What to get the guy or gal who has everything....

A Beauty Nook Gift Certificate of course....


Treat a Special Person, and I'll Treat You! With any gift certificate purchase of $50 or more, receive an Eye Package (eyebrow shape/tint & lash tint) on the house! ($45 value) 

How to Make a Pumpkin Facial Mask

How to Make a Pumpkin Facial Mask

 

Pumpkin is loaded with good things for the skin and you don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to enjoy its benefits. Using canned pumpkin puree works beautifully in facial mask recipes as does a pumpkin fresh from the patch. Either way, pumpkin has lots of Vitamin A and enzymes to help nourish and brighten the complexion.

What you'll need:

1/2 cup Pumpkin Pulp or Puree
1 whipped egg white
1 tbsp. honey
2 tbsp plain yogurt
2 tbsp ground oatmeal
 

1  Cook enough fresh pumpkin, without skin and seeds, to make 1/2 cup of pulp. Alternatively use canned pumpkin puree. 

 

2  Cool and mash with a fork. Mix with 1 whipped egg white, blending well to incorporate egg and remove most of the lumps.

 

3  Add 1 tbsp. honey, 2 tbsp. plain yogurt and 2 tbsp. ground oatmeal. Use a coffee grinder or food processor to grind the oats.

 

4  Mix all ingredients well into a thick consistency.

 

5  Cleanse face and neck and pat the facial paste onto the skin, excluding the eye area. After 10 minutes, remove with a warm wash cloth and rinse skin with cool water.

Enjoy! 

 

PLEASE NOTE: The Beauty Nook will be closed November 23-27, please be sure to book your appointments early! 

The Miracle of Retinol Explained

How does retinol work? 

Looking for an anti-wrinkle, anti-acne, collagen & elastin boosting miracle product? Sound too good to be true? Retinol is the answer! 

Retinol is a topical gel or cream made up of Vitamin A and has the unique abilities to both act as an antioxidant and to get deep into the skin. When applied topically, it causes the production of new collagen in both naturally aged skin and skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation. 

It also improves the outer layer!  Retinol binds well with skin cell receptor sites which allows the retinol to encourage greater cell growth, as well as the removal of old skin cells. This leaves your skin looking and feeling smoother, with a healthy glow.

If you take your anti aging wrinkle strategy very seriously then the best bet is to go for a prescription strength retinol rather than risking an over the counter product.

My favorite is Atralin. I've been using it for 2 years, and have seen the best results! Less photo damage, prevention of blackheads/acne, prevention of wrinkles and dryness. Love it! 
http://www.atralingel.com/

For a more in depth article regarding retinols check out: http://dermatology.about.com/cs/topicals/a/tretinoin.htm

Hard, Little White Bumps on your face? What are they?

Wondering what those hard stubborn bumps are on your face? Disease? Whitehead? Why are they so hard to get rid of?

Milia explained! 

A Milium (milia- plural) is a keratin-filled cyst, dead skin cells combined with oil that form a plug in the pore. They are benign but super annoying! Newborn babies mostly get them, but appear on people of all ages. Milk spot and oil seed are the common names for these little buggers, and they have to be removed by a dermatologist or esthetician. The removal process includes using a lancet to create a very small incision in the side of the milium and then push out the plug with an extractor tool. 

I've found that making sure you are exfoliating your skin on a regular basis will keep these Milia at bay. Since they are caused from dry skin, use your exfoliant (scrub, fruit acid or retinol) regularly(2-3x Week).

For more: www.beauty-nook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/TheBeautyNook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBeautyNook

Photo Credit: http://www.skinsight.com/

Basic Skincare 101

Hello All, 


Looking to switch up your facial skincare routine? Here are my suggestions for a great, basic system! 

AM


Cleanse -- Cetaphil or Cerave Cleanser 
Serum -- Skinceuticals Vit C or Fruit Acid Gel 15% 
Sunscreen -- Mario Badescu SPF 30 or Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30


PM


Makeup Remover -- DHC Oil Cleanser or Laura Mercier Oil Cleanser
Cleanse -- Cetaphil or Cerave Cleanser 
Retinol -- Atralin (prescription only) or Skinceuticals Retinol .5%


Feel free to email me with specific questions about your skincare routine! 


For more: www.beauty-nook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/TheBeautyNook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBeautyNook

September Newsletter!

Check it out here!


The Beauty Nook September Newsletter

Ask The Expert - Dark Under Eye Circles?

How does one get rid of those pesky dark under eye circles? 

