Holidaze and Your Health: Your Guide to Staying Sane this Season

Can you believe it? Another year coming to an end, and soon enough we will be going into 2017! So EXCITING! While we hustle towards the finish line and tackle the parties, gifting, and stress, let's first remember to stay on track and finish out 2016 the right way. 

With all the holiday cheer, work parties, holiday gatherings, shopping, celebrating, eating, drinking, and more eating and drinking, lets face it: most of us barely have enough time for ourselves. We are dragging along with too many cookies, not enough sleep or exercise, definitely too much coffee and not enough H20. All this isn't meant to make you feel bad, but rather to act as a reminder to stay mindful of some simple things you can do to keep yourself healthy. 

Image via Pinterest.

So here are some quick and little tips and to help you stay healthy during this holiday season.

1. Gargling with salt gets rid of bacteria & is great to do day and night to keep those germ critters away.
2. Vitamin C builds collagen & is full of antioxidants, which helps with holiday stress! Avoid looking like the Grinch and add this to your routine.
3.  Make sure you hydrate.  Water with lemon makes your body more alkaline. Fresh lemons have active enzymes for 30 minutes, so drink up!! Not to mention all the anti-aging benefits. They hydrate your skin, minimize wrinkles, and keep your skin glowing!! Plus, Probiotics and Antioxidants are absolute essentials for your bod!
4. Make a fist. Now look at your fist. That's the size of your stomach!  Remember to be mindful of your servings! Pro tip: try using smaller plates as a mind trick. 
5. 7-8 hours of sleep a night is wonderful & necessary for your health. Try using a sleep mask! I love mine & can't sleep without it. Don't want anything on your face? Try meditation music. 
6. Last but not least: exercise 20-30 min a day just to get moving and get that blood flowing. When you do, NEVER forget to stretch! Hold that stretch for a count of 8 - it makes a huge difference.  

With all that said, remember to enjoy the holidays while keeping in mind what you can do to offset the inevitable fatigue. I hope this helps you this season. Happy Holidays to you from Embellish U!

Hit that button and subscribe!! The one down there! Yeah do it!!  

Xo,  

Lexi

Happy Lashes: Tips & FYI'S for Maintaining Your Extensions

Before your Lash Appointment: 

1.  Remove all eye makeup and clean your lashes with mild oil free cleanser.
2. Do not use oil based products lotions, eye creams, and removers prior to the application.
3. If you wear contact lenses wear glasses instead to your appointment or bring a lens case and remove them when you arrive to your appointment. 
4. Do not use lash curler before appointment, straighter lashes work better. 

Aftercare Instructions  

1. Do not get lashes wet for at least 24 hours even if we used a nano mister.  
2. Avoid hot steam from shower and sauna for 2 days. 
3. Be gentle with your lashes & PAT them dry after shower. Brush them when dry.
4. Do not rub your eyes excessively
5. Do not use a lash curler! 
6. Do not use oil based makeup remover  
7. Only use mascara at the tips of the lashes if you must wear it. ( I suggest only purchasing the brand made for lashes) 
8. That goes for the eyeliner too
9. Wax in eyeliner will buildup and breakdown your bond to your lashes. Oil breaks glue down. Water based products are good. Also avoid Glycol and carbonate free makeup is no good!! Better OPTION: Use eyeshadow. Take a skinny brush dip in water then your shadow (makes a wet paste, long lasting too) use as a liner. 
10. Depending on your lash cycle and how you sleep; side sleepers or face sleepers tend to loose more lashes, they may have to come in more often then others.
11. Those who have a faster eyelash growth cycle may need a touch up sooner, while those with a slower cycle may not need touch ups as often.  
12. Another factor is birth control. It will cause some women to shed their natural lashes faster than others. It doesn't mean they can't have the procedure, it just means they may have to come in sooner than others!!  
13. A great DYI is taking 1 tsp of baby shampoo in a foam bottle dispenser and some distilled water. There you go: a simple lash cleaner that is safe for you lashes and will remove makeup.  
14. Another cool tip is go to the dollar store pick up a makeup brush, the blending one. Use that for massaging the cleaner in your lashline. Trust me your lashes will be thanking me. Get rid of all that dirt, excess skin and, makeup!!! Plus your lash artist will love you!! Now make sure you do that before you see your lash artist too!!

