Guest Blog: James

A few weeks ago I held another successful Environ Taster session where a number of clients came for skin analysis and a mini facial to understand their skin as well as learn what can be done to improve skin health. I was delighted that James came to a session and I asked him to write a few bits for the blog to share with any other males who might think that skin health is not for them! Men, please take note!

Have you ever been to see a Beauty Therapist before? 

I’ve been to get my eyebrows waxed once. It started with going to a party and returning with no eyebrows, once they started to grow back (after a couple of months) they needed something doing to them as were growing in all different directions! That is my only real experience! I do try to look after my skin and drink lots of water but have never been to anything like this!

What made you go to the Environ Taster Day? 

Well, Sarah was pretty adamant that I was going to the taster day. I do suffer with breakouts so after some persuasion I plucked up the courage to go and have a look to see what all the fuss was about.

What did you think of the advice that you were given on the day? 

I thought the advice was great. I learnt things I never knew about skin and it was very informative. I really didn’t know how complex the skin actually was! At the start start I definitely felt uncomfortable walking into a beauticians being a male but all the people in there made me feel very comfortable and at ease.

Did you enjoy the experience? 

Definitely, I would recommend it to anyone. Even if they don’t’ suffer from bad skin, because it’s a good insight into how it all works.

Do you think you will change anything because of the advice and expertise that you were given? 

Yeah I never really had a routine for looking after my skin. After learning about all the different things you can do to help it, I’ve made a change and am using the Environ Sebuwash and AVST 1 moisturiser and have definitely noticed a change.

Guest Review: Pinks Boutique Bamboo and Oatmeal Facial Polish

I have to be honest when I first tried the Pinks Boutique Bamboo and Oatmeal Facial Polish I was disappointed. Bear in mind that I am in the very early stages of educating myself on skin care and in my head a good exfoliator needed to be gritty, in fact I thought the grittier the product the better the results! (Kathy please remember to breathe whilst reading this, I am learning from you, I promise!)

So, when I first used the Oatmeal Polish in the shower I was disappointed by the lack of a good scrub and felt that it wasn’t doing much for my skin. Yes it smelt absolutely yummy (as all Pinks Products do) and it had a nice creamy texture which felt smooth on my skin but I wasn’t particularly sure if it was clearing out my pores and removing any dirt.

Because I wanted to give the product a fair chance I thought I would up the usage, Kathy had recommended that I use it twice a week on my face in the shower. Well, I ignored the golden rule of listening to the expert and started using the polish every day, well I didn’t want clogged up pores did I?!

Fast forward a few weeks and I decided to attend the Environ Taster Facial day. I was very surprised when the Environ expert looked at my skin and told me straight away that I had been over exfoliating. I have learnt that the skin is used to protect us from toxins and bacteria and as I had been scrubbing away at this on a daily basis my skin was over compensating to try and repair the damage. In fact the Environ Specialist said that they did not believe in exfoliating (in the standard accepted way) the face at all!

I was shocked to learn that something that I had been doing to try and look after my skin was damaging it and it made me re-evaluate the Oatmeal Facial polish. Maybe an exfoliator didn’t need to be gritty?! Maybe, the Facial polish was gently and quietly removing the dirt and clearing my pores without my face being assaulted by salt and grit! I had previously used Clearasil as an exfoliating product and was comparing the Polish to this, a completely unjust comparison.

With this shock revelation in mind I started using the Oatmeal Facial polish twice a week and actually read up on what an exfoliator should do! A good face polish should gently help the natural regeneration of skin cells as well as maintaining clear pores and softening the skin.

I now love using the polish and look forward to the days when I can use it on my skin, I have realised that a gentler scrub actually does the job it needs to do without damaging healthy skin and I feel that the creaminess helps replenish any moisture that may be lost in the scrubbing process.

After a bit of an educational journey I now adore the polish and I have even brought a pot for my mum, I hope she loves it as much as I do!

Sarah

xxx

Environ Taster Facials

A new event to Ginger Tree – Environ Taster Facials on Monday 9th November, 11am-6pm.

This is a great opportunity for you to learn more about the Environ range, understand and see what it can do to improve the health and appearance of your skin.

Perhaps you have a particular concern – pigmentation, sun damage, anti-aging or problematic. Environ can help. The cost is £20, refundable on purchase of two or more products, plus you will be able to have a make up consultation and application completely free.

