Winter is here in full force. Many Canadians are booking trips to warmer climates this month. Are you ready to get some sunshine? We have created a vacation prep checklist to have you looking your best. From head to toe, you will be ready to go!

Vacation Prep for Your Skin

Weeks before your trip you should be thinking about how to get the softest skin. If you haven’t already, step up your skin care routine with exfoliation. First, during a shower, use a bath mitt or loofah with your regular cleanser. Alternatively, you could opt for a sugar or salt scrub. Both of these products are an excellent way to get rid of dry skin. For maximum results exfoliate 2-3 times per week.

Next, you want to apply moisturizer immediately post-shower. This ensures moisture is locked in. We suggest choosing something natural such as shea butter to provide lasting hydration.

Finally, don’t forget to find a suitable sunscreen. A quality sunscreen on your vacation prep shopping list is a must! Do your research, many lotions contain harmful ingredients that will block pores. At the same time, high-quality sunscreens can double as a body lotion as well. Therefore, you can hydrate skin while staying safe from the sun, and save some room in your bag.

Build Your Tan

Nothing screams summertime like soft, golden skin. Unfortunately, during these cold winter months, the sunshine is scarce. Not to mention, excess sun exposure is considered a big no-no. To get a healthy glow, add an organic spray tan to your vacation prep checklist. This is the easiest way to become bronzed up, minus the harmful effects of tanning beds or direct sun. Furthermore, you will have a natural looking finish in just 15 minutes.

At Sugar Savvy, we offer Organic Airbrush Tanning services. A St.Tropez Spray Tan Treatment gives you a fast and flawless tan. Moreover, we now use AromaGuard fragrance technology to eliminate self-tan aroma by at least 70%. The mist is paraben free and does not contain harsh chemicals. In other words, what more could you ask for?

Get Polished

Although, not a service we offer, your nails deserve some attention before your big trip. Whether you are headed to a nail bar or planning to DIY, nail care is an essential add-on to your vacation prep checklist.

Pedicure

It is a great time to get your feet ready to go. Proper exfoliation and polishing will make your toes look fantastic in your summery sandals. If you opt to do your pedicure yourself, follow the same steps as a salon. First, begin with a soak. This will soften calluses and rough patches you may have. Next, use a foot file to smooth them over. Finally, cut and file nails as needed. Be sure to push back cuticles and moisturize at the end.

Manicure

You can follow the same routine for your fingernails. Additionally, you will want to try and add some shape. Check out The Ultimate Guide to 12 Different Nail Shapes if you are unsure of what you like. If you are headed to the salon, talk to your esthetician. They will be able to help you choose the perfect shape for the look you are after.

Getting The Perfect Polish

There are a few things you can do to help get your polish just right. To begin, clean the nail with polish remover. By doing so, you are removing any dirt or oil that is left over. Use both a base and a top coat, plus 2-3 coats of color for a rich finished look. Having a hard time choosing a color? 2019 is all about bigger, bolder shades! 9 Best Summer Nail Polish Colours include coral, teal, reds, yellows and even gold. However, if you are looking for something basic and classy – go for the french manicure/pedicure.

Hair Removal

So, you have booked your flight and found a hotel. You have started packing and bought a few new outfits. You are all ready to go! That is until you remember that unwanted hair you forgot about. Unfortunately, many people are self-conscious about their body hair, making hair removal a crucial step in prepping for a vacation.

For a quick fix, shaving is always an easy go-to method. But nicks and scrapes don’t go very well with any swimsuit. Of course, we suggest sugaring for your hair removal needs. Why? Mainly because it is natural, affordable, and will have you feeling soft and smooth for 2 weeks. You won’t have to worry about pesky stray hairs turning up here and there. Consequently, sugaring is also less painful than other methods such as waxing. We use all natural ingredients and work with your skin, instead of against it. Do you have sensitive skin? Sugaring is for you!

Are you interested in added sugaring to your vacation prep checklist? Check out our full List of Services, Or book an appointment online!

Vacation Prep Diet

First and foremost, stay hydrated! Drinking water will be essential before your trip, during, and after. When temperatures rise, so do the risks of becoming dehydrated. In addition to drinking water, try to avoid beverages that have high amounts of sugar, salt or caffeine. Otherwise, your body will be working overtime to try and stay hydrated.

If you are like many, you probably are looking to indulge in foods that aren’t the healthiest choices. Hey, we don’t judge, that’s what vacation is all about. But, that means it’s time to stock up on fruits and veggies before your trip. Vacation prep on the inside is just as important as your looks on the outside. You can improve your immune system with the following foods:

Kick Back, Relax and Enjoy

Now that you have taken all the steps on your vacation prep checklist, you are ready to jet off to somewhere warm. To conclude, we have a few more tips to keep you happy, healthy, and looking fantastic on your trip.

