Thursday, April 16, 2009

Eyelash Extensions by Monica (Luxe Esthetician)


Common Eyelash Extension questions.

What brand is used at Luxe?

We use Novalash which is a totally new way to build thickness and extend the length of your eyelashes. We apply them on a hair-by-hair basis to your own lashes which gives a very natural look.

How long do they last?

They can last up to 2 months or longer. We recommend a touch-up after the first full set application where we will replace any lashes that have fallen off. They basically last the normal length of your natural growth cycle of your eyelash hair.

How do I care for them?

Caution must be taken with all products that contain carbonates and glycols which can loosen the bond. Also you shouldn’t rub your eyes!

Can I add mascara?

Constant use of mascara may shorten the life-span of the lashes but you can use water soluble mascara however you cannot use waterproof mascara.

How much does it costs?

We charge $150 for the initial set and $50 for a follow-up touch-up.

Give me a call if you have any other questions or to schedule an appointment or consultation!

Thanks!

Monica
Luxe Esthetician
916-443-1400
http://www.luxe-midtown.com/

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Commonly Asked Questions About Brazilian Waxing by Luxe Esthetician Monica


What is a Brazilian Wax?

Brazilian waxing is hair removal around the vagina, perineum and vagina. To some people it means removing all the hair from the bikini area, and to others it means removing everything but a strip in the front. The Brazilian technique has gained in popularity and involves removal of most hair from the bikini area, leaving only a small strip of hair. This is a very intimate type of waxing and will only be performed after careful consultation. How closely you trim, shave or wax your pubic hair is a personal preference. You should do whatever makes you comfortable, whether it's a bare look, a more natural look, or something in between.

The benefits to Brazilian waxing?


You will feel all clean and shiny, and you will be slick during intercourse. The results will last anywhere from ten days to three weeks, with no maintenance, and there is no shave that can get you this smooth. In fact, the biggest benefit is no more shaving! You'll be happy. Your partner will be happy. It'll be a smooth experience.

How long will it last?

After a client’s first waxing, the results can last 3 to 6 weeks depending on the individual’s hair re-growth rate. In most cases, hair growth is minimal during the first week or two and noticeably increases in the third and fourth week. Heat stimulates hair growth, therefore hair grows quicker in the summer than in the winter. With regular waxing the length of time between treatments will increase. Continued waxing results in sparse hair re-growth.

Why go to this extreme?

It allows women to comfortably wear revealing swimwear and lingerie

Can a man get a Brazilian?

Many men are waxing rather than shaving to achieve a smooth genital region. Yes, men can get either a standard bikini wax or a Brazilian bikini wax.

What do I wear during the waxing?

If you are comfortable, the Brazilian wax will be done without any draping. A towel will be available for draping if you prefer.

What are the possible side effects of waxing and how can they be minimized?

Although we can not predict or guarantee who may react how, most clients do not experience reactions beyond redness and minor irritation. Hair may break at the root during waxing, causing some hairs to grow out faster. Please follow these guidelines to minimize irritation and possible break outs.
Avoid the sun immediately after waxing and please wear sun screen; recently waxed areas are prone to hyperpigmentation (permanent darkening of the skin) if exposed to the sun.
Avoid heavy exercise for at least 24 hours after waxing.
Avoid saunas, steam rooms, whirlpools and other heated sources for at least 48 hours.
Do not use exfoliating products (AHAs, scrubs, etc) and loofas for at least 24 hours after waxing as they might further irritate your skin.
Avoid tight clothing after waxing, especially in the waxed areas. Tight clothing may result in irritation and ingrown hairs.
Regular exfoliation may be helpful to remove dead skin so your hairs can get out above the surface of the pores and not become ingrown.
Routine waxing helps the skin get accustomed to the procedure and may minimize irritation.
Unfortunately, no hot bath, hot shower or oral sex for 10 hours after a Brazilian. While your pores are open, they are vulnerable to irritation by the extreme temperatures and infection by bacteria.

Please come see me should you be interested in a Brazilian or any other skin related procedure!

