Beauty Blog

If you're looking for new ways to strengthen and nourish your hair, skin and nails, take a look at this list of favorites below. Since these three features consist of similar cells, they basically each require the same nutrients to grow healthily, so you'll reap many benefits from each. What you eat can have a huge effect on the health of your hair. A lack of the right nutrients including vitamins A, C, D and E, zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein and essential fatty acids may slow down hair growth or even cause hair loss. Fortunately, correcting a deficiency in any of these nutrients may help treat hair loss and promote the rate of hair growth. If you think you're lacking any of these nutrients, try adding some of the above foods to your diet. SALMON. Salmon is loaded with vitamin D and protein, and it also contains omega-3 fatty acids that promote hair growth by keeping your scalp healthy. SWEET POTATO. Sweet Potatoes consist of beta-carotene, which helps keep your skin healthy by acting as a natural sunblock. It has also been proven that beta-carotene adds warm tones to the skin, which shows an overall healthier look. NUTS (NUT BUTTERS, ALMONDS, PEANUTS, WALNUTS, CASHEWS). Rich in omega fatty acids, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, which are all beneficial! When consumed in moderation, their nutrients help the body a tonne, while also encouraging the healthy growth of hair, skin and nails. AVOCADO. A fantastic source of Vitamin E, Vitamin B and healthy fats (rich source of omega-3 fatty acids). These work at the cellular level to protect and strengthen hair. Vitamin B is essential for hair growth. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps repair damage on the scalp, which may slow or prevent hair growing. Antioxidants are powerful, fighting harmful free radical. They also fight the signs of aging and prevents against inflammation of the skin. Avocados also contain fiber and Vitamin C. EGGS. Egg yolks contain biotin, which is a B Vitamin. When Biotin levels are low, it may result in brittle nails and hair loss, while healthy levels of biotin may actually reverse such conditions. OATS. Oats are one of the best whole grain sources. They contain protein, biotin, anti-inflammatory properties, magnesium, and potassium. They are also high fiber and antioxidants, providing our cells with nutritional support. LEAFY GREENS (SPINACH, KALE). Greens provide Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent hair breakage and repairs the skin from any damage caused by exposure to UV rays and environmental toxins. Vitamin C also helps to boost collagen production, promoting the skin's firmness and elasticity. Spinach and kale are great sources of phytonutrients, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Spinach also helps with the skin's elasticity. BERRIES. Berries are LOADED with potent antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. These fruits are some of the best to eat to heal damage of hair, skin and nails. DARK CHOCOLATE. Dark chocolate helps skin stay hydrated and protects skin from sun damage. I always aim for dark chocolate that has at least 75% or higher cacao. RED AND YELLOW BELL PEPPERS. Red and yellow bell peppers are another source of beta-carotene. They have a high amount of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that creates collagen, which keeps skin firm and strong. GARLIC. Truly one of nature's best medicines, garlic also helps prevent breakouts and maintain clear skin. To make the most of its naturally antibiotic compounds, it's best to crush or chop garlic and leave it on the cutting board for a few minutes before cooking. TOMATOES. Tomatoes are skincare superheroes, protecting you from sun damage thanks to their high antioxidant content. A recent study presented at The Royal Society of Medicine in London found that women who were given five tablespoons of standard tomato paste with 10 grams of olive oil every day for 12 weeks showed significant improvement in their skin's ability to protect itself against UV damage. PINEAPPLE. This sweet treat is high in vitamin C and the enzyme bromelain, which is known to be an effective skin softener. Drinking pineapple juice and munching on the fruit help the body synthesize collagen, which supports skin structure, while vitamin C and amino acids aid in cell and tissue repair, giving you a youthful appearance. Add it to your morning smoothie for a refreshing treat. OYSTERS. These saltwater delicacies do wonders for hair, nails and skin. They're a great source of dietary zinc, which is really important for the growth and function of skin cells. If you go out and order half a dozen oysters, that will give you 500 percent of your daily requirement.

Damaged ends! They make your style look tired and frizzy. The ends of your hair are the oldest and weakest. They have been exposed to the harsh environment and hair chemicals the longest. You need to fix the problem as soon as you notice or the ends will continue to split and the damage expand. To keep hair looking fresh from root to ends, follow these tips: Depending on your style, the first thing you should consider is getting a trim. Just a 1/4 to 1/2 inch can make a big difference. When applying your conditioner, start with the ends and leave it on for 1-2 minutes before applying to the rest of your hair. Use a leave-in product on your hair ends that is made for repair. A good weekly re-structure and repair mask will make a big difference. Always use a Thermal Protection Spray when using heat on your hair ends. Heat hurts hair! Think of how long your ends have had heat applied. (If your hair is 6 inches long, that's at least 9 months to a year!).

