Why are loofahs bad for your skin?
When you’re scrubbing your skin with a loofah, it may seem like you’re giving yourself a really good exfoliation, but you’re actually just damaging your skin. Being too rough when exfoliating depletes the skin’s natural lipids, which are an important part of your skin’s protective barrier. This leaves your skin vulnerable to microbes and allergens.
Loofahs are also extremely unsanitary. Think about it…you’re using it to clean a lot of intimate areas of your body, and then it just sits around in the warm and moist area of your shower, allowing bacteria to multiply. This creates the potential for skin irritations like red bumps, itchiness, and pimples. We know you don’t want that!
What are we using instead of a loofah?
We know how popular and affordable loofahs are, but it’s not your only option. Our Waxonomy salons sell an exfoliating mitt that works wonders! It’s gentle on your skin, while removing any dead skin buildup. The best part? It’s only $3! Just pair it with your favourite soap, and you’re good to go.
Shop our exfoliating mitts at Waxonomy Waterloo and Guelph. Available in black and pink.
]]>Did you know that Waxonomy now offers intimate bleaching? Now, you’re probably wondering what that actually involves, and whether or not you should be booking that service! Intimate bleaching, also known as anal bleaching or skin lightening, is the process of brightening certain dark areas of skin on your body.
A lot of people actually think that intimate bleaching is only for certain areas of your body, but that’s actually not true! You can get this service done pretty much anywhere on your body where you’re experiencing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, sunspots, and melasma. It also works on ALL skin tones, so you don’t need to worry!
Here’s how it works:
You’ll call our salons to book intimate bleaching because we offer this service at different levels. On the phone, we’re able to talk with you and discuss the area you’ll want done and figure out the best level to book you in for based on a variety of factors.
Typical results are 1-3 shades lighter the first time, but maximum results will be achieved with 3-5 treatments. We suggest all clients who want to have intimate bleaching done to book 2 sessions per week until the desired tone is reached. You can also buy the at-home kit at our salon. It’s filled with products to use at home in order to maintain your lightened area!
Does this service bleach your skin?
The answer to that is no. This service does not include bleach in the products used! Here at Waxonomy, we use Bryght for our intimate bleaching appointments. They are all-natural and do not contain any harsh chemicals like hydroquinone, kojic acid or mercury.
How do I prepare for this service?
We recommend that all clients wax the area they wish to treat prior to the appointment in order to achieve the best results.
How much is this service?
Intimate bleaching at our salon is offered in 3 different levels. The first level is $100, the second level is $130, and the third level is $160. You must call to determine what level you should be booking at.
If you’re ready to experience the amazing results that come from booking intimate bleaching, give our Waterloo team a call at 519-884-8660. We’d love to help you with your bleaching journey!
]]>We’ve always had great reviews for the Lightsheer Duet machine we currently use at the salons, but we have a little surprise! We just received our BRAND NEW laser hair removal machine, the Splendor X, at our Waterloo location.
Works on ALL skin tones
There are a few reasons why the arrival of this new machine should excite you, and we’re about to tell you. This laser machine works with BLEND X technology, which allows us to treat ALL skin tones (yes, even darker skin tones - yay)!
Quicker results
It also gets rid of hair a lot quicker than our current machine, meaning you may not even need as many sessions to get rid of your hair. That’s going to make your permanent hair removal journey so much better!
Targets finer hair too
The Splendor X can also target some peach fuzz and lighter hairs that our other machine can’t properly get rid of. So, if you’ve noticed some peach fuzz growing back in areas even after getting laser hair removal, this machine will zap it all away!
Cooling technology
This machine actually has cooling technology built into it, which means while the laser is burning your hair follicle, the machine is also pushing cool air onto your skin to help reduce any pain or discomfort.
The Splendor X does all sorts of things apart from removing hair…but we’ll keep the details to ourselves right now (sorry not sorry)! Don’t worry though, we’ll tell you soon. Expect a lot more exciting services to be offered at Waxonomy by the end of the year!
This machine will only be available at Waterloo for right now, but we do plan on eventually bringing it to Guelph! This also doesn’t replace our current laser machine, as both options will be available at different price-points.
If you’d like to know more about what the Splendor X can do for your laser hair removal, check out this video made by Lumenis, or watch our latest laser TikTok for the quick highlights!
]]>Stay hydrated
Making sure you’re staying hydrated is important when it comes to waxing. When you’re not drinking enough water, your skin tightens, which makes it harder to wax the hairs easily and effectively. With that being said, drink a lot of water leading up to your wax appointment and avoid anything that can dehydrate you, like caffeine.
Take an Advil
If you know you have a low pain tolerance, the first thing you should do is take an Advil or Tylenol 30 minutes prior to your wax appointment. This will alleviate some of that discomfort and help to make your appointment a total breeze.
Book around your period
If you’re one of our clients who gets a period, we recommend booking your appointments around your cycle to minimize any pain. It’s not surprising that you’re sensitive during your period, making you more susceptible to any pain from waxing. If you can, don’t book your wax appointment while you’re on your period if you think you may be more sensitive!
Exfoliate your skin
We’re always huge advocates of exfoliating your skin! If you have a wax appointment booked but you’re scared of it hurting, be sure to gently exfoliate the area a few days prior. This will really soften the hairs and help them to come out a bit easier during your wax, resulting in a little less pain.
Stick with it
The number one thing we always tell the clients who are scared of the pain that’s often associated with waxing is to stick with it! Waxing becomes a lot easier the more you do it. As long as you’re consistent with your wax appointments, the pain pretty much disappears or gets way more tolerable. The more often you wax, the finer and weaker your hairs will grow back, making it easier to pull out without pain.
If you’re new to waxing and a bit nervous, don’t worry! You’re making a great choice to ditch your razor and come to the salon for a wax. Follow these tips for a smooth experience.
If you’ve been seeing the term “vajacial” everywhere but still have no idea exactly what it is, don’t fret! We’re here to give you all the details of what a vajacial is and why it can be beneficial.
What is a vajacial?
You’ve most likely heard of a regular facial before. A vajacial follows the same level of care and detail, but instead of focusing on your face, it shows attention to your vulva (aka your bikini area).
Just like a regular facial, it typically includes a cleanse, extractions of ingrown hairs, followed by a custom mask and a serum to keep the area healthy, clean, and looking its absolute best.
What does a vajacial do?
The list of why you should get a vajacial is endless. It’s an extremely beneficial service, and your Brazilian wax really wouldn’t be complete without one. Your vajacial will soothe, hydrate, brighten, and cleanse your bikini area. It’s a great add-on service to get done periodically to treat your skin.
How do I book one at Waxonomy?
While we don't currently offer the full vajacial service (yet), you can still get a taste of what a vajacial is like by booking our hydrogel masks. All you have to do is head over to our online booking and add it onto your Brazilian wax. You can also call to book this service too! Unfortunately, this service cannot be booked alone. It must be booked with a Brazilian wax!
We hope you decide to give this service a try because you deserve some extra pampering, especially during the swimsuit season. Caring for your bikini area has never been easier to do — just book with us!
]]>Waxing is our specialty, so all you need to do is choose a location and book your appointment.
But getting waxed will only get you so far. You need to take care of your skin after leaving your waxing appointment to ensure you have the best results. Here at Waxonomy, we have some amazing skincare products for you to shop, especially our very own Waxonomy collection! We always recommend our waxing clients to use the golden trinity of products to care for their wax. Let’s take a look at what they are!
