Advantages of Airbrush Makeup

As digital media continues to evolve, airbrush make-up is once again gaining popularity. Everyone wants to experience that flawless perfectly contoured look. There are two questions I am most often asked. What is Airbrush Make-up? Why should I consider airbrush make-up vs. traditional make-up for my wedding or special event?

What is Airbrush Make-up?

Airbrush make-up is a liquid form of make-up that is applied with an airbrush very similar to those used by canvas artists and automotive airbrush artists. Unlike the traditional make-up application, an airbrush make-up application requires an airbrush and air compressor. The liquid make-up is designed to be sprayed at a very low pressure making the application a pleasing experience for the recipient.

Why should I consider airbrush make-up vs. traditional make-up for my wedding or special event?

Airbrush make-up leaves a light, seamless blend of color, creating the illusion of a perfect face; allowing your true skin tone to show through without masking your face.

Superior Coverage, Sheer Texture

Airbrush foundations are traditionally high in coverage, but thin in texture. Because the makeup is dispensed in micro-fine layers with an airbrush versus a make-up brush or cosmetic sponge, the results appear more natural and sheer.

Even Skin Tone

Airbrush make-up can be easily custom blended to ensure a smooth, natural coverage that matches your skin tone. Skin imperfections like redness, age spots, sun damage, and acne scarring can be camouflaged with minimal product so there is no caked on appearance. This allows for your skin tone to appear even in tone and more radiant.

Flawless Finish

Compared to traditional make-up, the spray-dot pattern that airbrush make-up leaves on the skin is very different. Because the airbrush pattern is micro-fine, it photographs more evenly and offers a flawless finish appearance. The airbrush pattern does not leave behind lines or ragged edges typical of make-up brushes or cosmetic sponges. Why is this important? Marks that are not discernable to the naked eye may be quite noticeable in hi-definition and high-resolution digital photography environments.

Hypoallergenic Options

If you ever get skin irritation from your liquid make-up chances are it is from the alcohol and silicone. What does this mean to you? Even people with the most sensitive skin can use can use specific types of airbrush make-up. True water-based airbrush make-up is light, breathable, and does not contain alcohol or silicone. If you have sensitive skin, be sure to check with your make-up artist on the type of airbrush make-up they use and whether or not is contains alcohol or silicone.

Longevity

With the recent improvements in formulations, airbrush make-up is designed to last. Even people with oily and acne prone skin will benefit from the longevity of airbrush make-up.

The Bottom Line

The coverage, texture, longevity, and durability offered by airbrush make-up leaves a flawless finish that stands up to the scrutiny of hi-definition and high resolution digital photography. Want to look fabulous in your pictures? Get Airbrushed!

Airbrush Make-up at Aesthetic Artistry

Aesthetic Artistry is located in North Salt Lake, UT and offers in-salon airbrush makeup and makeup services as well as on-location services in Davis, Salt Lake, and Weber counties. To learn more about our make-up and airbrush makeup services in Utah, click here.

4-Step Prep and Perfect Skin Beautification Treatment
Each make-up application includes our signature 4-step Prep and Perfect Skin Beautification Treatment.

What does this mean to you? Make-up that makes you appear flawless. Make-up that lasts.

Contact us for a consultation or appointment today!

A Brief History of Beauty Part 2

The 1400's brought the Renaissance era and with it white makeup made with mercury! Being pale was still all the rage and so started the practice of adding mercury to white lead powder to achieve a sort of "healthy glow." This powder was applied to the bust line as well as the face. (I think I will keep my mineral powder, thank you very much!) A natural appearance was more the look of the day and other than the use of white powder, most women shied away from other forms of makeup. Eye lashes were worn short and thin. Eyebrows and hairlines were tweezed and cut. Often times, women would pumice the hairline to hide marks left from tweezing too much.
During this time, the "womanly figure" was celebrated. This just means that being plump was thought to be the height of sexy. (Too bad we can't keep a touch that mentality today.)

