Renée's Aesthetic

PERMANENT POLISH     ...the long-lasting manicure Hey lovelies!

Going on my 6th year as an esthetician in the beauty industry, I've definitely had the experience figuring out the best products and services for my clients.  I've been a huge advocate for Gel Polish/Shellac since it has originally been launched.  A lot of my clients simply want to enhance what they have, so this is the perfect product.  We, as industry professionals, and clients as well have to understand that nothing is permanent.  This product (whether it be OPI, CND, LCN etc.) is fantastic, but may not be for everyone.

There are a ton of factors to take into consideration when it comes to our nails.  For example: stress, damaged nail beds, proper application, wear and tear, climate, oily nail beds, and at home maintenance to name a few...  These can ALL play a role in the game of "well-being" for our nails.  So here are a few pros, cons, tips and tricks from myself, to hopefully help all of you out there have a more thorough understanding of the "go-to manicure-permanent polish."  It is always better to be educated about any product or service you're about to receive.

Pros

• Can last up to 3 weeks (new application recommended after 2 weeks)
• Great color selection!
• Stays shiny and color true the entire time
• Does not damage your nails (as long as you DO NOT pick them off yourself)
• Looks natural (goes over top your natural nail, no nail enhancements)
• No drying time, dry as soon as the service is done!
• No damage (if properly maintained throughout and after)

Cons

• Time spent (removal 20 minutes, application 30-45 minutes every 2-3 weeks)
• Cost, $10-$20 more than a regular manicure (dependent on removal or not)
• Can possibly peel, chip or lift if not careful
• Doesn't last the anticipated 2-3 weeks (see above comment)
• Possible nail damage (if you do not get them soaked off professionally)
• Drying (if not properly maintained throughout and after application)

Tips

• Permanent polish/shellac is best suited for clients who want to maintain a natural looking nail using a product that lasts longer than regular nail polish.
• Most permanent polish products are not well suited to clients who have extremely damaged nail beds, splitting, peeling, or brittle nails.
• WEAR GLOVES, at all times.  If you are doing dishes, cleaning the house, gardening etc, gloves are a crucial item that can help ANY manicure last longer.
• DON'T pick.  I know it's hard, but trust me, picking will only encourage chipping/lifting.
• Have an honest, open relationship with your esthetician.  This way, the two of you can figure out the best course of action for your future nail goals :)
• Apply cuticle oil everyday, even with the gel polish on, around your cuticle and directly under your free edge.  This will help prevent drying.
• Get them professionally done/removed, always.  There's a reason why we went to school to learn about these services and products.  We truly care about the end result and the well-being of your body.
• The harder you are on your hands, the more chance of it not lasting. (But heck, 2 weeks without a chip is way better than any time I've had regular polish on...)

Hope this helps!

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

Even though it feels like Christmas has just ended, and New Year's festivities flew by (almost literally), spring 2013 is just around the corner. I've been keeping a lookout for the new nail trends and it seems like contrast is the name of the game! Nail polish is a great way to complete a look, and will make your entire outfit look polished, so I definitely encourage investing in some great shades as well as a regular manicure. Now's the time to test out these looks, and see what kind of statement YOU'RE going to make. Here's a few ideas to get you going... PALE NAILS l DARK SHADES l SHINY METALLICS l FUN & EDGY l TWO-TONE

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

I admit, it is a blast to get caught up in all the glory of the holidays.  We want to purchase new outfits, get our hair done, try new makeup techniques etc.  Although, I truly believe sometimes simple is best.  Don't get me wrong, get out there experiment (I FULLY encourage it) but perhaps when time is a little more forgiving.  We, as women are beautiful  to begin with.  So why don't we bring it back down to earth, and let that inner beauty shine.  A few simple touches on the outside is all it takes ladies (classic black liner, a pop of color on the lid, bright/bold lips, or some gold shimmer).  Don't be scared to showcase your natural self.  No one else out there can do it except for you.  Here's a handful of inspirational/breath-taking photos of some stunning women.

So why don't you join me this holiday season, for some LAID BACK BEAUTY.

