Everyone knows that a full body massage has amazing effects on your mind and body – but what about a facial massage? Is it just a relaxing part of every facial treatment, or does a facial massage have benefits all of its own?
​Massage gives your facial muscles a workout
You know that your body needs to be regularly exercised to keep the muscles supple, but what about your facial muscles? Yes, they also need a fitness regime, and no, opening your mouth to add
food doesn’t count as a workout. Regular exercise in the form of a facial massage will help tone those muscles and keep your face looking younger for longer.
Any kind of massage helps to relieve tension
If you’re feeling stressed, the muscles on your face can tense up in the same way as your shoulders hunch and your neck aches. On top of the stress, this can also lead to wrinkles, so you need to counteract it before the tension takes hold and starts to show on your face. Regular massage relieves the build-up of tension in facial muscles. If your skin is oily and prone to acne, a ten minute facial massage will be perfect (you don’t want to stimulate too much oil production) but for normal to dry skin up to 20 minutes is ideal. It’s very relaxing, too, which is just what you need when you’re stressed out.
It increases circulation
When you’ve hurt your back or shoulder, a massage is an ideal way to get the blood circulation going, and it promotes healing too. The same applies to a facial massage. Your face muscles need
looking after and will appreciate a decent massage even if you haven’t overdone it in the same way you might do with your sore calf muscles or shoulders. Having a good massage on your face will help to increase the blood and oxygen flow to skin and muscles, plumping everything up and giving you a younger, more radiant glow.
It gives you a natural facelift
Massage increases the blood flow and oxygen to the area, rejuvenating your whole face. It follows that having regular facial massages can naturally (and very pleasurably) give you a younger looking face. Oxygen is known to be a natural form of anti-aging skin care, and better blood flow has the effect of also increasing collagen production, giving you a naturally healthy glow.
It will help your skincare products sink into your skin
When you spend money on good quality skincare treatments, it’s always good to know that they are having an effect. You can increase the effects of your home skincare preparations too, with a little help from a good massage.
The increase blood flow improves skin texture, so carry on the good work at home whenever you carry out your daily cleansing routines. Just cleanse your skin as normal, and then apply a serum and moisturizer with a gentle tapping motion. The massaging action really does help skincare products absorb more easily into your skin.
What more reason do you need to invest in a relaxing, anti-aging facial massage?
You’ll look younger!
Depending on the condition of your skin, your age, skin care goals and budget, regular facial treatments—that incorporate some form of muscle stimulation through massage—work in combination with daily skin care to improve the overall appearance of your skin: anywhere from once a month (for normal to dry skin) to every two weeks (for combination or acne-prone skin) is recommended.

If you’re new to waxing, going straight for a Brazilian bikini wax is quite a step; most people dip their toes in with a basic bikini wax first and then try a Brazilian.
According to one study from a few years ago, most women between 18 and 49 remove some or all of their pubic hair. A 2013 study from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas found that only 8.6 per cent of women from the ages of between 16 to 40 had never groomed their pubic hair at all, although most women said they shaved with a razor, trimmed with scissors, or used hair removal cream, 16 per cent of people said they waxed.
Why women remove their hair
Most women just like the way it looks – we groom everywhere else so why not our pubic hair? Most women say they prefer a neater, cleaner look.
Many women love their Brazilian waxes, and although yes, they hurt a bit and yes, if you’re not used to having your most intimate areas out for inspection it can feel awkward, once you’ve seen the results you’ll be hooked.
Top tips for breezing a Brazilian
You might feel a little apprehensive at first but don’t worry, your esthetician will put you at ease and answer any questions you might have. Before you start, tell the therapist if you are worried, have any sensitivities or are especially ticklish – they can keep that in mind once you’re being waxed.
It’s always going to feel awkward at first; you’re showing your nether regions to a stranger (or you might know the esthetician which could be even more awkward depending on your perspective) but you can't get around that. Try to relax.
Before your appointment

• Use the toilet. If you must use the bathroom, go before the wax. You really don’t want to be needing the bathroom halfway though.
  
• Shower – as well as being cleaner, a warm shower opens your pores so the hair will come out easier.
  
• Make sure that your hair is at around 1/4-inch-long before your wax. Don’t let it get too long, in general if you’re a shaver you need to wait about three weeks after a shave before getting a wax.
  

