Entries Tagged 'Beauty' ↓
November 7th, 2009 — Beauty
The Recess Difference
SANITATION:
We Autoclave all metal implements –
Medical grade sanitation used in hospitals, to prevent the spread of fungus, infections and viruses that are commonly spread through nail salons, such as Hepatitis C and Staph Infection
Never Re-Use Files, Foot Files, Buffers, Orangewood Sticks and Pedicure Liners
Use Pedicure Basins w/Liners –
to eliminate unsanitary conditions that exist when using a “spa pedicure” chair with a hot tub. Imagine the ring around your bathtub and how clean you can get that without harsh bleach?
YOUR HEALTH:
Superior Ventilation System –
Will recycle the air frequently, so you aren’t breathing other peoples’ nail filings or inhaling toxic fumes.
No Parabens –
Parabens are a synthetic preservative linked to breast cancer and reproductive problems found in most household toiletries. Women should take caution.
No “Big 3” Toxins- DBP, Toluene, & Formaldehyde
DBP –
Dibutyl Phthalate makes nail polish flexible but has adverse effects on the development of the reproductive tract in males. It is already banned in Europe
Toluene –
is a nervous system toxin that helps nail polish go on evenly
Formaldehyde –
is detrimental to your lungs, throat and nose, but is used to harden polish and prevent chipping. *Some labels state that formaldehyde isn’t added as an ingredient; however, the polish still contains a “formaldehyde resin”
SERVICE:
Customized Treatments –
Each client gets to customize their treatment of soaks, lotions, scrubs, and essential oils in the scent of their choice. Technicians will analyze their skin and nail condition and recommend the perfect combination for each client.
Organic Products –
Recess’ line of products are used during services and are derived from natural and organic ingredients
Superior Nail Technicians –
Only the most professional and experienced technicians are employed to customize services for each client.
Fluent in English –
Our technicians speak fluent English so you can communicate your spa needs comfortably.
Privacy Option –
Clients have the luxury of closing the drapery between service chairs in order to relax in private
THE ENVIRONMENT:
Environmentally Friendly Construction –
The space is designed with recycled materials and a sustainable design to reduce environmental impact so you can feel good about yourself on the inside as well as the outside.
November 7th, 2009 — Beauty, Health
Millions of women (and a few men) visit nail salons regularly to have their nails done. Unfortunately, occasionally the result of having manicures or pedicures is developing nail fungus or bacterial infections that can not only look bad, but also may also feel even worse. A few simple steps before your next salon service can significantly lower your risk of developing a painful nail infection or fungus, or worse, a more serious disease.
Check out the salon for cleanliness and safety precautions. Don’t be afraid to ask for a quick tour if you are considering a new salon, or asking the owner or manager of your current salon what steps they take to ensure safety. And take a look around. Does the salon look clean and sanitary? Is the trash container properly bagged and covered? Is the floor clean? Are the manicure tables kept neat and tidy? Is there good light? Look at the disinfectant containers and make sure that they are clear, clean, and free of debris.
Next, check the station where your service will take place. Ask if all instruments are cleaned and disinfected (even better: autoclaved) after each use, and if you need proof, have the technician show you the cleaning area or solution. Does he or she use fresh, clean instruments on each client? Make sure all files, buffers, and anything else that touches you is freshly clean before you allow the technician to begin. Also, the technician should wash his or her hands before and after each client, or wear fresh gloves. Clean towels should be used for every client.
Avoid having your cuticles cut. Cuticles serve a purpose — they protect the nail bed from allowing infection to enter. If you like how your nails look with them pushed back, ask for cuticle softener, rather than cuticle scissors. After the cuticles are softened, the technician can wipe away, or gently scrape away, the excess with a fresh orangewood stick.
Pedicures can be a bit riskier because of the hot water and tub. Make sure the tub is thoroughly drained, cleaned, and disinfected between clients. The steps where clients typically step with bare feet also should be cleaned and disinfected between clients.
One way to avoid many of these concerns is to buy your own manicure or pedicure kit and bring it with you. Make sure you clean and disinfect your kit after each use, even if you are the only one using it. You also can bring your own nail polish, base coat, and top coat. Remove your old nail polish at home, or bring nail polish remover with you.
The salon and technician should both be licensed by their state governing board, usually the board of cosmetology. The licenses should be clearly displayed.
If sanitary precautions are not being taken at your salon, politely but firmly tell the owner what needs to change and what you expect. Contact your state cosmetology board if you develop a nail infection, fungus, or other condition as a result of visiting a salon, or if you see unsanitary practices. – Lisa Palladino
June 29th, 2009 — Beauty
If your anything like me, French manicures are the best, They make nails look longer and more elegant and classic. I never use color on my nails… But always maintain Chanel’s Classic Red on my Toes.
