The 7 Basics of a Facial

A woman receiving a professional facial

A facial might seem like an extra, over-the-top beauty service that only wealthy people get to have a day of pampering—but a facial can actually be a very important part of a regimented skin routine. A professional facial can be used to help your battle with blackheads, find a remedy for anti-aging, and yes, it can be a very relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

If you’ve never gotten a facial before—or if it’s been awhile—here is a list of what to expect will happen during your professional facial appointment.

Cleansing

After you’ve gotten undressed to your level of comfort (typically shirt and bra off, and then you wrap yourself with a towel), your esthetician will come back into your room and begin your facial with a deep cleanse. She will typically use cotton balls or a special sponge to get your face all nice and clean.

Skin Analysis

One of the big benefits of getting a facial is that you finally have a skin care professional who can take a close look at your skin and analyze it. This will help you know what type of skin you have and how to best care for it. She will also look at any skin conditions that you have (blackheads, whiteheads, aging, sun damage, dehydration, etc.) and make recommendations for further care.

Steam

To loosen up any blackheads or whiteheads that may be lurking on your face and to give your skin some much-needed moisture, your esthetician will apply steam directly to your face—typically using a machine that will put a thin layer of vapor on your skin.

Exfoliation

In the next step of a facial, your esthetician will start your process of exfoliation in order to make the skin a smoother surface. Exfoliation can be done in a mechanical or chemical way, with each having their benefits. A chemical exfoliation is usually done in a series of steps and is much stronger than a mechanical exfoliation.

Extraction

If you are in need of any extractions—i.e. getting rid of those blackheads and whiteheads—you can opt to do so. However, if your skin doesn’t need this then this step will obviously be skipped.

Facial Massage

Now here comes the good part: Your esthetician will massage your face and neck in order to help you relax and also to stimulate the skin cells. Be sure to enjoy this part of the process!

Are you interested in schedule a professional facial? Whether you need to pamper or your skin is having some issues, Volume Eyelash Studio is here to help you with all of your skincare!

The 5 Biggest Beauty Myths

An assortment of makeup brushes and makeup on a counter

There are millions of beauty blogs, vloggers, Instagram accounts, and magazine articles giving beauty advice—and not to mention our mothers (the ultimate source of beauty advice). But how do we know what's real and what's fake when it comes to the advice they give?

Here are the top five beauty myths that we've ever heard—debunked.

1. Your Brows Should Always Match Your Hair

Oh, where do we begin with this one? Some people have light eyebrows and dark hair. Some people have dark eyebrows and light hair. Both of these are fine. 

We're all about beautiful eyebrows, but we're also all about working with what you've got—and if what you've got is light eyebrows when your hair is dark, that's fine by us. 

2. A Base Tan Will Prevent a Sunburn

As much as we'd like to think that this beauty myth is true, the reality is that no matter what, when you go out into the sun you are risking a sunburn. Plus, sun exposure is so not good for your skin. In fact, a tan is actually a sign that your skin cells are damaged from the UV rays. 

3. You Shouldn't Put Lotion on Oily Skin

There's so much wrong with this myth. Although it's counterintuitive, oily skin actually needs moisturizing just as much as dry skin. However, if you have oily skin you'll need to be careful about the kind of moisturizer you use. Instead of heavy, saturated lotions like shea or cocoa butter, look for lightweight lotions or serums containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin. This will be lighter on your face and won't overload it.

4. To Help Your Hair Grow Faster. You Should Cut It 

We've always been told that in order to grow long, strong hair, we need to get our hair cut in order to refresh it and aid in its growth. This is so not true, according to beauty experts. It turns out that the best way to help your hair grow, you should take care of it by using restorative shampoo and cutting down on the number of times you wash it. Keep your hair trimmed regularly, but there's no need to get drastic with it to promote new growth. 

5. Wearing Makeup Daily Is Bad For Your Skin

It's good to skip a day of makeup every once in awhile—if nothing else but to save time—but, there's no basis that makeup is inherently bad for your skin. What actually causes skin issues is when you forget to take your makeup off or using faulty methods. (Not that any of us have ever been guilty of this.)

Are you in need of a facial or microblading to freshen up your look? Call the experts at Volume Lash Studio in Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today! 

