Body hair has been a long standing rival of mine and it wasn’t until recently that I got the feeling that there may be hope for me and my “Star Wars problem”.  I had heard of laser hair removal before, but I was curious and hesitant to see if I could actually have the long term results it promises.

As with any beauty treatment more involved than a hair wash, going to a place that lets you ask questions and feel comfortable about the service is crucial.  This place for me was Salima’s Day Spa, an oasis of calm nestled amongst an otherwise industrial business area in Langley.

Laser hair removal is generally not effective for people with light hair, such as blonde, white, grey or even red.  Be cautious of a business that will take your money even if you fall into the above category.  You may get some results, but it’ll take a lot of time and money to get there.  A reputable business should provide you with a consultation to see if this service is right for you and tell you what your commitment will be, in terms of time and money.

Salima’s uses a Smartepil II laser hair removal system that targets hair, not skin, which means the light is drawn to the darkness of the hair follicle.  There are three cycles or stages to your hair growth, which are dormant, active and slowing down.  The laser kills the root of the hair in the active cycle, but because more than one hair grows out of each follicle, it takes multiple treatments to get all the hairs in the active stage.  Treatments can be done every 3 to 4 weeks; the number of treatments needed may range from as few as six to as many as twelve.

The great thing about laser hair removal is that you can shave in between treatments, which means there’s no awkward hair growth to try and hide, like with waxing.  The area to be treated is shaved and the laser is accompanied by a cool air flow that helps to reduce the sensation that comes with it, which is comparable to a stinging or snapping feeling you might get from an elastic band.  The pain is quick,  with no after effects, and luckily, the level of intensity can be adjusted according to each person and their own tolerance.

With several treatments behind me, I can honestly say that I’ve noticed a reduction in the re-growth of hair and a softness to the skin where the hair used to be.   FVP friends, this is proof that miracles do happen, and they can happen for you too!

Salima’s Day Spa
www.salimasdayspa.ca
#101 – 20171 92A Ave, Langley
Ring: 604.882.9299

If your skin was to tell its story to a dermatologist, would it say something like this?  “I’m mourning the loss of my youth, but I didn’t get this way overnight. There’s more to me than just the age spots and sagging skin you see in front of you.  Between smoking, suntanning and occasionally getting washed with a bar of soap, it’s no wonder I’m damaged deep below the surface.  I feel hurt from years of neglect.”  Kinda sad, isn’t it?

The good news is that there is hope and help and a chance to reverse some of the signs of aging.  The most important thing to keep in mind is that results will not happen overnight, nor in a few weeks’ time.  If you want to see real results from any new skincare product or treatment, you must give it six weeks to three months to work.  You can’t reverse years of damage in just a few days.  It simply won’t happen.

Age spots are a common problem for many people and are the result of hyper pigmentation in the skin and have nothing to do with age, per se.  They are also referred to as liver spots or sun spots.  Our body releases melanin in order to protect the skin from the sun’s rays, but after time, this melanin pigment can form deposits and become what we refer to as age spots.

Some skin lightening creams that contain AHA’s (alpha hydroxy acids) may help reduce the appearance of age spots, but ultimately, they don’t get to the deeper layers of the skin where the damage has occurred.  The most effective removal treatments include laser or intense pulse light treatments, as well as liquid nitrogen, which “burns” the spots off.

Most people with age spots notice that the majority of them appear on their face and hands, which are the most commonly exposed body parts.  While you cannot assume that age spots are or are not cancerous, any changes to the size or shape of the spots should be reviewed by your doctor or a dermatologist.

For this article, we consulted Ildiko, the Owner of Femme & Homme Boutique Spa.  Ildiko has brought her passion for skin care to the Fraser Valley with over 36 years of aesthetics experience.  Femme & Homme offers both Essential and Clinical Skin Care Treatments for their clients.

I’ll admit, I had heard of threading from a number of friends prior to my adventure into a salon to actually get it done.  I was scared, hesitant and curious all at once.  For those of you who don’t know what threading is, it’s a popular method of hair removal that has been used in Middle Eastern cultures for quite some time, but has made its way into North America in the last several years.

The actual procedure involves a long piece of cotton thread that twists around the hair at the follicle (or root) and swiftly removes it.  This method of removal can create precise lines along the eyebrows, or even the beard line for a man.  It is sanitary and much quicker than tweezing, but admittedly, just as painful.  Not only is it quick, but it is relatively inexpensive too.  With most places charging as little as $5 per treatment, you can’t go wrong.