DON’T forget to pack your hat. Not only are hats essential to our outfits, but they also keep the harmful UV rays off our newly glowing faces. A good hat will also protect your scalp from an awful burn.

DO choose proper footwear. Is your go-to choice a pair of your favourite flip flops? While flip flops will protect your feet against things like warts and athletes foot, they may not be the best choice. Experts say that the lack of support can leave you with tendon strains and sore heels, making walking a painful feat.

That’s it, that’s all. Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine for us!

Hair removal isn’t just for women anymore. Men everywhere are taking their “manscaping” seriously. The chances are that most men have dabbled in body hair removal at some point in their lives. If that sounds like you, don’t be ashamed! Surveys show that men now manscape on a regular basis, saying it makes them feel cleaner, sleeker and brings out their muscles. However, many men still feel confused when choosing a method of removal that best fits their desires.

Throughout this blog, we will go over various methods of hair removal for men. Additionally, we will show you the pros and cons for each to help you make an executive decision on what is best for you.

Hair Removal Method 1: Sugaring

Are you looking to take a more natural approach to your hair removal methods? Sugaring is a beauty ritual that is beneficial for both genders. Sugaring is more gentle on the skin than other alternatives such as waxing. Don’t get me wrong; we aren’t saying that there will be no pain involved. However, both the ingredients and process used have proven to create a better experience for the client.

So, what exactly is sugaring? And why is it the right hair removal method for men? As mentioned, sugaring is an all natural hair method that is 100% eco-friendly. Sugaring only requires a technician and a special paste made from sugar, lemon juice, and water. The technician will smooth the paste in the opposite direction of the hair growth. After letting it sit for a few seconds, the paste becomes harder. Lastly, the technician will pull the mixture off in the direction of the natural hair growth. Therefore, removing hair with less discomfort and breakage. It can be used on all skin types and gives superior end results.

Furthermore, sugaring tends to last longer than other methods used in hair removal for men. Skin is left feeling soft and hair-free for up to 4 weeks, depending on your hair regrowth. What else could you ask for? The only real con – we don’t suggest you try this at home. It’s important to have the right consistency and use the proper methods. If you are looking for an at-home method, this may not be for you.

Tips & Tricks:

Hair Removal Method 2: Waxing

When we think of waxing, we think of the saying “no pain, no gain.” However, waxing can be a method of hair removal for men that eliminates the need for shaving. Additionally, it is a great way to get into those hard to reach places. Shaving is a time-consuming task that many men are beginning to ditch for alternative methods such as waxing or sugaring. Waxing also provides the option to do so from home, rather quickly. This means you can rid yourself of pesky hairs from your own bathroom.

Although the pain of waxing is fleeting, it goes by quickly, and some even begin to get used to the feeling. One of the biggest deterrents for waxing is the dreaded allergic reaction. You are leaving your skin with red bumps, itchiness and even potential blisters from a waxing session gone wrong. If you have sensitive skin, please refrain from waxing. As with most hair removal for men, we suggest leaving it to the professionals.

Tips & Tricks:

Hair Removal Method 3: Depilatory Creams

Depilatory creams, also known as hair removal creams, have been used for many years. You may know brands such as Nair or Veet. They are easy to use, home products that you purchase at local retailers — the most significant benefit of these products: quick & easy to use. Directly apply to your skin, leave for a few minutes and rinse away unwanted hair. The hair is weakened at the root by the chemicals and fall away quickly. Again, this is not for men with sensitive skin.

The main issue with hair removal creams: the results are not long lasting. Most likely, your hair will be growing back within a week of the treatment. Moreover, this method tends to be spotty, and aftercare is crucial.

Tips & Tricks:

Hair Removal Method 4: Shaving

You are all probably pretty familiar with this method. It proves to be the simplest, cheapest hair removal method of all. All you need is yourself, a razor and a decent shaving cream. Having a steady hand also helps! Many men choose this method as it doesn’t require much skill. Once you learn to shave one part of your body, you can easily apply the technique to others.

Other than a few nicks and cuts, the downfalls of shaving are: quick & itchy regrowth and more ingrown hairs developing. With shaving, you only slice the strands at the surface of the skin. Therefore, you will probably be seeing stubble within a few days. Am I right, men?

Tips & Tricks:

If you are interested in taking a step towards a more natural manscaping routine – come visit us today at Sugar Savvy. We are here to help!

If you are thinking about underarm hair removal, we have some helpful tips in this blog for you to read before booking your appointment.

