Monday, April 26, 2010

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.

Friday, April 16, 2010

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!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

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! 


Wednesday, April 7, 2010

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!!



Tuesday, April 6, 2010

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!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Moving the Beauty Nook Blog

Hi Everyone!

I'm moving the blog to this spot to have more exposure to the general public! Enjoy!