For my first visit, I decided to go big or go home.  I was going to get my eyebrows, as well as my upper lip, threaded.  I headed into Suman’s Beauty & Bride, feeling nervous, but confident that I could endure whatever I was about to face.  With a quick zipping sound and only short spurts of pain, my eyebrows were done in what seemed like just a few seconds.  I’ll admit that I needed to pause for a moment during the upper lip hair removal because the pain was quite intense, but all in all, the threading of both areas was over in less than 8 minutes.

My eyebrows have great shape and my skin where the hair was removed is extremely soft and smooth.  Depending on your hair growth, you could easily go several weeks without needing another treatment,  and when you do, you will probably experience less pain each time.  Because of the speed of a threading treatment, walk-ins are often welcome at locations that provide threading services, but call ahead before you go to make sure.

There are so many great locations for threading in the Fraser Valley.  We have a few suggestions for you:

Suman’s Beauty & Bride
1-2757 Bourquin Cres W, Abbotsford
Ring: 604.850.1376
www.sumansbeautyandbride.com

In Hands Hair & Beauty Studio
D-5775 176 St, Surrey
Ring: 604.576.4421

When it comes to adding a little extra oomph to your makeup for a night out, try one of these quick and easy add-ons for creating a look that is extra glam.

Use a highlighting powder, such as MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Powder in Soft & Gentle to sweep a hint of shimmer to the top of your cheekbones and around your temples in a slight “c” shape.  You can also use a small fluffy brush to dab a touch of this same powder to the inner corners of your eyes.  Feel free to dust your collarbones or décolletage as well.  The subtle way this powder catches the light creates a look of radiant and luminous skin.

You may be surprised to learn that not only are there strip lashes, but there are also individual lashes.  These are a great way to add extra definition and drama to your eyes. If you don’t feel comfortable applying the lashes yourself, enlist the help of a girlfriend.  Before you apply the lashes, you may need to trim them first to ensure that they are not too wide or long for your own eyes.  Arm yourself with some eyelash adhesive and tweezers and plan for a few extra minutes of time to apply the lashes after you have finished with your mascara. Check out www.ardelllashes.com.

If lips are what you love to draw attention to, why not dazzle and wow with one of the gorgeously rich shades of fall?  From cherry red to deep wine and raspberry, there are so many options to make a bold statement.  Be sure to apply a lip liner in a matching shade to your entire lip first.  That way if the lipstick comes off or fades as the night wears on, you won’t be left with just a line of color only on the perimeter of your lips.

One of the most adorable and simple ways to add a little glam to your hairstyle is by wearing a feathered or adorned headband or by placing a jeweled brooch, comb, or barrette to your updo.  Not only does it add visual interest but it takes your hairstyle from so-so to stunning in an instant.  You can find adorable pieces for your hair online at Etsy, in local accessory stores, or if you are feeling extra ambitious, you could even make your own using a glue gun and craft supplies from Michael’s.

No matter what you wear, a friendly smile and confident attitude always go a long way in giving off a warm, holiday “glow”.

When was the last time you got a manicure at a salon and managed to have it last more than 2 or 3 days without chipping, cracking or peeling, regardless of how careful you may have been once the manicure was done?  Can’t remember when or if that’s ever happened  to you?  Me neither.  Until now!

Gone are the days of needing to have artificial nails applied in order to have a manicure that goes the distance.   Colored gel nail polish can be applied to your own natural nails and can provide up to 14 days of wear, chip free!  Not only are pre-made gel polishes such as Shellac, Gelez or Rock Star (and more) an option, you can also have custom created colors that include glitter or glitter flakes in them.

by photobunny

I visited Pinkies Nail Studio in Abbotsford to see what the gel polish fuss is all about.  Not only is the newly relocated salon adorable, spacious and pleasantly Pink, but the experience with owner Christine Turner was both fun and informative.

While the preparation of the nails is slightly different than a regular manicure (there is no pre-soak to soften the nails and cuticles first) the application of the actual polish is the same, with base and top coats applied prior to and after the color. The additional step is a UV lamp that is used to cure or harden the gel polish.  Once it’s time for the polish to come off, the soak-off formula allows removal of the color without damage to the nail.

As soon as the manicure is done, you are ready to carry on with your day, which is so fantastic for all of us busy people on the go.  Your nails will feel firm, yet still pliable, so there won’t be any cracking or peeling at the edges if you bend a nail by accident. So far, my nails have passed the test of the dreaded key grab from my purse, as well as surviving my jeans zipper!

Check out Pinkies’ website for information about many of the commonly asked questions about the differences between gel and acrylic nails, and more. Christine debunks some of the myths floating around about nail treatments in general and helps us to be informed customers.

