Drink plenty of water

A simple first step to helping your skin look and feel healthy in the summer is to make sure you’re getting enough fluids. While you should be drinking about two litres of water per day, keep in mind that you can boost your hydration level with other beverages as well as fruits, vegetables and low-sodium broth. Remember to drink more on particularly hot days and when you engage in physical activity.

Keep up your skin care routine

After a long day in the sun or a late night, you might be tempted to slack off on skin care. This is a mistake. The combination of sun exposure and dry, air-conditioned air leaves your skin parched and in need of regular care. Here’s what you should be doing:

• Wash your face every night before you go to bed, especially if you wear makeup and sunscreen during the day. Sleeping with dirty skin can cause irritation, inflammation and breakouts. You should also wash your face after you exercise to prevent sweat and dirt from blocking your pores.

• A buildup of dead skin cells can prevent your skin from absorbing moisture and skin care products. Use an exfoliating scrub or brush to remove dead skin cells regularly. If exfoliating is new to your skin care routine, start by doing it only two or three times a week to avoid irritation.

• This is a key step to making sure your skin stays hydrated at any time of the year. For best results, apply moisturizing face cream and body lotion when your skin is still damp. This will trap the water in your skin and keep it moisturized longer.

• Use sun protection. You should never leave the house without sunscreen. Apply a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every morning and again before you spend time in the sun.

Skin care treatments in the GTA

If you want more advice on how to keep your skin hydrated and healthy, speak with a cosmetology professional at a 91×ÔÅÄ medical spa near you. You can also enjoy the benefits of our professional skin treatments including hydrating facials, microdermabrasion and Botox. Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about our medical esthetics programs.

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Your skin goes through many changes over the years. But while you might blame a sagging jawline and wrinkles on age, about 90 per cent of visible changes to the skin are actually due to sun exposure. Here’s what you should know.

How the sun affects your skin

There are three layers to your skin, namely:

• The epidermis. This outermost layer consists of flat skin cells and melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin and give your skin its colour.

• The dermis. This middle layer is composed in part of collagen and elastin proteins, which give young skin its smooth appearance and elasticity.

• The subcutis. The deepest layer is made of adipose tissue, which provides physical protection and insulation for your body.

The sun affects the top two layers, and the most immediate change you’ll experience is the darkening of your skin. A suntan occurs when the epidermis produces more melanin in an attempt to protect the deeper layers of skin. Nonetheless, some types of UV rays can penetrate the dermis, damaging collagen fibres and causing the skin to produce abnormal elastin.

This damage to the dermis layer of your skin prompts the creation of certain enzymes meant to rebuild damaged collagen. However, these enzymes often malfunction and can instead degrade the collagen. This is what causes wrinkles, sunspots and other symptoms usually associated with aging.

How to prevent sun damage

Since most signs of aging are associated with sun exposure, it’s easy to keep your skin looking young and supple. Here’s how:

• Avoid the sun. Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between 10 m. and 3 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.

• Always wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to any exposed skin before going outside. While this is especially important on hot, sunny days, remember that UV rays can penetrate your skin even on cold and cloudy days.

• Cover up. If you’re going to spend time outdoors, opt for loose fitting clothes that cover most of your skin and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

Visit a medical spa to learn more

If the sun has already taken a toll on your skin, it’s not too late to reverse the effects. Visit a 91×ÔÅÄ medi-spa clinic to speak with a medical esthetics professional or student about the benefits of various skin treatments. Call us today to schedule an appointment or learn about our cosmetology programs.

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Eyebrows are a prominent facial feature. When shaping them, it can be challenging to strike a balance between groomed elegance and a natural appearance. Here are five tips to guide you.

1. Let them grow out

If you’ve already experimented with plucking, threading or waxing, give your eyebrows between six to eight weeks to regain their natural shape.

2. Decide on a shape

The most flattering shape is generally one that resembles the natural contours of your eyebrows. The inside edge should line up with the outer edge of your nostril, and the highest point of your eyebrow arch should be directly above the outer edge of your iris. The end of your brow should fall on a diagonal line that connects the outer edge of your nose and eye. Mark these spots with an eyebrow pencil and use them to guide your plucking.

3. Give them a trim

Brush your eyebrow hair upward using a spoolie brush and carefully trim the tips of hair that protrude significantly from the brow line. Make sure you angle the scissors along the edge of your eyebrow rather than cutting down into the brow.

4. Prepare your skin

Take a shower or hold a warm, damp washcloth over your eyebrows for a few minutes. This will help soften your skin and open the follicles to make plucking easier and less painful. You should also have aloe vera gel on hand to apply afterward. This will reduce redness and inflammation.

5. Tweeze one hair at a time

Waxing may be a go-to hair removal technique elsewhere on your body, but it’s best to take it slow with your eyebrows. Plucking individual hairs allows you to adjust and reassess the shape as you go. Use natural light and a regular mirror.