 

 

 

Change Your Skincare Routine for Fall

A forest pathway in the fall

Fall is nearly here—and we can barely hold in our excitement. Pumpkin spice lattes are officially back, clothing stores are stocking up on sweaters and ditching the tank tops, and the weather is slowly starting to cool down (okay, maybe we made that one up—but you can't contain our fall excitement!). 

As the season starts to change and the temperatures start to dip, this can have a pretty big impact on your skin. Humidity levels start to drop in the autumn and really plummet in the winter months. The drier the air, the more moisture it takes from your skin. This can lead to dryness and flakiness and all of that other cute stuff that happens during the cooler months. 

Here's what you need to change your skincare routine up for the impending cooler months. 

Change Up Your Cleanser

Before the temperatures dip too low, you might want to think about changing up your cleanser to prepare for the dryer skin you're inevitably going to get. It's time to stash away all the cleansers that get rid of excess oil and switch to something milder and a little gentler on your skin. 

Add in a Night Cream

If you've never used a night cream before, fall is a good time to start. As your skin starts to dry out (thanks gas heating!), you'll need some extra hydration anywhere you can get it. These little revitalizing moisturizers will help you wake up looking fresh as a daisy!

Use a Humidifier

You may only have thought to use a humidifier when you're deathly ill from a winter cold, but using a humidifier regularly can do serious wonders for your skin. 

Turn Down the Heat

There might be nothing better than a piping hot shower when it's cool outside, but this is wreaking some serious havoc on your skin! It's best to take lukewarm showers all the time, but especially during the cooler months when your skin has a tendency to stay dry. 

When you hop out of the shower, you should also immediately moisturize to keep that skin silky smooth. 

Are you in need of a facial for your dry skin? Call the experts at Volume Lash Studio in Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today! 

 

 

How to Take Care of Dry Skin

A woman puts lotion on her hand

Whether you're dealing with chronic dry skin or you're just a seasonal dry skinned person, it can be very frustrating to deal with—especially when your makeup starts to flake off and your skin feels rough to the touch. 

Here are a few tips for taking care of dry skin and getting that smooth, vibrant skin you've always wanted. 

Stop Taking Long, Hot Showers

You know those long, hot showers that you love so much? Not only are they making the rest of your family angry because you're taking too long in the bathroom, but they're also drying out your skin hardcore. Instead of blistering hot, take it down a notch to a warm shower—and make it snappy. Trust us: Your skin will thank you (and so will your family + the environment). 

Avoid Anything with Harsh Ingredients

If you have dry skin on your face, you might want to take a look at all of the products that you're using on a regular basis. Are you using a cleanser with harsh ingredients like peppermint, eucalyptus, or citrus? Chances are, that could be the culprit of your dry skin. In addition to harsh ingredients, you should also avoid cleaning your face with bar soap, which can irritate it. 

Wear Sunscreen. Always.

Most beauty experts preach the importance of wearing sunscreen (even when you're not going to be basking in the rays), and we're no different. Wearing sunscreen is the least you could do to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, which (guess what?) could be the reason why your skin is dried out. 

Moisturize Twice Per Day

Moisturizing when you have dry skin is a no brainer, but it's important to get into the routine of doing it twice a day. Moisturize with a water-based moisturizer once in the morning and once before you go to bed. Your skin will look glorious as a result!

Get a Facial

Sometimes your skin needs a little more than over-the-counter DIY treatments. When your skin is extremely dry, you might want to seek out the services of a professional who can apply special treatments to your skin to keep it moisturized. Facials aren't just for relaxation (although they can be!)—they are a full-fledged skin treatment. 

Are you in need of a facial for your dry skin? Call the experts at Volume Lash Studio in Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today! 

 

 

 

 

 

4 Ideas for Self-Care

A silhouette of a woman meditating

Sometimes it seems like life is simply exhausting. Whether it's your job, your schoolwork, or something more personal like your family, your anxieties, or financial troubles—the stress can certainly pile up. With all of your commitments and responsibilities, it can often feel like the world is literally sitting on your shoulders. 

When life feels overwhelming, it can be easy to give into the stress. But instead of hiding out, or worse, letting your anxiety getting the best of you, the best thing to do is to perform a little self-care. 

Self-care is different for everyone. For some, it means a day of indulgence and pampering. For others, it might mean a day of meditation and exercise. Whatever it is, you should always spare a few hours for yourself every week to decompress and care for your self. 