With the holiday (and party) season just around the corner, it’s a great time to head to your favorite nail salon and ask for a manicure that will go the distance with you! To be entered to win a Mini Mani with Shellac polish at Pinkies Nail Studio, please leave a note below. A great way to treat a friend, your wife, Mum or of course YOU for the holidays. Good luck!

The great news is that you don’t have to be a professional artist to pull off some of these simple face painting ideas.  You may want to purchase some non-toxic, water based body or face paints but can also use eye and lip pencils from yours (or your partner’s) makeup collection at home.  More and more stores, from thrift shops to department and drug stores carry products specifically for face painting and don’t cost very much at all.  You can also visit costume stores, dance supply stores and craft stores.

Before applying any face paint to the entire face, it’s a good idea to test it on a small patch of skin to determine if you, or your child, has an allergy or skin sensitivity to the product.   Water based paints are generally less irritating to the skin and are quite easy to wash off with soap and water.

Keep in mind that a little pre-planning is always a good idea.  Search for face painting pictures and face painting templates on the internet, try http://www.face-painting-fun.com/index.html ).  Once you’ve decided what design you will use, map out the colors you’ll need to create your face.  Determine whether you need an all-over color as your base or if you will simply be creating shapes and filling those in.  If you are not comfortable with drawing smooth or straight lines, dot out your desired shape and connect the dots into a line.

Quite often, the creams or liquids used for face painting tend to smudge quite easily.  You can help to remedy this by pressing a translucent face powder on top of the paint in order to help set it and also to reduce shine.  Q-tips and sponges will come in handy for blending, smudging and fixing minor boo-boo’s along the way.

You can easily add a little extra oomph to any face paint by using crafts like feathers, jewels, or glitter to add flight to a butterfly’s wings or to give your superhero some sparkle!

From animated movie characters to monsters and animals alike, the possibilities are endless!

Everywhere you look, dark seductive lips are popping up.  They are neither Goth nor gloomy and lean strongly towards a purple based color.  Not only are these dark lips a powerful statement on their own, they are frequently being paired with soft and smoky eyes.  Keep your foundation matte and your blush minimal.  If you do decide this look may be your new go-to for a glam night out, be sure to line your lips first and fill them in using a lip brush for precision.  Matte or glossy, you decide, but whatever you choose, you can be sure that your lips will be a focal point.

Want an update to your hairstyle but don’t want to do anything too dramatic?  Why not try a new look by having your hairstylist cut longer bangs  for you that you can style either straight down, pulled to the side or even pinned back.  The cut of the bangs will be determined by your face shape, but this is a super easy way to mix up your look from day to day without taking off length or volume from the rest of your hair.

Ever heard of a nude or “no-makeup” makeup look?  It’s a way of applying makeup that contours and accents the dimensions of your face without actually looking like you’re wearing makeup, when in fact you are.  Neutral colors in tan, taupe and cream will help you achieve this look, and a bronzer will define cheekbones and add warmth to your face.  A quick application of mascara and cinnamon colored lipstick or clear gloss are all you need to make you look surprisingly bare.  Naked? No!  Fresh and Polished? Yes!

Every now and then a new buzzword for a trend comes around and this year, greige is it.  Greige is a grey-beige nail color that is popping up everywhere.  Not only is greige becoming a new neutral, but khaki, slate and mauve are forming the nail color trends for fall.  While these colors are not as dark as last year’s black, navy and deep purple, it does still take some getting used to.  It’s more of a statement color than it is a pretty one, so you may want to consider an affordable brand like Joe Fresh from Superstore so that you don’t break the bank while you test drive these new shades.

I love the understated, side swept updos that continue to pop up in fashion spreads and red carpets alike.  To achieve this look, arm yourself with lots of bobby pins and a large hand held mirror so that you can pin and tuck your strands into a loose and messy, but sophisticated, updo.  Pull your hair to the side and secure it with a small hair elastic.  Now take the loose strands and pin them into and around the sides of the ponytail until you’ve hidden the elastic and created a curly concoction.  Consider a pretty brooch or well-placed comb with gemstones to kick up the girly factor.

Trends come and go, some more quickly than others, but while they’re here, you have the chance to reinvent yourself or just try something new for fun.  If it isn’t for you, wait for the next trend, but definitely keep on trying!

The most obvious change I see in stores is the switch from bright, sunny colors to colors that are rich looking and deeper in tone.  More than ever, I’ve noticed a huge surge of gray as the new black and soft and neutral pinks, camels and mauves to match those grays.

The pairing of feminine and edgy pieces has continued into the fall with a mix of ruffles and leather, hard chains and lace.  Jeggings and leggings continue to be a strong trend and are also a very versatile wardrobe choice that can be paired with boots, flats and even heels.  It’s not hard to transition a daytime look with leggings into a more edgy and sophisticated look for a night out.

