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Dermaplaning

As a skin care and beauty enthusiast, I always want to be on top of new trends and understand what is happening the industry at any given time. Now there have been products and procedures that I personally don’t believe in but like I always say to my clients and collegues, everything has its place, time and purpose; not everything is good for everyone.

To be completely honest one of the procedures/tools that I never gave a fair shot was Dermaplaning. Like others, I have ever only heard of the negative side of Dermaplaning; I have heard of horror stories from clients who have tried it else where and it destroyed their skin. I have also heard that people can use them at home (which sounds dangerous to begin with) and people have caused more damage than good. But during my time in quarantine, I have done some more indepth research and speaking with other individuals in the industry, I understand Dermaplaning much better.

What Is Dermaplaning?

Dermaplaning is a skin treatment that uses a surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and velous hair from the face. The purpose of Dermaplaning is to make the skin’s surface smooth, youthful, and brighter. This treatment aids to reduce scarring, hyperpigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles. Dermaplaning is suitable for all skin types and can treat various skin concerns, such as sun damage and remove dead skin safely and effectively.

How Does Dermaplaning Work?

Dermaplaning uses a surgical blade, held at an angle and is gently placed on the skin in a quick short stroke motion. Another way of explaining this treatment is by aiming a sterile blade at a 45-degree angle and dragging it slowly across the skin, dead skin cells, scar tissue, and other debris is gently removed. Another positive of Dermaplaning treatments is that it can safely remove velous or peach fuzz hair.

FYI – Velous hair: this is hair that has no colour, it is very fine, very light and cannot be treated with Laser Hair Removal treatments.

The Treatment

Dermaplaning is a simple treatment and can be incorporated as a full-service skin treatment. Dermaplaning being the exfoliating part of the skin treatment. Dermaplaning itself takes approximately fifteen to twenty minutes depending on the client’s sensitivity. Though there is no true down time in Dermaplaning treatments, the skin can be slightly pink and sensitive in the following days after the treatment. With proper maintenance, the effects of Dermaplaning can last up to one month.

The Difference Between Dermaplaning & Microdermabrasion

Now as some of you may know, I love my Microdermabrasion treatments; it’s a great treatment with amazing results. Though both Dermaplaning and Microdermabrasion treatments provide similar results in exfoliating and antiaging, they do them differently which is why a combination of both treatments will provide the best overall results. Microdermabrasion uses a suction/vacuum method to stimulate cell renewal and removing dead skin cells. Dermaplaning uses a scalpel blade to gently scrape off dead skin and reveal healthy new skin.

Am I A Good Candidate For Dermaplaning?

Clients who are good candidates for Dermaplaning have concerns with scarring, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin and fine lines and wrinkles. While it is safe for all skin types, there are some clients who are not good candidates. Clients who have active acne, mild to moderate rosacea, and inflamed skin are not the best candidates for Dermaplaning as it may worsen the skin instead of making it better.

Can Dermaplaning Cause My Skin To Get Worse?

Simply put: No. Because Dermaplaning is working on the outer layers of the skin it does not irritate the skin or stimulate breakouts. A buildup of dead skin can clog pores and hair follicles, which can not only cause pimples but also block your skincare products from penetrating the skin, which is why exfoliation is essential for maintaining an even, healthy glow. The skin is fresh immediately after Dermaplaning, when done correctly, the skin is healthier and brighter.

Does Dermaplaning Hurt?

Now I know that the sound of a scalpel being dragged across the face can sound scary, but it’s actually not. The treatment itself is comfortable and satisfying to see and feel the smoothness of the skin after Dermaplaning.

Does Dermaplaning Cause My Skin To Be More Sensitive?

No, the purpose of Dermaplaning is to remove dead skin, not healthy skin. Having a clear, clean canvas allows for better skin care product penetration as well as the perfect application for makeup. Remember, if you already have sensitive skin, Dermaplaning is not the best treatment for you.

How Often Do I Need Dermaplaning?

The cycle of skin cells is approximately three to four weeks, what this means is that exfoliation like Dermaplaning can be done once a month for optimal results.

Can I Do Dermaplaning At Home?

My answer: a hard No! Though I am for taking care of your skin at home; there are certain things that need to be left to the professionals and Dermaplaning is one of them. A blade in the hands of a client that doesn’t know how to use it properly can aggravate the skin and cause scarring from improper use. My advice, leave the pro treatments to the pros.

Final Thoughts

Though I wasn’t a fan of Dermaplaning in the beginning, I definitely am now. I have been obsessively watching videos online watching professionals perform this treatment and it’s so satisfying! It will be a great addition to what my clients are experiencing now as far as their skin care and skin care products. I love the results from it and cannot wait to share this treatment with all my clients.

Lash Lifts Vs. Lash Extensions

Post author By royaltyaesthetics.ca
Post date June 4, 2020
Categories In Beauty

Here’s a post about something outside of skin care. I love makeup, I love the way we can use makeup to express ourselves. It’s a beautiful language to say who you are and show your confidence. One of my personal favourites is mascara, the magic wand!

I take pride in my lashes, (knock on wood) my eyes are one of my best features. So, it should come as no surprise that I take extra care of my eyes and my lashes. Now you have heard me talk about EyEnvy Lash Serum and it is because of this product that my lashes are as strong and healthy as they are. Now there are two main treatments for Lashes which are Lash Extensions and Lash Lifts. Both treatments are great but also have pro points and con points.

Let’s Talk About the Differences Between the Two.

Lash Extensions

Lash Extensions simply put is placing a synthetic lash and gluing it on top of a natural lash. Unlike gluing a strip of temporary fake lashes onto your lash line, semi-permanent lashes are applied by a technician who hand-glues the extensions on top of your natural lashes Because lash extensions don’t come in a strip, they are super customizable and actually look real. With proper care, they can last for six to eight weeks until they naturally fall out like your lashes usually do.

Can Lash Extensions Ruin My Lashes? There isn’t much evidence that shows whether eyelash extensions actually affect your natural Lashes long-term. There is, a small risk of developing traction alopecia, which is where your natural lashes can fall out as a result of the constant weight of repeated eyelash extensions. But don’t panic, it doesn’t mean that it will happen to you; it’s only to educate you and make you aware of the possible outcome.

Pro Tip – It can take years of bad application and improper care for long-term lash damage to happen as a final result. So please, only go to reputable, well-reviewed salons (no matter how good that Groupon deal is), and make sure your technician uses proper sanitizing protocols with their room, bed, their tools and their hands. Remember: you are allowed to ask your technician to confirm all these things.

How Do I Know What Extensions to Get?

There are various looks one can achieve with Lash Extensions, you can go for a natural look, a more glamourous look and different lengths and curls to choose from. It’s extremely important to know before you lie down on the bed that your technician understands what the final look is supposed to be. The more dramatic the look the more lashes that are needed to be applied. You may have heard the term ‘Volume’ Lashes; what this means is that anywhere from three to ten lashes can be glued together and applied to one real lash. This is how the dark dramatic look is achieved. Let’s dive a little deeper.