The Scrub
Our scrubs offer you a gentle mechanical exfoliation after a wax. It’ll remove any dead skin buildup while hydrating the area in the process. This will help prevent those nasty ingrown hairs that sometimes appear after hair removal.
Shop our scrubs online or come browse in-store and smell every delicious scent.
The Fix
This is definitely a must-have product if you’re sick and tired of ingrown hairs ruining your smooth skin. All you have to do is roll this product onto your skin after a shower and let it work its magic. The Fix not only prevents ingrown hairs, but treats them too!
Shop The Fix online or grab one in person after your wax appointment.
The Lotion
What kind of friends would we be if we let you walk around with dry skin after your wax? Not very good ones. That’s why we’re reminding you that we sell the best hydrating and delicious-smelling lotions! Our lotions will leave your skin feeling silky smooth after a wax, which is just the way it should feel.
Shop our lotions online or stop by the salon to try our testers!
Everyone wants smooth skin for the spring and summer, so be sure to stock up on these amazing products and book a wax at one of our amazing locations to properly prep for these next two seasons.
]]>What is a SilkPeel facial?
A SilkPeel facial exfoliates the outer layers of the skin by sucking up dead skin cells, dirt, and unnecessary oils that give your skin a dull appearance. It also works to flush nourishing serums back into the skin to infuse it with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed to give the skin a gorgeous glow.
This service is completely painless, and works best when you get it regularly throughout the year. We recommend doing one at least once a season!
What are the benefits of a SilkPeel facial?
A SilkPeel facial can:
Rejuvenate the skin - It causes the skin to accelerate its cell production by promoting a healthy turnover.
Improve your complexion - This treatment works to increase blood flow to your face, which promotes new and healthy skin to form. This helps your complexion in general, and overtime can reduce the appearance of large pores and aging.
Reduce any acne - The number one cause of acne is clogged pores. A SilkPeel can eliminate acne by cleaning out your pores., allowing for clearer skin and improved product absorption.
What SilkPeel facials do we offer?
Here at Bare Essentials (soon to be Waxonomy), we offer 4 SilkPeel facials: Vitamin C for brightening, Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Salicylic Acid for acne treatment, and Lumixyl for pigmentation and dark spots.
To book your SilkPeel facial, head over to our home page to book online! We can’t wait to see you soon.
]]>If you still need a few products to fill those stockings this year, keep reading! We’ve got some ideas to help you out. Here are 5 of our favourite stocking stuffers sold at our salons:
Mini Scrubs
You all love our large scrubs for keeping your skin exfoliated and soft after hair removal, and our mini scrubs are no different at all! They’re the same formula, just in a smaller packaging. These little babies are perfect for travelling, but during this time of year, they make the best stocking stuffers! Get 3 for $25 online or in the salon.
Revive7
Who doesn’t want long lashes? Christmas or no Christmas, long lashes are a serious goal for us girlies. Some of us just aren’t blessed with naturally long lashes, but do you know what could help? Revive7 lash serum! In just 7-21 days, you’ll see a difference in the length and thickness of your lashes. Shop it online!
Bungalow Blue Scrunchies
You can really never have too many hair ties, especially when they’re a Bungalow Blue scrunchie. These gorgeous scrunchies are gentle on your hair and stylish! We have so many different patterns and colours, and while you can shop them online, we recommend you come into the salon to shop them in person!
Laurie’s Brow Soap
Our brow soap is such a good product to use to take your brows to the next level. For the past few years, all the celebs have been obsessed with fluffy brows. Brow soap is how they accomplish it! Anyone would love to receive this in their stocking. Don’t want to shop in person? Order it online!
Bare Essentials Lip Scrub
You’ve probably thought about putting lip balm in a stocking, but what about a lip scrub? Our lip scrub is the perfect addition to any stocking! With the harsh winter weather here, everyone needs some extra defense against dry lips. That’s why our lip scrub is the best stocking stuffer! With just one use, you’ll have super soft lips. Shop it here.
We hope this mini guide has helped spark some stocking stuffer ideas for you. We’d love to see you in the salon before the holidays, but you can also shop online! For more holiday gift inspo and beauty tips, follow us on Instagram: @bareessentialswaterloo and @bareessentialsguelph. Happy holidays!
]]>When you shave, you’re exposing your skin to a lot of potential irritations and bacteria, especially if you don’t change your razors as often as you should. It’s recommended to replace your razor every 1-3 weeks depending on how many times a week you’re shaving. And let’s face it, you probably have an 8-week-old razor sitting in your shower right now. YIKES.
But don’t worry, we’ve all been down the shaving road at some point. That’s why you can trust us when we tell you waxing is the way to go! It’s beneficial for so many different reasons, not just because you can avoid all those razor burn marks and have less ingrown hairs. Here’s why you need to make the switch to waxing:
When you shave, your hair grows back after a couple of days. The reason for this is because the razor cuts the hair from the skin’s surface, only removing the visible part. When you wax, we pull out the entire hair follicle, meaning it needs to grow back from nothing before it reaches the surface. This process takes weeks, and the results of waxing should last you about 4 weeks. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
The more frequently you wax, the less hair you’ll actually have growing back in that area. This is because waxing tears the hair off from the root, which causes the follicle to get weaker over time from consistent damage. Weaker hair follicles produce much finer and sparser hair! However, this takes time. Typically, clients won’t notice a change until after a lot of waxing appointments.
Waxing is a lot more gentle on the skin compared to shaving (believe it or not). With shaving, there’s a lot of constant friction against the skin, and if you haven’t prepped your skin properly, you’re bound to end up with an irritation. When you wax there’s no constant friction, and since we’re pulling the hair from the root, it’s less likely that you’ll get ingrown hairs. This is probably one of the greatest benefits, and a huge reason why people choose to start getting waxed. No one likes razor burn bumps and ingrown hairs ruining their smooth skin!
The idea of having certain parts of your body on display to a waxer may scare some of you, but that’s okay! It’s completely normal to be nervous about showing off your body to a stranger. You never have to worry about coming to our salons, though. We see all body types and we never EVER judge! The good thing about waxing at a salon is that we can see all the little nooks and crannies that you can’t see yourself. We’ll make sure every spot leaves the salon hairless.
We hope that reading this convinced you to finally make the switch from shaving to waxing. There’s so many other reasons why waxing is more beneficial than shaving. We only scratched the surface in this blog. If you want to know more, chat with us at the salons or follow us on Instagram @bareessentialswaterloo and @bareessentialsguelph! Happy waxing to you all!
]]>Final touches & decorating (WATERLOO)
The space next to us (also known as the salon we used to be in) is finishing the final stages of construction, which means there will be a day coming soon where the salon will be closed in order to knock down the wall between our two spaces to create one giant new salon! We’ll keep you updated through email, text, and social media on when this will be happening.
We’re also going to be slowly decorating our space in the next few months, so be patient with us as our walls and rooms look a bit bare. This whole thing is a completely new process for us so things may be a bit messy as we move furniture around, add the finishing touches, and work hard to create the best salon for you.
Changes on social media & our website
We will be redirecting traffic from our original Bare Essentials website to the new one eventually, but for now we recommend using the temporary Waxonomy website for any latest prices, services, and online shopping.
