I can't tell you how often I get asked some of these questions in regards to hair in the nether-region.
'Do you think lasering is the best?'
'I can't handle growing my hair out for waxing, doesn't it have to be like an inch long?'
'I'm currently in the process of lasering so don't mind my patchy hair. I'm only on my fourth treatment.'
OK. First off, lets talk about waxing vs shaving.
Pros for shaving:
-Quick
-Hair doesn't have to be extremely long
-You can do it yourself
-Virtually painless
-Left with smooth skin in under 5 minutes
Cons for shaving:
-Ingrown hairs
-Hair grows quickly
-Nicking, bleeding, missing an area
-You could be in the shower for hours shaving every bit of hair
-Not permanent
-Shave frequently
Pros for waxing:
-Esthetician does the work
-Leave feeling smooth and clean
-Esthetician can get to areas you can't virtually reach or see
-Wax can pull the entire follicle, leaving the regrowth thinner and more sparse
-Takes longer for hair to return
Cons for waxing:
-It hurts!
-Costs some dough $$$
-You have to go through the growing-out stage and deal with the pricklies
-Chance of ingrown hairs and skin irritation
-Time it takes for you to actually be waxed
Waxing definitely isn't for everyone. My first experience with wax (as a client) was horrific to say the least. I was 3 days away from my wedding day. We were getting married in Hawaii so I had to make sure I was waxed as close to the departure date as possible. The day before we left, I had my first appointment for Brazilian and leg wax.
I wasn't sure what to expect as I was not an esthetician at the time. A 23 year old wax virgin, I thought to myself- how bad could it really be? HA. I was greeted by the esthetician, and made myself comfortable on the bed while the esthetician stepped out. I was ready. I had taken my ibuprofen 30 minutes before. I had grown out for a week to make sure that wax pulled each and every one of my hairs.
The esthetician began after speaking to me about what I wanted done and what she was going to do. She used this syrupy textured wax, spreading it evenly on my skin, and firmly applying a strip on top, assuring each hair would stick to the strip. Without any warning, she ripped. HOLY SWEET MOTHER OF ABRAHAM. Did she tear open my entire vagina!? I felt as if she had ripped about 10 layers of skin off with each strip. The pain was unbearable. She continued, going over each raw, sensitive area with more wax to make sure she got every hair! (For those that have not been waxed, its similar to being sunburned, rubbing sandpaper on the area, and then having duct tape applied and ripped off). I don't know how I got myself into that situation but I promised myself I would NEVER do this again. I waddled out of my appointment, wondering how in the world I was going to explain this to my fiancé. I could only imagine the disappointment on his face as I mentioned how even underwear against my vajajay was soo incredibly painful. (Thankfully, the pain and rawness subsided the next day).
FAST FORWARD: 1.5 years
I was in Esthetics school and someone needed a model for a Brazilian wax. After much deliberation, I agreed to be their model. I was a little more prepared, but made sure to get some numbing cream prior to the appointment. It came time for the first pull, and... nope. Of coarse it was painful, feeling like a bandaid had been ripped off of a very sensitive area but NOTHING compared to what had happened 1.5 years prior. What was the difference? Why did this appointment not hurt as badly as the first??
3 reasons.
1. The type of wax the students were using was a high quality, hard wax. This wax does not require a strip, dries quickly, and only adheres to the hair, not the skin, when used correctly. This wax also has a flexible stretch to it, allowing the esthetician to pull and remove all the hair without breaking or flaking.
2. Technique used was more gentle. My first experience was... nothing short of terrifying and unfortunate. An experienced esthetician will apply pressure post pull, helping to relieve the pain a little quicker. Plus, the girls I was being worked on with knew how to hold, pull, and apply the wax. They worked in smaller sections so I wasn't getting thrown off the table with each pull.
3. My hair was thinner. After your first initial wax, your hair grows in thinner, more sparse, and a lot slower. So, your second wax isn't as painful because the hair follicle and bulb aren't as large as before.
OK, now lets compare waxing to laser.
Here are some pros and cons to laser hair removal.
Pros:
-More permanent results
-No more shaving, waxing, or tweezing
-Works great for dark hair, light skin
-Can shave between appointments
Cons:
-Cost. Ever looked up the price of a full brazilian? This can cost anywhere from $350-$1500 for 6 treatments!
