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!

Without question, skincare is part of most people’s daily routine. Men and women alike choose products based on a variety of features. Generally speaking, the motive for purchasing is based on marketing features such as “anti-aging” or “repairing”. But, have you ever thought about what goes into making these products? Most store bought products contain harmful chemicals. Moreover, these products only provide a quick fix. In this blog, we will go over some of the benefits of using natural skin care. We will also provide you with our favourite secret ingredients.

To begin, lets face the facts:

What goes on, also goes in. You wouldn’t knowingly eat harmful chemicals. So, why put them on your skin? Your body absorbs whatever you put onto your skin. By choosing natural skin care ingredients you will soon see the benefits. That’s why we work with Sugar & Co and Barefoot Naturals.

Every day the average Canadian woman puts up to 200 chemicals on your skin. This is via perfume, skincare, cosmetics, and hair care products. By choosing chemical-laden products, you are contributing to the toxins in your own body. Be sure to check the ingredient labels!

Natural skin care is environmentally friendly. It is no surprise that if the chemicals are dangerous for us, they are bad for the environment. We wash these products down the drain every single day. Subsequently, the production also has its adverse effects. During the manufacturing, toxins end up in the air and water.

Aloe Vera

People have been using the aloe vera plant since ancient times. It is known for nourishing the body from within. Aiding in digestion, nutrient intake and boosting immune function are some of the many benefits. However, it can be used to enhance the natural beauty of your skin as well.

Aloe vera softens skin with ease. It also allows for moisture without clogging pores. For men, aloe vera is an excellent aftershave treatment! It helps to hydrate your skin and give relief to pesky nicks and razor burn.

Aloe Vera reduces acne. The gentle cleansing and antimicrobial properties can help treat those pimples! Aloe actually protects against bacteria that cause blemishes in the first place. Research shows it even stimulates the growth of new skin cells in the process.

It may have anti-aging properties. This natural skin care ingredient is high in vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene. People can also choose to take aloe vera in supplement form. Some studies show that this will increase the production of collagen while improving elasticity.

Check out 7 Aloe Vera Face Masks for Perfect Skin.

Beeswax

We are blessed with delicious honey from the hard work of our lovely bees. But did you know it’s not the only thing bees produce? Bees create another product full of fantastic natural skin care benefits – Beeswax.

Beeswax is most commonly known for its conditioning abilities. If you suffer from dry, itchy skin, beeswax is for you. It is hypo-allergenic and tolerated by those with highly reactive skin. But, it has a few other benefits you may not know about.

It protects your skin. When you apply this product to your skin, it creates a protective barrier. Beeswax holds in moisture and prevents dryness. With our cold winters, this could be your answer. Beeswax is an excellent remedy for chapped lipped as well. Unlike conventional lip balms, it will not suffocate your skin.

It attracts water. There are some ingredients out there that draw water to your skin. Water molecules are attracted to beeswax. Therefore, it helps to keep your skin and lips hydrated over time. Not just a quick fix!

It smells amazing! One of the best perks of natural skin care ingredients: no harsh fragrances. Beeswax has a natural smell of sweet honey, making it a favourite for skin care products.

This Homemade Lip Chap uses beeswax and can be altered to your personal preferences.

Chilled Tea Bags

Take a minute to relax and rewind. Using tea bags has been a reliable home remedy for centuries. Tea bags can prove to help the appearance of the eyes. They help to treat a variety of ailments such as dark circles, puffiness, and redness. Plus, it is very affordable for those looking to save a few dollars.

So, what type of tea should you use? It is always suggested to use organic teas when possible to avoid any chemicals. If you are looking to revive your eyes than black or green work best, the caffeine and antioxidants will prove to help conditions such as puffiness. For a calming effect, we suggest using herbal teas.

Choose one of the following herbal teas:

Coconut Water

We all know about the benefits of coconut oil. But another part of the coconut proves to be a contender in natural skin care routines: the water.