As for social media, things will look a bit different! Our logo, brand colours, and name will change in the next month or so. Again, we will send out an email when this will be implemented so we’ll all be able to transition smoothly.
New look for products
You may have noticed that our scrubs have been low stock for the last few months, and that’s only because we’re getting ready to bring them back with a brand new look. Our Bare Essentials line will be getting a facelift, and coming back bigger and better than ever! We’re talking scrubs, lotions, lip products, and maybe even some new exciting products too (hint hint).
What won’t change?
Our quality of work will definitely not change when we transition to Waxonomy. We still take a lot of pride in our customer satisfaction, and want to ensure every single client leaves our salon happy. Our staff will remain the same, but we’ll have a bigger space in Waterloo to welcome some new exciting members to the team. Guelph’s team and salon (minus the company name) will remain the same as we begin to transition.
This is a new journey for us, and we’re so excited to see it all come together. We’re glad you all are here to experience it with us, and we just want to thank all of you amazing clients for sticking with us while we change things up. Can’t wait for you to see what we’ve been working on!
]]>As we get older, we actually struggle to replace our skin cells. When dead skin cells don’t fully shed, you’re left with flaky skin, dry patches and clogged pores. Exfoliating promotes your body to generate new skin cells, keeping your skin healthy and soft. That’s why it’s recommended you exfoliate regularly. Doing so after a wax can help prevent those annoying ingrown hairs we all hate!
What are all of the benefits to exfoliating?
When should I exfoliate?
We recommend doing it a few times a week. Anywhere from 2-3 should be plenty because doing it too frequently could cause skin irritation. If you've just had a wax or finished shaved, you should wait 2-3 days after to avoid irritation.
What should I exfoliate with?
If you’re a regular customer of ours, you probably already know what we’re about to say, but we have to say it anyway. Our Bare Essentials scrub, of course! It’s our most popular product and always a customer favourite. Not only do they smell delicious, but they’re super hydrating and gentle. You’ll have no irritations from our scrubs! We offer them in small and large sizes. The small is perfect for travelling or sampling different scents. The large is definitely for those die-hard fans! In total, we carry 6 different scents:
While we’re currently sold out of a few scents, we hope you’ll be patient with us! We’re re-labelling our beloved scrubs, so they’ll be back in stock soon with a whole new look. Be on the lookout on our social media for when we announce their return. There might just be another favourite product returning too (hint hint).
]]>But what exactly are these types of wax and what’s the difference between them? Don’t worry, we’ll cover all of that so you’re prepared for your next wax with us. At our salon, we offer hard wax, soft wax, and a combination of both. Now, let’s dive into how each wax type can benefit you!
Soft Wax
Soft wax is what we typically use for all of our waxing appointments, unless otherwise stated. If you’ve gotten your brows done with us before, we’ve most likely used this wax on you! The easiest way to tell the difference is if your technician used a strip with it. If they did, this is the wax we used! This type of wax sticks to your skin and hairs, so it might be considered more painful compared to hard wax since it rips out the first layer of dead skin along with your unwanted hairs.
Don’t let the idea of that scare you off from soft wax forever! The removal of your top layer of skin can be a good thing because it acts as an exfoliant, which helps prevent clogged pores, resulting in fewer breakouts.
Soft wax can be used all over your body, so it’s ideal for small and large areas. It’s great for speed waxing too, which is why we love it! You’ll be in and out super quick with this wax, which is great for those clients who have busy schedules.
Hard Wax
One of the main benefits to choosing hard wax is that it’s gentle on your skin. It doesn’t stick to your skin during the waxing process, so you won’t have to worry about it ripping off the first layer of skin. Since it’s a lot gentler, you’ll have less pain with this wax too.
This wax doesn’t require a strip because it hardens over the skin better than soft wax does. Any hair type and skin type can use this wax, but those with hypersensitive skin should opt for this type of wax when possible! It’s ideal for smaller sections, like the underarms, upper lip, brows, Brazilian or bikini area.
Combination
The name of this type of wax might give away what it actually is, but that’s okay! We’re going to break it down for you anyway. Combination wax, also known as half and half, is a great mix of hard and soft wax. Shocking, we know. This wax type is great for all areas of your body and it’s perfect for those dipping their feet into the hard wax pool after being in the soft wax one for so long! It’s truly the best of both worlds.
We can’t wait for your next waxing appointment now that you know all this helpful info! Maybe you’ll even want to try out a new wax type for your next appointment. Have any questions about whether a certain type of wax would be a good match for you? DM us on Instagram or ask your waxer when you’re in the salon next about your options! Happy waxing!
]]>We’ve made a list of the top 3 waxing myths circling the web and to help you separate fact from fiction, we’re exposing the lies. Let’s start things off with the most commonly heard myth!
No, just no. This is a common misconception about waxing and we’re telling you that it’s just not true. When you get waxed, your hairs are pulled from the root and if done regularly, this damages the follicle. Overtime, your follicles will weaken, causing your hair to grow back weaker and thinner than before. If you’re a regular waxer, you’ve probably noticed you have less hair growing in that area now!
Thankfully, this one is wrong! We want our clients to feel comfortable here at Bare Essentials, so we welcome anyone into our waxing rooms. If you’re on your period, we ask that you wear a fresh tampon or menstrual cup at the time of your appointment. We have wipes if you want to use one of those too! Typically, we try to encourage our clients to book their waxing appointments around their periods to avoid extra sensitivity and discomfort, but we get that sometimes things don’t always line up. Either way, we don’t judge!
If you’re pregnant, you definitely can still wax. Due to hormones, you’ll most likely be dealing with heightened sensations though, so your regular wax might feel a tad bit more uncomfortable than normal.
This myth needs to be stopped in its tracks. You don’t need to worry about getting wrinkles from your regular waxing appointments. The outer layer of skin is made up of dead skin cells and it’s actually the most resistant layer since it’s the first line of defence your skin has. This layer is constantly being renewed and it’s what gets removed when waxing, so your body will replace those skin cells with new ones. Since this layer does not have active blood vessels, it can’t be damaged when waxing in terms of wrinkles. If you want to ensure you have healthy skin, hydration is key! Make sure you drink lots of water before each wax.
So, there you have it! We hope you feel a bit more relaxed about waxing after learning the truth from us. We’re here for you at Bare Essentials and we always want to do what we can to make sure you have a flawless experience. If you have any more questions about waxing, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Instagram or contact us at the salon! We’re here to help, babes.
]]>The most common form of hair removal is shaving – purely because of its convenience. Let’s face it, all of us have shaved at least ONCE in our lives, whether it was our arms, face, legs, armpits or more private area (wink wink). But as we get older and develop more hair, we experience the hardships of shaving: the ingrown hairs and the razor burn. Us hair removal professionals will be the first ones to tell you to put the razors away and never shave again! But how bad is shaving really? Well, we’re about to tell you! If you’re trying to decide whether or not you should put down the razor and switch to waxing, then keep reading.
One of the main drawbacks of shaving is any form of skin irritation. We’ve all suffered through those painful red bumps and ingrown hairs for the sake of flawless skin. They’re a nightmare to say the least! But what really causes those bumps to form?
When you shave or wax, you’re removing the top layer of skin. That’s not technically bad but when you do either too frequently, it can cause some issues. When you get waxed at a salon, your technician will always give you a few weeks before booking you back. That’s to give your skin time to breathe and some hair to grow back! It’s much easier for us to over-shave than it is to over-wax, since your hair grows back MUCH quicker after a shave.
