Renée's Aesthetic

KNITS & LEATHER

These happen to be two of my favourite textures. Pairing a knit top with a leather bottom (or vice versa), will make you feel like you've just stepped out of the most recent issue of VOGUE. The simplicity of this style, not only seems, but is pretty much effortless. Investing in quality pieces like the ones below, will benefit your wardrobe in a million ways. I must admit, I love shopping at my local thrift stores but I have also come to appreciate the value in a quality made clothing item. They're like a piece of art. If you take care of it, it'll last you forever.

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

NAIL ART

the simple & understated.

Nail art is becoming more and more popular every day.  A manicure with one colour will ALWAYS be in style, but fortunately we have a ton more freedom to express creativity with nail art design.  I wanted to show a few pictures for us folks who want to bridge the gap between classic and outrageous polish.  A happy-medium in the nail art world can mean something as easy as a few contrasting colours, clean lines and simple shapes.

Just a thin outer edge really brings these two contrasting colours together to create high fashion nails.

Rather than the classic french manicure, why not try it with different colours and put the tip on the side?  I really love this, plus anyone could pull it off.

Instead of having a busy polka-dotted nail, try a more subdued version like this one.  Simply take a flat polish and pair with a glossy version in the same tone, and voila!

Colour-blocked nails have become wildly popular.  To replicate a version similar to this one, just choose two very soft/pastel colours and pair them with one bold polish.  That will give your nails that extra punch.

-né

Renée's Aesthetic

PERMANENT POLISH     ...the long-lasting manicure Hey lovelies!

Going on my 6th year as an esthetician in the beauty industry, I've definitely had the experience figuring out the best products and services for my clients.  I've been a huge advocate for Gel Polish/Shellac since it has originally been launched.  A lot of my clients simply want to enhance what they have, so this is the perfect product.  We, as industry professionals, and clients as well have to understand that nothing is permanent.  This product (whether it be OPI, CND, LCN etc.) is fantastic, but may not be for everyone.

There are a ton of factors to take into consideration when it comes to our nails.  For example: stress, damaged nail beds, proper application, wear and tear, climate, oily nail beds, and at home maintenance to name a few...  These can ALL play a role in the game of "well-being" for our nails.  So here are a few pros, cons, tips and tricks from myself, to hopefully help all of you out there have a more thorough understanding of the "go-to manicure-permanent polish."  It is always better to be educated about any product or service you're about to receive.

Pros

• Can last up to 3 weeks (new application recommended after 2 weeks)
• Great color selection!
• Stays shiny and color true the entire time
• Does not damage your nails (as long as you DO NOT pick them off yourself)
• Looks natural (goes over top your natural nail, no nail enhancements)
• No drying time, dry as soon as the service is done!
• No damage (if properly maintained throughout and after)

Cons

• Time spent (removal 20 minutes, application 30-45 minutes every 2-3 weeks)
• Cost, $10-$20 more than a regular manicure (dependent on removal or not)
• Can possibly peel, chip or lift if not careful
• Doesn't last the anticipated 2-3 weeks (see above comment)
• Possible nail damage (if you do not get them soaked off professionally)
• Drying (if not properly maintained throughout and after application)

Tips

• Permanent polish/shellac is best suited for clients who want to maintain a natural looking nail using a product that lasts longer than regular nail polish.
• Most permanent polish products are not well suited to clients who have extremely damaged nail beds, splitting, peeling, or brittle nails.
• WEAR GLOVES, at all times.  If you are doing dishes, cleaning the house, gardening etc, gloves are a crucial item that can help ANY manicure last longer.
• DON'T pick.  I know it's hard, but trust me, picking will only encourage chipping/lifting.
• Have an honest, open relationship with your esthetician.  This way, the two of you can figure out the best course of action for your future nail goals :)
• Apply cuticle oil everyday, even with the gel polish on, around your cuticle and directly under your free edge.  This will help prevent drying.
• Get them professionally done/removed, always.  There's a reason why we went to school to learn about these services and products.  We truly care about the end result and the well-being of your body.
• The harder you are on your hands, the more chance of it not lasting. (But heck, 2 weeks without a chip is way better than any time I've had regular polish on...)

Hope this helps!

