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DIY HAND & BODY COFFEE SCRUB

For those of us in the beauty industry — hand health is a huge must, especially during the cold & dry seasons. And for the rest of us, our skin has probably seen better days (pandemic life = never ending sanitizing, hand washing, and mask wearing).

One of the most important things you can do for your hands, body and feet is exfoliate! Proper exfoliation removes the dead skin cells that clog our skin and block any moisture from penetrating through. 

Uncovering those fresh, new cells allow for products to work more effectively, keeping our skin looking and feeling fresh and healthy.

And here’s another bonus: exfoliants can also plump and tighten the skin, helping to temporarily reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and cellulite.

There are so many ways to give your hands the relief they crave, and sometimes it may be as easy as using ingredients from the pantry. 

I recommend a yummy, tropical coffee scrub — yes, coffee! We know the idea of using precious coffee beans in a body scrub may shock you, but you’ll be so glad you did. Don’t believe me?

 I’ve been making this scrub for my Mequon team to use, and everyone swears by it.

All essentials

HOW IT WORKS

COFFEE

The sandy texture of fresh coffee grounds makes a perfect exfoliant in most, if not all, homemade scrubs. Coffee grounds work to gently remove dead skin cells, which helps to rejuvenate and boost circulation to your skin.

Aside from the amazing exfoliation that coffee scrub provides, it also has another secret weapon for your skin: caffeine.

While we all know the benefits caffeine has when we enjoy a cup of coffee, the lesser known benefits are the effects it has when we apply it directly to our skin. 

Caffeine is also loaded with antioxidants, which help to fight premature skin aging such as wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines. 

Who’s ready to start their day with a cup of coffee AND a coffee scrub ritual?

COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil has taken over the beauty and food industry in recent history, and for good reason. It’s made up of fatty acids that help reduce dryness and allow your skin to retain moisture when applied topically.

It also works as a protective barrier, helping shield your skin from environmental toxins and dirt, while keeping your skin hydrated for longer. 

This oil absorbs into the skin quickly, and because of the powerhouse antioxidants in coconut, utilizing its oil can help minimize signs of aging and create a youthful glow to your skin.

Coconut oil is the perfect base ingredient for any exfoliants, and the aroma compliments coffee grounds perfectly. Trust me.

AVEDA ESSENTIAL OILS

Not all essential oils are the same. It is super important to know if the essential oils you are looking to use are safe to be applied topically to your skin. 

You are here to help your skin, not hurt it. 

Luckily, Aveda’s pure plant aromatic essences are delicately extracted from a single species, and delivered in highly emollient coconut oil for safe use on skin. 

I recommend adding Aveda’s Vanilla Absolute Essential Oil to this scrub because it sweetens your scrub experience, while also providing a calming aromatic experience.

LET’S SCRUB!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED

  • Fresh ground coffee — 1/4 cup
  • Sugar (this can be pure cane sugar, brown sugar, or raw sugar) — 1/4 cup
  • Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil — 1/2 cup & 1 TBSP
  • Aveda Vanilla Essential Oil — 25 drops
  • Airtight har to store scrub
  • Glass mixing bow
  • Large spoon

THE RECIPE

  • Measure 1/2 cups of coconut oil
  • Measure 1 TBSP of coconut oil and set aside
  • Combine 1/2 coconut oil, coffee, and vanilla essential oil in your glass bowl
  • Stir until well blended
  • Heat the TBSP of coconut oil in microwave for 15 seconds.
  • Drizzle onto mixture and stir until evenly mixed.

TO USE:

Wet hands thoroughly. Scoop the desired amount of scrub onto wet hands, gently wash your hands and buff away dead skin cells for 30+ seconds. Dry hands and apply Aveda’s Hand Relief to seal in moisture. Enjoy!

If you found this post helpful. Follow us on Instagram @glamourlounge_salonandspa

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4 Tips for Expanding Your Spa Business

Owning a spa can be a lucrative business. Most of us live busy lives, and all that hustle and bustle makes us want a place to go for relaxation. 

However, we rarely have time to relax and enjoy ourselves. Therefore, it’s not surprising that the spa and wellness business is thriving. 

People often don’t have time to indulge in-home care treatments or incorporate precious moments of calm into their everyday routine. 

And that is exactly what spas have to offer – peace, beauty and health treatment, recreation, and unique experience. For that reason, many people are more than happy to book an hour or two or spend a delightful weekend at the spa. 

However, a lot of demand means that there’s a lot of competition, too. To stay on top and stand out, you need to constantly improve and grow your business. 

With that in mind, we’ve prepared five valuable tips on expanding your spa business.

Offer tailor-made and unique experiences

The spa industry’s history is not long, but it is rich and varied. 

Over time, trends and technologies have evolved and changed. And in these fast-paced times, trends change even more rapidly than before. 

Thus, it would help if you put some extra effort into expanding your spa business. Keeping up with the new advancements is a must, and so is catering to each customer’s specific needs.

For example, offer personalized treatments based on what a customer wants and needs. The standard package will not suffice anymore. 

Instead, let your clients fill in a short questionnaire and create a set of treatments specifically for them. 

