Thursday, September 21, 2023

Gold Nails for Fall with OPI

 

The stars have aligned–to bring you the perfect gold nails for fall! With earthy shimmers, a pearl, and embellishments, this gold on gold layered look is #Virgoals 
 Show off your skills when you DIY this mani with shades from Big Zodiac Energy, our fall 2023 collection. 

Monday, September 18, 2023

The Perfect Nude for Every Skin Type

For years, there has been a debate on how to choose the right nude for your skin tone. Some say it’s going a shade darker or lighter than your skin, while others say it should mirror your fingertips.
While we don’t believe there are rules when it comes to wearing color, we do believe in helping you find your most flattering personal shade of nude. To help you, we created a guide with light, medium, and deeper skin tones in mind so you can find the best nude polish to compliment you all year round.

Before you begin, you’ll need to know if you have warm, cool, or neutral undertones.

To find out, take a look at your veins. If they’re green to olive, you have warm undertones, which often look best with gold accessories. If they’re blue-green, you are neutral which pairs well with rose gold, and if they air on the side of blue-purple, you’re cool, which looks great with silver. Read on to see our picks for your skin tone, as well as what types of accessories flatter you best.

Nude Nail Colors for Light Skin Tones
If you have light skin with blue or purple undertones, you’ll want to reach for soft pinks like Mod About You or Put it in Neutral. For blueish-greenish undertones, a peachy shade like Mimosas for Mr. & Mrs. or a warmer pink like You’ve Got That Glas-glow will stand out – pair these shades with rose gold accessories, a metal that’s always flattering for this undertone. Olive undertones can opt for warmer hues like Tiramisu for Two.

Nude Nail Colors for Light Medium Skin Tones
Medium-toned skin with cool undertones not only looks great in silver jewelry but shades like Taupe-less Beach, a soft gray with subtle hints of lavender. Blue-green undertones can go cool with Don’t Bossa Nova Me Around or warm with Somewhere over the Rainbow Mountains, while shades like Coconuts Over OPI will look flawless on olive-green undertones.

Nude Nail Colors for Medium Skin Tones
Put it in Neutral and Passion are favorites of ours for tan skin with cool undertones –pinky beiges will always flatter you. Blue-green undertones will look best with warm shades like Krona-logical Order and Somewhere over the Rainbow Mountains, while opaque creme polish like Be There In A Prosecco will perfectly flatter warmer-toned skin– this undertone and shade also looks great with gold accessories.

Nude Nail Colors for Medium Deep Skin Tones
Baby pink shades like It’s a Girl! or a gentle wash of buff like Coconuts Over OPI looks great on medium-deep tones with blue and purple undertones. Neutral undertones will look great with a dove beige color like Icelanded a Bottle of OPI and rose gold rings, while Samoan Sand is a stunning warm nude nail color for skin with olive-green undertones.

Nude Nail Colors for Deep Skin Tones
Deeper-toned skin with cool blue-purple undertones are always flattered by rich shades of rosy pink, like Tickle My Francey or Passion – complete the look with silver stacking rings or bracelets. If you have blue-green undertones, opt for bright, pinky nudes like Tagus in that Selfie, but if you’ve got olive undertones, rich chestnuts like My Italian is a Little Rusty is always a good look.


Friday, September 15, 2023

6 Fall Skincare Tips

 Fall is finally here!  That means cozy sweaters, cooler weather, and unfortunately, drier skin.

Learn how you can maintain your summer glow all year long with these doctor-approved fall skincare tips!

1. STAY MOISTURIZED

Does your skin start to feel dry and tight in the fall and winter? You may not be moisturizing often enough, or you may be using the wrong type of moisturizer for your skin type

2. BEWARE DRY AIR

While it's a good idea to keep your skin out of the cold, artificial indoor heat can have similarly damaging effects on your complexion.

Most modern homes and office buildings rely on central heating systems that suck moisture out of the air. Skincare experts recommend investing in a small bedroom humidifier to keep the air in your home from becoming too dry.

3. AVOID HOT WATER

When the weather outside is chilly, there's nothing better than coming home and soaking in a hot tub or taking a steamy shower. But while these activities are relaxing, they're not necessarily great for your skin.

The hotter the water, the more it will dry you out. How can water be drying? Much like a sunburn, hot water causes the skin to become inflamed and disrupts the natural production of oils.

4. TRY ILLUMINATING & EXFOLIATING TREATMENTS

If your skin is already looking dull and feeling rough, it's not too late to do something about it. 