Hope this was helpful! I came acros an eye opening situation and I think we all need to be more educated in this. There is truth to the birth control & sleep style factors when it comes to lash longevity. Ask any real, certified tech!

Xo,  

Lexi

Have any lash horror stories you want to share? Don't be shy if you want to ask me anything!!  

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P.S. Ladies, let your light and love keep shining on through! Stay true to you!! You know your business and there will always be darkness trying to take you down. Do what you feels right!! Your light will push them away. Keep on shining and stay on track, it's not always easy. Believe in yourself. Most of all believe in God!! 

Retinoids: Should You or Shouldn't You?

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Biopelle Retriderm Serum - Available @ EmbellishU!

It's not just a celebrity secret anymore. Retinol is hailed as the holy grail of anti-aging (at least topically) and is known as the beauty worlds best needle-free answer to smoother skin as it lessens scars, lines and wrinkles. As a derivative of vitamin A, retinol has been medically and scientifically proven to speed up the skin's cell cycle. But before you rush off and start Googling retinol creams, know that it's not for everyone and you may find just as many horror stories as there are rave reviews. Let's see if retinol is a match for you:

1. Do you have sensitive skin? If you do, retinol is probably not a good choice for you. Retinol is extremely potent and powerful, and people with reactive skin find it is too harsh for them. You may find your skin more red, dry, flaky, and irritated than it was before using it.

2. Are you pregnant? If so, retinol should definitely be avoided. It's efficiency comes from the fact that it is absorbed into the body and creates activity in the skin cells. Vitamin A is very hazardous to a developing fetus and has been known to cause birth defects.  

3. Will you wear SPF? When using retinoids, whether topically or in over-the-counter medication, always remember to wear a high grade sunscreen, as retinol does increase photosensitivity.

4. Are you ok with the concept of "worse before it gets better"? Many find this to be the case with use of retinoids. As I mentioned before, the redness, dryness and flakiness happens to most people. But with proper care and lots of hydration, both internally and externally, these effects should subside within 2 weeks. And as always if these symptoms continue to persist absolutely stop using any kind of retinoids right away. 

Not so sure if retinol is for you right now? You might be in luck soon. While there is no alternative that is comparable to the effects of retinol at the moment, there are products being developed that are more sensitive skin friendly and include retinol derivatives, which are man made ingredients that negate the bad side effects of natural retinol.

Whatever you decide, just always remember that it's a good idea to always consult your dermatologist, and discuss with them whether a retinol is right for you. 

Xo,

Lexi

Fall Specials for Embellish U

Fall Facials? Yessss! And the Best Accessory yet Eyelash Extensions! EmbellishU has specials going on for the Months of October and November.

Our pumpkin enzyme facial is a perfect way to get your skin fresh for the new season, not to mention pumpkin everything is the biggest trend for fall. This facial is cell regenerating, anti-aging and exfoliating. Organically derived pumpkin enzymes will boost your skin's resilience and even your complexion. Also, brightening alpha hydroxy fruit acids and a rich blend of other age resisting antioxidants and vitamins will leave your skin looking healthy, youthful and silky smooth! $75 normally $115. Use code fall732 when booking online. Special running from October 1st to November 30th.

Customized and styled to fit you and your lifestyle!  

Calling all new clients! Have you always wanted eyelash extensions, but were skeptical and wanted to know more about them? Fear not, beginning on the 27th of September until November 30th you can receive a full set of classic lashes for $199, normally $250. Have lashes that will totally open up your eyes and save you a few minutes on your morning routine. I assure you will fall in love with them! *Does not apply to volume lashes. Use code embellishu when booking online.

