Sunday, April 28, 2013

Organize Your Styling Tools and Beauty Products

Taylor Stevens Salon & Spa's Blog

Organize Your Styling Tools and Beauty Products

• Posted by Taylor Stevens Salon & Spa •

If you're like many of the other people on this planet, then you probably have some sort of beauty product addiction, buying new products as soon as they hit the shelf. Maybe you're a sucker for words like "invigorating," "smoothing" or "anti-aging" and can't help but buy every product that advertises it. Whatever it is, you're not alone. We all have under sink storage bins exploding with lotions, potions, hair ties, brushes, styling products and tools. Now is the time to take control and organize your beauty products. Here's a quick guide to help you get started.
  1. Go through all of your beauty products and styling toolslotions, sunscreen, hair and skin care products and separate them into three piles:

    • Products and styling tools you never use or are expired.
    • Products and styling tools you use daily.
    • Products and styling tools you use on special occasions.
  2. Start with the pile of products and styling tools that you never use or are expired. There's no point in keeping styling tools that you don't intend to use, because it's just a waste of perfect space. You're bound to come across some things you haven't seen in years and you may be thinking, "I'll use this one day," but the truth is you probably won't, so just toss it or if it's still in good condition, give it to a friend. Also, make sure to throw out anything that has expired, because its potency had diminished and is no longer useful. Professional products usually have an expiration date on them, but if not, take a look at this list for some guidance:

    • Shampoo and conditioner have an unopened shelf life of 3 years. Once opened, the shelf life is about 18 months.
    • Hair spray and other products in spray form can last up to 5 years.
    • Cream cleanser, gel cleanser, cream moisturizer will last about 1 year, once opened.
  3. Take the pile of products and styling tools that you use daily, like a moisturizer, hair brush or blow dryer, and put them in a place that's easily accessible, like a drawer. If you don't have adequate enough drawer space for your beauty products and styling tools, here are a few other good storage options, depending on your space and budget:

    • A bathroom storage tower is perfect for storing your beauty products in a narrow space, while providing easy access and visibility.
  4. Finally, take all your beauty products and styling tools that you use for special occasions and place in a storage basket or an under-the-sink storage bin. You might also consider investing in a heat-resistant travel case, so don't have to wait for your styling tools to cool, before storing them away. When you're done using them, simply wrap up your hot styling tools in the heat-resistant case and toss it in your storage basket.
Use one or any combination of these suggestions to organize your beauty products in a way that's most beneficial to your space and budget. Going forward, put a sticker on the bottom of your new products and record the date that you opened them, so you'll know when it's time to toss them. When you're done using a beauty product or tool, make sure to put it back in its place in order to maintain a clean beauty space.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

It's All About Pampering Mom

Taylor Stevens Salon & Spa's Blog

It's All About Pampering Mom

• Posted by Taylor Stevens Salon & Spa •

Mom's have a special place in our hearts. They're our biggest fans and they're always looking out for us. No one loves you quite the way she does. Though Mom always enjoys flowers and chocolates, add a personal touch this Mother's Day and giver her something that she needs and has always wanted. Give Mom the gift of relaxation.
Start by creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Play some soothing tunes, dim the lights and light a few candles. ShampureTMSoy Wax Candle is ideal for soothing and calming the senses with its aroma of 25 pure flower and plant essences, including certified organic lavender, petitgrain and ylang-ylang.
Next, draw a warm bath.
Add a couple tablespoons of Aveda's Stress-Fix Soaking Salts. Soak in the tub with your eyes closed and take a deep breath. You can also try the "bumble bee breath," an ancient yoga breathing technique that prompts relaxation and the release of serotonin. Start by taking in a deep breath and then slowly exhale, while making a buzzing "Mmm" sound. Repeat the breathing exercise for two to five minutes or simply just sit and soak it all in.
After you step of out of the bath, seal in the moisture.
Hydrate your skin with Aveda'sStress-FixTM Body Lotion. Infused with essences of lavender, lavandin and clary sage, this lotion is clinically proven to reduce feelings of stress. Begin by rubbing the lotion into your hands, then hold them under your nose and take a deep breath. Then massage onto tense areas such as the neck, shoulders and forearms using the ayurvedic technique of moving in circular motions at the joints and back-and-forth motions in-between joints. Apply to your abdomen using clockwise circular motions. The Ayurvedic technique promotes harmony and balance, leaving the body feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
Mom has done so much for you over the years. Now is the time to return the favor and give Mom a break. Make her feel extra special this Mother's Day. She had to put up with you, so she deserves it.