Brazilian Wax Misconceptions #2 - Nervous About Someone Looking At Me

This Instagram Story had me really thinking about what I can do to make you as a client feel more comfortable. I posted it months ago, but it still surprises me. The #1 reason why clients weren’t scheduling a wax? They thought it was going to hurt.

The #2 reason was nervous about someone looking at me.

“Letting other people see the va-jay-jay”

“Having someone all up in my goods!”

Being nervous is very common. I often tell new clients that if they weren’t nervous, that I would be worried that they weren’t human! Haha!!! Some nerves may come from the thought of pain … and the others are the thought of someone looking.

This service is my number one requested and performed service. I do Brazilian waxing more than any other treatment that I offer. I am a master conversationalist AND have refined the art of making people feel comfortable in every situation. I am always making sure that I am using the highest quality wax and the best technique to bettering this service for you.

Just like a doctor or nurse, I’m not here to ‘look.’ I am simply looking at the hair growth pattern and applying the wax to remove hair in the easiest and most comfortable way possible. This is key to go from full 70’s bush to bare and smooth.

Not weird. Not awkward.

Are you feeling more comfortable about waxing? I’m here to answer your questions and provide you with an exceptional Brazilian wax!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Brazilian Wax Misconceptions #1 - It's Going To Hurt

I asked all of my InstaGram followers what their biggest hang up of getting a Brazilian wax was. Your answers were not surprising. The #1 response in the question box was that it was going to hurt.

“The pain!”

“OWIE!”

“Before my first time, I thought it was going to be super painful.”

While hair is being removed, experienced waxers know how to minimize the pain while balancing the speed of the treatment. It’s about the right wax with the right technique. Each waxer will find their favorite waxes and get in their groove to make their service one that works for them. Which really means that it works for you.

Is this a walk in the park? Well, no. But it really goes much quicker than you think.

Almost every single new client that I have serviced says that it didn’t hurt as much as they thought it would.

Almost every single new client wishes that they had come in sooner.

Almost every single new client is texting, messaging, or snapchatting their friends to tell them to book their appointment today.

And almost every single new client rebooks their next wax because they know the next time is half the pain or less.

If this is the thought that is holding you back, I invite you to discover an exceptional Brazilian wax here at Essential Esthetics by Zoey. 2022 is the year of the Brazilian. I can’t wait to meet you!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

My Favorite Sun Tips for Summer

Did you know that May is skin cancer awareness month? It’s the most common cancer diagnosed in the US. Sun protection year round is truly important. Many clients will tell me that they will wear SPF if they are going out for the day. But, if you can grow a plant inside your house, you really need to wear it every day. Period.

Here are four of my favorite sun tips for summer.

Sun Tip #1 - Apply sunscreen as your last layer of protection daily.

Sunscreen should always be the last step that you put on your skin so that it can reflect the rays and/or absorb and scatter the rays (depending on the sunscreen that you are using.) Make sure that you spread it thoroughly and evenly on the face. Don’t forget the ears, neck, and decollete. 

If you are wearing foundation that includes SPF, this is just a bonus and not a substitute for wearing actual sunscreen. Why? Because you need 9 to 11 pumps of foundation to get what is shown on the bottle.

Sun Tip #2 - Pay attention to your skin! 

Skin cancer is easier to treat when caught early, so get to know your skin and watch for changes. Look for new skin markings, like moles, bumps, scaly spots, or places where your skin has changed color. Watch for any changes in moles or if you have areas that the skin just won’t heal, bleeds or looks differently. 

Sun Tip #3 - Wear protective clothing plus a hat and sunglasses!

Wear protective clothing (cover your arms and legs when possible), wear a hat, and sport your favorite sun glasses. Darker colors versus white offer more UV protection. Hats protect your scalp, which is a hard spot to apply SPF. A wide brim is best, but any hat will be better than none. And sun glasses can help prevent cataracts and other eye problems later in life. Look for glasses that offer 99-100% protection.

Sun Tip #4 - Ditch the Vitamin D excuse.

Tanning isn’t a safe way to get your Vitamin D. If you know you are low in your levels, please visit with your doctor on his/her suggestions for you to get those levels up!