The type of lashes you can get all depends on the length and strength of your natural lashes. Wearing lashes that are too long or too thick for your lashes can actually cause damage in the long run, so you need to make sure your extensions aren’t too much longer or thicker than your natural lashes. When it comes to density, curl, and length of your extensions, you’ll want to work with your tech to figure out which is the best option for you. A good lash technician will take your face shape, bone structure, and natural lashes into consideration when helping you decide on a lash look.

Now let’s talk about cost and maintenance. When it comes to the maintenance of lash extensions it can be a tedious, timely and costly process. The initial appointment can last upwards of three hours depending on the type of look of lashes. Follow up appointments or ‘fill up’ appointments take about an hour and these appointments are done two weeks apart. As your natural lashes fall, the extensions will fall with them which means that you can have empty spots in between your appointments. Depending on where you go, initial appointments can cost upwards of $350 and refill appointments can go for approximately $150. To say that having lash extensions is high maintenance is an understatement; though lash extensions are beautiful, it’s not for everyone.

My Personal Experience – I had only had one experience with having lash extensions and sadly it wasn’t a good one. I wear glasses to read, work on the computer and sometimes when I work. I can’t have super long lashes that I cannot have them hitting the lenses of my glasses, it’s so annoying. My boss brought in a lash tech and I was the model; I made it clear that I wanted natural looking lashes and that I didn’t want them too long because of my glasses. The turnout wasn’t what I wanted. The lashes were too long, I felt very uncomfortable and my eyes were red for a few days. When I had reached out to her to ask her if I can see her so I can have the extensions removed her response was – go to Shopper’s Drug Mart and get the remover and take them out yourself. I was in shock, is that how she treated all her clients? I hope not. Needless to say, my boss didn’t hire her and I vowed that I would never let anyone I know go through something like that ever. I ended up taking a few Lash Extension courses and qualification classes. I never pursued it because for my first love lies in skin care and Lashes would have taken up too much of my time away from what I love most.

There is an alternative and it’s the one that I prefer over Lash Extensions; which is the Lash Lift.

Lash Lift & Tint

Lash Lift or Lash Perm is a newer trend in Lash Care. Essentially what it is, is that a perming/curling solution is placed on the lashes which are on a rod/pad and after a few minutes the lashes are perfectly curled as if you had just used a lash curler.

Side Note – Lash Lift is the newer version of the Lash Perm. Lash Lift products is less harmful than traditional Lash Perm products.

Are Lash Lifts Safe for Lashes? – Yes, but remember using chemicals on the eyelashes themselves can cause the lashes to change in texture and even fall out. If the solution is left on for too long, it can damage the lashes, so you want only want a Lash Lift from a certified Lash Technician who is attentive, knowledgeable, and experienced. It’s a fact that our lashes naturally fall out on their own, so even with a lash lift done professionally, you’ll notice them shedding and growing in how you normally would. “A lash lift will last the growth cycle of each of the natural lashes that were present at the time of the initial procedure you’ll start to see the Lift eventually fall back down to its natural state as new lashes begin to grow in.

Lash Care is important with Lash Lifts, it’s essential for the best results not to wet or rub your lashes for the first twenty-four hours. That means no water, no mascara and no rubbing the eyes after a Lash Lift is done. Maintenance for Lash Lifts is far less expensive and time consuming versus doing Lash Extensions. A Lash Lift appointment can take approximately one hour and can be done six to eight weeks apart. An added benefit of Lash Lifts is that lashes can also be tinted; what’s tinting? It’s colouring your lashes darker so it can give the illusion of wearing mascara without wearing mascara. Tinting is safe to do as part of a Lash Lift appointment, most of the time, Lash Technicians will make tinting part of the appointment. The result is naturally curled and darker lashes that require little to no management.

When I discovered Lash Lifts, I was so excited! I’ve been using EyEnvy for months so I was looking forward to seeing the results of my lashes being curled. Needless to say, after my first experience I was hooked. Once I saw the result on myself I was determined to learn all I could about this treatment and be able to offer it to my clients. I believe I have taken two certification courses and attended three more classes. Any chance I get to learn from experts in the field, I am all for it.

I love providing Lash Lifts for my clients. It’s so satisfying seeing the before and after in a span of an hour is amazing. It’s a great treatment for women and men, yes, I said men. Men do Lash Lifts to open up their eyes more, when lashes are lower it shows the eyes as being small, when you lift lashes up, the eyes look bigger. It sounds a little far-fetched but it’s so true! I personally have done Lash Lifts for a few of my male clients, though not the norm; it does happen and I love it. Women tend to get Lash Lifts and Tints at the same time. The look of naturally curled and darker lashes is very appealing and it’s a fun treatment to experience and see through to the end.

What Do I Use for My Clients

I only trust one company for Lash Lift & Tint treatments. RefectoCil is a Canadian company that provides the highest quality in Lash Lifting and Tinting products. What is great about this brand is that they are always evolving and making their products better for their clients. In the four plus years I have been working with Lashes, RefectoCil has updated their formulas for the lifting and the pads we work with to provide the perfect lift. Their colours are amazing and have a full range of products to accommodate every hair colour type. What I also admire about this company and its affiliate suppliers is their constant care in reaching out to technicians and educators to provide more information, more trainings and lots of support. That for me is huge because if at any time I needed anything or had any questions I know I can pick up the phone or send an email and someone will get back to me within twenty fours.

I really do enjoy the Lash Lift and Tint treatment, it’s a great pick me up treatment for anyone who wants to change their look up a little bit. Though I have nothing against Lash Extensions, they’re personally not for me to perform as a service. Would I ever get extensions? Sure, one day so I can replace my bad experience with a good one. I would do another Lash Lift and Tint again in a heartbeat.

Want to know more about EyEnvy? Lash Treatments? Drop me a line or send me DM on my social media platforms.

Stay Safe!

Why You Need SPF … Always

Post author By royaltyaesthetics.ca
Post date May 27, 2020
Categories In Beauty

Now that the weather has shifted from cold, dreary weather to sunshine and clear skies, this is the perfect time to visit an important part of your skin care routine.

Question – What is the most effective product to use in order to reduce wrinkles and pigmentation on the skin?

Answer – SUNSCREEN!

Surprised? A lot of people are. When it comes to sunscreen, it seems to be an afterthought especially when the majority of people work or spend most times indoors. Sunscreen is crucial in the health and maintenance of skin. Let’s dive a little deeper into the world of sun protection in skin care.

I always remind my clients, family and friends to wear SPF, Sunscreen protects us from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays: UVA and UVB. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn. UVA rays, on the other hand, penetrate deeper into the skin. These rays can lead to long-term effects like wrinkling, premature aging and other skin damage.

