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Skin Care

Sunday Edit | 10 Beauty Trend Predictions for 2023, According to Experts

December 23, 2022 by Ambrosia Hitchcock Leave a Comment

Just as with fashion, beauty trends come and go — and it always seems to be cyclical with the changing years. This is true in all areas of beauty — skincare, haircare, makeup, you name it. What’s in one year may very well be out in the next, or even within a handful of months, and much of this is determined by the seasons. 

We’re seeing trends come from makeup artists and amateur creators alike — and we have Instagram and TikTok to thank for that. It’s much easier for a certain trend to catch on and there always seems to be a new trend right behind it.

If you’re hoping to get ahead of the crowd and capitalize on beauty trends even before they’ve caught on with everyone else, here’s what beauty professionals believe will be most popular in 2023.

Filed Under: Article, Barber, Hair Care, Lifestyle, Makeup, Makeup, Nail Care, Skin Care, Stylist Tagged With: bangs, brow trends, brownie batter brunette, brownie brunette, brownie-brunette hair, brows, brunette, butter blonde, eyebrows, fillers, Gina Rivera, ginas platform, haircut, honey blonde, pamela anderson hair, shag, shaggy hair, skiiny eyebrows, skin barrier, skincare, warm blonde, warm honey blonde

Proper Nail and Cuticle Care: What You’re Probably Doing Wrong

October 1, 2021 by [email protected] Leave a Comment

Has all this handwashing got you thinking more about your nails and cuticle health? Makes sense. With so much focus on keeping our hands clean, many of us are noticing things we hadn’t before.

Even if you are someone who goes to the nail salon or paints their nails regularly, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re healthy. Though there’s nothing to say that proper nail care can’t also be fashionable. 

But before we launch into how to take care of your nails, here are a few fun facts that put their importance into perspective.

  • Your nails are made from the same material as your hair and the first layer of your skin called keratin.
  • It takes between four and six months to fully regrow your nail.
  • If you’re right-handed, the nails on that hand grow faster. (Same if you’re left-handed.)
  • Your nails can’t survive without blood.
  • You can get clues about your physical health from our nails, which should be spot-free, slightly pink, smoothe, non-peely, and mostly even in length.

Now on to basic fingernail care. Since they are made of keratin it’s probably no surprise that healthy nails and nail care looks a lot like healthy skin and hair care.

Wash and gently exfoliate your nails with a mild soap and an old toothbrush after you’ve erased leftover polish with a non-acetone remover.

Protect your nails by wearing gloves anytime you’re handling chemicals or doing dishes. Avoid digging under the nails with metal instruments, which can introduce bacteria.

Clip nails at least every two weeks in order to prevent chips, snags, and breakages.

Don’t bite your nails. Your mom was right. Biting your nails isn’t only a bad habit, it’s one that could make you sick, not to mention compromise the health of your fingertips. 

Clean your nail tools after every use. To keep your nails free of infection, they should be disinfected regularly.

Apply a base coat before polish. It helps strengthen the nail and protect it from being stained. Pro tip: you can apply a layer of gloss between each application to help protect tips and make them appear thicker.

Stay away from nail polishes with chemicals like dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene. They can dry out the nail bed and lead to brittle, split or cracked nails.

Limit UV exposure if you have acrylic nails or gel manicures. In other words, skip the drying device at the end of your nail appointment. If you can’t avoid it, wear an SPF of at least 30 and preferably 50.

Be careful when using press-on nails. The glue can be harsh on your actual nail. If you are going to use them, make sure your nail bed is completely dry before applying. 

Let nails rest between polishes. Your nails need to breathe. Make sure you give them a beat between salon trips and at-home painting sessions so they can literally catch their breath. 

Take your vitamins. You are what you eat–and so are your nails. Protein-rich foods like beans and fish as well as supplements like fish oil can help you maintain healthy nails and cuticles from the inside out.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause your nails to break and peel. Drinking the recommended 8-10 cups a day will help them grow long and strong. 

Watch for infections. The signs of infection are clear if you know what you’re looking for. Just like the rest of your body, redness, swelling, and pain all mean it’s time for action. To avoid nail fungal infections, take these signs seriously and see your doctor if you suspect something is brewing. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you care for your nails?

Some form of daily nail care is recommended, and at least weekly is advised.

Why should nails be kept clean?

Dirt and bacteria can cause infections at the cuticle level and prevent your nails from getting the oxygen they need to grow properly.

Should I file my nails daily?

Nails can be filed as often as needed to buff out rough edges. Try using a glass (also called crystal) nail file to avoid snagging.

Is pushing your cuticle back healthy?

Pushing your cuticles back isn’t recommended as it protects the nail matrix from bacteria and infection. All you need to do is keep them moisturized.

Knowing how to get healthy cuticles and nails isn’t always intuitive. But with a little TLC and some help from the experts, you can have healthy hands that appear younger and more vibrant.