So now that you know better, you can do better. Were there any that surprised you? Can’t wait to hear!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Protecting the Barrier of the Skin

Americans are very best at thinking more is better. Supersize it? Yes please! The Tesla is more expensive than a Camry, so I'll take the Tesla. Even with skin care, I see this all the time. If a client doesn't feel something like a tingle on the skin, they don't think it's working. This is one of the most common ways that the barrier of the skin is compromised. You may use very harsh products for your skin or you may be over using products. One of my skin care philosophies is that more is not always better. But what does that mean? Because we are conditioned to wanting more, bigger, better, it's hard to believe that if you don't feel it working that it's not.

I've been known to say that I wouldn't sell you the most expensive serum for your skin if you aren't cleansing your skin. If your skin isn't properly prepared to handle very active ingredients, not only would you be wasting your money, but you could also cause your skin to be more sensitive. The ingredients will not be able to do their job 100%. You always need to build your house starting at the foundation. The first items to address with your skin care would be the hydration and sensitivity. From there, we move on to your specific concerns such as acne, redness, hyperpigmentation (sun spots), or wrinkles.

There are two main functions of the skin as a barrier.

#1 - The skin barrier blocks the loss of fluid being lost from inside, including water and lipids which keep the skin looking beautiful and young.

#2 - The skin barrier protects against outside pollutants and irritants from getting into the skin, including exposure to the elements and free radicals. 

So how to protect your skin barrier? Here are my favorites (keeping it short and sweet here)!

Make sure that you are using a moisturizer which will lock and seal in all of the nutrients that are in the skin.

Choose the right exfoliant for your skin and do not overuse.

Wear SPF and reapply. It’s really that simple.

And… one that is so underrated, balance your pH. This means that you want to use a mist/prep solution to prepare the skin for all of the yummy ingredients that stay on the skin.

Need help repairing your barrier or reduce sensitivities? Let’s get you in the treatment room and create a plan just for you! Can’t wait to see you there!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Freshen Up Your Summer Skin Care

Summer is right around the corner. It’s not uncommon to switch up your routine to go with the seasons. Here are a couple of my favorite tips to help keep you in line with the warmer temperatures ahead!

#1 SPF baby

Wear your sunscreen. Reapply. Just do it! SPF is important all year round, but as we get more daylight hours and it gets warmer, it’s even more important. Want to slow the aging clock and prevent wrinkles, fine lines and sun spots? SPF baby!

#2 Vitamin C serum

One of my favorite serums is vitamin c (my favorite product of 2021) because of the antioxidant properties. AND because it helps to boost your skin natural ability to fight off the sun’s rays. Who wouldn’t want better immunity?! If you’ve never tried one before, just know that vitamin c in skin care is not all created equal. Vitamin C oxidizes easily. So trust me on this one. This is one product that you are going to want to spend this money on to deliver the goods!

#3 Lighter moisturizer

You may want to switch to a light weight moisturizer, just like you would switch your coat for a jacket. Moisturizer helps to seal in the nutrients in our skin and balance out the top layers. You still need to moisturize, so don’t skip this step.

#4 Exfoliate regularly

If you feel like you’ve been sun kissed (which, let’s face it … we all do by some point in the summer), it’s extra important to exfoliate the skin. Your skin can build up dead skin cells easily in the summer. If you are acne prone, you definitely don’t want to miss this step as this is key to keeping acne at bay. Choose an exfoliation that you really like and then make sure you are following your Esthetician’s recommendations on how often he/she wants you to use it!

Do these simply steps and I’m sure you’ll notice better results this summer! And bonus if you do at least a quarterly facial … which will only boost what you are doing at home!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Interview - Melanoma Survivor Mariena Browning

I love sharing about local, small businesses. Mariena Browning is SO SWEET … and I just knew that I had to share her story because she is also a Melanoma Survivor. May is Skin Cancer Awareness month. I recommend getting checked once a year by a dermatologist. I’ve been twice now and each time is a great experience. Without further ado, here is Mariena’s story.

My name is Mariena Browning and I am 26 years old. I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in September of 2018 at 22 years old and my scans in January 2022 showed NED (no evidence of disease) I’ve been married to my husband Trevor for almost 6 years, we live in Pocatello with our mini labradoodle Coop. I work for Farm Bureau and own Browning Bakery specializing in gourmet cupcakes. (@browningbakery on Instagram and Facebook!)