How Does Sunscreen Work?

Sunscreen creates a shield to prevent UVA and UVB rays from reaching the skin and keep it safe from the harmful effects of UV radiation. The earth has a natural shield, too: the ozone layer. The ozone layer protects the planet from most of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, the ozone layer is not as thick as it once was. This means we have less natural protection from UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen all over the body is important, but the face is particularly susceptible to wrinkles and premature aging. No one wants to look older than they are, and sunscreen plays an essential role in anti-aging. Keep in mind that the importance of sunscreen on face isn’t just cosmetic — it’s essential for good health, too.

While most tend to think of SPF as a summer essential, it’s equally important all year-round. UV rays are just as harmful during the winter as they are in the summer. What’s more, UVA rays can penetrate window glass. This means you are exposed to harmful rays during your drive to work and even at your desk if your office is filled with natural light. While you might not think it, UV rays are especially harmful on snowy days, since the rays are multiplied by the reflective nature of the snow.

The most common thing I hear from my clients is that they’re not outside often so they don’t need sunscreen. In fact, any time we are exposed to the outdoors and the sun we do need protection. Even something as simple as driving to and from work, taking public transit and sitting beside a window all give us sun exposure. This is why wearing sunscreen on the daily is crucial.

There is a big misconception about wearing SPF daily. When we hear about sunscreen we think about the standard sunscreen we take on vacation, thick, white and dense sunscreen. Now I know you don’t want that feeling on your face every day which is why that medical grade skin care lines have special formulated SPF that can be comfortably worn daily without that greasy heavy feeling.

What Type of Sunscreen Should I Use?

It’s amazing how even the simplest of products and routine can cause the most changes. Having a proper sunscreen that is suited for your skin type will show changes in your skin’s health within four weeks of proper and continuous use.

Physical Versus Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreen absorbs into the skin and then absorbs UV rays, converts the rays into heat, and releases them from the body. Physical sunblock sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. The minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the main active ingredients in physical sunscreens.

Physical sunscreens are specifically formulated to be used on a daily basis and protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays; the best physical sunscreens are found within medical grade skin care lines. Whereas chemical sunscreens traditionally used on sun vacations and in the summer are not the most pleasant to use every day and they don’t do the best job in protecting your skin from the sun.

Knowing your skin type will help determine which sunscreen is best for you. For example, if you are prone to breakouts and have inflammation it’s best to use a sunscreen that has little to no oil in it. If you have dry skin, you will want to get a sunscreen that has a little bit more oils in the formulation so that the main active ingredients do not dry out your skin even more.

Now I know what you’re thinking, I don’t want to have a white pasty/chalky look when I apply sunscreen and that’s why I avoid it. Believe me, I get it and I feel the same way too. There is an important trick that I share with my clients when applying sunscreen. The trick is to work in the sunscreen into the skin, you only need a pea size of the sunscreen and dab it all over your face; gently work it in until it is completely absorbed into the skin.

Pro Tip – If you find that the sunscreen is not blending in well enough, you can always mix it with your moisturizer.

My SPF Picks

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t all that crazy of applying sunscreen on the daily but knew I had to anyway. Since working in aesthetics, I have come across some sunscreens that I have fallen in love with and I want to share with you.

You have seen me talk about several different product lines, my two favourite ones are AlumierMD and Dr. Schrammek and they both have sunscreens that are great and have been proven popular with my clients. Let’s explore them further.

Sensiderm Sun Cream SPF 50

Optimal protection with sun protection factor 50 for sensitive skin. The cream combines very high protection with a wonderful skin feeling. Is quickly absorbed and leaves no sticky film on the skin. The fragrant-free cream is the perfect companion for a reliable, very high light protection (UVA and UVB) for dry and sensitive skin.What is great about this sunscreen is the texture which when applied is light and hydrating. It’s one of the very few sunscreens that has an SPF of 50.

Solar Protect Fluid + SPF 50

The fluid with SPF 50+ provides a high UV protection.It is simply applied on top of the usual care, without any constant burden of UV filters to the skin.The fluid has a very light texture, protects reliably against UVA and UVB rays and leaves no sticky film on the skin.It is suitable for any skin type and free from fragrances. What is great about this product is the texture and the application is different that traditional sunscreens as it is a dropper but it doesn’t mean that the sunscreen itself is greasy or won’t absorb properly into the skin, it’s the opposite. I love the feeling of this sunscreen, it’s great for clients who have a darker complexion and don’t want to worry about using a sunscreen that is more on the white finish side.

Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42

Clear Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 42 is a lightweight, non-comedogenic, quick-drying physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays using a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Niacinamide soothes and relieves redness and sodium hyaluronate hydrates. This sunscreen is ideal for people who have sensitive skin, redness and acne prone skin. This is the one sunscreen that is oil-free and a go to option for most skin types.

Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40

Sheer Hydration Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 is a silky and sheer physical sunscreen that provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide while moisturizing with vitamin E. This formula is also packed with free-radical-quenching antioxidants, including a stable vitamin C, resveratrol, grape seed extract, and glutathione. This is a power house of sunscreens in my opinion, it feels amazing on and actually smells nice. I personally use this one and the texture of this one gives a very dewy look which is what I like during the summer months. One of the benefits of these sunscreens is that they are moisturizing, what that means is that in the morning you can just use sunscreen and skip the moisturizer because the sunscreen has enough hydrating properties for your skin. In the summer, I skip the moisturizer and use just the sunscreen and, in the winter, I use moisturizer and the sunscreen for that extra hydration.

Moisture Matte Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (Ivory)

Moisture Matte Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 (Ivory) provides powerful broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays using a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Antioxidants like caffeine, silybin and knotgrass extract protect skin from UV-induced free radical damage. This formula lightly moisturizes to smooth and hydrate, while absorbing excess oil to create a matte finish. Cutting-edge, color-encapsulated beads blend on the skin, creating a sheer tint and healthy glow. There are three shades of this type of sunscreen, ivory, sand and amber, I have used the ivory matte finish sunscreen and it’s great as a foundation, it has a great matte finish and sunscreen all in one. I use this sunscreen in the summer time so I can limit the makeup use and, in the winter, to give my skin some colour in the pale months. This sunscreen is great for skin types that are a bit on the oily side as the mattifying texture of the sunscreen has very little oils to avoid the shiny look. This sunscreen has to be worked in a little more because of the texture but the finish is awesome.

These are my favourite sunscreens and I’m sure there is a sunscreen that’s perfect for you. I hope this has helped you understand a little bit better the importance of sunscreen in your daily routine. If you have any questions or need some guidance, hit me up.

