The Fresh Perspective

Summer Skin Care REVAMP

So many things change from summer to winter, including your skins needs! As someone with very temperamental skin, I am very aware of how the added heat and sun affect my complexion; so over the years I’ve broken it down to a few things I change every spring time to make sure my skin is ready to see the sun.

There are some over-all product changes that I deem necessary for the new weather. This does not mean you have to rush out to the store and purchase a whole selection of new products. I always wait until I’ve finished whatever product I am using, but instead of repurchasing the same product, I choose a better suited summer alternative. (Changing out your skin care products one at a time instead of all together is also a good idea because if one of the products breaks you out or gives you a reaction you'll know which product is causing it right away.)

 When I’m looking to by a new product for summer, a good rule of thumb is you want the formula to be lighter than whatever you're using in the winter months. This especially goes for your facial cleanser and your moisturizer. Choosing a lighter moisturizer is quite straight forward, but with facial washes a light foaming cleanser is my personal favourite for summer skincare.

A second key factor to keeping your face looking fresh is keeping up with sun-protection. Sun protection should be a year-round part of everyone's skin care routine, but stakes are generally higher in the summer. I also have chatted with a few friends who refuse to wear facial sunscreen because it feels greasy, which I can totally understand, but looking for good facial sunscreens is a very important everyday step of maintaining your complexion. When shopping for a sunscreen find one just for the face that is also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores! Quite a few tinted moisturizers have SPF in them, which is also a quick and easy way of getting your sun protection in!

One thing that I SWEAR by for my skin in the summer is being very strict about the cleanliness of my skin and everything that touches it. No, this does not mean you should wash your face a bunch of extra times a day because of sweat (over washing is unhealthy for you skin, twice a day is perfect ladies!). Instead, blot your skin or use a face mist when you feel the urge to prematurely wash. One obvious part of face cleanliness is touching your face with your hands, this is especially important in the summer because of the sweat from your hands can transfer bacteria directly onto your face. In the summer I clean my personal makeup brushes every week instead of bi-weekly like I do in winter. Bacteria love a warm place to live, so protect your face from what could be hanging out in your brushes! Pillow cases are also a silent killer when it comes to summer skin irritation. Changing your pillow cases regularly help keep your skin happy through the night!

Keeping your skin happy is as easy as making these little changes, so might as well show your skin some extra love this upcoming summer! You won’t regret it!

-Danika

The Fresh Perspective

WHAT TO WEAR, WHAT NOT TO WEAR

Springtime in Manitoba can be tricky. There are cold days mashed between hot days and rain, rain, rain peppered in between. It’s difficult to look stylish when the temperature can change on a dime. In order to maintain a semblance of style, I make sure I am prepared. I hate being cold and sometimes struggle with looking fresh AND keeping warm. Here are a few tips to help you traverse our sloppy season with pizazz.

1) Layer up. an oversized coat or jean jacket is a nice topper in case there is wind.

2) Thick sole sneakers, heels or shoes. if there are puddles or wet spots on your commute, you can stay above.

3) Hat/toque always. the best way to add a little quirk to your kit, control your core temp or cover a bad hair day!

4) Waterproof coat. when you can’t afford to get wet. To be really effective, include an umbrella.

5) Pastel palette. light colors and light weights allow for a ‘springtime’ look.

The reality is that we still have a few months before we can really enjoy the heat. The unstable temperatures will eventually settle down and we’ll be on our way to July and pool parties and BBQ’s. Until then, stay dry and stay warm.

— that’s the fresh perspective…

The Fresh Perspective

Check out our latest photo shoot! This time around we wanted to keep it fresh, green and all things Spring. Shelmerdines Greenhouse was kind enough to let us use their space one beautiful Sunday. The ever so talented Michelle Panting was behind the camera, and our lovely models Ruth, Sarah and Danika were our muse. Take a look through some of our favourites! They’ll be up around the salon within the next week!

What do you want to see more of? We’re always dreaming up new ideas for photo shoot inspiration, and would love to create something based on your interests! Comment or message if you’d like to see anything specific!

-the fresh perspective…

The Fresh Perspective...

Race season is upon us. If you are a runner, you may be thinking of doing a race. Whether you’re a seasoned vet or a beginner, it can be very intimidating to get started. One thing you can always remind yourself is that running is a solo sport. You get to set your own pace, goals and you don’t have to worry about anyone else. There’s no outside pressure so don’t be hard on yourself and enjoy the process.

If you’ve never run a day in your life, my advice is download the “Couch to 5k” app. It’s a perfectly paced 9 week program to ease you into running at a very realistic, comfortable pace. You’ll be so proud when you get to that 30 minute run at the end that you may even want to move on to the 5k-10k program. But one thing at a time. ;)

If you’re already a runner but are looking to try out a race you’ve never done before, good for you! It’s great to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Here are my top tips for race training:

-Talk to other runners who’ve run the race you’re looking to do. Ask what they struggled with during training and during the race. What helped them? You’ll save yourself a lot of grief and googling.

-Get good runners! I cannot stress this enough. It is not worth running long distances in uncomfortable shoes that lack support. Go to a running store, not the mall. Talk to the people who work there and try on 20 pairs. Don’t skimp on price if the fit is right. This is so important.

-Listen to your body. Trust your body. Honor your body. Every body is different and we all run differently. If something doesn’t feel right, give yourself a break. Don’t push yourself too hard. Don’t compare yourself to others. Practice gratitude with every run. You are very privileged to have a healthy body, don’t take that for granted.

Good luck and have fun!

-the fresh perspective…

the fresh perspective...

How much is too much?

Springtime in Winnipeg is usually a mish mash of warmth and chills. Because of this, most of us are conflicted with how much skin to show. My rule is, if there are blades of green grass on the ground, my toes will come out. If there is sun and the temperature is plus anything (during the month of March) my legs will come out.

As soon as March hits, I start watching my temperature app and decide accordingly. I drive to and from work, so I believe that makes it easier for me to justify flashing my leg skin. Just so you know, my rule would change is I was a bus taker or a walker.

The front of the shop allows us to see all kinds of people walking by with their dogs, lattes and shopping bags. Many people seem to start showing skin as soon as the temperature climbs a little. I have already seen my fair share of legs and TOES! Yes, TOES! There has even been a few feet in sandals in the shop these past few weeks!

So, throw caution to the wind, or your pants/shoes to the wind. Spring is here! Is it staying? Any Winnipegger knows that is the question for the ages… Now excuse me whilst I lotion up my gams…

That’s the fresh perspective…

the fresh perspective...

Visit any Best Buy and you will find an endless amount of “smart” products designed to make your life easier and your home “smarter.”I can’t seem keep up with all the new technology but I’m constantly hearing of new gadgets or apps that can help connect you with people, your home, vehicle, etc.

Obviously there are a lot of benefits to all this new technology. What a time to be alive! You can talk to a loved ones face in real time AND check on your dog while sitting at work. But could all of these conveniences be making us lazy?

Do we really need our phones to be synced up with our lights and thermostats? Do we trust that these devices aren’t taking other information from us? Haven’t we seen what happens to humans in Wall-E?!? Sit in any waiting room or restaurant and pay attention to how many peoples faces are glued to their phones. Yes, we have created some great conveniences, but I think we can afford to manage our utilities the old fashion way; walk across the room and do it manually!

We can’t let technology take away from real life experiences. Talk to people face to face and leave your phone at home once in awhile!