by Alexandra Drosu | Sep 22, 2017 | Polish, September 2017, Stuff
This natural hair removal method offers a sweet alternative to waxing.
Most people would agree that there’s nothing worse at the breakfast table than getting syrup all over yourself—that sticky feeling that doesn’t seem to come off even after scrubbing. So why would anyone willingly spread sweet syrup all over their body? To pay the price of beauty, naturally.
The natural hair removal method, known as sugaring, dates back to almost 2,000 B.C. in ancient Egypt and uses sugar or honey in a similar fashion to waxing. But unlike waxing, you don’t have to heat up the product, which can be used at room temperature, minimizing risk of burns. Advocates of the process also swear that it’s less painful and less irritating.
“A lot of people that have more sensitive skin prefer sugar because you remove the hair in the direction it grows and it causes less irritation,” says Yvonda Seda, co-owner of Indulgence Beauty Boutique. “It only attaches to the hair, not to the skin.”
Patty Batchelor, Owner of Blush Skin Studio, agrees, noting that it’s also organic, environmentally friendly and water-soluble. “It’s kinder to the skin and more effective for slowing growth of the hair follicles,” she says. “It’s bacteria resistant and reduces ingrown hairs. I’ve been an esthetician for 14 years and I’ve never seen a better method of hair removal.”
The simple ingredients include sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and honey and though you can mix your own recipe, professional organic products are available such as Sugaring NYC Sugaring Paste ($38; amazon.com). But the application can be tricky so it’s best to see an expert.
Nurturing Your Nature
8216 Creedmoor Rd
Indulgence Beauty Boutique
1049 Bullard Ct.
919-864-2152
Blush Skin Studio
6512 Six Forks Rd
(919) 741-3414
by Illyse Lane | Mar 2, 2016 | March 2016, Polish, Stuff
If you’ve got dark circles or bags under your eyes, you probably don’t care if it’s due to
genetics, lack of sleep or dehydrated skin. You probably just want them to go away. While the old spoons-in-the-freezer trick can help minimize both temporarily, applying concealer correctly can also make a big difference.
The trick is in the technique:
For dark circles:
1. Begin with an eye cream, gel or primer to even out the texture.
2. Choose a lightweight concealer in shades of peach or orange, which neutralizes blues, browns and purples.
3. Apply using a brush in the shape of a downward facing triangle instead of dotting across the bottom lid.
4. Consider a white or nude liner to add brightness to your eye area.
For bags:
1. Apply concealer slightly lighter than your skin tone right below your bags in the shadows using a small angled brush.
2. Dust translucent powder above the shadows.
3. Don’t use a dark liner on your lower lids.
Try these:
Cover up with:
Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer For Eyes
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, $34; Saks
Givenchy Mister Light Instant Light Corrective Pen, $35; Sephora
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, $70; Nordstrom
Moisturize with:
L’Oréal Paris Visible Lift Serum Absolute Concealer, $12.99; Walgreens
Clinique All About Eyes Serum’ De-Puffing Eye Massage, $30; Belk
Olay ProX Eye Restoration Complex, $44.99; Ulta
La Mer Illuminating Eye Gel, $145; Saks
by Illyse Lane | Sep 24, 2015 | October 2015, Polish, Stuff
Understanding Retinol
This vitamin A derivative can be the workhorse of your sign care routine. Why? Because when retinol is broken down, it becomes retinoic acid, which works within the cells to improve the tone and texture of your skin. This means fine lines, dark spots and even acne begin to fade.
Ideally applied at night, retinol is available in various forms, with prescription strength versions such as Retin-A, Renova and Tretinoin being the most potent to the more milder forms of retinol that are found in over-the-counter products such as RoC Retinol Correction Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, OLAY Professional Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment and Skinceuticals Retinol 1.0.
Since retinol can irritate your skin when introduced, new users should always begin with a mild form, working up to a prescription grade. And always be diligent about wearing sunscreen, especially when using retinol products.
Are our hands giving away our age?
As we age, our skin loses volume and elasticity. When you add decades of sun exposure to the equation, it’s not uncommon for the skin on our hands to look wrinkled, thin and veiny. And while there are moisturizers and creams available that can help hands feel smooth and decrease brown spots, there hasn’t been an option available for women looking to improve the overall look of their hands. Until now.
This summer, the FDA approved the injectable filler, Radiesse® Hands. Injected into the back of the hand, Radiesse® Hands adds volume and fullness to the skin, decreasing vein and tendon visibility. One treatment can last up to two years.
Radiesse® Hands is offered at Davis & Pyle Plastic Surgery, 919-785-1220.
The Power of Collagen
Our bodies are packed with this magical protein that helps plump up our skin, giving life to our hair and nails and making our joints move more easily. But as we age, our collagen diminishes.
Fortunately, Collagen supplements can add firmness and texture back to your skin. It’s available in either a pill, powder or chew to help improve skin tone. Curious to know which collagen supplement is right for you? Stop by and talk to Laura Dalton at GNC North Hills or call 919-787-0462.