Remember …

CC Cream VS BB Cream

Post author By royaltyaesthetics.ca
Post date May 11, 2020
Categories In Beauty

I’m sure we have gone through makeup aisles in stores and see so many products that it can be overwhelming. One thing that I have always seen is CC Cream and BB Cream. Both are relevant in skin and makeup but are very different products. Allow me to break it down for you.

CC Cream

CC stands for ‘Colour Corrector’ the intention of CC Cream is to colour correct uneven skin tone due to various skin imperfections such as redness and acne. In comparison CC Creams tend to be lighter than BB Creams as the main purpose is to smoothen out the skin. Ideally CC Cream is used as a primer before makeup.

How to choose what CC Cream is right for you

Finding the best CC cream for you is truly based on what your skin’s needs are. In the past, I have had blemishes and I had redness in my skin, what I used when I went to events is a green colour corrector. Green corrects redness in the skin, I know it sounds strange but it really works. There are various CC Creams that are used for different things. Here is a quick explanation of the main three CC Creams.

Green – Reduces redness in the skin. Applying a green primer before your foundation will dull the redness and allows for a smooth application of makeup.

Lavender – to brighten and illuminate yellow undertones. Lavender is more for mature skin; makeup artists tend to use this CC Cream for mothers of the bride for seamless makeup application.

Clear – to cover fine lines and large pores. This CC Cream is a well-rounded product for most people who don’t have specific skin conditions but want to have a nice canvas for makeup application.

Now there are CC Creams that are coloured the same as foundation; this is a newer product on the market. CC Creams that are the same as your foundation would be comparable to a clear CC Cream. It doesn’t provide a lot of ‘colour correction’ but it does the job for skin types that don’t have a ‘colour’ to correct.

Tip – you can use clean makeup brushes to apply CC Creams, treat it like a liquid foundation application and it will look great.

What I Use – Makeup Forever Skin Equalizer

When I was taking my makeup certification course, I was introduced to the brand Makeup Forever. The one product that was my saving grace was the Green CC cream in my kit. I didn’t think that it would actually cover up the redness and blemishes in my skin, but it really did and it became my best friend while my skin was going through a rough patch.

BB Cream

BB Cream stands for ‘Blemish Balm’ or “Beauty Balm’. BB Cream falls in between a moisturizer and a foundation; BB Cream aims to moisturize, protect, and correct the skin. Medical grade BB Creams tend to be infused with antioxidants, brightening agents, acids, and broad-spectrum SPF to treat the skin while giving it a fresh, even glow. Now not all BB Creams are created the same or equal; like CC Creams BB Creams are designed for specific concerns but can be used for general use. BB Creams tend to provide more coverage than a CC Cream, though it does not take the place of foundation, it can offer some colour to the skin that can mimic a foundation type look.

For me, texture is very important. BB Creams tend to be thicker than a primer which is why it is important to moisturize before applying a BB Cream. One tip I can share from my own experience is when using a BB Cream, use a pea size and dab all over your face and gently work it in until the BB Cream is completely on the skin. This usually take about two minutes to properly apply BB Cream; the proper application will provide a flawless finished look.

FYI – BB Creams are not a substitute for your SPF, you always need your SPF all day, every day.

How to choose the right BB Cream for you

BB Cream or Blemish Balm is meant to cover up any blemishes on the skin, as it does provide coverage it also acts as a primer for makeup application. The best BB Cream is one that is closest to your skin tone. Unlike its sister product (CC Cream) BB Creams offer additional antiaging ingredients which is why having a BB Cream in your skin care bag is a great choice. Most BB Creams offer a mattifying finish so it’s great for skin types that tend to be on the oily and shinier side. It’s crucial to always have your skin hydrated in order for a BB Cream to have its full affect to be seen and felt. Moisturizing is key for smooth, clear and flawless skin, hydration is key.

What I Use – Blemish Balm Classic from Dr. Schrammek

I love this BB Cream, it’s a multipurpose product for me. Dr. Schrammek’s BB Cream has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used daily as make-up or spot-treatment for blemishes, hence the name ‘Blemish Balm’. It’s amazing for application after laser treatments, microneedling, skin treatments, such as chemical peels and facials. It’s great because of its healing properties; it calms the skin after aggressive treatments as well as provide coverage so I don’t have to apply makeup while my skin heals. The BB Cream has a soft matting effect and leaves a pleasant, non-greasy skin feeling.There are four shades of the BB Cream, Honey, Light, Classic and Snow; there is also a Mix & Match Colour Corrector to help with the matching of colours to the skin. I personally use the Classic BB Cream as it provides great coverage and colour for my skin type.

Tip – because of the consistency, its best to use your hands to work in the product to provide the best finish.

If you are getting professional treatments such as chemical peels and microneedling sessions, I would strongly recommend picking up a BB Cream as part of the healing process. It’s great because it will not interfere with the results and it looks great!

Remember – I offer free consultations, feel free to drop me a line and we can connect.

Want more information or to purchase the best BB Cream, check out Laserlicious’ website www.laserlicious.ca/products

Skin Care Essential – Retinol

Post author By royaltyaesthetics.ca
Post date May 4, 2020
Categories In Beauty

As a skin care specialist and aesthetician, I have seen my fair share of skin care products and I am sure I will see more in the future. The one thing that I will always vouch for is having a solid retinol serum in your skin care routine.

One of the things I have learned while learning about skin and skin care is how essential Retinol is to our skin care. The best way to use retinol is through a serum. One thing to note that though there are various percentages of retinol in products; it is so important that the type of retinol used is best suited for your skin type and to introduce it to your routine slowly.

FYI – One thing to remember about retinol is that it can only be applied at night. Anything that contains retinol that is meant for day time is not good, the amount of retinol would be too minimal or non-existent and not effective at all.

Now I am going to talk about the benefits of Retinol – I truly believe in it and I have personally seen how amazing it is for my skin and for my clients too.

Retinol is a well-rounded serum, it’s great for: Antiaging, Pigmentation, Skin Texture, Exfoliation and Acne just to name a few.

Retinol – Vitamin A is an extremely effective skin-transforming ingredient that seems to know just what your skin needs to help diminish visible signs of aging. Over 40 years of established research shows it can help visibly increase the appearance of firmness, diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles, significantly improve uneven skin tone, smooth and refine the surface of skin.

When skin’s appearance is affected by free radicals (and everyone’s skin is) or you have signs of aging, uneven skin tone, wrinkles, or an apparent loss of firmness, retinol steps in to minimize those concerns. Studies have clearly shown that retinol naturally turns around how skin appears—which makes it one of the most exciting skincare ingredients in use today!

AlumierMD’s Retinol Resurfacing Serum 0.25 is a pure microencapsulated retinol serum that helps you achieve a more radiant and even complexion. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves texture and tone by stimulating collagen production and speeding cell turnover. This formula also targets acne-prone skin, minimizes pore size appearance and evens skin tone. Unlike many other retinols, AlumierMD’s retinol is microencapsulated using cutting-edge technology to allow for a gradual timed release into the skin overnight. By encapsulating the retinol and adding soothing and hydrating ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), tea extracts, honey and sodium hyaluronate, maximal results can be achieved with minimal irritation.