Achieving a fuller finish

To create a bolder brow, you can use a brow pencil that matches the colour of your eyebrows to fill in gaps and sparse areas. Alternatively, you can opt for a microblade treatment that inserts temporary pigments into your skin. For a permanent solution to thin eyebrows, consider cosmetic tattooing.

Visit a medical spa in the GTA

If you’re still uncertain about how to shape your eyebrows, trust the students and professionals at a 91×ÔÅÄ medi-spa clinic. You can also enjoy the benefits of a fuller brow with an eyebrow tattoo or a microblade treatment. Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our cosmetology programs.

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Your skin changes as you get older, and it’s important to adapt your skincare routine accordingly. If you’re over the age of 50, here are five tips to help you maintain a beautiful complexion and healthy skin.

1. Wear sunscreen every day. Sun exposure is one of the top causes of wrinkles, age spots and skin cancer. Incorporate sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 into your morning skincare routine and reapply it every 90 minutes if you spend extended periods of time outside. Don’t forget your neck and hands, as these areas tend to show the effects of sun damage quicker than other parts of the body.

2. Use age-appropriate products. The cleansers, toners and moisturizers you relied on when you were younger may not offer your skin the nourishment it needs today. Skin tends to get drier and more sensitive with age, so choose products formulated for mature skin. There are a variety of oils and serums specifically designed to deeply penetrate your skin and keep it hydrated.

3. Check for skin cancer regularly. Since most cases of skin cancer can be effectively treated if they’re caught early, consistent self-exams are critical. Use a hand-held and full-length mirror to help you see your whole body. Speak with your doctor if you notice a new growth, a change in a mole or birthmark, or a spot or sore that doesn’t go away after a few weeks.

4. Consider a retinol cream. Although this product used to require a prescription, retinol creams are now available over the counter in milder concentrations. Retinols increase skin cell turnover and collagen production, which helps make your skin look younger and smoother.

5. Experiment with hair removal. Menopause often triggers an increase in facial hair growth among women. You can periodically remove this hair with tweezers or wax. Alternatively, you can opt for a permanent treatment such as laser hair removal or electrolysis.

Speak with a medical aesthetics specialist

The students and professionals at a 91×ÔÅÄ medi-spa clinic offer a variety of anti-aging treatments to help you maintain younger-looking skin. These include injectables such as Botox and fillers, chemical peels and laser procedures. You can also schedule a consultation with a makeup artist to learn new tips and tricks. To schedule an appointment or learn more about our hairstyling, makeup and aesthetics programs, contact us today.

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At 91×ÔÅÄ, we love makeup and are always on the lookout for the latest trends in the world of beauty. We know you’re just as interested as we are, so we put together a definitive list of the makeup looks that are sure to make waves this year.

• Feathered eyebrows. Forget the heavily sculpted eyebrows that ruled the last decade, this year’s statement brows are filled in, fluffy and brushed upwards to create a feathered look.

• Lip stains. Just as bold and colourful as lined lips, but easier to apply and more laid-back, blurred lip stains are the statement lip of 2020.

• Clear lip gloss. Either on their own or as an upgrade to the lip stains mentioned above, shiny lips are making a comeback after a decade of satin and matte finishes. And don’t worry, modern lip glosses are less sticky and easier to wear than those we put on in the early 2000s.

• Colourful eyeshadow. Swaths of pink, blue, red, purple and any other colour you can think of will adorn the eyelids of trendsetters this year. For a look that’s a little extra, pair it with matching eyeliner and mascara. Or go subtle with a pop of your favourite tone just in the corner of your eyes.

• Floating eyeliner. Those that like to push fashion boundaries will be lining above their lash line this year. Try a subtle gold to test out the trend or go for a bold look with a neon or dark metallic line.

• Bright pink. Wondering what colour to wear? Hot pink is equally modern and at home on your lips, cheeks and eyes and can easily be combined with any of the other makeup trends listed here.

• Dewey skin. Naturally clear and clean skin is replacing the ultra-highlighted and contoured looks of the past few years. Try a water-based foundation that lets your skin’s texture shine while subtly covering any imperfections. If you need a little help before baring your skin, visit our medical spa to discover the benefits of our top-of-the-line treatments.

• Classic looks. If you don’t want to let go of your red lipstick and smoky eye, don’t worry. Classic styles like these will always be in style.

Cosmetology school in the GTA

Are you as fascinated by beauty trends as we are? Then consider turning your passion into a rewarding career as a makeup artist or aesthetician at 91×ÔÅÄ. We have several locations in the Greater Toronto area that all offer high-quality education from skilled instructors. For more information about the various programs we offer, contact us!

