Friday, December 11, 2015

Brushes & Make-up

Applying make-up is much harder than it looks. There are so many different types of make-up brushes and not everyone knows what they are for. We will tell you what they are for and show you what they look like. Also we will pair them with the in make-up trends for this winter and into the New Year. 

1. Lip Brush. A lip brush is used to apply lipstick for a smoother look. It works great to blend the color into the liner and if you are doing an ombre lip to blend the colors together.

The in lip colors are cherry red, plum, coral-pink, sheer browns or  nude.





2.  Liner Brush. A Liner brush is used for filling in eyebrows and for easy eyeshadow application on the upper and lower lash line. 

The trend: filled in eyebrows
3. Fan Brush. A fan brush can be used to easily apply a highlighter on your nose and cheeks. It also can be used to remove excess eyeshadow from under your eyes.


3. Multi-purpose Brush. Every girl needs one of these in there make-up kit. It can be used to apply blush, foundation, or bronzer. It allows then to be applied evenly and smoothly.


4. Contour Brush. Used to define at the jawline and cheek bones with foundation, or a bronzer. It makes the jawline look thinner and makes cheek bones more defined.

 5. Stippling Brush. This is used to dot on or blend in liquid foundation so it gives it a smooth, airbrushed appearance.

6. Tapered Brush. This is used to blend blush across the cheeks so there are no harsh lines or color separations. You can spot a tapered brush because the tip is rounded off instead of flat. They come in a variety of sizes.



7. Eyeshadow Brush. A basic eyeshadow brush is used to apply all over eye color in a smooth motion.


8. Angled Eyeshadow Brush. This brush is used to blend shadows into the crease of the eye socket, it can also be used for applying shadow along the lash line. They are made of foam unlike other brushes.


9. Smudgier Brush. Used to smudge eyeliner or eyeshadow for a less perfect look.



10. Blending Brush. Used to blend to eyeshadow colors together or to apply a highlighting eye color at the brow bone.


The trends: bold shadow, and naturals. What ever color you go with make sure it stands out.



I hope you enjoyed these trends and learned what your brushes are. 

~aphrodite



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Foods To Keep You Healthy


You are what you eat. Eating healthy can help to heal your body inside and out. Sometimes they are the best remedies for cold, flu or even to help prevent diseases. Foods have so many nutrients and healing properties that some people don't even know about. Here are some great foods to add into your diet and there positive effects.


1.  Oysters. Oysters are great for someone who doesn't get enough zinc in there diet. To get your daily value of zinc, eat one cooked or 2 raw. 
2. Flax seeds. Flax seeds are high in fiber, and can be added into any meal. Just sprinkle a few on to a salad or in some squash soup for an added crunch. They are also rich in omega 3 and antioxidants, which can help, reduce the risks of heart disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. 


3. Edamame. Edamame is very high in omega 3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation. It’s also a great aid in preventing depression and heart disease. You can just sauté them up in a little butter and salt for a great snack.


4. Beans. Beans are one of the best sources of fiber and can be incorporated into many casserole or crock-pot meals. They help soak up excess cholesterol before it can stick to the walls of your artery walls and cause a blockage. They are also a great antioxidant. 

5. Garlic. Garlic is a great killer of germs, because its main component is allium sativum. It is full of antiviral and antibacterial properties. Garlic is an easy adds to any dish, just press a bit and stir it into a sauce.



6.  Blueberries. Blueberries are higher in antioxidants then most other fruits and berries. They are great in helping prevent urinary tract infections by prevent bacteria from attaching to the walls of the blatter. They also help soften dry skin. Just add a few to your yogurt or eat a handful as a snack.




7. Papaya. Papaya is high in vitamin a, (like most tropical fruit) which stimulates antibodies and helps to fight infections. They also help control inflammation. Add some slices into a fruit bowl or into a smoothie if you are sick to help fight it off.



8. Yogurt.  Yogurt is full of probiotics and calcium. One serving of yogurt is enough calcium for the day! Probiotics help fight off harmful bacteria’s that can cause illness and infections. So try adding a cup of yogurt into your daily routine to help prevent asthma, infections, cancer, and any gastrointestinal issues.



9. Shiitake Mushrooms. Shittake mushrooms can help reduce inflammatory proteins and enhance t-cell function. This combination helps improve your immunity. Mushrooms are not something everyone loves, so they are sometimes harder to incorporate into food. Try adding them to a pasta dish, or even simply switch to a can of cream or mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
10.  Oats. Oats are a great addition into your daily yogurt or you can eat some oatmeal. They taste great and can help lower blood pressure as well as cholesterol. Studies have shown that if you eat 1 1/2 cups of oatmeal or oat cereal a day, it can lower your cholesterol by up to 5% and reduce your risk of a heart attack by up to 10%. So listen to those cheerios commercials and start eating more oats!


