Let’s Get Physical with Sun Block
Dear Audrey,
I’ve heard people talking about physical sun block. What is it and how does it differ from the sunscreen that is in my moisturizer and foundation?
Great question! I know that there are lots of ways to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Whether you’re a someone who loves to sit and relax in the sun or a hardened outdoor athlete its really important to protect your skin every day. There are really two different types of ways to protect your skin either physical sunblock or chemical-based sunscreen. Read More>>
Why We Love Gel (Shellac) Nail Colors
Dear Audrey,
Every time I go into the nail salon to get my nails done, they try to get me to use gel nail color—but it’s twice as expensive! Is it really worth all the hype?
You know the same thing happens to me too. So I decided to do a little digging and find out what the hype is all about. What you are referring to is Gel nail color or polish—not Gel nails or Acrylic nails which are very different. Read More>>
Playing with Color
Dear Audrey,
I just got my hair colored and I love it—now, how do I keep the color from fading?
I love the way I feel after getting my hair colored too. My hair feels great and shiny and brilliant. I have a few tips to help you keep that color bright—but let’s start from the beginning. Why does the color fade? Read More>>
Pssst...
The Secret of Dry Shampoo
Dear Audrey,
What are dry shampoos and how do you use them?
Remember the 70’s? That’s when dry shampoo made its debut in the form of Pssst! Pssst was the original dry shampoo that was developed in the 70’s to “refresh and rejuvenate hair by soaking up excess oil, removing product build-up and boosting volume”. Read More>>
Skin Maintenance = Slower Aging of the Skin
Dear Audrey,
What are the benefits of getting a facial?
Ah facials—one of my favorite indulgences that has become a true necessity. I love getting a facial. I started getting them as a treat to myself, but as I get older I see the benefits and necessity of getting regular facials. Just about anyone can benefit from having a facial—and as you age, the benefits continue to increase. Read More>>
Style Me Beautiful
Dear Audrey, How do I know which styling tools are right for my hair?
Are you using your daughter's hair dryer or curling iron? Is your daughter using your flat iron? Does it make a difference—well maybe. Styling tools, like curling irons, blow dryers, or flat irons, all have different features and there is a large difference in price depending on where you do your shopping. Read More>>
There’s more to Beautiful Skin than Just Cleansing and Moisturizing
Dear Audrey, I wash my face and moisturize every day but should I be doing more?
Yes! You are on the right track by using a good cleanser and moisturizer, but to keep your skin young and fresh you need to more. There are 3 other things I like to recommend: Read More>>
The Best Tool for the Job
Dear Audrey,
I just received a makeup brush kit with several brushes and I have no idea what each one is for, can you tell what each one is used for?
Eyes, face, lips cheeks—there seems to be a brush in your kit for everyone of those right? But which one do you use for what? Here’s what some of the experts recommend. Read More>>
Sold Only in Professional Salons
I recently purchased some shampoo at my local big box store, and it stated “Sold Only in Professional Salons”. Is it the same product that I purchase from the salon where I get my hair cut?
That’s a good question with a hard answer. What we are talking about here is called diversion. Diversion is an industry term for the unauthorized sale of salon products. Read More>>
Mineral Makeup vs.
Non-Mineral Makeup
Somebody asked me the other day whether mineral makeup was really "better" than traditional makeup. Rather than take a side on which type of makeup is better, I thought I'd give a general outline of the pros and cons of each type. As with any beauty product, the choices are seemingly limitless because nothing works well for everybody. Read More>>
Changes in Sunscreen Regulations
Remember when we used to lay out to get a tan without a thought about skin cancer or premature aging? Well, obviously we have become more educated and aware of the effects of prolonged sun exposure the last few decades. However, the regulations for "sunscreen" and "sunblock" have not really changed in 33 years. That is until this year. Read More>>
Thinning Hair Care
Audrey – I want to get my husband some shampoo for his thinning hair, but I’m confused by all the “Systems” Nioxin has. How do I know what to buy for him?
Nioxin has 6 “Systems” for hair loss in their line, as well as a line for dandruff. As overwhelming as it sounds, picking the right one is easy. Systems 1-4 are for normal to fine hair, 5-6 are for medium to coarse hair. Read More>>
Curly Hair Care
Curly hair can range from wavy to kinky. Curly hair in general tends to be drier than straight hair, and it tends to have less shine by nature (straight hair has a flat surface and reflects more light). As a result, it is really important to keep curly hair moisturized. Sulfate-free products have less harsh ingredients, allowing the hair to hold on to its moisture better. Read More>>
Do you carry organic shampoo?
This was a question that I heard from a customer in one of the stores. Organic shampoo? I'm aware of what organic means at the grocery store, or at least I think I am, but I had no idea what it meant in a shampoo or beauty product. So, I did some research. Here is what I found out. Read More>>
How to Buy Styling Tools
Styling tools, like curling irons, blow dryers, or flat irons, have a large disparity in price, depending on where you are shopping. When the price on a curling iron can range from $10-$200, it is only natural to wonder what the differences are. Here's a basic break-down of what features you might be paying for. Read More>>
Beauty Tips 101
With all the people that we see coming in and out of the stores, I was surprised to find that there are some common questions and patterns with our customers' concerns. Here are a few tips you may or may not know.
#1 – Don't Use Old Beauty Products
Beauty products are not food or drugs, and are regulated differently. Instead of having expiration dates on packaging, most beauty products have a life span. This is the time after opening a product that it is guaranteed to perform as indicated. Read More>>
Covering Gray
I have sporadic gray hairs - like 10 or 20. How do I cover them? I don't want to get the rest of my hair colored. - Michelle
Michelle -
There are quite a few products on the market for selectively covering gray hair. These products can also be used for root touch ups, and mustaches. Each product either blends (gives the hair a darker hue, but you can still see some white, it's less noticeable) or covers (actually changes the color of the hair and you won't see any white). Here are some suggestions: Read More>>
Back To School
—and Dreaded Head Lice
We had a request to talk about head lice in our newsletter, and while it certainly is not fun to talk about, we are getting ready for school season again. And while children tend to be the overwhelming majority of head-lice sufferers, adults get them, too. So, go ahead and itch….it's okay. Let's talk about head lice. Read More>>
Summer and Your Hair
As the weather gets warmer, our daily patterns begin to change, giving most of us more time in the sun and in the pool. Your hair-care regimen could need to change as well. Here is some general information on what shampoos and conditioners you may want to consider. Read More>>
How Diversion Affects You
Diversion? If you aren't in the beauty business, chances are you've never given a thought to it, much less heard of it. Diversion is an industry term for unauthorized sale of salon products. If you read the bottle of your professional hair-care products, it states clearly that the product is only guaranteed by the manufacturer if purchased from a salon professional. Diversion is when big box stores sell the same products. So, how does this affect you as a consumer? Read More>>
Aging Gracefully
Have you ever walked through the mall or grocery store and seen that 60ish woman who caught your eye? She was quite simply beautiful. She is what all of us hope to be - striking in our golden years. Ask yourself: What does sexy mean in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond? What is beautiful in your eyes? If you can only picture youth, then you are selling yourself (and all your friends) short. Here are some facts about aging. Read More>>