Jackets are one of those necessary evils as the weather shifts, but with so many cute options such as military inspired jackets, beautiful trenches and cute leather coats, you have an opportunity to build a great outfit that includes your outerwear.  Nowadays, you shouldn’t feel like your coat has to be a separate and un-fashionable part of your wardrobe.

Belts also continue to be a fashion forward trend, but you may notice that the width of the belts seem to be growing.  While skinny belts still work, larger, chunkier belts are taking over to create beautiful shapes to otherwise shapeless tops, sweaters, and dresses.

I have to say that guys are pretty darn lucky (or unlucky?) when it comes to clothing.  Most guys build their wardrobe around a great pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but more than ever, can accessorize (yes they can!) with a stylish watch, unique belts, hats and jackets.  Add a dress shirt for a change of pace and guys, you are set.

I visited Privilege Clothing Boutique at their Langley/Surrey location to pull together some of the hottest looks for fall, for both men and women with Owner, Donni Rae.

In their almost 3 years of business, Privilege has opened two retail locations and has also created an online store, so for those of you not in the Surrey or Port Moody areas, you can shop from the comfort of your own home.  They carry over 40 brands and lines in their stores and as such, you run a much smaller risk of running into someone else in the same outfit as you.  Their pieces are unique and are received in limited quantities, so if you see something you love, be sure grab it before it’s gone!  Pink Martini (a Vancouver based line), Kersh and Wish are just a few of the brands you’ll find.

Guys, you can definitely find what you need in this store as well, with double XL sizes, long jeans and popular brands such as Zanerobe, Diesel and Rock Revival.  You can easily stock up on the basics such as t-shirts, hoodies, and jeans, but find zip-up sweaters, dress shirts, and jackets too.  And don’t forget to check out some of the very cool watches in the store.

Mens:

Outfit#1:

Diesel “Viker” Jeans – $200.00

G-Star “Guardian” Shirt – $120.00

Outfit#2:

Rock Revival Jon Straight leg jeans – $225.00

Zanerobe tees; “Sono” & “Rep” styles – $70.00/each

Outfit#3:

Diesel “Scruce” Sweatshirt – $135.00

Curtis & Co 57mm watch Black edition – $1950.00

Womens:

Outfit#1:

J Brand “Vertigo” Jeggings – $216.00

Diesel “Turbolin” tank – $135.00

Sienna Ray “Mak Messenger” Purse – $414.00

Mackage “Kimberly” Leather jacket – $595.00

Outfit#2:

Traffic People “Rivers” dress – $160.00

Leather wrap belt – $85.00

Lisbeth “Karlene” necklace – $85.00

Outfit#3:

Paige Premium Denim “Glamrock” jeggings – black – $195.00

Left on Houston “Tempo” Cardigan

Sienna Ray “Mini-Mak Messenger” purse – $294.00

Soaked in Luxury tank – $29.00

Outfit#4:

Pink Martini Plaid jacket – $139.00

Black Orchid jeggings in “Mist” – $190.00

Kersh puffy elbow sleeve top – $58.00

Privilege Clothing Boutique
www.privilegeclothing.com
19368 Fraser Highway, Surrey
Ring: 604.530.0665

As we get older, problems ranging from age spots and deep wrinkles to rosacea and loss of elasticity become more apparent.  Before we even get to the point of age related concerns, men, women and teens may be experiencing problems with acne, excessive sweating or the need for hair removal.

This is not to say or suggest that you stop going to the spa; I definitely won’t. But if you are one of the many people out there who really needs to see results beyond what a spa can provide for you, Fraser Valley Pulse has some great options for you.

Before I get any further, would it be fair to say that you when you hear of a company that offers cosmetic and/or laser treatments, that your mind naturally wonders to pictures of celebrities who have had a variety of work done?  Immense botox and scary face lifts are just a few of the bad pictures that come to mind.  In reality, many common problems are treated at companies like these and the great thing is that everyday people like you and I are able to get help in a safe and effective way.

Many cosmetic and laser treatment centers use physician or pharmaceutical grade skincare products, which means that they contain the highest level of active ingredients in them without actually requiring a prescription from a doctor.   Use of these products, along with customized treatments, will definitely help achieve results.

Having never set foot inside a treatment centre that wasn’t a spa, I was surprised that MD Cosmetic & Laser Clinic in Abbotsford was so warm and inviting.  MD has been in business for almost 10 years and not only provides innovative non-surgical aesthetic procedures and treatments, but also acts as a training site for other physicians and their staff.  One of the many great things about MD is that they offer a free consultation to discuss your unique concerns.

