HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

Personally, I'm offended that the holidays are here already. This year has felt like a month and a million all at the same time. But trees are up, Mariah Carey is inching toward the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and best of all, prices are slashing! I've put together a few great gift ideas for those of you who are feeling overwhelmed by the idea of hitting the mall-especially during a global pandemic. Let's go!

1. Gift certificate to Cherrie Darling Beauty! Okay, yes, I was obviously going to start with this one. This is the perfect gift for several reasons. First, you can make it out for any amount. Need to give a casual acquaintance something small? Box of chocolates and $10 gift certificate to yours truly...easy peasy! Second, you can choose to purchase a gift certificate for any service. If your wife has been hinting that she'd like to relax before she goes crazy because she recently became a distance learning teacher, you can gift her with a Deluxe Facial and take the guesswork out of it. Trust me, she'll be happy. Third, you can buy a gift certificate for people who don't even live local! You can send one to your cousin in California and they can schedule a Digital Consultation or purchase products that will be delivered to their doorstep. You can't go wrong! Plus, if you buy gift certificates during my Black Friday sale (Black Friday-December 1), you get 10% off! 

2. Image Skincare Hydrating Essentials Skincare Set. I've been using Image Skincare for 5 years now and there's a reason it's one of the best selling professional skincare brands-it works! I use a ton of Image products in my treatments and my clients are die-hard fans of several of their bestsellers. Image is offering several cute holiday sets, but this particular kit includes the Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser, Vital C Hydrating Anti Aging Serum, and Prevention + Daily Ultimate Protection SPF Moisturizer. It's an amazing starter kit that covers almost everything you need for a full regimen (throw a night cream in there and you're golden!). Separately, this kit would total $148, but bundled together, you get it for $126! Plus, if you order during my Black Friday sale, shipping is FREE! 

3. Customized product gift sets. I can work with any budget to help you design a gift for someone in your life. I use several different lines in my treatment room and can honestly create anything from a sample bag filled with lots of goodies to test or a full blown regimen. There are certain things that ALL people need in their routine, such as lip balm, SPF, moisturizer, and cleanser. I can help you choose what will work best for your recipient and make sure it doesn't break the bank. No matter how much you have to spend, I can make it happen.

4. If you're local, you should definitely check out everything The Willows has to offer. I joined the team at The Willows a few months ago, and while a fire in our building set us back a little, we're still kickin' in our temporary space and have plenty of options to take care of all your wellness needs. Lori does massage, reiki, cupping, and other types of wellness treatments. Let's face it, we've all had a stressful year. What would be better than getting a massage and then popping into my treatment room for a facial? Nothing I can think of! After grabbing a gift certificate for CDB, grab one to see Lori for one of her amazing sessions! While you're at The Willows, you have to check out Deb's shop, Under the Crystal Moon. There are sooooo many pretty, shiny things! Really cool, unique gifts. I don't know much about crystals, if I'm being honest, but Deb is a wealth of information and guided me toward the perfect choices for me to keep on my bedside table. I'm willing to do ANYTHING to suck the negativity out of 2020 and put some happy vibes into it instead. At The Willows, you can find something for everyone, and best of all, for any budget! 

5. Stocking stuffer ideas. You can't go wrong with any of these. They work for any skin type or condition! Image Skincare's Ormedic Lip Enhancement Complex (my number one bestseller, $22), a hydrating or anti-aging sheet mask ($7), Four Star Favorites sample kit ($22), or Skin Script's Cucumber Hydration Toner ($12.50). Pop one of these into a stocking with some chocolates and you're good to go!

There are so many amazing businesses that need your support right now. Restaurants seem to be getting the most attention (and it's certainly well deserved), but don't forget about your small bookstores, family owned hardware stores, consignment shops, boutiques, etc. I know that it might cost a few less dollars to go to Target and that Amazon can get your stuff delivered in less than two days, but Target and Amazon are going to be just fine. Our small businesses will not. So yes, my gift guide is filled with stuff that will support my business, but there are many out there that could also use your support. I highly recommend making your next shopping trip closer to home and opening your eyes to some of your local spots that you might have never noticed before! Some really awesome spots in my neighborhood of downtown Bethel? Relay Bookhouse, Disc & Dat, Occasions, Byrd's Books, Britt's Nail Bar, Putnam House, J. Lawrence, and Portofino. There are so many more! Visit an old favorite or try something new. Either way, shop local!

