A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

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Makeup and Mimosas

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Bonjour Mes Amis!

Je m’appelle Adrienne,and  I’ll be doing my best to fill the shoes of our Jessie, who has recently graduated. I’m so excited to get the chance to know all of you!

I am a Cal Poly student as well, and you may well be seeing me on your next visit to the salon . Feel free to stop in and chat any time, Jessie’s told me how lovely you all are, and I look forward to meeting you.

One of our favorite events that Jessie has enjoyed attending and posting about is “Makeup and Mimosas”,  happening again tomorrow with our talented Colorescience makeup artist, Christie.

Makeup and Mimosas, from what I hear, is a great opportunity to learn some new updated makeup tips and try some new looks while sipping our signature Mimosas, in the company of friends (consider it your “Girl’s Day Out”,  if you’re looking for something fun to do). Christie Forcella is our sweet Colorescience representative, and she offers a phenomenal makeup consultation/application while explaining the benefits of Colorescience Minerals. She customizes your look to your style, for a  personalized effect  that won’t shout “I just had my makeup done”! She really keeps it natural. And I can’t think of a better way to wear SPF50 (it’s in the makeup!) I know that I for one could learn a thing or two about makeup application, and I hope I’m not the only one..

I look forward to meeting you this Saturday! What better way to meet new friends than when they’re sipping mimosas and being pampered? We still have just a few spaces available, so be sure to call the salon at (805)785-0340 to reserve today.

Makeup and mimosas

 

 

 

 

Bisous!

Adrienne

 

Au Revoir, Mes Amis!

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Bonjour Mes Amis!

I have had such a fabulous time working with and writing for all of you, and being a part of the French Touch family for the past year, but unfortunately my time as your receptionist, Facebook friend, and blogging buddy have come to an end.

Saturday I am proud to say that I will be graduating from Cal Poly with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies, and getting ready to start the next chapter of my life.  I have a brand new career and a wonderful fiancé waiting for me up in the Bay Area, both of which I am very excited about!

My Fiancé and I!
My Fiancé and I!

I have learned so much during my time here, and now consider myself incredibly spoiled; not only because I now understand how to nourish and protect my skin with the crème de la crème of skincare (Jan Marini, Sothys, and Colorescience–I’m an addict!), but because I got to work with such lovely people in such a beautiful, tight-knit community.  Not to mention the salon’s wonderful, peaceful atmosphere, Patricia, Lindsay, and the rest of our team; sadly, I don’t think I’ll ever find a work setting quite like that ever again!  But I’ll manage somehow; I certainly have a lot to be excited and thankful for, and I can always come back for a facial and a wax (I’ve been spoiled with those too, I’m afraid!).

So, mes amis, I’d like to thank you once again for your kind words and support, and to wish you all a wonderful summer.

Au revior!

jessie signature

Sothys Energizing Line for Tired Skin

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Bonjour mes amis!

I hope you’re not feeling as tired as I have lately, but I do know that we’ve all been there. When this happens, it’s pretty visible; we get a little more snappy, haggard, or absent-minded than usual.

But these aren’t the only external effects of tiredness—our skin shows it too. Tired skin is dull and exhibits aging more visibly.

Luckily, there are always aids for our exhaustion. A healthy dose of caffeine in the morning can help with any excess tiredness. As for our skin, there’s Sothys’ Energizing line.

 

Sothys’ Energizing line aids the skin’s energy reserve through harnessing several key ingredients: Siberian ginseng, rice phytosterols, and sophora flower extract. In effect, these ingredients work to protect the mitochondria of the skin cells. These mitochondria are responsible for producing the ATP (cellular energy).

In addition to aiding in ATP production, use of these products promotes micro-circulation and cell-oxygenation in the cells of the skin. This allows the skin to flush out any toxicity, and drains any puffiness/inflammation in the face (common in tired skin). It also encourages collagen production in the skin and helps to reconstruct the dermis, protecting the skin and retaining its elasticity.

Long story short: These products restore energy to your skin, allowing it to better circulate and release toxins, as well as kick-starting the processes that retain skin’s youthfulness. The result? Skin that is youthful, radiant, and healthier overall.

