All Sensitive Skin Collection & Tips for Sensitive Skin

Did you know Aveda has a very extensive skin care line? From dealing with acne to aging Aveda is there to help you with personalized skin care. The All Sensitive line is great for those just starting out with a skin care regimen or those who have tried every product with no success, the All Sensitive line is great because it works on any skin type without causing irritation or excessive oil. This line includes the All Sensitive Cleanser, All Sensitive Moisturizer and the All Sensitive Body Formula Oil. Everything in the line is aroma free and dermatologist tested to ensure it's safe for even the most sensitive sin types. Try out this awesome skin care line by finding an Aveda salon or Experience Center near you today!

If you have sensitive skin using a gentle product like the All Sensitive Line is perfect for you, however there are some other simple tips you can use to treat your overly sensitive skin;
-Keep skin hydrated by drinking lots of water and moisturizing every night and morning.
-Dampen your skin very lightly before applying moisturizer, this evens out the skins surface and reduces dry spots.
-Avoid spicy foods, highly caffeinated drinks or alcoholic drinks since all of these things can dry out your skin and body.
-Be aware of aromas and perfumes in products, and make sure to always get dermatologist tested products.
-Avoid over exfoliating, try exfoliating gently 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin.

xo.

salon etiquette part 2!

Time for salon etiquette part two! If you missed part one then you should probably read that before this!(:

The reason I'm posting this is not to be mean or call anyone out, but it's to help clients understand how their stylist feels and what to expect from each other during a service. Following these tips will make your next visit to the salon more enjoyable, I swear!

♥Don't haggle. We have set prices for a reason. Fist off you get what you pay for wether it's a $7 dollar box of dye from Target or if you're paying a professional to do your hair. Stylist that charge more generally do so because they've had more education, more experience or because they're in higher demand. Stylists have to invest a lot of time and money into their constantly changing careers from getting new shears, going to classes or buying new tools (none of which are cheap). So in short, don't try to get a discount, you wouldn't try to get a discount at the dentist office or a restaurant so don't do it at the salon.

♥Don't try to squeeze your way in. I'm not talking about calling to see if there's a same day appointment available, I'm talking about asking your stylist to come early, stay late, come in on a day off or trying to get your haircut while someone else is processing. Some stylist are completely fine with doing this some days, but if the answer is no then don't push it and start to prebook your appointments in advance so you don't get left out again.

♥Bringing other people to the salon. This can vary from salon to salon, but generally I would say it's alright to bring one person with you to your appointment. It can still get pretty crowded, so they'll probably have to stay in the waiting area. If a friend is getting a service as well then it's always okay to bring them. (:

♥Don't be too early to your appointment. I know that in my last post I told you not to be too late and now I'm telling you not to be too early, but being too early can put a stylist and the client in their chair in a stressful situation. No one likes to make people wait on them and being too early can make a stylist feel rushed. Even if your stylist isn't working on anyone, they could be taking lunch or in a meeting. I personally think 5-10 minutes early is fine but 20-30 minutes is a little excessive.

If anyone has any other questions or thinks I didn't cover something let me know because I'd love to help out!

xo.

salon etiquette for clients made easy!

i think one great disconnect in any service field is that the customer (or client) doesn't know exactly what's expected of them, i mean of course everyone knows how the routine goes at a restaurant, but common salon etiquette for clients is often overlooked. i'm going to go over a few points that i've talked about with some clients, and i'll most likely be doing another post in the future on any things that i've missed or get brought up after this post! (:

these points vary wildly from salon to salon, so the best thing to do is ask the receptionist at the salon you're going to visit! also, these tips and points are meant to make the best experience for you and the staff of the salon your visiting so don't take anything i say to harshly!

♥show up to your appointment. if you know that you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, try to do it 24 hours before hand! everyone knows that situations arise that no one has control over ever now again, but of you're constantly canceling appointments at the last minute you may be charged a fee or not able to make appointments in advance at that salon anymore. not only is the stylist not getting paid for that, but they may not be able to fill your spot on such short notice either.

♥don't be late. most stylists are on very tight schedules and have another appointment coming in right after you, if you're running late call the salon and let them know as soon as possible. in my personal experience five minutes late is acceptable and doesn't throw off my schedule, but 10 minutes or more and you may not receive the full service that you were originally booked for.

♥bringing your children with you. this varies from salon to salon as well, but generally if your child isn't getting a service then don't bring them. most people at the salon are trying to relax and kids running around unattended isn't exactly relaxing, especially for salons with adjoining day spas were massages and facials are going on. honestly a salon isn't fun for kids anyway, so just do yourself a favor and leave them at home. salons are for pampering and relaxing not daycare.

