Interview - Melanoma Survivor Mariena Browning
I love sharing about local, small businesses. Mariena Browning is SO SWEET … and I just knew that I had to share her story because she is also a Melanoma Survivor. May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. I recommend getting checked once a year by a dermatologist. I’ve been twice now and each time is a great experience. Without further ado, here is Mariena’s story.
My name is Mariena Browning and I am 26 years old. I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in September of 2018 at 22 years old and my scans in January 2022 showed NED (no evidence of disease) I’ve been married to my husband Trevor for almost 6 years, we live in Pocatello with our mini labradoodle Coop. I work for Farm Bureau and own Browning Bakery specializing in gourmet cupcakes. (@browningbakery on Instagram and Facebook!)
I noticed a lump in my left groin that was growing and multiplying quickly, after an ultrasound and biopsy I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. I was referred to the Hunstman cancer Institute in Salt Lake City where they did a full skin check and removed any moles. All the biopsies came back benign meaning that my cancer had no primary source.
About two weeks after I was diagnosed I started noticing more lumps showing up throughout my body like on my stomach and the back of my neck. My doctors recommended that I start Target therapy which is an oral chemo pill that you take daily, that worked for about seven months before the side effects became too severe leaving me in the hospital multiple times and the cancer spread to my brain.
After the cancer spread to my brain I had brain radiation and started combination immunotherapy drugs. The side effects of those drugs were also too severe leaving me hospitalized with a toxic liver. After that hospitalization I had to quit treatment and was put on prednisone for about six months to help heal my liver. After that six months I was able to start a single immunotherapy drug which worked well for me.
I had my last treatment of that in October 20 21 and now I have follow-up scans every three months along with skin checks to make sure nothing is showing up. I’ve always been fairly cautious in the sun I never really went tanning beds or anything like that but since being diagnosed I definitely make sure that I am using sunscreen and replying every 80 minutes when I’m outside, I use facial sunscreen every day (not just the sunscreen in your make up because that is completely different) I also try by best to stay out of the sun and wear protective clothing. If I want a tan I will get a spray tan or use self tanning mousse. I share a lot of my favorite self tanners and sun protective products on my personal Instagram @marienabrowning.
Even though my cancer wasn’t from the sun, I still do my best to spread melanoma awareness. I would love everyone to be more aware of the damage the sun can do, I tan from the sun or a tanning bed is not worth melanoma. I also always suggest to get anything suspicious looked at, it’s better to be safe than sorry and catching it early on is key! If I can help even one person from getting melanoma I’d be so happy!
Top 3 Tips To Healing Acne Faster
In modern day living, we are always trying to expedite results and processes. We want things now (or even yesterday.) For those suffering from acne, I feel your pain. I have seen the way you won’t make eye contact with others, the lack of confidence as you walk down the street, or the impulsive cutting bangs to cover up these unsightly blemishes.
Acne can take 90 days to reach the surface of the skin. Does that feel like forever? Well, I want to give you 3 of my favorite tips for working on acne that will speed up the process of healing. And guess what?! They are absolutely free.
#1 - No Picking
No picking. Did you know that when you touch your skin or try popping zits, it can actually spread the bacteria? It’s true. Not only that. When I offer my clients a 7 days no pick challenge, guess what happens when they follow through on the 7 days? 100% of the time, their skin will start clearing.
#2 - Icing
Icing the skin removes the inflammation in the acne. Since this is one of the key factors of acne, by removing it, you are helping to start the healing process. My favorite way to ice is to put an ice cube in a baggie and move it from spot to spot until the ice cube has melted. Do this twice a day and see the acne go down.
#3 - No Makeup
Wearing makeup is often like adding poison into your diet. Even foundation that states it is acne safe, can perpetuate acne. I know you want to hide it … but if you can go without, it will help everything start to clear up better and faster. You can do it!
My top 3 free tips for healing acne faster are here - no picking, icing, and no makeup. Let’s get you on the path for clear skin with a bigger smile. Don’t wait to make these changes. If you are looking for even more tips, I can’t wait to share them with you in the treatment room.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Bite Sized - Daily Use of SPF
When I ask clients if they use SPF daily, they often will say, I wear it when I go out. But here’s the thing. If there’s enough light in your home to grow a plant, there’s enough UV rays to still age your skin. And because the sun is the #1 external stressor, it’s important to be mindful and take action against the aging and burning rays.