Curly hair has its own set of challenges. It's also the envy of those with fine, straight hair. Those gorgeous curls need a little extra attention to keep them vibrant and full of bounce. Try these tips to help your curls look their best. SHAMPOO LESS"”OR NOT AT ALL. The best way to wash curly hair is with a 100 percent sulfate-free shampoo. Sodium lauryl sulfate, the key ingredient in most traditional shampoos, is both a salt and a detergent"”an effective cleanser that's too harsh for most curls. Without enough conditioning agents, it can lift the hair's cuticles, leaving hair dry and frizzy. For those looking for even more hydration, consider a so-called "co-wash" formula. Co-washing (the curly community's term for washing hair with conditioner) has resulted in the rise of cleansing conditioners. CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION. Did we mention condition? The curlier the hair, the longer it takes for natural oils to travel from the scalp to the ends, causing the lower half to appear dry and frazzled. Start adding moisture in the shower. Then protect and hydrate every inch with a styling product that doubles as a leave-in conditioner. Just be sure to pick the right formula to deliver moisture without weighing hair down. We recommend sprays for soft curls, thicker gels for medium to big curls and denser creams for crimpy coils. STYLE YOUR HAIR WHEN IT'S SOPPING WET. Hands off your bath towel for just one more minute"”you can stave off frizz and prevent a stiff, sticky feeling by applying products before you've even stepped out of the shower stall. Use your fingers to rake products through from roots to ends, then scrunch and squeeze upward toward the scalp. DON'T BLOW-DRY WITHOUT A DIFFUSER. A regular nozzle disrupts the curl pattern and focuses hot air on one small section at a time, while a diffuser dries curls evenly for a full, uniform look. After applying a heat-protecting product, flip your head upside down and diffuse right at the roots and mid-length, making sure to dry the area completely to lock in volume. Do the ends last and leave them only semidry. Because the ends tend to be more damaged, let them air-dry more.

Air drying your hair as often as possible is a great way to keep your tresses healthy. But what do you do and how? Below, are great tips for air drying into gorgeous! Straight Hair. To stop straight hair from drying flat, volumizing products are key. While your hair is still damp, apply a volumizing mousse and brush through until smooth. Next, braid your hair into two loose braids and clip them up into twists until dry. Braiding creates tension which helps the hair to dry smooth, while twisting the braids around each other will stop your hair from puffing up as it dries. When you take out the braids, you'll be left with loose, undone waves! Curly Hair. You want bouncy, well-defined curls without the frizz. After shampooing and conditioning, rinse and squeeze out any excess moisture. Then rake a hydrating leave-in conditioner through your hair from root to tip with a wide tooth comb, making sure all of your hair is evenly coated. Style your hair into a high bun for the day. When you take it out you'll have smooth, defined curls.

"THE PHYTO-AROMATIC ALTERNATIVE TO INVASIVE AESTHETIC PROCEDURES". Yon-Ka, is a 100% French professional skin care brand. They provide an alternative answer and a complement to the medical aesthetic techniques like Botox, hyaluronic acid injections and their immediate dramatic results. These techniques are very efficient, yet not without risk. Yon-Ka relies on the power of the essential oils and plant extracts combined with "gold standard" actives such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, polyphenols, peptides and AHAs in order to target skin aging and address all the potential issues of the skin. Yon-Ka enables you to follow a fundamental routine to take control of the quality of your skin and help it resist the passing of time in the most appropriate manner. YonKa Brand Lines include Age Correction, Age Defense, Age Exception, Body Essentials, Body Specifics, Solar Care and YonKa for Men. A FAMILY HISTORY Yon-Ka is a 100% French: it was created in 1954 by the Mühlethaler family who had a passion for botany. Pioneers in aromatherapy and phytotherapy, Cecile, Ernest and Charles Mühlethaler establish the Multaler laboratories in 1954, with a rich body of ancestral and empiric knowledge which they shared at the time only with a very few scientists, chemists and physicians. At first, their focus was on the subtle aromas of the plants and their essential oils charged with solar energy. They experiment on themselves and their relatives to discover the many therapeutic benefits essential oils offer: purifying, healing, psychotropic. Their research lead them to a major breakthrough: the Quintessence , a unique blend of 5 essential oils, all from the Mediterranean and which became the cornerstone of their future skin care range. As of 1968, the Mühlethaler sisters, Catherine (an aesthetician) and Francoise (a biochemist) lead the company, giving a new international impulse to the brand, notably in the United-States. Today, Yon-Ka is present in 56 countries through a network of beauty salons, spas and aesthetic clinics.