♥tipping. yes this is a service industry and tipping is the norm, but it is a gratuity so if you we're unhappy with your service then tip less or don't tip. whenever people in my chair awkwardly ask me how much they should tip me i usually say leaving the same amount that you would at a restaurant is standard (15%-20%).

that should cover it for today, but i'd love to hear any other questions people have about salon etiquette for part 2 of this post!

beauty tip: taking vitamins to keep hair healthy

one of the most frequent questions i get in the salon is "how do i make my hair grow faster?!", while i can't say for sure how to get your hair to grow faster, one thing i can't recommend enough is taking a daily supplement called biotin! you can find biotin at almost any store, and usually for under 5 dollars. whenever i'm consistent with taking my biotin i notice that my hair feels healthier which in turn helps keep the hair i have instead of having to cut 1-2 inches of dry ends off every time i get a trim.

so what exactly is biotin and how does it help our hair (skin & nails too!)? biotin is a b vitamin that aids with the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. what this means is that biotin helps you absorb all the vitamins that your body needs to maintain the health of the hair, skin and nails. the reason biotin is marketed towards hair growth is because biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, even though biotin deficiency is fairly uncommon. most commonly the deficiency is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, with all the alcohol in your system your body isn't able to absorb all the natural biotin your body needs. this is obviously why all of hollywood's young stars have resorted to hair extensions, fake nails and heavy make-up.

you can find smaller amounts of biotin naturally in food, good sources of natural biotin are found in cauliflower, salmon, bananas, carrots, egg yolks, sardines, legumes and mushrooms. adding a few of these foods to your diet can help increase your natural biotin levels. most biotin supplements usually have around 1000-2000 micrograms in each pill and some “extra strength” have up to 5000 micrograms in each pill, the daily recommended dose is somewhere between 200-3000 micrograms. this extra doses of biotin is what helps maintain healthy hair, skin and nails.  

xo. 

beauty tip: product expiration, what to toss & what to keep

did you know that everything from mascara to conditioner expires? yes, your hair products and most likely all the daily products you use to get ready expire just like that yogurt from nov. 2011 sitting in the back of the fridge that you may or may not be too scared to open... anyways, i'll let you in on what expires when, how to check the expiration date and what you can keep for a little longer.

most beauty products you buy will have a symbol like the one pictured below stating how long the product is good for, this symbol is usually on the back of the product near the bottom. 12 M= 12 months, so the product should be thrown away 12 months after opening if it's sealed, or 12 months after purchase if it's not sealed. some hair or skin products may not have this symbol anywhere on it, if that's the case then product is generally good for 2 years. watch out for change in color, smell or consistency and if any occur then it's probably time to toss it. expired products can harbor bacteria or mold, go rancid or just not work like they were originally intended, so next time you're doing product "inventory" as i like to call it look for these clues to expired product and toss what's gone bad!

that covers hair and skin products, but what about makeup? in most cases this stuff isn't cheap and it's hard to throw away an eyeshadow just because of the 2 year rule i mentioned earlier, good news you don't have to! there are some exceptions to the 2 year rule, most powder, eyeshadow and blush/bronzer are anhydrous (they don't contain water) and can be kept for years and assuming you don't wet the tip of an eyeliner or lip liner pencil and sharpen before every use they can also last for years. mascara should be tossed every three months no matter what, the wand and tube is a known breeding ground for bacteria. most foundations and liquid concealers can last a year as long as you don't apply them directly to your fingers or face, try a sponge or foundation brush (but remember to wash those often too).

xo.

beauty tip: how to clean and maintain your blowdryer

what's that burning smell? when was the last time you cleaned the air vent on your blowdryer? did you know that it's absolutely essential to keep your blowdryer in working order?

the filter in your blowdryer catches dust and debris to keep the motor from overheating, which extends the life of your blowdryer. the idea is similar to cleaning the lint trap in your dryer after every load of laundry.

lucky for you cleaning your blowdryer is super easy, it just gets overlooked by most. i clean my blowdryer in the salon once a week, but at home i'd say about once a month is enough. i use a paul mitchell express ion dry in the salon and at home, if you're looking for a new blowdryer i couldn't recommend this one enough! dries quickly, lightweight, quieter than other blow dryers and if you treat it right it'll last you a long time. (mines limited edition, so they no longer have the same wooden pattern! sad i know)

most blowdryers have a lockable vent on the back, turn the vent in the indicated way to unlock it and gently pull it off. some blowdryers have a spongey mesh filter in addition to the metal filter, so wash that with cool water until all product buildup is gone and then with a damp cloth wipe away at the metal filter protecting the motor. let your blowdryer dry completely before reassembling it, and you're done!