Here are a few ideas we have for you to practice self-care. 

Pamper Yourself

Obviously we are partial to the type of self-care that involves pampering yourself. Whether you go get a massage, a facial, or you get a day pass to a spa in your city, it's important to be indulgent every once in a while. Remember that it's never a bad thing to do something that makes you feel good about yourself!

Read a Good Book 

Is there anything better than curling up on your favorite couch and reading a classic? Even if you only get to read for 20 or 30 minutes, it's good to try to fit this into your daily schedule. Reading has been proven to reduce stress and avid readers are purportedly happier than non-readers. 

Go Exercise

A really great stress reliever is to go exercise and sweat a little bit. Everyone knows that exercise gives you endorphins, which leads to happiness—but also exercise can make you feel strong, powerful, and in control. This is an especially important feeling when you feel like things are out of control in your life. 

Get Some Good Z's

There's a reason why people say, "sleep on it." There's nothing more beneficial than a good night's sleep. If you've been stressing out lately, a lack of good sleep may be the culprit. We just aren't ourselves when we're not sleeping! 

Do yourself a favor and set yourself up for a great night's rest: Stop using electronics about an hour before bedtime, take a long and relaxing bath, and head into bed early than you normally would. If you're still having trouble winding down, you might want to reexamine your sleep habits and go visit a doctor if you think it's necessary. Sleeping well is crucial for a well balanced life! 

Interested in scheduling a microblading appointment or a facial with a professional at Volume Eyelash Extension Studio in Santa Barbara? You can book an appointment online or give us a call at (805) 881-2242! 

Caring for Oily Skin 101

A shelf filled with skincare products

Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their skin. Some have irritatingly dry skin that flakes while others can't ever seem to get their skin looking dry, even if it's the dead of winter.

If you've struggled with oily skin you whole life, you may have a genetic predisposition to it—but you could be making it worse through your lifestyle choices. Let's learn the basics of caring for oily skin to get your skin looking dry, gorgeous, and best of all, healthy. 

Don't Be Afraid to Moisturize

You might not think that oily skin needs any additional moisture, but skipping this important skincare step can actually be pretty detrimental. Your skin's outer protective layer needs to be properly moisturized because it helps protect the rest of the layers from sun damage and bacteria. 

However, because you have oily skin you'll need to be careful about the kind of moisturizer you use. Instead of heavy, saturated lotions like shea or cocoa butter, look for lightweight lotions or serums containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin. This will be lighter on your face and won't overload it.

Don't Clog Your Face with the Wrong Kind of Makeup

If you have oily skin, your instinct might be to immediately put as much foundation on as you can in the mornings to hide your shine, but this could be making the issue worse. What's more is that certain kinds of heavy foundations can clog your pores and lead to break outs.

When you look for makeup, try to go for more powder-based foundations and choose things that have the words "oil-control" or "mattifying" as these are going to be more suited for your skin type. 

Find a Cleanser You Love

No matter what kind of skin type you have, it's crucial to find the right cleanser that's going to help get you healthy and glowing skin. And it might sound counterintuitive, but choosing a cleanser that has oil in it can actually help reduce oils on your face. A face wash with salicylic acid is also a good choice—these cleansers exfoliate and remove bacteria build-up on your skin. 

Consult a Professional

Oily skin can be tough to tackle on your own. Sometimes it's best to consult a professional who can help you determine a skincare plan and do deep cleansing treatments that you won't be able to do yourself at home.

If you're in need of a facial in Santa Barbara, call to schedule an appointment with Volume Eyelash Studio at (805) 881-2242! 

 

The 4 Benefits of a Facial

A woman with a facial mask on

You may have a skincare regimen that you follow for healthy, youthful looking skin, but every once in awhile your skin needs a little extra TLC from a professional to get it looking squeaky clean and address any issues you are having. 

A regular facial might sound like a superfluous way to spend your money, but think about it for a second: Simply washing and drying your hair each day isn't going to make it look its best. You're still going to need to schedule a salon visit for a cut every six weeks to keep your hair looking healthy.

Your skin, especially your face, is exposed to so many toxins and dirt throughout the day. Daily cleansers are great, but they're not going to get deep beneath the surface like you need. 

Here are four benefits of getting a regular facial. (Trust us, your skin will thank you!)