Our signature, results-driven treatment will change the Image of your skin in just one session. Vitamin C, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and gentle yet effective enzymes and speed up cellular turnover lightening, tightening and brightening all skin types, even Rosacea and sensitive skin.

Lighten, brighten and tighten your skin! Our Signature Facial Treatment will help you get rid of summer damage with its vitamin C and enzyme properties that are suitable for and will treat all skin types, including sensitive and redness-prone skin. Gives noticeable results in just one session. Don't forget it's just as important to follow up after your treatments just as much as getting the service is. Keep your skin hydrated and help you support the regenerative process with Post Treatment Recovery Balm. Dramatically helps reduce transepidermal water loss, discomfort, redness and irritation with plant-derived botanicals and antioxidants. Also receive a free eye brightening cream with your facial. While supplies last. $150normally $175. Special running from September 27th to November 30th. Use code brighten while booking online.

Xo,  

Lexi:) 

10 Best Things About Yana

2016 is all about improving beauty from the inside out! 

Stop by EmbellishU come taste how great this is! Get your complimentary shot!!  

Introducing Yana!  Image Skincare's newest innovation. Yana is the path to radiant skin that begins from within. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and gives skin its strength and structure. As we age, the amount of collagen in our skin begins to decrease leading to: fine lines, wrinkles and loss of radiance. After the age of 25, we begin losing collagen at a rate of 1% per year. This means the average person has lost almost half of the collagen in their skin by the age of 50. With Yana's unique formulation, we can combat the signs of aging from the inside out, and restore beautiful, youthful skin.

What Makes Yana Unique

• revolutionary beauty liquid
• highly concentrated
• tastes great
• increases collagen by up to 65% in just 60 days
• higher bio-availability
• rebuild and repair skin on a cellular level
• reduction of fine lines and wrinkles in as little as one week
• increases skin moisture by up to 40% in as little as three weeks
• sugar free, dairy free, soy free, gluten free
• non gmo

  So easy to use, you can mix with water or drink on its own. Even mix it with your favorite juices, shakes, or teas! You can also order online at imageskincare.com just use code PS06

Now available at EmbellishU!! Regularly $99 plus tax for 16oz of Yana! On sale this week for $85 plus tax. Get yours today limited quantity!! 

Xo,

Lexi

Detox Your Skin with Charcoal

Everyone's been all about cleansing and doing detox's for your body. I want to introduce another "detox" that's also very important, for your skin. Activated charcoal is one of the buzziest ingredients in skincare right now. So, how exactly does activated charcoal (also known as activated carbon) work? Opposed to absorbing toxins, it adsorbs them. Meaning that, instead of soaking up dirt, all of the positively charged debris sticks to the negatively charged charcoal. This process erodes the charcoal to create a more even surface area, allowing it to adsorb 1,000 times its weight. Science! 

Good to know! A quick at home recipe!! 

EmbellishU Derox Mask

According to The International Dermal Institute, most women only spend about 20 seconds washing their face. With such a short amount of time, the binding and attraction properties of charcoal can really work for most people! Start incorporating charcoal into your skincare routine for noticeably softer, smoother and less-lined skin; vibrant, even tone, renewed clarity and a healthy glow. Who doesn't want that? 

For spring I'm introducing a detox clay mask with activated charcoal to address dullness that your skin can have after these winter months. Also I have a balancing moisture mask for those with dry skin. Book your detox today and get glo-ing! 

Love and Light,

Lexi 

How To Make Facial Oils Work For You

Facial oils have become all the rage in the world of skin care. I know what you're all thinking, "my face is already oily," "that would clog my pores," " i don't want to look shiny." While you may notice some of these things if you're using heavier, greasier oils on your face, the truth is refined oils are wonderful for your complexion. 

Many people are under the assumption that oils are too thick and wouldn't penetrate the skin, and would leave the complexion greasy. Little do you know that good oil is the best thing you can put to your skin! Besides, a fresh, dewy, not greasy, complexion can create a youthful look and is great with spring on its way! 

