PURE + SIMPLE - SPA REVIEW

Pure + Simple - Eglinton Location (2375 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4P 2C8) Tel: 416.481.2081

Pure + Simple is an all-natural skincare and wellness spa that was recommended to me by a fellow blogger and friend MoVernie on the MOVE. Although I have never been to Pure + Simple before it seems to be a very well known spa and many peoples hidden secret - and now I know why, but the secret is OUT!

Pure + Simple has been helping people achieve beautiful and natural skin since the 2000s’. The owner Jean Eng battled with severe acne almost her whole life and once she started to see her daughter going through the same battle, she decided to do something about it. In the past, harsh ointments and antibiotics prescribed by esthetician and dermatologists left her skin with scares and redness and she knew her daughter and many others were destined for the same fate – but not if she could help it.

Jean went to school to learn about skincare, first as a curiosity, but was soon inspired to open her own natural spa concept and design a line of holistic, chemical free products now known as the beloved Pure + Simple.

One thing that I love about Pure + Simple is that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER! Every single esthetician is there to help you achieve your skin goals.  On top of their exceptional services they also offer a variety of products – all holistic – from numerous brands, not just their own. The company and the people that work there all share common core values: natural safe skincare always, sustainable business practices and the notion to treat each client as an individual with their own special problems and needs. 

Pure + Simple aims to maximize the experience and comfort of their clients – and they deliver! Through choosing all-natural skincare products they provide some of the best products out there without compromising on services or results. If you are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, are battling with acne or are pregnant you should consider treating yourself to a Pure + Simple facial.

When I went in for my facial last week my lovely esthetician Caitlin shared a multitude of eye opening skincare tips that I had never heard before. As I said before at Pure + Simple knowledge is power which is why they take the time to explain simple skincare tips to help you achieve your skincare goals.

Now I am going to share those tips with you!

Pure + Simple products recommended to me by my esthetician Caitlin

1) Hydration is good BUT – just because you drink 8 glasses of water doesn’t mean you are going to have beautifully hydrated skin. As a matter of fact, your skin is the last organ on your body to benefit from how much water you drink. That doesn’t mean you should stop drinking water it just means that topical creams that are water-based hydrate your skin directly and are more effective at producing beautifully hydrated skin.

2) Always go from THINNEST TO THICKEST – after cleansing your face before you apply your creams, remember to always apply the thinnest cream to the thickest cream.

3) AVOID THE EYES – face cream and eye creams are two different things. Eye creams are deliberately developed to prevent Milia – white small bumps on the eyelid caused by keratin buildup. Do not worry these small bumps are not dangerous and are not like pimples because there is no pore. They can however be easily removed and Pure + Simple can help you with that.

4) Don’t BOX yourself in – everyone has a different skincare footprint/needs. The majority of people do not fall into one skincare category but actually multiple. There may be areas of oiliness but other areas may be red and in need of hydration. Your skincare regime should reflect your personal needs.

5) Your body produces oils NOT water – when picking the proper skincare products examine weather your skin is red or inflamed. Water based products will help sooth and hydrate your skin. That does not mean oil based products wont, it just means your skincare needs are personal and therefore your products and skincare regime should be personalized to.

6) Do you ingest CHEMICALS? – Then why would you put them on your skin? Anything we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies’ circulatory system, meaning it can directly contribute or detract our overall health. That is why skincare products that have safe and natural ingredients are essential. Avoid parabens, petrochemicals, silicones, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances + dyes.

7) Serums? What are they? – serums, by definition, are skincare products you can apply to your skin after cleansing but before moisturizing with the intent of delivering powerful ingredients directly into the skin. Although serums are suppose to be water based (and therefore more absorbent) there are many serums out there that are oil based.

