What is Aromatherapy?

©     Aromatherapy is an art of healing which uses aromas released by plant extracts to promote the wellbeing of the body, mind and spirit. 

©     Essential oils are pure plant extracts – they’re not fragrances or perfumed oils containing chemicals.  Essential oils are highly concentrated, and contain many therapeutic qualities.

©     Aromatherapy with essential oils can be used in the following ways: massage, vaporisation, baths, footbaths, compresses, inhalation, spritzes, and direct application.

©     Essential oils must not be taken internally or orally, and must always be blended with a carrier oil or base cream. (With the exception of Lavender oil and Tea Tree oil which can be applied neat to the skin.)  Some oils are not recommended to be used during pregnancy – but many are safe when used correctly.  Some oils must be avoided by people who suffer from epilepsy or high blood pressure.

Testing a new treatment: Semi-permanent Mascara

I've been wondering for a while now, what else I can bring into my salon to offer clients something different to all the other hundreds of salons in Centurion.

I came across the concept of "semi-permanent mascara" online, and did some research.  It's been around for a while, but only recently it's started becoming more known.  I found two suppliers in South Africa who offer training and products for semi-permanent mascara, of which MYscara responded the fastest and sent through all their information.

I set up an appointment for today to have the treatment done on myself.  Before deciding whether I will spend so much money on doing the training course, I definitely need to get a feel for it, how it feels to have it applied, how long it lasts, etc.

Semi-permanent mascara is a coating that is applied to the lashes.  This is an in-salon treatment and cannot be done at home.  It takes around 30 minutes - and then you have mascara for 2-3 weeks!

The MYscara representative in Pretoria explained everything to me so nicely and answered all my questions about the product, application and aftercare.  She did the treatment gently and efficiently, and when I opened my eyes, I was really impressed.

Mascara always irritates my eyes, makes them feel scratchy and puffy.  So far my eyes feel fine, doesn't feel like I have anything on!

I'm keen to see how long it looks nice for, and I want to check how it 'flakes' off - don't want lashes to look tatty after a week or two.

Watch this space - hopefully I will become a semi-permanent mascara therapist soon!
xx

 

 

 

* * Edit:  After two weeks, the MYscara was looking quite tatty...  It looked great for the first week, but as it flaked off, it didn't look as good as I hoped it would.  I'm in two minds about this...  I really need to believe in a product that I use, I couldn't do this treatment for clients if I wasn't 100% happy with it.  Think will do some more research first before deciding!



Blog Launch Special Offer!

 

 

~ * Blog Launch Special Offer ~ *
 

 Back Massage and Pedicure: R200!
 

 Email me, skincarebyjessica@live.co.za to make your appointment, and specify that it is the Blog Launch Special Offer.  Please note I am situated in Centurion.

Valid from now until 31 May 2013.

All about this blog ♥

I decided to start this blog, not only as a way to create awareness about my skincare business, but to also share skincare and wellness related information, and to connect with other people with the same interests.

I really love what I do, I cannot imagine myself as anything other than a skincare therapist - the skin and caring for it is a great passion of mine.  And if I can share any knowledge with others along the way - that's just an added bonus!

This blog should be interactive - please leave comments, please ask questions, please make use of my special offers, please be in touch! :-)

The tabs at the top of this blog has relevant information regarding treatments that I offer and their prices, the different products I use, the monthly specials I run, additional info, and how to contact me.

You can find the link to my Facebook page in the right-hand column.  Please also subscribe to this blog, to be sure to receive updates!

Thanks for popping in, I appreciate it so much.
Jessica
xx

Rejuvenate Your Skin!

Everybody wants a fresh, healthy, glowing, smooth and radiant skin!

Sometimes, due to factors such as incorrect skincare, excessive sun exposure, insufficient water intake, smoking and stress, skin becomes dull, congested, lacklustre, and shows signs of premature ageing.

Here are a few steps to include in your day-to-day routine, to ensure you give your skin the best possible care, and in return, your skin will be healthy and glowing!

©     Cleanse your skin, every morning and every night.  Use a good-quality cleanser specifically for your skin type.  Don’t use soap – this strips the skin’s natural protective barrier, causing sensitivity and dryness.  

©     Gentle exfoliation twice a week.  Skin is constantly renewing itself, and exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, revealing fresh new skin cells, and stimulating new cells to grow.  Take care not to over-exfoliate the skin, as this leads to sensitivity and redness. 

©     Moisturise your skin twice a day, using the correct type of cream for your skin type or skin condition.  Avoid products with artificial fragrances, lanolin, mineral oil or drying alcohols, as this causes skin sensitivity and skin allergies. 

©     Wear sunscreen every day.  Protection from harmful UV rays is needed in daylight – not just in sunlight.  Sunlight is the leading cause of premature ageing. 

©     Drink lots of water, for hydration, detox and health of the body and cells.   

©     Follow a balanced diet, and ensure you’re getting enough fresh fruit and veggies, as well as a multivitamin supplement.

©     Exercise.  Not only does this give the skin a healthy glow, sweating helps cleanse the pores of impurities. 

©     Get enough sleep – this is your body’s healing time, for all your systems and organs – including the skin. 

©     Have monthly professional skin treatments.  A facial includes a good deep cleansing routine, steam for increased product absorption, deep exfoliation, relaxing massage for increased blood circulation, as well as a nourishing, revitalising and healing masque.  Every skin needs this!