Here are some tips to ask your beauty expert about;

Illuminizing peel: The Illuminize Peel is a fast-acting, non-invasive chemical peel that reduces pore size and helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation. With little to no downtime, you can quickly get back to your regular activities. This peel is so gentle that you can even have it done the day before a big event!

Microdermabrasion: By using tiny crystals to exfoliate the skin, microdermabrasion gently removes dead skin cells to reveal the soft and bright skin underneath. If you have any unwanted summer sun damage, microdermabrasion is a quick and simple way to restore your skin's tone and texture.

Having these treatments done close together (typically one week apart) is a great way to brighten up your skin for fall - and by removing dead skin and minimizing pore size, these treatments will make your fall skincare routine more effective and your skin less acne-prone.

5. DON'T FORGET YOUR SPF

Just because you're not hitting the beach anymore doesn't mean you should stop wearing sunscreen. A broad-spectrum 30 SPF sunblock should be part of your skincare routine year-round, not just during the summer.

6. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER

Don't forget to keep drinking water, too! While there are many different opinions on exactly how much water you should drink each day, four to six cups is a good rule for generally healthy people.If you're taking certain medications or working out often, your doctor may recommend that you drink more.

If you have trouble remembering to drink water, you can still stay hydrated by incorporating hydrating foods into your diet. Cucumbers, lettuce, watermelon, and strawberries are all high in water content and low in sugar.

Cooler weather doesn't have to mean dull, dry skin - there's still plenty of time to protect and refresh your skin using the tips listed above!

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Tuesday, September 12, 2023

Remembering 9/11

 

 "Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11."
—President Obama


Saturday, September 9, 2023

How to Treat and Prevent Bumps After Waxing

 You may be able to relieve bumps after waxing by methods including exfoliating and applying a cold compress, among others. Some over-the-counter products may help.

When hair is forcefully removed, like with waxing, it causes stress to the surrounding skin. Many people develop mild bumps and inflammation afterward. Although this usually clears up in a few days, treatment can speed healing and prevent future bumps.

What causes bumps to form? Many people develop folliculitis — a bumpy, pimple-like rash — after hair removal. It’s usually caused by inflammation. Inflammation typically goes away on its own without treatment.

If you have white or fluid-bumps that last more than a few days, your folliculitis may be the result of a mild infection. This can usually be treated at home.

If you develop bumps after the initial inflammation subsides — a week at most after waxing — they may be a result of ingrown hairs. Ingrown hairs are a specific type of folliculitis. They form when hair grows back into the skin instead of up out of the skin’s surface. Ingrown hairs cause small, round bumps or pustules that resemble acne. Hair may or may not be visible inside the bump.

You’re more likely to develop ingrown hairs if your hair is naturally curly or coarse.

Although ingrown hairs may eventually break through the surface on their own, there are things you can do to help bring them to the surface and relieve your symptoms.

Quick tips to reduce swelling and inflammation

While it’s usually best to leave bumps alone so they can heal on their own, there are a few things you can try to reduce swelling and inflammation.

You should:

  • Wear loose-fitting clothes. Tight fabrics can increase irritation on already sensitive skin.
  • Apply a cool compress to help soothe the affected area. You can use an ice pack or make a compress of your own by running a clean washcloth under cold water. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 20 minutes.
  • Use a warm compress to help draw out ingrown hairs. You can use a heating pad or make a compress of your own by running a clean washcloth under hot water. Apply the compress to the affected area for up to 5 minutes at a time.
  • Avoid picking or popping bumps. Not only can this damage your skin, poking and prodding can introduce bacteria and increase your risk of infection.

What to do immediately after and between waxes

How you manage and prevent bumps after waxing depends on a few factors:
  • where you waxed
  • when you waxed
  • skin sensitivity
If you get professional waxes, your specialist should provide you with detailed aftercare information specific to the area. Here are some general recommendations.

Immediately after waxing:
  • Apply a cool compress or take a cool shower to reduce irritation and sensitivity. Avoid hot baths or showers.
  • Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid friction and irritation.
  • Avoid perfumed products, lotions, and creams, which can irritate sensitized skin.
  • Apply an over-the-counter cortisone cream on the waxed area to reduce inflammation.
  • Avoid excessive activity for 24 hours after waxing. Perspiration can irritate freshly waxed skin.
One to two days after waxing:
  • Continue to wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction.
  • Continue to avoid perfumed oils and creams. You can apply mild gels, such as aloe vera, to help soothe the skin as needed.
Between waxes:

Cleanse and exfoliate regularly. Removing dead skin and other debris can help release embedded hair and prevent additional ingrown hairs.

