Wellness Wednesday, take care of your skin, Age Later #mockingbirdheights #petalumasalon #wellnesswednesday #agelater #buylocal #supportlocal #supportyoursalon

Cleaning makeup brushes is a simple process, but something that many of my clients admit to overlooking or simply neglecting completely. We all procrastinate hoping to get one more makeup application before we take the time out of our busy schedules to do something as mundane as cleaning brushes.  Trust me I understand, but disinfecting and cleaning brushes is an important step to ensuring your skin’s health and the longevity of your brushes. Brushes harbor bacteria, which in turn can make us break out or cause existing breakouts to become infected. The brushes themselves also need to be disinfected and conditioned so that the bristles do not break or weaken. The longevity of the brush will be extended when the proper care is taken regularly. Both Jenny and I have had a lot of our MAC Brushes for over 12 years. She received her brushes as a high school graduation present and I began my collection when I worked for MAC Cosmetics. Over the years we have added to our collections, but we use many of our original brushes because they are maintained. One way I disinfect and condition my brushes is using MAC’s Brush Cleanser. I simply put a little on a paper towel, softly wipe my brushes against the paper towel and then lay them flat to dry. This is a speedy way for me to clean my brushes between clients. Before and after each Wedding I deep clean my brushes. I use a gentle baby shampoo, suds each brush individually and rinse under the faucet with warm water. I always point my brushes down and am careful not to get water in the shaft of the brush. I dry the surface of the bristles on a paper towel and then lay each brush flat to dry.  Your skin and your brushes will greatly improve by following these steps.

I recommend cleansing your skin twice a day to ensure proper skincare penetration and clean pores. One of the first questions to ask yourself when purchasing a cleanser is whether you like a sudsy cleanser or a creamy cleanser. - Stephanie

Ageless Total Facial Cleanser
A daily, universal body and facial cleanser that exfoliates, gently removes makeup, and tones for ultimate skin balance.


The Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser
Description: A daily, acid free, sulfate free and paraben free gentle cleanser to balance and optimize skin’s pH. Plant derived stem cells as well as plant extracts nourish and protect skin from environmental pollutants. Sudsy Cleanser. A favorite amongst men.

Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser
An organic-blend gel cleanser that lifts away makeup and impurities, balances the pH of your skin, and eliminates the need for a toner. A harmonizing blend of organic chamomile, green tea and oat kernel extract delivers essential nutrients to restore the skin’s natural balance. Leaves skin soft, hydrated and clean. Paraben free. Sudsy Cleanser.

Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser
A pharmaceutical-grade, high potentency Vitamin C hydrating facial cleanser that gently removes makeup and impurities. Essential antioxidants and vitamins soothe dry, dehydrated and rosacea skin. Paraben free. Creamy texture.

iLuma Intense Lightening Cleanser
A daily sulfate free gel to milk cleanser designed to gently and effectively remove surface impurities while brightening skin complexion and tone. This oil-based cleanser contains plant derived stem cells as well as botanical lightening agents to help fade dark spots and discolorations. Provides optimal preparation for other Iluma lightening products. I use this daily to remove makeup.

Clear Cell Salicylic Gel Cleanser
A daily sulfate free gel to milk cleanser designed to gently and effectively remove surface impurities while brightening skin complexion and tone. This oil-based cleanser contains plant derived stem cells as well as botanical lightening agents to help fade dark spots and discolorations. Provides optimal preparation for other Iluma lightening products.

As summer gets into full swing I suggest using Image Skincare’s combination day moisturizer with broad-spectrum sunscreen high UVA/UVB sunscreen. I use these products every morning depending on my skin’s needs.

Prevention + Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30
Long-lasting, deep moisturizer for dry/dehydrated and sensitive/rosacea prone skin combined with a broad-spectrum high UVA/UVB sun protection. Sheer formula spreads easily and evenly without any residue. Enriched with a blend of anti-oxidants, vitamins and green tea as an anti-inflammatory agents. Provides ultimate protection and prevention against the aging effects of the sun. Paraben and chemical free high sun protection.