If you have any questions about gift certificates, treatments, products, or anything at all, just send me a message. I'm happy to help!

Happy Shopping!

Cherrie

cherriedarlingbeauty.glossgenius.com

instagram.com/cherriedarlingbeauty

facebook.com/cherriedarlingbeauty

ROUTINES ARE IMPORTANT

On my last blog post, I talked about the differences between professional and OTC products. I hope that you learned a thing or two! Today, I thought I would expand on the importance of using professional products by talking a bit about skincare routines in general. I have accounts with three different professional skincare companies (in order to make sure that I have options for EVERYONE), so I'll be breaking down a sample routine for each. Of course, there is no one size fits all when it comes to skincare. I've struggled with finding a way to highlight products on my social media accounts because I don't want a random person scrolling by to think that a particular product will be their saving grace when their skin type, conditions, allergies, sensitivities, lifestyle, amount of sun exposure, etc. isn't being taken into consideration. For instance, there are many great products for lightening hyperpigmentation (a fancy word for dark spots) out there. Unfortunately, if you aren't being guided by a professional, you may purchase it thinking that it's a miracle in a bottle. You could be perfectly diligent in making sure that you're using it twice a day, but not realize that your efforts are futile because without daily application of SPF, those dark spots would just get worse. Yikes! However, I do want to highlight the fact that it's possible to have a basic (three product) skincare routine that is easy and relatively affordable. What products to use will differ from person to person...these are just examples!

Let's start with Image Skincare. I've used their products for many years, and have seen great results on both myself and my clients. I used to absolutely love their SPF, but their new formula is just...not good. And since Image retails that product for $44, anything less than spectacular isn't going to cut it (I'd also never suggest something to y'all just to make money-if I don't believe in it, you will always hear me say so). I always recommend using an SPF, but because of this reformulation, you won't see one listed here (see my other lines for SPF options, or check out the super popular ZINC IT OVER SPF Mist from seriouslyfab.com). A simple morning routine could be Vital C cleanser (my price: $24/6 oz) followed by Vital C Hydrating Intense Moisturizer (my price: $51/1.7 oz). In the evening, use that same cleanser and follow it up with Ormedic Balancing Bio Peptide Creme (my price: $55.50/2 oz). Total cost: $130.50.

I've been using Hale & Hush products for a little over a month now, and I have to say, I'm obsessed. As a redheaded, pale, freckled gal, sensitive skin was quite literally built into my DNA. H&H was developed for sensitive skin (though it treats all types of skin with potent ingredients-there is no fluff here), and I love it so much that I'll be buying the entire line once it's time for me to reorder. So many of the products were formulated to repair the skin's barrier, which is really the first step in transforming anyone's skin. A basic morning routine would be to cleanse with Quiet Wash ($21.95/3.3 oz) and follow it up with their Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($31/1.7 oz). For evening, cleanse with Quiet Wash and apply Vital Lipid Lotion ($49.95/1.7 oz). Total cost: $102.90.

Last, I'd like to introduce Skin Script. I've used several of their products in my treatments before (many of you have commented on your love for that refreshing spritz of Cucumber Hydration Toner!), but I've finally added their entire line into my system! Skin Script was developed by estheticians and I love their approach not just to the products, but to their company in general. Their price point is amazing, plus many of their products are offered in multiple sizes, so if you're on a tight budget, this is the place to start (though FYI, using smaller sizes obviously means going through them faster). In the morning, grab the Pomegranate Antioxidant Cleanser ($10/2 oz) and follow it up with Sheer Protection SPF 30 ($24/2 oz). In the evening, cleanse the skin and apply Ageless Skin Moisturizer ($15/2 oz). Total cost: $49.