Elizabethan times continued the deadly practice of lead makeup (this time mixed with vinegar for a more liquid foundation approach) and "bleeding." Having pale skin was a sign of the upper class so the men were expected to appear more fair as well. They dyed their hair yellow with a mixture of cumin, celadine and oil, from what I understand-this would enhance the look of alabaster skin. Khol once again enters the scene to darken lashes and vermilion was used to redden cheeks and lips.
When makeup alone would not serve to lighten skin, women would spend several hours sponging themselves with buttermilk and applying lemon juice.
The following is a recipe made for Mary Queen of Scotts in 1569 and later copied by Queen Victoria in her scrapbook and used for her ladies in waiting:

Mix together with silver spoon 4 parts oil of almonds
4 parts whale oil
4 ounces red rose water
Stir to make a smooth paste and apply directly to skin

Another popular recipe made for Mary Queen of Scotts was used to cure the itch of bug and flea bites:
2 ounces oil of scorpions
2 ounces hedgehog grease
2 ounces badger grease
2 ounces bear grease
1/2 pint olive oil
Mix all together, spread on linen cloth and apply to infected spot

(Good luck hunting down the scorpion, hedgehog and badger!)

Skipping ahead to the austere Victorian Age, both men and women did away with heavy makeup, elaborate clothing and expensive wigs. During this time the focus once again shifts from covering up a problem to dealing with the health of the skin. Beauty masks and packs were made from ingredients such as honey, eggs, milk and oatmeal (we are still gleaning the fabulous effects of these ingredients today).
The prize of every woman was a head of healthy, shiny hair. They would brush their hair for ten minutes morning and night and masks of egg whites were used regularly. To get hair to grow a mixture of rum and castor oil was suggested.

Well that about does it for this post! In the last and final post of this series, we will look a little more closely at the 30's, 40's and 50's. With the launch of makeup staples like Max Factor and Estee Lauder-this is perhaps my favorite era to discuss!

XO-Nanette

Published with permission of Nanette Semon

A Brief History of Beauty Part 1

Often times I find myself romanticizing an era. I watch too many old movies, read way too many Austen-type novels and then make declarations like, "I was born in the wrong century." (sigh) There are times when even the 40' s and 50's call my name....maybe there is therapy for this, yes?
Actually there is something better than therapy: facts. If you have ever found yourself in a similar romantic boat, please continue reading. You will be kissing the current ground you walk on!

It all starts with the Egyptians. Of course the most famous slave to beauty was Cleopatra. (Stories of her beauty regime are legend!) She is credited with the famous milk and honey bath that is still popular in spas today. Cleopatra, like many Eygptians, spent plenty of time bathing (often several times a day) and removing body hair. Being hairless was considered attractive but it was also entirely necessary to keep the fleas and lice away. Tweezing and shaving were the most popular forms of hair removal but they also had a type of wax. Boiled and crushed bird bones were mixed with fly dung, oil, sycamore juice, gum and cucumber. The mixture was heated, applied to the skin and removed after it cooled (when the mixture had securely adhered to the hair).
Egyptians are known for their use of human hair wigs but they also tried to maintain their natural hair. I found several recipes for treating grey hair...they make me appreciate the little box at the super market that tames the greys in 10 minutes. For one treatment, they would boil in oil the blood of a black ox or calf. This was to transfer the blackness of the animal to the grey hair. They would also use the putrid liver of a donkey seeped in oil...I honestly cannot imagine how delicious that one smelled!
Perhaps the most widely known beauty practice is that of eye makeup. They used khol (a form of lead) to line the eye and paint the lid. Soot from oil lamps was used to darken eye lashes and brows and the men would use a mixture of fat and oil to protect their eyes from the sun.
(Are you happy with your makeup yet? I am!)

The Greeks and Romans are also famous for their dedication to bathing but slightly less known about them, is their practice of painting the face with white lead and/or chalk. Sometime between 131 and 199 A.D. the first cold cream was invented by Claudius Galenus. It was created by mixing 50% olive oil with 12.5% beeswax and various other oils.