I noticed a lump in my left groin that was growing and multiplying quickly, after an ultrasound and biopsy I was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic melanoma. I was referred to the Hunstman cancer Institute in Salt Lake City where they did a full skin check and removed any moles. All the biopsies came back benign meaning that my cancer had no primary source.

About two weeks after I was diagnosed I started noticing more lumps showing up throughout my body like on my stomach and the back of my neck. My doctors recommended that I start Target therapy which is an oral chemo pill that you take daily, that worked for about seven months before the side effects became too severe leaving me in the hospital multiple times and the cancer spread to my brain.

After the cancer spread to my brain I had brain radiation and started combination immunotherapy drugs. The side effects of those drugs were also too severe leaving me hospitalized with a toxic liver. After that hospitalization I had to quit treatment and was put on prednisone for about six months to help heal my liver. After that six months I was able to start a single immunotherapy drug which worked well for me.

I had my last treatment of that in October 20 21 and now I have follow-up scans every three months along with skin checks to make sure nothing is showing up. I’ve always been fairly cautious in the sun I never really went tanning beds or anything like that but since being diagnosed I definitely make sure that I am using sunscreen and replying every 80 minutes when I’m outside, I use facial sunscreen every day (not just the sunscreen in your make up because that is completely different) I also try by best to stay out of the sun and wear protective clothing. If I want a tan I will get a spray tan or use self tanning mousse. I share a lot of my favorite self tanners and sun protective products on my personal Instagram @marienabrowning.

Even though my cancer wasn’t from the sun, I still do my best to spread melanoma awareness. I would love everyone to be more aware of the damage the sun can do, I tan from the sun or a tanning bed is not worth melanoma. I also always suggest to get anything suspicious looked at, it’s better to be safe than sorry and catching it early on is key! If I can help even one person from getting melanoma I’d be so happy!

Top 3 Tips To Healing Acne Faster

In modern day living, we are always trying to expedite results and processes. We want things now (or even yesterday.) For those suffering from acne, I feel your pain. I have seen the way you won’t make eye contact with others, the lack of confidence as you walk down the street, or the impulsive cutting bangs to cover up these unsightly blemishes.

Acne can take 90 days to reach the surface of the skin. Does that feel like forever? Well, I want to give you 3 of my favorite tips for working on acne that will speed up the process of healing. And guess what?! They are absolutely free.

#1 - No Picking

No picking. Did you know that when you touch your skin or try popping zits, it can actually spread the bacteria? It’s true. Not only that. When I offer my clients a 7 days no pick challenge, guess what happens when they follow through on the 7 days? 100% of the time, their skin will start clearing.

#2 - Icing

Icing the skin removes the inflammation in the acne. Since this is one of the key factors of acne, by removing it, you are helping to start the healing process. My favorite way to ice is to put an ice cube in a baggie and move it from spot to spot until the ice cube has melted. Do this twice a day and see the acne go down.

#3 - No Makeup

Wearing makeup is often like adding poison into your diet. Even foundation that states it is acne safe, can perpetuate acne. I know you want to hide it … but if you can go without, it will help everything start to clear up better and faster. You can do it!

My top 3 free tips for healing acne faster are here - no picking, icing, and no makeup. Let’s get you on the path for clear skin with a bigger smile. Don’t wait to make these changes. If you are looking for even more tips, I can’t wait to share them with you in the treatment room.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Bite Sized - Daily Use of SPF

When I ask clients if they use SPF daily, they often will say, I wear it when I go out. But here’s the thing. If there’s enough light in your home to grow a plant, there’s enough UV rays to still age your skin. And because the sun is the #1 external stressor, it’s important to be mindful and take action against the aging and burning rays.

The easiest thing to do is to create a morning skin care routine that includes sunscreen. Decide that you are always going use it whether you decide you are going out or staying in. If you are going outside, it’s important that you remember to reapply, wear a hat, seek shade, etc. Especially when it’s cloudy (these are the days where you are even more likely to burn.)