Your clients will enjoy the special attention they receive and are more likely to return for new experiences.

Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with new treatments. Evaluate your assets and possibilities and offer new services your clients will appreciate. 

For example, hydrotherapy or fire and ice treatments are sure to appeal to your existing customers and attract new ones.

Smoothly with some tips from mastermovingguide.com. A lot goes into commercial relocations, and you will need all the help you can get.

Sell the products you use in your treatments

As we all know, spas are excellent for one’s mental health

People want to devote some time to relaxing and taking care of themselves. A significant part of their enjoyment comes from the products you use in your treatments. 

For that reason, every spa or wellness center needs to use high-quality products that cater to each of your customer’s needs (sensitive skin, dry skin, etc.).

Experiment with different brands and ask for your guests’ feedback. Once you have an ideal combination of products you use, it’s time for retail. 

Retail can make a substantial percent of your spa’s income. Ensure your guests know what products you use and give them the possibility to buy them. 

Your customers will be happy to purchase the products they’ve enjoyed so much, and you get to boost your spa’s profit.

Add to your guests’ experiences by recommending them products they love and showing that you care

Engage with the local community

Running any business, and especially a spa, requires skill as well as dedication and passion. For expanding your spa business, you need to develop your spa’s image in the community. After all, word of mouth is the best free advertisement out there. First-time guest bonuses, 

discounts for more persons or more services, etc., are bound to attract more clients. 

Take part in local fairs and festivals and promote a part of your services on the spot. That way, the word will spread, and your business will grow.

If you’re moving to a new, better location, opt for one that offers new opportunities. For example, fairs, festivals, markets, etc., will entice people to choose your spa over your competition. 

Of course, moving a business is not an easy thing to do. Reliable corporate movers will help you relocate your business without hassle. 

So, don’t hesitate to find adequate help when moving to a location that will enchant your customers.

Enhance your marketing strategies

As we’ve already mentioned, marketing is an integral part of growing your spa business. 

You can offer the best experience in the world, but if people don’t know about it, your business will stagnate. 

Many business owners neglect the power of modern technologies and ways of communication. 

Don’t be one of them. More and more people are looking for information they’re interested in online, so don’t shy away from the Internet. 

There are many ways to promote your business this way:

  • website – it won’t cost you much, and it will make a significant difference; add all the relevant information about your spa and services you offer, and you’ll gain an influx of new customers
  • blog – add interesting texts and photos (and videos!) to your website to make it more appealing
  • online booking – we live fast, and many people prefer to make their appointments online, so this option will make your services more accessible
  • social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., are free to use, and you can gain new customers by engaging them on social media
  • influencersworking with social media influencers will benefit your spa business in many ways

Use social media platforms to promote your services and create a personal connection with your customers

Final thoughts

Naturally, you want your spa business to be successful and thrive. 

To achieve this goal, you need some skills as well as an open mind and enthusiasm. 

Work constantly on improving your services and promoting your business. 

Of course, don’t forget that the happy customer is the key to success. Follow these five tips on expanding your spa business and provide your guests with outstanding and unique experiences.

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Does your skin breakout After a Facial?

Majority of the time the questions always running through the head after a facial is always “Will a facial cause me to breakout?” Throughout our years in business, we have heard this question from clients and from time to time have estheticians ask us this question as well.

Today we are going to discuss this common beauty myth, and why clients and estheticians should not worry about experiencing severe breakouts after a facial.

Why Breakouts Shouldn’t Happen After a Facial

Are breakouts normal after a facial? If the following are performed as part of a facial treatment, breakouts should not occur:

Skin analysis

One of the many reasons why a skin analysis is essential for each facial appointment is that it allows an esthetician to get to know the skin.

In getting to know the skin, an esthetician can choose the best products for each client’s skin type.

Estheticians can also hear personally from clients products they may have used that do not work well with their skin. For example, if a client has oily skin, an esthetician should avoid heavier creams and oil-based products, and select products that will not put a client’s skin at risk for breakouts.

Sanitary conditions

This includes clean sheets, having disposable cotton and facial tissues on site, tools in an autoclave, no double-dipping and the esthetician using new, vinyl gloves.

If these conditions are met, bacteria will not be transferred to the client’s skin, reducing chances for breakouts. If a client does experience a breakout after facial, unsanitary conditions could be the culprit.

Proper extraction techniques

If proper extraction techniques are performed, there should be little likeliness of breakouts post-facial. 

Estheticians should use vinyl gloves and a magnifying lamp during this process and only extract open comedones, closed comedones, papules, pustules, and milia.

Proper treatments

It’s important to remember that acne is not formed overnight and cannot be cured in one session.

After extractions, the skin should be treated with an astringent and mask to help prevent any secondary infections.

A second mask that is soothing is also recommended, as it is effective in removing any redness that may be left over from the extractions.

To know more, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get a weekly dose of skincare goodness.

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3 Ways to boost mental wellness through Brain Exercise.

Aside from immersing yourself in regular physical exercises, it’s also essential that you pay attention to exercising your brain. 

The brain is involved in every single thing that you say, do, or think. 