Dark circles under our eyes can make us look tired, skeletal, unhealthy, and haggard. They don't have to be a bother. There are procedures & cosmetics to treat them or lessen the problem. Let's go over the causes and treatment options!

Dark Circle Causes & Treatments

• Lack of sleep or too much sleep: You can usually tell which one is your problem. Either increase or decrease your sleep time as needed. Yes, you may already be stressed out and have no time, but if you are regularly not getting enough sleep (or too much), under eye circles will be the least of your problems.

• Iron or other vitamin deficiencies: See your general practitioner for a check-up or consider taking a good quality vitamin and mineral supplement. Individuals with anemia may notice dark shadows under their eyes, but not all anemia is due to not getting enough iron. You may need to get a check-up.

• Smoking: Quit smoking.

• Sickness: Usually, under eye circles and shadows will subside after you get well. Be sure to get plenty of rest and eat a well-balanced diet. If your illness caused you to lose some weight, gaining it back may help alleviate the circles.

• Hyperpigmentation: Dark circles under the eyes are often seen in people with darker skin. The skin under the eyes is healthy, but is a darker shade than the rest of the face. Topical hydroquinone or Kojic Acid is a good option as it can lighten the skin, if that is the problem. Hyperpigmentation can also be alleviated by using various laser treatments or intense pulsed light. Chemical peels may help as well.

• Excessive superficial vascularization under the eye: This can be caused by some medications such as Retin A. When this is the case, superficial vessels can be removed or zapped using various laser treatments or intense pulsed light. This must be done carefully, since you do not want to destroy all the vessels in the eye area.

• Visible blood vessels: This can be due to fat loss or thin or older skin. The facial fat loss we experience with aging can significantly reveal the blood vessels around the eye and give the eye a darker look. Fat grafting works very well for this type of under eye circle.

• Fat loss in general: Fat loss around the eye can cause a sunken or hollow look. The facial fat loss we experience due to aging can make your eyes look sunken and shadowed and also show the highly vascular area of the eye. This can also be remedied with fat grafting or with some injectable fillers.

Concealers and Other Cosmetics

It may end up that the best treatment, and even the only treatment, for circles under your eyes is makeup. Concealers come in liquid, stick, and pancake type creams and can be applied and reapplied throughout the day. Some concealing products use a two-step process that calls for applying a setting powder over the product to help to keep the concealer on all day.

My personal favorites are: Cover Girl Fresh Concealer, & Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen.

New August Newsletter

Check this out! 


Click Here! ---> The Beauty Nook August Newsletter 

For more:www.beauty-nook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/TheBeautyNook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBeautyNook

Eyebrow Shaping 101

Hello! 


Ever wondered how to get a "pro" shape to your brows? You can come see me OR follow these simple guidelines... 

1 = The head of the brow should follow a vertical line to the middle of your nostril


2 = The arch of your brow should correspond with the outer most part of the iris when you are looking straight ahead 


3 = The tail of the brow should follow a diagonal line from the outer edge of your eyelid to the outer most part of your nostril 


Now.... obviously not everyone will have this exact shape, or the symmetry to create all these points. It is a guideline and great if you are new to eyebrow shaping or want to know how the pro's know where to go with your eyebrows. 


For more:www.beauty-nook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/TheBeautyNook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBeautyNook

Why Dry Brush?

Dry brushing is a way to stimulate your internal organs of detoxification because it provides a gentle massage. 




Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing:

1. Removes cellulite
2. Cleanses the lymphatic system
3. Removes dead skin layers
4. Strengthens the immune system
5. Stimulates the hormone and oil-producing glands
6. Tightens the skin preventing premature aging
7. Tones the muscles
8. Stimulates circulation
9. Improves the function of the nervous system
10. Helps digestion
11. AND it’s easy, inexpensive and invigorating! 


Here's the full article, which explains these benefits, and how to do it. READ HERE!

For more:www.beauty-nook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/TheBeautyNook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBeautyNook

Just in case you missed it, JULY Newsletter!!

Hello Everyone! 


Thank you for the incredible month of June. Couldn't have done it without your support! Summer is in full swing and waxing is very popular, but don't forget about your skin! 


During these dry summer months be sure to protect yourself with sunscreen, hats & sunglasses. Drink your water and keep hydrated! Enjoy your holiday and take full advantage of the BBQ! 


Keep yourself up to date on skincare news on The Beauty Nook Blog and Ask the Expert at www.beauty-nook.com. 


Smile it's SUMMER! 

What NOT to put on your face!

Lately, I've been talking about the virtues of retinol, vitamin C and fruit acids, given extensive skincare regimes, and chatted about lash enhancing Latisse. 


