A French Touch Salon

The finest in Parisian skin care on the central coast.

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La Fête de la Saint-Valentin: Happy Valentine’s Day from A French Touch!

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

French LoversAs February draws closer and closer, and the stores fill up with chocolates, teddy bears, and flowers galore, you may be thinking to yourself, “What am I going to give that special someone (or my special self!) for Valentine’s Day?”

Why not lovely skin the French way?  Be it for a friend, a family member, spouse, neighbor, coworker, or (especially) you, A French Touch Salon is offering the gift of refreshed, beautiful skin, with all the bows and ribbons!

Our Valentine’s Day Special this year will include:

  • Refreshing Mini-Facial: A customized “beauty boost” that is tailored entirely to you and your skin!  It includes a deep cleansing with Clarisonic’s Ultrasonic brush (complete with their new super-soft Luxe Brush head) which removes dirt and debris from deep within the pores but is gentle on skin, with a cleaner that is customized to meet the needs of your skin.  Next, we apply an exfoliator, also tailored to your skin type, which will leave your skin looking and feeling softer and more radiant.  vday facialWe remove the scrub, then allow you to relax and in our calming atmosphere under a warm steam.  Once you are thoroughly relaxed, a mask perfect for your skin–whether you need an extra bit of moisture or a touch of anti-aging magic–is applied to your refreshed and reinvigorated skin (which will absorb beautifully after the steam).  Finally, we apply a gentle, soothing moisturizer, some sun protection, and send you on your way to enjoy the rest of your day.
  • Sothys Skincare Kit of your choice!  Choose from:
    • Winter Hydration Sample Kit, complete with a few of their most moisturizing products; Nutritive Comfort Cream (moisturizing facial care), Hydra-nourishing Body Lotion(moisturizing body care), Essential Lipid Elixir (softens and enhances moisture barrier), and Velvet Hand Cream (velvety-smooth nourishment for your hands)
    • Anti-Aging Travel Kit, which includes Sothys’ Grade Three Anti-Aging Cream and Serum Duo, along with Comfort Cleansing Milk and Lotion to sooth and soften the skin before  applying the anti-aging products (read more about Grade Three here!).
    • fluidbloomMoisturizing Travel Kit, which includes Sothys’ Hydradvance Serum and Light Hydrating Cream, as well as their Vitality Lotion and Cleansing Milk, which will leave your skin smooth and refreshed with added and protected moisture (read more about it here!).
  • A beautiful bouquet provided by Fluidbloom: “Cupid’s Arrow” is a romantic blend of roses, poppies, ranunculas, stock, and high end greens in deep reds and pastel pinks (pictured here, très jolie!).

Have you heard about Sothys February Promotion Box, which includes their gentle eye and lip Make-up Remover, Complexion Perfector (an ultra-soft texture with a matte finish, covers and reduces the appearance of large pores), and a FREE Volumizing Mascara for only $74 (this is not a part of the Valentine’s Day Special, but would certainly be a wonderful addition to your thoughtful gift!).  A great gift for those Valentine’s (or just because!) date nights!

The Valentine’s Day Special is the perfect way to say “I Love You” to the special people in your life, and is a steal for only $85!  BUT you need to reserve yours by February 10th in order for everything to be ready to pick up at the salon (or have it delivered for extra charge), so be sure to reserve yours online, or call, email, or visit us soon!

And, to show our appreciation of your feedback and support, if you mention this blog post the next time you are in, you will receive a FREE Sothys Gift of Beauty Sample Pack–including the Complexion Perfector and the Nutritive Comfort Cream–and a one-time $5 Gift Certificate!  We love getting online feedback and support from all you, so this is our way of thanking you for helping us to provide you with the best possible experience!

Bisous,

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Meet Lindsay, New Esthetician and Waxing Specialist

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

IMG_0005_FIt is my great pleasure to introduce our newest member at A French Touch, Lindsay!  She has come home to the Central Coast after a few years working as an esthetician (trained in Sothys and Jan Marini for all of our facials!) and waxing expert in Texas, and is very excited to share her expertise with us.  So, to celebrate her joining A French Touch and the addition of several new Bikini and Brazilian waxing services to our menu, we are going to debunk the myths of waxing, talk a bit more about our new waxing services, and get to know Lindsay!