If you decide that waxing is not for you, it’s SO important not to shave too frequently. If you don’t give your skin a break, it’ll lead to the stripping away of your skin’s outer layer. Once that happens, you’ll start seeing a lot more irritations and infections. No, thank you!
Another thing that will cause ingrown hairs and sensitivities is a dull razor. Let’s be serious…none of us change our razors as often as we’re supposed to. It’s a known fact! Did you know you’re actually supposed to change your razor head every 5-7 shaves? YUP. You’re probably reading this blog as a 3 month old razor sits in your shower!
Ever shave right before a beach day or an important event, only to wake up with some light stubble just a few days later? Having to shave every other day, especially in the summer, is beyond annoying. It’s really just not the vibe, sis! Don’t do it.
The reason for this? Shaving cuts the hair from the skin’s surface and up. The hair follicle under the skin remains untouched when you shave, so really, you’re only getting rid of half the hair. When you wax, the entire root gets pulled out from the skin, making the hair growth process take longer. A single waxing session can leave you hairless anywhere from 3-6 weeks, depending on your hair type and natural hair growth cycle. With consistent waxing sessions, your hair begins to grow back thinner, weaker and softer than before!
I mean, it might sound silly, but it’s a genuine concern. How are you supposed to make sure you got all the tiny hairs down below (you know what we mean)? It’s just not ideal, is it? Unless you're double jointed, it's pretty hard to see everything down there.
With a wax, you can make sure you’re hairless in all the right places. The worst thing about shaving is missing a spot, only to discover it later once it’s too late! By scheduling a wax, your technician will ensure you leave looking and feeling your best!
We’re not going to tell you never to shave again, but it definitely has its disadvantages. For those who struggle with extremely sensitive skin, we suggest you try waxing regularly or even invest in laser hair removal. For the lucky ones out there who don’t get a lot of negative side effects from shaving, you can carry on if you wish! But maybe this will convince you to at least give waxing a try.
You can call us to book an appointment or use our online booking system! Our team of talented girls will make sure you feel comfortable and leave feeling satisfied with the end result.
]]>Enhancing your natural beauty has never been so easy. Instead of using mascara or putting on extensions, take advantage of your own gorgeous lashes. Most people have long lashes, but they grow straight out instead of straight up. That makes them appear shorter than they are! By getting a lash lift and tint, you’re enhancing your natural beauty by letting us lift your own lashes. The tint makes them appear darker too, without the need for mascara. Honestly, it’s the best service for those wanting to escape all that extra prep time in the morning.
Okay listen, this wouldn’t be a Bare Essentials post without a little plug. We HAD to do it! Our scrubs not only smell delicious, but they are amazing for your skin. They are perfect for buffing out your skin before a spray tan and exfoliating after a wax to prevent those pesky ingrown hairs. We have two different sizes: 2 oz and 16 oz. The smaller one is great for stocking stuffers and the bigger ones would look amazing under the tree.
Available in 5 different scents: Pucker Up, Buttercup (Lime sugar), Miss Me, Kiss Me (pink sugar), I'm Really a Mermaid (Piña Colada/Coconut), I Like you a Latte (Coffee and fragrance-free), Bare Essentials (Unscented), and #Basic (pumpkin spice). Get your shop on by clicking here.
Hear us out...every girl wants long lashes, right? YES. Why not give the gift of long, healthy lashes for Christmas? Revive7 is the newest lash serum that’s taking the beauty market by storm. You can pair it up with the mascara too for double the power! The receiver of this gift will be in LOVE as they watch their lashes grow. In just 4 to 6 weeks, you’ll see growth. It’s completely safe to use on extensions and lash lifts too! Click here to shop these products.
There literally could not be a more PERFECT stocking stuffer. Seriously, you need to check these amazing scrunchies out. If you know a person who loves to wear their hair up all the time, you need to treat them to a Bungalow Blue scrunchie. Regular elastic hair ties are horrible for your hair. They tend to cause partial hair loss and follicle damage, where scrunchies are gentle against your hair. You can shop these in either of our salon locations!
We all know someone that needs a break. And by break, we mean soaking in a tub with a glass of wine and nothing to worry about. Nana + Livy are the best for that since they sell all sorts of bath products. From bath salts to bath teas, they have all the must-haves. Their products work to cleanse the body and relax tense muscles for the most relaxing bath experience of your life. Shop these products here.
This is an obvious one. Who wouldn’t want a gift card for Christmas? Especially one for Bare Essentials! If you know a special someone who loves beauty and would enjoy one of our many services, a gift card is the way to go. For those of you who don’t know our services...we offer brow laminations, lash lifts, waxing, laser hair removal, SilkPeels, spray tans and much more! You can purchase a gift card at our salons or online.
There you have it, everyone! So, who’s ready to do some major shopping? Hopefully we’ll see you in the salon for some Christmas shopping! Stay tuned for some fun surprises in December. Make sure you follow our Instagram accounts to be updated on any exciting news — @bareessentialswaterloo and @bareessentialsguelph
]]>Before we get into listing all of our crazy deals, let’s chat about all things laser. Trust us, you’ll want to keep reading if you are new to laser hair removal and thinking about using Black Friday to try it out. For starters, why should you even book with us? Sure, there are LOTS of other spas that offer laser hair removal but this is why we’re special: The LightSheer Duet. This machine uses a diode laser, which is specifically designed for hair removal. It works on all skin types, including those with melanin-rich complexions! This means all you dark skinned beauties can enjoy this treatment too! Another reason why we love this machine so much is because it allows us to treat those bigger areas quicker. With other models of laser, like the IPL machines, treatments could reach an hour or more for just one area...and NO ONE has the time for that! The LightSheer has two hand pieces, the HS and ET. The HS is great for covering large areas while the ET is amazing at spot treating and getting into those harder-to-reach areas if you know what we mean.
Now you’re probably all thinking: “Okay, that’s great and all but why else is this machine so great?” We’re glad you asked! Our HS handpiece has an integrated vacuum that gently pulls your skin into it and stretches the skin into the machine. This allows the laser to reach the hair follicle more directly because the follicle is now closer to the energy source. This means better results and less touch ups for you! IPL machines might be cheaper than diode machines however diode laser hair removal is proven to be the safest, fastest and most effective way for patients of all skin tones and hair colours.
Now that we’ve briefed you on the amazing benefits of the LightSheer laser machine, we can get to the good stuff! PROMOTIONS. This is our biggest sale of the year and while we would love to help every single one of you, we only have so many estheticians and machines! If you are wanting to book, try to call us during the first few days of the sale to avoid disappointment. Here are just some of the amazing deals we’ll be offering:
For Women
Brazilian:
Regular: $750
SALE: $650
Bikini:
Regular: $500
SALE: $400
Extended Bikini:
Regular: $650
SALE: $520
Full Legs:
Regular: $1500
SALE: $1000
Upper Lip and Chin:
Regular: $450
SALE: $325
Full Face:
Regular: $700
SALE: $500
Underarms:
Regular: $375
SALE: $250
Brazilian + underarms:
Regular: $1000
SALE: $900
Brazilian + full legs:
Regular: $2000
SALE: $1500
For Men
Full Back:
Regular: $1500
SALE: $1000
Chest:
Regular: $750
SALE: $650
Shoulders:
Regular: $350
SALE: $315
Of course our own products are going to make the list! It’s super important to protect your lips from the cold weather because they can really dry up quickly. None of you want flaky lips, do you? NO. That’s why our lip scrub and balm are the perfect two items to add to your daily routine. The Pout gently exfoliates all the dry skin off your lips while The Polish nourishes and protects the fresh skin. Both are made with peppermint oil, so they have a plumping effect that will leave your lips extra kissable! Click here to shop these products now!