The easiest thing to do is to create a morning skin care routine that includes sunscreen. Decide that you are always going use it whether you decide you are going out or staying in. If you are going outside, it’s important that you remember to reapply, wear a hat, seek shade, etc. Especially when it’s cloudy (these are the days where you are even more likely to burn.)
I also am a huge believer in finding an SPF that YOU love! Any product that you have that you aren’t in love with, you aren’t going to use properly and consistently.
Your skin doesn’t change over night (with getting better or getting worse) but the accumulative results will be shocking. I want you to be happy and to look at your skin years later and feel better, while showing off beautiful, healthy skin.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
My Beauty Secrets
I recently saw a picture of from 2016. I have to say… as a new Esthetician, I thought my skin was really good. I had a routine, I was trucking along, making sure that I was doing all the steps. Or so I thought.
You see, as it popped up in my feed, I thought … wow! I think that I have made a big difference in my skin. 6 years later, I think my skin looks better than it did then. I’m definitely aging better. Slowing down that every aging clock. Here’s a few of my beauty secrets so that you can skip that learning curve.
#1 - Washing before bed
Yes, you’d think this is a no brainer, but you’d be surprised how many go to bed without washing. I want to let you know that this does make a difference! A huge difference! (Makeup wipes are not cleansing. If you use them, be sure to use a cleanser after.)
TIP = Cleanse your face before you are tired and headed for bed.
#2 - Professional products
There is also a huge difference in the quality of ingredients AND the order of ingredients. Professional products that you purchase from an Esthetician really are the bomb dot com. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go back to drugstore products.
TIP = Spend money on exfoliants and serums first.
#3 - Elevating my home care routine
Remember the home run hitters are exfoliation and serums. I got more consistent on my exfoliation (and masking - HELLO Sundays!) No more of this once in a blue moon. And I found a serum that seriously does it for my skin. Let’s get you using a serum!!! And then if you don’t feel like it’s “the one”, when you finish that bottle, let’s try another one. I have many options, and I promise you it’s worth trying another one.
TIP = Regular use of exfoliating and a serum that is addressing the areas of concern that you want to change.
#4 - Regular facials
Did you know that I receive regular facials? Once a month. No, I don’t give them to myself even though I can. I love to receive from other estheticians. I love supporting those who also do what I do. If I am asking a client to do something, you know that I am personally doing it myself.
TIP = Schedule regular facials! (And if you only come in once a year, try to do twice!)
P.S. This is not a race. This is about being consistent. Set up a routine that you are in love with and you’ll never miss a cleanse. Aim for just a little better! Can’t wait to see you in the treatment room.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
The Push Back Movement of Self Care
“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.” - Palmer Parker
This last month, I turned on a podcast of someone I follow and I about gasped aloud. She talked about how tired she was of hearing the word self care and everything that is associated, especially spa treatments. And then I heard her message: Self care should be a regular occurrence and is showing yourself self love.
If you’ve ever heard me talk about self care or read the blog posts here about it … you know that this is EXACTLY what I talk about. For me, part of self care IS spa treatments. I do this once a month (both a facial and massage) and love this. During the month, I also do MANY other things … moving my body, drinking water, reading, spending time doing whatever fills up my battery.
Each person has their favorite things to do that recharges them. The key is finding what those are and then actually DOING those things. If coming to the spa once a month or every quarter isn’t your thing, that is okay. I want you to know that! I also want you to know that if it is your thing, and you love visiting with your Esthetician or simply chilling while you are getting a facial or massage, then make sure that you prioritize this and schedule your appointments.
Now it’s time for you to weigh in. What type of things are your favorite for self care? How do you show yourself love on a regular basis? I can’t wait to read your thoughts!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Skin Care Trend - Brow Lamination
One popular trend in the last couple years has been Brow Lamination. This process is similar to the Lash Lifting where you use a chemical solution to spread the brows up and out. It creates a fuller looking brow that lasts 4 to 6 weeks. Here’s what I offer for brows and what I think about Brow Lamination.