Skin Types: Sensitive, rosacea, dry/dehydrated.


Prevention + Daily Matte Moisturizer SPF 32
Daily, oil-free and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB critical wavelength high sun protection mattifying moisturizer. Incorporates microsponge technology to absorb surface oils and leaves skin with a matte, shine-free finish. Contains a next generation blend of anti-oxidants as free-radical scavengers to decrease damaging effects of the sun and environmental exposures. Paraben Free.

Skin Types: Combination, oily, acne prone.

Prevention + Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
This daily tinted moisturizer with a built in broad spectrum UVA/UVB high sun protection provides an even skin tone and healthy glow. Contains a next generation blend of anti-oxidants as free-radical scavengers to decrease damaging effects of the sun and environmental exposures. Lightweight, sheer formula absorbs quickly without any residue. Paraben Free.

Skin Types: All skin types, uneven skin color and tone

Prevention + Daily Ultimate Protection SPF 50
This ultra-sheer, lightweight moisturizer with a built in broad-spectrum high UVA/UVB sunscreen provides skin with ultimate protection and prevention. Next generation technology combines a physical sunscreen ingredient transparent zinc oxide with effective antioxidants to prevent free-radical damage and to protect against environmental exposures. Contains plant-derived stem cells to delay the aging effects of the sun on skin cells. Suited for post-procedure skin. Paraben Free

Skin Type: All skin types, highly exposed skin, sport activities, post-treatment skin.

Products
Image Skincare:
The Max Stem Cell Neck Lift
ILuma Intense Lightening Serum
Prevention + Daily Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Ageless Pure Hyaluronic Filler

Tarte:
Shape Tape Concealer

Youngblood Cosmetics:
Eye Illuminating Eyeliner Duo
Natural Mineral Loose Foundation Honey
Mineral Loose Blush Sherbert

Modster Smooth Ride Supercharged Eyeliner 

RCMA No Color Powder
Mac Cosmetics:
Pro Longwear Paint Pot – Painterly
Blacktrack Gel Liner 
Dazzlelight Eyeshadow 

Too Faced Mascara Better than Sex

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Chocolate 

Kylie Cosmestics 
Beach Eyeshadow 
New York Eyeshadow
Almond Eyeshadow 
Mojito Eyeshadow
Dubai Eyeshadow 
Mary Jo Lipliner

#grlpwr Liquid Lipsticks Imma Bawse


Lorac
Star Reader highlight 

Benefit Hoola 

Cake & Bake Sponge

Ardell Faux Mink Lashes

Mac Brushes:
213 Fluff Brush
217 Blending Brush
219 Pencil Brush
224 Tapered Blending Brush
228 Mini Shader Brush
242 Shader Brush
263 Small Angle Brush
116 Blush Brush
130 Short Duo Fibre Brush  
168 Large Angled Contour Brush
170 Synthetic Rounded Slant Brush
187 Duo Fibre Face Brush

As an esthetician one of my jobs is to recommend skincare products to clients. I want all of my clients to be confident in their skin and their skincare routine. Below I will share some of Image Skincare’s Nightly Moisturizers that I have found to be beneficial for many different skin types.


Image Skincare The Max Stem Cell Crème with vectorize-technology

Description: This revolutionary night time stem cell crème delivers unsurpassed antioxidant properties to your skin. New stem cell technology derived from herbaceous alpine plants supports natural skin defense mechanisms. Contains a maximum concentration of peptides to smooth wrinkle formation due to facial expressions and to support collagen regeneration. The MAXimum benefit is achieved through a high concentration of botanical ingredients without the use of chemical preservatives or fillers. This steme cell crème is formulated to regernate skin and support natural defense mechanisms. Paraben free.

Skin Type: Aging, dehydrated skin, lines and wrinkles due to facial expressions, compromised skin due to environmental damage.

