Ashlie's Aesthetic

Gel Nails vs Acrylic Nails

I've realized now that I've started doing gel nails again, and just with the conversations I'm having with coworkers, friends, clients etc...some people are still unaware of what the difference is and sometimes are being told they have gel nails on when in fact they are acrylic nails. Choosing the type of extension nail you want is totally up to you, and one isn't better than the other. Sometimes it's just a personal preference of which you'd rather have on your nails but you should know which one you are paying for.

Acrylic nails don't need to be cured under the light, the technician will use a liquid monomer and a powder polymer to form the nail. Some locations do use a gel top coat and that will be cured under a light.... this however does not make them gel nails. They are still acrylic nails with a gel topcoat. When getting acrylic nails done there is a strong odor from the product, it's very distinctive. The finished look has more of a cloudy appearance on the nail.

***There is no such thing as a powder gel***

I've heard this a few times that the technician will say to you that it is a powdered gel if you are getting gels done... This is in fact still acrylic nails they are just trying to up-sell you on the service (pay more for a product that isn't as expensive).

Gel nails will always be cured under a UV light, the product is a gel product only and won't need another one added to it to form a nail. Some locations do like to add a shellac/ permanent polish to them for colour, this will also be cured.

The finishing look has more of a clear shiny appearance to the nail.

This is just a couple little things you can pick up on at your next appointment, that way you know which service/product you are purchasing.

-Ashlie.

Wordless Wednesday

Nails!

the fresh perspective...

DON'T GET DRY

February is here and it is cold.  How much thought have you put into your hair, skin, and nails?  Do you have a unique regimen or some amazing products that keep you hydrated?  What are some of the things you do to beat the freezing temps?

I use Shea butter on my skin.  When I remember to, I use almond oil on my cuticles.  Then there's the hair.  I can't seem to keep it moisturized.  For you Afro haired ladies, protective styling is the best way to keep your hair moisturized in the dry winter months.

If your hair isn't an Afro, don't forget to use a mask a few times a month.  They are amazing and do a lot for moisture retention.  That's the fresh perspective...

Ashlie's Aesthetic

Price Concerns

There's an article that I recently read about different nail salons in the city that violate health violations and it got me thinking about how people are always asking about my price points being so high for services...

To maintain proper sanitation, disinfection and sterilization of all the implements we use on a daily basis costs money. There are certain products we use on clients that are 'one time' use, so we need to keep replenishing to keep it safe to use.

Clients also say that they can find the same services for cheaper somewhere else.... Well there's a reason why those other nail salons are cheaper; they're cutting costs somewhere and that's usually on their disinfection/sterilization process and also the quality of service. Yes, they're able to afford to give you a mani & a pedi for a cheaper price but you're going to be rushed out of the salon a lot faster.  You may not have the same technician who started your service that is going to finish the service but at the same time, do you know if they've actually cleaned the implements that they're using on you or the pedicure tub that you're soaking in? It's scary to think of this because you can run into different types of infections or rashes that only a specialist can help treat and that also puts a stop on the services you can get until the infection clears up.

We spend a good chunk of change to go get educated in this industry, to understand proper sterilization, to have the proper knowledge to provide great services and to get our licenses to safely practice in the field. So my advice to you is just be aware of why certain salons charge more, it's for your benefit!

-Ashlie

Here's the article that got me thinking:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/iteam/not-pretty-health-violations-in-manitoba-nail-salons-go-unreported-1.3400312

Ashlie's Aesthetic

Makeup

Makeup is a big part of the social media and part of our daily routines nowadays. I love that makeup is a great way to express self creativity! I own a lot of different brands of makeup and have a lot of product that I don't necessarily use every day but I enjoy having all types so I can change my look regularly.  Prepare for mini rant :)

I wear makeup for me and only me and my look changes depending on whether I'm going to work, out to do errands or if I'm going out for the evening. I get lots of compliments on it, sure, but I wear it on a daily basis and I typically have a different variation of a smokey eye because I like how it looks. But if I miss one day because I slept in or just didn't feel like putting eye shadow on that day... I always get the question.... "are you sick?". Nope. I was just lazy this morning or I'm having a bad makeup day. And the reverse of this question also bothers me when I say, "oh I think I'm getting sick, etc."...."hmmmm. you don't look sick." Well there's a reason for that, I put effort into my look everyday to look presentable for the industry I work in. It's very frustrating because we get told that we look better with a natural look vs makeup on and then when we have the natural look we get told you're not as pretty or you're prettier with makeup on. We live in a world that too much bullying and cyber bullying goes on that we should be helping each other feel great about ourselves and love who we are. (I know...really cheesy but it's true!) So whatever your reason for wearing or not wearing makeup is, own it because at the end of the day if you feel more comfortable because of it, that's all that matters!

-Ashlie

Ashlie's Esthetic

Those skin products everyone needs....

With it being the start of a new year, people start changing different things about their daily routine, eating habits, or just habits in general. So why not start the new year off right with a great skin cleaning routine! As an esthetician, I feel that there are certain products every girl needs to help get their skin feeling amazing. I stick to 3 things: a cleanser, a toner and a moisturizer. These 3 things have helped keep my skin feeling clean and refreshed while looking great.

At the end of the day.... everyone has a different skin type. Products that work for me or your friend may not be the right products for your skin, it's always best to talk to a professional and figure out what will work best for you!

Cleanser: Best used twice a day, morning and evening. Cleansers are a great way to clean the skin from makeup and impurities. Cleansing helps remove access oil and gives a refreshing feel to the skin. I change up my cleansers every couple of months or even a every couple weeks, your skin gets used to the same products being used on a regular basis and you won't see the same benefits over time. I love using a scrub cleanser because it's also removing dead skin and keeps my pores unclogged. Also, by not removing your makeup at the end of the day.... you're clogging pores and aging your skin more than it needs too.

Toner: They're great for smoothing and hydrating the skin, as well as a great way to prep the skin for a moisturizer. Everyone has a different skin type, so trying to find one that works for you can be tricky. But once you do, you'll enjoy the benefits of having it. I use a tea tree toner, it helps keep breakouts at bay. I highly suggest staying away from any toners containing alcohol or strong fragrances as it can be drying and irritating on sensitive skin types.

Moisturizer: A great way to finish up your skin regime. Depending on the type of moisturizer you get, you may need to use it during the daytime vs the night. Any moisturizers containing SPF of any kind will help shield your skin from UV rays; they'll be beneficial to use during the day, I would recommend using a different moisturizer in the evening. Sometimes I find that moisturizers are too heavy or give me an oily complexion throughout the day, so I just use mine after my cleaning routine in the evening.

And a little side tip if you didn't already know..... Drinking lots of water is a great plus for you skin!

-Ashlie