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

Wordless Wednesday

Cute nails!

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

Ashlie's Aesthetic

What to look forward to in nail art 2016....

Some of the manicure trends in 2015 I couldn't get on board with....bubble nails, duck feet nails, and flip manicures. But I did really enjoy seeing all the 3D nail art and even the stiletto nails. So what does 2016 have to offer the nail industry....

(Flip Manicure)

Shattered Glass Nails

This trend started in South Korea and it's just b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.! It looks gorgeous on both light and dark polish and it's easy enough to do! This funky trend can be done to every nail if you want or use them as an accent nail to jazz up that fresh manicure. Aluminum foil gives the nails a bolder look, while iridescent cellophane gives the nails a multitude of colors that it picks up from the polish and the lighting. Want more nailspiration?? Check out nail_unistella on instagram, unique and gorgeous nail art and the owner is the creator of this fantastic manicure trend.

If you're going to do a DIY, I recommend cutting the iridescent cellophane or thin aluminum foil before you get started and make a variety of sizes. (there are also stickers you can purchase to make it even easier)

• Apply base coat to nails
• Choose your favorite polish and apply 2 coats to nails
• Apply top coat and let dry until tacky
• Using tweezers, place the pieces you've already cut to the nail and lightly press every corner onto the nail and place as many or little as you want! Try keeping the perimeter of the nail free of the cellophane for a cleaner look.
• Apply top coat to nails once again (multiple coats may be needed)

-Ashlie

Ashlie's Aesthetic

Pedicures

Going into the colder, drier months of the year everyones feet are hidden away in socks and shoes and just forgotten. Whether you stand up all day, do a lot of walking, exercise on a daily basis...feet are important and need to be taken care of because down the road you'll regret not doing it sooner! Pedicures, or any foot treatment, are great for everyone and any age! So why should you spoil yourself and indulge in getting your feet pampered...

• Every pedicure involves soaking of your feet and usually a great lotion to help keep your skin moisturized. When feet are properly moisturized, they're less likely to have problems, such as: blisters and cracks/dry skin on the bottom of your feet.
• One thing we've all come across at one point is ingrown toenails, they're uncomfortable and painful to deal with. Sometimes all it takes is stubbing your toe and having your nail crack low enough to cause this problem, or cutting them to short. Avoiding this is easy, by getting your nails cut and filed properly will help prevent this from being an issue!
• My favorite part of a pedicure is getting all the dead skin/callous removed from the bottom of my feet. A combination between a credo blade, foot file and a scrub is an awesome way to slough off that dead skin and encourage new growth! Removing of those cells help eliminate lingering foot odor and can help prevent bunions and corns. Exfoliation definitely helps create a smoother, softer feel to your feet!
• A good pedicure will always involve a massage portion, also a great part! Massaging has a lot of benefits...it helps improve circulation and relieve tension in your calves and feet. By improving the circulation it can help in reducing pain and distribute heat throughout your body. Even though it's your feet and calves being worked on, it can be a great relief to your whole body.
• There's no where else on your body with as many pores as your feet so it's very easy for infections to set in. Proper care and regular maintenance help protect your feet and reduce infections and fungal issues.
• The best and most important reason to pamper your feet?!?!?! It's a great stress reliever and an awesome way to relax! Don't be afraid to ask for some quiet time if you'd rather sit and relax for an hour with peace and quiet.

If you're not getting pedicures already, once you get your first one and start to see/feel the benefits and results.... you'll be hooked!!!!

Make your pedicure last longer....

• lotion your feet on a fairly regular basis to keep them moisturized and soft
• invest in a foot file and buff the bottoms of your feet during your bath or shower
• vaseline/petroleum jelly on the bottom of your feet with a pair of socks on can help with cracked feet, wear socks overnight or during your favorite show/movie.
• cuticle oil on and around the nail will help keep your nails healthy, strong and shiny

-Ashlie