How about what you should NOT be putting on your face? Many people are probably not as anal retentive about their facial skin, and tend to just slap it on and go. The purpose of this blog is to let you know about things that are better left for other places on your body and no where near your face! 


BAR SOAP & BODY WASH --> Many bar soaps & body washes contain dehydrating ingredients, like glycerin, as well as perfumes and artificial colors that can cause irritation. Skin can feel tight or become flaky after soaping, which can lead to an increase of oil production thus the possibility of congestion and acne. 


APRICOT SCRUB --> Hey! Use it on your bod, but not on your face! Most people over exfoliate with physical exfoliants like apricot etc that can cause skin irritation and even more serious problems like dermatitis. It microscopically tears delicate facial skin and leaves it irritated and broken which is a free invitation for bacteria to get in and cause inflammation. 


ALCOHOL--> Products containing SD-40, isopropyl alcohol, is a common ingredient that can be an irritant for acne-prone and senstive skin types, that leads to redness, dryness, and in some cases, brown spots and premature aging.

For more: www.beauty-nook.com
Twitter: twitter.com/TheBeautyNook
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheBeautyNook

New Ask the Expert

Q)   Hi, I'm a 32 year old male. I have good skin and only a have a slight wrinkle at the eyes, but I do have bags under my eyes. A hereditary trait I think. What can I use to keep looking young and to reduce the bags under my eyes?


Read the article HERE!

New June Newsletter!

The Beauty Nook - JUNE Newsletter
Great Information, Better Specials!

Don't hold your breath, but I think summer is finally here. You know what that means? You need a wax!

WAXING 101 -->

Wax on. A warm wax mixture is spread over hair in the direction of its growth and a paper or cloth strip is then placed on top of soft wax. Hard wax doesn't require a strip because it cools solid enough, and becomes a strip in itself. The Beauty Nook uses both Hard and Soft waxes of the highest quality!

Wax off. Once wax has slightly cooled or has grasped enough to the hair, it’s pulled off in the opposite direction of hair growth. The entire hair follicle should is then removed at the root.

The Benefits:

It is done quickly, cleanly and as painless as possible!

Temporary results can turn into permanent. Over time, frequent waxing can cause the hair follicle to become damaged, and stop growing hair!

No more razor burn!

New Ask the Expert

Check out my "Ask the Expert" Q n A of the week: 


"could you enlighten me on the magic concoction w/ Retinol?"


read at:  http://www.beauty-nook.com/ask-the-expert.php

Sugar, Sugar

Emily introduces the Sugaring Hair Removal Technique, and discusses the benefits with a demo clip.

Top 8 reasons to sugar: 

1. 
   
   Pure and Natural Ingredients:
   completely natural - made from sugar, lemon and guar gum. It's so pure it's safe enough to eat, and is even safe to use on sensitive skin. --wax contains resins, bees wax and other chemicals.
2. 
   
   More Sanitary:
   hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic: sugar paste is applied with a gloved hand, and a fresh ball of sugar paste is used for each client, meaning no risk of cross contamination. --wax: bacteria easily breeds in the wax pot. A wood spatula is repeatedly dipped in the same wax pot that is used from client to client.
3. 
   
   Less Painful:
   sugar will not stick to live skin cells, only the dead skin cells are removed, so there is less risk of abrasions/tearing and generally less redness than waxing. --wax: adheres to live skin cells and when removed it will pull the skin increasing the risk of tearing and redness.
4. 
   
   Not Hot:
   sugar paste is lukewarm when it is applied, so there ís no risk of burning the skin. -wax: resin waxes are heated to high temperatures to keep them fluid, so burning is a risk.
5. 
   
   Better Technique:
   sugar paste is applied against the natural direction of hair growth, then removed in the direction of growth... resulting in less painful hair removal and less hair breakage. --wax: applied in the direction of hair growth and removed against the natural direction of hair growth. Frequently results in breakage of hair at the follicle, which can lead to ingrown hairs and unsightly bumps.
6. 
   
   Extract Very Short Hairs:
   hair growth need only be 1/8 inch long to be removed (about 7 days growth). --wax: need at least 2-3 weeks growth before the hair can be removed.
7. 
   
   Sugaring is Gentle:
   sugaring is so gentle it can be used to remove the vellus hair that grows on some women's faces (something that cannot be done with waxing).
8. 
   
   Easy Clean Up:
   sugar paste dissolves easily in water and there's no sticky residue left on your skin. --wax: requires the use of chemical solvents to remove.