Pure oils absorb deeper into your skin because of the finer blend of ingredients. When your skin begins to dry out, usually between your 30's and 40's, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't add a pure essential oil to your skin routine. It's best to use an oil when the skin is still moist, like after a shower or bath. The rule of thumb for choosing an oil is looking at the first five ingredients and always make sure the essential oil is at the beginning of the list. If an oil like avocado, almond, or another carrier oil is at the beginning, the blend is likely to be greasier or heavier. Opt for sage or geranium essential oils, for those with larger pores, and choose citrus, peppermint and rosemary oils for those with acne. Also, jojoba oil is thought to be the closest to the skin's sebum and therefore is considered the best carrier oil for all skin types. Apricot kernel oil is great for those with dry, prematurely aged or sensitive skin being that it's high in fatty acids. 

I incorporate several essential oils in the skin treatments I offer. I also have essential oils available in my shop! Book online with me to discover how these oils can benefit you and your skin! 

Love and Light,

Lexi 

Discover Essential Oils

Happy Monday everyone! Needing a little clarity and relaxation? Look no further. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways. From natural medicine, aromatherapy, household cleaning and personal beauty. Essential oils come from distilling or extracting different parts of plants, including flowers, leaves, bark, roots, resin and peels. You can benefit so much from their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties without any side effects like over the counter medicines. Let's harness the power of the world's most proven therapeutic compounds!

Doterra

I offer three essential oils in my online shop. Peppermint, Lavender, and On Guard, a special blend. Depending on your goal, these three oils can target several ailments. 

Peppermint - Gives a cooling sensation, and can relieve sore muscles. It also has antimicrobial properties so it can freshen bad breath and soothe digestive issues, as well as improve your mental focus and boost energy. 

Lavender - Reduces anxiety and emotional stress. Improve sleep and promote relaxation, also alleviates headaches. Use topically to improve eczema and psoriasis. 

On Guard - A blend of wild orange, clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary. It is great for immune support. Also good to use to purify the air in your home. 

You can distill your oils in the air, use them topically by applying behind your ears or on your wrists, or even put a few drops in water or tea, always check first if they are food grade though. Whatever way you choose, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. Check out my online store for all your essential oil needs! 

Love and Light, 

Lexi 

The benefits of Glycerin and battling crepe skin

ILUMA  Innovative Technology. 

Get full advantage of all your product deep within your layers of skin!! 

Dry skin is a common issue for many of us. It can be even more prevalent during these winter months. Between freezing temperatures, wind, lack of vitamin D, and other conditions, it can be tough to find relief. A common ingredient that can be used for multiple skin ailments is glycerin. Glycerin can be used to make cleanser, toner, moisturizer, treats acne, blackheads, dry skin, wrinkles, and various other conditions. Since glycerin is a humectant, meaning that it draws water into the skin, it is very beneficial for dry skin. It is also an emollient, which form an oily layer on the skin to trap water in the skin. These types of ingredients decrease itching and flaking, thus protecting the skin. 

Glycerin and other topical ingredients would also be useful in treating crepe skin; or mature, extremely dry skin. Crepe skin is caused by the loss of production of elastin and collagen, the protein that allows the skin to contract and stretch. For some people, it manifests itself in deep lines and facial wrinkles. With age, skin will feel drier because the body will stop producing as many new skin cells. That means the skin will also slow down the production of oils that are designed to rid the body of dead skin cells. To improve crepe skin, it is important to help the body naturally replace the supplies of collagen and elastin. Peptide creams or hyaluronic acid creams can help to stimulate the production of these proteins by making the cells reproduce more quickly. Microdermabrasion is also a great treatment to help aging skin. It works by scrubbing the upper layer of skin causing the skin to generate a new, healthier layer of cells. It is especially effective with crepey skin because the wrinkles are more prominent on the upper layers of skin. 