-Pain. Imagine being flicked with a rubber band hundreds of times on your hoo ha. Ouch.
-If the right machine isn't used, you can have striping, patching, and may need more treatments
-Don't even think about it if your blonde. It won't work.
-Will need maintenance treatments once or twice a year.
I've been lasered a few times. I find it to be the most beneficial to remove unwanted hair permanently. It hurts. And if you aren't being lasered with a good machine, you may end up with stripes, patches, and scars from improper use and lack of maintenance. If you've gone 4 treatments, you should be virtually hair free, without striping!
However, make sure you do your research before going to the spa that promises results from the radio. Not all of the bigger companies work with the best lasers around. So, before spending obscene amounts of money on your laser hair removal, talk to others that have used the same company. Ask questions. Find out what type of machine they use, and what it is used for. If it is a multi-function machine, it probably isn't the best. Most machines that are multi-function cannot focus on one specific function, therefore don't give the best results.
So the answer to the above questions are:
It's completely your choice! No one can tell you what is the most beneficial way to remove hair down there. If you are comfortable waxing, continue! If you have a high pain tolerance and cannot stand hair, try laser! But don't down play someone because they shave or wax, its all a personal preference!
Showing posts with label Tip of the day. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tip of the day. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Sunday, November 9, 2014
Family Photos Outfits
Here it is. Fall. That means, at least for us, its family photo time. Every year we do family photos and send out Christmas cards. In the past we've done it in the snow, or mid-fall but this year we wanted some leaves and a bit of different scenery.
Choosing outfits is by far the most difficult part of family photos. With a growing family, we have to ensure everyone has a different top, but still has the colors we originally had in mind. I know how hard it can be so I decided to write down some tips and tricks on coordinating outfits for photos.
*Pick a color scheme
Long gone are the days of black tops and khaki pants. Whether your getting pictures done in spring or fall, you will want to pick a color scheme that goes well with both your family and your photo location. When we do photos, we usually like to pick 2 dominate colors, and one 'POP' color. The two dominate colors are usually neutrals, but this isn't primarily a rule.
Pick colors that are flattering. No one likes to pay for photos only to see them 2 weeks later and die at the fact that the bright yellow top washed out half of your family. Consider your family's skin type and know that not everyone can pull off that orange tee.
*Find nicer looking clothes
If you're going to take the time to get photos done, take some time to find nice clothes that fit members of the family. AVOID SCREENPRINT. This tends to look lazy and not as thought out as you would like. Try to avoid jeans with rips, holes, and tears.
*Avoid the matchy-matchy type
Having kids all in the same shirt was definitely a fad of the 90's. Dress each member of the family in a top that reflects their own personality, but stays with the color theme of the photos. Remember, not everyone has to be in a solid color. Utilize the prints and patterns that are available now, i.e. plaids, florals, strips, polkadots, baseball tees, etc.
*Don't be afraid to layer
We ALWAYS have a few members of our family layering a basic tee (usually the pop of color) with a neutral button up top. This tends to break up the monotony of the three colors.
*Be flexible
Don't freak out if every green or red doesn't match exactly. That is one of the details that makes family photos fun. Mix it up with different shades of each color.
Here are a few examples of photos we've taken over the years. None of us have the same top on, and somehow, it all looks well put together, and coordinates well with the location.
Choosing outfits is by far the most difficult part of family photos. With a growing family, we have to ensure everyone has a different top, but still has the colors we originally had in mind. I know how hard it can be so I decided to write down some tips and tricks on coordinating outfits for photos.
*Pick a color scheme
Long gone are the days of black tops and khaki pants. Whether your getting pictures done in spring or fall, you will want to pick a color scheme that goes well with both your family and your photo location. When we do photos, we usually like to pick 2 dominate colors, and one 'POP' color. The two dominate colors are usually neutrals, but this isn't primarily a rule.
Pick colors that are flattering. No one likes to pay for photos only to see them 2 weeks later and die at the fact that the bright yellow top washed out half of your family. Consider your family's skin type and know that not everyone can pull off that orange tee.
*Find nicer looking clothes
If you're going to take the time to get photos done, take some time to find nice clothes that fit members of the family. AVOID SCREENPRINT. This tends to look lazy and not as thought out as you would like. Try to avoid jeans with rips, holes, and tears.