How did you find A French Touch and what made you want to work here?

Lindsay:  Well, Patricia and my mom used to work together and shared a lot of the same clients, so I knew her for years while I was growing up.  So when I moved back to SLO County, I got in touch with Patricia and I am so glad I did!  I love the product lines and the atmosphere here, and of course Patricia and everyone else is wonderful.

Anyone special in your life?

carnationLindsay:  Lola, my English bulldog.  She’s adorable, when she’s not snoring or chewing on something she shouldn’t be!  She loves to go for walks on the beach and hikes up Madonna.

Okay, let’s get down to business.  What are the new waxing services that you’ll be offering at A French Touch?

Lindsay:  Here is the new complete list of all of our Gentle Waxing Services:

  • Brow Design  $25
  • orchidBrow Maintenance  $20
  • Lip or Chin  $15
  • Brow and Lip  $32
  • Full Face  $50
  • Arm  $45
  • Half Arm  $35
  • Underarm  $25
  • Full Leg  $65
  • rosesHalf Leg  $45
  • Back  $65
  • Bikini Line  $30-40
  • Partial Brazilian $55
  • Full Brazilian  $65
  • Brazilian, Tummy, and  Derrière  $90

The last three options are new to A French Touch.  Could you go in depth on what those services include?

Lindsay:  Well let’s start with the Bikini wax, and build from there; this service removes any hair that would show outside of a bathing suit bottom.  The Partial Brazilian removes this, along with as little or as much off the front as you’d like.  The Full Brazilian will include bikini line, front (again, as little or as much as you want), and a bottom strip (removal of the hair between the cheeks).  The Brazilian, Tummy and Derrière wax would include all of the above, along with the tummy strip (right around your belly button) and full bottom hair removal. 

The Big Question: Does waxing hurt?

waxingLindsay:  Yes, but not in the horrible, unbearable way most people think!  The first time you wax you will be the most sensitive, but the next time gets a little better, then even better the next time after that.  We will be using hard wax for our body waxing services, which is gentler because it is allowed to cool completely before removal, so it doesn’t grip the skin like soft wax.  There is no bandaid-like ripping effect; this wax is so gentle that we could wax the same area three times in a row with no irritation to the skin.  In all of the time that I have been an esthetician, I have never had a client leave in the middle of a waxing service.  It only lasts the second that it takes to pull up the wax, and after that most people don’t experience sensitivity for more than a day.  

What are the benefits of waxing, rather than shaving or using a “Nair”-type product?

waxing3Lindsay:  Waxing removes the hair from the follicle completely, whereas a razor or hair removal cream will only remove the exposed part of the hair.  Think of it like this: imagine that each hair is like a tree.  The older the tree and the longer the roots are left alive, the thicker and tougher it becomes.  But if you pull up the entire tree, roots and all, you’ll have to start all over with a sapling, which will not only take longer to grow back, but will be much smaller and easier to manage.  This is why waxing becomes less painful over time, because the hair becomes finer and it doesn’t irritate the skin nearly as much as removing a bunch of coarse hair.  Shaving and hair removal creams not only cause burns and long-lasting irritations, but they encourage more rapid hair growth and coarser hair overall.  Also, after shaving or using a hair removal cream, you’ll often need to shave again in a day or two; waxing will keep you soft and smooth for much much longer!

How long does it take for hair to grow back, exactly?

Lindsay:  About two weeks after your service, you might notice a tiny bit of hair growing in.  Three weeks will show a little more, and by the end of the fourth week most people are ready to come in for another service.  We agree, and recommend about three to four weeks in between your visits at A French Touch (perfect for spacing out your facials, too, c’est parfait!).

waxing4When can I come in for a wax?