Bathing and bath houses continued to be popular into medieval times but by the 1300's, due to the depletion of forests and firewood, only the very wealthy could afford a hot bath. Perfumes became the popular choice for covering up...smells. By 1399, however, King Henry IV could take it no longer and instituted, "The Order of the Bath," requiring all noblemen and women to bathe frequently.
Plucking the hairline to heighten the forehead was all the rage.
Being very fair was considered perfection and when cosmetics could not be afforded, women would actually "bleed" themselves. (Ouch!)

Hopefully, by this point, you are feeling more and more content with what you have. It is fun to think that one day, someone might read the labels of our cosmetic bottles and cringe. Its all a part of the learning process. Its all a part of the price we pay to be the drop dead gorgeous people that we are. (And the majority of us will agree that it is worth it!)

In an upcoming post, we will continue our little journey through time. You will want to stay tuned to find out how hedgehog grease was used in the sixteenth century, trust me, its fun stuff!

XO-Nanette

Published with permission of Nanette Semon

Waxing South of the Border

If you have never experienced the sheer joy of a clean, hairless bikini area, perhaps the idea of a Brazilian wax causes you to breakout into a spontaneous sweat. This reaction is entirely normal and you are not alone in your trepidation of the unknown. It is the purpose of this post therefore, to shed a little light on the subject and hopefully answer any questions you might have. (You might just make that wax appointment yet!)

What is the difference between a Bikini Wax and a Brazilian?
A traditional Bikini Wax, also known as an American Bikini Wax, is still the most popular choice. If you are a first time waxer or you are getting married in a month, this might be your best bet. During a Bikini Wax, the hair located near the panty line is removed (usually the top of your inner thighs and the area a few inches below the navel).

A French Bikini Wax includes the removal of even more hair, including your backside. Almost all hair is removed except for a "landing strip." (This is just a small strip of hair in the front.) In a few states, including Utah, the French Bikini Wax is considered a Brazilian. This is because it is against State Laws to do a full Brazilian Wax.

A Full Brazilian Wax, also known as the Hollywood Wax, is the removal of all hair both front and back.

Is it embarrassing to get waxed in this area?
I'm not going to lie, for some people this procedure is a bit uncomfortable.
Please know that an experienced technician is not one bit embarrassed. When I have a Bikini or Brazilian Wax on my list of scheduled appointments, I do not break out in a fit of the giggles. I honestly think nothing of it and you shouldn't either! WE ALL HAVE HAIR. Relax and just know that when its all over, you will be so thrilled with your new smooth self that you won't care how it got to be like that.
If you are concerned about modesty, your technician might have paper disposable panties for you to use. Do not wear your bathing suit or nice panties to have a wax because they might get ruined.

What can I do to prepare for a Bikini or Brazilian Wax?
It is super important to have the correct length of hair, 1/4 inch is all you need. If your hair is too short, wait another week or two. If your hair is longer, please take the time to trim it. There are all sorts of trimmers on the market in every price range that will make this process quick and easy. If you rely on your technician to trim for you, you might not have enough time to finish your entire wax. This ensures that you will not need to reschedule.

If you are able to, take an Ibuprofen like Advil 45 mins before your wax. Advil is an anti inflammatory and will help with the swelling and redness.

Book your apointment for one week after your period. The skin is especially sensitive right before, during and directly after menstration. If you choose to get waxed during this time, you will cause yourself unnecessary pain.

Have some antihistamine cream like Benadryl Cream on hand for later. It is very common to get small red bumps or even mild hives after a wax, this is a histamine reaction. Your skin thinks it is under attack and it's first defense is to release histamine to protect itself. Using a little Benadryl cream after a wax will help to soothe your skin.

How do I care for the waxed area between treatments?
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least 48 hours.
Opt for a shower instead of a hot bath for 48 hours. Also, stay away from hot tubs and saunas for the first two days-the heat can irritate newly sensitive skin.
Two or three days after your wax, be sure to exfoliate to prevent ingrown hairs. Continue to exfoliate 2-3 times a week until two days prior to your next appointment.
Don't wear panties or pants that are too tight.
If you are a first time Bikini Wax client, consider making a return appointment for 2 weeks, after that, you should only need waxing every 4 to 6 weeks

Will I bleed?
Because the pubic area has such a rich blood supply, it is completely normal and should be expected to "spot" a little. Because the hair is being removed at the root, the blood will gather in the follicle until it realizes that there is no longer a hair to nourish. It will then absorb back into the skin. A few long time waxers may no longer experience spotting after the skin has been trained to know what is going on.