So, what makes this product any different than other stuff in the market.

There are many reasons why this product is superior than others, first point is that AlumierMD is a medical grade skin care line. Second point, it is backed up by clean science and is free of sulfates, free of parabens, cruelty free and artificial fragrance free just to name a few high points. But the most important thing is the ingredients, it’s always crucial to understand what you are applying on your skin. If you can’t pronounce the first five ingredients, chances are that the ingredients are not best suited for your skin.

This is not the case with AlumierMD’s products, let me share with you some the three main ingredients in the Retinol Serum.

Microencapsulated Retinol (1.0%): A vitamin A derivative and antioxidant that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves texture and tone by strengthening skin, improving elasticity and increasing skin turnover. Retinol also targets blemish-prone skin by unclogging pores and enhances skin tone by reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Encapsulated retinol allows for a slow release into the skin overnight minimizing side effects, so you can enjoy all the benefits of retinol with little to no irritation!

This is the highest percentage of Retinol that can be safely used on the skin. Any product(s) that boasts a higher dosage is one of two things 1) not the true percentage 2) not Health Canada and FDA Approved for safe use.

Niacinamide (vitamin B3): Niacinamide increases ceramide and free fatty acids in the skin, which are key components of its protective lipid barrier. Along with keeping in moisture and boosting hydration, it also brightens skin, calms redness and increases tolerance to topical retinoids.

This is a key ingredient especially for skin that tends to be on the more sensitive/reactive side. It calms the skin while still allowing the retinol to do its thing and revealing new healthy-looking skin.

MATRIXYL® Synthe’6®: Derived from a peptide naturally found in collagen and laminins, MATRIXYL® Synthe’6® is a tripeptide that strengthens the skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

This ingredient is AlumierMD exclusive peptide, you will not find this peptide anywhere else but in AlumierMD’s products (and it’s in quite a few of them) This peptide in combination with Retinol is a powerhouse of a product. When you apply this serum, you can almost immediately feel the power of the peptides working on and in your skin.

Skin Tip – It is always best to start off with a low percentage of Retinol and build up gradually. Your skin will thank you for it. For example – I started with using Retinol 0.25%, then when that was done I went to Retinol 0.5% and now I am on Retinol 1.0%.

How to Use Retinol

Believe it or not there is a right way to use the Retinol serum. Remember: retinol is only to be used at night only. The best/right way to incorporate retinol in your skin care routine is very simple. At night, before bed here is your routine: Step One – Cleanse Step Two – Retinol Serum Step Three – Eye Cream Step Four – Moisturizer Step Five – Bedtime
See? Easy!

Helpful Tip – If you are new to Retinol it’s best to introduce it slowly, here is the timeline to use Retinol safely and effectively. First two weeks – use once every three nights Next Two Weeks – use every other night Next Two Weeks Moving Forward – use every night

Retinol is the holy grail of serums. It is a versatile product and can work with almost every single type of skin care routine. If you can only incorporate one serum – then Retinol is the easy and obvious choice.

Want more information?
Need a consultation?

Hit me up! I’d love to chat with you!

Nutrition & Skin Care

We’ve talking about how important skin care products are to the maintenance and health of skin. I think that’s a fact that we have all agreed on at this time. But there’s more to it. It’s not just what you put on your skin (which is vital) but it’s also what you put in your body.

Now I am not an expert on Nutrition by any means, what I am sharing with you is all based on my own experiences and my own research. When it pertains to skin care it is something I have and continue to study and learn on.

Part of having clean skin is an “Inside Job” because what we consume is a direct reflection of the health of our bodies, specifically our organs. And what is our body’s largest organ? Our Skin! Our body is always working hard to eliminate toxins.

Did you know? When our liver cannot filter out toxins, toxins will filter out through other organs, our skin serves as a ‘backup’ for our liver. When toxins are eliminated through the skin, they may appear on the skin in forms of inflammation, breakouts, blackheads, and other skin concerns.

Now, here’s where our diet comes in: Each food we eat has the potential to benefit or harm our skin.

For example, fruits and veggies containing antioxidant vitamins help in the production of collagen, and may help your liver naturally detoxify to prevent breakouts on your skin.

There are foods that can cause a reaction to the skin. We’ve experienced at least once that when we consume a lot of chocolate we can break out. Refined carbs like Sugar is one of the biggest enemies to our bodies and our skin. Did you know that sugar acts as a food for bad bacteria, which gives it a chance to feast, flourish, overpower out the good bacteria in our gut. Here’s an interesting point – Since acne is a bacterial condition, it makes sense that breakouts are linked to having an imbalance of the “wrong” kind of bacteria in your system.

There are also studies that show that consuming large amounts of refined carbs can increase oil production in the skin. When we eat refined sugar, our body releases the insulin, which regulates your blood sugar by transporting sugar into your cells.Now, because refined sugar digests rapidly, your body must release large amounts of insulin to “keep up” with bringing sugar into your cells just as quickly as it’s being digested. Research shows these rapid insulin spikes can trigger production of sebum (oil), which can clog pores and forms pimples, whiteheads, and blackheads.

I’m sure you have heard that dairy is also an enemy of the skin. There is a strong correlation between dairy intake and breakouts and limited dairy intake and clearer skin. Did you know that dairy products are a pro-inflammatory food? It’s true!Pro-inflammatory foods can aggravate or worsen existing inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne. Personally, I am lactose intolerant so I stay away from dairy because the consequences are not worth taking in the dairy. Many people are sensitive to dairy; it all depends on the severity of the sensitivity. As you can guess, food sensitivities may also initiate an inflammatory response throughout your entire body, when your body experiences inflammation, it can trigger inflammatory skin concerns.

My skin before was a result of bad food choices and lack of a skin care routine

Most fast food items are deep-fried in refined vegetable oils and loaded with trans-fats. While vegetable oils may sound healthy they can aggravate skin conditions because they’re extremely high in omega-6 essential fatty acids. It is true that omega-6s are extremely important to our health and well-being. But as a pro-inflammatory nutrient, problems may arise when we have too many omega-6s and too little omega-3s in our diet. Inflammation is a major underlying cause of chronic skin conditions. So, when we’re consuming too much omega-6s and not enough omega-3s— which are natural anti-inflammatories— our bodies are more likely to show common signs of inflammation: redness, swelling, pain. Since omega-3s are found in wild fish, algae, grass-fed meats, chia seeds, and seafood, and high amounts of omega-6s are found in fast foods, processed foods, and deep-fried foods, you can see how fast foods don’t promote skin health.

