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

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

Wordless Wednesday

Print, texture and more!  We love nails!

the fresh perspective...

FOR AL Smile

Smile though your heart is aching Smile even though it's breaking When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by If you smile through your fear and sorrow Smile and maybe tomorrow You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Light up your face with gladness Hide every trace of sadness Although a tear may be ever so near That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile

That's the time you must keep on trying Smile, what's the use of crying? You'll find that life is still worthwhile If you just smile

That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

Too hot! Now that we are into the swing of things (temperature wise), what plans do you have for your hair's protection?  Are you ready for sun?  The damage that can be caused to your unprotected hair can be controlled!  You just need to know a few simple things.

1) Wear a hat.  This type of protection is the best and keeps the sun rays directly OFF your locks.  You may be hot but your hair will thank you.

2) Try to use products that contain SPF.  If you can't wear a hat, this is the next best thing.

In all your comings and goings this summer, please do not forget to protect your locks.  That's the fresh perspective...

the fresh perspective...

ARE YOU BEING SERVED?

We had an in-salon class on Tuesday about consultations.  We really focused on the things that need to happen when you meet a client for the first time.  The way we had been conducting our 'first-time' experiences were okay, but not great.  With the help of Kevin Murphy educator, Timothy Durant, we were able to learn how to better serve our clients.

How are your salon experiences?  What do you expect from your local spot?  As a paying customer, what do you want out of your one hour haircut appointment?  Were you well taken care of?  Did your stylist explain processes, manage your expectations, and solve your hair problems?  Were you satisfied?  Does it even matter to you? There are so many salons out there and it's hard to know which one is best for you.  We want anyone that is a client of ours to feel like they are our number one priority and their hair even more so.  We want to help you achieve all your hair dreams.  We want to serve you.  If you've ever been by our shop and have any suggestions for us, drop us a line or leave a comment.  We are here for you (and your hair).  That's the fresh perspective...