Body hair: We all have it. We all want to get rid of it. And while most of us spend hours fumbling around with razor blades, waxing kits, and hair removal creams, the most difficult challenge is probably those most sensitive areas like the face and bikini.

I had the opportunity recently to speak with Lauren Weber, who works at the front desk at Jasper Studio in Toronto’s Little Italy District. She mentioned two hair removal techniques, threading and bikini wax, which have done wonders for their clients specifically in those two areas.

Threading is a popular hair removal technique practiced in India, Pakistan, and Middle East. Jasper Studio owner Bela Macedo trains her staff thoroughly to use a pure, thin, twisted cotton thread to go over and clean up untidy hairlines on your face such as eyebrows and upper lip, plucking the hair at the follicle level. This hair removal process doesn’t pull skin like waxing which helps prevent wrinkles and benefits elasticity in the skin. Unlike tweezing where a single hair is pulled out each time, threading can remove an entire row of hair, resulting in a straighter line.

Bela is also well known for her five minute Brazilians (male or female), and has a steady fan base for this procedure due to her quick process and immaculate results. Her Satin Smooth wax with honey keeps even the most sensitive clients smiling.

Not having tried either of these techniques myself, I asked the dreaded question: Is it painful? As the old adage goes: “no pain, no gain” but what makes these procedures interesting is the rapidity at which the hair is removed. Before you have the chance to take a deep breath, your hair has been removed leaving your skin, a little red at first, but nice and smooth, with the results lasting longer that tweezing or shaving. Â

So if you live in Toronto and want to give either of these techniques a try, then swing by the Jasper Studio on College Street and give Lauren a visit. Don’t forget to let us know how it went!

Learn more about Jasper Studio at www.jasper-studio.com

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

My latest facial at the spa was definitely a learning experience. I was lucky enough to have an aesthetisian who took the time to explain every step, and give me pointers on how to improve the condition of my skin between visits. As I left the spa, I jotted down as much as I could remember so that I could share it with others who need a few pointers (just like I did)!

My biggest revelation was that oily skin can get dehydrated. I still have trouble wrapping my head around this concept but it seems that all those products I have been using to get rid of the excess oil on my skin are actually getting rid of all the moisture as well. When skin feels very tight, that is your skin is trying to tell you it’s dehydrated. In the past, I mistakenly thought it was a sign that my oily skin had improved.

Therefore, you must always hydrate your skin, even if you have an oily base. In essence, hydration is water and oil is grease. The two are quite different! And funny enough, the more you dry out your skin with harsh products, the more sebum your skin actually produces in an attempt to counter the effect. In other words, moisturizing your skin can actually reduce its oiliness. Ironic isn’t it?

The really tricky part is learning to moisturize and control oiliness at the same time. Here are some tips which I have picked up:

- After cleansing, rinse your face with a soft cloth, not your hands;

- Use a light oil free, non-comedogenic, moisturizer every morning and every night;

- Just apply a pea-sized amount of moisturizer for your entire face – don’t overdo it;

- Use a hydrating masque once a week;

- Drink a lot of water;

- Avoid touching your face throughout the day. (It was actually recommended to me to wear makeup which generally makes people less likely to touch their face. Just remember to remove it properly before going to bed at night).
Well my latest facial did a lot of good for my skin – and my education. I hope I can help shed some light on others that have gotten caught in the same mistakes as I did.

Maggie Richardson
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- The tea kettle, although up to its neck in hot water, continues to sing.

In the winter, chapped lips can be a severe problem. It’s irritating, it causes lips to crack and it can even cause lips to bleed. So why do we get chapped lips?

In the winter, the air is dry and the cold wind further dries the lips out. In addition, the excessive indoor heating dries out and dehydrates the skin. The diminished moisture in the skin on and around the lips causes our lips to be chapped. People normally lick their lips to reduce the dryness. However, this actually makes things worse.  So if you have chapped lips remember not to lick your lips.

Some tips to prevent chapped lips in the winter are:

- Cover your face with a scarf when outside

- Increase the humidity in your home or apartment

- Apply petroleum jelly or lip balm on your lips

BUT ALWAYS REMEMBER DON’T LICK YOUR LIPS. Therefore avoid using flavored lip balm because this will entice you to lick.  One of my favorite lip balms is Blistex Complete Moisture.

If you have any other tips please post them.

Carla Rosen
Findsalonspa.com Blogger

- Keeping you beautiful!

Let’s face it, Canadian winters are tough! For over 3 months, we are locked up indoors in the hopes of shielding ourselves from the cold temperatures and harsh winds. That can definitely take a toll on your skin. So this winter, why not take charge of your beauty? Here are some tips to get you started!

1. Moisturize, moisturize & moisturize!

During the winter months, our skin tends to be drier. So no matter your skin type, it is essential to moisturize. Moisturizing soothes and protects, as well as helps restore skin’s natural lipid barrier. But be sure to find the right moisturizer for your specific skin type! Also add a gentle exfoliant to your weekly routine. Not only does it slough off dead, weather-beaten cells, but it also improves microcirculation.

Sevan’s favourite: Strobe Cream, M.A.C

2. Add a little sparkle

Don’t be afraid to try something different! How about a metallic nail polish? It will add glamour and style to any outfit.

Sevan’s favourite: Yves Saint Laurent #39 grey nail polish

3. Bright blush

Brighten dull skin with a touch of bright rosy blush on the apples of your cheeks blending outwards and along your temples.

Sevan’s favourite: Dolly Mix blush, M.A.C

4. Extreme eyelashes

False eyelashes are fun and flirty, perfect for any occasion! They add volume and length, are less costly than eyelash extensions, and non permanent.

Sevan’s favourite: False eyelashes, #36 M.A.C

5. Cherry lips

Red lipstick is a beauty must for all women. It instantly adds old Hollywood glam and just makes you feel fabulous. When wearing red lipstick, be sure to keep your eye makeup minimal – but do add some black liner.

Sevan’s favourite: Red Premiere lipstick # 752 Dior

Do you have your own winter beauty secrets? Please share

Sevan Tatoulian
Professional Makeup Artist, Sevan Makeup, Montreal
Findsalonspa.com Blogger