The Lowdown on Latisse

Want the longest lashes? Plenty of women are turning to Latisse to make their eyelashes surreal. I've seen it in action, and it is pretty amazing. Here are some before and after shots from the Latisse website: 

These images are not retouched, and the models are not wearing mascara. The women that I know who use this have had similar results, and I am so impressed with the results. 

Keep in mind that you will have to get a prescription, and I do recommend actually seeing a doctor, opposed to just going into a dermatologists office and picking it up. Certain types of skin can react differently and be sure to read all the side effects throughly to understand the risks. Here's an article in the New York Times explaining the risks, and sharing the story of one woman who dealt with the side effects. 

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/health/02latisse.html?hpw

So go and get those lashes long, but know what you're getting into! 

Hot Wax on your Lady Parts? Where did that come from?

Brazilian wax often called a Full Bikini wax is a technique where most or all of the hair is removed from the bikini area. This waxing technique developed as result of the reduction in size of swim wear. The following is a brief historical time line of how the Brazilian Wax came into being:-

• 1920s - Athletic Tank Suits - Fashion pundits were left reeling with some of the newer all revealing figure hugging swimsuits that revealed the body limbs more clearly than had ever been seen in public before.
  
• 1930s - Feminine cotton printed bathing suits often with little over skirts to hide the thighs gradually replaced the ugly 20's fashion. The 20's suit which sometimes sported cutout sections in the midriff panel disappeared as it evolved into a two piece garment.
  
• 1940s - Corsetry was losing popularity, but the new more revealing swim suits really needed experts to design garments that hid faults in a woman's shape. They achieved this by adding stretch tummy control panels to hold in the stomach. Manufacturers also used bra cups and boning to give bust support. Costume could then be worn either strapless or with small straps that buttoned onto the inside. The modern bikini was patented by Louis Reard in 1946. His design was more akin to the skimpy string 1970's bikinis. Bikinis made news then and as versions have become skimpier they have always attracted attention. When the Bikini was named its impact was likened to an atomic explosion.
  
• 1950s - Corset based costumes continued to gain popularity as women became more liberated. People started wearing two piece costumes and the bikini was worn openly.
  
• 1960s - Corset type full costumes were still the standard norm but the bikini gained imense popularity. By the mid 1960s, fabrics were mainly nylon or Lycra or a mix of the two materials. The all important factor was stretch and pull on like a pair of panties. By the late sixties swimsuits had revealing side mesh net panels or cut out midriffs filled in with see through plastic rings.
  
• 1970s - Bikinis become skimpier and narrower! The G string or Brazilian Tanga become the newer or more risque version of the bikini!
  
• 1980s - The G-string or even more revealing - the thong also called the Brazilian tanga gains in popularity. The tanga was worn more and more often in Europe and America in the 1980s and became very usual by the 1990s among the young. With it came a boon in pubic waxing and the Brazilian wax. The Brazilian wax concept was bought to New York in 1987 by seven Brazilian sisters, Jocely, Jonice, Joyce, Janea, Jussara, Juracy, and Judseia Padilha. These seven pioneering women opened J. Sisters International Salon in midtown Manhattan. Women's bikini lines were changed forever!
  
• 1990s - The thong and the tanga are accepted universally and the Brazilian Wax and the Sphinx Wax gain massive popularity not only as a swim wear accessory but as a fashion statement and health adjunct.
  
• 2000s - The Brazillian Wax is common place across the whole world and is a complete industry all in itself along with a pot pouri of waxes, intimate shavers, depilatories, lasers and other hair removal systems.

For the full article go to: Brazilian Waxing, Everything You Need To Know

Waxing 101 at The Beauty Nook

Hey Everyone!

 Just wanted to take some time to write about my latest waxing experience and give some tips so the same thing doesn't EVER happen to you!

First a gross picture... this is my underarm... so sad... So, this is what happens to people that makes them NEVER want to get waxed ever again!

Here's the top 3 reasons this happened:
#1 The wax was too hot
#2 Waxed over the area multiple times
#3 Hair wasn't pulled opposite direction of growth

I have been waxing a long time, and have NEVER done this to anyone.

Some tips and questions to ask a new person to avoid this:

How long have they been waxing? Unfortunately for the newbies, but the longer the better, at least a year
Hard or Strip wax? Preferably hard wax on the face, underarms and bikini area. Strip wax for larger areas/less sensitive, arms & legs.

--If your esthetician is going over an area more than 2 times, ask her to stop
--If the wax feels too hot on your skin it probably is, tell your esthetician
--Waxing should be like wasabi, hot at first, and no lingering pain, if there is lingering pain something is wrong
--Make sure your esthetician is using a clean stick for each dip in the wax, NO DOUBLE DIPPING!!!