Today Pure + Simple has 4 locations (one in Waterloo) with one more on the way (Beaches - coming soon).  On top of having 4 brick and mortar locations they also have all their products available online for purchase on the Pure + Simple website. If you feel like coming into a store to ‘try before you buy’ (which I recommend for any first timers) the staff at Pure + Simple will gladly offer you free samples and a free skincare analysis. If natural makeup products are what you are after they can help color match product for you. If you are looking to change your lifestyle and try some natural products and services I definitely recommend Pure + Simple.  I know I’ll be going back soon.

Couldn't leave without picking up some stocking stuffers!

To learn more about Pure + Simple or to book your next appointment check out their website -> HERE

If you have any questions please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

WAXON - TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS ON HOW TO AVOID A PAINFUL WAX

Summer is upon us and with it so is the need to get summer ready. Whether that means hitting the gym, shopping for your summer wardrobe or getting rid of unwanted hair we are all trying to feel good while wearing less.

Last week I got to team up with WAXON Waxbar owner and waxing expert Lexi Miles to find out about the business of waxing, how to get a less painful wax, and comb through some of the myths and questions I had about waxing. Here is what she had to say about her business and what WAXON offers their customers to ensure the best experience.

S - How long has it been since you started your business?

L - WAXON has been operating for four years now; our first location opened in 2012 in Toronto's Summerhill neighbourhood.

S - What inspired you to start a waxbar business and what did you hope to achieve by opening a waxbar?

L - As an avid waxer with a busy schedule I always found it hard to keep up with regular waxing without booking an appointment WEEKS in advance and having to pay a fortune just for a wax. I always found myself wishing I could find a high end, trendy environment with professional Waxologists and great prices that even accepts walk-ins. Enter WAXON Waxbar!

S - Where did you open your first waxbar? How many do you have now?

L - Summerhill is our flagship store that we opened in 2012 and we have since expanded WAXON to seven locations across Canada, including the GTA and Halifax. Our most recent expansions were to Burlington and Oakville.

WAXON - Summerhill Flagship Store

S - What makes Waxon standout from other waxbars?

L - WAXON’s mission is ‘Providing our Clients with the BEST wax experience every time!’. We pride ourselves on our superior service, trendy vibe and competitive prices. WAXON hires only the best Waxologists in the industry – all trained the WAXON Way using our exclusive wax, WAXON GOLD. 

S - What are some tips you can give to someone who has never waxed before?

 L - The 40-Year-Old Virgin experience doesn’t have to be your reality!  Go to an experienced Waxologist at a place that specializes in waxing and you will have a very different experience. Exfoliate and trim the hair (to the length of a grain of rice) beforehand to both prep and reduce discomfort during your wax. 

We also have numbing creams (BareEase for women and Numb Nuts for men) available that are mainly used prior to below the belt services.  

 

S - What can you do prior to a wax to help you have a less painful wax?

L - When it comes to waxing exfoliation is key! By removing dead skin cells that surround the hair follicle prior to waxing the hair will come out much easier and make for a less painful wax.

Keeping up with regular waxing every 4-6 weeks (no shaving in between!!) ensures the hair is at an optimum and even length which means there is less tugging on the hair follicle and less discomfort. The ideal hair length for a wax is a ¼ inch in length or the length of a grain of rice.

WAXON - Product Bar

HOT TIP: Try our WAXON On The Rocks 2 in 1 Body Scrub. It’s the perfect exfoliator and doubles as an exfoliator and body wash so its super convenient and gentle enough to use everyday! ($31.00 & available online)

S - How often or how long should I wait between waxes?

L - Everyone is different and each area of the body grows hair at a different rate. A general guideline for most areas is 4-6 weeks, but when it comes to underarms, brows or other facial waxing most clients come back every two weeks. The optimum hair length for waxing is ¼ of an inch (think a grain of rice) so however many weeks that takes for the individual is the perfect amount of time.

S - What makes Waxon’s ‘Gold Wax’ different?

L - Gold wax was inspired by my travels to salons in Spain. The hard wax is specially formulated for below the belt services and the ingredients are designed to reduce redness and discomfort to make for a less painful wax experience with more flawless results. 