Did you know that many vegetable oils that are used in fast-foods are sensitive to heat and light, and turn rotten when they’re exposed to high temperatures. Dropping these fats in a scorching hot deep-fry basket will oxidize them which forms free radicals. Free radicals have been shown to destroy our healthy skin cells and lead to premature aging.

Those are the major factors that link food to the health of our skin. That’s great, now what?
I’m glad you asked!

I can empathize that healthy and clean eating can be a challenge. Believe me, I have been there multiple times. One thing that I know from own experiences is that drastic changes don’t ever work. Trying to do a complete 180 degree change in a span of 24 hours is unrealistic in my opinion. I know that because I have failed in approaching healthy eating that way.

What I have learned in the last year especially is that making small changes and building it into a routine has the biggest impact. Like with a skin care routine, building a healthy eating lifestyle is taking simple steps, working towards a solid routine and building it up as I go based on my needs. Now I still live at home with my family, refrigerator space is hot real estate so I don’t have the luxury to meal prep for a whole week like others do. I had to adapt. What I would do is meal prep the night before for the next day or prep the morning of. This way I am using the freshest ingredients and I am not annoying my family with multiple food containers in the fridge or lying around the kitchen.

Now not all nutrition comes from food, we have to rely on supplements to get all the vitamins and minerals for a healthy body. Having an active lifestyle, I also have a job where I am constantly on the go. I rely on protein supplements, vitamins and minerals to keep my mind sharp, my body strong and my gut healthy.

As I have mentioned before, I am lactose intolerant; I cannot digest dairy. A lot of the protein powders, bars etc. have whey protein which is a dairy isolate. This becomes a challenge for me as a lot of the Vegan options are either low in the protein percentage or taste absolutely horrible. Another challenge I face is that I had gastric bypass surgery over six years ago, my stomach is much smaller and doesn’t digest certain foods and I struggle taking large pills. I rely heavily on supplements for my daily nutrition intake because I don’t get it all from food. I have spent a significant amount money, time and effort trying to find protein products and supplements that tasted great but also gave me what I truly needed.

Enter Arbonne.

What’s great about Arbonne is that all their products are Vegan and gluten free. This is great for me but it really came down to the taste and what the products can offer me. As usual I was skeptical, I had in the back of my mind for so long that I would never find products that will fit my needs and be bearable to consume. But I had a glimmer of hope and I dove in and purchased a few products and I was pleasantly surprised.

Here’s a breakdown of what I have:

Arbonne Essentials Protein Shake Mix

Do the daily shake with delicious, nutritious perfectly balanced vanilla shake mix. Provides 20 grams of vegan protein, plus more than 20 essential vitamins and minerals per serving. As much as I love my chocolate flavour things I decided to go with vanilla because there is so much to work with. Vanilla is a versatile flavour, I can add different ingredients and it’s a different shake every time. That’s what keeps it exciting for me. The protein in here is pea protein which is delicious and this shake mix has 20 grams of it which is awesome and gives me a lot of the nutrients I need to get through my active busy days.

Arbonne Essentials Energy Fizz Sticks – Pomegranate

As a replacement for my morning coffee or for when I start to feel the afternoon crash coming on, I stir in a fizz stick to create a refreshing bubbly drink with a botanical blend of ginseng combined with caffeine naturally derived from guarana and green tea to temporarily help promote alertness. Energy Fizz Sticks also enhance cognitive performance, help promote endurance, enhance motor performance, and help reduce fatigue. I have also used fizz sticks as a hot beverage to warm me and boost me up at the same time. Pomegranate is one of my favourite flavours so I was happy with my choice. It’s definitely a healthy and better alternative to energy drinks and coffee.

Arbonne Essentials Daily Fibre Boost

I use the fibre boost in almost everything I cook, a small scoop and I get my fibre fix with 12 grams of fibre, nearly half the daily requirement, derived from grains, fruits and vegetables. Fibre helps support regularity and cardiovascular health which is great considering the active lifestyle I am working towards. This is a flavourless, soluble fibre can be added to all foods and beverages, including Protein Shakes. This makes it an easy way to get my daily dose of fibre without compromising taste.

These products have been so helpful in maintaining and contributing to my healthy lifestyle. I certainly notice that when I am off these products and when I don’t eat right it really shows on my skin and I don’t like it. It’s a constant motivator for me to look good but also feel good. Working on the outside going in (skin care products) and working on the inside going out (nutrition)

I want to see everyone happy and healthy, during this difficult time we should all be concentrating on our mental and physical health. We all deserve to be living our best life even if we are in self isolation. It’s the perfect time to really focus on ourselves because we have all this time, we really have no excuses. We can focus on healthy eating and using right skin care to become the best versions of ourselves. We deserve to come out of this healthier, happier and stronger.

Even though we cannot see each other in person, I am available for consultations and support. I am just one message/email away. Please feel free to reach out, I’d love to hear from you.

How To Take Care Of Your Skin At Home

It has definitely been an interesting few weeks with all the madness of the pandemic that is happening in the world. We went from saying we don’t have enough time to I have all the time.

With some of us having to work from home or actually stay at home it is given us a lot more time to pay attention to our skin.

With myself being out of work, I do miss giving professional treatments to my clients. I’m definitely itching to get back and doing what I love to do. But with staying at home, there is some extra time to write and to share some of my knowledge with you.

Though professional products cannot be used at home, we can still use at home products to give ourselves fresh healthy-looking skin and also give us a little boost that is needed.

First let’s talk about what’s in your skin care. You need the basics, cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Best addons would be a couple of serums, a toner and eye cream. How can we make it exciting? It’s all about the mindset and application.

Here’s what I have as my morning protocol.

Step One – Cleanser

Splash your face with some water, pretend like you’re in one of those skin care commercials. Try not to make a huge mess of it but if you do it’s okay, have fun with it!

What Do I Use – I use AlumierMD Purifying Gel Cleanser and EyEnvy Cleanser

Once your skin is cleansed and dry, it’s time for step two.

Step Two – Exfoliation

Exfoliating is so important for the skin. Depending on the type of exfoliant you have, it can be done twice a week or if you have a lighter exfoliant it can be done daily. Remember, that when you exfoliate, easy on the pressure and enjoy the feeling gently removing dead skin from the face.

What Do I Use – I use AlumierMD Bright & Clear Solution (daily) and Exfoliate Me by EyEnvy (once a week)

Once your skin is exfoliated and dry, it’s time for step three.

Step Three – Eye Cream

I am very self-conscious of my eyes. I always believe I have racoon eyes and I’ve been told otherwise. With this mindset, I have tried my fair share of eye creams that never really did anything for me, even with proper use. The key to maximizing eye cream again is in the application. Dab small dots of eye cream across the bottom of the eyes and tap the product in with the ring finger. Never swipe eye cream because at that point, you’re just taking it off and not allowing the product to be infused in the skin.

