that is greater than 50. SPF (sun protection factor) works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. It is in fact very misleading to put high SPF numbers on labels because it gives consumers a false sense of security and my research proved just that, there is very little difference between SPF 85 and SPF 30. The higher the number doesn’t always guarantee a greater protection.

Studies show that a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 can block about 93% of all incoming UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks out 97% and  SPF 50 blocks 98%.

The protective factors plateau from there and a product with a SPF of 100 plus blocks about 99.1 percent of all UVB rays. You don’t really need a high number SPF’s, it can end up being very expensive and you’re not guaranteed that much more protection than with a SPF 50. Also keep in mind that SPF protects only against UVB rays.

Cannot get enough sunscreen!!!

It’s very easy to get overwhelmed with the sunscreen options on offer on store shelves so here’s a quick guide to try and help find the best products to protect your family from the sun:

1.    Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 and a maximum of SPF 50.

2.    Make sure that labels list UVA and UVB (or broad spectrum protection)

3     Choose lotions versus spray sunscreens for a more evenly distributed protection.

4     Remember to apply at least 2 ounces of lotion (about a shot glass full) and reapply often. The sun breaks down the ingredients in sunscreen that protect your skin and experts always recommend reapplying every two hours or after swimming or heavy sweating.

I would like to thank Allyn Armstrong for sending me this information: In 2012 the FDA made final a number of standards while proposing a cap of the SPF number at 50 plus and reviewing the efficiency of sunscreen sprays. The large body of data does not demonstrate that an SPF number higher than 50 provides any more benefit than an actual SPF 50 provides. An SPF 50 only provides 1% more protection than an SPF 30 and many experts question whether or not that extra 1% can truly be demonstrated outside of the testing environment. We err on the side of scientific research and not from the voices of an independent, un-biased, third party validation from an accredited testing source.

The Oxybenzone   http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/sun-safety-sunscreen-and-sun-protection

The SPF Graph      http://www.beautystat.com/site/skincare/2012-fda-final-sunscreen-monograph-new-ingredient-label-requirements-what-is-spf-uva-and-uvb-rays/

“If you are interested in learning or purchasing this new and innovative product visit www.solise.com , and use code SAE76729 for a discount””

I am looking forward to getting my product in the mail! I want to wash on my sun care!

Bridal Must Haves!!!

I’m about to be a bride in the fall and I was thinking about bridal beauty. We brides need to be prepared for anything. Make sure you have your maid/matron of honor has these simple yet handy items ready and waiting for you!

1. Tissues, cotton balls, cotton swabs. Smudges happen!

2. Bobby pins for your updo!

3. Concealer/cover up.

4. Eye drops…for those red eyes!

5. Hand cream – for photographs of your soft, beautiful hands.

6. Hand sanitizer – you’re gonna be shaking a lot of them…need I say more?

7. Lip gloss, liner, stick AND balm.

8. Double-sided tape – you may have slippage you didn’t notice before!

9. Nail polish – in case of any chips or smudges.

10.Your perfume – you want to smell like your normal beautiful self, all day long…

11. Toothbrush and toothpaste – to freshen up after dinner if need be, garlic or onions in the salad maybe? And how about those little picks for in between teeth…essential!

12. Folding hairbrush with mirror – this tiny compact can be a lifesaver.

13. Deodorant wipes-you may never hug as many people as you do on this day, so smell fresh without fear of white residue!

14. Breath Freshener-you may never kiss/hug as many people as you do on this day!

15. Waterproof mascara.

16. Earing backs!

17. 1 or 2 pair of hose. Runs happen! You heard it here first.

18. Clear nail polish. See 17.

19. Needle and thread sewing kit.

20. Travel size can of hairspray.

21. Headache medicine.  Of the stress!

22. A small pair of scissors.

23. Safety pins in different sizes.

24. Small first aid kit.

25. Tampons or napkins.

25. A Detergent pen- like the Tide pen. This does work if the brides or bridal party’s dresses gets anything on it.

These are the essentials that are needed if there is an “Oh My God!” moment.

Also, if you have any questions about your makeup please refer to my latest article in Les Nouvelles Esthetique & Spa named “The Foundation of Bridal Makeup” http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/ec47d1b9#/ec47d1b9/110

If you are interested in makeup application, please visit my website www.skinchicinc.com and contact me personally!

Cheers!

The Beauty Blueprint Project #2

I mentioned in my last blog that  “I want to embrace change. It might appear scary at first but I know that with that change I will grow as a person. I WILL embrace it. I have felt for a while now that I have been in a rut and I am looking forward to this change.” I guess I’m still in this rut. I have been so preoccupied with starting a new employment position at Nucci Medical Clinic, my About FACE radio show, Directing About BEAUTY networking group, getting my new Web site up and running, and everything else in between. My point is that the reason I am in a rut is because I am preoccupied with life. We all have time to do what we would like to do, we just have to make the time!

If I am to do this project, I don’t want to half a$$ it. I really want to do a realy great job; not only for me, but for you my reader.

 

Okay, I’m diving in… but before I do…

“Using This Book” there are a few things I am going to need: A Journal, Index Cards, My Favorite Pen, Old Magazines, Colored Pencils, a Poster Board, Scissors, Thumbtacks, the Website www.michellephillips.com and lastly a special storage spot like a basket or a drawer. All check!

