My fav 5 essential makeup items:

1. Moisturizing mascara – so you can reapply without getting that chunky look. Choose mascara that adds volume and lengthens, they never flake off!
2. Lip Glaze – a solid color makes more of a statement then a gloss and you’ll use less so it will last all season!
3. Lip Saver – with an SPF is a must
4. Loose mineral powder – controls oil levels and doesn’t dry out
5. Bronzer – apply it to the areas on your face where the sun would naturally hit. It will keep you looking radiant even on dull weather days

Throw a few Q-tips in your bag because a little bump on the bus while applying mascara is never fun! Also, pack bobby pins. They can transform your hair look quickly if you plan on going from day to night, you never know! You might not need them but your friends might.

If you have to constantly reapply then your makeup isn’t doing its job, plus you’ll go through it twice as quick. That’s extra cash you could use towards something else I am sure you deserve...

Remember – Be good to yourself

Red, blue, yellow, orange, pink, purple and teal are all popular for spring. Here’s how we suggest adding that extra pop of colour to your hair:

Over the top ombre: If you loved the look of last year’s ombre and aren’t ready to give it up, you’re in luck! Ombre is still in but this year it’s all about extremes. Try dying those ends red or for a bolder look try bleaching your hair blonde and adding a bright colour to the tips.

Funky feathering: Adding gradual streaks of colour to your ends or fringe will create a feathered look that is to dye for. I would suggest trying 3 or 4 colours for impactful results.

Stand out streaks: Add a few streaks of colour throughout your hair. Get creative! Coloured streaks look great when braided.

Aren’t ready to commit to an exaggerated colour? No problem. Eccotique Salon sells a chalk based hair shadow called Color.Bug by Kevin Murphy that comes in a variety of colours perfect for testing out new ideas. You could also purchase and colour extensions. No matter what you do with your hair this season, make sure you have fun with it!!

Keep old jars from jams, pickles, sauces and baby food; be environmentally friendly and creative with a Do It Yourself Sweet Treat Body Scrub!

All you need is:

Emptied, clean and dry standard sized baby food jar
1/4 cup confectioner’s sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 Aveda Soothing Aqua Therapy
12 drops of your favorite Aveda Singular Note Essential Oil or 6 drops of 2 aromas if you can’t decide on just one!

Here are the steps:

1. Combine confectioner’s sugar, brown sugar and Aveda Soothing Aqua Therapy in the empty jar and give it a quick stir
2. Add Essential Oil(s). I used Ylang Ylang and Rose oil
3. Stir with a spoon to ensure oil is evenly distributed, then secure the lid
4. All done! Ready to scrub, scrub, scrub
5. Decorate your Sweet Treat Body Scrub Jar anyway you want, make it personal for each friend

Make sure you make a Sweet Treat Body Scrub for yourself too! Remember to moisturize after using the scrub to keep your skin looking fresh longer.

In appreciation of your continued support, Eccotique Spas & Salons has launched a Retail Rewards Program called Beauty with Benefits. You have made us the success we are today and for that we are so grateful. Thank you!

How it works:

The next time you visit an Eccotique Spa & Salon location you’ll receive a cute little Beauty with Benefits Retail Rewards card. Yes it is another card to add to your collection but we promise we’ve made it worth having a first class seat in your wallet. Upon receiving the card you will then get 1 stamp for every retail transaction over $30 before taxes. Buy your fav Aveda skin cleanser, get a stamp. Buy that much needed Kerastase leave-in conditioner, get a stamp. Buy those new OPI colors, get a stamp! Before you know it you’ll have collected 8 stamps and the card is then redeemable in store for $10 OFF retail.

A trillion thanks!

With swimsuit season only 5 months away, we thought what better time to show you a laser hair removal demonstration video. Eccotique Spa East in Metropolis at Metrotown has a unique Pain-Free, Hair Free ™ laser hair removal system that removes unwanted hair quickly and with no down time. Oh and the best part is that unlike other hair removal systems it’s practically painless! The service feels similar to a hot stone massage. Typically 4 to 6 treatments are adequate to see noticeable results.

Take a peek!

Winter tends to be the season that I let myself go especially once the holidays are over. “I don’t need to shave my legs, no one will see them.” “Pedicure...nah, I won’t be wearing sandals this time of year.” “Relaxation, what is that?”