Gold has two main ingredients that most other hard waxes lack - titanium dioxide (soothes skin during waxing and reduces redness afterwards) and mica (increases the wax's ability to grip hair resulting in more flawless results). This allows our Waxologists to achieve a faster wax service (15 min vs. 30 min anywhere else) with less discomfort. Not convinced? You need to try it for yourself to believe it!

S - What made you want to develop your own wax?

L - I wanted our clients to have the very BEST, most comfortable, flawless waxing experience, every time. Our highly skilled Waxologists and custom technique already set us apart from other wax bars, but if there was a wax that reduced redness, nourished the skin and removed even the finest hair with minimal discomfort wouldn’t that be amazing, right?! So I worked hard to develop WAXON GOLD with a team of experts and I believe that’s exactly what we’ve achieved but you’ll have to try it for yourself and feel the difference!

S - What can people do post-wax to reduce the amount of ingrown hairs?

L - The best way to prevent and eliminate ingrown hairs is to frequently wax - we recommend every 4-5 weeks. When the hairs are shorter and on the same growth cycle it reduces the pull during a wax service, allowing the hair to be removed more effectively which prevents ingrown hairs.

Also, exfoliate at least 2-3 times per week to remove dead skin cells – ingrown hairs are caused by hair not being able to break the surface and grow normally above the skin because of the layer of dead skin so the hair curls back under.

For a deep exfoliation try WAXON'S handmade Loofah Scrub $11.00 each or three for $30 (Available online at waxon.ca).

S - What is the difference (in terms of results or re-growth) between threading and waxing your brows?

L - The only difference between threading and waxing is the method of hair removal. The hair is still being removed from the root with both techniques so it does not affect the rate of hair growth.
Although our wax is designed to be gentle on the skin people with extra sensitive skin benefit greatly from threading!

S - Where do you see the future of Waxon going? Will you perhaps incorporate other spa services?

L - We choose to focus on one thing, waxing, and to do it flawlessly. Our passion and expert knowledge of waxing is what sets us apart from the rest, so this is something we don’t plan on changing.

WAXON Waxbar plans to continue to expand its existing concept nationally through both Corporate and Franchise development so stay tuned for locations popping up near you. We are also always on top of new beauty care regimes constantly developing new products under our WAXON Cocktail Body line of products. New product releases coming soon!

S - Truth or Myth: When you are stressed or have just finished your menstrual cycle you can be more sensitive when getting a wax?

L - Hormone levels and stress can have a big affect on how sensitive you are during a wax, so we do recommend, if you are sensitive to come outside of the week before and after your period. That being said everyone is different and if you are seeing an expert Waxologist using a premium wax you will immediately notice a difference in pain when compared to your average nail salon or spa.  

A lot of clients ask us if they can get waxed during their period and the answer is yes! However we do recommend taking an Advil before your appointment, as it will be a little more painful at this time.

S - Truth or Myth: Everyone is different when it comes to what part of his or her body is the most sensitive to wax.

L - Truth! Everyone has a different pain threshold so what may be painful for one person could be a breeze for someone else. If you’re a first time waxer and are very nervous about the pain, we have numbing creams available that will help numb the area and cut the level of pain you experience. After your first WAXON wax, we’re convinced that you’ll see it’s not as bad as you thought and you may even ditch the numbing cream for good!

BAREASE NUMBING CREAM $12.00 available at all locations

S - Truth or Myth: The more you wax the fewer ingrown hairs you will have.

L - Truth! The more you wax the more likely all of the hair will be on the same growth cycle, ideally every 4 to 6 weeks, this means that during a wax all of the hair is being removed with ease and there is less trauma to the skin and hair follicle which causes ingrown hairs.

As you continue to wax overtime hair becomes finer and finer, helping to combat ingrown hairs because coarse hair is more likely to become ingrown.

The great news is that over time you will stunt the hair growth and some hairs may never return! Yay!

PRINCE REIGNS INGROWN HAIR SERUM $32.00 at all locations or available to purchase online here www.waxon.ca/products

HOT TIP: Prince Reigns Ingrown Hair Serum is the very best (and an Oprah favourite!) to eliminate and prevent ingrown hairs from coming back. 