You are probably wondering why I didn't ask these things or make the esthetician stop? I was under the impression she knew what she was doing. Most of the time they do, but don't be afraid to ask questions and be an advocate for yourself!

If you have any other questions or comments about waxing please email me!

The First Beauty Nook Video Blog Introduction

Hello! So, this is my very first attempt at a video blog. I am camera shy and not all that big on being in front of a camera, but check it out. It's me and my skincare studio! 

Mother's Day Special $99

I have to show all the mom's out there some gratitude! So here's the special through Mother's Day, a package of Facial Plus & the Eye Package. 


The Facial Plus is the DELUXE facial consisting of Cleansing, Exfoliation, Extractions, Masque, 20 mins Head/Shoulder/Hand & Arm Massage, & a choice of 3 different intensive treatments. 


The Eye Package is a Brow Shaping, Tint & Lash Tint, talk about an eye lift without the plastic surgeon! 


This package is normally $150, but I'm giving it up for $99, what a deal! Get it while it's hot, and your gift certificate will come with a deluxe trial kit of Mario Badescu products!  


HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!

Perfect Peel at The Beauty Nook -- Previous post 3/30

I cannot explain in words the power of this sugar derived peel! Several clients have raved about the condition of their skin after just one treatment! Here at The Beauty Nook, dermatological grade glycolic acid peels in strengths of 35% - 50% are used to effectively remove the outer layers of thickened or damaged skin, improving texture and tone while revealing noticeably smoother, healthier skin. Our glycolic peel rapidly exfoliates & stimulates cellular turnover to help you regain a healthy, smooth, and even complexion. Glycolic Acid is an Alpha Hydroxy Acid derived from sugar cane that works to loosen the bond that holds dead skin cells together, allowing them to slough away revealing fresh, new skin underneath. Regular glycolic treatments will result in minimizing pore congestion and blackheads, minimizing discoloration from old acne and sun exposure as well as softening the look of fine lines and dull skin. This treatment is available at The Beauty Nook incorporated into the Facial Plus Treatment($95) or alone($20).

The effects noticed are:
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
• Smoothed dry, damaged and rough skin
• Reduced excess oil

When you book a Facial Plus treatment you will receive 1/2 off the take home fruit acid gel, to keep your skin in optimum condition!

Clarisonic Bonus with every Beauty Nook Facial -- Previous Post 3/21

This post is all about the Clarisonic skin brush. I have been personally using this amazing tool for the past 5 years. It is definitely a godsend. When I was putting together my menu for The Beauty Nook, I decided that it was a **MUST** for every facial. Not only because of its cleansing properties, but because it gently exfoliates enough that products sink deep into the skin to be truly effective!

You want proof? Check out these Before & After shots from the professional site.

Here's the official scoop: While cleansing is the first step in any skin care ritual, it is often overlooked. Typical manual cleansing can leave behind dirt and oil that become trapped in your pores and fine lines. Without proper cleansing, drying detergents, pollutants, oil and bacteria can damage the appearance and health of your skin.
That’s where Clarisonic comes in. Our professional–caliber Sonic Cleansing Systems are proven gentle and effectively loosen dirt and oil to clear your pores. With a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second, the gentle massage action cleans, softens and smoothes your skin in just 60 seconds.

Believe the hype!

Beauty Nook Blog -- Previous Post 3/13

Each week The Beauty Nook will be featuring a much loved product, discuss the pros and cons, and explain how it is used. Throughout the month there will be specials on service/product combinations!

Our first review is featuring my favorite Mario Badescu product ever, or so far.... : )

Vitamin C Serum: ($45)

Here's the official description: Antioxidant Vitamin C protects skin from free radicals and is essential in collagen production. This Vitamin C Serum contains 7.5% Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) to reduce discoloration and brighten skin. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's natural moisture and Collagen to enhance skin's firmness and elasticity.

My official review: This is definitely a serum consistency, it glides onto the skin slightly like an oil, but then absorbs completely leaving no greasy residue or stickiness. This is a priority for my skincare standards, there is nothing worse than feeling sticky or oily when you're on your way to bed. The best part about this serum is how you look when you get up in the morning! Glowing and healthy skin! Using this every other night in conjunction with a retinol has been revolutionary.

It is the most expensive item from the Mario Badescu line, but $45 is hardly close to most lines whose anti-aging serums range from $60-$235! I have only used mine for about 6 weeks, but it is looking like it will last close to 6 months. Well worth the investment!

Come in and try Mario Badescu's Vitamin C Serum and receive a 10% discount when you take it home!