If I can't handle the wax, can I ask the technician to stop?
Of course you can! It is your body-you need to do what is best for you in all things!
Consider booking enough time for a Brazilian (usually 30-45 mins) and have your technician start with just the bikini area. If you are comfortable with that much then go ahead and take the plunge!
If your pain threshold is smaller than you thought, before calling the wax quits, ask your technician to remove smaller areas of hair at a time. For many clients, this makes waxing much easier to handle.

Be adventurous and step outside of the shaving box-your clean smooth skin will give you an extra boost of confidence when bathing suit season hits. You may just throw that razor away for good!

XO-Nanette

Published with permission of Nanette Semon

Beauty is Pain....Sometimes

The question I get asked the most on the subject of waxing is, "Does it hurt?"
My answer is always, "Yes. Sometimes. For some people."
In truth, everyone is different. We all have different pain thresholds. We all have different skin. We all have different levels of dedication to our beauty regimes.

The first time I had my underarms waxed, I thought perhaps they had caught fire. They hadn't. They were just fine and ten years later, honestly, I barely feel it when I wax them. And even after that first initial ouch session, the effects of waxing were so amazing I swore I would never shave again. It was magic!

The very best advice I can give is to RELAX.
Breathe.
When you hold your breath, you tighten up all of your muscles and increase the sensitivity in your nerve endings making the waxing experience more painful. I promise if you can teach yourself to calm down it will be 25-50% better.
Often times we need to play tricks on ourselves. Lie to yourself, if you will. For some, getting the first leg waxed is less painful than the second leg. This is because the brain has signalled to the body that waxing hurts and the body tenses up. Practice telling yourself that it isn't bad at all. I know this sounds silly, but trust me, it helps!

It is also important to know how your skin responds to waxing. I cannot emphasize enough the value of a reputable spa or salon-one that provides a consultation. During your consultation, ask your technician what type of wax will be used. (For a lot of technicians, its all about personal preference. I myself, am super fond of creme wax and don't like to use anything else.) Ask for a patch test, this will insure that you respond well to the type of wax being used. Taking this one step will also help calm you down when you have your full treatment done because you will know better what to expect.

Please know that waxing is not for everyone. Sure, I can get almost anything on my body waxed but don't touch my legs! I cannot stand to have them waxed because for me, this is a more sensitive area. And that is ok.
In waxing as in all things: "Know thyself."
I know that I will never again have my legs waxed, but bring on the Brazilian! (More on that subject to come!)

XO-Nanette

Published with permission of Nanette Semon

Brianna's Heart's Desire...

Congratulations to Brianna! Brianna arrived at our salon mid-morning of April 2nd to have her hair and make-up done for her bridal portraits later that afternoon. Brianna is the first bride to wear our new lip color...Heart's Desire!

Niki Faith Heart's Desire was introduced on April 1st in honor of Michael and my 10-year wedding anniversary. With Spring in the air, I wanted a beautiful neutral bridal color that could be worn by people with either warm or cool undertones. Heart's Desire is a neutral rich rose color in our smooth and creamy formulation.

Brianna wearing her Heart's Desire!

Congratulations to all our Brides who are getting married this season. They too have found their Heart's Desire!

XO Terri Anne

Adventures in Waxing - A post where I make the mistakes so you don't have to.

