Spring Cleaning!

Does your make-up drawer look like this?

While Mother Nature doesn't seem inclined to let us experience spring any time soon, at least we can make the best of the extended time spent indoors!  Here are some tips for "spring cleaning" your hair and beauty products.

To Toss Or Not To Toss?

If you're anything like us, you've likely got a collection of make-up that you can't remember the last time you wore it!  While it may not have an expiry date on the bottom, make-up has a shelf life.  It's a great idea to write the date you opened the product on the bottom of it, too.  These guidelines start from the day you open the package, and the product should be tossed if it's been open longer than the following list.

Powders & Eye Shadows - 2 years
Cream Eye Shadows - 12 to 18 months
Foundation & Concealer - 1 year*

*Water based foundation expires after a year, oil based can last up to 18 months.
Lipstick & Lip Liner - 1 year
Mascara & Eyeliners - 3 months 

Storage Solutions 

Make-up should be stored in a clean, dry space with little to no humidity (so the bathroom isn't the best idea) and out of direct sunlight.  Sunlight can break down the preservatives in products, causing them to expire more quickly, and warm, moist air or steam helps bacteria multiply.  Storing things like lipstick and perfume in the fridge can help them last longer.  An added bonus - if summer ever gets here, your chilled scent feels refreshing in the heat.

Switch It Up

Sure, the seasons haven't changed yet, but we can dream, can't we?  It's time to take stock of which products to switch out as the seasons change.  Creamy winter moisturizers should swap out for lighter lotions (with at least an SPF 30!) and moisturizing shampoos and conditioners can be replaced with lighter versions to enhance summery waves.  Keep in mind that skin tones change with the seasons too, and be sure your foundation doesn't look like a mask!  Try a tinted moisturizer instead.

Trends To Try

Spring make-up trends are showing up now on the runways.  Brows are back, with a fuller shape than in the past.  Remember, full doesn't mean bushy!  Brows frame your face, so keep them neat and groomed.  Lashes are full and flirty, and pastel shadows are taking over.  For more of an evening look, swap the cat-eye winged liner for smudged lines, or rock a red lip.  Both of these looks are best paired with a neutral face, so pick one or the other to avoid looking like you're playing dress-up.

My First Haircut

Of course, we all want sweet pictures like this one when baby visits the salon for the first time!  The truth is, it's not always that easy.  So, from our stylists, some tips to make that first snip easier on both of you!

DO...

DO bring your child into the salon before the first cut.  Ask one of the stylists to talk to them, maybe sit them in the chair with a cape.  This gets the child used to the sights and sounds of a salon before the big day.  

DO have realistic expectations.  Children are squirmy, and while your stylist will do the best she can, sometimes that neckline will be a bit crooked if it's a matter of safety.

DO bring another shirt for your child.  When they move around, little hairs sometimes sneak down under the cape (and some children just won't wear one!) and get itchy.

DO let the salon know that this will be the first cut.  They can place your child with a stylist who works well with them, and make sure to save you a snip of hair for the baby book.

DO book during a slower time of day.  Sometimes other staff can be there to help if needed.

DO bring a distraction for your child.  Bubbles, a favourite toy, or a small video player are great.  But...

DON'T...

DON'T bring food!  Hair sticks to everything (trust us, we know!) and you'll end up with a sticky, hair-covered, uncomfortable baby.

DON'T hover.  Stay for the first snip and a few pictures, but many children are more relaxed with Mommy and Daddy out of sight.

DON'T bring siblings.  They are often more of a distraction for your child, and salons are dangerous places if you can't give a child your full attention.

DON'T force it.  If your child is having a full-blown panic attack, reschedule the appointment.  Stylists would rather have the cancellation than the safety risk.  You want this to be a positive experience, not a negative one.

 

All "Charged" Up!

Remember when you were little, rubbing a balloon along your head to get this look?  Back then it was fun, but now - that winter static in your hair is driving you nuts!  However, a few simple changes to your beauty routine can free your hair of static cling.

Switch Your Suds

With dry air outside, and dry heat inside, winter can dry your hair even without the sun.  Changing to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner helps to re-hydrate your strands and cut down on the drying effects of indoor heating.

Toss The Plastic

Plastic brushes can create more of an electrical charge through your hair, especially if you brush a lot during the day.  Wooden combs and brushes, or ones with natural bristles such as boar-bristles, won't conduct electricity, and are also gentler on your hair.

Style Smart

Adding a little shine serum before drying can create a barrier of protection for your hair.  If you can, allow your hair to air dry before styling.  If your style needs the blow-dryer, look for one with a ceramic core.  Heat produced by ceramic dryers has a negative charge that helps keep static at bay.

Glaze It Up

A clear shine glaze from your stylist not only creates a mirror finish, it also protects the hair, helping to keep the moisture inside the strands.  These can be applied right at the shampoo sink, and usually process within 20 minutes.  

Quick Fixes

If you're caught with a bad case of static cling, here are a couple of quick fixes!  1. After using hand lotion, run your fingers through your hair.  The residue of the lotion will temporarily calm the fuzzies.  

2. A light mist of hairspray or shine spray on your brush will help keep the static out of your ponytail.

3. If all else fails, an unscented dryer sheet is a great fix.  Hold the sheet near your hair, but not touching it.  Glide it over the top layer of your style, and kiss static good-bye.