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If you follow the world of beauty, fashion and aesthetics even a little, you’ve probably heard that skin care is taken very seriously in Korea. So seriously, in fact, that many men and women in the country follow a ten-step skin care routine day and night in order to keep their skin healthy and glowing. Here are the steps to take in order to have smooth and clear skin.

1. Oil cleanse. Oil-based cleansers remove makeup, sebum, SPF and any other oil-based grime accumulated during the day.

2. Foam cleanse. A foaming cleanser removes water-based impurities on your skin, such as sweat and dirt, as well as any residual oil left behind by your first cleanse.

3. Physical exfoliants (products textured with sugar or other gentle but abrasive ingredients) or chemical ones (they contain skin-friendly acids) remove dead skin cells and clear pores to reveal brighter and smoother skin.

4. This step balances the skin’s pH and prepares it for the next steps.

5. Often called the heart of a Korean beauty regimen, essence hydrates your skin, aids in cell turn over and further prepares your skin for the next steps.

6. Targeted treatment. Special treatments are used to address any personal skin concern you may have. Redness, lines and acne can all be targeted.

7. Sheet mask. While a normal face mask dries out quickly, a sheet mask stays humid, allowing the products to remain active longer and your skin to fully absorb the ingredients.

8. Eye cream. The skin around your eyes is the thinnest and most delicate on your body. Eyes creams are packed with beneficial ingredients but are formulated to not irritate the skin.

9. These come in many forms and seal in moisture to make the skin look plumper and smoother.

10. Sun protection. Even if you’re inside most of the day, you should never neglect to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

It may seem like a lot of time and money to invest in a skincare routine, but rest assured, you don’t have to do each of these steps every day. In fact, only five of the steps (oil cleansing, cleansing, exfoliating, moisturizing and sun protection) are necessary. The rest can be done once or a few times a week, as needed or when you have the time.

Turn your passion into a career

Do you love pampering yourself with your daily skincare routine? Why not study medical aesthetics and become a skin care specialist or a makeup artist? 91×ÔÅÄ has cosmetology programs that can lead to an exciting and rewarding career. Contact us today to find out more about the certificates and diplomas we offer.

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If the eyes are the window to the soul, then the eyelashes are the curtains. Like the proper window dressing calls attention to the view outside, long and lush eyelashes emphasize the eyes. Here are five ways to make your eyelashes stand out.

1. Use makeup

The right combination of mascara and eyeliner is a tried and true method of emphasizing lashes. Choose a liner the same colour as your mascara and apply it as close to the lash line as possible. You can keep the line thin for a more subtle look or choose to do a dramatic cat eye. Follow this with a coat or two of lengthening or thickening mascara. For extra drama, use an eyelash curler before applying makeup.

2. Apply false eyelashes

Perfect for a night on the town or a special event, false eyelashes are strips of tiny hairs that are glued to your lash line. They can be removed at the end of the night with a gentle tug. A makeup artist can apply them for you if you’re worried about putting them on straight.

3. Tint them

Women with pale eyelashes often feel they need to wear mascara at all times to define their eyes. If you have this issue, eyelash tinting is a great — and safe — way to make them stand out without all the work. Lash tinting is a quick and simple process that lasts for up to four weeks.

4. Get a keratin lash lift

If you struggle with straight eyelashes that just won’t hold a curl no matter how hard you try, this is the process for you. Lifting your lashes is a process similar to perming your hair. A product is applied to break the bonds of each eyelash and remakes it with a bend. The process is safe and is often combined with tinting.

5. Get eyelash extensions

If you wish you could permanently look like you’re wearing your false eyelashes, lash extensions might be right for you. False lashes are glued individually to your real eyelashes, allowing the technician to create a look that’s as subtle or bold as you’d like.

The cosmetology school of choice in the GTA

Are you ready to turn your passion for making people look and feel great into a career? If so, then choose 91×ÔÅÄ. We have campuses all over the GTA and offer certificates and diplomas in hairstyling, makeup, esthetics and health sciences. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how to apply for them.

The post 5 Ways to Emphasize Your Eyelashes appeared first on 91×ÔÅÄ.

Eyebrow trends have evolved significantly over the years. Today, it’s all about that full, natural-looking brow. You can achieve this look through several different means, including makeup, microblading and tattoo. Here’s some information on these options to help you decide which is the best fit for you.

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Makeup

With zero commitment and no pain, makeup is a great way to fill in your eyebrows. It can take a little practice to get the technique down, and some trial and error to find the products that work for you, but you’ll have it mastered before long. The thing about makeup is that you’ll have to apply it every day, so it’s relatively high maintenance. However, if you can make the time, the results will be more than worth it.

