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Welcome to Hi-Lites, Atelier Emmanuel’s blog! Every month, learn about the latest news, events and promotions and discover our services and beauty experts. Throughout, we'll also be sprinkling tidbits about care, beauty, and trends in the beauty industry. Scroll through, and if there is anything you would like us to add, let us know!


Friday, December 30, 2011

Product Overview | Styling Wax

One of the strengths of Bumble and bumble is the versatility of its styling products. Originally created for editorial work, Bumble and bumble products help create an incredible range of effects.





This background in commercial styling is what led Bumble and bumble to develop Styling Wax in 1993: One of the key assets of this wax is that it is easily removable with a simple wash. This is unlike any other wax on the market, and one of the many ways that Styling Wax is different. It needs only a little warmup and is easily applied, with no comb through needed. 


Who should use it?
Wax in general is perfect for short cuts or to add finishing touches to the longer ones. 
It's great for long layers or short rough men's cuts to piece sections out, as as that "Mad Men" look.


Styling Wax doesn't last as long as a regular wax. This can be a blessing or an inconvenience depending on how you imagine using it. Someone who likes to update their look more than once a day will love it. It's a great one to keep in your backpack for swift touchups.


Styling Wax was designed for professional photoshoots, where you want to be able to obtain a variety of styles within a few hours. It provides light to medium hold and shine. It's clearly great for those who like to play with their hair, as well as many guy styles, which ask for more looseness.


Styling Wax is definitely gender neutral. Celebrity fans include Ben Affleck, Dennis Leary, Matt Dillon, Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Val Kilmer, Steven Tyler, Christina Aguilera, Halle Berry, Keri Russell, Selma Hayek, and Sarah Michelle Gellar love it!


Why use Styling Wax?
Styling Wax gives separation to any cut and sleek grooming with soft hold. 


It helps keep the hair malleable allowing you to change direction.


The big difference with other waxes is that Styling Wax is a water-soluble combination of wax and silicone that gives the kind of shiny finish usually achieved with oils, making it far less greasy than its predecessors.


Styling Wax puts an end to many model’s nightmare: struggling to get rid of the product. Before the creation of Styling Wax, the main drawback of waxes was that they didn't wash out: it could take days to dissolve it, driving models crazy. 


It comes in a nice round metallic box that makes it easy to carry in your purse, bag or pocket.
The fragrance is neutral and light: it won’t interfere with the fragrance of your perfume or shampoo.


How to use it?
Applying Styling Wax is pretty easy: it really doesn't need any heat to soften as it's very malleable already.
Just emulsify a dime-sized dab or two in your palm to soften it a little more.
Spread it through fingers and work through barely damp or dry hair. Use throughout for texture, or just on ends for shape and separation.


You can use it on its own, or cocktail it with other Bb products to obtain different finishes.
For example, mixing Styling Wax + a drop of DeFrizz will provide less hold and more shine.


The videos below provide some idea of the styles you can obtain with Styling Wax. If you're wondering how it differs from Sumowax (which we reviewed last week), continue reading after the videos.


What are the differences between Styling Wax and Sumowax?
THE main difference is the hold: while Sumowax provides strong hold that lasts all day long. Styling Wax offers soft hold. Therefore, if you’re the type of person who likes to stick to one hair style and have a sleek, shiny finish, we recommend that you use Sumowax. If you like changing styles often, then go for the Styling Wax. 


Another important difference is with application: Sumowax requires some time to warm up, soften and apply. However, it is almost nearly guaranteed that you won’t have to use it again throughout the day. Styling Wax is easier to apply but may require some additional applications throughout the day.



And then, Styling Wax is also easier to remove than Sumowax: thanks to its water-soluble ingredients, rinsing your hair with clear water will help you wash out Styling Wax very quickly. Sumowax, on the other hand requires the use of shampoo (and conditioner) to remove it. 

Have you played with Styling Wax yet? Let us know your experience in the comments!

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Product Overview | SUMOWAX


SUMOWAX

You might not know this, but Bumble and bumble loves history. Sumowax came about when their editorial stylist, Laurent Philippon, became fascinated by the codified role of hairstyling in Sumo Wrestling. There are two distinct hairstyles for Sumo wrestlers, based on seniority and ranking. Both serve a function, to soften the impact on the head when a wrestler gets tossed (The basic hairstyle is know as Chonmage, incidentally, and dates back to the Edo period). Laurent probably wasn't so much interested in the protective quality so much as that hold and sheen and the hyper control over the hair.

Hair is as defined by tradition as the rest of the art of Sumo wrestling. It is still done now in the same manner as it has in the past: a wax is melted down in iron cauldrons, applied to the wrestler's hair by a Tokoyama (specialized Sumo hairstylist!) then cooled to set in what is essentially a helmet of hair. Not very efficient for the modern salon... The commercial equivalents,  Bumble and bumble found, were greasy, foul smelling, and not terribly effective, either. So they went about making their own. It took them two years, but Bb found the right combination of waxes that would give strong hold, shine, and sleekness, while still permitting separation.  