Thus, like the rest of your body, you should take care of your brain too.

Everyone knows what would happen to your health if you don’t get regular physical activity. 

Your physical health deteriorates, you’ll have less energy, you’ll have a tough time maintaining your weight, and you’ll constantly feel exhausted. 

The same thing can happen if you have a sedentary brain. Failing to exercise your mental abilities can lead to poor memory, trouble in concentration, and difficulty in critical thinking and problem-solving.

All these can adversely affect your performance at work, school, and overall quality of life. 

Thus, it’s vital that you also commit to your mental well-being. Caring for your brain health can stretch out your mental capabilities, encourage you to improve your skills, make wiser decisions, and enable you to be more motivated to face any challenges.

To get started, here are five brain exercises to boost your mental wellness: 

  1. Have Fun With Brain-Stimulating Games 

Playing word puzzles, board games, Sudoku, or downloadable brain-training apps on your phone are perfect tools to keep your brain thriving and active. 

Plus, they’re fun and can be played with your family or friends too. 

With mind games, you’re exercising your brain while maintaining healthy, social connections with your friends at the same time.  

Whether you exercise your brain through mobile gaming apps, board games, or with the traditional pen and paper, there are numerous brain-training games for you to choose from. 

For instance, you can designate a certain area as your personal space where you can concentrate on finishing your jigsaw puzzle. 

If you’re bonding with your friends, you can play board games as a form of bonding. 

Regularly indulging in any of these brain-training games can help your brain ‘wake up,’ be more alert, and think, analyze, and memorize faster. 

  1. Read Brain-Cultivating Books 

For some, reading is only a form of pastime or hobby. You may see some people read lots of Facebook posts and online articles. 

However, reading alone from these sources may not be enough to exercise your brain. 

The right way to exercise your brain is by reading brain-stimulating books that encourage your mind to analyze thoroughly, think, create, imagine, and formulate thoughts. 

Moreover, reading as many books as you can also expands your vocabulary, and therefore exercises your brain as you familiarize yourself with new words and memorize their meaning.

So, include reading as part of your daily routine. The new learnings you get from reading will also serve as your brain’s nutrition.

You can grab a book during your free time at lunch or when you get home from work. The point is, you can set aside a time each day to let your brain tackle new ideas and formulate new thoughts

3.  Learn A New Instrument Or Skill

According to this study, learning a new skill can bring numerous benefits to your brain.

When learning a new instrument or skill, your brain gets to work and has a chance to develop as it tries to gather new information and memorize them. 

Plus, learning a new skill is also fun, a mood booster, and can be a group activity you can share or do with your family and friends. 

So, ask yourself, what skills have you always wanted to learn but never had the chance?

Perhaps you’d like to know how to ride a horse, play the violin, read and speak a new language, or change car tires. 

You can watch video tutorials on the internet or take classes when possible. Now you have another reason to try again and learn that skill. 

Final Thoughts 

Commit yourself to look after your brain health just like how you invest in your physical wellness. 

Start by trying out any of these brain exercises. Soon, these will boost your mental wellness, improve your memorization skills, sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and empower you to do better at everything you do.

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How Massage can reduce stress

Stress in our everyday life can have adverse effects on our minds and body. For this reason, it is crucial to try and reduce stress whenever possible. Luckily, there are many ways to do this and help you feel your best!

At Glamour Lounge, one of our favorite stress reducers is massage. Learn more about how the massage experience can stimulate the sensors of the mind and trigger relaxation.

The Environment

Relaxation begins upon arrival. Most massage environments are designed to increase and encourage relaxation, which can help to reduce stress. Environmental techniques include low lights, soft music, and requiring all electronic devices to be turned off or left in lockers.

Establishing a calming and soothing environment is essential to the entire experience and guarantees full immersion in the journey towards relaxation.

Physiological Effects

During a massage, endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine levels increase. These are neurotransmitters that offer different benefits.

  • Endorphins can help relieve anxiety.
  • Serotonin can help prevent depression and boosts your sense of well-being.
  • Dopamine can increase motivation and self-worth.

A lack of these neurotransmitters can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.

Massage can also help to reduce levels of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that causes stress. When the levels of cortisol decreased, stress levels reduced. During a massage, positive hormones replace cortisol, which also helps to reduce stress and boost relaxation.

The Massage

The actual massage itself can help to reduce stress. Massage therapy targets areas of the body known to hold stress, and that can cause pain. 

The act of massage can reduce stress hormone levels by about 30 percent and can also help to reduce pain.

As we’ve all experienced at some point in our lives, pain can be caused by stress and cause stress. When reduced, clients can experience stress relief as well. 

Many people notice stress when their muscles are tense or tight. Massage helps to release tightened muscles, allowing for the release of the carried stress.

While massages may seem like a luxury treatment simply used to pamper yourself, the number of benefits is far greater. One of the most significant benefits is stress relief and reduction. 

On-going stress can have an extremely negative effect on the mind and body in both the short and long term. Looking to experience a new way to reduce stress? Visit our website Glamour lounge to book a massage, today and nourish your spirit.

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