What Do I Use – AlumierMD Alumineye (the best!)

Once eye cream is applied, on to the next step.

Step Four – Serums

Serums are a great way to enhance, treat and maintain your skin. Depending on your skin, what you’re looking to treat/enhance/maintain and your skin type will determine what serums are great for you. This is where we can introduce a tool that I love using which is the WANDLOVE roller to infuse my serums into my skin but also give my skin a much-needed lymphatic massage. The roller has many benefits, one of them being, getting blood flow to the skin and have that collagen and cell renewal production going. The most important thing with using a roller is how to use it. Here are a few tips: 1) limit pressure on the skin, too much pressure may stimulate breakouts 2) always use the roller going up, we want to lift everything up not help gravity 3) make sure the serum you are using is a good glider at the beginning to be able to enjoy the process

Side Note – You can also use Purity Oil of Marula as a product to combine with the roller.

What Do I Use – Serums AlumierMD EverActive C&E, Ultimate Boost Serum, Intellibright Complex

What Do I Use – WANDLOVE and Purity Oil of Marula from Hadaka

Once all the serum(s) are infused in the skin, we are ready for step number five.

Step Five – Moisturizer

Moisturizers are essential in skin care; moisturizers lock in hydration and keep the skin healthy. Moisturizers are key especially after application of serums; to lock in the serums and hydrate the skin. It is essential to have the proper moisturizer for your skin type. I also use a bb cream on occasion, especially after I do treatments to keep my skin in good recovery mode.

Side Note – it is completely normal to have one type of skin in the summer months and another in the winter, I do.

What Do I Use – AlumierMD HydraLight (summer) Recovery Balm (winter) Dr Schrammek Classic BB Cream

Once the moisturizer is in the skin, now we’re ready for the final step.

Step Six – Sunscreen

No matter what time of the year it is, we always ALWAYS wear your sunscreen. The secret to loving your sunscreen is in the application. When you take your pea size of sunscreen, it’s important to dab a little bit all over your face, then gently work it in. This process will take approximately two to three minutes and work it in until you don’t feel the sunscreen anymore. Now depending on the type of sunscreen, with colour or without colour; the importance of working it in until it’s in is the key to loving sunscreen on the daily.

What Do I Use – AlumierMD Moisture Matte Sand and Sheer Hydration Untinted

My Night Routine is very similar with a few swaps. Here is a quick view of my nightly routine.

Step One – Cleanse

Step Two – Eye Cream

Step Three – Serum (Retinol)

Step Four – Moisturizer

Step Five – Bedtime!

Now, let’s talk about some fun addons!

The biggest thing we can use right now are masks and I use my fair share of masks.

Here are my top choices:

Black Mask from Hadaka

I love this mask because I am prone to having blackheads and this is the one mask I can vouch for that works and feels amazing. The consistency is thick and really digs deep to get the blackheads out. I use this product once a week to keep my blackheads in check.

24K Gold Masks from Hadaka

I love these masks! There are three masks, one for eyes, lips and of course face. The great thing about these masks is that they’re hydrating and brightening, it combines the best of both worlds. One important note: don’t use all three masks at the same time, the intention is for the eye and lip masks to be done together and the face mask as a stand-alone. These masks feel absolutely amazing and the results can be seen almost immediately. It’s meant as a pick me up but who doesn’t want to relax for thirty to forty minutes and emerge glowing all over. As a side note: the lip mask will plump up the lips and make them luscious. I love it!

Do Kiss & Tell – Lip Scrubber

Our lips definitely need attention, especially during and after the winter months. The lip scrubber allows to exfoliate the lips safely and effectively. The triple brush application ensures that all parts of the lips are treated and cleaned up. It also stimulates the lips to provide temporary plumpness which is always a bonus!

Dear Derm. Lus Extra V-Line Lift Up Band + Sheets

This is a new product that I have tried in the last week while on lockdown. This product is designed to provide a virtual facelift treatment designed to reduce chin sags and tone your natural V-LINE to create a definition of your facial contours. I tried it for the first time and I was so impressed with the immediate results. It was fun having the band and mask on, it went from cooling to heat to the point where I was ready to fall asleep! It’s a great product for the ultimate pick me up.

Now that I have shared my skin care routine in more detail, I hope it gives you some inspiration to step up your skin care game.

If you would like more information on any of the products or would like to purchase, please drop me a line, send me an email or a DM and I’d be happy to help!

Stay Safe!

Skin Concerns – Acne

Acne has to be the one skin concern that plagues people of all ages and all backgrounds. It is challenging to deal with acne, especially if you don’t know how or why you have acne. From my own personal experience having acne; I know how frustrating it can be to deal with as well as the toll it can take on the self-confidence.

Let’s start from the beginning – What is Acne?

According to the Mayo Clinic – Acne is defined as the following: “Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers, though it affects people of all ages.”

While this is one definition of Acne it is not the only ‘way’ people get Acne though it is the most common. Acne appears in different ways as well as degrees is severity. There are several factors that can trigger Acne and Acne type breakouts. Let’s break them down.

Environment – Our work environments play a huge role in how our skin reacts. If we work in a dry environment, we need to keep the skin hydrated so it does not go on the defense and breakout. If we work in a restaurant, surrounded by oils and heat can take a toll on the skin. It’s important to cleanse the skin properly to avoid acne breakouts.

Important Point – When our skin feels ‘under attack’ it usually manifests itself into acne like breakouts.

Diet – There is some truth that certain foods can cause Acne. The biggest one being chocolate (high sugar content). Other foods that causes acne like breakouts is dairy, foods with high dairy content can cause acne. It’s always a go to for aestheticians to ask their clients to reduce dairy intake to see if it is cause of the acne breakouts. It’s important to note that certain foods can also cause inflammation in the skin such as spicy foods.

Improper Use of Products / Cleansing – Understanding your skin type is crucial in skin care. Using products not intended for your skin can cause your skin to breakout due too much oils or too much water. The skin needs to be balanced at all times to maintain healthy skin. For example, using products that have an excess amount of oil in them when you have oily skin can cause breakouts. It is also important to cleanse the skin properly in order to remove any excess oils, dirt and makeup. Cleansing is key to have clear and healthy skin, with the proper cleanser of course.

Dirty Pillow Cases / Phone / Hands – It’s sometimes the simplest things that can make the biggest difference. This is true of keeping our surroundings as clean and neat as possible. This is true of our pillow cases and phones. Dirty pillow cases can cause breakouts as pillow cases can hold on to excess oils and sweat from our skin. Even using a certain detergent can cause breakouts and inflammation. We are glued to our phones, that’s a fact, so it’s important to keep our phones clean as much as we possibly can. Some of us do have a habit of constantly touching our faces which can cause breakouts because of what can be on our hands, dirt and oil and things that can clog our pores and mess with our skin. The best thing we can do is limit the face touching as much as possible.

