Review: Chanel Blending Foundation Brush #7

Every since I got hired as a Beauty Advisor about a month ago, I have had my eyes set on this duo fiber brush. Since my trusty finishing kabuki brush by Eco Tools got destroyed I needed a similar brush to give me a great foundation application.


The brush itself is very light, almost weightless.
It comes in a pretty dusting case.   

Review: Boots Expert Sensitive Gentle Cleansing Face Wash

Upon graduating an Aveda concept beauty school I had a lot of products in my kit left over to take home with me. So that's pretty much the only brand I have been using on my face besides different makeup products. A few months ago I ran out of my Aveda Botanical Kinetics Creme Cleanser and wanted to try something different and more affordable.

While shopping at Target I remembered my mom used a cleanser and moisturizer by Boots, and thought why not give it a try. It only cost me $4.69!

Product Info:
Sensitive skin needs extra care when being cleansed. This hypoallergenic foaming wash is specially formulated to be less drying. With soothing aloe vera and mineral water it leaves skin cleansed and refreshed.

Fragrance-free. Lanolin-free. Dermatologically tested.

PROS
+Leaves skin feeling clean and soft
+Very gentle
+Has a little to no smell
+Dispenses a light foam(a very small amount goes a long way)

CONS
The only con for me is that it can be a bit stripping, if you use too much of it. I'm a normal to dry skin type, but much oilier in the summer months. All you need is about 1/4th of a pump. Make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer.

All in all, I'd say it's a good cleanser, and even better for the price.

Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau (Water), Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Cocoamphoacetate, Glycerin, Sodium Citrate, PEG 120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Phenoxyethanol, Aqua Mineralis (Mineral Water), Methylparaben, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Propylene Glycol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Extract

Q&A With Founder Of Murad Skin Care Products

Massage Envy has a great little magazine that they publish every season. It's very informative about topics such as massage, facials, and health in general. It's free for the public and their members. If you're ever near a Massage Envy drop in and grab yourself a copy.

Anyway, here's a great Q&A with Dr. Howard Murad, founder of Murad facial products, answering some of the readers burning questions. Check it out.

First Time Brazilian Wax Tips!

I personally have not mastered the art of giving Brazilian waxes. In school we only learned bikini waxing and saw one demo of a Brazilian. That is why it's on my to-do list and as an Esthetician it is your money maker. I have been asked a lot of questions from those who've never experienced receiving one. Therefore I did some research and came across a great list of tips that I wanted to share with you all.

First Time Brazilian Wax Tips

1. Research your local spas for a reputable place. An on-line investigation can be helpful, but I always recommend getting a referral from someone you know and trust. If you are unsure about a certain spa or waxer, start with a less intimate service before delving into the private areas. A good esthetician will always make your comfort level the top priority.

How To Treat Hyperpigmentation

Finding the right treatment for hyperpigmentation can very difficult because there are many factors involved. Such as hormones, which us Estheticians have no control over. One thing that must be addressed is your sun habits and you must avoid any exposure if any progress needs to be made. Before going outside make sure you apply an SPF 15-30 sunscreen everyday.

Home Care for Hyperpigmentation (according to Milady)

1. Cleanse with a product appropriate for your skin type.

2. Use a toner that is appropriate for your skin.

3. Apply an AHA product, usually a gel of 8%-10% AHA concentration.

4. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, usually with a physical sunscreen agent and built in moisturizer. If you work outdoors the sunscreen should be water-resistant.

5. At night follow the same instructions. However you don't need to use a toner or sunscreen at nighttime. Just a good moisturizer instead.

Before you go out to purchase any products I would highly recommend seeing an Esthetician first, because there are many other factors that may cause hyperpigmentation.

Please be patient! Hyperpigmentation is hard to treat and can take months before there is a change in your skin's appearance. You must be consulted consistently and diligent with your home care and spa treatments. Most importantly, all treatments should be non-agressive and non-irritating.

AHA's = Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Many are found in nature and as a result are sometimes referred to as fruit acids. When applied to the skin as part of a skin care regimen, alpha hydroxy acids loosen the outer layer of dead skin cells. source

Beautifying Tip: Ways To Use Witch Hazel

A bottle should be easy to find at your local drug store starting at about $3.99. What is witch hazel you ask? According to Dictionary.com it is...

1.a shrub, Hamamelis virginiana, of eastern North America, having toothed, egg-shaped leaves and small, yellow flowers. Compare witch hazel family.
2.a liquid extraction from the leaves or bark of this plant mixed with water and alcohol, used externally as a liniment for inflammations and bruises and as an astringent.

Great Ways to Use Witch Hazel:

1. Set Your Makeup
Pour some into a spray bottle and mist onto your skin after application.

2. Soothe Razor Bumps
It soaks up moisture, which causes irritation.

3. Stop a Shiny T-zone
The astringent will dissolve excess oil.

4. Deflate Under Eye Bags
Its anti-inflammatory properties nix swelling.

5.Degrease Your Roots
Dab along the hairline and part, then blast away residue with hair dryer.

6. Hemorrhoid Relief
Temporarily relieves itching, discomfort, irritation, and burning.

Source: Cosmopolitan Mag August 2012

What Should Your Skin Care Regimen Consist Of?

If you want healthy skin you’ll need to take care of your face and nourish it with the right products. Everyone should have at least two products that they use for their facial regimen. One being a cleanser and the other a moisturizer. Both should be used twice a day. Yes, morning and night! You may ask why do I need to cleanse my face at night and AGAIN in the morning? Well for starters, our pillows and sheets that we lay our faces upon, can hold dirt & germs(unless you wash them everyday).

Now a more advanced regimen would consist of the following:

1. Cleanser: It removes surface dirt and impurities.
2. Toner: Refreshes skin, removes excess oil and product that your cleanser didn't remove (don't use at night).
3. Treatment product(s): Includes serums, eye creams, spot treatments, masques/masks, etc.
4. Moisturizer: Hydrates your skin.

I know that sounds like a lot. If you're lazy or cheap (haha) start with a basic regimen consisting of a cleanser, toner, and moisturizer. All products should be used in the order listed above.

Here are few things you should keep in mind when looking for skin care products:

+ For sensitive skin use hypoallergenic and fragrance-free products. Usually anything containing less than 10 ingredients.
+ Normal/dry/dehydrated skin types should use a cream facial cleanser. Oily skin types should use a gel cleanser.
+ Have dry skin? Avoid using products that contain alcohol, it will cause your skin to become tight and dry.

Hope that helps!