I realize this book is an eight-step process. For every step there will be written exercises. This will create a plan for your life, looks, and teach me how to find ongoing support to turn this plan into reality. Every chapter Michelle has thrown in some facts and exercises, as well as some powerful affirmations to recite. By step 8, Michelle says that I will have a wonderfully new, vibrant perspective on my real beauty.

I start this project with anticipation and excitement! I hope you join me in this new plan!!!

‘The Beauty Blueprint Project #1

And so let the true therapy begin…

 

 

I was so grateful when Michelle Phillips contacted me asking to be a guest on my About FACE Internet radio show which broadcasts on Rhino On Air at 9am Thursdays EST. (www.rhinoonair.com)  As I do with all my guests, I googled her and discovered wow, she is not only an amazing and accomplished celebrity makeup artist but a motivational speaker, Life Coach, TV and radio host as well as being a bestselling Hay House author. Michelle guested on my show last week and what impressed me was, not only her extensive range of celebrity clientele but her grace and spirit.

 

Michelle presented me with her book “The Beauty Blueprint” as a personal thank you for being a guest and I promised her then that I would read her book, do the exercises and then blog about my discoveries. As I originally mentioned in my first blog, “In the Beginning” this is not only intended to be informative but I genuinely feel it will also act as great therapy for me. I cannot think of a better book than this to allow me to rediscover who I am from the inside and help reclaim the essence of what makes me uniquely beautiful.  I know that these findings and this deep inner self discovery will act as a satisfying and absorbing read.

 

The moment I received my book I devoured the first part of it and it brought me to tears.  “The Inspiration for the Beauty Blueprint” is the title of the preface of Michelle Phillips’ book “The Beauty Blueprint” www.michellephillips.com and in there I found just that, inspiration. I have been feeling less than inspired lately and this could be the catalyst to change that. I believe that everything begins with what is going on in the mind which ultimately affects your attitude.

 

I want to embrace change. It might appear scary at first but I know that with that change I will grow as a person. I WILL embrace it. I have felt for a while now that I have been in a rut and I am looking forward to this change.

 

I am looking forward to sharing with you what I learn from this book, my findings and genuinely hope it will inspire you in much the same way.

 

Cheers to therapy!

 

 

 

 

Inspiratio​n in the First Cup of Java

Beauty Advocate: Learn the ins and outs of the beauty industry… get great tips, inspiration & Advice. This blog is about inspiration, the lack of inspiration and the wonderful effects of caffine when it is applied to the skin. This blog is my therapy; the good, the bad and the less inspired.

I have been feeling less inspired lately. We can so easily get bogged down with things that preoccupy our minds and steal our inspiration. Our lives are littered with signals, signs and sounds and we get so busy we lose sight, we forget to stop and smell the roses. We loose our inspiration and  I think this is what has been happening to me lately. My mind seems pre occupied with so many things that I am feeling weighed down by them.  It is important to be honest with ourselves, take the time to ponder why we are feeling the way we do and think about how we go about our daily lives. Are we living or merely existing?

I usually blog if I’m inspired so why can’t I blog when I’m not? As I type this I am thinking of all the things that inspire me, a new client, a new lipstick color, a great dress that has been hanging in my closet for over a year and is still yet to be worn. Maybe something as simple as great home cooking.

Now I cannot miss the fact that this is a skin and beauty blog so I must share what caffine can do for the skin…

• The University of Washington in Seattle recently conducted a study in which they exposed healthy skin cells and UV damaged skin cells to caffeine. The caffeine caused the damaged cells to die while not hurting the healthy cells. This study was published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. This study didn’t allude to the fact that topically applied caffeine would work any better than ingested caffeine though.
• The second is actually a number of studies that point to caffeine’s anti-inflammatory properties. So the theory is that if caffeine is placed under the eye, then it can help reduce puffiness and dark circle as they are caused by inflammation.
• Caffine is found in many cellulite treatments. Caffine is a stimulant and promotes circulation, thus deminishes the appearance of cellulite.

Recently I traveled to Miami for the International Congress of Esthetics and Spa www.lneonline/tradeshows.com and I found inspiration came very easily in a room full of my peers. With great new skincare products and beautiful makeup colors for the Spring I got inspired by speaking to other professionals about marketing ideas. So why only weeks later I am feeling less than inspired?

When I looked up the word inspiration I found this: Inspiration refers to an unconscious burst of creativity in a literary, musical, or other artistic endeavour. Literally, the word means “breathed upon,” and it has its origins in both Hellenism and Hebraism. The Greeks believed that inspiration came from the muses, as well as the Gods Apollo and Dionysus.

I am thinking if inspiration happens subconsciously then our busy lives can take over our conscious minds, we’re preoccupied and we don’t allow inspiration in.

So, what inspires you? What is the thing that “breathes upon” you and gets you going? For me it can be a sunrise or a sunset, a walk on the beach, a kiss from our little puppy Lily. What comes to mind is that it doesn’t have to be a big thing, it can be very simple, very easy to find. I am feeling inspired by writing this blog, I am feeling better, my mind is occupied by the things I enjoy.

I recently asked a dear friend of mine what inspires her and she said her first cup of coffee in the morning. I think it may be simple but actually really smart, not only is it something that stimulates you, feels warm and is very tasty but it’s a necessary staple for many in the morning.

Maybe some people feel the way I have, uninspired. Maybe it is part of the cycle we all go through. Maybe inspiration can sound like a scream one time and then turn to a whisper other times in our lives.

I am looking forward to my first cup of coffee tomorrow morning. Maybe I will put coffee on my bum in hopes of less cellulite. Maybe I will find  inspiration.