I love helping clients achieve a beautiful, natural looking brow through Brow Design. This technique was created by Regina Felix, who has been designing brows for 20 years. The technique is called Design Brows Naturally and works to give every client great brows through seeing where the hairs are coming through. It also creates a lift, much like you can receive through Botox. I received training and course certification in 2018 and have been changing brows in South East Idaho ever since.
The main points of this technique really focus on a natural, flowing brow, which makes you look younger! And who doesn’t want that?! I have loved helping clients receive the best brow possible for them. We work around scars, cowlicks, and other issues.
Because I love and appreciate everything about a natural brow, I do not offer, nor will I offer Brow Lamination. When the brow hairs and pushed in a direction, it stops them from flowing into other brow hairs. You can tell that they’ve done something to their brows. I like people to even wonder how you achieve such a stunning brow shape!
Have you tried Brow Lamination before? Do you love it or hate it? I can’t wait to help you with natural brows that get better with each appointment. Thank you for always trusting your Esthetician! See you in the treatment room!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Bite Sized - Why Sugar and Salt Scrubs Should Be Avoided
99% of estheticians agree… please avoid sugar and salt scrubs. Specifically in the intimate areas of the body. Let’s discuss why.
You’ve just had your first Brazilian and you are SO happy. But remember that for the first day, your skin is more sensitive. For this reason, you really do want to avoid heat, sweat and sex. For 72 hours, you should also avoid exfoliating the skin.
Your skin desperately needs exfoliation though. When the hair is waxed, it is at a finer point of the hair. The dead skin cells are still the same; that doesn’t change. So you need to help remove dead skin cells so that that finer hair can pop up through the skin and not get trapped underneath.
Sugar and salt scrubs are aggressive and disruptive to the pf of the skin. One of my skin care philosophies is “More is not always better.” The same is true with this. These scrubs are sometimes just too much for such a gentle area. Many clients that end up with ingrowns mistakenly are using a scrub.
Sugar can also throw off the pH in the intimate areas and cause infection (particularly yeast since they love sugar.) It can also spread bacteria and create microtears in the skin.
Also, please note, that the direction with which you exfoliate also matters. Exfoliate in the direction that the hair is growing and not in a circular motion.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
How Does a Lash Growth Serum Work
Everyone loves gorgeous eyelashes. We are into extensions and lifting them up so everyone can notice. While eyelash extensions have been hugely popular over the years, there are many who want to just highlight and enhance their natural beauty. Adding in a lash growth serum is an easy, at home process that you do nightly. Here’s how it works.
Every hair on our body goes through three different cycles of hair growth. These cycles are growing, resting, and falling out. When one hair falls out, there is another to replace it (kind of like baby teeth and adult teeth.) That process for an eyelash is on average 90 days. Of course, we don’t lose all of our lashes at the same time.
A lash growth serum works by extending your natural growing cycle. So it will grow longer than it would on it’s own. The product looks like a mascara tube and the brush is usually one that looks like a liquid eyeliner brush. You also apply it just like you would liquid eyeliner … right on the lash line of your top lashes. When you blink,, the product will transfer. On average, it will take 6 to 8 weeks before you notice, and you’ll reach your full potential after about one bottle. Once you stop using the serum, your lashes will revert back to their ‘natural’ state.
Word of caution here. Make sure that you purchase from a reputable source as eye health should be number one. This is one thing I absolutely would purchase from your Esthetician or beauty professional.
If you’ve been intrigued, I’d love to show you my very favorite one. It works so well and does not cause irritation of the eyes. Let’s get your lashes to reach their full potential!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Confessions of An Esthetician - My First Shave
Shaving intimate areas wasn’t something I was taught growing up or after I was married. While I can’t remember my first wax experience, I can remember my first shave experience. Why? Because it happens to coincide with birth of baby #2.
I ended up in the hospital almost 3 weeks early with a breech baby. A footling breech. I ‘thought’ that I might be in labor and that’s why I showed up there. The nurse checks me, runs out in the hall, and sticks me with a shot to stop labor because guess what? I was dilated to an 8. Yikes!