How to prevent future irritation
Routine cleansing and exfoliating is the easiest and most effective way to prevent bumps from forming after you wax. Make sure you use a mild scrub or exfoliating cloth every other day, at a minimum, to prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and other debris. Once you start waxing, it’s important to maintain your appointments. They’re typically spaced four to six weeks apart to align with your hair’s natural growth cycle. 
If you schedule an appointment outside of this timeline — or use other hair removal techniques between appointments — it disrupts your growth pattern. This increases your risk of irritation and ingrown hairs.
If your skin is still irritated as your appointment nears, call your waxing specialist. They can determine whether you should reschedule.
You should also check in if you’re on or close to beginning your menstrual cycle. Although your waxing specialist can still perform the service, your skin may be more sensitive than usual during this time.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Happy Labor Day

 

Hope everyone had a safe Labor Day weekend! -Megan Tallerico

795 Alamo Drive
Vacaville, CA 95688

Tel: 707.208.7646


Sunday, September 3, 2023

How To Care For Your Eyelash Extensions

 What can you not do with eyelash extensions?

These days, this largely depends on the type of products your lash tech uses. Getting your eyelashes wet used to be a huge no-no, but Phillips explains that some glue formulas of today do allow exposure to water within 24 hours. Always clarify with your lash tech what the best aftercare protocol is for your specific set, but it's a good idea to refrain from tugging, pulling, rubbing, or applying any type of oily formula. “Oil will break down the adhesive,” Phillips explains. “If you're putting on serums, avoid that on your lash line.” As long as your keep your lash line protected, eye creams are okay. For those with oily skin and oily eyelids, Phillips recommends eyeshadow primers to absorb excess oil and stop it from seeping down into the lash line.

How do you shower with eyelash extensions?

You can, but confirm with your lash stylist if you need to wait until 24 hours after your appointment. “Eyelash adhesives vary in the time they take to cure, from either 12 to 24 hours depending on what glue your stylist uses,” says Marin. It’s super important that you’re gentle with your lashes and make sure that no water touches them during this time, says Richardson. You can shower after getting eyelash extensions, and you def should. But! Be! Careful! Phillips says to let your lashes lightly graze the water, and when you dry off, use the towel to carefully dab underneath your eyes to absorb the water.

Can you put mascara on eyelash extensions?

Marin doesn’t recommend using mascara with lash extensions. Why? Because when you attempt to take it off at the end of the day, you can actually cause your extensions to break from the friction and makeup remover. Not only that, but mascara can clump your lashes together and make them hard to clean. As for eyeliner, Richardson says to avoid using cream-based formulas, which often contain oils and waxes that interfere with adhesives.

How do you wash your face with eyelash extensions?

You might think that washing your lashes will make them fall off faster, but Phillips debunks that myth and stresses the importance of washing away any buildup that can cause breakage. Richardson recommends only use cleansers specifically formulated to be safe for eyelash extensions. Other products may contain ingredients that can weaken the bond of your lash extensions and cause them to shed prematurely. And if you’re wearing eye makeup, use oil-free pads and gently swipe downward, rather than back and forth, to get your lids and lashes clean. And whatever you do, avoid rubbing or tugging at your eyes.

How often should I brush my lash extensions?

Lashes can get tangled when you’re sleeping or showering, so gently brush your lashes with a clean spoolie brush when you wake up, after you shower, and at the end of the day. As your lashes grow out above the lash line where they started, the spoolie might get caught and tug your lashes, so at that point, Phillips suggests only using the tip the spoolie to separate the lash hairs to avoid pulling any out. If you need to remove gunk or sleep from your eyes, Phillip says a soft eyeshadow brush dipped in water is the perfect tool for cleaning and fluffing out your lashes again. To prevent unnecessary tangling, try to sleep on your back or side (not your stomach) and use a silk pillowcase, which tends to be gentler on extensions, says Richardson.

How do you take lash extensions off?

Carefully. Again, no tugging, pulling, or rubbing. Remember how you're supposed to avoid oils because they can break down the glue? Use that to your advantage! Phillips says if you can't get to a lash tech and you need to remove your lashes, gently press a little oil, like vitamin E or castor oil, onto your eyelashes and leave it overnight to soak through the adhesive. When you wash your face in the morning, the extensions should easily slide off.

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