Browsing Tag

Coconut Oil

Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Master Instructor

Double What?

Some of you may be familiar with or heard of the double cleanse. This isn’t an OCD bathing ritual; it’s an important step in the care and cleansing of your skin, namely your face of course.

The purpose or ideology behind the double cleanse is that you are using an initial cleanse, usually done with an oil based product, to actual break down makeup and debris (visible or not) from the surface of the skin. After the first cleanse is complete you move on to the second cleanse where you are able to massage with the cleanser to remove any impurities from deeper within the pores.

Let’s fine tune the steps and make some suggestions….

Some products here at the Skintourage that we find effective are:

  • Circadia: Vitamin Veil
  • Wheat germ oil
  • Shu Uemura cleansing oils
  • Pur minerals : Mineral Melt
  • Coconut oil
  • DHC: Deep Cleansing Oil

This process is done in the evening to prepare the skin for its detoxing and repairing stages done during sleep. In the morning using only your cleanser will suffice. To begin the double cleanse you will start with dry hands and dry face. Emulsify dime size amount of the oil in your hands and begin to massage onto face. Immediately you will notice all makeup begin to break down. Unless you want to people to think you’ve gone mad by rubbing your makeup all over your face, this should be done in private. Once you feel that all makeup is broken down you then can remove oil and residue with a damp or dry cloth.

  • I know most of you are cringing at the thought of oils on your face, especially if you are oily. Rest assured that this will not cause your skin to become more oily, and should assist in the control of breakouts, not cause more.

Now that all makeup is removed you are able to start with the cleanser of choice for your skins needs. Keep in mind that cleansers, much like shampoo are on the skin for a very short uneventful amount of time. To short of a time to remove any impurities the way most people use them. Be sure to use a mild cleanser, if most cleansers do anything its strip any moisture and natural oils from your skin. That equals irritation, dryness and in some cases overproduction of sebum (oils), none of which anyone wants. Choose your cleanser carefully. The tight, dry or itchy feeling after you cleanse is not a good sign.

When properly cleansing the skin you need to apply a small amount of cleanser and emulsify in hands. The face should be slightly damp as well as the hands as you begin to massage and knead the skin. No pulling tugging or stretching, this is slow and gentle. You are kneading the skin to help purge the pores. Don’t forget the neck, and even décolleté. This cleaning process should last anywhere from 1- 3 minutes. Rinse skin with hands or cloth. Follow with toner to remove any remaining residue. Optional to follow with facial scrub as recommended, then be sure to apply all necessary treatments and moisturizers.

This may seem over the top, extreme or time consuming, but trust me your skin will thank you for it. Plus you’ll thank yourself when receive complements on your glowing skin!

Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics

10 Reasons We’re Cuckoo For Coconut Oil

By Emmy Downey, Esthetics Instructor

This nut may fall close to the tree but its powers reach far beyond the sand.  Smear it, cook with it, eat it – there’s almost nothing it can’t do.  We’re talking rich, raw, pure virgin coconut oil – the godly grease that seems to be the hottest thing to drop lately.  From the outside in and back again, here are 10 ways to indulge in this tropical multi-tasker:

  1. Your new favorite moisturizer Comparable to that of mineral oil, coconut oil is a safe, effective moisturizer for all skin types and offers up to 20% UV protection (the actual SPF value is still up for debate so be sure to protect yourself accordingly).
  2. A split-end hair treatment Ladies, we’re talking natural nutrition for your hair and for the bros with fros, you could give it a go too.  Next time your frays are feeling fried, work a bit of coconut oil through your hair to spruce up those dead ends (warning: a little goes a long way!).  Apply before bedtime and wash it out in the morning.  You’ll be ready to brave your day with soft locks straight from the tropics.
  3. A natural eye-makeup remover Smear a little bit of coconut oil on a cotton ball and eye makeup be gone!  It even works on waterproof mascara after those long days at the beach.  Play on sun lovers!
  4. A kitchen staple Coconut oil won’t burn thanks to its high smoke and boiling point, making it a staple in the kitchen.  It can be used to grease pans (and wooden cutting boards too), to cook with and even to replace butter in your baking at a 1-to-1 ratio (it’s a game changer for vegan/gluten-free baking).
  5. A natural bug repellent Fight off the little fellas by mixing coconut oil with peppermint oil extract.  Your skin will thank you; the bugs won’t.
  6. A twist on a ‘pop’ular snack Mix with butter and toss on your popcorn for a (mostly) healthy snack.  Ryan Gosling movie marathon, here we come!
  7. Lip balm Keep your pucker soft and supple by rubbing a little coconut oil onto your lips.  It works as a softening agent and even provides a little bit of sun protection.
  8. A natural healing agent Applying coconut oil to scrapes and cuts will help create a shield over the wound and protect it from dust, bacteria and viruses.  On bruises the oil speeds up the healing process by repairing damaged tissues and on bug bites it keeps itching at bay.
  9. A fitness and energy boost A spoonful of coconut oil won’t necessarily help the medicine go down (then again it probably could do that tot) but it does serve as a great endurance pick-me-up for athletes and has also been prove to fire up your metabolism.
  10. Shaving cream Coconut oil lessens irritation on the face and neck, detoxifies skin as you shave, and moisturizes all at once.  Also, the oil makes it easier and faster to clear razor blades as they are used.
Associate of Occupational Science in Cosmetology, Cosmetology, Esthetics, Master Instructor, Nail Technician