From there, it was a whirwind where I signed a bunch of papers, the OBGYN, anesthesiologist, surgical team, etc was called in. The husband was lost in the hospital, but baby was born less than 40 minutes after arriving from the hospital. One of the things that was done was my belly and top was shaved. And to top that off (no pun intended), it was a very quick, dry shave.
I might not remember all of the details 18 years later, but the thing I remember most about the whole experience wasn’t the shave itself. It was what happened afterwards. My skin was irritated and sensitive. And then the hair started to grow back. Can we just talk about the itching?! Hahaha!
A few years later, I learned about Brazilian waxing. And the difference between the skin irritation, itching and growing process was night and day difference. Cannot or will not ever go back! If you haven’t tried intimate waxing before, I’d like to personally invite you to try it this year. 2022 is the year of the Brazilian.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Should I Apply Numbing Cream Before Waxing?
I know that there is a big hype out there to use a numbing cream (or even a numbing spray) before waxing. It ‘can’ work. But let me add … for most people, it may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why.
First and foremost, getting your timing right. You need to put it on early, but not too early. I would say 30-45 minutes (in general - but always follow directions for your specific product) before your waxing appointment.
When you numb the area, you can make it more sensitive to hot and cold. What does that mean? With waxing, the wax needs to be heated up. Your mind will definitely tell you that the wax is too hot. The #1 thing with Brazilian waxing is that it is a mind game. You need to just relax and tell yourself that it’s over before it even begins.
Others can experience other side effects of the cream/gel/spray. These can be unpleasant at best.
I’m not alone on this … as almost all waxers prefer that you do not apply a numbing product before your waxing service. The best news is that waxing does get easier as you continue to come in for appointments.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Skin Care Trend - Slugging
If you’ve been near TikTok or InstaGram in the last 6 months, chances are you’ve seen something on there called slugging. These videos claim that slugging has helped them to have perfect skin. This skin care trend originated in South Korea and has recently taken the United States by storm. Today, let’s talk a little bit about what it is, how it works for the skin, and if it causes breakouts.
What is slugging?
After washing your face for the night, you coat your skin with a thin layer of vaseline. When you do this, your skin will have a shine to it … that looks a little like a slug. (Yes, the bug.) Which is why it is called slugging. You can leave it on overnight OR do it just like you would a mask. Apply for a short period of time (up to 2-3 hours) and gently wash off.
How does it work for the skin?
Vaseline will help trap the moisture in the skin, preventing it from escaping. If you are dry, or you’ve tried over correcting your skin by using too many ingredients (you’ll know because your skin could feel more sensitive), this trend could definitely work for you and it’s worth a shot.
Will rubbing Vaseline all over my face make me break out?
For most clients, the simple answer is no. The molecule size of Vaseline is too big to enter the pores.
But if you are oily, you might want to rethink this one. You need the oil to be able to have a way out of your skin and not irritate the follicles underneath.
Bottom line. If you are seeing your Esthetician regularly, the number one goal for them is to make sure that your skin is working properly … the natural barrier function. The main job of the skin is to hold a secure barrier with lipids and prevent any bad guys from entering (ie - free radicals, UV radiation, bacteria, toxins, you name it!) If your skin is struggling to do that job, it cannot work on the other things you’d like to accomplish.
Do NOT over process your skin by using too many acids. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing.
If your skin is dry and you’d like to have a go at this new and popular trend, I say, why not.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Are You Listening To What Your Skin Is Telling You?
Did you know that your skin leaves you little cues and reminders of exactly what it needs? You’d be surprised and shocked to know how many clients don’t know that your skin tells you it’s concerns and what needs changed. If you are aware that little tips are left, then you will be waiting to hear what you should be doing next.
Here are a couple of things I hear from clients. Maybe you’ll recognize your voice in there too.
“My skin feels fine after I wash, but by noon, it’s so greasy!”
First thing I would be checking is your moisturizer. Many of these clients feel like their skin is oily, so they skip that step. But if your skin feels dry, what will your cells signal to happen? Dry —-> must mean I need to produce more oil! All skin types should moisturize. It’s just a matter of finding the right one for you! It can be done!