I also am a huge believer in finding an SPF that YOU love! Any product that you have that you aren’t in love with, you aren’t going to use properly and consistently.

Your skin doesn’t change over night (with getting better or getting worse) but the accumulative results will be shocking. I want you to be happy and to look at your skin years later and feel better, while showing off beautiful, healthy skin.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

My Beauty Secrets

I recently saw a picture of from 2016. I have to say… as a new Esthetician, I thought my skin was really good. I had a routine, I was trucking along, making sure that I was doing all the steps. Or so I thought.

You see, as it popped up in my feed, I thought … wow! I think that I have made a big difference in my skin. 6 years later, I think my skin looks better than it did then. I’m definitely aging better. Slowing down that every aging clock. Here’s a few of my beauty secrets so that you can skip that learning curve.

#1 - Washing before bed

Yes, you’d think this is a no brainer, but you’d be surprised how many go to bed without washing. I want to let you know that this does make a difference! A huge difference! (Makeup wipes are not cleansing. If you use them, be sure to use a cleanser after.)

TIP = Cleanse your face before you are tired and headed for bed.

#2 - Professional products

There is also a huge difference in the quality of ingredients AND the order of ingredients. Professional products that you purchase from an Esthetician really are the bomb dot com. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to go back to drugstore products.

TIP = Spend money on exfoliants and serums first.

#3 - Elevating my home care routine

Remember the home run hitters are exfoliation and serums. I got more consistent on my exfoliation (and masking - HELLO Sundays!) No more of this once in a blue moon. And I found a serum that seriously does it for my skin. Let’s get you using a serum!!! And then if you don’t feel like it’s “the one”, when you finish that bottle, let’s try another one. I have many options, and I promise you it’s worth trying another one.

TIP = Regular use of exfoliating and a serum that is addressing the areas of concern that you want to change.

#4 - Regular facials

Did you know that I receive regular facials? Once a month. No, I don’t give them to myself even though I can. I love to receive from other estheticians. I love supporting those who also do what I do. If I am asking a client to do something, you know that I am personally doing it myself.

TIP = Schedule regular facials! (And if you only come in once a year, try to do twice!)

P.S. This is not a race. This is about being consistent. Set up a routine that you are in love with and you’ll never miss a cleanse. Aim for just a little better! Can’t wait to see you in the treatment room.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

The Push Back Movement of Self Care

“Self-care is never a selfish act - it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.” - Palmer Parker

This last month, I turned on a podcast of someone I follow and I about gasped aloud. She talked about how tired she was of hearing the word self care and everything that is associated, especially spa treatments. And then I heard her message: Self care should be a regular occurrence and is showing yourself self love.

If you’ve ever heard me talk about self care or read the blog posts here about it … you know that this is EXACTLY what I talk about. For me, part of self care IS spa treatments. I do this once a month (both a facial and massage) and love this. During the month, I also do MANY other things … moving my body, drinking water, reading, spending time doing whatever fills up my battery.

Each person has their favorite things to do that recharges them. The key is finding what those are and then actually DOING those things. If coming to the spa once a month or every quarter isn’t your thing, that is okay. I want you to know that! I also want you to know that if it is your thing, and you love visiting with your Esthetician or simply chilling while you are getting a facial or massage, then make sure that you prioritize this and schedule your appointments.

Now it’s time for you to weigh in. What type of things are your favorite for self care? How do you show yourself love on a regular basis? I can’t wait to read your thoughts!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Skin Care Trend - Brow Lamination

One popular trend in the last couple years has been Brow Lamination. This process is similar to the Lash Lifting where you use a chemical solution to spread the brows up and out. It creates a fuller looking brow that lasts 4 to 6 weeks. Here’s what I offer for brows and what I think about Brow Lamination.

I love helping clients achieve a beautiful, natural looking brow through Brow Design. This technique was created by Regina Felix, who has been designing brows for 20 years. The technique is called Design Brows Naturally and works to give every client great brows through seeing where the hairs are coming through. It also creates a lift, much like you can receive through Botox. I received training and course certification in 2018 and have been changing brows in South East Idaho ever since.

