Wordless Wednesday

Black. Nails.

Ashlie's Aesthetic

Makeup

I'm constantly checking social media for different makeup inspiration to come up with new techniques or just something new to try. I love seeing all the different things that people are doing out there but there is one thing that always catches my attention and that's special effects makeup. It can be simple and sweet or it can be gory and intense. It's really cool to see what all the amazing artists out there come up with.

They're not your everyday look but they're equally as beautiful and amazing. Takes a nice steady hand and the right product to create these looks but the end result is so worth it. As someone who is into comic con, videogames, comic books etc... these looks always intrigue me and it's awesome to see the different looks come to life!!!

-Ashlie

Ashlie's Aesthetic

Nail Hack

One thing I've come to love the look of is matte nails. I never really did them on myself but loved the way they looked on everyone else. There was one problem though that was brought to my attention from my clients.... it dented, marked really easy and just didn't last like other top coats did. Well I have found a solution!

Now that I have longer nails and enjoy painting them and love the look of matte nails, I had to find a way to make it last. I've experimented on a couple different colours and different types of polish as well and all have the same results! They last up until I decide to change the colour and they look just as good as the first day that I painted them. I've even tried to dent them myself by pressing one of my other nails into it, scratched them and the durability just seems better all around with my little trick!

So what you need to do is...

1. Apply your base coat to all your nails
2. Choose your favourite colour(s) and apply 2 coats
3. Before I apply the matte top coat, I apply Seche Vite top coat; I've also tried different top coats to see if I could get the same results and they work. Just a preference to use Seche Vite (also the added bonus of helping your nails dry quicker is always nice)
4. Now is when you add your choice of matte top coat over top the previous top coat

Hope this helps! Happy painting ^_^

-Ashlie

Ashlie's Aesthetic

Valentines Day Nails

Keeping this weeks post simple and sweet and giving you some inspiration to get your Valentine's Day nails done!

Ashlie's Aesthetic

Price Concerns

There's an article that I recently read about different nail salons in the city that violate health violations and it got me thinking about how people are always asking about my price points being so high for services...

To maintain proper sanitation, disinfection and sterilization of all the implements we use on a daily basis costs money. There are certain products we use on clients that are 'one time' use, so we need to keep replenishing to keep it safe to use.

Clients also say that they can find the same services for cheaper somewhere else.... Well there's a reason why those other nail salons are cheaper; they're cutting costs somewhere and that's usually on their disinfection/sterilization process and also the quality of service. Yes, they're able to afford to give you a mani & a pedi for a cheaper price but you're going to be rushed out of the salon a lot faster.  You may not have the same technician who started your service that is going to finish the service but at the same time, do you know if they've actually cleaned the implements that they're using on you or the pedicure tub that you're soaking in? It's scary to think of this because you can run into different types of infections or rashes that only a specialist can help treat and that also puts a stop on the services you can get until the infection clears up.

We spend a good chunk of change to go get educated in this industry, to understand proper sterilization, to have the proper knowledge to provide great services and to get our licenses to safely practice in the field. So my advice to you is just be aware of why certain salons charge more, it's for your benefit!

-Ashlie

Here's the article that got me thinking:

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/iteam/not-pretty-health-violations-in-manitoba-nail-salons-go-unreported-1.3400312

Ashlie's Aesthetic

What to look forward to in nail art 2016....

Some of the manicure trends in 2015 I couldn't get on board with....bubble nails, duck feet nails, and flip manicures. But I did really enjoy seeing all the 3D nail art and even the stiletto nails. So what does 2016 have to offer the nail industry....

(Flip Manicure)

Shattered Glass Nails

This trend started in South Korea and it's just b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l.! It looks gorgeous on both light and dark polish and it's easy enough to do! This funky trend can be done to every nail if you want or use them as an accent nail to jazz up that fresh manicure. Aluminum foil gives the nails a bolder look, while iridescent cellophane gives the nails a multitude of colors that it picks up from the polish and the lighting. Want more nailspiration?? Check out nail_unistella on instagram, unique and gorgeous nail art and the owner is the creator of this fantastic manicure trend.

If you're going to do a DIY, I recommend cutting the iridescent cellophane or thin aluminum foil before you get started and make a variety of sizes. (there are also stickers you can purchase to make it even easier)

• Apply base coat to nails
• Choose your favorite polish and apply 2 coats to nails
• Apply top coat and let dry until tacky
• Using tweezers, place the pieces you've already cut to the nail and lightly press every corner onto the nail and place as many or little as you want! Try keeping the perimeter of the nail free of the cellophane for a cleaner look.
• Apply top coat to nails once again (multiple coats may be needed)

-Ashlie