Who should use it?
It's a great choice for people with short hair cuts. 
It helps discipline heavy hair, yet doesn’t overwhelm finer hair.
If you are looking to obtain sleekness, high shine, hold, along with separation and definition of details, then Sumowax is the perfect product for you. 
Movie stars including Harrison Ford and Sylvester Stallone love it! 

Why use Sumowax?
Sumowax gives strength of character to modern cuts. It helps you obtain textural and glossy effects, along with strong, flexible hold. 

A wax remains pliable, won't dry out, and isn't sticky; all while retaining hold throughout the day.

How to use it?
Sumowax need to be warmed.
There are to easy ways to do so:
  1. Spread a dime-sized dab or two onto palms, rub briskly together to warm and soften.
  2. You can also heat it by holding a blow-dryer to the mouth of the jar and skimming the top layer. 
Evenly coat fingers and hands and lightly spread through hair. Coat the hair as much as you can. Comb your hair to help spread Sumowax evenly.

Styling Tip: Use a blow dryer with cool air and use it to "freeze” the Sumowax as you style. Try sectioning— applying Sumowax to one area, getting the look you want, setting it with cool air, then moving to another section.
We recommend that you wash it out of your hair well before bedtime; otherwise you'll be washing it out of your pillow cases, which is more difficult. 

Sumowax vs Sumotech
What's the difference between Sumowax and Sumotech?

Texture
Sumowax is a wax. The texture is very different from Sumotech which has a unique texture in-between wax, paste, creme. 
Result
Both of them provide strong and flexible hold and texture. However, Sumowax create a shiny, glossy effect while Sumotech creates a matte finish.

Application
If you’re not an early bird and need to get things done quickly (especially styling your hair) go with Sumotech. You can apply it on barely damp or dry hair with fingers and work quickly.
Sumowax takes a little more time to apply and should be combed through. 

Fragrance
Sumowax’s fragrance is more neutral. The mild frangrance is one of the reasons why Sumowax quickly became a best seller: it didn't have the stink of the aforementioned Japanese commercial equivalents.


"Patience is more a matter of discipline than virtue. As such, the rewards are even sweeter." This is a motto that reflects the Sumowax spirit. Developed by and for people who like to take time to obtain the style they want.



Below are some videos that will provide you with some ideas of the texture, hold and shine you can obtain with Sumowax:






Thursday, December 15, 2011

2011 Hi-Lites

Why choose Atelier Emmanuel for Prenatal Massage

No better time to talk about prenatal massage than Christmas, when a lot of people are celebrating the birth of baby Jesus! Whether it's an immaculate conception or not, you can certainly enjoy massage at any time during your pregnancy.


A lot of women ask me if it is safe to get a massage during the first trimester of pregnancy. 

According to “Massage Today,” women avoid receiving bodywork during the first trimester out of fear of miscarriage. It is true that some massage therapists and spas do not offer massage in the first trimester. But this is a liability issue, and does not mean that it is dangerous.


You do have to make sure that your therapist is certified and that she/he understands the contraindications and are diligent with certain areas of your body. But with proper awareness, massage really improves the experience of pregnancy. With all the changes it undergoes, the body really craves calmness and integration. Bodywork is the most organic approach to give the pregnant body what it needs.


Some of the benefits of massage during pregnancy:
• Reduces stress associated with physical, emotional and hormonal changes
• Helps to reduce morning sickness
• Reduces stress and pain in the region of the pelvis and lower back
• Moves fluids throughout the body reducing swelling
• Enhances the pliability of the skin and reduces the chance of stretch marks
• Prepares the body for healthy labor
• Helps the fetus to move and get in position when the time comes
• Increases circulation for the fetus.
• Reliefs aches at the joints
• Produces endorphins that keep you in a serene mood
• Feels amazing and creates the mother-child, body-mind connection

What to expect if you are coming to Atelier Emmanuel to get a prenatal massage?
While it will look very much like a regular massage, the quality of the touch will be different. It will be light, nurturing and precise: no deep tissue strokes or pressure points. Careful attention will be paid around specific landmarks of the body, which are contraindicated during different stages of pregnancy.

Essential oils might be omitted, especially in the first trimester.


If you are in your second and third trimester when your belly getting bigger, we will use a side-lying  position. You will lay on your sides propped up with pillows to support your body. The goal is to maintain spinal alignment and to keep your belly supported, while giving you maximum comfort.