Nourishing your skin during the cooler months is necessary. Fitglow hydrates, restores and protects your skin all day long! That’s why we seriously can’t get enough of it. The Day Essence has a deeply-hydrating formula that shields your skin from blue light pollution and environmental stressors. It’ll also help improve any hyperpigmentation. The Night Essence focuses on the 3 R’s — restore, reset and renew. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed with plump, smooth skin. Pair this with a thick moisturizer of your choice and your skin will be ready to take on the super cold weather! Shop Fitglow here.
Just because our beach days and tanning sessions are behind us doesn’t mean you should stop using sunscreen! Your skin needs protection from the sun all year round. UV radiation accelerates and increases the risk of skin cancer and we encourage everyone to add a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to their daily skincare routine. Salt & Stone is a great suncare brand. The formula they use is known to calm red, irritated skin with its anti-inflammatory blend of natural herbal extracts, which is perfect for those super cold days. It also hydrates dry rough skin as it protects you from the sun. YES! Shop Salt & Stone here.
Okay, who doesn’t love a good bath during the colder months? If you don’t normally take baths, you’ll definitely want to after reading about these incredible bath salts by Nana + Livy. We LOVE them! We all know what it’s like to have a super tiring and stressful day, especially in the kind of world we live in where the pandemic is affecting so many aspects of our lives. The bath salts are designed to nourish your skin and calm your body. They have three different kinds: Charcoal, Citrus and Rose. Each offers a slightly different therapeutic experience, but all of them include ingredients that will moisturize and cleanse your skin. Don’t know about you, but we’re already feeling relaxed just reading about them! Take a closer look here.
That’s all we have for you! These products would make amazing additions to your existing skincare routine and will have you feeling prepared for the cooler months ahead. If you decide to give any of them a try, make sure to message us on Instagram or Facebook to let us know how much you loved them! Until next time, beauties! Stay healthy and hydrated.
]]>This is why false lashes and extensions became even more popular in the last few years because it allows people to get that extra oomph in their lashes without all that time in the morning spent curling and layering on the mascara! What a lot of people don’t know is that those treatments can actually be damaging to your natural lashes. The glue from false lash strips is actually one of the most toxic beauty products on the market. Many contain several hazardous chemicals like paraben, ammonia and lead — all of which cause skin irritation, redness, burning and swelling. YUCK. Even extensions can cause some unwanted damage. Since they attach to your natural hairs, this treatment can sometimes cause discomfort, infection and permanent lash loss. Plus, you always go through that period of time before you get a refill where you have five extensions left on each eye and you look kind of wonky. We definitely don’t want that for you, babe!
What can you do to achieve those long, full lashes, you ask? Try a lash lift! There’s no false lashes or extensions involved. Heck, you won’t even need your eyelash curler anymore. It’s one of our favourite services here at Bare Essentials because of how natural it looks! It’s probably one of the most cost effective and safest lash treatments out there right now. With the use of a serum, your hairs get lifted from the roots to give the appearance of longer and fuller eyelashes. This treatment lasts six to eight weeks, meaning you won’t have to worry about those babies for a long time! Another perk is that water has no effect on this service after the first 24 hours, so you’re free to jump in the pool or take a long shower without losing that curl. Did you know that you can also add a tint to your lift? Toss out that mascara and let us darken those lashes!
You truly don't know how much lash you have until you get a lash lift done. I was shocked the first time I got one done. I thought, no way are those my actual lashes. Trust us, waking up with natural, long lashes is absolutely worth it. Book now!
Here’s some answers to some frequently asked questions about lash lifts:
Does the lash lift treatment hurt?
No, this procedure is completely painless. You’ll have your eyes closed the entire time and will have a chance to relax!
Will a lash lift damage my natural lashes?
Nope! At Bare Essentials, we care about you and take beauty very seriously. Each procedure is performed with the utmost care by our technicians. We use the Elleebana lash lift solution, which is high quality and designed to use around the eyes and on lashes. Therefore, no damage should be done to your eyelashes. The product doesn’t even touch your skin during the procedure, so there will be no irritation.
Can I wear makeup after my lash lift?
Absolutely, but you have to leave your lashes untouched for the first 24 hours to ensure the curl holds. Trust us though, you won’t even need mascara after this treatment. Those lashes will pop all on their own!
Can I get a lift regularly?
Yup! This treatment is safe to get done on a regular basis. However, we suggest you wait until the six to eight weeks finish before booking another appointment.
What are the post care procedures?
Keep your lashes dry and free of makeup or oil based products for 24 hours after the treatment. Also, you will want to avoid rubbing your eyes or irritating them while you have your lift.
Have any other questions? Call the salon or DM us on our Instagrams. We’re more than happy to chat with you about any of the services we offer.
]]>There are lots of reasons why you may experience bumps and irritations after waxing, or shaving for that matter. A lot of these irritations are caused by ingrown hairs, which appear as bumps on the skin. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and are usually somewhat painful. They are caused when the hair begins to grow back after waxing, but for whatever reason (dead skin sitting over the follicle for example) it cannot push out and instead continues to grow underneath the skin, creating a bump. Check out the picture below for an example of what happens:
These bumps can be pretty unsightly, especially if you were looking forward to smooth, hair free skin. But there are ways to help cure ingrowns!
Preventing ingrowns post-wax is actually very simple! A great tip is to exfoliate your skin a couple of times a week with a sugar scrub, this will help keep dead skin cells away from the hair follicles. Chemical exfoliants that contain AHA and BHA are also very effective in preventing and treating ingrown hairs!
What’s our favourite one-two-punch? Our very own “The Scrub” Sugar Scrubs and Epillyss Carrioff Ingrown Hair Treatment. Link in bio to shop online!
THE SCRUB, our line of sugar scrubs that are paraben and sulfate free they also do not contain any synthetic dyes. Since our scrubs contain natural ingredients, they spread really well so they last forever and come in eight different scents to fit all tastes. What’s better, they are packed with coconut oil which is a great moisturizer and will leave your skin feeling soft all day. These will help slough away the dead skin cells and prevent the hair from getting caught beneath the skin. It will also help to treat any hair that may be stuck under the skin.
Carrioff is hands down one of the best ingrown hair treatments! Our clients who’ve tried this bump-busting gel rave about its effectiveness at reducing and preventing ingrown hairs—especially stubborn ones. Carrioff enlists a combo of salicylic and glycolic acids to exfoliate the skin allowing existing ingrown hairs to exit the skin more easily. Regular use is KEY in preventing new ingrowns from forming!
The combination of scrubbing and Carrioff will have those nasty bumps cleared up in no time!
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The ancient Egyptians and Mesopotamians both removed all of their body hair. The most popular forms of removal included sugaring, threading and shaving using sharpened stones or bronze. But they also made their own depilatory cream using arsenic and quicklime. While this combination did get rid of hair… it also burned off their skin. Not exactly as glamorous as it sounds.