To begin, it is crucial to hydrate from within – but also from the outside. Is your skin feeling dull and dry? Many people aren’t aware you can apply coconut water directly to your skin. It is the best way to get right to the source! With this method, electrolytes are delivered straight to your skin. Alternatively, drinking the water also provides your body with the electrolytes it needs on a hot summer day.

Do you have super sensitive skin? The antibacterial properties of coconut water can help fight blemishes. Coconut water will naturally cleanse your skin, without stripping essential oils. This highly effective cleanser is easy to use and won’t leave greasy residues on your skin. You will be feeling hydrated and refreshed!

Papaya

Papaya is both a delicious and healthy choice. It is full of both antioxidants and nutrients. However, most people aren’t aware it can be applied directly to the skin. People are using this inexpensive beauty aid all across the world. Here are our favourite uses:

Exfoliation. Papaya contains papain, an enzyme that eliminates dead skin cells. This makes it the perfect natural exfoliant. Papain also helps with aiding in the regeneration of new tissue. This means your skin will be feeling soft and fresh in no time. Even better, you only have to exfoliate once a month!

Anti-Aging. No, this isn’t just another gimmick. Papaya contains AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), which help minimize wrinkles and fight the many signs of aging. We suggest adding a daily papaya peel to your natural skin care routine.

Natural Skin Care Tips & Tricks

Change your pillowcase to reduce skin creases. If you opted for a coarse fabric, switch to something soft and silky. By doing so, you will decrease friction and compression of the skin. Also, if you’re a side sleeper – switch sides when possible.

Boycott long hours in the sun. We all want that glowing summer tan. But, should we risk our skin health to get it? Spray tans are safe tans!First of all, you minimize sun exposure, and you avoid getting a wicked burn in the process. Spray tans are a way to get that sun-kissed glow you long for…without the hazards. Are you interested in learning more? Visit us today, at Sugar Savvy.

Visit salons that practice natural skin care. It’s always nice to get out and pamper yourself. However, you should be aware of what products a salon chooses to use. For example, waxing products are generally full of harmful chemicals. As a result, many people are faced with allergic reactions to these treatments. Thankfully, there are alternatives out there. Sugaring is an excellent alternative to your average waxing session. Furthermore, many hair and nail salons are pursuing natural options as well.

 At Sugar Savvy we focus on providing high-quality service, using uncomplicated products. Beauty shouldn’t be complicated! Book an Appointment today.

Everyone loves to have the sun-kissed glow of the summer! Are you getting this look in the healthiest and safest way though? Should you use spray tans, or lay out in the sun? Laying out in the sun and tanning is definitely the most common method that we all use to achieve that wanted sun-kissed glow of the summer. The warmth of the sun on your skin can be very relaxing and comforting.

However, it can also be damaging to your skin more than you are aware of. The ultraviolet rays of the sun break down our skin and can therefore cause irreversible damage. This will actually make us look older with age spots, as well as the potential to cause cancer. The sun does provide us with the tools our skin needs to produce the essential nutrient vitamin D. Over exposure, however, can be dangerous and can lead to life-long health issues. Before you lay out in the sun, think of what you want your skin to look like next summer as well. One alternative to look into are spray tans.

Spray Tans

Safe

There is a solution that is much safer and healthier for your skin. Spray tans allow you to avoid exposing your skin to the sun and being burned in the process. Therefore no age spots will form when you apply a spray tan. Your skin will have the sun-kissed glow without the exposure to any of the hazards of the sun.

Customized Look

There is no way to customize the look you get while lying under the sun. With spray tans you can customize the exact look you want though. You can achieve the tan just as you like it with very little time or effort. You are able to achieve a darker look by simply re-applying as the summer goes by. This gives you the same look as repeatedly being in the sun, and getting a darker tan as the days and weeks of the summer go by.