Are these prices higher than what you'd find at the drugstore? Absolutely. But the ingredients and delivery systems of those ingredients make a difference (again, see my last blog post for more information). Plus, you only need to apply very little of a professional product to achieve maximum results-they should last you several months. If they don't, you're using too much! Just like our mothers told us in regard to the makeup you put on for 8th grade picture day, less is more (okay fine, maybe that was just me, but it's still true). Of course, if you're using a product twice a day, it will go twice as fast (i.e. cleansers, eye creams, etc). Reach out to your skincare pro for guidance on what is the proper amount for you.

Yes, if you have special skin concerns like hyperpigmentation, acne, wrinkles, etc., it's likely that 3 basic products are not going to cut it-you'll need a few other products thrown into the mix. But having 3 basic products is a great way to start your professional skincare journey. You can build on those products and not only correct skin issues, but prevent future ones. My own routine has several more products and steps, but skincare is my profession (and my passion!). Once you make the switch to pro products and see the results that they can make, you'll see why it makes sense to invest in them and you'll be passionate too.

Home care has always been a vital component of reaching and maintaining your skin goals, but since the entire service industry is shut down right now, it's the only way to do so. My Magic 8 Ball keeps saying "Reply hazy, try again later" regarding the future of my business (and therefore providing treatments), but designing the perfect home care regimen for you with products that I stand behind is one way that I can continue to be of service to you. If you are interested in investing in your skin, please reach out to me. I'd love to see if I'm the right fit for you!

Lastly, to my dear clients: I hope that you are all staying safe and healthy. I certainly miss having my hands on your faces, chatting with you, and being a little slice of relaxation in your life. I don't know what the future holds (damn Magic 8 Ball), but I will let you know as soon as I do! Sending you all a great big giant e-hug.

love & lipstick,
Cherrie

P.S. Are you more interested in WAXING related info and products? Well then boy do I have a blog post for you! Coming soon<3

TRUST ME, I'M A PROFESSIONAL

I didn't really get into skincare until I was in my late 20s. Before I went to esthetics school, the idea of paying more than $6 for a cleanser (or "face wash," as those who are not in the field tend to call it) was an insane concept. It brings me great shame to admit, but yes, I was once...*GULP* a Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, St. Ives Apricot Scrub user. So trust me when I say that I understand why people are hesitant to pay the price tag that comes with using professional skincare products. I've been in your shoes! Take this journey with me to learn why you should be marching those shoes right out of the CVS beauty aisle and why you should make the switch to professional products instead.

I can say with 100% certainty that the most common question I am asked is "what drugstore products do you recommend?" To put it bluntly, I don't. You don't come in for a service and expect me to use drugstore products on your skin, right? You're spending your hard earned cash to experience a professional treatment. During a facial, I use cleansers, toners, exfoliants, masks, serums, moisturizers, eye creams, facial oils, lip treatments, etc. Hundreds of dollars worth of products! Clients are always so happy with their results, and are eager to learn how to maintain them between the recommended monthly treatments. And of course, they want to do so in the most inexpensive way possible. But I didn't use a $6 cleanser or a $12 serum on your skin during the treatment, so how can I tell you that doing so at home will get you the same results? It won't! 

OTC (over the counter) products differ from professional products in a variety of ways. They are mass produced, made for consumers who are "self diagnosing" their own skin conditions, and therefore contain a very small percentage of active ingredients (and a large percentage of filler ingredients) in order to avoid irritating skin (and I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the stuff you're buying at Sephora, Ulta, Macy's, etc. is also considered OTC...despite costing just as much as pro products!). Professional products, however, are made in small batches so as to maintain the integrity of the ingredients. Pro skincare lines also use more technologically advanced delivery systems, meaning that active ingredients can get to where they need to go in order to do what they need to do. For instance, if you have a serum that is making a claim to have x% of an active ingredient, but the molecules of that serum are too large to actually penetrate the skin's surface, that ingredient cannot do anything other than sit on top of the skin. Professional lines use molecular technology that allow ingredients to penetrate the skin's layers in order to effect change. They also take into account the skin's pH, whereas OTC products normally do not. The skin's pH should be between 4.5-5.5, but OTC products make the skin too alkaline, which leaves the skin susceptible to bacterial growth and free radical invasion. Protecting the skin's barrier is the most important thing for all skin types! Bottom line-OTC products strip the skin. Let's leave the stripping for bachelor parties, shall we?