I went to MD to have the SilkPeel Dermalinfusion treatment and was intrigued to learn that while the treatment itself is standard, the exfoliation and re-introduction of moisture into the skin is customized to your skin’s needs, as are all other treatments at MD.  During the procedure, I experienced mild discomfort, but having the process explained to me put me at ease.  I felt like my skin was glowing and gorgeous for not just weeks, but months after.

Rejuva Medispa & Laser is relatively new on the scene in Langley after recently passing their 1 year anniversary, but their small team of physicians and certified aestheticians have a combined wealth of experience.  Their approach is unique in that they care about educating their clients, not just treating them.  Building relationships is important to the staff at Rejuva, privacy is a priority and their facility is far from cold or clinical.  You can expect to be evaluated and treated based on your specific concerns, your lifestyle, your personal level of comfort and yes, even your budget.    If you’re looking for a unique way to spend time with your friends or family, consider booking a private skincare, makeup or even filler party at Rejuva.

Both of these companies also carry Glo Minerals Makeup for purchase or for a makeup application after a treatment.

After visiting MD or Rejuva, you can leave feeling confident that you have taken positive steps to long term results.  And don’t worry men, you are more than welcome too!   Treatments for your specific and manly needs, from razor burn to that unwanted bodily hair, are readily available.

MD Cosmetic & Laser Clinic
www.mdcosmetic.ca
107-2051 McCallum Road, Abbotsford
Ring: 604.557.7777

Rejuva Medispa & Laser
www.rejuva.ca
Unit B1A, 20202 66th Avenue, Langley
Ring: 604.539.5555

But when you finish your work day and start to turn your attention to your evening plans, it’s a great time to turn up the va va voom on your existing makeup with a few, fairly simple upgrades.  This is where a mini makeup kit in your purse definitely comes in handy.

Now I say all this assuming that you took a little time at the start of your day to apply a clean and fresh daytime look.  I don’t consider myself to be a “chipper” morning person, but I do make the time to apply some makeup before I leave for work.  It helps me feel polished, pretty and professional.  

That being said, 15 minutes is more than enough time to achieve this look.  Start with a foundation of your choice, liquid, mineral or other, to even out your skin tone.  Powder your T-zone if needed to set your makeup and control shine, dust on a hint of blush, wiggle a mascara wand through your lashes and layer your lips with a dash of color in a sheer texture.  This is a quick and basic look for your average day of tackling errands, work, kids or whatever else that may come at you.

But let’s get back to the fun discussion of your evening out after the mayhem of the day.  That handy little makeup kit should have a few essentials, such as an eyeliner, mini mascara, powder or blotting papers and lipstick or gloss of your color choice.  And shimmer.  Definitely don’t forget the shimmer.

If your eyes already have mascara and a little eyeliner, it’s time to go to the dark side.  Try lining the inside rim of your lower lashes for an intense look.  Black is where it’s at for the most dramatic effect on any eye, but ladies with a particular eye color can definitely complement their peepers with alternate shades.  Blue eyed beauties will notice a pop when they add a navy or dark grey liner.  The hazel and green eyed goddesses will dazzle with a deep plum liner and for all you beautiful brown eyed girls, try a coppery bronze or emerald green liner.

With all that intense liner, be sure to go back and apply at least one, if not two or more coats of mascara to the top and bottom eyelashes to give them extra drama (or skip the mascara altogether and get eyelash extensions).  Between the dark eyeliner and the voluminous lashes that will leave Betty Boop jealous, your dramatic look is falling into place, well, right before your eyes.

If you need to control any shine, do it with blotting papers or powder.  With a light sweeping of powder or pressing blotting paper into the trouble areas on your face, you can quickly restore that flawless base.  Now you can apply shimmer in strategic places to give your skin a dreamy glow that catches the light as you move, talk, and laugh.   Start with a dusting along the top of your cheekbones.  Highlight the inside corner of the eyes, and for those ladies with a thin upper lip, apply a touch of shimmer to the peak of your upper lip to give the appearance of fuller lips.

Since you’ve worn off, eaten off or just gotten bored with your day to day lip color, pull out a different shade to go with your sultry eyes.  A more pale and subdued lip color definitely compliments an extremely done-up eye.  If you need to neutralize your natural lip color first, lightly dab just a hint of concealer or foundation over them.  Then you can apply a color that is pale nude, beige or pink.  Gloss always gets a party started, so apply it liberally and often.

When going from daytime fresh to nighttime glam is as easy as this, why wouldn’t you do it?

www.MakeupInfusion.com