Answers to the Facial Questions You're Afraid to Ask

The ultimate facial experience is filled with smells, sounds, products, dim lighting, and massage techniques to ensure optimal relaxation. What happens when we can’t shut out our thoughts, when we need to speak up but don’t want to stop the service? You’re not alone, it even happens to us! Here are a few thoughts we’ve all had, and some advice on how to approach the situation.

“I need to use the bathroom, but don’t want to interrupt.”

We want you to enjoy your service and want you to be able to relax. Always let us know if you need a bathroom break, so you can return and finish your facial comfortably.

“Did I just fall asleep?”

This happens to almost everyone! Dozing off during your facial is the ultimate compliment! We want to make sure you are completely relaxed during this process.

“Am I supposed to talk? I want to know what products she is using, but I also want to relax.”

Upon arriving, you will fill out a facial form that will assist us in choosing the proper products for your skin type. Before beginning the service we will ask a few questions, and a brief explanation of products will be discussed. Following your facial, we will discuss products, and recommendations that best suit your needs.

“Can she tell I’m terrible at sticking with a skin care routine?”

Not necessarily, but please realize that we want what’s best for you and your skin! Being open and honest about your routine will help us in guiding you toward a beneficial direction. These are some questions we would typically ask:

How much time are you willing to give to a skin care routine?

Are you more likely to reach for a wipe than a cleanser?

What products are you currently using?

Would you say you are dry, oily, or combination? 

Would you say you have sensitive skin?

“This product is itching/burning/uncomfortable but maybe it is normal....”

If you are feeling any discomfort please let us know! If a product has any tingle sensation, or is a peel of some sort, we will give you a heads up. Everyone’s skin is different, and will react in a million different ways, we want to make sure you are protected and at ease. 

“I am feeling a little claustrophobic in this bed, deep breaths deep breaths....”

Our beds are set up to be a warm, luxurious, and cozy. Sometimes the bedding can feel heavy, and the warmth can be overwhelming. If this is the case with you, we would gladly reduce the temperature, and remove some layers so you can fully relax.

“I hope she does something about these blackheads, I’m so embarrassed.”

Don’t be, we feel your pain! If you want us to extract, let us know! There are products that are meant to soften buildup, along with steam, for easier removal without damaging the skin.

“I wonder how often I need to get a facial.”

This will depend on your skin type, and what our end goal is. If you have no issues, and you are just doing seasonal maintenance, 4-6 times a year would suffice. These sessions would be to make sure you are still using the proper products, and to remove any cell buildup to prepare for the upcoming season.

If you are trying to reverse damage, or trying to treat an issue such as acne, rosacea, eczema, etc. we will set up a realistic service plan to receive optimal results.

We suggest that you set an intention for your facial time. Think about what you need from this service. Do you need education on products? Are you here to relax? Whatever your need, we are happy to help. Tell us your intention, so we can work together! Once we have that figured out, please relax and enjoy your facial.

Here are a few ways to relax the mind and body:

-Place one hand on your heart, and the other on your stomach. Take deep breaths, in for 4 seconds, and out for 4 seconds, reminding yourself that this is a time to rest, and de-stress. 

-Flex your entire body starting at your toes, moving upwards. Flex, and relax, then move to the next muscle. Take your time, and imagine your body relaxing after each flex. Once you have completed, your body will feel lighter, and at ease.

-Do a quick meditation. Take a couple of minutes to tell yourself you deserve this, because you do!

A Cleanser For All Skin Types!

FOR ALL SKIN TYPES:

The Essential line is Comfort Zone's core product lineup for achieving great everyday skin and the cleansers in this line are also perfect for make-up removal and exfoliation. Below are three of the cleansers from the Essential line and to get started, let's go with something to get that makeup off!

Essential Micellar Water (pictured below) is a multi-active water for cleansing face, eyes and lips in a single gesture. Fresh, light and extremely delicate, it removes make-up, clears the pores and purifies without the need for rinsing.

Suggested for everyone, especially for those who desire a multi-functional step in one gentle gesture. Suited to hot and cold climates.  

HOW TO USE: Use every morning and evening.

Face and lips: apply the product to cotton pads and remove make-up with circular movements. 

Eyes: apply the product to cotton pads, place on the eyes and leave to act for a few seconds,
and then proceed with removal without outward movements. 

For cleansing: for deep cleansing, especially for the removal of heavy make-up, the product can be used as a second step after the cleansing milk, ensuring the complete removal of all make-up and impurities, leaving a sensation of freshness. The application can be repeated until the skin is completely clean, and if desired, the face can be rinsed with warm water.

FOR NORMAL SKIN TYPES:

Essential Milk Cleanser (pictured below) is a creamy milk cleanser with silkening action for daily use, for all skins. It removes all impurities and make-up, respecting the skin’s equilibrium and restoring its natural luminosity. Suggested for both hot and cold climates. 

HOW TO USE: Use every day for all skin types, apply to dry skin, massage with circular movements. Remove with warm water.

Essential Face Wash (pictured below) is a creamy-foam cleanser for complete removal of impurities and make-up, respecting the skin’s equilibrium and restoring its natural luminosity. With an active ingredient called Betaine, a natural extract derived from sugar beets, it contains polar molecules that bind to your skin helping retain moisture.

This cleanser is particularly suited to young, normal and combination skins and for those who are not especially sensitive or dehydrated. Ideal in hot, humid climates.

HOW TO USE: Use every morning and evening, emulsify the product in your hands with water to create a soft foam. Massage into the skin, avoiding the eyes, and then remove with warm water.