“My skin is dry but oily and combo. I don’t know what’s happening.”
My recommendation here is to evaluate your exfoliants. A - Are you exfoliating? B - How often are you exfoliating? C - Are you using the right type of exfoliation?
Examining this just a little further.
A - Are you exfoliating?
Every skin needs to be exfoliated. As we age, we might need to step up our intensity. Also, if you are an acne prone person, you definitely need to make sure you are on this step.
B - How often are you exfoliating?
In general, most types of exfoliation should be used 1-3 times a week. Check with your esthetician to know how often you should be using yours.
C - Are you using the right type of exfoliation?
Acne and aging clients should (in general) be avoided harsh scrubs. Sometimes enzymes and chemical exfoliants are just as effective or more so than the mechanical (scrubbies).
“My skin just feels red and sensitive all the time.”
If this is you, are you over doing it with home skin care? Seriously, take a look at the products you are using and how frequently you are using them. If you are feeling red and sensitive, I would back off retinols and very active products. Let’s go back and make sure that the barrier of your skin (which is the most important job for your skin) is working properly and then add in the active ingredients that you so desperately want to be using for anti-aging.
So … what is your skin telling you? Are you listening or ignoring these simple cues that could get you the best skin of your life? Go see your Esthetician for a facial and the home care to set yourself up for success!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
How To Know If You Are Receiving An Exceptional Brazilian Wax
When choosing a waxer, you want to find someone who is specializing in that type of waxing. There are many ways to select the right person. You can read reviews on Google, FaceBook or even Yelp. You can also ask friends, co-workers or others who you know receive beauty treatments.
Once you’ve found someone, how do you know if you are experiencing an exceptional Brazilian wax and an okay wax? In addition to using high quality product and seeing that waxing expert, here are the top 3 reasons.
#1 - The education
When we wax, I am letting you know about the hair growth cycles, the do's and don't's of waxing, and explaining aftercare. Because knowledge is power! When you know what is happening and why, it makes it easier to take care of everything and to know what to expect for the next wax. (Because we all know the magic happens at wax #2.)
#2 - Touch up strips
You may have heard this term ... or maybe not. A touch up strip is where we go over the areas again to get any remaining hairs (going in different directions or the baby fine hairs.) We do this to give you a better and longer lasting wax.
#3 - The aftercare
This part is all on you!!! Because what happens AFTER the wax matters just as much (or more) as what we do in the wax. That's why we do the education. Be sure to follow the instructions and grab the aftercare products recommended.
If you've never been waxed at Essential Esthetics by Zoey before, I invite you to experience the difference. This year is the year of the Brazilian and there is no better time! We’ll see you soon!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Dispelling Self Care Myths
One of my missions at Essential Esthetics by Zoey is to teach self care, while following it myself. The definition of self care on Google is:
“The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”
My definition of self care is to do things and to be in places that keep your body and mind happy and peaceful. This doesn’t mean eliminating stress, but what it does mean is that when those stressful moments come, you’ll be better equipped to deal with those stressors.
I talk about self care a lot … but what I want you to know is that I don’t just talk about it. I DO it! I’m not going to ask any client to do something that I, myself, am not doing.
Today I’m going to dispel 3 self care myths.
#1 - I can’t afford self care.
Self care does not have to be something you buy. You can read, go on a walk, do yoga, meditate, etc. Find activities, places and things that make you feel good and then be intentional about doing them. Let me suggest that you cannot afford NOT to do self care.
#2 - Self care is for ‘older’ people.
Self care knows no age. I recently had a client tell me that she wished someone had shared self care with her in her 20s. Building a great physique doesn’t happen overnight, but it also happens by taking that first action step. Start today.
#3 - Self care is selfish.
This one hits me right at the core. I hear it all the time. Adults that will do anything for their kids, but nothing for themselves. You can give more of yourself if there’s more to give. Let’s recharge your battery. Start this very moment taking care of yourself so that you can take better care of those around you.