Stress – It’s a fact that when our bodies are under stress that our systems get a weaker and we are more susceptible to getting sick or being run down. This is true of our skin. When we are stressed it manifests itself on our skin. It’s important to take care of our skin during stressful times to maintain healthy fit skin.

It is so important to consult with a skin care specialist, especially when it comes to concerns of the skin like Acne. Grabbing products that have key words that promise to kill bacteria is simply not helpful for healthy skin. Speaking with a skin care specialist will help you determine you skin type, identify skin concerns, walk you through proper product use, and guide you on the path of healthy glowing skin.

I have been very fortunate that I have been a part of great skin journeys with some of my clients. My own journey has been a long one and I have had my fair share of mishaps and stresses that caused my skin to react poorly but now that I understand skin much better I can say with confidence that my skin is the best that its ever been.

If you have any skin concerns, want to know more, please drop me a comment or hit me up on social. I offer virtual consultations and we can work together to get you on the path of healthy clear looking skin.

Product Review – EyEnvy

We have all heard the saying that the ‘Eyes Are The Windows To The Soul’ and I believe that to be true. Eye contact is so important, it is one of the most important things when making a first impression and it makes sense that we take care of our eyes as best as we can.

I love playing with my eye shadows and experimenting with colour, but what’s most important are my lashes; when my lashes are done I feel like a million bucks. Now I have had my fair share of mascaras boasting volume, thickness and health; but I wasn’t getting the look I was hoping for with my lashes long-term.

Fast-forward to my first Spa Show in Toronto. This is where I had my first encounter with the awesome people at BeautyD and EyEnvy. Now I have heard about Lash Growing serums that are supposed to lengthen, strengthen and promote healthy lashes; most of them are costly and results are not long lasting. In speaking with the reps from BeautyD, I was intrigued by EyEnvy but not completely sold. It wasn’t until one of the reps showed me a small patch of bare skin on his lower cheek and said to me “You see this spot, I am using EyEnvy and I guarantee you when I deliver these products in six weeks, my hair will have grown in” I being the sassy person I can be rolled my eyes and was like ‘Okay whatever dude” Six weeks later, he shows up, struts his way towards me and smiles. I kid you not, there was not a bare spot on his facial hair; I was impressed. I told him I’m sold, give me my EyEnvy.

EyEnvy – A Brief Introduction

Established in 2009, EyEnvy^® was created with the vision to get people feeling as good as they look. The formulation in this product allows for even the most sensitive of people to use this product safely and provide desired results.

Some interesting points about EyEnvy that are notable:

Canadian Company (Go Canada!)
Cruelty Free
Vegan Friendly

My own experience with EyEnvy has been my saving grace in keeping my lash game on point. I have seen what it has done in my life and I share that with everyone I meet. What’s great about this product is that consistent and proper use is essential results can be seen in as little as six weeks. Even though my lashes are looking fabulous I still use EyEnvy on the daily. Why? Consistency and health of my lashes. It has become part of my morning routine that I cannot leave my house without it.

Here’s how to use it, step by step

Only use EyEnvy in the morning and on the top lash line only: Why? As we blink a lot when we are awake, the serum will penetrate the top lashes and also hit the bottom lashes as well, it’s not safe to use at night time as the serum may get into the eyes and cause irritation.

The applicator looks like a liquid liner brush, it’s important to remove excess of product from brush, so in a wiping circular motion do this on the neck of bottle (like you would with nail polish)

Helpful Tip: Shake EyEnvy bottle to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

Starting three quarters of the way in, sweep the brush across the lash line in one motion. You don’t want to start right at the tear duct as you don’t want your lashes to be long at that point. (It’s happened to me, it’s not fun to deal with) Do the same on the other eye.

Helpful Tip: Make sure lashes and eyes are clean and free of product, wait about a minute to apply eye makeup and mascara.

Repeat this for six weeks and your lashes will look bomb!

Remember: Consistency Is Key!

Want your hands on this amazing product? Hit me up and I’ll help you get it!!

Why I Became An Aesthetician

It’s funny how when we are in grade school and then high school to think of what we really wanted our life would be like if we got to be in the career of our choice. For the longest time I wanted to be a teacher. It seemed very natural for me, I enjoy being around people, I have patience and I enjoy teaching/training others.

It was only until my first year in college that I realized that the teaching path was my path; a path that would take me five academic years to complete. I have been very fortunate in my academic career that I have had many amazing, smart, influential and positive teachers. Words cannot describe how some of these teachers from grade school, to high school, to college and university have impacted me. Their passion, understanding, commitment and motivation has given me the drive to do what they did for me for someone else.

After I graduated from Teacher’s College, I headed over to England to try my hand at the teaching gig across the pond. When that didn’t work out, I worked part time as a tutor but I wasn’t getting much out of it. I also went as far as taking an online course to be a certified teacher to teach English as a second language; which also did not open any more doors. What I craved more than anything was to be a positive influence in someone’s life. I was super passionate about literature and I was constantly keeping up with current popular things such as movies and books that kids were into and how I can incorporate that into classics such as Romeo & Juliet.

Five years after I graduated from Teacher’s College, I was working in an office and not really happy with where my life was. I had gone to many interviews both in the school boards and in private schools and all ended in the same ‘thanks but no thanks’

At this point, I was getting fed up; I wanted my life to go somewhere other than the stuffy office I was in at the time. I have always been interested in the beauty industry. The beauty, health & wellness and skin care industry is always changing, always innovating and moving at lightning speed. I found it exciting and something I really wanted to pursue.

I was thankful that I was working at a job that allowed me to really pursue other things outside of the office. It was after work that I was hunting and looking for a school that I could learn about the beauty industry. After many visits and much research, I finally settled on a school; International Beauty Institute.

I knew after my first class at IBI that I was on the right track. I took my classes on Saturday as I could not afford to go to school full time without working. Again, I was so fortunate and blessed that I was in a classroom with beautiful, smart women who wanted to learn and even more fortunate that the women who taught me were strong, intelligent and passionate women. My time at IBI was amazing, I learned so much from skin care, to laser, to makeup to lashes.

Fast forward to my time now at Laserlicious. I have come to realize that part of my job is to help people be their best selves. Nothing beats when I have a client tell me how happy they are with their results. It really is the best part of my job. I take pride in my work as an aesthetician, I love what I do. I get to work with my amazing work family on the daily. I have met so many incredible clients that I have been fortunate enough to help on their journey to success.

What I am trying to get at is that I hold no regrets that I did not become a teacher. Even though I did not make it to the classroom and make a difference in a student’s life I am really grateful that I can do something similar in a different way. Even though I never got into the school system, I will always have that Bachelor of Education. Who knows, I may get back into it via the beauty industry. But seriously I do love my job and would not leave it any time soon.