We’re well into Summer now and this week’s Sunday Vibes will be celebrating all things warm, glowy and sunny! Its been a busy patch for us on the blog and in the clinic. First, we’ve FINALLY named this section of the website. For over 2 years it remained simply as “The Blog” because I had wanted something that reflected our brand values. After much agony, testing on friends and users different name options, I’m excited to have chosen “The Modern Salon“. I fell in love with this name for two reasons. It references the coffeehouses and drawing rooms of the enlightenment where people would gather and exchange ideas over a wide range of topics. The word salon in the present day is associated with a beauty parlour which is still where people gather, share knowledge and socialise whilst having treatments. This duality was perfect for our platform which ultimately uses beauty as a lens to examine wider cultural, historical and political concepts in much the same way the salonnieres of the old salons used dinners to facilitate intelligent discourse. At the same time, like a beauty salon, it is also a place that you can find effective and personalised beauty treatments, tips, reviews and advice. Our content creators have been busy introducing a wonderfully delicious new feature called “Skin Food Saturday“. We use an ingredient each week which has known skin benefits and creates a healthy and mouthwatering recipe that you can try at home. At the clinic, we’re also preparing to introduce two new members of staff (watch this space for their introduction into the family next week). So, without further ado, pour yourself a cup of tea, coffee or whatever you’re into and enjoy this week’s Sunday Vibes.
YouTube Beauty Channel To Check Out
It hard to watch YouTube beauty channels without falling in love with Gothamista. Renée, the woman behind Gothamista, has amassed over 350K subscribers on YouTube and brings a similarly elegant presence to Instagram (@gothamista). This New Yorker and self-proclaimed “professional treasure hunter” is the embodiment of our “city girl” and “fuss-free beauty” philosophies. Hence, she is our go-to YouTuber for skincare tips, tutorials and product reviews on YouTube. Her videos are beautifully edited with incredible lighting, relaxing music and her clear and gentle delivery. The videos typically include a very accessible explanation of the science or technology behind the skincare products or concepts she’s discussing. Of course, her incredible dewy and flawless skin is also reason alone to listen up! Watch this channel if you’re keen to try K-beauty, want to learn about skincare and achieve the holy-grail that is “honey” or “glass” skin. We’re especially fond of her guide to face oils and face zone masking videos.
Hair & Skincare Tip To Try
So sugar has generally had a bad rep these last few years with regards to its deleterious effects on health. It’s not all bad news though and we’ve found a use for sugar that is actually great for your skin and hair! Cane sugar contains glycolic acid which is the most commonly used alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) in exfoliants and chemical peels that are designed to resurface your skin. Glycolic acid is used to smooth texture and wrinkles as well as soften and brighten skin. To step it up from our previous at home brown sugar mask, we’re bringing in Strawberries. Not only are they utterly delicious and very much sum up British summer for me, Strawberries are rich in Vitamin C which helps protect and brighten skin.
For instantly glowing and softer skin, try making this gorgeous smelling Strawberry and brown sugar polish. Crush or blend 2-3 freshly washed Strawberries and combine with 2 tablespoons of castor brown sugar. As an optional step, mix in a teaspoon of your favourite face oil (I personally prefer marula, sweet almond, avocado or macadamia oil). Stir with a spoon and apply to freshly cleansed skin (your face and neck) using a massaging action. Leave on for 5-10 minutes and wash off with water avoiding contact with eyes. Finish off by applying your favourite moisturiser and SPF if you’re going out!
The great thing about this Strawberry and brown sugar polish is that you can also use it on your legs, arms or chest to get smooth and lit from within skin everywhere else. For best results dry brush your skin then apply the polish using a massaging action and leave for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off in the shower and following up with a Shea butter moisturiser.
For smoother and shinier hair, combine 3 mashed or pureed strawberries combined with a tablespoon of honey and a tablespoon of olive oil. Massage these into your hair and leave for 10 minutes before rinsing followed by shampooing and conditioning. If your hair is extra dry, try adding an egg yolk to the combo for glistening locks! The Strawberries and honey will also help treat any dandruff and soothe a sensitised scalp.
Makeup Technique To Practice
Its summer and now more than ever, dewy looking skin and natural no-makeup makeup are the looks to go for. Check out our tutorial on dewy-looking skin makeup techniques and keep an eye out for our upcoming guide to CC creams as well as no-makeup makeup summer tips!
Beauty Guide To Read
Summer is all about having gorgeous skin and little to no makeup. In the heat you just want to let your skin breathe and frankly spend your time enjoying the beautiful weather. This goes back to ensuring you have a great foundation, ie your skin. So to prep, your skin exfoliation and following a really good skincare routine is going to be key. Professional skin treatments like advanced clinical facials and chemical peels can also help you reset and resurface your skin more quickly. If you haven’t already, check out our guide to chemical peels and aftercare for chemical peel treatments.
Moment of Zen
Last season we did our life spring clean series which is relevant all year round. If you haven’t already check out our guides to spring cleaning your life in the 3 key areas of health, wealth and happiness.
Sneak Peek At The Coming Week In Beauty
Look forward to more intelligent chat, skincare and beauty advice in the coming weeks. We have a couple of great articles on the politics of hair and the future of #metoo movement. There are also plenty of articles coming up on summer beauty and skincare. We’ll also be introducing our newest members of staff to the world! Anyway, have a fun Sunday and let us know in the comments below what you think of today’s post and if you have any questions!
Want more YouTube and Sunday beauty tips? See our last Sunday vibes post which features a tutorial on DIY ice facials….
What next?
Don’t forget to check out our Skin Food Saturday posts for delicious recipes for spicy tuna and squash fishcakes, creamy avocado truffles and pineapple breakfast smoothie.Over here if you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding Vitamin C to your skincare routine (the answer is YES!).
Check out our routine pages for how to create your own easy bespoke skincare regimens for oily skin, ageing skin, combination skin, dry skin and acne-prone skin.