I hope you will evaluate what you can do a little better. Don’t wait for big, giant moments or times that are stressful. Small, daily and weekly actions will keep you happy and healthy!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax,
Zoey Jolley, LE
Bite Sized - Is It Okay To Shave In Between Wax Appointments?
Bite Sized Question
Is it okay to shave in between wax appointments?
The answer is no.
You make a lot of progress by removing the root of the hair through waxing, creating fine, thinner hair coming through the skin. The art of shaving will promote quicker growth and not allow the hairs to be at the right length (the length of a grain of rice) at your return wax appointment.
Trust me on this one!
The one exception I allow is the outside of the bikini line when swimming. When you come back, we might just need to leave those hairs there if they are too short, but before you know it, we’ll be back on track.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Self Care in 2022
Each year, I chose a word of the year. In years past, some of the ones I’ve chosen are intention, brave, embrace, and resilience. This year, I have chosen JOY.
Yes, I do laugh a little, because I think I’m going to Marie Kondo my life. Does this thing bring me JOY? Does this activity bring me JOY? I want to feel lighter, happier, and more joyful.
When I think about self care in the new year, I’m really thinking of evaluating what that means for each of us. What thing/activity/people/places bring you JOY? Where are you most happy? Envision who you are with, what you are doing and more. These answers will bring you to your bucket list of 2022. You self care and battery rechargers.
I can’t tell you what that looks like for you. But if you are anything like me, that looks like having a spa day once a month, reading for business and pleasure, spending time with family, building new relationships, visiting a couple of State Capitols (or heck - some sort of travel), and of course, having lots of baths.
Take some time this month to really figure out what you are wanting and needing this year to have JOY. If it seems out of reach, still write it down, print out pictures, and put it on your vision board. I believe in manifesting your future. If you want it bad enough, you can also make it happen … with some action and love.
This year, fill your cup. Resolve to be better than you were yesterday. Don’t strive for perfection. Strive to take small baby steps of action and find JOY. I hope to see you with self care goals in the treatment room soon!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
The Year of The Brazilian
When I started taking inventory of the last year and thinking about goals I had for 2022, I seriously thought, “I think this year is going to be the year of the Brazilian.” What exactly does that mean??
First, what is a Brazilian Wax?
A Brazilian Wax is a wax of the intimate area and includes bikini (outside of the panty line), the labia and the booty crack. Anything that removes hair from the labia is considered a Brazilian. Sometimes a little bit of hair is left in a rectangle, square or triangle shape at the top.
Second, why do women wax instead of shave?
Shaving is very hard on the skin (and hair) and when the hair grows back, the irritation leads to itching, irritation, and for many, ingrown hairs. Hair removal by waxing can be easier on the skin and reduce ingrowns when following the proper aftercare.
So, most importantly, why is this year the year of the Brazilian?
Well, it’s not necessarily whether your preference is to have hair or to not have hair. (Another debated topic we can discuss for another day.) If you ask most women, the reasons for wanting to get a Brazilian is feeling cleaner/hygienic and … (drumroll please) added confidence. Yes, you walk a little taller as you exit the treatment room. (At least I do!!!)
I’m out to share confidence with women and to do it in a way that you feel comfortable. There may be jokes as we share a little laughter too. I continue to improve techniques and sometimes try a new wax (if you know, you know - haha) always making sure that the service provided is top notch.
If you haven’t tried a Brazilian before, this is the year to do! And if you have, I can’t wait to see you back each month … as the more you wax, the better the results.
Here’s to 2022 and The Year of The Brazilian!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
What is Facial Cupping?
Facial cupping might be new to my treatment room, but it’s been around in ancient medicine in the Eastern world. This technique helps to relax and tone muscles, stimulates collagen production, improves lymphatic drainage, and (maybe most importantly) increases blood flow to the area.
Did you know that our faces have 43 different muscles? Crazy, right? If you are like me, we tend to use the same muscles over and over again … and neglect others.
Facial cupping is a massage technique that will help to sculpt and smooth the skin by suction of mini cups. When you apply suction, you are encourage the blood flow to increase in that area which signals to create new blood vessels. Done correctly, this incredible service creates a mini trauma in the skin that leaves your skin feeling plump, healthy and youthful. I love adding it into the facials where we marry results with relaxation. It feels very stimulating … but at the same time, alleviates stress in the skin and facial muscles.