Ancient Romans and Greeks also had hair removal traditions. However, unlike the Egyptians and Mesopotamians before them, it was really only the women who participated in removing all their hair. Both used sugaring and tweezing to get rid of unwanted hair, but they also turned to pumice stones and fire to get rid of unwanted hair. Yep, they just burned their hair away.
Moving into the Middle Ages, it was less about removing hair from the body and more about removing it all from the face. And when I say removing it all, I mean literally everything - brows, eyelashes and even some from the hairline. For this kind of removal, they relied heavily on tweezers, walnut oil and ammonia. Pretty normal right? Except that the ammonia was extracted from their feline friends... I’ll leave it at that.
Fast forward to the early 1800’s where we were looking for more permanent ways to get rid of pesky body hair. This is when the early versions of Electrolysis were born. But, it wasn’t like the electrolysis we know and love today. No, no - this was far more gruesome. In the 1800’s, they dipped bits of barbed wired into acid and then stabbed that into the base of the hairs. Compared to today’s electrolysis technology, this was highly ineffective. However, it was very innovative for it’s time.
Finally, moving up to the 1930’s. During this time, women were looking for ways to get rid of hair on their legs in the midst of a nylon shortage. However, razors were not widely available, so they had to take it into their own hands. Pumice stones and and sandpaper were the top choice of ladies to epilate away their hair (and skin, I’m sure).
So, if you thought waxing was crazy, what do you think now? Not only has it been around for a long time, but it’s come a long way since its humble beginnings. And hey, it doesn’t involve fire, cat feces or arsenic, so I think it’s safe to say it’s the least crazy method of hair removal!
]]>The sun is shining, the air is warm(er) and I’m sure some of you have started dreaming about summer time! Don’t worry - we totally have too. That might have gotten you thinking about your hair removal situation. Maybe you haven’t done too much in that arena over the colder months, or maybe you’re hoping for something that will last a little longer.
This is the time of year that we see our laser packages really take off. I mean, who doesn’t want smooth skin with zero effort? Little to no hair is the dream for those beach days! But before you hurry in to get zapped, you may want to consider a few things, because there are some people who aren’t exactly the best candidates for laser.
Laser loves light skin and dark hair.
That being said, darker skin tones and light coloured hair aren’t exactly the best candidates for a successful laser treatment. I’ve explained this a few times, but laser works by targeting the pigment in your hair and sending the energy down into the follicle to stop hair growth. So, with that thought in mind, take a look at the hair you’re hoping to get rid of - if you can see it easily against your skin you may be a good candidate!
If your hair is dark and your are on the lighter end of the skin tone spectrum, you’re a great candidate for laser! But, if you have red or grey/white hair, unfortunately it’s not going to work for you. These hair colours do not have enough pigment in them to attract the laser and be effective. Essentially, you would be putting yourself through a whole lot of pain for nothing.
If you have dark hair, but a darker skin tone, you might be able to have it done, but you can expect that it’s going to take longer than just one package. If you’re not sure, or have further questions, book yourself a consultation so we can go over your options with you!
Certain medications, specifically acne meds, can make you light sensitive, and therefore unable to get laser.
Laser is very highly concentrated light waves. If you’re on medication that doesn’t even allow you to be in the sun, you cannot get laser done. The most common medications include Retin-A and Salicylic Acid.
To be safe, if you’re on any medications, oral or topical, prescribed by your doctor, check with your doc or pharmacist before starting laser treatment. Medications that increase photosensitivity can cause you to burn badly from the laser. It’s much better to be safe than sorry!
Hormonal imbalances can make laser difficult.
I don’t think anyone is immune to the effects of imbalanced hormones. I mean, we’ve all had a nasty pimple or zit that popped up on our jawline thanks to that monthly visitor some of us get. But hormone imbalances go farther than that.
If you know that you have a hormone imbalance, it may be difficult to get rid of unwanted hair, especially on your face and jawline. The cheeks, chin and jawline are where your hormonal imbalances will ‘show’ themselves. While it’s not impossible to get rid of hair with these imbalances, it will be difficult. You may find that the hair goes away… only to come back a few months post treatment.
Once your hormones are in a more balanced state, laser treatment may be an option! But it’s always a good idea to talk to your doc if you’re on any medications to ensure that this is the right route for you!
Pregnancy.
Flat out - you cannot get laser if you are or may be pregnant. If there is even a chance you may be pregnant, wait until you know for sure one way or another before starting your laser treatment. It’s also recommended that if you are trying to get pregnant to stop your treatments.
And once baby is here, it is not recommended to continue laser if you are breastfeeding. Don’t worry though - if you started laser before you got pregnant and had to put it on pause, you won’t lose progress! Yes, you may notice that during your pregnancy you have some extra hair, but once baby is here that extra fuzz will fall out.
It’s also important to remember that post-baby your body will still be levelling out it’s hormones. It’s not a terrible idea to wait until you feel they have balanced out to begin your treatment again.
There are lots of reasons why we highly suggest laser to our clients, but it’s always a good idea to talk to one of our laser techs about your specific situation before signing up for a package. You may need more sessions than just the 6 offered with your package or you may not be a great candidate at all!
If you’re unsure about what kind of candidate you are, our laser consultations are always free! You can book online or get in touch with us to book in!
]]>Hey Babes!
Here at Bare Essentials, we offer Silk Peels, one of the best ways to get your skin ready for a new season. SilkPeel Dermalinfusion uses a small vaccum with a diamond tipped exfoliator to help get rid of dead skin. The vaccum also helps to trigger cell regeneration, and pull dirt and other debris from the pores out of the skin.
One of the other unique features of the Silk Peel is that it also infuses a serum into the skin. These serums are specially formulated to help target specific issues or concerns with your skin. There are four different serums to choose from, and today we’re going to talk a little more about each one!
Clarifying
Are you someone who suffers from acne or clogged pores? This is the serum for you! The Clarifying serum will help to reduce surface oil production, redness and inflammation. It will also help stop future breakouts from happening. If you have pre existing acne, the serum will help to fight the acne that is there.
The key ingredients are: Salicylic Acid (an acid that is most often used to treat acne), Bauchiol (natural version of retinol) and Oregano Oil (anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties).
Vitamin C
If you’re someone who suffers from dull skin or wants to prevent aging, the Vitamin C serum is the best route for you. This serum is used as a preventative therapy and helps to protect against free radicals that wreak havoc on your skin. This solution will also help to slow down water loss in the skin and up the production of collagen synthesis. This serum will give you glowing, younger looking skin!
The key ingredients are: Vitamin C (antioxidant properties and collagen synthesis), Vitamin E (blocks free radicals and reduces wrinkles) and Grape Seed Extract (antioxidant).
Hydrating
Okay, so this one says what it does in the name. But, if you’re someone who suffers from dehydrated and dull skin, or your skin is looking a little sunken, this is a great option for you! This serum will work to rehydrate your skin and build up your water barrier preventing future damage. It will also help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles as well as plumping the skin to give you a younger looking complexion.
The key ingredients are: Sodium Hylauronate (helps skin to hold onto water), Butylene Glycol (skin conditioning agent), Allantoin (stimulates cell regeneration, softens skin).
Brightening
This serum is perfect for people who deal with dark spots, scarring or hyperpigmentation. The ingredients in this serum penetrate the skin and inhibit the properties in cells that create dark spots. If you have any scarring or hyperpigmentation, this solution will help to lighten the dark spots and even out your skin tone. It also helps to boost overall brightness of your skin, creating a glowing and youthful complexion.