Gina Rivera

Gina Rivera

Beauty Icon and Expert

Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

    Filed Under: Body Care, Nail Care, Skin Care

    A Better Natural Skincare Routine (and Skin) in 6 Easy Steps

    December 23, 2020 by [email protected] Leave a Comment

    Change your skincare routine, change your skin. That’s our motto at least. And believe us, it works.

    Sure, you need to invest in a quality product, but that doesn’t mean they have to be chock full of chemicals in order to work. In fact, simple natural skincare with everyday ingredients can be just as effective as designer brands, if not more.

    When you stop to consider just how powerful Mother Nature can be, is it really any surprise she has the ability to transform your skin, too?

    No matter whether you struggle with acne, have sun damage, or want to focus on anti-aging, there is a natural skincare routine for you.

    Start with these six skincare steps and build from there.

    What does “all-natural” mean?

    If you’re looking to implement a DIY skin routine but aren’t sure what constitutes “all-natural” you’re not alone.  Jennifer Chwalek, MD, a dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, explained the concept of natural skincare to Everyday Health.

    “The nontoxic or natural term suggests that the product is free from synthetic chemicals that may be linked to health problems or that many people get irritated by (or both)، including fragrance, dyes, and certain preservatives such as parabens.”

    Others just categorize all-natural products as anything “hypoallergenic.”

    But by all means, judge for yourself. Start by looking at the ingredient list of every product on your shelf. Don’t recognize every single one? No need to throw it out just yet.

    However, you do want to be on the lookout for certain additives. For instance, if you see parabens, phthalates, PEGs, SLS, or mineral oil listed, consider trading it out.

    All-natural cleansers

    All skin care routines, easy or involved, start with this all-important step. You might be surprised to learn that the ingredients you have in your pantry can be the best natural skincare.

    Coconut oil is a standout due to its non-comedogenic properties. In other words, it won’t clog your pores. All you need is a tub from the baking aisle heated to room temp and a warm washcloth. (The cooler it is, the more difficult it will be to pry from the bottle.) Smooth onto the face and rub in a circular motion. Then use your damp washcloth to remove. It’ll naturally take away dirt, oil, and impurities with it.

    All-natural toners

    Repeat after us, gly-col-ic-ac-id. It’s a fruit-based toner that doubles as a gentle exfoliant, a critical part of any complete skincare routine.  However, glycolic acid doesn’t play well with some harsher products or other acids. Many prefer the always-gentle witch-hazel or rose water toner. If you’re looking for a very cost-effective solution, try soaking a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar to help tone and cleanse.  

    All-natural exfoliants

    Removing dead skin cells isn’t just good for preventing breakouts. It’s also healthy for your skin.

    The trick is to do so gently without disrupting your skin’s natural biome. When building your route, start simply. Natural French clay provides a host of benefits like tightened pores, improved circulation, and decreased blackheads.

    100% Natural Calcium Bentonite Clay is another grocery store find that can change the way you care for your skin. Simply mix with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (are you seeing a theme?) and rinse after about 15 minutes or less for sensitive skin.

    Regular exfoliation is key but try not to do so more than about 2 times a week.

    All-natural masks

    Manuka honey is a medical-grade substance that’s been used to treat a variety of ailments from burns to germs for centuries. Its anti-bacterial properties make it the ideal addition to your regular skin routine.

    It’s unprocessed and unpasteurized. Meaning, that milky color, and thick consistency can deliver some serious vitamins and nutrients when applied as a facemask. Nourishing, hydrating, and luxurious, it’s totally worth the slightly increased price tag.

    All-natural serums

    If you use only one serum, make it a Vitamin C. Not all are totally natural, but brands like Mad-Hippie do a great job pairing the essential with the effective.

    All-natural moisturizers

    No natural beauty tip for your face is more important than choosing the right all-natural moisturizer. For some, you might choose a simple oil like rosehip seed. For others, you may want to get a thicker night cream. Just make sure to read all the ingredients carefully before you commit. 

    In the end, the best natural skincare routine is the one that prioritizes your skin’s individual composition. You may skew dry, run sensitive, or be in a constant battle with your concealer, but don’t give up. It may take some trial and error to find your perfect mix, or a little help from the professionals. In time, you’ll curate the ideal healthy skincare routine, regardless if it’s natural or not.

    Xoxo,

    Gina

    Get glowing by clicking the Skin Care tab on ginasplatform.com to find the best skin care salons in your area or use Gina’s Platform app to find an esthetician near you.

    Gina Rivera

    Gina Rivera

    Beauty Icon and Expert

    Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

      Filed Under: Lifestyle, Business, Skin Care Tagged With: natural cleansers, natural exfoliants, natural masks, natural moisturizers, natural serums, natural skin care, natural skincare, natural toners, skin care, skincare

      Get A Glowing Complexion With This At-Home DIY Facial

      December 15, 2020 by Mia Torti Leave a Comment

      Who says you need expensive products and facials to revamp your skin? While it is nice to treat yourself to these items, you can get a similar effect from the comfort of your home. 