FOR OILY SKIN:

Active Pureness Gel (pictured below) is a cleansing gel with exfoliating action that purifies and normalizes oily, acne-prone skin. Thanks to the presence of purifying actives, the gel deeply cleanses the epidermis and clears the pores. Recommended for male skins and in hot, humid climates.

HOW TO USE: Apply to dry skin, massage delicately for a few seconds and then carefully rinse. Avoid the eye area. It is suitable to use under the shower on the areas of the body that are prone to impurities.

WARNINGS
The 3% percent of gluconolactone permits the use of this product in the summer months, but to ensure complete protection, it is recommended to apply an SPF cream afterwards.

FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:

Remedy Cream to Oil (pictured below) is fragrance-free and has an innovative texture that transforms during its use. The initial phase, which is creamy and easily massaged, mechanically removes the skin's impurities. The oily phase, which completes the cleansing, leaves the skin soft and velvety.

For skins which are sensitive, sensitized and prone to redness, this cream-to-oil is ideal for dry, dehydrated skins and harsh climates. 

HOW TO USE: The product is very concentrated and therefore only a small amount is required. Apply directly to dry skin and massage with circular movements to favor the transformation phase. Remove with warm water, avoiding contact with the eyes.

So there you have it! A quick overview of our new cleansers, aka the best place to start when it comes to getting serious about beautiful skin. Oh! And if you are looking for something to help with the exfoliation and removal of makeup, you have to have Jane Iredale's Magic Mitt, available at Crown Beauty Bar!

Over the next few weeks, we'll be introducing you to more of Comfort Zone lineup and we are confident you have never had skin care products this incredible available to you in Northwest Arkansas!

written by Crown esthetician/brow artist, Mady Casteel.

5 Reasons You Need a Facial!

post written by Hannah Simpson, Crown Beauty Bar Esthetician and Lash Tech.

Facials can seem like a luxury. A comfy bed, a relaxing massage, soft music playing. But did you know that while all that is a luxury, a facial is the best way to balance your skin's natural composition. A facial is more than just letting someone else clean your skin. In this post, we'll give you 5 short reasons your skin needs a proper facial cleansing.

1. Cleaning is one thing but are you DEEP cleaning?

Seasonal maintenance is necessary to keep your skin balanced. The cold of winter and lack of humidity has it's effect on your skin's moisture and the sun's summer rays can damage your skin and have your skin generating TOO much oil. If you experience problems, monthly and/or bi-monthly treatments may be what you need to aid your body's largest organ in maintaining it's proper balance. A facial can clear out blocked pores by utilizing steam and effective product suited to your specific skin type. In other words, it does more than the "one-size-fits-all" cleanser you're buying at the grocery store.

2. Stop the pop!

We know, we know. It's irresistible but popping zits can lead to discoloration, tissue damage and even scarring. Hannah and Mady, both licensed estheticians at Crown Beauty Bar, have tools specifically designed for extracting surface level blemishes. Let us know you'd like an extraction done and we'll add an extra 10 minutes to your service.

Mady Casteel, Crown Beauty Bar esthetician and brow artist

3. It's not possible to do it all by yourself.

An esthetician knows every possible method for achieving the healthy face you've always wanted. Hannah and Mady will custom formulate a facial treatment to your skin's specific needs. Acne? Let's do high frequency treatments. Stressed out? We can give you the ultimate face, decollete, hand and arm massage. Pesky peach fuzz? Time for an epidermal leveling!

4. Maybe a break is what you need?

Having a professional pamper you in a setting away from the stress of the world is what your skin is actually needing. At Crown Beauty Bar, we set the scene with a paraffin hand treatment, aromatherapy, dim lights, a comfy bed, massage, soft music and an incredible product line. You come in and let us treat you to an interruption-free experience. When it's over, you just walk away and we'll do all the cleanup.

5. Prevention is the key to incredible skin.

No one thinks it'll happen to them. But over time, bad decisions, environmental factors and neglect will lead to bad skin. It's inevitable. Your esthetician can set you up on a routine that can not only protect, but reverse some of the adverse affects daily life can bring. Every skin type is different and it's constantly evolving as we age. Find an esthetician that you connect with and begin a routine that puts you on the path to beautiful skin.

Whether it's Crown Beauty Bar or somewhere else, we cannot stress the importance of staying ahead of bad skin and bad skin habits. Find trained professionals like Hannah and Mady and come see how rewarding a facial service can be.

Katherine Heigl's Beating the Signs of Aging

Beth Wischnia wrote up a little piece on Katherine Heigl's Hydropeptide go-to. Check it out! Katherine Heigl is more than an actress + producer — she’s also a mother to two adorable girls, wife to singer Josh Kelley, a huge animal lover and, perhaps most surprisingly, lives on a mountain in Utah.

Needless to say, the woman is busy and constantly on the go, which is something we all can relate to. Katherine runs out the door looking fabulous on the daily partly because she has her 10-minute morning routine down to a science. She gave us details on which products she starts her day with, and we bet you’ll adopt part of her program after reading this.

Katherine is a big fan of HydroPeptide skincare products, which are designed to combat the signs of aging. She’s also a firm believer in the importance of sun protection products. Even when she’s rushing to drop her kids off at the bus stop (by 6:55am!), she still makes time for her morning must-haves. “I will quickly wash my face with a HydroPeptide cleanser. I need good, deep cleansers. I get really oily skin, which is weird with the dry weather [in Utah], but my skin is confused,” she said. “Then I throw on the HydroPeptide tinted sunscreen that’s self-adjusting. It smoothes everything out and gives light coverage, but it’s perfect for me. I usually use a little cream blush to get a little color, otherwise I look a bit dead inside. And then big sunglasses — that’s it.”

To see Katherine's super cute pixie and read the rest of the article by Beth, click here.