 It’s a fun and informative event in a stunning relaxing environment. It’s also an opportunity to learn more!

Christmas at Ginger Tree

Christmas is my favourite time of the year and I have lots of lovely events coming up to celebrate the season, find out more below:

Xmas Glamour Night

Tuesday 17th Nov 5-9pm is the first of my make up events. I’ll be demonstrating two looks Glamour and Smokey.

This is your chance to have your make up applied professionally and receive tailored advice. Fizz and yummy chocolates from Mocha will help us have a lovely relaxed evening soiree.

Xmas Fair Low Gingerfield

Sunday 22nd November I’ll be at the lovely Low Gingerfield Farm just outside Richmond for their annual Christmas Gift Fair. Come along and see my lovely stall and other great suppliers, including Hedgehog Furniture from Catterick who made my salon furniture.

Christmas Facials

Christmas is coming and it’s party time, plus the weather has truly turned – cold, wind, rain, the central heating and fires are on, we tend to eat more carbohydrates, sweet treats and alcohol – all this takes its toll on our skin.

So during November I’m running an offer on Environ and Pinks Facials. Book and pay for 3 facials in one month and you have the opportunity to receive a free manicure or pedicure worth £25.00 using the gorgeous Pinks Boutique body and nail range. You can also take advantage of the buy 5 get one free facial package and during November get a Lash Lift treatment at half price £15.00.

Pinks Christmas Specials

Pinks Boutique have launched their Christmas specials and new Eye Serum.  I am testing it over the next month and will let you know what I think soon!

Look forward to seeing you in the salon soon. Take care everyone.

Autumn Update

Well November is here, leaves are falling, the weather is windy and getting colder plus we switch on the central heating or light the fire and start to eat more carbohydrate comfort food. I love Autumn and Winter with cosy nights in, but our skin can pay a high price. In this blog let’s look at a couple of things to think about.

Luscious lipstick colours abound in Autumn – reds from brick to post box, berry colours from mauve to deep plums, and a range of rusts like falling leaves. But for these colours to look great and stay on we need our lips to be in tip top condition. Our lips don’t have any oil glands and unlike the skin on the rest of the body, lip tissue has no thick, protective outer layer, either. They are also constantly moisturized by saliva, then dried by breathing, which has an evaporative effect. Evaporation also dries out hands (from washing) and feet (from sweating)

Here’s what I do and would recommend ;

• Have a non petrochemical based lip balm in your bag at all times; I love Jane Iredale’s Lip Drink which comes in 3 colours, Sheer, Buff and Crush and has an SPF 15. It’s £13.00 and lasts ages and comes as a stick. A couple of other options are from Neal’s Yard the Bee Lovely Lip Balm in a round tin is £6.50 and Neal’s Yard donate part of the profit to a charity involved in helping to save the bees. They also have a stick version made from Rosehip and Shea Butter at £7.00. All Jane Iredale lipsticks care for the lips with pomegranate oil rather than mineral oil
• Moisturise, moisturise, moisture; I start to include a couple of extra products, Environ’s Hydrating Oil Capsules £ 42.00 and the Revival Masque £50. I give a Hydrating Oil Capsule for client’s to take home after an Environ facial. Pinks Boutique have two enriching balms the Facial Balm £29.75 which is a replenishing balm, that restores moisture and elasticity. The Night Balm £34.50 a rich soothing and restorative balm, suitable for dry, mature and sensitive skins, with Rosehip, Carrot, Calendula and Evening Primrose – these are so rich you only need a tiny amount.
• Supplements; With the skin getting drier think about increasing your Essential Fatty Acids. The Advanced Nutrition Programme skin care supplements to think about are Skin Omegas + “Women lacking in Omega 3 can suffer from dehydration, spotty area, breakouts and general poor skin heath. After a month of trialling Skin Omegas +, our tester said her skin seemed less dry and whole lot more bouncy.” Good Housekeeping May 2015 Edition. Skin Omegas+ is made with premium, clinically researched omega 3 from Epax, a world leading supplier known for its purity, quality and innovation. They hold a Friend of the Sea certificate, so you can be sure the omega 3 is sourced using methods that conserve marine habitats and resources.