Having fine, flat hair might seem easy to style. After all, fine hair requires little blow-drying and you can effortlessly tie it in a low-slung bun or ponytail on your way out while still looking chic. But many people with this hair type will tell you that it can be difficult to hold curls or add natural-looking volume"”and no one wants droopy, limp hair halfway through the day. Here's our best tips for fine hair. Use a lightweight volumizing shampoo and conditioner to create a foundation. Make sure you're using a lightweight volumizing shampoo and conditioner that also have some moisturizing ingredients. These types of shampoos tend to be more drying and can cause your scalp to overproduce oils to make up for it. Never apply conditioner to your scalp. Any time you wet your hair you should use conditioner, but only from mid-length to the ends. Since you're opening up your cuticle, your hair needs the nourishment. But glopping it on the roots will just make you look greasy and limp within a few hours. Use a clarifying shampoo to get rid of buildup. Using a once-a-week clarifying shampoo will rid your hair of impurities and product buildup that weighs hair down without stripping your color. Blow-dry to activate volumizing products. You may be tempted to skip the blow dryer, especially if your fine hair dries straight and smooth. But if you skip blow drying, your volumizing work will all be for naught. Almost all volumizers are activated by heat so you need to use a blow dryer. Get over your fear of mousse. Unlike the mousse our mothers used that dried out hair and froze it in all its permed glory, mousse formulas today are more elegant and hydrating. Apply a volumizing whip or mousse when hair is wet. Comb a small, palm-sized dollop of product through hair from root to ends. Be careful not to apply too much as this will only weigh your hair down. Get acquainted with a good dry shampoo. You get a better hold and long-lasting volume using dry shampoo over hairspray. Instead of spraying and then brushing out like you would to absorb oil, leave it be. Even if you volumize your heart out in the morning, you might still need a midday refresher. Keep a travel-sized dry shampoo or volumizing powder in your bag Shampoo less often"”yes, really. This freaks out women with fine hairs, since fine-hair tend to get oily fast. When you shampoo every day, volumizing products are usually not the most moisturizing, so your scalp will produce more oils to moisturize itself. Get on a cycle of shampooing only three or four times a week and we promise it will really help in the volume department. Change your part. If you have been wearing the same part since hair started growing on your head then it is probably time to switch your part. When you part your hair in the same way for a very long time, your hair starts to fall flat. When you change your part this helps in giving a lift to your roots making your hair look more voluminous. Get a volumizing haircut. When talking about the perfect haircut for fine hair the two things that really matters is are- length and layers. If you have fine hair, then a one length cut will make your fine hair appear even finer. Apart from this the longer your hair the more they will weigh down making them appear very flat on the scalp. So if you have fine hair then the best way to add volume to your hair is by going for a volumizing haircut. Add a lot of layers to your hair and limit the length of your hair to below your shoulders but not passing over your back. This will make your hair appear bouncier and voluminous. But make sure not to go for very short layers.

How can you make sure you're not purchasing outdated, expired product? Here are some things to watch out for the next time you're looking for your favorite hair care product: Differences in ingredients, instructions, and logo. No explanation needed. If you see anything questionable, or changes in ingredients, check with the manufacturer directly. They will advise you on any recent repackaging or reformulations. A barcode sticker. Counterfeited products will have a stickered bar code over the original barcode printed on the bottle. Dirty, dented, or sticky. More than likely, this little guy fell off a truck somewhere during shipment. Missing batch code. If you see batch codes missing on the bottom, that's another red flag. Higher price or significantly reduced. We can understand why they would be marked down. However, you can bet if the price is 10x higher than what your salon sells it for then the product has recently been discontinued. Doesn't work as well. If the product you bought doesn't smell or make your hair feel like it did when your stylist used it on your hair, then it's probably not the real deal. You can always count on Beauty Care Choices to deliver quality, authentic products backed and guaranteed by the manufacturer.