I've seen some articles claim that the best way to see if a product has effective active ingredients is to check the order of ingredients listed, but unfortunately that's not exactly true. I was trying to find a way to say this well in my own words, but I think this quote from celebrity esthetician and trusted skin care expert Renee Rouleau does a better job than I can:

Two products can have the exact same list of ingredients, and one will be highly effective while the other could be completely useless. The difference is the concentration of those ingredients. One product may use a very small amount while the other uses a clinically active level. Unfortunately for you, the consumer, there is no way to understand the difference. This is because all ingredients are supposed to be listed in order of the concentration used, but for ingredients with a concentration less than 1% they can be listed in any order. There’s a big difference between an ingredients used at .01% versus 1%, but you would never know it from the label on the bottle, tube or jar.

Don't forget that a lot of the claims that you see have absolutely no ACTUAL, LEGAL meaning. Terms like "dermatologist tested," "clinically proven," or "studies show..." are not regulated. A dermatologist can take a product, test it on their own skin and no one else, have a terrible reaction, but the product can still make the claim "dermatologist tested" because it's technically true. It's misleading, though, because it leads the consumer to believe that it's been tested on a ton of people and has been proven by a doctor to be considered safe. False! There is a lot of bullshit in the beauty industry, and consumers don't have time to do their homework on every product or every claim. That's why it should be left to the professionals. The claims that professional skincare lines make are usually based on results from an unbiased, third party lab, and there is information readily available to back it up. Professional brands work directly with estheticians in a very hands-on way, so you can be sure that when you're having a regimen designed for you, it's done by someone who knows what they're doing. There is a reason why licensed estheticians only work with one or two skincare lines. They take trainings from these brands, they use the products on all different skin types and conditions, and are constantly updating their knowledge based on the newest information available. They know how that specific line's delivery systems work, they stay up to date on product reformulations, and they are able to check in with clients on a regular basis to see how their skin is reacting to new products. Your local drugstore employees aren't checking in with you to see if your new moisturizer is working with your acne prone skin, but I bet your esthetician does!

I know that it's tough to want to shell out $60 for a Vitamin C serum when you see one on the shelf for $15. But it's not the same! When you use a high quality product, you don't need to use as much of it and you don't go through it as quickly. Professional products will last longer, they'll do more for your skin, and they come with an expert who can help you tweak your regimen to make them work for your specific skin type and concerns. Yes, that does mean that they cost more. But cost and worth are not the same thing. Plus, when you're using the right products, you don't need as many of them! You can start your professional skincare journey with just THREE products and see positive results, I guarantee it. Once you see the difference the right products make, you won't even look in the direction of St. Ives anymore. There are a lot of professional lines out there, and it can definitely be overwhelming. Reach out to your skin care specialist (if you don't have one yet...ahem...allow me to introduce myself). Personally, I use a well respected, industry leading brand called Image Skincare and have recently added Hale & Hush (a brand dedicated to sensitive skin and Oncology patients) as well. I'm obsessed! I can't wait to reopen so that I can share their products with you guys. Until then, if you are looking for some advice on building a regimen, I can guide you via the internet. Simply reach out via my website (cherriedarlingbeauty.glossgenius.com), my Instagram (instagram.com/cherriedarlingbeauty), Facebook (facebook.com/cherriedarlingbeauty), or my email (cherriedarlingbeauty@gmail.com). Now is the perfect time to try something new! As always, let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to hear from you!

love & lipstick (& liposomes!),

Cherrie