• Exfoliate – if you exfoliate your skin before a wax it helps to stop any dead skin cells getting in the way of your hair being pulled out by the root.
Wear Comfy Clothes
Wear something that’s loose-fitting for a waxing appointment as your skin will probably feel more sensitive than usual afterwards, which could be irritating if you’re wearing tight clothes. Underwear wise – avoid thongs because of wax residue, and opt for loose, comfy and not your favourites.
Do you need painkillers?
Some people swear by taking a pain killer about an hour or so before a waxing – something like Tylenol might help. Some people don’t bother with any pain relief – it’s your choice. See how you go, you might want to try it the first time and then realise it really wasn’t so bad.
What if you get your period?
It’s not a great idea to get a wax on your period – not just because it makes things more awkward for the esthetician, but also because it tends to hurt more. You're more sensitive when you're on your period and with the best intentions it can still get a bit messy sometimes.
After care
Take it easy after you’ve had a wax and try to avoid doing any workouts or activity that might get you sweaty. It’s not a good idea to sweat too much after a wax, so for a day or so afterwards you have an excuse for missing the gym.
Avoid in-grown hairs by exfoliating after the wax as well as before. You can try using a body scrub from the drugstore that has beads in it, just anything that has a bit of an exfoliating effect.
If you don’t already (we’re sure you do) make sure that you keep the area clean and fresh after the wax, to avoid a build-up of dead skin, and get rid of any waxy residue from the treatment. 

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One of the hardest parts of owning a small business, is trying to get your name out there and get clients in the door. You know you have a great product, and that you're amazing at what you do.... but, how do you get all the people to come and see that for themselves? The answer is advertise.... and network. Advertise like your life depends on it. Social media has become a staple in just about every person's life, so why not take advantage? But... who has the time to create enough ad content to post 2-4 times on 5 different social media platforms? I know I don't. I recently started using an app called Viraltag, and it has made my social media advertising so much easier! All I have to do is add the images and ad content I want to share, and schedule when I want it shared. Viraltag does the rest, and I can spend an hour a week on my social media advertising, instead of 1-2 hours a day. I'm going to include some images of what it looks like so you all can see just how easy it is to use-  
 click here to sign up- http://viraltag.grsm.io/AimeeHogan
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If you're trying to promote yourself or your small business, Viraltag is definitely a tool you want to take advantage of. At least in my personal opinion.... and I can definitely say that it has made my life a million times easier and less stressful. Heres a couple of links to case studies about how successful Viraltag is in helping you to find yourself more followers, and a steady stream of new clients from your social media presence- 
Case Study - Blogger.docx

Case Study - NGO.docx

So, there ya go... here's one of the ways I've found to make advertising less of a chore. Now I have more time to spend on networking and with my clients. Plus, when I go home for the night, I'm able to spend that time with my family instead of on my phone or computer. 

Lash extensions are becoming more and more popular, and it seems that no self-respecting star ventures out without a full set of voluminous lashes. But are they for you – and what do you need to know before you go ahead and book the appointment?
How do you find a reputable clinic/lash professional?
This is so important because you’re working so close to your eyes – you don’t want to trust the job to an amateur. Always make sure that the person you choose to carry out lash extensions (or lifts, tints and any other lash work) has the correct certification to do the treatment. Ask about training, and what brands they use – it’s important to use good quality professional products too. If they have before and after pictures, recommendations and reviews, check those out before you book.
What are the most common types of lash extensions?
There are three common lash extensions: synthetic, silk and mink. They also come in different sizes; from 6mm to 17mm. The lashes you choose are applied one at a time and stuck to your natural lashes with a semi-permanent glue that’s designed to be gentle on your eye. You will need to have a patch test before a first treatment; and reputable clinic or spa will insist on this because even though they are formulated to be suitable for this delicate area, there’s always a chance of an allergic reaction.
Everyone’s natural lashes are different, and the type of lash extension you choose and the effect it can achieve depends a lot the condition of your own natural lashes. If your own lashes are quite short, very long extensions won’t work but you could still have a half set and see how that looks – remember that it’s always easier to add more lashes than it is to remove them.
How long do they take to apply?
If you’re having a full set, be prepared to book out up to two hours. After the initial treatment, you can have them ‘touched-up’ regularly – most estheticians suggest having them topped up around every three or four weeks.
Will they fall out over time?
Yes, all extensions will eventually fall off with the natural lashes that they are attached to. A touch up every three to four weeks will keep them looking good, though. Avoid picking at them or ‘playing’ with them too, as that can weaken the glue.
Another thing to be aware of is that it’s important to attach each extension lash to one natural lash – inexperienced estheticians can occasionally apply one synthetic lash to multiple natural lashes, which can cause the natural lash to fall out faster or a ‘clumping’ effect. Make sure your professional is fully qualified and that should avoid the problem.
Can you wear mascara?
One of the main reasons that people love their lash extensions is that they remove the need for mascara, but if you absolutely must add some, keep it to the tips and don’t be too heavy with it. Using mascara at the base of the extensions can make them look clumpy.
Do extensions damage your natural lashes?
Not if they are applied correctly, by a trained professional. As long as you don’t rub your eyes or pull at the extensions your lashes will be fine