Sugaring Methods

There are two kinds of sugar that are used for hair removal. There are paste and gel formulas. The paste has an extremely thick consistency. The application is done with glove-covered hands, in the opposite direction of the hair growth. One strip of cloth is then applied over the paste and extracted the same direction as the hair growth. With the hair being extracted the same way as it grows, there is less pulling on your skin. This makes the entire process less painful. The paste is applied at room temperature. The fact that it can remove hair in the same direction as it grows means that it can extract hair as short as 1/16’’ long.

Sugaring gel has the consistency of wax. It is heated up in a warmer and is applied like a wax. (see the photographs below) It is never hot, so it will not cause a burn. Rather it is used warm for the application process. It is applied in the same direction as the hair growth but then extracted in the opposite way. Sugaring can be done every 8 – 10 days as your hair does not have to be very long to extract it.

Sugar and Co at Sugar Savvy
Warm Sugaring at Sugar Savvy
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Canadian Made Products

We are proud to say that at Sugar Savvy we use products from Sugar & Co. which is Canadian made. Here is an excerpt from their website to introduce them and their story:

“Sugar & Co. was established in 2014 by an experienced esthetician, Sara Pauli. Sara’s passion for pioneering a world-class, hair removal product came from noticing inconsistencies with the body sugaring pastes currently found on the market. Destined to find a better solution, she worked vigorously with her sister, Samantha Pauli, to try and find the answer. After researching the sugar paste industry, they quickly understood all the information available did not have any credibility, and the recipes offered produced poor quality results. They sought to create professional products practitioners could work with, clients would adore and would be more environmentally sustainable.

Sara and Samantha reached out to top-tier, accredited Western University in an effort to help them research and craft the perfect paste. Working closely with Dr. Michael Kerr, a world-renowned organic synthetic chemist, and Joanne Curiel Tejeda, a project intern, they spent months experimenting with a variety of vast ingredients, temperatures and other variables that affect the Sugar. After years and extensive clinical trials, 90 and 96 were finalized – also known as Sugar & Co® Firm and Soft Sugar Paste. Sara and Samantha then began to focus their efforts on developing a training program to educate practitioners in the art of body sugaring®.

With over 10 years in the esthetics industry, the two sisters’ ultimate goal is to improve the industry by further educating practitioners, and providing professional and retail products that will make sugaring a household name.”

Body Parts

There are certain parts of the body that are more sensitive than others. The areas that are a bit more sensitive are the upper lip, chest, and bikini areas. Sugaring in these more sensitive areas is recommended over waxing for this very reason!

Preparing for Underarm Hair Removal

You need to have at least 10 to 14 days of hair growth. Practitioners suggest that the hair must be at least 1/4’’ long for underarm hair removal. Your skin must be clean and dry, and for underarm hair removal please remove any deodorants prior to this service.

What to Expect

When you arrive for your underarm hair removal appointment you will first be checked in. Once your room is cleaned and free, you will be able to go into the room and make yourself comfortable. Often times some soothing music is being played as well for you to enjoy!

You will then be joined in the room by one of the staff members (or also referred to as practitioners or technicians) who will be doing your sugaring. You will expose your underarm area in order for the paste to be applied without coming into contact with your clothing. If this is your first time having underarm hair removal done – just ask the technician to explain what she is doing, step by step. All of the staff at Sugar Savvy would be more than happy to answer your questions during an underarm hair removal procedure, so don’t be shy and ask away!

Sugaring Room at Sugar Savvy

Pre-Post Care for Underarm Hair Removal

We carry some amazing products to care for your skin before and after sugaring. Exfoliation between sugaring treatments is necessary for smooth, healthy skin. Visit our website or pop into our location in the Belmont Village to see what new products we carry. Any of our staff will be happy to answer any of the questions you have regarding underarm hair removal. We can also answer any questions you have regarding the pre and post procedure care.

Underarm Hair Removal Procedure at Sugar Savvy

Frequently Asked Questions

How often will I need to get sugaring done to maintain smooth skin?

For underarm hair removal, we recommend every 2 weeks consistently

What if I break out?

If you have any irritation of your skin, don’t hesitate to contact us. This is very rare, but if you believe that you are breaking out you can apply an ice compress.

Will there be a downtime after my treatment?

Usually, there is no downtime after underarm hair removal with sugaring.

Do I need to clean the area after I have had the sugaring completed?

Both the paste and gel are water soluble, so you can easily clean off any residue left on your skin with just water. This is one of the pros for sugaring. The fact that wax is not water soluble means it needs an oil-based remover to get rid of all traces.

Conclusion

Whether you have had underarm hair removal done before by waxing or sugaring, we are more than happy to work with you moving forward. Contact us at Sugar Savvy to book your appointment at your convenience. You can call us, or you can book online at http://www.SugarSavvy.ca/booking