Book online Now!! At EmbellishU.net

Check out my list of treatments and services to find the one that best suits your needs. Let me aid you in looking and feeling your best (:

Love and light, 

Lexi

Body exfoliation is key to making skin look at it's finest!! Then moisturize to plump, rejuvenate, and firm your skin! 

Get Your Glo On!

Skin brightening has become a more targeted subject in the field of dermatology. Both estheticians and their clients have been searching for ways to reduce melanin production in the skin. Some of the most common conditions of hyper pigmentation are age spots, melasma, freckles and acne scars. Now that we know more about skin pigmentation and how the skin makes melanin, we can more effectively utilize certain ingredients. Much of the research in the field focuses on tyrosinase, an enzyme that spurs melanin production from tyrosine through oxidation. In the pathway, tyrosinase is produced by the melanocyte (the skin cell responsible for pigmentation) and is responsible for several reactions. You can limit melanin by limiting tyrosinase anywhere along its pathway.

There are some brightening agents that I am very excited about! There are marine active ingredients, that work on signaling proteins in the skin for melanin production and DNA repair. Although algae has been used for many years in skin brightening formulations, its being brought to a peptide level to help more with melanin inhibition. The use of botanical extract ingredients is a method I strongly suggest. They are gentler to the skin and our body automatically knows how to process them. One argument about botanical ingredients is whether they are as effective as their chemical counterparts. Traditionally, treating hyper pigmentation chemically has been done by bleaching the skin with either hydroquinone or kojic acid. While these ingredients are fast acting and effective, if you were to stop using the product at any point in time, it could actually make hyper pigmentation worse. This is because they can be cytotoxic to melanocytes in large amounts. Because of this, skin may respond to these chemicals negatively, resulting in production of more melanin. One of the best benefits of using plant extract and peptide-based products is that there’s little to no chance of doing serious harm to the skin.

I always recommend doing your research and finding a company that uses high quality botanicals and is well-versed on how to handle them during formulation. The effectiveness of these products depend on the knowledge of the developer, especially when it comes to which part of the plant to use. For the best results in treating hyper pigmentation, look for products that work at multiple points during the production of melanin. Since there are so many ways to treat hyper pigmentation, it is better to utilize different methods so that they can work cooperatively for an overall better effect. Keep your skin fresh and glo-ing!

Best,

Lexi

Post Holiday Skin Revival Treatments Image Now- Age Later

Time To Undo

A new year is the perfect time to refocus on renewing your lifestyle and rejuvenating yourself. While many people make New Year’s resolutions to get back into shape, they forget that their skin could use some repairing, too. With the stress, excess eating and drinking, lack of sleep and traveling that comes with this time of year, it can really start to show on your face. Also, the adverse effects of winter weather can leave your complexion looking dull, dry and tired.

Our Image skin care line has all the products you need to get your skin looking healthy, hydrated and luminous! The Vital C collection is geared towards environmentally damaged skin. Including vitamin C, they also contain vitamin A and E and other essential vitamins, peptides, and antioxidants to soothe dehydrated skin. The hydrating serum, which was voted best Image product, is one I highly recommend. It is ideal for all skin types, smooths visible effects of fatigue, and fights free radicals. You can apply to cleansed skin morning and evening or even combine with your favorite foundation for a dewy, youthful finish.

Another common issue we all face is dark circles. In addition to a lackluster complexion, nights of missed sleep are most noticeable around the eyes. Lack of sleep also makes the face look paler, giving a concave appearance around the eyes.  The intense brightening eye crème delivers a complex of encapsulated lightening ingredients that release for up to 48 hours for a long lasting effect. It also helps to significantly reduce the visible signs of aging around the eyes including puffiness, wrinkles and lax skin. Your eyes will instantly look firmer, brighter and more radiant!

Another good method to use is to incorporate essential oils into your routine. Not only are they beneficial to your skin, certain aromas can open up your airways, a must have during winter months! A good salve can be used as a moisturizer or be applied to your chest to ease breathing.  As always at EmbellishU we not only encourage looking good on the outside but also feeling great on the inside and treating our bodies right.

Love and Light,

Lexi