Lindsay:  Well, first of all you can call or go online to make an appointment anytime!  But with regard to hair length, most women will need to come in about two weeks after they stop shaving; this will ensure that the hair is long enough that we are able to remove as much of it as possible.

When can’t I wax?

Lindsay:  If you have recently experienced a sunburn, razor burn, breakout, or you are diabetic, you should check with your dermatologist first.  Also, if you currently use a prescription given to you by your dermatologist, you should ask them before waxing.  Finally, you’ll want to discontinue use of Retinol and/or Glycolic products from Jan Marini or Sothys on the areas to be waxed for one week prior to your appointment (if you aren’t sure about some of your products, call us!).

Don’t Let the Winter Chill Dry Out Your Skin

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

woman-with-winter-skin-in-snowEven though the words “winter chill” might only mean 60 and overcast here on the beautiful Central Coast (while the rest of the country is under several feet of snow, no less!), colder weather and drier air is here, which could wreak havoc on your skin. The dry air literally zaps all of the moisture out of your skin that we get from natural oils, products, and even the humidity that is more prominent during the rest of the year, and can leave your skin looking and feeling parched and chapped.  Jan Marini recently shared an article about dry skin in which Sarasota, FL, dermatologist Elizabeth F. Callahan, MD, said “Treatment for dry skin needs to Jan_Marini_Rejuvenate_and_Protectrestore moisture to the epidermal barrier so it can properly hold water in and allow the skin to heal.”  A well-known celebrity aesthetician, Nerida Joy, also advises, “Dry skin needs to be treated with a hyaluronic acid serum and a vitamin C serum. Hyaluronic acid helps to coat the cells with moisture, and vitamin C acts as a skin protector. It’s also really good for those with sun damage since it provides antioxidant benefits, too.” This is why our Rejuvenate and Protect Kit, which contains Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 OR Antioxidant Daily Protectant SPF 33, C-Esta Serum, and C-Esta Cleanser (your FREE gift with purchase), comes out in Winter.  Check out these simple tips that can be easily added to your daily skin care regimen to protect your skin during these dry months!

1.  Avoid Hot Water.

Using hot water to wash your face actually does more damage than good; the heat sucks the moisture out of your skin, and leaves you with a dry, nonabsorbent canvas for the rest of your products.  Instead, use cool, room-temperature, or lukewarm water with your cleanser after (not in!) the shower.  The lower temperature will help your skin absorb moisture, rather than encourage evaporation and exaggerate capillary and Rosacea damage,  so that there’s a bit of moisture there already for your moisturizer to lock in.

sponge on face

2.  Remember the Sponge Metaphor!

This (as many of us know!) is one of Patricia’s favorite metaphors when it comes to caring for your skin!  Imagine that you’ve spilled something over your counter top (most likely a Peppermint Mocha, in my case!), and you grab a sponge to clean it up.  Now, a dry sponge will absorb some of the mess, but probably not a lot of it.  A pre-moistened sponge, however, will be much better at absorbing what is left of your delicious Mocha, simply because it’s already damp.  Our skin works the same way; when our skin is dry, it doesn’t absorb nearly as much of our lotions and creams as when it is moisturized and healthy.  Keeping your skin adequately moisturized will not only help you maintain a fresh, healthy look but help the rest of your products penetrate more deeply.  Moisturized skin is also better able to fight the formation of wrinkles and expression lines, while dry skin has weaker support and therefore wrinkles more, and has a weaker moisture barrier. 

3.  Use a Good Cleanser.

sothys

 Sothys Milk Cleansers are the best to use when it comes to maintaining a moisturized healthy look.  These gentle products don’t strip the skin of natural oils but still remove dirt and buildup from your skin.  Also remember to NEVER use plain old soap; regular soap will suck the life right out of your skin and limit the ability for it to absorb other products (talk about looking like a dried out sponge!).