The key ingredients are: Lumixyl Peptide (reduces dark spots), Licorice Root (reduces under eye circles, discoloration and dark spots), Ethyl Ascorbic Acid (boosts collagen synthesis and brightens skin).
So, now you know everything you need to know about the serums! If you’re still not sure which one you want to book in for, let us know! The front desk will help as best they can, however when you come in for your appointment your technician can make suggestions as well!
It’s no secret that waxing is… less than comfortable. I mean, really - you’re ripping your hair out by the root with warmed wax. Just the sound of the process may turn you off from it. It’s easy to shave day in and day out, buying razor after razor hoping you don’t accidentally slip and nic and artery…
When I put it like that, doesn’t waxing just sound like it’s worth the quick rip of pain? Because it totally and completely is! There are ways to make sure that the pain of waxing is minimized after the fact, and even before the appointment!
First and foremost, the best way to minimize pain is to make it part of your regular routine. Sure, the first few are going to be less than pleasant, but once you get on a good schedule (once every 4 to 6 weeks), you will find that it barely phases you. Your skin builds a kind of toughness and you know what to expect.
More immediately though, you can take an Advil 30 minutes before your appointment. It’s not going to give you a painless wax, but it will help to take the edge off after your appointment. Do not take Tylenol! It has blood thinning qualities, and that is something that can increase your chances of bruising and other post wax complications. We have clients that swear by a glass of wine or a shot of some kind, but we can’t speak to the effectiveness of alcohol!
We highly recommend wearing comfy clothes when you come in for your appointment. Specifically your underwear. Friends, a thong is not the way to go when you’re getting your first ever wax. Spandex without elastic leg holes is the way to go. Nothing too tight that will rub against your freshly waxed skin. There is no shame in granny panties for your comfort after a wax!
There are pre-wax numbing creams you can use. While it is totally your choice to invest in one of these, I should tell you that our appointments are quick. We can do a female brazilian in 15 minutes or less… so unless you’re sitting at home with the numbing cream on for the recommended 45 minutes (in most cases), this may not be worth it. We tell most people to give it a go without the first time and then decide after that is investing in a numbing cream is something you want to do. In most cases, it’s not nearly as bad as you think it’s going to be!
Another thing that will help is trying to relax. I know, I know - it’s much, much easier said than done. But as I mentioned before, our appointments are quick. You will be in and out before you know it! Try to focus on having a conversation with your esthetician or whatever you think will best help you calm down. The more tense you are, the more you will focus on the pain. Don’t forget to breathe!
If you’re feeling a little tender after your appointment, you can try applying a cool compress when you get home. This will help to alleviate any discomfort and bring down any swelling that may have occurred. Minor swelling and bleeding follicles are normal after your first few waxes and will lessen once you start coming regularly. Avoid doing any activities that could cause chaffing the in the area - exercise is a culprit of this. Give the area a ‘cooling’ period of about 24 hours before resuming those kinds of activities. You can also apply aloe or vitamin E cream to help bring some relief to the area.
And, if for whatever reason you’re still feeling sore a few hours later, try taking some other form of pain relief. It is EXTREMELY rare for a wax to cause discomfort more than a few hours later, so if it’s been a while and you’re still having pain, take a quick check to make sure everything looks okay. From time to time, bruising or lifting can occur and cause some discomfort. If you notice anything is off, give us a shout and we can direct you further.
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Despite the very damp, yucky Spring we’ve been having, I promise you sunny days are ahead. This might have you thinking about what you can do to protect your skin when those days come… hold up. If you haven’t been using sunscreen this whole time you and I need to have a little chat.
I know what you’re thinking: “It’s not even sunny out, my skin will be fine.”
Unfortunately, that is just not quite how it works. The clouds may stop a majority of the rays that make their way down to us on earth, but not all of them and not the most harmful ones. So, if you’re someone who cares about premature aging and wrinkles, you need to start incorporating sunscreen into your skin regime… like yesterday.
But wrinkles aren’t the only thing the sun will do to damage your skin. Even with the low levels of UVA and UVB present on cloudy days, dark spots can still make their way onto the surface of your skin. Not everyone is susceptible to dark spots, but do you really want to find out if you are? The best way to protect yourself is to get some sunscreen and make sure all exposed areas are either covered with clothing or sun block.
And, of course, there is always the cancer risk you should be at least a little concerned about. Oftentimes, people brush off using sunscreen because they don’t feel that the risk of melanoma is that great or that it is a super treatable cancer so it’s not that big of deal. However, most people don’t get their skin checked often enough or drag their feet on getting moles checked out that it turns into a bigger problem than they ever anticipated.
Melanoma is a cancer that can spread (most commonly to the lungs), and some people are more likely to get it than others. But why would you even risk such a preventable disease? The most common places it is found is neck, shoulders and face, because those are the areas least likely to be covered on a sunny day. It’s also very commonly found on the left arm, as many people don’t realize that the sun can still burn them through a window… even while driving! You’re best bet is to make sure you put on sunscreen anytime you plan on leaving your house on a sunny day.
Sun damage also compromises the integrity of your skin. It causes a thinning effect, making your skin extra vulnerable to scarring and further environmental damage. It also makes your skin more likely to scar from scratches or cuts. Your skin’s ability to ‘bounce back’ after dehydration and damage will be seriously reduced, and can lead to major unevenness down the road.
Another less talked about side effect of sun damage is the number it does on your immune system. I think oftentimes we forget that our skin is the first line of defence against viruses and sickness, so when it is damaged, we can get sick more often and for longer periods of time. Your best bet is so make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C and water, and make sure that you are protecting your body’s largest organ from the sun!
Now, some people will argue that the sun is a great source of Vitamin D, and it is! However, that doesn’t mean that you should skip out on the sunscreen. Sun block will block the UVA and UVB rays, but still give you the full benefit of Vitamin D. There are also lots of great Vitamin D supplements on the market that can give you the boost you need.
The sun is also great for helping to clear up acne, so if you’re someone who is acne prone you may be hesitant to smear lotion all over your face. Spend some time doing research on a few different brands of facial sunscreen. You may be surprised to learn that there are tons of great options out there for you.
But what should you do if you end up with a burn? Well, you want to make sure you boost your immune system with lots of water and vitamin C so you don’t get sick on top of your burn. Aloe Vera is hugely helpful in providing relief from sunburn and can be frozen into cubes for extra comfort. You can also eat orange foods - they contain lots of skin loving vitamins and minerals that will help you counteract the damage done by the sun. Some great skin foods include: pumpkin, turkey and cinnamon. Lastly, make sure you moisturize often and avoid picking if you do start to flake. The more you moisturize with lotion and drinking lots of water, the less likely it is you will peel.
So, get out there and enjoy that sunshine! Just make sure you’re protected from the rays!
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This week we’re talking about waivers. If you’ve just recently started coming to Bare Essentials, you may remember the waiver we had you fill out. The one that asks you to read, initial and answer a few questions. Believe it or not, we still get looked at like we have 3 heads when we ask new clients to fill it out.
Now, to us it seems simple enough because it’s going to tell us everything we need to know about your skin before we take you in the room. However, we get asked multiple times a day ‘Well, why do I need to do this?” or “Is this really necessary?”