This is also a treatment that works much like the trainer and gym. Go once and it will feel nice (or maybe not if your trainer loves on you!). But long lasting results occurs from consistent time showing up in the treatment room with your Esthetician. Cups are also retailed for those committed to doing this at home. Just 5-15 minutes for several weeks and you will also be a believer.
Other massage techniques that my clients have loved are the Gua Sha massage with rose quartz stones, soothing Cryosticks, the fresh pearls by GM Collin, and the Jade Stone roller (mine is in amethyst.) All of these provide great benefits in the skin. I can’t wait for you to try this one! I have a feeling that you’ll be asking me to add it in your facial time and time again.
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Beauty Winter Essentials
Since winter is THEE hardest season on skin, it’s important to stay in tune with your skin and your skin’s needs. The cold air and heat forced air combined are a special kind of … something. Haha! If you find that you have dry skin or you are seeing more acne appear, let’s address them. These are my current favorites for beauty winter essentials. (You’ll catch a theme here … they are all serums!)
Optimal Serum
This one from My Favorites Collection is from 2016 … and is still my favorite in adding hydration to every skin type. Yes, even those with acne. If you are feeling dry, I highly recommend this one. It has different weights of hyaluronic acid to give immediate as well as long lasting relief to the skin.
Daily Ceramide Comfort
These golden nuggets are my client’s favorites. They are so much packed into one small capsule and considered a 911 product. Great for travel, to boost any skin care routine, or to just spoil your skin … these ceramides are full of nutrients that are sure to make your skin feel better. Use them once a day or once a week or somewhere in between. P.S. Yes, they are for all skin types!
Fulvic Elixir
If you are struggling with dryness AND acne, this is my go to for both. I have felt the power and magic inside this serum that helps to clear stubborn acne while hydrating the skin. This one smells like citrus and was added to My Favorites Collection in 2020.
Blemish Clarifying Complex
If you feel like your acne will not go away, you are going to want to grab this bad boy and keep it in your collection. You can use this as a moisturizer in the summer if you are oily, and a spot treatment in the winter. Remember to spot treatment more than what you are seeing as acne takes its sweet time reaching the top of the skin’s surface. Willow bark extract is a highlight ingredient that calms and soothes acne.
Yes… in case you are wondering, I do use ALL THREE products during the winter as needed. I like the mix and match approach with my own skin, but other times, it’s good to stick with just one and see if it’s working. Which one are you most excited to try? Let’s get this home with you today!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE
Gift Giving in 2021
Have you been watching the latest issues including supply and demand plus shipping? For many retailers, this has been a unique set of challenges unlike previous years. But for many shoppers, the gift giving will still commence … but may look different in 2021.
So without further ado, here are FIVE of my favorite ideas for Christmas.
#1 - Give the gift of an experience. This doesn’t have to be a concert or something with an event ticket. You can take your loved one out to lunch, make a craft together or any activity where you can spend time together. Life is better because of our people that are in it!
#2 - Gift certificates to your favorite massage therapist or for a pedicure or facial. I’ve found that many people love these relaxing services in a world full of stress, but they rarely make time or pay for those things on their own.
#3 - Anything consumable! Marie Kondo has definitely flipped the world upside with decluttering spaces and helping energy flow. Instead of collectable decor that you have to dust weekly, what about getting their favorite chocolate or deluxe toilet paper. Haha! I’m kidding about the toilet paper (maybe.)
#4 - Car detailing. A friend suggested this and I literally got giddie. As adults, we love things like boxes and clean cars. I don’t know about you, but this is something I would really enjoy.
#5 - Gift cards or gift certificates to local businesses. It’s always fun to be able to do some shopping after the holidays end. You can choose their favorite places or maybe somewhere new in town for them to check out.
I hope this helped you get the ideas flowing for those on your Christmas list. The season of giving is one of my very favorites. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Don’t forget to
Breathe. Let Go. Relax.
Zoey Jolley, LE