*Avoid the matchy-matchy type
Having kids all in the same shirt was definitely a fad of the 90's. Dress each member of the family in a top that reflects their own personality, but stays with the color theme of the photos. Remember, not everyone has to be in a solid color. Utilize the prints and patterns that are available now, i.e. plaids, florals, strips, polkadots, baseball tees, etc.
*Don't be afraid to layer
We ALWAYS have a few members of our family layering a basic tee (usually the pop of color) with a neutral button up top. This tends to break up the monotony of the three colors.
*Be flexible
Don't freak out if every green or red doesn't match exactly. That is one of the details that makes family photos fun. Mix it up with different shades of each color.
Here are a few examples of photos we've taken over the years. None of us have the same top on, and somehow, it all looks well put together, and coordinates well with the location.
Hope this helps XOXO
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Individual Rivalry
Hey all!
It's been a while since a post has gone up, but that's because I've been crazy busy with appointments! I've had a lot of questions with Eyelash Extensions and wasn't quite sure what the best way to answer some of those questions was... Enter Individual Rivalry.
Individual Rivalry is one incredible blog, featuring two young moms that are focused on bringing women together, instead of focusing on competing with each other. They find anything and everything to help women out! It's so inspiring I can't contain my excitement about this great opportunity to work with them.
Anyways, we made a video about do's and don'ts of lash extensions. You can find that video here. If you have any other questions or comments, send them my way! I would love to address your concerns about lash extensions!
PS Make sure you are following Individual Rivalry on their blog and Instagram! They're one amazing team!
Follow Individual Rivalry HERE
It's been a while since a post has gone up, but that's because I've been crazy busy with appointments! I've had a lot of questions with Eyelash Extensions and wasn't quite sure what the best way to answer some of those questions was... Enter Individual Rivalry.
Individual Rivalry is one incredible blog, featuring two young moms that are focused on bringing women together, instead of focusing on competing with each other. They find anything and everything to help women out! It's so inspiring I can't contain my excitement about this great opportunity to work with them.
Anyways, we made a video about do's and don'ts of lash extensions. You can find that video here. If you have any other questions or comments, send them my way! I would love to address your concerns about lash extensions!
PS Make sure you are following Individual Rivalry on their blog and Instagram! They're one amazing team!
Follow Individual Rivalry HERE
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Choosing the correct skincare
Wondering how to find a quality skin care product? Here are a few hints.
1. If you can get it at Walmart, Target, or other grocery store, it isn't good. Why? Because the companies make mass quantities and water down their product a lot. Although you may see beneficial ingredients listed, they aren't used in the appropriate quantity.
2. If you can get a booklet of some sort or go to a meeting for your skin care, and call and order from your 'rep' (someone that is selling for the company, but has never gone through any actual skin care related training) it isn't good for you. Why? Same reason as above. Although they are 'higher quality' because they are not available in stores, they still pose the same reasons as to why you shouldn't be using that line. Also? You may have an issue, but don't know the underlying problem of why you have the skin condition you do. A rep will simply pick the product that is 'most expensive' or take a guess as to what your problem is and recommend a product. Also, you may see results at first, which is great, but they don't have any long term benefits- so once you stop using the product, your skin may go back to its original state. The products don't ever fix the issue- they just cover them up.
3. Department stores- Clinique, Estee Lauder, Bare Minerals, Clarins and Lancome are a lot better for you than any product you can get at a drug store, but it still isn't the best for you. A lot of the department store products are sold by people that are not specifically educated or trained in skin care and therefore cannot correctly suggest the right product for you and your skin type. So, you may be using a product that is harming your skin, and resulting in little or no changes. Therefore, its just wasted time and money!
4. Salons and Spas- this is definitely the best place to purchase your skin care product. Why? Spas and Salons are not allowed to hire anyone that is not licensed as a professional. Apposed to receptionists, everyone in a spa is a licensed Master Esthetician or Basic Esthetician! Products sold here are not readily available to you and they may suggest getting a facial before your purchase so they can evaluate your skin, and talk to you about some of your skin concerns.
You be the judge, but I would suggest saving your time and money, and finding a quality spa to visit, talking to an esthetician, and finding the right skin care products to help the aging process along!