It dawned on me that if I spent more time being good to myself during the Winter, I might feel a little more energized. I might not dread those damp dark days. And so, I made a list of ways to relax, warm up and feel better during the cold winter months that I’d like to share with you.

        1.    A Hot Stone Massage – Quite possibly the best way to warm up and relax at the same time. The tension will literally melt away.

        2.   A foot bath with sea salt – You might not always see those feet in closed toe shoes but they’re still there. A foot bath keeps the feet healthy and feeling fresh.

        3.   An all over body scrub followed by intense moisturization – Exfoliation and hydration are important year round but especially during winter months when skin tends to get real dry.

        4.   A hot bath with an aromatic candle – Just plain relaxing!

        5.   A new hair color – I don’t know about you, but I always feel refreshed when I switch up my hair color. Even if it’s just a shade darker or lighter.

        6.   Warm milk with cinnamon – This cozy drink makes me feel fuzzy all over. Try adding honey or sweeteners if you’re feeling up for it.

        7.   A hair treatment – A hair treatment will help restore moisture leaving hair softer, more supple and shiny.

        8.  Purchase a humidifier – This has been my saving grace! A humidifier next to your bed will help eliminate dry skin that comes from cranking the heater on a cold day.

photo credit: 1. unknown 2. Hermes 3. unknown

If you’re anything like me you love braids! In fact, I am obsessed with braids. Clean or messy, a braid always works. So when the ribbon braid started trending, I was ecstatic! It takes the braid to a whole other level. After much trial and error, I have come up with a written tutorial on how to easily achieve the totally cute textured braid.

        1. The fabric/textile you choose is key. You don’t necessarily have to choose ribbon; in fact I encourage you not to. Find a strip of fabric that inspires you. I find textiles with a unique pattern or texture usually work best. Remember to make sure it suits the outfit you’re wearing. You will need to gage the material width based on the type of braid you are planning on doing. If you are braiding all of your hair, the fabric should be no wider than 3 inches depending on your hair amount and thickness.

        2. Decide on the type of braid you want. Whether it be the traditional, french, fishtail, milkmaid or reverse braid, adding fabric will work.

        3. Cut the piece of fabric/textile about double the length of your longest strand of hair. Thick material for a thick braid and thin material for a thin braid.

        4. Tie the fabric to your hair under the pieces of hair you’re going to braid so that the knot is not visible. I find a double knot works best. If the knot slips down the hair simply secure it with a bobby pin.

        5. Braid your hair the way you’d like it.

        6. Secure the end of the braid with clear elastic.

        7. Cut off any excess fabric.

        8. I like to loosen my braid a bit to achieve that slightly messy look.

Give it a try! I promise you’re going to love it.

Be good to yourself,

Aveda recently launched a new line of hair care said to reduce hair loss by 33%. The Invati line includes an Exfoliating Shampoo, a Thickening Conditioner and a Scalp Revitalizer. Created using ginseng and turmeric, Invati is 97% naturally derived. I have been looking forward to this product since its inception and Aveda did not disappoint. I would recommend the Invati line to anyone looking to reduce breakage and achieve thicker, fuller hair.

Image Credit: Aveda

With 7 locations throughout the GVRD, you’re sure to have an Eccotique Spa & Salon near by. You can expect our Spas & Salons to be warm and inviting with a unique and contemporary flair. We don’t believe beauty should come at a price. Okay, well we have to charge you, but we guarantee quality services and comfortable pricing. Our Spas are all Aveda Concept so you can rest assured we have all of Aveda’s globally recognized, all natural, high performance products. Aveda we love you! The exclusive blending of our spa services coupled with Aveda’s award-winning products results in a one of a kind experience that appeals to both men and women. Eccotique Spas & Salons are a solace where you can retreat, unwind and rejuvenate. We go beyond just offering services; we strive to make all of our guests feel refreshed and radiant. Because let’s face it, it’s all about you! And we think that’s exactly how it should be.

Welcome! We are very excited to be launching the Be Good to Yourself Blog at eccotique.com which will not only serve as Eccotique Spas & Salons official website but will also be your go-to for the latest trends in beauty and hair. We’ll be covering hot trends, beauty how-to’s, quick pick-me ups, outstanding products and new found inspirations. Eccotique Spas & Salons recognize that life can be chaotic. That’s why we created this blog. We’re here to remind you to be good to yourself amidst all that chaos.