As a twenty six five old Esthetician, I was not what you would call a novice to the spa scene. But somehow, my approaching wedding seemed to crowd out all the common sense I had in my brain. I was in raptures with the wedding preparations and madly in love with the man of my dreams. Nothing could go wrong, right? ...Right?
Two days before my bridal photo shoot I decided to get waxed. I had to look my best! I scheduled the appointment for my brows and upper lip (yes, some girls have hair located on the upper lip-even brides). I was so excited that I failed to pay attention to what the wax technician was doing. I failed to notice that she asked no questions and barely even introduced herself. I did not see that she skipped the part where she was supposed to TEST THE WAX. That's right dear reader, third degree burns on my upper lip for all the world to see. I did not stay to have my brows done.
Why do I share this, you ask? So that no bride (or average Jill for that matter) ever has to suffer the pain and mortification that I did that day. Listen to me and spare yourselves! Luckily, I am an Esthetician and with this new reality shock, my training resurfaced and I knew how to treat it. By my wedding day two weeks later, I was back to myself with no scaring (some are not so lucky). I also had a great photographer who knew a thing or two about Photo Shop and my pictures turned out flawless.
And now, here is what you can do to prevent this or anything like it from happening:
1.) If you know you have an up coming event or occasion and have never waxed before, start your treatments three and a half to six months in advance. The average person will regrow their hair to waxing length within six weeks. Some will take longer, others, not so long. You need at least two treatments to see how fast your hair grows, how you respond to waxing and to get acquainted with your Esthetician or Cosmetologist. Do not start two days or even a week before the event.
2.) Find a spa or salon that you can trust. Ask around for a reputable place, preferably one that will offer you a consultation. You can always do a search on Google but I find that asking a regular (happy) wax client is the best way to find what you are looking for. Be warry of nail salons that offer waxing, you have no way of knowing if your technician has been properly trained in waxing or if he/she is licensed to wax at all.
3.) Be vocal. If your technician does not ask questions before he/she asks you to hop up on the table or chair, make sure you do. Let them know what you would like done and tell them any concerns you might have.
4.) Watch to make sure that the waxing area is clean, that a new spatula is being used and that the wax is tested before you have your treatment. Wax is usually tested by spreading a thin patch on the back of the technician's hand, the strip being applied and then pulled off. This is to make sure that the temperature is ideal and that the resin (the ingredient that allows the wax to adhere to the hair) has not been burnt off.
5.) Make sure your hair is 1/4 of an inch long. Any longer and you risk ripping, any shorter and waxing might not work for you at all.
6.) Know your limitations and contraindications. If you know you have very sensitive skin, ask for a patch test during your consultaion. The following should be considered :

• Sunburned or irritated areas cannot be waxed
• Moles cannot be waxed.
• You must wait a minimum of seven (7) days before waxing after a light chemical peel or microdermabrasion.
• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had laser skin resurfacing within the past year.
• Waxing cannot be performed if you have had a physician administered peel within the past two (2) years.
• If irritation should occur, recommend you use an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to keep the area continually moist to avoid infection and scabbing.
• No sun for 12 hours following a waxing treatment.
• No hot baths for 24 hours following a body waxing treatment.
• No abrasives for 24 hours following a waxing treatment.
• No deodorants for 24 hours following an underarm waxing treatment.
• Women may experience extra sensitivity to waxing up to a week prior to the beginning of their menses.

If you currently use any of the following products, inform your technician as they can cause serious irritation:

• Acne medications of any kind
• Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic)
• Oral Antibiotics
• Topical Antibiotics
• Retinol
• Salicylic Acid
• Exfoliants

WARNING:
If you are currently using any of the following prescription medications, you cannot receive a waxing service. You must discontinue use of these medications for a minimum of three (3) months prior to waxing. The exception is Accutane; you must be off this medication treatment course a minimum of one (1) year prior to waxing.

• Accutane (Acne medication)
• Adapalene (Acne medication)
• Alustra (Retin A)
• Avage (See Tazorac - Acne medication)
• Avita (See Retin A)
• Differin (Acne medication)
• Isotretinoin (See Accutane)
• Renova (See Retin A)
• Retin A (Acne and Anti-aging medication)
• Tazarac (Acne medication)
• Tazarotene (See Tazorac)
• Tretinoin (See Retin A)

Good luck to you as you embark on your own waxing adventure. Trust me, if you do it right, you will be one happy camper and there will be no need for Photo Shop!
XO - Nanette
Published with permission of Nanette Semon