Sugar and salt scrubs offer great exfoliation as well as a variety of other benefits for your skin. But many people are unsure what the difference is between the two or why you would use one over the other. Sit back and relax as we explain the difference. Salt Scrubs. Salt scrubs are typically made with some type of sea salt (Dead Sea or European Spa salts) or Epsom salts and a combination of oils. While normal table salt does exfoliate as well, sea salts and Epsom salts have the added benefit of minerals like magnesium and potassium that are great for your skin. They can also help reduce inflammation, which relieves sore muscles, arthritis, and tension. All of this contributes to a healthier, more relaxing scrub that has benefits beyond just exfoliation. The other main difference between salt and sugar in a scrub is that salt is naturally more abrasive, making it a stronger exfoliant. Even fine salt tends to have sharper edges than sugar granules, which makes it great for dry areas with lots of dead skin like your feet and elbows. Some people may find that salt irritates their skin, and you'll want to avoid rubbing your salt scrub on any cuts because it definitely stings! Even so, when you need strong exfoliation, salt is the best choice. You can prevent irritation by using a finer grade salt and using your salt scrubs about once a week instead of 2-3 times a week. Sugar Scrubs. Unlike salt, most sugar has small granules with relatively smooth edges, so while it offers exfoliation, it won't be quite as strong. This is perfect for people with sensitive skin, and it's great if you want to use your scrub a few times a week! Sugar scrubs are great for use on your face and other more sensitive areas, like the chest, arms, legs, and other areas of the body. Unlike salt scrubs, however, sugar doesn't offer the same minerals and benefits. It exfoliates and leaves your skin feeling great but without the added relief from sore muscles and inflammation. Many people still love sugar scrubs and prefer them over salt scrubs, though. Just be sure to take all the aspects of each one into consideration before making your choice! Each exfoliant option provides different benefits to the skin, but the most important being skin smoothness. Beauty Care Choices offers a wide range of salt and sugar exfoliants, as well as many chemical exfoliants as well! Shop the collection and get your skin glowing and youthful.

Even the best hair can have a flat, tired day, but when tired limp hair becomes the norm, it is time to get serious. Fortunately, there are hair care products out there that will help you achieve the desired fullness, volume, and lift your perfect style needs. Most hair root lift products are sold as sprays or in a mousse format. Their primary ingredient is polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (VP/VA) copolymer. This ingredient works by keeping the hair from absorbing moisture which would weigh it down. When the root lifter is applied to the hair at the scalp, it expands the hairs, making it appear as if you have more hair. First, begin by using a good shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for volumizing. Then use a root lifter to style your hair. Always apply root lifter to wet hair and style immediately. Most complaints about root lifter are that it makes hair sticky or unmanageable. This usually happens when hair is not styled right away. Applied root lifter requires immediate attention. Spray or apply mousse to roots of hair in small sections. Depending on your style, you may want to add just to the crown or to all roots. Blow dry hair using a round brush and a dryer with a diffuser, lifting hair and focusing the air at the root level. Tip: if you want even more lift, try using a crimping iron on underneath sections of hair just at the root level once hair is dry. Clip top hair in place, take a small section of the underneath hair and apply the crimping iron as close to the roots as possible. Hold for a few second and release. Finish styling your hair.

Thinking of going from brunette to blonde...here are some tips to help you decide. After all, brunette it beautiful...so you want to consider carefully before taking the step. Is blonde complementary to your eye color and skin tone? The truest test is looking at childhood photos to see if you had any natural blonde in your hair when you were young"”but if you didn't, that doesn't mean you can't try it now. Ultimately you're looking for a shade that will complement your coloring, keeping in mind that non-brassy, ashier blondes complement cool skin tones, while golden shades work better on warmer ones. It's also worth nothing that blonde can have an especially washed-out effect on yellow undertones. Can you dedicate time and money to multiple appointments and at-home treatments? Simply put: a transformation isn't going to happen overnight. Natural looking blonde hair may take several steps: "‹going from "‹sombré "‹to babylights to a whole head of highlights to the whole head. Furthermore, ensuring your hair is healthy enough to keeping going lighter and lighter is another task in and of itself. "‹"You need lots of moisturizing treatments in-between each service to help maintain healthy hair. Hair masks are a non-negotiable part of the process. Is your hair in healthy shape? Coloring damaged hair is about much more than just split ends or straw-like strands, it can affect the color itself and how it is absorbed in the hair. As a rule of thumb, you should always proceed with caution, but if your hair is in particularly bad shape (color, sun, or heat damage), perhaps wait until it's in better health to begin a blonde transformation. Are you willing to cut down on hot tools? If we can't pry a 1-inch curling iron from your dead, cold hands, you're not the best candidate for a drastic color change. Because your hair is inherently suffering damage from going lighter, you're going to need to cut back on hot styling tools as they cause internal damage that weakens the protein cross-links. To use them wisely, keep them on lower temperature settings and always use a heat protectant to minimize damage/keep your color looking fresh. Are you prepared to also change some or all of your cosmetics? The big change will also affect how your skin tone appears, the best color for your eyebrows, cheeks and lips.