Skincare Tips for Men
If you’re female there’s no end of advice available for you on how best to look after your skin. For men, while it’s no longer seen as strange that you want to look and feel your best, it can be difficult to find reliable advice.
So, what are the basics of looking after your skin at home?
Keeping it clean
The basis of good looking skin is cleanliness so using the right skincare products on your face is essential. There are plenty of liquid cleansers available in drugstores although traditionally men seem to prefer using bar soaps to liquids. Bar soap is better for normal or oily skin, but if you’re prone to dryness you may be better using a liquid cleanser. Don’t be shy, come and see your esthetician for advice if you don’t know what suits your skin type. In general, if you notice that your skin feels tight after washing it, it’s probably dry and you would benefit from a liquid cleanser.
If you have very oily skin, look for products which contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or benzyl peroxide which will help to remove the top layers of dead skin cells and get to work deeper down into your pores. They also have antibacterial agents to fight infection.
Moisturizing is essential for men too
Despite many skincare products saying that they contain moisturizer, the best way to keep your skin supple and in great condition is to always use a separate moisturizing product.

• If you have dry skin, choose a cream.
• A lighter lotion works best for normal skin and won’t clog pores.
• Oily skin responds well to a skin toner or gel formulation.

As with cleansers, products containing glycolic acid or salicylic acid are good for acne-prone skin.
If you are noticing the signs of aging, you could ask your esthetician about products with retinol which can help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Avoid them even cropping up by always using a sunscreen – either a separate product or a moisturizer containing sunscreen.
Shaving and your skin
Regular shaving can irritate the skin on your face and neck, so if you’re feeling the burn you could opt for a shaving cream or lotion that contains aloe to soothe any irritation. Use a little more water with your products as you are lathering and leave it on a bit longer to soften hairs.
You could also give shaving oil a try. It helps to moisturise skin and soften hairs before you shave and so reduces the impact on your skin.
If your problem is recurring razor bumps, a shaving product which contains glycolic acid or salicylic acid may help. Always choose a hypoallergenic, unfragranced product to avoid irritating your skin even more.
Other tips include shave in the direction that hairs grow, or using a razor with a built-in moisturizing strip, followed by an aftershave lotion and moisturizer.
For more advice on looking after your skin, and products to suit you, why not come in and see us?

A great skincare routine doesn’t end with regular facials and making sure that you use the best quality products. You can boost the look and health of your skin from the inside by taking care of your diet as well as you do your skincare routine. All vegetables are really good for your health and so you should eat a wide variety of them every day. If you want to improve your skin condition, you could also consider adding in a few of our recommended veggies – you’ll soon start to notice the benefits. Vegetables your skin will love-
1. Sweet Potatoes and Pumpkin: These super-veg contain beta-carotene, which your body converts into Retinol – otherwise known as vitamin A. Retinol helps to protect your skin from being damaged by the sun. Betacarotene also helps to prevent premature skin aging from UV light, pollution and smoking.
​2. Avocado: Avocado is a popular super-food at the moment and with good reason; the avocado includes a range of health enhancing nutrients like alpha-carotene, beta carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin and lutein. These compounds protect your skin from the free radical damage that can lead to visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. Avocados have a high oleic acid content, a monounsaturated fatty acid which helps keep skin moisturized and hydrated. If you suffer with dry or irritated skin, avocado can really help as the oils will help reduce any facial redness and irritation. Scientific studies have shown that increasing the amounts of carotenoids in your diet can improve your skin’s density, thickness, tone and general appearance. Avocado also contains vitamin C which your skin needs to create elastin and collagen.
3. Carrots: In addition to the benefits of beta-carotene, carrots are rich sources of potassium, and upping your carrot consumption can really help skin hydration and moisturizing as well as providing a boost to your UV protection. Potassium helps regulate the amount of water in your cells, and not getting enough of this valuable mineral can cause dry skin and other skin disorders.
4. Spinach: As well as the benefits from antioxidants that spinach shares with other fruits and veggies, the vitamin K in spinach can help you if you’re prone to dark circles under your eyes. Dark circles tend to be a result of a lack of sleep, genetics, alcohol and aging. Vitamin K helps to fight this by strengthening blood vessel walls, which helps diminish dark circles. It also keeps your skin clear, reduces skin inflammation and enhances blood circulation.
​5. Brussel Sprouts: Brussel sprouts contain vitamin C and antioxidants, but also have the added benefit of silica. Silica plays an important role in skin health. As we age, skin cell renewal slows down and can lose its ability to retain moisture. This leads to dull, saggy or prematurely aged skin. Silica slows the degeneration of the skin down by boosting elastin and collagen. Getting your daily vitamin and mineral boost from a plate of veggies has to be one of the simplest and least expensive ways to make your skin radiant, and will keep the effects of your salon facials lasting longer too. 
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