The main points of this technique really focus on a natural, flowing brow, which makes you look younger! And who doesn’t want that?! I have loved helping clients receive the best brow possible for them. We work around scars, cowlicks, and other issues.

Because I love and appreciate everything about a natural brow, I do not offer, nor will I offer Brow Lamination. When the brow hairs and pushed in a direction, it stops them from flowing into other brow hairs. You can tell that they’ve done something to their brows. I like people to even wonder how you achieve such a stunning brow shape!

Have you tried Brow Lamination before? Do you love it or hate it? I can’t wait to help you with natural brows that get better with each appointment. Thank you for always trusting your Esthetician! See you in the treatment room!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Bite Sized - Why Sugar and Salt Scrubs Should Be Avoided

99% of estheticians agree… please avoid sugar and salt scrubs. Specifically in the intimate areas of the body. Let’s discuss why.

You’ve just had your first Brazilian and you are SO happy. But remember that for the first day, your skin is more sensitive. For this reason, you really do want to avoid heat, sweat and sex. For 72 hours, you should also avoid exfoliating the skin.

Your skin desperately needs exfoliation though. When the hair is waxed, it is at a finer point of the hair. The dead skin cells are still the same; that doesn’t change. So you need to help remove dead skin cells so that that finer hair can pop up through the skin and not get trapped underneath.

Sugar and salt scrubs are aggressive and disruptive to the pf of the skin. One of my skin care philosophies is “More is not always better.” The same is true with this. These scrubs are sometimes just too much for such a gentle area. Many clients that end up with ingrowns mistakenly are using a scrub.

Sugar can also throw off the pH in the intimate areas and cause infection (particularly yeast since they love sugar.) It can also spread bacteria and create microtears in the skin.

Also, please note, that the direction with which you exfoliate also matters. Exfoliate in the direction that the hair is growing and not in a circular motion.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

How Does a Lash Growth Serum Work

Everyone loves gorgeous eyelashes. We are into extensions and lifting them up so everyone can notice. While eyelash extensions have been hugely popular over the years, there are many who want to just highlight and enhance their natural beauty. Adding in a lash growth serum is an easy, at home process that you do nightly. Here’s how it works.

Every hair on our body goes through three different cycles of hair growth. These cycles are growing, resting, and falling out. When one hair falls out, there is another to replace it (kind of like baby teeth and adult teeth.) That process for an eyelash is on average 90 days. Of course, we don’t lose all of our lashes at the same time.

A lash growth serum works by extending your natural growing cycle. So it will grow longer than it would on it’s own. The product looks like a mascara tube and the brush is usually one that looks like a liquid eyeliner brush. You also apply it just like you would liquid eyeliner … right on the lash line of your top lashes. When you blink,, the product will transfer. On average, it will take 6 to 8 weeks before you notice, and you’ll reach your full potential after about one bottle. Once you stop using the serum, your lashes will revert back to their ‘natural’ state.

Word of caution here. Make sure that you purchase from a reputable source as eye health should be number one. This is one thing I absolutely would purchase from your Esthetician or beauty professional.

If you’ve been intrigued, I’d love to show you my very favorite one. It works so well and does not cause irritation of the eyes. Let’s get your lashes to reach their full potential!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Confessions of An Esthetician - My First Shave

Shaving intimate areas wasn’t something I was taught growing up or after I was married. While I can’t remember my first wax experience, I can remember my first shave experience. Why? Because it happens to coincide with birth of baby #2.

I ended up in the hospital almost 3 weeks early with a breech baby. A footling breech. I ‘thought’ that I might be in labor and that’s why I showed up there. The nurse checks me, runs out in the hall, and sticks me with a shot to stop labor because guess what? I was dilated to an 8. Yikes!

From there, it was a whirwind where I signed a bunch of papers, the OBGYN, anesthesiologist, surgical team, etc was called in. The husband was lost in the hospital, but baby was born less than 40 minutes after arriving from the hospital. One of the things that was done was my belly and top was shaved. And to top that off (no pun intended), it was a very quick, dry shave.

I might not remember all of the details 18 years later, but the thing I remember most about the whole experience wasn’t the shave itself. It was what happened afterwards. My skin was irritated and sensitive. And then the hair started to grow back. Can we just talk about the itching?! Hahaha!