No Need to Book a Flight

Spray tans give you a realistic looking tan. Not one of us ever wants that fake-looking tan that you and others know is not from the sun. We all want to look like we just came back from that month-long vacation where all we did was relax and rejuvenate our minds and bodies. You can achieve this look with spray tanning without having to book a flight or pack a suitcase! Your friends or co-workers won’t even be able to tell the difference, as spray tanning mimics a suntan perfectly. There is no worry of looking orange or too dark, since the spray tan formula is lightweight and comes with long-lasting results.

Healthy Skin

Spray tanning offers skin-friendly nutrients to keep your skin smooth and supple. The formulas are fortified with nourishing oils and nutrients which provide hydration for your skin. They can even contain multi-vitamins to repair your damaged skin. No one wants dull or itchy skin – so why not hydrate and promote healthy skin while getting that tanned look! While sun tanning does not hide blemishes, and it actually aggravates them – spray tans will help make imperfections less noticeable.

No Oops!

Have you applied lotion or had someone apply it for you and you were left with streaks of a sun burn or tan? Or worse yet, that hand-print of white skin where you forgot to rub the oil or lotion into your skin? Stop worrying about the streaks or burns as spray tans are expertly applied to achieve a streak-free even tan without any of the hassle of lotions, oils, application and extra expense. The spray tan application is a fine mist and therefore will not cause streaks or patches of darker colours to form on your skin. It’s simple, easy and is the healthiest way to obtain that glow of the summer.

Tanned all Year Long

Worried about losing your tan through the winter? You can schedule touch-ups even on a snowy, blustery day when you haven’t seen the sun in the sky for days! The entire spray tanning process takes approximately 15 to30 minutes to complete. Your skin will be healthy looking and glowing with just one simple trip. No sun required.

Preparing for a Spray Tan

Are you planning on getting a spray tan but don’t know where to start? Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

Shave and Exfoliate Your Skin

In order for an even and smooth application, always make sure to shave and exfoliate your skin the day before or the day of your spray tan.

Remove Body Applications

Make sure to remove anything that you have applied to your skin – make-up, perfumes, lotions, creams, and deodorant. These can all create a barrier between your skin and the spray tan application. If your skin is clear from other applications it will allow for an even reaction. This will also result in a lovely and even tanned look.

Dress Appropriately

Remember dark and looser fitting clothing to wear after your spray tan application.

Avoid the Water or Physical Activity

You should avoid taking a shower or a bath in the first 12 hours after your spray tan application. You also should refrain from doing activities that would cause you to sweat within the first 12 hours after your tan.

Moisturize Your Skin

Completely moisturize your skin as this is one of the most important elements in having a great spray tan as well as keeping your skin youthful and free from wrinkles. Using a proper moisturizer increases the longevity of your tan. It helps retain the elasticity and youthful look of your skin. There are many types of moisturizers that you can use. Make sure to take the time to find out what your skin requires. It is a good idea to try a few different ones in order to get the moisturizer that is the best match for your particular skin type.

Other Treatments

If you are planning on getting a manicure, a pedicure, some sugaring or even a facial, it is best to have these treatments prior to receiving or booking your spray tan. This will avoid any chance of blotchy patches forming or the unwanted removal of the spray tan.

Whether you have had a spray tan several times before, or you are planning on booking your very first spray tan – know that you are choosing the safest way of achieving a sun-kissed glow for your skin as well as providing good care for your skin for the long term.

A spray tan is one of the easiest ways to give your skin a lovely bronzed up glow minus the harmful effects of a tanning bed. When it comes to getting a tan, achieving a natural-looking finish is essential. We’ll cover spray tanning basics as well as the benefits that come with tanning.

What’s the Spray Tan Process Like?

Our entire spray tanning process takes about 15 minutes from start to finish. As you can imagine, the process is fairly straightforward. During a typical spray tan, a layer of mist is sprayed onto your body to produce a temporary bronze or brown effect. This effect can last anywhere between five to ten days depending on how well the tan is maintained.