1. If you can get it at Walmart, Target, or other grocery store, it isn't good. Why? Because the companies make mass quantities and water down their product a lot. Although you may see beneficial ingredients listed, they aren't used in the appropriate quantity.
2. If you can get a booklet of some sort or go to a meeting for your skin care, and call and order from your 'rep' (someone that is selling for the company, but has never gone through any actual skin care related training) it isn't good for you. Why? Same reason as above. Although they are 'higher quality' because they are not available in stores, they still pose the same reasons as to why you shouldn't be using that line. Also? You may have an issue, but don't know the underlying problem of why you have the skin condition you do. A rep will simply pick the product that is 'most expensive' or take a guess as to what your problem is and recommend a product. Also, you may see results at first, which is great, but they don't have any long term benefits- so once you stop using the product, your skin may go back to its original state. The products don't ever fix the issue- they just cover them up.
3. Department stores- Clinique, Estee Lauder, Bare Minerals, Clarins and Lancome are a lot better for you than any product you can get at a drug store, but it still isn't the best for you. A lot of the department store products are sold by people that are not specifically educated or trained in skin care and therefore cannot correctly suggest the right product for you and your skin type. So, you may be using a product that is harming your skin, and resulting in little or no changes. Therefore, its just wasted time and money!
4. Salons and Spas- this is definitely the best place to purchase your skin care product. Why? Spas and Salons are not allowed to hire anyone that is not licensed as a professional. Apposed to receptionists, everyone in a spa is a licensed Master Esthetician or Basic Esthetician! Products sold here are not readily available to you and they may suggest getting a facial before your purchase so they can evaluate your skin, and talk to you about some of your skin concerns.
You be the judge, but I would suggest saving your time and money, and finding a quality spa to visit, talking to an esthetician, and finding the right skin care products to help the aging process along!
Monday, January 27, 2014
Nerium: get rich quick or miracle cream?
As a master esthetician, I have learned to do my research before using and potentially purchasing a product. Nerium has been one of the miracle creams recently surfacing, claiming to lighten surface spots, restore skin glow, and eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. Many middle aged women are aiming to improve their skin and willing to try anything! So, when they hear Nerium is made straight from the Nerium Oleander plant, it seems legit, and it was under excessive research so it must be real! Wrong. Nerium Oleander is an extremely toxic and potentially deadly plant that can cause dermatitis, red, inflamed skin, heart failure, etc. I found this information from a former ER physician, which can be read for yourself here.
Nerium was discovered as researchers were looking for a cure for cancer and found it kills your cells. Sounds great if you are killing my cancer cells, but on my face? No. It may give the appearance of results, but there isn't any long-term benefits. Find more information on the testing, toxicity, science and results of Nerium Oleander here.
First, if you are truly concerned about your skincare, and the conditions of your skin, you shouldn't be purchasing skincare products from a friend that is a stay-at-home mom with no knowledge or background of the skin or its structure. Now, in no way am I knocking stay-at-home moms- they are the hardest working individuals. However, if you truly have skin concerns and want to improve your skins health, wouldn't you go to a professional and get their opinion? Skin care professionals are trained and knowledgable about your skin and the concerns you may have and are looking to improve. Second, if you do not do your research with each product and the ingredients, you are harming your skin, and the outcome! Large companies are currently advertising 'miracle products' that claim to clear acne, help with aging and pigmentation spots, and help iron our wrinkles. In reality? The products have ingredients in them that aren't right for your specific skin type, and can thicken the skin, making it appear clear and free of pigmentation issues. However, when you do get on a good skin care regimen, the issues and concerns will surface, as they are past issues being exposed because they weren't fixed, just covered. Third, there isn't a quick fix for ANYTHING. If you are looking to improve your physical appearance, you can't just go on a diet, lose 30 pounds, then go back to your old eating habits and maintain the same body you had while dieting. You have to change your eating habits and lifestyle. It's the same with skincare- if you want to improve the health and appearance of your skin, you need to start with the basics. A great skincare regimen and healthy diet is essential when trying to improve your skin. With good skincare, a skin care professional can help analyze your skin, address the concerns you have, and suggest products that will benefit you and improve your skins condition.