Stephanie: This is my favorite moisturizer and I use it nightly. It makes my face feel tighter, nourished and rejuvenated. I suggest this for all my clients who want to prevent and correct issues with aging.

Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème

Description: An ultra-hydrating anti-oxidant repair crème. Vitamins A, C, E nourish and protect skin daily for ultimate anti-aging benefits. Paraben free

Skin Type: Rosacea, aging, dry/dehydrated, post-peel/post-operative, sun damaged/sun burned, sensitive.

Stephanie: My sensitive skin clients absolutely love this product. Rosacea clients truly find healing and comfort with this product.

Vital C Hydrating Intense Moisturizer

Description: An ultra hydrating intense moisturizer crème that immediately replenishes moisture for intensive skin improvement and all day smoothness and hydration. This silky formula restores youthful resilience for perfectly polished and glowing skin. Paraben free.

Skin Type: Any skin needing extra hydration, dry/dehydrated, sensitive.

Stephanie: I recommend this product nightly for anyone who needs moisture. It prevents aging, has a silky finish and leaves your skin glowing.

Ormedic Balancing Bio-peptide Crème

Description: An organically blended biopeptide crème that delivers essential anti-aging nutrients and vitamins to the skin. Organic Japanese green tea, aloe vera, chamomile and grape seed restore and balance skin.

Skin Type: All skin types, teen skin, mature skin, sensitive skin

Stephanie: My clients who have combination skin have really benefitted from this nightly moisturizer. Pregnant women, men and teens will love this moisturizer.

Wedding Season has arrived and with that numerous brides are planning, strategizing and completely overhauling parts of their life for the Big Day. Brides focus on the perfect venue, menu, guest seating and dress, but what about one of the most important details… The Brides’ Skin!

The first step is to plan ahead and begin a skin care routine. A skincare regimen will optimize your glow, radiance and overall skin health. I would suggest at the minimum to start with a cleanser, day moisturizer, night treatment moisturizer and a product to exfoliate. I use Image Skincare and we sell it at Mockingbird Heights and it is a serious game changer in the skincare world. Many people understand the importance of washing and moisturizing, but many skip the exfoliating step. Exfoliating the skin will remove dead skin, blackheads, and impurities from your face and body, your skin will be left glowing and ready for flawless makeup application and wedding photos.

The second step to the perfect bridal skin is to receive regular facial peels. Many skin imperfections are the result of acne, clogged pores from dead skin cells, sun exposure and aging. These imperfections leave the skin with scarring, uneven skin tone, a dull complexion and fine lines. Receiving regular chemical peels can drastically improve the appearance of the face and neck. Peels will leave the skin smoother, healthier, fuller and tighter. Every Bride’s wish!!!!

Chemical Peels:
The initial chemical peel that I perform on all clients is the Signature Facelift Peel. This preps the skin for more intense peels and gives a starting point to learn my client’s skin sensitivity. I recommend starting with the Signature Facelift and then receiving 6 treatments of the treatment that will address your chief complaint. For example: Signature Facial followed by 6 treatments of the Wrinkle Lift spaced 2-4 weeks apart to achieve optimum results for anti-aging.  The Perfection and Beta Lift both require a 4 week space between treatments because they are more powerful. Three treatments are suggested for this series.

Signature Facelift:
Vitamin C and fruit enzymes blended in an organic aloe vera base visibly reduce redness and brighten the skin while hyaluronic acid provides superior hydration.
Skin Type Indications: Redness-prone, smoker’s skin, tired/dull, post-microdermabrasion, oily/acne.

Ormedic Lift:
Organic ingredients with medical effectiveness work to rebalance, regenerate and restore skin while comfrey stem cells boost cellular turnover.
Skin Type Indications: Unbalanced, irritated, sensitive.