11. Brazil Nuts. Brazil Nuts are one of the healthiest nuts you can eat out of those mixed nut tins. You can eat 1 nut a day, that is rich in selenium, which is need to help make the immune system function properly. 
12. Broccoli. Broccoli is an easy addition into any dish because it tastes good raw and cooked. It has sulfur compounds that increase our enzyme production that helps to detoxify cancer-causing compounds. 


13. Eggs. Eggs are full of vitamin a, d, b12, b2, b6, and k as well as, protein, calcium and zinc. Eating one or two eggs with breakfast in the morning will help keep you fuller longer. They are pretty much full of any nutrient you can need, so if you are lacking something in your diet, just add one egg a day.


14. Spinach. Spinach is full of vitamin a, c and k. It also has tons of vitamin e, fiber, protein, calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It can be added into a salad or even a smoothie. Its high in flavonoid and when it is eaten every day it can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer by up to 40%. 

 
15. Mixed nuts. Mixed nuts are a great source of protein, and are easy to add into any diet. Just a handful a day, and you can live up to 2 years longer then non-nut eaters. 


16. Oranges. Oranges in the fruit or juice form are extremely high in vitamin c. If you ever feel like you are getting a cold, then drink some juice or eat an orange to help give your immune system an extra boost.


Quick Cold Fixes. 


Can't sleep? Eat some cherries or drink cherry juice. It helps promote melatonin’s that well help you fall asleep.



Coughing? Add honey to your tea or to a piece of toast. Honey will help to ease the dryness of your throat and suppress the nerve fibers that cause the coughing.



Can't Breathe? Add some peppermint to your water or tea. The menthol helps dislodge mucus and phlegm. It also helps an upset stomach. 

Cold?  Add some licorice extract to some water. It has antiviral properties to help ease your cold symptoms.


Try any of these great foods out and see how much better you feel inside and out. Have a beautiful day and Happy Thanksgiving.

~aphrodite

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Fall 2015 Make-up Trends

Now that summer is starting to come to an end, and school is going to be starting up soon, it is a good time to look at the trends that are going to be happening. Be prepared for colder weather, shorter days and lots of awesome make-up.

1. Red Lips.
Red lips are a constant staple of fall and winter. Try to change it up and go for more of a brick red instead of an orange/red or berry color. If you have been wearing a lot of nude lipstick lately, this will be a great way to make your lips noticed.



2. Liner.
Eye liner is a great way to enhance your eyes or make a dark, mysterious look. Use plain, black eyeliner and do your thing. Whether you like it simple, a little smudged or even a cat-eye, there are dozens of ways your can line your eyes.



3.  Blush.
When changing up your make-up habits for the fall, remove the taupe colored powders and bronzers, and go for a lighter color like a rose or peach. It will give a hint of color, without making your face too pink. The more natural looking the better.



4. Metallic.
Want to add a little something to your smokey eye or everyday look? Try a gold, silver or bronze liner. Try out each to see what you like best, and add a line to your eyes when doing your make-up instead of the normal black or brown. You can go for an all metallic look by doing metallic eye shadow. Or you can use the liner by itself without any shadow.





5. Goth Lips.
Who would of thought that the 1990's would come back into style for make-up. Well it has. Choose a dark red or dark purple lipstick that is almost black, and apply. Rock it with air-dried hair or a messy bun. Just to add something different and fun into a look. Keep the rest of your make-up natural looking, so your lips are the center of attention.






6. Lashes.
Long, gorgeous lashes make all girls envious, but now you can have your own. There are so many types of fake lashes out there and lengthening mascara, there is no excuse as to why you can't have amazing lashes. Try some false lashes, and add a coat of mascara over top to really amp them up. You can even try different styles, and colors.





Try some of these amazing and maybe a little out there looks this fall. You never know when you can find your new favorite make-up look.

~aphrodite

Friday, July 24, 2015

Spa Etiquette (What Not To Do)

As a follow up to the last post on what to do at a spa or salon. Here are some things you should not do.

1. Don't show up late or not show up at all.
This is one of the worst things you can do. Most stylists or therapists work off of commission or booth rental. This means that they only get paid for the people they work on. So if there is nobody in that time spot, they don't get paid for that time. Every time you show up late you are costing them money, and setting them back. Leave an extra 15 mins early and arrive early for your appointment. If you need cancel, don't do it 2 hours before your appointment time. If you must cancel on the day of, do it early in the day so they can try and fill that open time spot.

2. Don't answer your phone during a service.
Answering your phone during a facial or a massage is not ideal. You would not appreciate it if the person working on you took a personal call during your service time. Turn your phone on silent while you are getting a massage or a facial. If you are expecting a phone call, just let us know we are usually very understanding.

3. Don't leave without tipping.
Tipping your stylist, nail tech, massage therapist or facialist is the same as tipping your waitress. By you not tipping, you are saying that you hated what we did. You should tip 15-20% of the total service bill. So if you buy products, tip of the amount before the product purchases. Tipping under 15% means you also weren't very satisfied with the service, so always keep that in mind.