In your last weeks of pregnancy, your body might feel a lot of swelling, especially in the legs and feet. Swedish massage works wonderfully with the lymphatic system to increase circulation and move the body fluids. Please be sure to inform your therapist if you have problems with blood clotting or clotting disorders, as massage is contraindicated in such cases.

Reiki is highly recommended throughout your pregnancy and after birth. Reiki sessions help you to integrate to the state of motherhood. While massage helps your physiology, Reiki helps your hormonal, mental, and emotional wellbeing.

Massage should not be avoided out of fear, at any stages of pregnancy. Of course, consult with your  physician. Get the facts and know we have the skills to support you during ALL the stages of your pregnancy.

Make sure that you always feel empowered to communicate with your massage therapist. Let her/him know if something feels off. If you do not want abdominal work done, for example, be sure to communicate that during the intake.  Every woman is different, and every pregnancy is different for each woman.

Take care of yourself first. Set healthy boundaries as to what feels good while receiving a massage: is your body comfortable? is pressure just right or too much? are the strokes soothing, or are they negatively stimulating you and causing nausea? Ask questions, we always appreciate it when someone shows interest in the process and in their body, especially when you are speaking for two (or three, if its twins).

I look forward to our next meeting. May you find much health, peace, prosperity and joy this holiday season!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Massage Packages Available

Per client request, we have created several massage packages that enable our regular clients to save money while enjoying Margarita's bodywork skills:

RELAXING PACKAGES:
  • 3 x 60 minutes: $220 (a savings of $20)
  • 5 x 60 minutes: $350 (a savings of $50)
  • 10 x 60 minutes: $650 (a savings of S150)
  • 3 x 90 minutes: $310 (a savings of $20)
  • 5 x 90 minutes: $500 (a savings of $50)
  • 10 x 90 minutes: $950 (a savings of $150)
THERAPEUTIC PACKAGES:
  • 3 x 60 minutes: $250 (a savings of $20)
  • 5 x 60 minutes: $400 (a savings of $50)
  • 10 x 60 minutes: $750 (a savings of $150)
  • 3 x 90 minutes: $340 (a savings of $20)
  • 5 x 90 minutes: $550 (a savings of $50)
  • 10 x 90 minutes: $1,050 (a savings of $150)
COMBO PACKAGE:
  • 60 minutes massage + 30 minutes Reiki: $110
Happy Holidays everyone!

Friday, December 9, 2011

La Soirée: We Had a Blast!



This year, Atelier Emmanuel decided to really get involved with La Soirée.


We set up a booth which highlighted our René Furterer products and gave away gift bags which included sample products, scented massage oils and gift vouchers to redeem in our salon. We even got fancy and had a giant banner printed.





But this was just for starters. We also offered complimentary makeup sessions and massages. We meant to go from 7p until 9p, but with guests queuing at our booth, we ended up going until 10:30p.
Emmanuel, Nicole, James and Julie also generated buzz doing live preparation of models for the fashion show showcased that evening. This runway featured fashion and bridal designer Violette Vieux.

Courtesy of Velocity Circus
In the spirit of this French event, one of the models wore an Eiffel Tower dress. Emmanuel created a cone shaped hairstyle surrounded by tubes: the darkness of the hair contrasted with the white tubes, echoing the contrast in the dress. The structure and shape of the crocheted dress and hair style referenced the shape of the “Tour Eiffel”.
A unique tribute to France!

Courtesy of Velocity Circus







Sumotech: a Must Have styling product


“It is not a wax, not a paste and not a creme, but in some ways all of them.” — Bumble and bumble


Many of you already love Sumotech: in the few months since Atelier Emmanuel has stocked it, Sumotech has become our best selling product.


Sumotech is unique and versatile. It's a must have styling product for anyone who wants strong, flexible hold and a matte finish. Its lightweight texture and malleable structure makes Sumotech suitable for both men and women, even those with fine hair. We particularly recommend it for highly textural cuts.

How to use it? 
Simple: spread a dime-sized dab or two onto palms and work through barely damp or dry hair with fingers and style. Work quickly, and try not to overwork.

Our stylists Britney and Anastasia both use it everyday:
“I recommend it for everyone  who wants texture in their hair, everyday, and especially for men: the fragrance actually attracts a lot of men. Sumotech is perfect for people with short and texturized hair style. It leaves the hair with strong texture or hold without any waxing or pasty finish.”  — Britney

“I use it very often (read: every day), mostly on men. As Britney said, it especially works well on short and textured hair. It does give a lot texture and works on every type of hair. 


I tend to use it in between cuts: I structure the hair, apply Sumotech, style, re-texture and then re-cut if needed. A lot of our clients were really excited when we started carrying Bumble and bumble because most of them already used Sumotech. And now a lot of other clients who didn’t use/know Bumble and bumble buy Sumotech regularly.”Anastasia

Never used it, need some guidance or inspiration? 
These two videos may be of help:



Enjoy!