You asked–We answered

As skin care professionals, the most common question we all seem to get asked is…What products do you use?  Our skintourage bloggers put together a list of our top favorite “must have” products. Make sure to let us know what your must have products are! We want to hear from you.

Christen Brummett, Esthetics Arts Department Head:

Smashbox Makeup Primer-As someone with oily skin, I tend to shed makeup very quickly so having a makeup primer is a must if I plan to have makeup on my face for more than 2-3 hours.  I love Smashbox’s Primer because it is super lightweight and silky feeling (due to all the silicone); it doesn’t break my face out and keeps my makeup on all day.

Skin Ceuticals CE Ferulic Acid-This stuff is amazing!  The combination of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Ferulic Acid provides a power pack punch of antioxidant protection.  This is one of the few products I have used that I really saw results in my skin.

Dermalogica’s PreCleanse– Used before your normal cleanser; it gets all the makeup off and smells amazing.  Not to mention, it is a fabulous brush cleanser!

April Genshaw, Esthetics and Cosmetician Instructor:

NYX Milk Eye Pencil-Perfect color base to make eyeshadow colors pop.  I still use over a regular eye primer.

Coconut Oil-Fabulous for removing makeup before cleansing, hydrating skin treatment and cortex strengthening hair treatment.

Agadir Hair Spritz-Dual Purpose thermal iron enhancing spray, firm hold hair spritz.

Lip Balm-I’ve yet to find a favorite, but I always have to have something.

Lisa Johnson, Esthetics and Cosmetician Instructor:

Temptu Airbrush Foundation-it’s easy to apply, soft natural matte finish and lasts all day long without touching up.

Mirabella Lip Definer in Clear-Gives you the protection from bleeding and feathering lipstick without the worry of the “ring around the lips” look when the lipstick fades off.

Lime Crime Lipstick (any color)-Has amazing color that lasts all day without looking dry or cracked.  The color is vibrant and it comes in many unusual shades.

Circadia Vitamin C Serum-Not heavy and dries quick.  Helps with my aging skin and gives me a nice glow.  It’s my “must have” product.

Moroccan Oil – My only must have for my hair.  It cuts my blow dry time in half and helps repair any damage to my hair and leaves my hair soft and tangle free all day. It doesn’t weight my hair down or make it oily like many other products.

Emmy Downey, Esthetics Instructor:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20-It’s sheer and lightweight with a hint of color.  I get that perfect healthy looking glow.  Plus, I get my daily dose of sunscreen.

Urban Decay’s 24/7 Concealer Pencil-Perfect for hiding those dark circles and blemishes.  It’s a creamy formula that dries matte and stays put.

Therametics Lip Balm-“Heaven on a stick!”  An anti-aging lip balm that soothes and repairs dry chapped lips.

Hempz Body Moisturizer-100% pure natural hemp seed oil along with Vitamins A, C and E help to give your body a dramatic dose of hydration.

Mona Green, Esthetics Instructor:

Circadia Honey Cleanser-A micro-exfoliating cleanser that is gentle enough to use every day, without disturbing the protective lipid barrier.

Circadia Vitamin C-Heal and calms the skin while neutralizing free radicals.  It prevents collagen deterioration while restoring firmness, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and smoothing uneven texture.

Circadia Night Time Repair-Encourages cell turnover, boosts radiance, increases elasticity and enhances the skin’s natural repair system.

Jennifer Hubbard, Nail Technician Instructor:

Green Stuff-My wonderful makeup remover and I use it to shave with.

Fake Bake-I love the look of a beautiful tan but don’t want to expose myself to the UV rays of a tanning bed.

Circadia Mandiclear Peel with Vitamin A Accelerator-This is my favorite peel.  I love the way my skin looks and feels afterwards.  It glows and feels a lot tighter.

Enjoy Smooth and Shine Serum-This is the only serum that I have found that keeps my hair shiny and smooth without leaving the feeling of heavy oily hair.

Coconut Oil-This is the only product that will penetrate into the hairs cortex.  This doesn’t leave your hair with the heavy oily feeling that other products can.

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