Additionally, you’ll be in a controlled environment and won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable while getting a tan. It’s really quick and easy! If you have any concerns with getting started, we’re happy to help ease those concerns if you’re considering getting a spray tan.

Are There Options for Different Skin Tones?

We know that getting that summer glow can be a tricky thing. Also, not every tanning mist is created equal, so selecting one that works for your needs and skin tone is a good step to getting a natural-looking tan. To help make things easy, we offer three bronzing mists at our salon.

These options range from a classic mist which is very popular with people seeking a more natural looking tan. Next up is the dark bronzing mist. The dark bronzing mist is for a deeper tan than the classic mist. Finally, we offer an express bronzing mist which is fast acting and allows you to choose the desired depth of your tan by choosing when to shower. No need to overthink tone matching, we can show you samples so you know exactly what your choice would look like before you proceed.

What’s are the Benefits?

We’re always looking for the easiest way to achieve a glowing bronzed look without all the harmful effects that come from tanning beds, tanning lamps and overexposure to the sun. Spray tanning, however, is the quickest and most efficient way to achieve this and has benefits that come with it.

No Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure

Unlike tanning beds and lamps, there’s no exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and as such no risk of premature ageing of the skin, brown spots, and cancer with spray tanning. That’s already one big reason you should consider spray tans over those other alternatives.

Boosts Mood and Confidence

Spray tanning provides other benefits in the looks and health department too. When you get a spray tan, you’ll feel more confident in your appearance. There’s the popular saying, “when you look good, you feel good”, that’s certainly the case with getting a spray tan. You can expect to have a great looking bronzed glow while transferring those good vibes to every other summer activity. You will also enjoy increased levels of vitamin D for your skin. The sun is a great natural source of vitamin D but overexposure comes with its own risks. Overexposing your skin to the sun leaves it more prone to sunburns, thinning, and premature ageing.

It’s Streak-Free and Not Very Messy

All of our spray tan mists are streak-free with each providing a natural looking tan. No need to worry about looking orange or having uneven tans. Our experienced professionals ensure that clients get a quick drying, lightweight and even tan spray tan.

It’s Quick

Rest easy knowing that the whole process takes 15 minutes (as mentioned earlier). Don’t worry about sitting outside in the sun for extended periods or laying in tanning beds to get the same effect. It’s perfect for people with a busy schedule or for people who are going on a last minute vacation.

The Final Verdict: To Glow or Not to Glow

The answer seems obvious from the overall direction of this post. The summer weather is going to be absolutely gorgeous and it’s the right time to get that bronzed skin glow on. For newbies, there’s so much information out there, that it can start to get confusing. The most important thing you can do is take the information that is relevant to your needs and figure out what the gaps are before coming to get a tan at a salon.

In addition, remember to prep your skin before getting spray tanned in order to increase the odds of your tan session going very smoothly. Also, remember to follow instructions from professionals and stay attentive throughout the process.

In conclusion, spray tanning is a great way to give your skin a bronzed glow from head to toe. It’s also a fantastic option if you’ve never been a fan of tanning beds. This is the ideal option if you want something natural-looking that isn’t over the top. The skin is the body’s largest organ. Taking good care of it is an important part of a well-rounded beauty routine. Every treatment is truly unique to each client. Feel free to ask our technicians what to expect after you get the treatment. Carefully follow the recommendations as clearly as possible to extend the lifespan of the spray tan.  

Our Tan Specials

We want our clients to enjoy high-quality service and long-lasting tans. It’s also important to us that clients feel good about themselves inside and out. Be sure to check out our helpful spray tanning tips to help you get ready for the treatment, get settled during the treatment, and help you maintain a long-lasting tan.

During the summer months, we usually have a special on spray tans! For example, sometimes you can get three spray tans for only $100 versus a regular price of $45 per tan. It’s a great deal which is only available for a short period of time. Take advantage of our offers and book an appointment today. Be sure to check out the rest of our blog to learn how we can help you get smooth skin this summer via complete body sugaring!