i realize some may have never cleaned their blowdryers before, and i'm hoping you notice a big difference when you do! remember to do this regularly to keep your motor from overheating (which can also be a fire hazard), because once it does you'll have to buy a whole new blowdryer!

xo.

beauty tip of the day: getting the most out of your shampoo & conditioner

it's no secret that professional product is a little more pricey than the stuff you can get at the grocery store or target, however; there is a major difference between the two! professional product leaves your hair in much better condition than the "other stuff" and you have to use much much less of it! i've got a few secrets about washing and conditioning hair that everyone may or may not know.

first, you're using way way too much shampoo, plain and simple! i know i'm not in the shower with you watching, but i know you are. how much shampoo you actually use is based on the length and thickness of your hair, but for my hair which is about 4 inches past my collarbones and medium thickness i use a little bit over the size of a quarter. how do i do this? most professional shampoos, specifically Aveda, are super concentrated and formulated with much less water than grocery store brands. this means you need to add the water yourself, so after applying your shampoo quickly dip your head back into the water and you'll get an awesome lather. when shampooing your hair really focus on scrubbing the roots and scalp first then move down to the mid shaft and ends. i always always give myself an awesome head massage in the shower it's relaxing and gets blood circulating in your scalp which promotes hair growth and a healthy scalp.

second, conditioner should not be applied directly to your roots. you should start with squeezing out the excess water in your hair, then apply conditioner to the ends of the hair and work your way up to the mid shaft, and finally with what little bit is left on your hands massage into the roots and scalp. this will give maximum moisture to the dry split ends of the hair and also by not applying directly to the roots you're hair won't get greasy as quickly! as always start with a small amount of conditioner and if you need more add from there. a small amount of conditioner spreads a long way.

third, try shampooing less often. this trick doesn't work for everyone, but it doesn't hurt to try. instead of shampooing every single time, try only using conditioner every other time you wash your hair. just give the roots a good scrub using only water and then condition the ends like normal. like i said this may not work for everyone, but i love switching to a routine similar to this in the summer.

buying quality hair product is an investment especially when getting your hair colored. hair color and shampoo are specifically formulated to work with each other, so no matter what brand of hair color you're using i would always recommend using the corresponding shampoo and conditioner to go with. by using these tips and tricks not only will your shampoo and conditioner last long, they will yield better results as well.
xo.

beauty tips of the day: summer solutions

summer may bring glorious visions of natural highlights and long windblown hair to some.. the reality? summer sun, spiraling hot temperatures and related humidity may damage your hair's cuticle resulting in dry, drab, split, brittle or frizzy hair and ragged ends. sun exposure can actually be just as damaging to unprotected tresses as a super hot blow dryer or flat iron. so how can you save your hair while still looking like a goddess all summer? follow these simple tips!

• (Avedas summer solutions: Uruku Bronzer, Foot Relief, Smooth Infusion: style-prep smoother, Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, Control Force Firm Hold Hair Spray, Replenishing Body Moisturizer, Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque, Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser, Inner Light Mineral Tinted Moisture SPF 15, Nourish-mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze)

1. give your hair a summer shampoo break

shampoo less often to allow your hair to absorb its natural oils, or you can switch to more gentle cleansing methods which won't dry out sun exposed strands. try to opt for conditioner only or diluted shampoo for a few weeks and see the difference it makes! hair really needs to be treated more gently during the summer. you can always consider switching your shampoo for the season if you need the squeaky clean feel of shampoo, Avedas Dry Remedy collection is great to reverse the drying effects summer has on our hair!

2. back off heated hair styling tools

if you normally use hot styling tools (blow dryers, hot irons, rollers), give your hair a rest during summer months. air dry whenever possible or opt for easy chic styles. braid damp hair and leave over night which will create natural waves as the hair dries. play with half up/half down styles or boho braids and knots.

3. schedule deep conditioning treatments

utilize at home hair repair products such as Dry Remedy Moisturizing Treatment Masque for dry hair, Sun Care After-Sun Hair Masque for sun damaged hair, or Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment for chemically desensitized hair. hair regularly exposed to the sun needs frequent deep conditioning treatments and moisture replenishment.

for extra conditioning treatment call Azalea Day Spa & Salon and schedule a Botanical Hair & Scalp Therapy Treatment, this treatment is a potent sensory experience and intense repair for hair. it begins with scalp, neck and shoulder massage—with up to 12 aroma-therapeutic essential oils—to increase scalp circulation while targeting pressure points that release tension. Then hair is treated with one of two intense repair formulas based on your hairs needs. This is the ultimate spa-like service, for your hair!