S - Truth or Myth: Waxing makes hairs grow fewer and finer with each visit.

L - Truth! Anyone who has been waxing for years will agree that overtime hair becomes finer and more sparse. An added bonus to long term waxing is that you will end up waxing less because you are actually stunting your hair growth.

 

 

Well there you have it! A few tricks and tips to ease you into your next (or first) waxing session. I hope you found this helpful and if you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below and I will try my best to answer them.

SMOKEY GREEN GLAM EYE MAKEUP

This video is a makeup tutorial for a 'Soft Cut Crease Eye Makeup' look. I also just want to say I am not an affiliate of any of these makeup companies I just really like these products!

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!!!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SoheilaHakim
Follow Soheila Online on Twitter: @SoheilaOnline
Follow Soheila Online on Instagram: @SoheilaOnline
Like Soheila Online on Facebook: @Soheila
Or check me out on Snap Chat: soheilahakim

List of items I used in this video with links:

MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot – Painterly - $26
MAC 195 Concealer Brush - $30
Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette In Bloom Palette - $54
MAC 217 Blending Brush - $30
MAC - Eyeshadow in 'Brune' - $ 8.00
Luxie Small Tapered Blending Brush - $16
Smashbox Cream Eye Shadow in 'Stone' - $66.49
Anastasia Beverly Hills 'Artist Palette' - $39.00
Mac 242 Shader Brush - $30.00
Mac Fix + Spray - $12
MAC - Eyeshadow in 'Bronze Frost' - $ 8.00
MAC - Eyeshadow in 'Twinks' - $ 8.00
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in the colour Trooper-  $28.39
Illimasqua Eye Liner in 'Abyss' - $38.95
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 'Porcelain' - $8.96
L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation in 'Natural Buff' -$14.99
Sigma Angled Kabuki Foundation Brush - $24.00
Nars Creamy Concealer in 'Honey' - $29.00
Real Techniques Setting Brush - $8.00
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder- $38.00
MAC 135 Brush - $51.00
MAC 'Give Me Sun' Bronzer - $37.00
NYX Contour and Highlight Palette - $27.00
MAC 'Dessert Rose' Blush - $21.00
MAC 129 Blush Brush - $42.00
NYX - Micro Brow Pencil in 'Ash Brown' - $12.00
Benefits Gimmie Brows, Brow Gel in Medium/Light - $24.00
Sephora Smudger Brush - $48.00 (came in a set)
Stila Cosmetics Eyeliner in 'Stingray' - $22.00
Skone – Smudger Brush - $15
MAC 212 Brush - $30
NYX Butter Gloss in 'Creme Brulee' - $8.00
House of Lashes 'Iconics' - $12.00
Mac Haute and Naighty Mascara - $27.00

Dont forget to spray fix plus all over your face to make sure it stays and looks fresh longer.

I am NOT an affiliated of any of these makeup companies however I do think these products are top notch and would recommend them to anyone!

ALL THE GLITTER - MAUVE DAYTIME MAKEUP LOOK

This video is a makeup tutorial for a soft mauve daytime makeup look. I also just want to say I am not an affiliate of any of these makeup companies I just really like these products!

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!!!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SoheilaHakim
Follow Soheila Online on Twitter: @SoheilaOnline
Follow Soheila Online on Instagram: @SoheilaOnline
Like Soheila Online on Facebook: @Soheila
Or check me out on Snap Chat: soheilahakim

List of items I used in this video with links:


MAC Pro Longwear Paint Pot – Painterly - $26
MAC 195 Concealer Brush - $30
Tarte Cosmetics Tartelette In Bloom Palette - $54 I used the color charmer but any bone colour would do (you're using this to set the base
MAC 217 Blending Brush - $30
Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow in Orange Soda - $12.00
MAC All That Glitter Pan - $8
Luxie Small Tapered Blending Brush - $16
Morphe 35W Palette - $20
Royal & Langnickel - Med Eye Shader Brush - $4
Morphe MB13 Brush - $5
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in the colour Tropper-  $28.39
MAC Moisture Foundation in the shade NC25 - $44
Beauty Blender - $28
NARS Concealer in the shade Honey - $36
Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder - $47
Luxie Tapered Highlighter Brush - $31
NYX Micro Brow Pencil – Ash Brown - $12
Benefits Cosmetics Gimmie Brow – Light/Medium -$30
MAC Give Me Sun Bronzer - $37
MAC 135 Brush - $51
MAC Sculpting Powder in 'Sculpt' & 'Bone Beige Pans $21
Real Techniques – Sculpting Brush - $13.97
Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit - $52
Real Techniques Fan Brush - $
Tarte Cosmetics Blush – Shimmering Peach - $31
MAC 129 Blush Brush - $42
MAC 214 Brush - $30
Skone – Smudger Brush - $15
MAC 212 Brush - $30
Mac Pro Longwear Eye Liner- Black Ice - $24
Jose Maran Liquid Eye Shadow- Playa Del Pink - $23
Colour Pop Lippie Stix in 'Skimpy' - $5
Mac Fix + Spray - $12
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

 

Dont forget to spray fix plus all over your face to make sure it stays and looks fresh longer.

 

I am NOT an affiliated of any of these makeup companies however I do think these products are top notch and would recommend them to anyone!

COPPER/RED SMOKEY EYE

This video is a makeup tutorial for a makeup look I did for the Greta Constantine 10th birthday party. I also just want to say I am not an affiliate of any of these makeup companies I just really like these products!

ALSO DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!!!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/SoheilaHakim
Follow Soheila Online on Twitter: @SoheilaOnline
Follow Soheila Online on Instagram: @SoheilaOnline
Like Soheila Online on Facebook: @Soheila
Or check me out on Snap Chat: soheilahakim

List of items I used in this video with links:

Mac 195 Concealer Brush - $30
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot – Painterly - $26
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Indianwood -  $26.00
Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow in Orange Soda - $12.00
Anastasia Beverly Hills Shadow in Sienna - $12.00
Mac Eye Shadow Pan in Ground Brown  -  $10.00
Mac Eye Shadow Pan in Tempting -$10.00
Mac Pearlizer Sheer Pigment in Quiver - They don't sell this anymore but I think you can get it on ebay. I used this with the brush covered in fix plus to place the pigment on my eyelid. This made the red vibrant.   $17.75
Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Mad Max Brown -  $28.39
Beauty Blender - $28
Maybelline Fit Me Foundation – 110 Porcelain - $6.96
L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Foundation – 103 Natural Buff - $16.96
Maybelline Fit Concealer- 10 Light - $6.96
Real Techniques – Setting Brush - $7.97
Real Techniques – 100 Brush - $26
Too Faced – Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer-  $42
Real Techniques – Sculpting Brush - $13.97
Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit - $40
Morphe MB33 Fan Brush* - $12.99
Anastasia Beverly Hills – So Hollywood Illuminator - $28
NYX Micro Brow Pencil – Ash Brown - $12
Benefits Cosmetics Gimmie Brow – Light/Medium -$30
Mac – 129 Blush Brush - $42
Tarte Cosmetics Blush – Shimmering Peach - $31
Skone – Smudger Bru - $15
Mac 212 Flat Definer Brush - $30
Jose Maran Liquid Eye Shadow- Playa Del Pink - $23
Mac Pro Longwear Eye Liner- Black Ice - $24
Mac Fix + Spray - $12
House of Lashes - Iconics - $12
Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
NYX Butter Gloss – Creme Brulee - $8
Mac Pro Longwear Eye Liner in Black Ice - $24.00
OFRA Eye Shadow and Highlighter in Bliss - $15.00

Dont forget to spray fix plus all over your face to make sure it all stays in place.

 

I am NOT an affiliated of any of these makeup companies however I do think these products are top notch and would recommend them to anyone!