Thanks,


Monday, March 2, 2009

Permanent Cosmetics by Luxe Esthetician Monica




Permanent makeup can enhance your life! Wake up with makeup perfectly applied every day. Anyone who wants to improve their appearance and have the convenience of lip color, eyebrows and eyeliner that won't rub off, smudge or smear can enjoy the benefits of permanent cosmetics. Beautiful Brows! Arch is everything! Expression, mood and age are conveyed by the shape of your brows. Luscious Lips! No more smudged lipstick with permanent cosmetics! Now you have a color lift and finished look all day, everyday! Effortless Eyeliner! Wake up every morning with a dash of color and definition to your eyes. Feel Great! Your makeup has been done by an expert with colors that are right for you! Worry-free Convenience! If you are an athlete or sports enthusiast, permanent cosmetic tattooing gives you the freedom of "perspiration and waterproof" make-up that you do not need to keep re-applying.



Is permanent makeup right for me?
Have you ever experienced hair loss or do you have sparse, uneven eyebrows due to premature aging, Chemotherapy treatments or Alopecia Areata?
Do you have difficulty applying makeup due to paralysis or vision limitations?
Do you suffer from Parkinson’s or any other disabling tremor that limits your ability to apply makeup?
Do you have thinning or sparse hair, eyebrows or eyelashes?
Are you allergic to over-the-counter cosmetics, or do you wear contact lenses/eyeglasses that cause watery eyes or smudged eyeliner?
Do you have any visual limitations that cause further difficulty applying make up?
Do you have thin, uneven lips that take away from facial balance?



How do I make an appointment?

Please check with our front desk staff for availability and to book your consultation. It is my pleasure to offer you a free consultation. However, if you have to cancel or reschedule your consultation, I ask that you reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment. I am committed to giving each and every client the one-on-one attention and service they deserve in a private and relaxed environment. Due to the specialty of this service, every appointment is time sensitive. In order to provide each client with the ideal amount of time and relaxing environment for a procedure, we require a $100 refundable deposit per procedure requested to secure your appointment. If you choose to cancel or reschedule your appointment, a minimum 24 hour advance notice is mandatory or the deposit becomes non refundable. Thank you in advance for your understanding. I look forward to working with you! – Monica


Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there discomfort involved? The sensation varies from person-to-person. A topical anesthetic is applied to significantly reduce discomfort.

Do I need to take time off from work? Sometimes the procedure causes temporary swelling, redness and in rare cases, bruising. Most people don’t need to take time away from their employment. Some people have their touchups done during their lunch hour while others prefer to take a day to recover.

How "permanent" is permanent? Although this is a permanent procedure, color will fade over time and will require maintenance visits.

How is permanent make up applied? With a hand-held implanter, much like a tattoo. The depth of the pigment deposit is regulated, so the procedure is safe and controlled.

What if styles change? We never do anything "trendy" but only the most classic and elegant colors/shape. Furthermore, if you wanted to wear a different color lip liner or lipstick, the color you apply would override your permanent color.

Do I have a choice as far as color or intensity is concerned? Yes. The range of colors available is almost endless and can be custom blended to fit your every need. Shape and positioning can be perfected. The color can heal to a soft natural look or it can be more dramatic. The color can be placed in strokes or lines to emulate hair, such as with a permanent eyebrow procedure.

Who uses permanent cosmetics? Originally, the procedure was designed for those experiencing hair losses due to Chemotherapy or Alopecia. For those who have poor vision, limited or poor motor skills, arthritis or other physical challenges. For them, permanent cosmetics are not a "luxury," but a way to enhance their self-esteem.

….Virtually every person who uses an eyebrow pencil or eyeliner is a candidate. No more eyebrow pencils or liner that smudges! People whose brows are sparse or non-existent can enjoy the benefits as well. Also, people whose brows are blonde or light in color can enjoy permanent brows in individualized uniquely blended colors to enhance their facial features. A soft smudged line can be achieved to enhance the lash line and create a natural looking liner. Permanent make-up is a wonderful solution for reshaping uneven lips and to make the lips appear larger and fuller. In addition, it has the added benefit of preventing lipstick from bleeding. It can camouflage scars and give the lips a very natural look. It can also be applied more heavily for a classic dramatic look.

How much time is involved? During your first visit, there will be a consultation and a predisposition patch test, to determine possible allergic reactions. If you choose to have any procedure, the time needed will vary depending on your desired look. A follow up visit may also be necessary, epending on individual Permanent make-up is the perfect solution for reshaping uneven lips and for making the lips appear full and flush. It has the added benefit of preventing lipstick from bleeding. It covers scars and can give the lips a very natural look, or may be applied more heavily for a classic evening look.

Is permanent make up safe?