4. use protection

hanging out in the sun without protection for your hair and scalp is one of the worst things you can do during summer. Use leave in hair products with SPF protection like Avedas Sun Care Protective Hair Veil which is a lightweight, water-resistant UV defense mist that forms an invisible screen to help protect hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours, it helps minimize color fadage, damage and dryness. for added protection floppy beach hats are always an option as well!

5. be religious about trims

be religious about your trims. since the summer sun can rob moisture from your tresses, make sure you have your ends trimmed every 4-6 weeks during the summer months. when your ends are fizzy, it's a sure sign that they are either damaged, split or both. h

air can get sunburned just like the scalp, the only way to deal with severely burnt hair is by trimming the damaged sections off. prevention is always the safest plan, and frizzy hair is often the result of too much time in the sun.

6. hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

while it's important to amp up your moisturizing and conditioning duties during summer months, remember to keep your hair hydrated from the inside out. d

rink plenty of liquids to keep roots and strands flush with fluids, water will also keep your skin soft and plump. while it's tempting to drink ice cold alcoholic drinks keep in mind that they can dehydrate skin and hair. water is always the best choice for a poolside thirst quencher.

call today to get your summer solution products or to schedule your next trim!

Victoria Ratliff

Azalea Day Spa & Salon

741 W. 100 N., American Fork, UT

by Rodizio Grill and the Cinemark Theaters.

801.756.9619

beauty tip of the day : eyelash extensions

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Personally I was very against eyelash extensions for a long time because I had only seen poorly done ones, but then I decided to get them from Lindy, she did such an amazing job and I can't even tell you how much I love them!

What are eyelash extensions? Eyelash extensions are synthetic eyelashes that are individually applied to each natural eyelash. They enhance the beauty of the natural eye and give the look of mascara. Eyelash extensions can be applied to look as natural or dramatic as you like. I was skeptical at first, wondering if they would look too fake or point in all different directions but they're fantastic! I love the feeling of getting up every morning and already look like I got ready, plus I do not miss the dark smudges under my eyes from my mascara at all.

The initial application can take anywhere from 1 -3 hours depending on how dramatic you want your lashes to look. It seems uncomfortable to sit an have someone poke at your eye for that long, but you keep your eyes closed the entire time, and a lot of people actually fall asleep during it. The initial set of eyelash extensions you get can last anywhere from 3-6 weeks, depending on the person who does them and if they are properly cared for. Really the best way to take care of them is don't wear mascara or curl your eyelashes (really you won't need it), try not to pick at them and make sure to brush them daily (most professionals who do eyelash extensions will give you a brush to take home).

You can still do anything you would do with normal eyelashes with eyelash extensions. However, for the first 24 hours you can't get them wet just to make sure the glue dries. After that you can work out, go swimming, wash your face and any other everyday activity that you would normally do!

So what happens if one falls out? Don't worry, that will happen and is completely normal. Your eyelash extensions will fall out just as your normal eyelashes do, you should schedule to get a fill every 3-6 weeks, however; it really depends on when you need it If you notice the eyelashes look sparse and not as full as you'd like it's probably time for a fill. Most eyelash fills last from 60 – 90 minutes, and when you leave you eyelashes will be nice and full again.

How should you find the right professional to do your extensions? Being in the cosmetology field I've seen my fair share of eyelash extensions, and let me just say you want to do your research. Make sure they use professional products, are licensed and ask for a portfolio of their work to make sure you'll get the best service possible! As I mentioned before I absolutely love the work Lindy does!

Price is something that varies from professional to professional, and can even depend on what state you live in. Most eyelash extensions range from $99 - $250 for the first initial set and from $30 - $60 for fills. I really wouldn't focus on the price so much though, focus more on their portfolio and reviews from their customers. If someone has happy customers that's the best advertisement they can get, and the best peace of mind you can have.

beauty tips from around the world

Wouldn’t it be great to have amazing Brazilian legs, long thick, luscious Indian hair and a Scandinavian complexion? Well, it’s not all genetics.

Every country and culture has an age-old secret to keeping their woman beautiful. These tips are fun, and have been passed through generations. Plus, we all have genetic origins from other parts of the world. So if your heritage is from a certain culture, then it just follows that the advice could be applicable.