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

How better to celebrate the holiday season with a little nail inspiration?  Here are a few pictures of my personal favorites, to get those ideas brewing.

Priti NYC Polish is a great line of eco-friendly polishes.  Here are my three top reds of the moment: Guinea Rose (for that deep ruby slipper, type of shimmer), Japanese Rose (for that blue red), and Red Head Cactus (for that classic orange-red).

To replicate the above picture use either Fishbone Cactus (if you want a solid, bright green) or Devil's backbone (if you want a great forest/shimmery color) for the green nails.  As an accent nail color, I absolutely LOVE Chrysanthos.

If you are the type to skip our snowy December, and jet off on a hot vacation, I've got the color for you.  Priti NYC's Lungwort is flawless.  Although, if you are more into a minty green with a tiny gold sparkle go for Dusty Miller.

For that really special party, go for all over Chrysanthos.  If you want longer lasting nails for a good chunk of the holiday season, try our OPI permanent polish in Golden Eye.  It's like little golden disco balls on your nails.

Blues are in.  Our signature color at Freshair Boutique is Dracula Orchid (a great grey-blue).  Another amazing blue, that's deep and rich, is Schwarkopf.  Trust me, neither will disappoint you.

Don't forget ladies and gents, at Freshair Boutique we have a holiday mani&pedi special for only $50.  Be sure to call us at 204-414-9023 to book that well deserved pampering and to complete your holiday look.

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

I just want to send out a huge THANK YOU along with a great big hug, from all of us at Freshair Boutique, for your unbelievable support of freshFOOD.  Today I am lucky enough to contribute to the 300th blog post.  I know, we are still in shock too. The blog world is booming, and yes there are millions of followers, but most of all I'd like to send a "shout out" to each and every contributor.  People put their heart & soul in to these projects, and often share intimate parts of their lives to the world.  The amount of times I've been inspired from other posts is countless.  Whether it be about art, culture, style, food, fashion, or design (you name it), the internet is a great source to spark that creativity within ourselves.

Here's a list of 15 amazing blogs that I'm following at the moment.  Check them out & follow them. Trust me, you won't regret it.

colossal

roost blog

stay fancy free

spoon fork bacon

this is poster

freunde von freunden

rosencrown

clark huot cocoon

field guided

into the gloss

kinfolk mag

for me-for you

bridge and bardot

nailside

she lets her hair down

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

Winter has once again graced us with her unforgettable presence.  Now more than ever, I just want to wrap myself in the coziest of blankets, lay by a crackling fire, sip on homemade apple cider, all while listening to the enchanting tunes of Miles Davis.  This sounds about perfect to me. That being said, I'm sure there's more than a few of you out there who would love nothing more than to hibernate during our cold winter months.  Unfortunately there's no stopping the snow from falling, while every day life continues to call our names.

I know how difficult it is to see the joy in -25 weather, when you're scraping the icicles off your car or sitting at a windy bus stop on your way to work.  Not to mention trying to keep your poor little hands warm as you can feel them throbbing from the cold and beginning to crack.  I've been fighting a continuous battle with winter, in the efforts of taking proper care of my hands (something I use EVERY day).  As part of my first blog post and the first major snowfall of the season, I wanted to share a few simple little tips on how to help your hands survive until spring.

1. ALWAYS wear gloves.

2. Moisturize constantly.

3. Exfoliate!  Preferably a few times a week (don't be shy to go up to the elbow, and keep those cuticles in mind).

4. Use good quality product, plain and simple.  There's a lot of stuff out on the shelves that may be inexpensive but that are packed with ingredients that do nothing or can even damage our skin. My top favorites right now are Malie Organics Koke'e scrub and hand & body lotion.

5. Get a manicure.  It's a great time for some pampering.  It's not all about the polish ladies and gents, you'll leave with great shaped nails, cuticles trimmed, and skin feeling extra smooth from the hand and arm massage.  How could you go wrong?

Even though these are just a few simple ideas, trust me they work.  Remember, take preventative measures to get you on the right track to self-care.  Happy Winter everyone!

-né