-né

Freshair Boutique's hair trends for 2013

It's a new year and therefore, time for some new hair?  Everyone wants to know what the new trends are anticipating that they will be able to partake in something exciting. Last year I can think of three main trends.  Ombré, long thick bangs, and top knots.  We will still be seeing these looks but just modified a bit.  Winnipeg is not the hot spot for trend setting but when we are comfortable with a look we will rock it (even though it may be 6-12 months behind).  It's okay 'Peg city, at least we try right?

This season look for short blunt bangs.

Ombré will be modified to fade to unnatural colors, similar to last year, but also full heads of unnatural colors as well.

At the shop the trends are a bit different.  We've been doing the pink and the violet thing, and are starting to grow out the fringe area for a more a nineties bang.  We call it the nineties flip.  I love this look because it's so versatile and can work on most hair types.

Stay tuned for some more looks as the trends roll out till the spring.  By the spring time I hope that you may have found a little something to try!  Chat with your stylist about what trend might suit your hairs!

Peace

Renée's Aesthetic

I admit, it is a blast to get caught up in all the glory of the holidays.  We want to purchase new outfits, get our hair done, try new makeup techniques etc.  Although, I truly believe sometimes simple is best.  Don't get me wrong, get out there experiment (I FULLY encourage it) but perhaps when time is a little more forgiving.  We, as women are beautiful  to begin with.  So why don't we bring it back down to earth, and let that inner beauty shine.  A few simple touches on the outside is all it takes ladies (classic black liner, a pop of color on the lid, bright/bold lips, or some gold shimmer).  Don't be scared to showcase your natural self.  No one else out there can do it except for you.  Here's a handful of inspirational/breath-taking photos of some stunning women.

So why don't you join me this holiday season, for some LAID BACK BEAUTY.

-né

the fresh perspective...

Going gracefully PART 1 -The conversation- So the day has finally arrived.  You are going to let your grey come in and just 'see' if you like it or not.  You're just a bit curious to see what you'll look like.  Also, you're tired of coloring every month.  Whether you do it yourself, or pay someone to do it, you're done.  So how do you do it?  Well people, let's get to it...

I believe, and most of you know, it starts with a conversation with your stylist.  Then it will be an appointment to start the color process of going lighter, then it's the cuts, and then it's your homework.  After those four steps you should be on a path to no coloring bliss or at least fully grey.  Now this all depends if your locks are short or long.  This depends if your hair is thick or thin.  This also depends on the state of your hair.  Are you curly or not so much?  All of these factors will come into play while your going through the steps.

It will be a conversation to tell your stylist what you want and then they can tell you if it's possible and if so, how to get there.  The conversation is very important because this will determine what happens next.  You need to realize that whatever plan your guy/girl sets out for you will only go as far as you allow it.  If you break down and throw some color on your hair during the process you will make it harder on your stylist and most importantly yourself.

Why do you want to be grey? Start there.  I feel like most of us want to do it because we are tired of coloring.  So fine.  You stop coloring your hair and you are now grey.  Your problem won't be solved overnight if you aren't prepared to start DOING your hair.  If you let the grey come in then I believe that a good time to start looking for a really good cut would be now.  Grey hair that is cut and styled nicely is quite stunning.

This conversation should cover all areas.  Your hair might be more coarse so you'll need to change your products.  Depending on the type of cut and style, you might eliminate hot tools all together.  Maybe you can GROW your hair now that you're not coloring?  Don't ask for other people's opinions on what you should do.  You and your stylist should decide.  Trust me, if you let your grey come in and you just neglect the cutting and styling part you will appear to be lazy and unmotivated.  Your friends and family will urge you to color your hair again.  If you're going to commit to letting the grey come in then you need to really buckle down, focus, and put the work in.

While your deciding, look around you and take note of the folks with greys that you see.  The ones you like will be the ones who have found the cut and style for them.  Maybe that sleek bob or that short shag.  It's all going to depend on what you think you might like.  After you and your stylist get it all out then you can figure out what method would be best.  This depends on where your majority of grey is.  Temples? Part line?

In the next Going gracefully we'll chat about the coloring process.  I urge you to get friendly with your stylist and if he/she tries to talk you out of it, let them know how serious you are in going grey.  If they still aren't being supportive then it's time to find a new stylist.  Yeah, I said it.  That's the fresh perspective...

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