4. Don't drink caffeinated beverages or alcohol right before a massage or facial.
When you get a massage and facial, the movements help to circulate the blood which can make the alcohol and caffeine go through your body quicker. Drinking pop and alcohol also dehydrates you so you are more susceptible to passing out. It also makes your skin dry and your body more jittery. Stick to water before and after so you stay hydrated.

5. Don't barter on prices.
This may seen like a weird thing and most people don't experience this but is does happen often. Just because a price says "starting at" this does not mean it is going to be the actual price. Everything depends on time, the amount of work needed, if any services were added on and if extra product is needed. Most places tell you how much things are going to be before they do them on you, so when you come to pay the bill, don't argue with the receptionist and try to get a lower price. They are just doing there job.

6. Don't wear make-up for a facial or massage appointment.
Wearing make-up for a facial or a massage really is pointless because its going to be taken off during the facial and during the massage, it usually smears and comes half off onto the face cradle. So to save you the time, just come without make-up and apply it after. 

7. Don't wash your hair.
Don't wash your hair the day of an appointment for hair, massages or facials. For hair services, color and styling for up-dos stays better when you wash the hair the day before. As for massages and facials, they normally do a scalp massage during both services, so if you come in with your hair done it will just get messed up.

8. Don't bring your kids. 
Unless there are no other options, they are getting something done, or your let the business know before hand, don't bring your kids to an appointment. There is really nothing for them to do, and the staff isn't there to babysit. Most kids do not want to sit and wait 3 hours for you to get your hair done. Its best to leave them with the sitter.

9. Don't talk about your last hair/massage/nail/facial place.
It's plan and simple, we know you aren't at your last place for a reason and you are now coming to see us. Whether its good or bad, we really don't want to know. All we care about is that you are coming to see us now, and that you love us so much you keep coming back. 


These are some of the things not to do in spa etiquette. If you don't do these things, the spa or salon you go to will love you even more then they already do, your appointments will go smoother, and you will leave much happier. 

~aphrodite


Wednesday, July 8, 2015

General Spa Etiquette

In every place of business there are certain things that you should and should not do. If you have never been to a spa before,  you can be unsure of some things that are expected and not expected of you. Here is a basic list of things that you should do at a spa.

1. Always Be Early.
Being early means different things to different people. Some people think being early means being on time for an appointment, while others will be 20 to 30 minutes early. Most spas just ask for you to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. If you are a new customer, the 10 minute mark is when you should arrive. At our spa each new client fills out some sort of paperwork for the service they are getting, and enjoys some of our refreshments. When filling out paperwork, write as nice as possible. If you are a repeat client, 5 minutes early is plenty of time. 

2. What To Wear.
We recommend on wearing something that you are going to be comfortable in and that is easy to get in and out of. If you are getting your hair done, wear something with a lower collar. If you are getting a pedicure, wear carpi's, shorts, a long skirt or dress, or pants that are easy to pull up. They usually do some sort of leg massage. For massages and facials, you can wear anything you like. We recommend not doing your hair, because you usually receive a scalp massage.

3. What To Do In The Facial/Massage Room.
The therapist will go over with you on what to do. Most rooms provide a place where you can put your clothes. Undress to your comfort level (portions of you will be covered at all times so you do not feel exposed) and lay face down under the sheets/blankets with your face in the cradle at the end of the bed. Remove any jewelry and hair accessories. You can put your hair up in a hair band if you would like. When the session is complete, the therapist will give you a few minutes so you can take your time getting up and getting dressed.

4. Tipping. Always be sure to tip at the end of any service. Some places do include the tip in the service price, so you can always ask if the tip is including. Normal tipping for services is 20%. And like in waitress', you can tip more if you enjoyed yourself very much. 

5. Communicate.
If there is something that you want the therapist or stylist to do or not to do be sure to let them know. Every person is different, and we do not assume anything. We all do things a little differently, so you may enjoy one person more than another. We are here to serve you, if you are hot, cold, or the music is to loud we will adjust this things for you. If the pressure is too much, let us know.

 6. Cancelling or Rescheduling.
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment you should contact a spa 24 to 48 hours before your appointment. It gives us a chance to refill that spot. Some places will charge 20 to 50% of the service price for no shows or last minute cancellations, so be sure to try to do it in a timely manner. We do understand that emergencies happen.

7. Drink Plenty Of Water.
After a massage or any type of body treatment you should drink lots of water to rehydrate your self. There is a lot of movements that help to loosen up your body and drain your lymph's, so you need to be sure to replenish them after your service.

8. Relax. 
Most importantly we are here to make you feel relaxed and comfortable. You have to let your mind go and enjoy the moment. Turn your phone off, so the time that is spent here can be completely focused on you and you only. Our clients are our #1 priority. If you are not happy, we are not happy.

I hope we have the pleasure of meeting you and being able to work on you one day. Enjoy your next spa or salon experience.

~aphrodite