4.  Use Toner.

Toner is a French secret that is still largely undiscovered by American culture; this super-moisturizing lotion is the perfect step to add to your skin care routine, right after your cleanser and right before your moisturizer.  The French actually use toners (just a dab on a small sponge or cotton pad will do), rather than water, to wash off their cleansers because it moisturizes the skin so much more; and the more moisture is actually in your skin (be it from naturally produced oils or a Sothys Toner), the better your moisturizer will work, because it will lock in that moisture and keep your skin looking fresh and youthful.  And remember that Sothys toners are alcohol-free- a MUST with any toner!  And, like most of Sothys skincare, paraben-free to boot!

5.  Use Sun Protection!

According to Allure Magazine, “Even in the winter, UV rays can interfere with skin-barrier function and prevent skin from holding on to moisture.  Use a lotion with SPF 30 or higher every morning and carry a sunscreen powder, such as Colorescience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush (SPF 50), for touch-ups.”   Our Jan Marini Antioxidant Daily Protectants, available in our Rejuvenate and Protect Bundles and on special this month, are the perfect product for your morning sun block, or the perfect alternative if you prefer an elegant cream sunscreen to a lighter weight powder.

6.  Come Visit Us at A French Touch!

kit hiverFor the rest of January, our Sothys Milk Cleansers and Toners are on sale; receive double the quantity for the price of the smaller bottles. Such a great way to keep your skin soft and silky during the cold weather, and all year long!

We are also offering a Sothys Winter Hydration Sample Kit, complete with a few of their most nutritive moisturizing products, for $25 to keep your skin hydrated and healthy no matter what the weather. It includes Nutritive Comfort Cream (moisturizing facial care), Hydra-nourishing Body Lotion (moisturizing body care), Essential Lipid Elixir (softens and enhances moisture barrier), and Velvet Hand Cream (velvety-smooth nourishment for your hands).

Finally, make sure you are wearing your Colorescience or Jan Marini sunscreen daily, and look into the Rejuvenate and Protect Bundle from Jan Marini, which is on special this month; $130 (about $40 off!) for Marini Physical Protectant SPF 45 OR Antioxidant Daily Protectant SPF 33 (your choice!), C-Esta Serum, and C-Esta Cleanser for a healthy dose of Vitamin C.

No matter what the weather this winter, remember that keeping your skin hydrated is the most fundamental step in maintaining healthy looking skin and helping your other skin care products penetrate more deeply all year round; don’t lose that winter glow just because the weather outside is frightful! (Or just 60 and overcast, but you know what I mean!)

Bisous,

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Tirer des Rois: Bonne Année from A French Touch

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

I hope you all enjoyed a very merry Holiday season with your friends and families, and had fun welcoming in the New Year!  I have always loved that, regardless of what troubles or triumphs anyone might be going through, our loved ones all manage to unite to celebrate the years we’ve been able to spend together.  So, to inspire us all to continue to celebrate 2014, I thought I’d share a popular French New Year’s tradition that carries on through the whole month of January!

Galette-des-roisAs early as the Fall of the Roman Empire, and all the way to the present, the French have kept the tradition of “Tirer les Rois” (meaning, “To Find the King”) alive to mark the beginning of each new year.  The tradition of becoming roi pour un jour is based on the idea of reversing roles with ones servants for a day throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance; the Aristocratic Lord would host a party for his servants, and honor one of them with the privilege of being treated as royalty for a day.  This tradition has also evolved to symbolize the celebration of the New Year and the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Wise men (Magi).  

tirer les roisFor centuries, the French have gathered with their friends and family  in early January pour tirer les rois, to find the king, in the specially-made cake used for this celebration.  A small plastic or porcelain lucky charm,  la fève (in the shape of a little king, a cow, or whatever little trinket the family has saved for the occaision), is baked into the cake which is then cut so that each person attending gets one slice.  The youngest person in the room then gets to dictate the order in which everyone else gets to select and eat the next slice (the youngest person was traditionally believed to be the most innocent (which many of you with kids might be suspicious of now!), and therefore most  fair in the distribution of the slices and luck.  Whoever finds la fève in their slice of galette wins the honor of being the King for the day, and wearing a royal paper crown to show it!  A few days later or the following weekend, the King hosts another party with the same group of friends and family, and they play all over again throughout the month of January.