1. Facials are Deep Cleansing

Your skin goes through a lot every day. Smog, dust, toxins, and chemicals fill the air and wreak havoc on your skin. Daily cleansers are one way to combat all of the bacteria that's piled up on your face, but getting a deep cleanse is a job for the pros.  

2. Facials are Anti-Aging

No one wants to think about how their skin is going to age, but facials are a way to help slow down the aging process. They can reduce the appearance of wrinkles because they increase blood circulation and oxygen flow, which promotes collagen production and increases the elasticity of your skin, thus making it look more bouncy and youthful. It's never too early to start taking proper care of your skin, so don't think you're too young to be partaking in regular facials! 

3. Facials are Relaxing

The best reason to get a facial is because they are very relaxing. At the end of a long week, there's really nothing better than to sit in a quiet room and have a professional massage your face and slather on lotions and oils that promote healthy skin and smell great. Plus, the boost in circulation on your skin will make it look glowing and healthy. 

4. Facials Help Treat and Heal Your Skin

It seems like no matter how old we get, there is always going to be an issue with our skin every so often. A regular facial will help treat and heal your skin issues like blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, sunspots, acne, inflammation, rosacea, dehydration, acne scarring, and loss of elasticity. If you keep having the same skin issues pop up, a facial might be a good solution to helping you on the way to clearer, healthier skin. 

Thinking about Scheduling a Facial in Santa Barbara?

If you're in need of a facial in Santa Barbara, call to schedule an appointment with Volume Eyelash Studio at (805) 881-2242! 

 

The 5 Biggest Eyebrow Mistakes

A girl with thick eyebrows looks at the camera

Eyebrows are one of the most defining features on your face. When your brows are looking good, they can help bring focus toward your gorgeous eyes and frame your face. But when your brows are too thin, not arched right, or too dark for your complexion, they can really detract from what you've got going on. 

Here are the five biggest eyebrow mistakes you can make—and how to fix them. 

You're Over-plucking Them

We've all been guilty of this No. 1 eyebrow sin. Right now, fuller, thicker brows are very in, but in the early 00's, people were sporting a thinner brow that led to a whole lot of over-plucking. But plucking your brows into oblivion is not doing your face any favors: It looks unnatural and doesn't frame your face in the right way. 

How to fix it: DROP THE TWEEZERS. Yes, it might be awkward in the beginning as they grow out, but trust us. It's the only way. If you're having trouble growing them out, you can check out some growth serum products to give them a bit of a growth boost. 

You're Trying to Make them Identical

We've all been told that it's super important for our eyebrows to match perfectly, but this is a total myth. The truth is that your eyebrows are never going to look exactly identical and obsessing over it is just going to lead to over-plucking. 

How to fix it: Leave them alone for a little while and let them grow out. After they've grown out a little bit, you can work on re-shaping them without going overboard with making them match exactly. 

You're Placing the Arch in the Wrong Spot

The arch is one of the most important things about your eyebrows. While some women naturally have a strong arch, others have more subtle ones. Many women, while trying to create an arch, put it in the middle of the brow. This can give you an unintended angry or surprised look on your face.

How to fix it: Let your eyebrows go out for a little bit and then go to a brow specialist to see if they can help you re-shape them to fit with your natural arch. 

You're Skipping Brow Gel

Your eyebrows may look great right after you do your makeup in the morning, but that look won't last all day if you're not using brow gel to hold the hairs in place.

How to fix it: After you've filled in your brows while doing your makeup in the morning, apply some clear brow gel in the direction the hair grows.

You're Going too Dark with Your Filler

Most of us aren't blessed with naturally super thick eyebrows that don't require any assistance from makeup. But be careful if you fill in your brows—coloring them in too dark can be overkill. As it is with most things: less is more. 

How to fix it: Take the time to find an eyebrow pencil or kit that matches the color of your natural brow. Apply with short, feathery strokes and step back from the mirror so that you get a more natural look. 

Consider Microblading

Microblading is a procedure performed by a trained technician in a salon that improves the appearance of your eyebrows. Sometimes it is also called “feather touch” or “micro-stroking.” Microblading is a semi-permanent eyebrow tattoo that will eventually fade away after several weeks. 

Want to know more about whether or not microblading is for you? Visit the SB Volume Eyelash Studio in Santa Barbara for a consultation with our expert salon technicians!