Now, I'm sure your thinking, well my friends use it and they say it works, regardless of what an LME may think. That's the get-rich-quick part. The company was creating by a man known for MLM and claims you can make thousands by working from home. All you have to do is get at least three people to sign up and purchase the product monthly and you will receive your product for free. Sound too good to be true? Use your gut instincts- myself? I wouldn't touch that stuff with a 10-foot pole.
This goes for anything you are trying. Read and research. Don't just listen to a sales pitch and watch a tv advertisement and think it has to be true. Its always good to do research. We are in the age of technology, do searches for products and also for the ingredients in the products.
Nerium was discovered as researchers were looking for a cure for cancer and found it kills your cells. Sounds great if you are killing my cancer cells, but on my face? No. It may give the appearance of results, but there isn't any long-term benefits. Find more information on the testing, toxicity, science and results of Nerium Oleander here.
First, if you are truly concerned about your skincare, and the conditions of your skin, you shouldn't be purchasing skincare products from a friend that is a stay-at-home mom with no knowledge or background of the skin or its structure. Now, in no way am I knocking stay-at-home moms- they are the hardest working individuals. However, if you truly have skin concerns and want to improve your skins health, wouldn't you go to a professional and get their opinion? Skin care professionals are trained and knowledgable about your skin and the concerns you may have and are looking to improve. Second, if you do not do your research with each product and the ingredients, you are harming your skin, and the outcome! Large companies are currently advertising 'miracle products' that claim to clear acne, help with aging and pigmentation spots, and help iron our wrinkles. In reality? The products have ingredients in them that aren't right for your specific skin type, and can thicken the skin, making it appear clear and free of pigmentation issues. However, when you do get on a good skin care regimen, the issues and concerns will surface, as they are past issues being exposed because they weren't fixed, just covered. Third, there isn't a quick fix for ANYTHING. If you are looking to improve your physical appearance, you can't just go on a diet, lose 30 pounds, then go back to your old eating habits and maintain the same body you had while dieting. You have to change your eating habits and lifestyle. It's the same with skincare- if you want to improve the health and appearance of your skin, you need to start with the basics. A great skincare regimen and healthy diet is essential when trying to improve your skin. With good skincare, a skin care professional can help analyze your skin, address the concerns you have, and suggest products that will benefit you and improve your skins condition.
Now, I'm sure your thinking, well my friends use it and they say it works, regardless of what an LME may think. That's the get-rich-quick part. The company was creating by a man known for MLM and claims you can make thousands by working from home. All you have to do is get at least three people to sign up and purchase the product monthly and you will receive your product for free. Sound too good to be true? Use your gut instincts- myself? I wouldn't touch that stuff with a 10-foot pole.
This goes for anything you are trying. Read and research. Don't just listen to a sales pitch and watch a tv advertisement and think it has to be true. Its always good to do research. We are in the age of technology, do searches for products and also for the ingredients in the products.
Friday, January 3, 2014
Tip of the Day- Dry Lips
Dry lips:
Living in Utah, you may experience the dry, flaky lips we all know comes with each winter. Lip color is big this season and it doesn't exactly look smooth with the flaky, cracked winter lips. So, here's your tip of the day.
Use an old mascara wand to exfoliate your lips. Skin on your lips is often neglected due to the different pigment, but your lips need to be pampered too! Every 3 days, exfoliate your lips with an old mascara wand. If you don't have on handy, head to your local beauty supply store and purchase a pack of 10 for under $5. Gently rub the wand against your dry lips before bed, following with a quality chap stick. Also, make sure you are drinking your required daily amount of water to keep yourself hydrated during the winter season- we are often dehydrated but unaware because we are always cold and don't think about our need of water.
Living in Utah, you may experience the dry, flaky lips we all know comes with each winter. Lip color is big this season and it doesn't exactly look smooth with the flaky, cracked winter lips. So, here's your tip of the day.
Use an old mascara wand to exfoliate your lips. Skin on your lips is often neglected due to the different pigment, but your lips need to be pampered too! Every 3 days, exfoliate your lips with an old mascara wand. If you don't have on handy, head to your local beauty supply store and purchase a pack of 10 for under $5. Gently rub the wand against your dry lips before bed, following with a quality chap stick. Also, make sure you are drinking your required daily amount of water to keep yourself hydrated during the winter season- we are often dehydrated but unaware because we are always cold and don't think about our need of water.
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