La fèveWhat a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones beyond a few days around Christmas and New Year’s, and what better way to celebrate than over some delicious French cakes and pastries!

Bonne Année, mes amis, and we will see you soon!

Bisous,

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Words of Wisdom: Makeup with Michael and Colorescience

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

We had so much fun with Colorescience Makeup Expert Michael McCarthy yesterday!  Miss out on an appointment of your own?  Try out these tips and tricks until he comes back!

imageOn the necessity of primer: “Any makeup you ever apply is only going to react to what that surface is…Our bare skin just isn’t the best canvas as far as makeup texture and longevity.” 

Colorescience Eye Camouflage should be used to prep for concealer around the eyes (to brighten dark circles) and works great as an eyelid primer to hold your eye shadow in place.  When applying shadow, make sure to start at the outside corner and use a rolling motion.  For eyeliner and darker eye shadow, apply from the outer corner and stop at the inner end of your iris; this ensures that the makeup will not draw your eyes closer together.

Contouring isn’t really blush, we’re contouring and bringing out the shape and structure of the face.  

imageAs for the finishing touches, apply your favorite shade of Lip Polish once daily, then use a complimentary Lip Shine to touch up.  “The goal,” Michael tells us, “is to do a lot of perfecting with your makeup, but not lose the look of bare skin, and that’s really the illusion we’re going for.”

The sheer natural look possible with Colorescience all-natural mineral makeup is exactly what we (and you!) like about it!  Here are a few comments from Michael’s clients:

“I like the coverage, personally, and that’s what I was looking for.”  

image“I feel fabulous, and anybody who knows me knows that’s exactly the way I like to feel!”  

“I really like the feel of it.”  

“I think my skin looks great!”

Thank you to everyone who was able to come visit Michael at A French Touch, and we hope you’re all able to swing by next time!

Bisous,

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Sothys Anti-Aging: Grade 4

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Bonjour, Mes Amis!

Here we go, the final and most intensive stage of Sothys’ Age Defying Grade System, Grade Four!

Grade Four is designed to target advanced symptoms of aging skin, surpassing those of the 30- to 50-somethings we’ve discussed so far.  In addition to deeper wrinkles and permanent expression lines, Grade Four also targets the loss of density, radiance, strength, and ability to retain moisture that skin incurs as we age.

grade4serumThe Grade Four Serum is designed with:

– H2CR Complex: improves cellular health and strength, leaving your skin healthier, more radient, and better able to resist symptoms of aging

– Flax Complex with Rice Nutripeptides: nourishes skin cells with omega 3 and 6, sugars, and peptides to strengthen cells, and firm and reinforce skin’s natural, youthful structure

– Rye Seed Extract; stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis, which firms the skin while filling and smoothing wrinkles, which rejuvenates and reveals the essence of youthful skin

grade4creamThese active ingredients work along side those in the Grade Four Cream, which work to increase cell metabolism, strength, life, and the skin’s overall radiance and youthful glow.  The stars on the Grade Four Cream’s ingredient list include:

– Candle Brush Extract: protects skin cells by acting as an anti-free radic

– Tetrapeptides: strengthens cells and protects them against wrinkling and forming lines

– Alfalfa Extract: acts to fortify the structure and strength of cells by inhibiting the breakdown of collagen and elastin in the skin

– Myrtle Extract: extends cell life, to retain the strong cells and strengthened structure of the skin

youthful skin

– Lupine Peptides: nourish and regenerate cells to reveal the natural beauty of the skin

And there you have it, mes amis!  Sothys’ Grade System is one of the most effective and comprehensive anti-aging regimens available, and A French Touch is proud to offer you specialized skin care products that cater to your specific needs.  So please, the next time you stop by the salon, set up an appointment to talk to Patricia about which Grade is perfect for you.

Alors, Bon week-end!

Bisous,

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