Get compliment-worthy hands at home with these tips from esthetic expert Marie Scalogna.
Remove. Take off old color with acetone polish remover on a cotton ball. (Note: Don’t use a tissue, it will fall apart and doesn’t absorb the remover well.)
Trim. Cut and file nails to your length of choice. As for shape, there are two main options: square or rounded. And neither form will chip more than the other.
Soak. Rest hands in a bowl of warm water for five minutes. Add two tablespoons of a bath powder or your favorite liquid soap to soften nails. Make sure the water’s not too hot or it will dry out your hands and nails. (If you don’t have time, you can skip this step.)
Soften. Apply cuticle oil or lotion on dry hands to nourish and soften rough spots.
Push. Use a cuticle or Popsicle stick to press cuticles back so they don’t get in the way of the polish. Some people prefer to cut their cuticles for aesthetic purposes, Scalogna explains, but it’s best not to do this at home. “Unless you’re a professional, you’re going to end up with cuts all along the side of your nails,” she says. “Just push them back and keep it easy.”
Scrub. Exfoliate hands with a body scrub or homemade mixture of olive oil and kosher salt or raw sugar. Scrub for two to three minutes, then wash thoroughly.
Moisturize. Dry hands and apply a rich moisturizer.
Polish. Apply a base coat first, then apply two thin coats of polish. Finish with a top coat
Helpful Hints:
- If you don’t have time to paint your nails, just take off the polish and moisturize. It will look much better than chipped paint.
- No file on hand? Use the rough edge of a match book.
- If you don’t have cuticle oil, olive oil works just as well.
- Light polish is easier to maintain than dark polish – chips and cracks aren’t as noticeable.
- Keep polish in a cool, dry place, like the fridge. It’ll last longer.
May 11th, 2009 — Beauty, Health
Green Bug Repellents
It’s warming up, the bugs are here,
Send them buzzing away in fear,
Use repellents made the eco-friendly way,
Insects don’t like green blood anyways!
Buzz Off…Naturally!
As the weather warms up, nature’s dinner bell starts to ring and pesky insects everywhere
begin to lick their chops. Spoil their human feast by using eco-friendly insect repellents
that meet a few important guidelines.
* Stay away from products that contain the chemical DEET, which can cause headaches and severe long-term health problems.
* Use repellents that contain natural plant-derived oils such as citronella, tea tree, neem, jojoba, pennyroyal, noni, soybean, thyme, lavender, or lemon eucalyptus.
* You can even make your own green insect repellent. In a spray bottle, mix 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/3-cup witch hazel, and 5 drops of citronella, Eucalyptus oil, or any of the other essential plant oils. Shake vigorously and store in the refrigerator.
* Many eco-friendly repellents are available nationwide. Some examples include Second Skin Naturals, California Baby, Badger Balm, and Repel Lemon Eucalyptus.
For More Tips for Living Green
www.Smart2beGreen.Com
May 11th, 2009 — Beauty
Just In Time for Summer. Keep you and your Family Protected from Pesky bugs with these natural Bug Repellents.
Our 100% natural blend of bug-fighting oils repels even the most stubborn of pests. Rosemary, Lemongrass, and Citronella oils mix with 5 other oils that bugs hate, creating an all natural solution for keeping them away. Since there’s no DEET in this formula, it’s safe enough to apply with confidence to children and pets.
Apply liberally to exposed skin, particularly your ankles, legs, arms and hairline before venturing outdoors
$8.00
Made with an all-natural blend of essential oils, this balm quickly soothes pesky bug bites. Camphor and menthol relieve pain and itching, while lemongrass, thyme, lavender and orange oils reduce discomfort.
Apply directly to your bite or sting, rubbing gently, and reapply as needed.
$6.00
www.BurtsBees.Com
Add California Baby®’s Natural Bug Blend™ Bug Repellent Spray to your fight against bug bites! It’s a safe and natural alternative to toxic bug repellent chemicals, Citronella, lemongrass and cedar do not cause harm to humans, pets or the environment. Our DEET free natural formula repels bugs such as fleas, mosquitoes, ticks and biting flies. California Baby® Natural Bug Spray does double duty helping to soothe existing bites with herbs that are specific to the healing of the skin. California Baby® uses only the finest quality, traditionally recommended oils that are safe, gentle, and effective. California Baby®’s essential oils are guaranteed pesticide free and sustainably grown.
$13.50
www.CaliforniaBaby.Com