A few years later, I learned about Brazilian waxing. And the difference between the skin irritation, itching and growing process was night and day difference. Cannot or will not ever go back! If you haven’t tried intimate waxing before, I’d like to personally invite you to try it this year. 2022 is the year of the Brazilian.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Should I Apply Numbing Cream Before Waxing?

I know that there is a big hype out there to use a numbing cream (or even a numbing spray) before waxing. It ‘can’ work. But let me add … for most people, it may not be all that it’s cracked up to be. Here’s why.

First and foremost, getting your timing right. You need to put it on early, but not too early. I would say 30-45 minutes (in general - but always follow directions for your specific product) before your waxing appointment.

When you numb the area, you can make it more sensitive to hot and cold. What does that mean? With waxing, the wax needs to be heated up. Your mind will definitely tell you that the wax is too hot. The #1 thing with Brazilian waxing is that it is a mind game. You need to just relax and tell yourself that it’s over before it even begins.

Others can experience other side effects of the cream/gel/spray. These can be unpleasant at best.

I’m not alone on this … as almost all waxers prefer that you do not apply a numbing product before your waxing service. The best news is that waxing does get easier as you continue to come in for appointments.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Skin Care Trend - Slugging

If you’ve been near TikTok or InstaGram in the last 6 months, chances are you’ve seen something on there called slugging. These videos claim that slugging has helped them to have perfect skin. This skin care trend originated in South Korea and has recently taken the United States by storm. Today, let’s talk a little bit about what it is, how it works for the skin, and if it causes breakouts.

What is slugging?

After washing your face for the night, you coat your skin with a thin layer of vaseline. When you do this, your skin will have a shine to it … that looks a little like a slug. (Yes, the bug.) Which is why it is called slugging. You can leave it on overnight OR do it just like you would a mask. Apply for a short period of time (up to 2-3 hours) and gently wash off.

How does it work for the skin?

Vaseline will help trap the moisture in the skin, preventing it from escaping. If you are dry, or you’ve tried over correcting your skin by using too many ingredients (you’ll know because your skin could feel more sensitive), this trend could definitely work for you and it’s worth a shot.

Will rubbing Vaseline all over my face make me break out?

For most clients, the simple answer is no. The molecule size of Vaseline is too big to enter the pores.

But if you are oily, you might want to rethink this one. You need the oil to be able to have a way out of your skin and not irritate the follicles underneath.

Bottom line. If you are seeing your Esthetician regularly, the number one goal for them is to make sure that your skin is working properly … the natural barrier function. The main job of the skin is to hold a secure barrier with lipids and prevent any bad guys from entering (ie - free radicals, UV radiation, bacteria, toxins, you name it!) If your skin is struggling to do that job, it cannot work on the other things you’d like to accomplish.

Do NOT over process your skin by using too many acids. Too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

If your skin is dry and you’d like to have a go at this new and popular trend, I say, why not.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Are You Listening To What Your Skin Is Telling You?

Did you know that your skin leaves you little cues and reminders of exactly what it needs? You’d be surprised and shocked to know how many clients don’t know that your skin tells you it’s concerns and what needs changed. If you are aware that little tips are left, then you will be waiting to hear what you should be doing next.

Here are a couple of things I hear from clients. Maybe you’ll recognize your voice in there too.

“My skin feels fine after I wash, but by noon, it’s so greasy!”

First thing I would be checking is your moisturizer. Many of these clients feel like their skin is oily, so they skip that step. But if your skin feels dry, what will your cells signal to happen? Dry —-> must mean I need to produce more oil! All skin types should moisturize. It’s just a matter of finding the right one for you! It can be done!

“My skin is dry but oily and combo. I don’t know what’s happening.”

My recommendation here is to evaluate your exfoliants. A - Are you exfoliating? B - How often are you exfoliating? C - Are you using the right type of exfoliation?

Examining this just a little further.

A - Are you exfoliating?

Every skin needs to be exfoliated. As we age, we might need to step up our intensity. Also, if you are an acne prone person, you definitely need to make sure you are on this step.

B - How often are you exfoliating?

In general, most types of exfoliation should be used 1-3 times a week. Check with your esthetician to know how often you should be using yours.