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Microblading

Microblading comes with a little bit of pain, as pigment is inserted into your skin with needles. It’s similar to a tattoo, except the process is done manually instead of with a machine and the needles don’t go as deep into the skin. This means that the pigments will completely fade away over time, making it less of a commitment than an eyebrow tattoo. This procedure is a bit expensive, but, if it fits your budget, it makes for a great low-maintenance option that’ll keep your brows looking great for a long time.

Tattoo

The decision to get a tattoo isn’t one that should be made lightly, but cosmetic tattooing can produce stunning results. Never again will you have to worry about what your eyebrows look like as you leave for work in a rush because you overslept. However, it’s a permanent decision, so it’s important that you get the work done by someone with extensive experience and good standing in the field of cosmetic tattoos. You might have to spend a bit of extra money on an already expensive procedure, but a cosmetic tattoo definitely isn’t something you should skimp on.

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Learn how to microblade at 91×ÔÅÄ

Located in Ontario, 91×ÔÅÄ can help make your dream of working in the field of beauty or medical aesthetics a reality. With courses in hairstyling, esthetics, makeup and health sciences taught by experts, you’ll find your time at our school immensely enlightening and rewarding. If you’re thinking of applying, feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns you might have.

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Eye shadow is one of the most versatile makeup products out there. It can be bright and fierce, dark and bold or soft and subtle. The goal of eye makeup is to make your eyes pop, so it’s important to take your eye colour into consideration when creating a new look. Whether your eyes are blue or brown, here’s how to find the best eyeshadow for you.

Blue eyes

The trick when choosing eyeshadow is to go with a colour that’s on the opposite side of the colour wheel as that of your eyes. Opposite colours are known as complementary. For blue eyes, this makes colours like champagne and terracotta, along with metallics like gold and bronze, the perfect choices. You’ll want to steer clear of darker colours. Sticking to lighter tones will enhance your eye colour without distracting from it.

Green eyes

Red and green are complementary colours, so eyeshadows with reddish undertones such as bronze, rust and even pink are optimal for you. You don’t want to go any darker than mahogany, however. Like blue eyes, green eyes are naturally bright and don’t require dark colours to enhance them. If you’re going for a bolder look, opt for light purple, which will make your already stunning eyes pop even more.

Grey eyes

Grey eyes are unique all on their own, so you want your eye makeup to draw attention to them. Subtly play up your eye colour with silver, grey or icy blue. These are staple colours for anyone with grey eyes. If there ever was a time for a smoky eye, it’s now.

Brown eyes

Having dark eyes means that the sky’s the limit when it comes to eyeshadow. You can get away with wearing almost any colour. The choice depends entirely on the effect you’re going for. Bold colours like purple, gold and brown will make your eyes look bigger, while soft, light colours will make them appear lighter. Using dark colours, even just a touch of black, will define your eyes and give them incredible intensity.

Beauty school in the Greater Toronto Area

91×ÔÅÄ has several locations in the Greater Toronto Area, including Vaughn, Toronto and Mississauga. With our skilled instructors and high-quality curriculum, we offer a rich and fulfilling education to anyone wishing to study health science, makeup, hairstyling or esthetics. For more information on our programs or the courses we offer, feel free to contact us!

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Many of us are no stranger to under-eye circles. People like to joke that the bags under their eyes are designer but, designer or not, you don’t have to put up with them if you don’t want to. Here are three easy steps for concealing dark under-eye bags and regain that energetic glow.

Step one: eye cream

The skin under your eyes is quite thin, which is why so many people struggle with dark circles and visible blood vessels. Applying eye cream is an essential step in any beauty regimen because it both reduces puffiness under your eyes and helps strengthen the thin skin. The latter will make your skin more opaque and gradually reduce the visibility of blood vessels. Use your fingers to apply eye cream and be sure to cover the entire under-eye area, working from the outer corner all the way to the inner corner.

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Step two: concealer

The next step is concealer, a product that comes in different forms, including liquid, cream and stick. The one you choose depends on your individual needs. A good concealer will be compatible with your skin tone and provide you with your desired level of coverage. For optimal results, it’s recommended that you use a beauty blender to blend the concealer into your skin. It’s also a good idea to finish off with a dusting of setting powder, which will help your makeup last throughout the day. When selecting a powder, go with one slightly lighter than your skin tone for a beautiful brightening touch.

Step three: final touches

Last, but certainly not least, you’ll want to draw attention away from your under-eye circles by applying eye makeup and fixing up your brows. Liberal mascara and dark eyeliner will really make your eyes pop. You can be as bold or as subtle as you desire. What really matters is that you feel confident in your skin.

91×ÔÅÄ

Highly prestigious and located in Ontario, 91×ÔÅÄ provides its students with exceptional beauty training. We offer a variety of programs, including makeup and hairstyling. Anyone thinking of pursuing a career in the beauty industry could benefit from our small classes, state-of-the-art equipment and many internship programs. Contact us today to start a new journey!

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