      The seasons are continuing to change and that means your skin has to adjust to the climate. Wherever you are in the world, you may be feeling the wear and tear on your face and neck. Let’s give your skin a fresh drink of healing with an at-home DIY facial. Follow the steps below to revitalize your skin. 

      01. DUST OFF YOUR CANVAS

      Remove all of the makeup from your face, eyes, and lips using a wipe, micellar water, or your preferred choice of product. We love the OG wipes by Neutrogena. 

      Hot tip: if you are in a bind and out of makeup remover, petroleum jelly works like a charm to remove eye and lip makeup. Avoid from using on your face as it can clog your pores. 

      02. CLEANSE 

      It’s time to cleanse. Use your favorite face wash to clean out all of the impurities. Everyone’s skin is different so make sure you are using the right cleanser for your type. 

      Hot tip: Cleanser brushes can actually do more harm than good to your skin. They can hold dirt and grime in the bristles when not cleaned properly. Try a rubber cleansing pad to work in that product instead. 

      03. STEAM 

      No steamer, no problem. Simply boil water and transfer it into a bowl. Stay several inches away to avoid any harm to the skin.

      Hot tip: Sit with a blanket or towel over your head and the bowl like a fort to trap in the steam. 

      04. SCRUB 

      Once you have loosened the dead skin cells and oil plugs from your face, you can then exfoliate. This step will really remove all the grime from your face. You can’t go wrong with a St.Ives scrub that won’t break the bank. 

      05. MASK

      Next up is a mask to purify your skin, moisturize, sooth, and potentially tighten your pores now that the impurities are out. 

      06. TONE 

      Use a light toner to make sure any remaining products are removed from your skin. 

      07. EXTRAS

      This step is up to you and your skincare regimen. If you have eye creams and other special oils, this is the time to use them and spot treat. 

      08. MOISTURIZE 

      At the end of your facial, it’s time to put on your final product. Use a moisturizer to solidify all of your previous steps. If you don’t plan on leaving your house, you can apply a rejuvenating night cream to give it that extra oomph after your DIY facial. Our pick is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream. 

      Gina Rivera

      Gina Rivera

      Beauty Icon and Expert

      Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

        Filed Under: Lifestyle, Skin Care Tagged With: athome, diy, facial, facialathome, skin, skincare

        Signs Of An Unhealthy Scalp and What to Do About It

        December 1, 2020 by Noelle Sim Leave a Comment

        In the latest HUDABEAUTY post, Gina and other pros give advice on how to identify problems with your scalp and what you can do about it.

        The article covers most problems we might encounter in this often neglected area of our body, and gives recommendations on products and daily routines to help return our scalps to good health and foster hair growth.

        To read the full article, click here.

        Credit to: Wendy Gould

        Gina Rivera

        Gina Rivera

        Beauty Icon and Expert

        Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

          Filed Under: Business, Hair Care, Lifestyle, Skin Care Tagged With: dandruff, haircare, hairloss, healthyscalp, healthyskin, itchy scalp, scalp, skincare

          You’ll Love Glove And Souffle, Your Clients Will, Too, by Gina Rivera, Phenix President, Founder and Hair Expert

          June 9, 2019 by coloursbygina Leave a Comment

          I dried my hands with a towel and could feel them start to itch and tingle even as I turned back to my client. That wasn’t uncommon. All of the washing and rinsing we do in salons leaves our skin parched and damaged. And here in Colorado the air can be so dry. But on this particular occasion a few years ago, I then decided that since I hadn’t found a really great lotion to revitalize and protect my hands, Phenix should make one.

          My husband, Jason, and I had decided to create a line of really fantastic hair and skin products. Including a high-quality lotion that feels wonderful and provides lasting protection was an obvious choice. We call it Glove. Try it, and you’ll see why. We made it with salon professionals in mind, believing that if we love it, everyone will want it.

          It actually took years to research and design Glove, working with chemists and experts to create a luxurious, nourishing experience in a product that shields your skin without feeling greasy at all. This formula is absolutely unique. There is nothing else like it.

          Souffle is an indulgent body scrub that we created alongside Glove. We found a soft, almost creamy salt from the Dead Sea, infused with nourishing minerals and vitamins. The formula gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving your skn clean, silky smooth and revitalized. This is perfect for the shower or pampering yourself in a bath. Again, we believe that if salon professionals love it, our clients will, too.

          We’ll be introducing other wonderful products in coming months. Stay tuned. Please give Glove and Souffle a try. We know you’ll love it.

          As always, be open to change!

          Gina Rivera

          Gina Rivera

          Beauty Icon and Expert

          Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

            Filed Under: Skin Care, Lifestyle

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