The line offers three main products: Energizing Day Cream, Energizing Comfort Day Cream, and Energizing Night Cream, all of which are available at A French Touch, either in-store or online. If you have any questions about the products, our estheticians are always happy to help.

So do what you have to do, because we all have busy lives and aren’t always able to get the recommended amount of sleep. As tired as you may get, your skin doesn’t have to reveal it (and with some green tea, no one need be the wiser!).

À bientôt!

jessie signature

 

 

Summertime Sun Protection!

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and this close to summer is the perfect time to remind everyone how important it is to use sun screen 365 days a year!

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

  • Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually.
  • One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
  • About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
  • Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen.
  • More than 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to skin aging are caused by the sun.

And sadly, the number of  skin cancer diagnoses are on the rise, rather than the decline in the US, and a vast majority of the complications related to skin cancer can be prevented by regular use of sun protection.

Being proactive is the best way to keep you and your family safe and healthy, so please be sure to apply sunscreen to yourself, your kids, and other loved ones every time you go outside, or even in the car (you can sustain significant sun damage through car windows!).  Not only will you have the peace of mind of keeping your skin healthy, you’ll reduce a significant amount of your skin’s visible signs of aging.

Need to restock on the most effective sun screen?  Check out this list of our favorite sun screens for an easy option for strong sun protection all summer long.

Colorescience Sunforgettable All-Natural SPF50 Mineral Protection

“Achieve the ultimate protection from sun damage and its aging effects with a soft focus finish. Colorescience Sunforgettable mineral sunscreens are easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day to keep skin protected and beautiful.”  Sunforgettable SPF 50 (the highest SPF ranking allowed by the FDA)  highly refined mineral sunscreen provides safe, non-irritating, UVA and UVB sun protection. The self-dispensing powder brush makes it easy to apply and re-apply throughout the day for continued coverage. Ideal for an active lifestyle, and easy for use with kids- won’t sting  the eyes, non-greasy alternative to heavy, chemically-based drugstore creams (pure minerals mean no chemicals, dyes, tints, oils or perfumes).

Even the most of sensitive of skins love this lightweight solution to the dilemma of what sunscreen to wear. The micronized minerals in this hypoallergenic powder actually reduce the surface temperature of the skin by a few degrees, making it the ultimate sunscreen for those with Rosacea. Chemically-based sunscreens interact with our skin chemistry, heating up the skin and activating capillary activity that leads to redness commonly exhibited in rosacea patients. Colorescience’s inorganic, physical sunscreen based on pure minerals does not interact with the skin, as it provides a safe “blanket” of protection to keep the skin cool, calm and free from over-activity that leads to redness.

Brush_3shades

Sothys Cellu-guard: Sun Care

The French know skin~ that’s why “Sothys has created a new generation of sun care: the exclusive association of Cellu-Guard  and jasmine flavonoids provides both dual tissue protection and triple cellular protection, while also enhancing the natural protection system of the skin against free radicals.” Don’t just protect- promote healthy skin despite exposure by caring for your skin apres-sun!

Need a little base color before the shorts and skirts come out to play? Face & Body Self-Tanning Cream has a non-tinted cream formula that gives a natural, sublime and long-lasting tan to the skin without the intense scents and orange hue common to other formulas.

Repairing Age-Defying Face Care is an intensive formula to protect and repair the skin against the aggression of free radicals caused by sun damage. Did you know that 95% of visible skin aging is DIRECTLY attributed to sun-damage? This emollient moisturizer doubles as an anti-aging cream, as it increases firmness, radiance and hydration. After a day of glorious (but damaging) sunshine, soothe and heal the skin by applying this delicious emollient cream as a mask- and then use it as a deeply repairing night cream!

Soothing After-Sun Body Care is a refreshing fluid which softens the skin immediately after exposure through its soothing active ingredients. Prevents photo-induced aging and hydrates to restore the skin’s full radiance.

sothys-sun-careJan Marini Sun Protection

Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 is a weightless sunscreen that features Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide (our favorite chemical-free options) in a universal tint with microscopic sponges for additional oil control and a sheer, matte finish. Green tea extract and alpha bisabolol provide enhanced free radical protection while soothing and calming the skin from stress caused by UV and heat.

Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 comes in sheer, or three compatible sunkissed shades; we love to use them as the Ultimate BB Cream!  A sunscreen you’ll love to wear — this invisible, hydrating and weightless sunscreen feels amazing and smells great (think of the islands minus the coconut) for the ultimate in daily wearability. A fast-absorbing, cosmetically elegant formula features microscopic sponges for additional oil control making it the perfect sunscreen for wearing under makeup or as your light “this is my natural beautiful skintone” coverage. Enhanced by the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and skin rejuvenating benefits of phytomelanin and beta glucan 1,3 to help prevent and reverse damage caused by sun exposure.

 

spf 45

Please remember to wear your sun screen, mes amis; stay happy, stay healthy, stay beautiful!

Customize Your Sonic Clean

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 Bonjour, Mes Amis!

If you’ve been into A French Touch lately, I know you’ve heard all about the fabulous cleansing technology in our Clarisonic Brushes (or better yet, experienced it in one of our facials!).  However, we want to help you maintain that post-facial deep-clean feel by taking one of these handy little brushes home with you, and want to emphasize that these brushes are a great way to tailor your skin care routine directly to your skin type and your skin care needs.  Though all of these brushes produce visible positive results, we can’t emphasize enough how important it is to choose the one that’s right for you!  So, which of our three Clarisonic Brushes is best for your skin type?  Check it out!

mia firstThe Mia is perfect for normal skin types, or skin with “an even tone and texture, and is naturally moisturized without looking too dry or oily.”  The Mia brush is the simplest option for you, with one speed and changeable brush head options suited to your specific skincare needs.  This is a great starter brush for young teens to help them get into a healthy skin routine early on!  However, more sensitive skin would better benefit from…

mia 2.0The Mia 2 is a more advanced version of the Mia that uses the same amazing clarisonic technology, but includes two different speed options for a gentler clean.  This brush is recommended for Normal, Dry, Sensitive, or Aging skin, and also comes with the customizable brush head option, so you can be sure to select the perfect clean for you skin care needs.

ariaThe Aria is our favorite Clarisonic Brush, because it works beautifully with all skin types and comes with not one, not two, but three different speeds for a delicate, a universal, or a deep cleanse (talk about a customized clean!).  Depending on your skin type–whether you have sensitive skin or stubborn acne–we come up with the best cleansing routine and pair it with one of Clarisonic’s Brush heads to guarantee healthy, glowing skin!

Clarisonic’s Brushes are easy to use, easy to clean, and even easier to fall in love with.  Stop by and experience the Aria in one of our facials, or talk to Patricia or Lindsay to get an expert recommendation!  À bientôt!

Bisous,

jessie signature

 

Jan Marini Skin Research Retinol PLUS

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Why is Retinol the Best Anti-Aging product recommended by Doctors?

~Smoothes the Skin
~Boosts Collagen
~Reduces Fine Lines
~Evens out Discoloration
~Unclogs Pores

The first Non-Irritating and Skin-Smoothing over-the-counter retinol!

Age Intervention Retinol PLUS provides unparalleled skin rejuvenation benefits. The strongest levels of stabilized all-trans-retinol are synergistically combined with advanced topical agents to maximize efficacy while simultaneously decreasing or even eliminating acclimation/irritation concerns. Acclimation with prescription retinol can include redness, drying and visible peeling of the skin, leading many to discontinue it’s use. Retinol Plus delivers the equivalent skin-smoothing and brightening results without the downtime associated with prescriptions, while providing anti-aging and collagen boosting peptides, antioxidants, hydrators and skin soothing ingredients. Retinol PLUS truly separates itself from the pack.

Retinol PLUS helps with numerous skin concerns such as wrinkles, texture, acne and hyper-pigmentation by promoting increased cell health and stimulating the growth of collagen and elastin in the skin, which literally reverses the fine lines, wrinkles, and other damage caused by aging.

At  A French Touch, we recommend incorporating Retinol Plus into your regimen with the Jan Marini Skincare Management System customized to your particular skin, and strongly encourage the use of this regimen before, during, and after any peel series to maintain and enhance the rejuvenating effects of the peels.