Procedures are done under strict hygienic conditions and standards in line with those set by the Centers for Disease Control. All supplies are used one time only (disposable). Allergic reactions to permanent cosmetic procedures are extremely rare. The cosmetic pigments are made from completely natural ingredients, and disposable sterile needles and surgical gloves are used for each procedure.

Is infection possible? Anytime the skin is open, even from a tiny scratch, infection is possible. The treated area must be kept clean. There are usually no major complications.

Are there any side-effects? Sometimes there is swelling of the treated area. This may last from two to seventy two hours. There may be some tenderness for a few days. The color WILL be darker than you would expect for the first 5-10 days.

Does the procedure pose allergy problems?

We perform a pre-disposition (patch test) with the chosen pigment to be used to reduce the chance of an unexpected allergic reaction but keep in mind that you can develop an allergy to anything at anytime. Many doctors recommend that people who are allergic to cosmetics have these procedures done because they will replace cosmetic products that they are sensitive to.

How does your method differ from a doctor's?

These procedures are ART and not science.. Some MD's are trained in these procedures, but most prefer to stay within their field of expertise. Because I have practiced cosmetic artistry for many years previous to my career in Permanent Cosmetics, I have experience helping people with color, design, balance and compatibility.

What precautions must I take?

The only precautions involve the lips. If you have a history of fever blisters, cold sores, shingles, canker sores or mouth ulcers, you must get a prescription of anti-viral medication prescribed by a doctor prior to the procedure. This helps eliminate a virus from occurring.


Are permanent cosmetics truly permanent? No. A variety of factors influence the longevity of Permanent Cosmetics. Ultra-violet exposure from sun or tanning booths, various drugs, excessively dry skin, and smoking are all factors that may affect this. Alpha-hydroxy, Retin-A, and glycolic acid must be kept away from treated areas. These kinds of substances slough away top layers of the skin and eventually the layer that the pigment has been implanted into.Use of these kinds of substances will require additional maintenance in years to come. Sun block on eyebrows, sunglasses for eyeliner, and SPF on lips will greatly prolong the effective life of these procedures.


I hope to see you soon!


Monica

916-443-4320


http://www.luxe-midtown.com/





Thursday, January 22, 2009

Why Haircuts Are Important For Hair Growth! by Luxe Stylist Trish



Why haircuts every 5-7 weeks are important for hair growth.

Some people wonder why they should get their haircut if they want to grow their hair longer.

Even if you want your hair to grow out, it is important to get back to your stylist for regular trims every 6 weeks.

Keeping your ends trim and neat will lessen damage and breakage to your hair and help your hair appear to grow faster.

If you do not keep up on your trims/haircuts, your hair ends will break off and keep splitting or breaking leaving your hairs straggly looking.

The longer you wait to get a haircut, usually the more the stylist will want to cut off to bring your hair back to healthy.

Condition regularly...Conditioners protect the hair’s cuticle layer from splitting from the shaft. Pick a conditioner that works well for your hair and use it after every shampoo.

Wear a hat!!!! Go get a cute hat and wear it once a week. Too much exposure to wind and sun can leave your hair thirsty and get dry.

I hope this helps and I hope to meet you soon at Luxe! Come by for a consultation or a free cut with color service!
xoxo

Trish

443-1400







Tuesday, January 20, 2009

How to Avoid Bad Hair Days by Luxe Stylist Angelina



Being a stylist I hear it all the time from clients about some important event, a work function, or, the most dreaded, a hot date, that happens to fall on a Bad Hair Day!

Below are some of my tips that I want to share with you:

Do not sleep with an elastic tie or rubber band in your hair. This will break the hairs while you sleep. This will keep your hair from getting split ends and breakage points.

If you shampoo frequently (like every day) then try to only shampoo once or twice a week. Try also to shampoo your roots and rinse out with conditioner without over conditioning.

Rinse your hair with freezing cold water (well, maybe not freezing, but as cold as you can tolerate!). This will help with the shine.

Try brushing or combing your hair starting at the bottom, this will help avoid your hair breaking.

Replace your cotton pillowcase with silk (less static electricity from all the friction).

If you need to control your curls or manage the frizz then consider a relaxer.

And, finally, the absolute best way to avoid Bad Hair Days is to have a great haircut. When your hair is done right it is so much easier to maintain and style on your own—and that is where I come into the picture! Come see me for a consultation! Schedule a cut! Get some color! I would love to meet you!

Your girl at Luxe,

Angelina
443-1400



http://www.luxe-midtown.com/







Miss Dee Luxe image courtesy of www.adrienneyan.com