Lightening Lift
Lactic acid blended with kojic acid and a cocktail of brightening agents to reduce all forms of pigmentation.
Skin Type Indications: Pigmentation, aging, dry/dehydrated, uneven skin tone, age spots, redness prone.

Wrinkle Lift
Ultra-resuracing blend of glycolic acid combined with retinol to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin Type Indications: Aging, wrinkles, rough complexion, uneven skin tone, smoker’s skin, tired/dull skin, oily/acne.

Acne Lift
Blend of AHA’s and BHA’s with protective agents to effectively treat all grades of acne.
Skin Type Indications: Acne, oily, acne-prone, aging

Beta Lift
This powerful non-blended salicyclic acid treatment quickly and effectively targets and improves moderate/severe acne.
Skin Type Indications: Acne, oily, aging.

Perfection Peel
This distinct blend of active exfoliants works synergistically to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines, correct uneven skin tone, smooth rough texture and reduce acne blemishes.
Skin Type Indications: Aging, pigmentation, acne.

When I joined Mockingbird Heights A Salon I was introduced to Image Skincare. I had used numerous products in the past and was excited to learn about another option. Throughout the years I have attended classes, been a hostess for Image Skincare products at the salon and have truly enjoyed watching my clients transform with this technology. Last Monday Jenny and I also had the pleasure of attending the Image Skincare Launch Party.

I signed up for the Launch Party during February’s training of Image Skincare. I quickly texted Jenny asking her to join me for the event, and told her to be ready in her cocktail/ evening gown apparel because we were going out for the night. I have used this line for three years, but have never had the opportunity to attend the launch, which showcases all the year’s new products. Once I left February’s class I headed to Nordstrom’s and found the perfect evening gown, which was on sale and miraculously didn’t need alterations due to my 5’1 height. It was a sign, this year I would be attending the event and I would be dragging Jenny along with me.

As soon as I picked up Jenny I began worrying about my outfit. My paranoia was getting the best of me and I didn’t want us showing up overdressed. However, my worries were unfounded as we walked in to a sea of black evening apparel. We picked up some wine, found seating and waited for the unveiling of new products.

There was a lot to go over starting with some background on the company, the science of the products and the goals the company is striving to attain. Image Skincare stands out to me because they are constantly researching, re-formulating and looking to improve their products. I have tried many different products throughout the years and have never gotten the consistent long-term results with any other line. I have also never received the standard of training with any other company.

Every month Image Skincare offers a local training for their accounts to attend. I admit after my initial training, I was not committed to consistently attending monthly classes due to my busy life as a mom. This past year I was able to attend more classes and it has truly made a difference. I feel confident trying new products on clients, intensifying facials and recommending products that will truly create change to the skin.

During the Launch Image Skincare presents estheticians and salons with awards. As this portion of the night started I whispered to Jenny that I was frustrated because I had missed two of my certifications classes, so I was not eligible. I took out my order form and began reading over things when I felt a jab in my side. I looked at Jenny like she was crazy and sat there very puzzled. Jenny with a smile on her face authoritatively told me to go up and get my award. I continued to look at her as though she was crazy and she kept saying, “Go up there! Look at the screen! Jacqueline is waiting!” At this point I looked at the screen and my name was written up there with several others receiving recognition. I put on my best smile, walked up there as though I was fully aware of what was happening, accepted my recognition and posed for photos. At this point I realized I also brought the paparazzi with me as my date. Jenny was out of her seat with her phone taking photos alongside the hired photographer. I’m not quite sure what transpired between the two, but I do believe they both were able to capture their shot. I would attend that event a hundred times just to see Jenny snapping photos.

After all the excitement we settled in for an evening of product announcements. Image is launching numerous masques, a new pink lip complex, a luxuriously hydrating lotion and new professional peels.  I have been experimenting this week with the tester masques that were given to us in our “goodie bags” and I absolutely love them. I cannot wait to be fully trained and ready to share them with all of you. For now, I am impatiently waiting for my box of new products to arrive on my doorstep.