ITALY:

Teens are instructed by their moms and their grandmothers to keep their eyelashes from breaking by applying castor oil at night

CHINA:

Take one teaspoon rosemary oil, and mix it with a cup of green tea. Pour it over your head as a final rinse for hair that really shines. In China white tea holds the anti-aging secret! White tea comes from the silver tip of the green tea plant. Its also known as the Emperor’s tea. Harvested over a four day period, the plant houses all the anti-oxidants in the tip. It acts as an enviromental shield that the free radicals cant penetrate. Recently, a few skin care lines have realized the benefits of white tea and actually incorporated it in their products. You can find white tea in Origin Products.

GREECE:

Grecian teens head to the beach where they oil their bodies with baby oil, exfoliate their skin with sand, and rinse it all off in the ocean. Of course they apply sunscreen before they lay out.

POLAND:

Honey is used as a beauty product. Although their moms warm it up and apply it all over their faces as a super moist facial treatment, polish teens use honey as a lip-softening treatment.

BRAZIL:

At the beach its common to see Brazilian women, known to be some of the most beautiful women in the world, rubbing handfuls of sand on their bodies. Why? It helps with cellulite and smoothes and stimulates the skin. In fact, Lush, a company out of England that makes fresh, hand made cosmetics, just came out with a body bar that contains sand and hydration to help smooth the skin and break up the cellulite and boost sluggish circulation.

INDIA:

Yogurt and Almonds are an every night necessity. Grind ten almonds to a pulp with a mallet, and then add just enough whole yogurt to make it easy to spread. This beauty mask is applied to a clean face and left on for twenty minutes. Then its wiped off with cheese cloth and rinsed. Besides, in India, coconut oil is the trick to getting full, thick and shiny hair. Its also great to help strengthen thinning hair. The woman in India do a hot oil scalp massage once a week. Heat some up in a bowl and give yourself a scalp massage once a week. Sleep with it on and wash in the morning! It will help seal the cuticle and rid those split ends.

EGYPT:

Keep teeth white and beautiful with a combination of baking soda and coarse salt. Apply it with your fingers and let it sit a minute.

AUSTRALIA:

Girls here love to walk barefoot and wear sandals. To achieve flawless feet, they rub avocado skins all over their rough spots.

SPAIN:

Spanish teens often party just a bit too much. When they have circles to show their good time, they take a potato and cut it thinly. Then they apply it on the eyes for ten minutes, allowing the juice to seep into the darkness.

JAMAICA:

These caribbean beauties treat their skin with banana peels. They rub the peels over their face to soften and protect from the sun. They also use it on sunburned areas.

SCOTLAND:

Fair girls from this country have very sensitive skin. They use almond oil after cleansing.

RUSSIA:

On the coldest days, Russian teens express their style with jeans and the best coat they can buy. When they cut themselves shaving, they rub garlic cloves on the affected area. Garlic contains antibacterial compounds.

JAPAN:

The secret of the Japanese smooth, flawless skin is camellia oil. White camellia nut oil, contributes moisturizing, conditioning, nourishing and softening benefits to the skin. It gives the skin a texture and glow unmatched by any other skin care product. There are special formulations for helping to eliminate wrinkles after giving birth, revitalizing hair growth, and treating burns. It helps to restructure the skin and strengthen nails. It is one of the most rapidly absorbed oils making it an excellent choice as a facial oil. Seaweed, is also the big secret in beauty here. Its sold at supermarkets and is prized for its cleansing  and toning, and its ability to make the skin glow. Teens here use it on their bodies for cellulite, on their faces as masks, and eat it in their salads to make their hair grow.

AFRICA:

In some areas of Africa, teens pour milk over their heads and let their hair soak every other day for twenty minutes before shampooing.

KOREA:

Generations of Korean teens treat dry areas with kukui nut oil, which comes from a native tree.

TURKEY:

Turkish teens eat a lot of kefir, a fermented milk product similar to yogurt. You can get the same benefits by choosing yogurt with five cultures. They help you break down food and get more nutrients from your food.

SCANDINAVIA:

Scandinavian women know the beautiful skin is easy to achieve. They simply drink at least 1.5 liters of pure spring water every day and splash their faces 15-20 times twice a day with ice cold spring mineral water. This encourages the skins own natural functions, so it regulates itself without the aid of expensive exfoliating and rejuvenating lotions. The ice cold water also helps to reduce puffiness as well. Its heard that some people use the Evian spray on clients not only to refresh them but to set make up.

TAIWAN:

These teens not only drink a lot of tea, they swab it on their body to cool sunburn. The tannic acid alleviates the sting.

FRANCE:

French teens are more resistant to tooth day because they eat cheese. It contains substances that strengthen tooth enamel and neutralize plaque.

SWEDEN:

Swedish beauties eat wild blueberries with cereal and their meats as their no. 1 beauty food.