Short answer: yes, yes it is.
Let’s break this down a little bit, shall we? We have waivers for all our major services: waxing, laser, microblading, electrolysis and dermaplaning. If a service doesn’t have it’s own waiver, we always get the client to fill out the waxing waiver on their first visit (ie tanning, threading). Each waiver is different depending on the service, but follows the same basic format.
You will first be asked to read through and initial some statements. These statements will range from what to expect at your appointment, some implications that can arise from the appointment (think worst case scenario - 99% of appointments go on without a hitch) and how you’re expected to prepare for this appointment. Now, just because you initial a statement that may imply you have a certain condition, does not mean you are saying you have the condition! We simply need you to initial so we know that you’ve read that statement - we’re not assuming anything.
The next part will get you to fill in some of your contact info. Yes, we did collect that when we booked you in, but sometimes mistakes happen! This is just so we can ensure what we have on file is accurate.
Now, depending on which service you’re getting done, the next part will either just be a few questions or… well, a lot more than a few questions. It is important to answer these questions honestly. There is a reason we’re asking all of these questions, and it’s because we need to make sure there is nothing that could make this experience terrible for you. For example, certain medications will thin your skin, meaning we may not be able to wax you.
For laser, certain medical conditions mean that laser may not be effective or even down right dangerous. There are also some medications that can make you light sensitive, making the laser dangerous for you. We do our best to make sure clients coming in know about these things, but this waiver is a way for us prevent something from happening!
Besides that, the waiver may ask you about your allergies. List anything you may be allergic to so we can make sure we don’t use any products that could cause you to have a reaction. Our goal is to give you the fastest, most comfortable service possible. These waivers allow us to identify any red flags before you head into a room.
We also often hear, “I’ve never had to do one of these for a wax before!”
To be honest with you, if a salon or spa doesn’t get you to fill in some sort of waiver, that should be cause for alarm. Some salons will verbally ask about medications, however if they don’t, you should be cautious. Make sure to make mention of any medications you're on to the person performing the service - you never know what could trigger a reaction!
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First and foremost, it’s important to remember that your skin is especially sensitive post-wax. Your pores will be more open and willing to take on dirt and grime - the badies that will cause you to breakout. So, when it comes to keeping post-wax breakouts at bay, the key is to keep the junk out of your pores.
If you’re someone who is prone to breakouts, a good rule of thumb is to wait until the next day to apply anything to your skin. Makeup in particular will be something you want to wait on for at least 12 hours. If you absolutely need to put on a face in that timeframe, just make sure you clean the area really well before you head to bed. Leaving makeup on overnight or not adequately taking it off before bed in a big culprit of acne the next morning (whether you waxed or not!).
Another thing you’ll want to avoid is touching your face. Sometimes your skin may become itchy and irritated after a wax, but it’s best to try your hardest not to scratch or pick at the area. Our hands are the dirtiest parts of our body and can easily spread dirt and bacteria to our already sensitive pores. If you find that your skin is unbearably itchy or irritated, washing it with some warm water and applying a little bit of aloe may help to take some of the irritation down.
If you are sure you will break out, one thing you can do is clean your skin up after a wax. Sometimes people breakout because of wax residue, so removing that from your skin as soon as you’re able may be the key to helping your breakouts. When you get home, wipe your face down with some warm water and a little bit of witch hazel. This will get rid of any left over wax that may trap bacteria under the surface of your skin. When you’ve finished cleaning it, either allow your skin to air dry or very gently pat it dry with a fresh towel.
Regardless of whether you do or don’t know your tendency to breakout, there are a few tips to at least lower the risk.
First of all, don’t touch the area with your hands. This is especially true for your face! We are notoriously bad for touching our faces without really realizing it. Since your skin is so prone to taking on dirt and grime post-wax, keeping your fingers away is key. If you absolutely must touch your face (not sure why you would, but hey! What do I know?) make sure you wash your hands well with warm water.
If you do notice any bumps, do not pick, scratch, pop, pull or touch them in any way. When you attempt to pop or pick a pimple, oftentimes you end up actually pushing the dirt, bacteria and sebum deeper into your skin. This will likely cause the pimple to become even more irritated, last longer and potentially leave a scar.
Depending on the area and severity of the breakouts, another option may be to switch to threading. Threading is gentler on the skin and does not leave any residue behind. It doesn’t leave pores as vulnerable and doesn’t remove as much of the dead skin. There isn’t any residue left on the skin which means that your pores are less likely to get clogged.
That about covers it! Breakouts are fairly common and there are lots of ways to combat them. Do you have any tips to tackle post wax breakouts?
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We’re back and talking about the myths and realities of laser hair removal! As with anything, there is a ton of misinformation out there about laser but I’m here to clear a few things up for you!
I’ve heard it’s painless.
I hate to break it to you, but it’s not. I’ve written about this a few times, but laser does have a certain degree of pain. Obviously some parts will be more sensitive than others, and everyone has different pain tolerance levels. Some will find it extremely painful while others will find it more uncomfortable than anything.
The overall consensus we hear from clients is that it is uncomfortable but managable.
I won’t need all 6 sessions.
For whatever reason many people seem to think that they only need to have 1 or 2 sessions. I’m not sure if it’s because they feel like their hair is too sparse, or because they think they fall into the perfect candidate category. Regardless, most (like 95%+) people will need at least 6 sessions, if not more.
Our hair grows in different cycles, which means that not all of your hair will be in the active growing phase required for the laser to be effective. Any hair not in this phase will not be affected by the laser. The only way to ensure those hairs get zapped is to come once every 4-8 weeks (depending on the body part) to ensure you get all the hairs in the active growth phase.
All lasers are the same, so I’ll just get a Groupon for the best deal.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this. As with anything, if the deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. It’s important to remember that companies can market IPL (Intensive Pulsed Light) machines as Laser. When it comes down to it though, IPL is not nearly as effective as a diode laser.
Before you spend your hard earned cash, ask the salon/clinic what the name of their machine is and do some research on your own. IPL machines use an intense pulsed light to help reduce hair growth. The light is scattered over the surface of the skin whereas diode lasers target the hairs and send concentrated light into the follicle of the hair. This usually means people require many more sessions of IPL than Laser and often isn’t nearly as effective.
I have a darker skin tone, I guess Laser won’t really work for me.
The laser that we use at BE is great for people with all skin tones! That being said, if your skin tone is on the darker end of the spectrum you will need more than the 6 sessions included in the package. We know this, so we will prorate your single session price based on the amount you paid for the package (you need to purchase a package initially to get this deal).
The reason you may need more sessions is because the laser targets the pigment in the hair. So if both the skin and hair are dark, it’s more difficult for the laser to find the hair against the skin. This doesn’t mean it won’t be effective, it just means you’re going to need a few more sessions.
Once the hair is gone, I won’t ever need laser again!
Well, not necessarily. Hormonal changes can cause some hair to come back. But don’t worry - this is totally normal! We do offer touch ups (if you buy a package, you get 2 touch ups for free) for these sorts of situations. There isn’t any sort of timeframe we can give you for when you need to come in for a touch up, but once you’re satisfied with your results, you can come in whenever you notice you have some darker hairs starting to come back.
And that covers most of what we hear at the salon. If this didn’t cover any of your questions, don’t hesitate to reach out! We would be happy to answer any questions or further explain anything you’re still confused about.
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