C - Are you using the right type of exfoliation?

Acne and aging clients should (in general) be avoided harsh scrubs. Sometimes enzymes and chemical exfoliants are just as effective or more so than the mechanical (scrubbies).

“My skin just feels red and sensitive all the time.”

If this is you, are you over doing it with home skin care? Seriously, take a look at the products you are using and how frequently you are using them. If you are feeling red and sensitive, I would back off retinols and very active products. Let’s go back and make sure that the barrier of your skin (which is the most important job for your skin) is working properly and then add in the active ingredients that you so desperately want to be using for anti-aging.

So … what is your skin telling you? Are you listening or ignoring these simple cues that could get you the best skin of your life? Go see your Esthetician for a facial and the home care to set yourself up for success!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

How To Know If You Are Receiving An Exceptional Brazilian Wax

When choosing a waxer, you want to find someone who is specializing in that type of waxing. There are many ways to select the right person. You can read reviews on Google, FaceBook or even Yelp. You can also ask friends, co-workers or others who you know receive beauty treatments.

Once you’ve found someone, how do you know if you are experiencing an exceptional Brazilian wax and an okay wax? In addition to using high quality product and seeing that waxing expert, here are the top 3 reasons.

#1 - The education

When we wax, I am letting you know about the hair growth cycles, the do's and don't's of waxing, and explaining aftercare. Because knowledge is power! When you know what is happening and why, it makes it easier to take care of everything and to know what to expect for the next wax. (Because we all know the magic happens at wax #2.)

#2 - Touch up strips

You may have heard this term ... or maybe not. A touch up strip is where we go over the areas again to get any remaining hairs (going in different directions or the baby fine hairs.) We do this to give you a better and longer lasting wax.

#3 - The aftercare

This part is all on you!!! Because what happens AFTER the wax matters just as much (or more) as what we do in the wax. That's why we do the education. Be sure to follow the instructions and grab the aftercare products recommended.

If you've never been waxed at Essential Esthetics by Zoey before, I invite you to experience the difference. This year is the year of the Brazilian and there is no better time! We’ll see you soon!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE

Dispelling Self Care Myths

One of my missions at Essential Esthetics by Zoey is to teach self care, while following it myself. The definition of self care on Google is:

“The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”

My definition of self care is to do things and to be in places that keep your body and mind happy and peaceful. This doesn’t mean eliminating stress, but what it does mean is that when those stressful moments come, you’ll be better equipped to deal with those stressors.

I talk about self care a lot … but what I want you to know is that I don’t just talk about it. I DO it! I’m not going to ask any client to do something that I, myself, am not doing.

Today I’m going to dispel 3 self care myths.

#1 - I can’t afford self care.

Self care does not have to be something you buy. You can read, go on a walk, do yoga, meditate, etc. Find activities, places and things that make you feel good and then be intentional about doing them. Let me suggest that you cannot afford NOT to do self care.

#2 - Self care is for ‘older’ people.

Self care knows no age. I recently had a client tell me that she wished someone had shared self care with her in her 20s. Building a great physique doesn’t happen overnight, but it also happens by taking that first action step. Start today.

#3 - Self care is selfish.

This one hits me right at the core. I hear it all the time. Adults that will do anything for their kids, but nothing for themselves. You can give more of yourself if there’s more to give. Let’s recharge your battery. Start this very moment taking care of yourself so that you can take better care of those around you.

I hope you will evaluate what you can do a little better. Don’t wait for big, giant moments or times that are stressful. Small, daily and weekly actions will keep you happy and healthy!

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax,

Zoey Jolley, LE

Bite Sized - Is It Okay To Shave In Between Wax Appointments?

Bite Sized Question

Is it okay to shave in between wax appointments?

The answer is no.

You make a lot of progress by removing the root of the hair through waxing, creating fine, thinner hair coming through the skin. The art of shaving will promote quicker growth and not allow the hairs to be at the right length (the length of a grain of rice) at your return wax appointment.

Trust me on this one!

The one exception I allow is the outside of the bikini line when swimming. When you come back, we might just need to leave those hairs there if they are too short, but before you know it, we’ll be back on track.

Don’t forget to

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE