26 Jul '16

History Of The Flat Iron

The History of Hair Straighteners

Hair straighteners are, for many of us, an essential part of our beauty routine. Some of us use them daily and some just for the weekend, but there’s nothing like the confidence boost you get when you’re done doing your hair. Your time and work paid off and you feel ready to conquer the world. Hair straighteners are also great when you want a change of look: if you have naturally straight hair, you can use the hair straightener to create waves or curls; if you have naturally curly hair, you can use the hair straightener to achieve a sleek, straight style. Hair straighteners have been tweaked over the years to ensure safety and efficiency, and I thought it might be nice to look back and see how this hair tool giant was created in the first place.

The First Hair Straighteners

Old Antique Iron used for Hair - ISA Professional

We have Parisian Marcel Grateau to thank for inventing the first heated rods in 1872. It was actually a comb with metallic teeth, which then inspired Erica Feldman to use it on her hair to control it. It didn’t end there; in 1909, Isaac K. Shero found out that the best way to straighten hair was by using two clothing irons, pressing them down together on both sides, which then left the hair sleek.

A few years later, in 1912, the Scottish Lady Jennifer Bell Schofield took this idea to another level, and invented a hair tool that had two metal plates on either side, joined by a hinge at the bottom. This allowed the user to clamp and unclamp the metal plates on their hair, leaving behind perfectly straight hair. She had grown tired of the curly haired norm and wanted to be different. She was definitely a woman ahead of her time, which then inspired other women to follow suit and try it out themselves. Her invention is the model that most resembles the hair straighteners we know today.

Women in the 1950’s would use a clothes iron to straighten their hair by placing their hair on a flat surface and ironing it as they would for clothing. By the 1980’s, beauty companies decided to improve the safety and efficacy of previous designs by surrounding the two hot plates with insulating plastic. This reduced burns and made it easier to use. I think we can all agree that this was a huge step forward!

Advanced Hair Straighteners

Woman with Long Straight Helathy Hair - ISA Professional

While the two plated hair straightener is the one that has stuck around, it doesn’t mean that the technology remains the same. It's been improved on further. Nowadays we have many different materials to choose from when deciding on a hair straightener; it’s now a matter of knowing which to choose and why.

As I’m sure many of you already know, not all hair straighteners are of the same caliber and when you want to protect your locks from damage, you have to go with a high quality material and brand. Stay away from any hair straightener whose plates are not made out of ceramic or titanium; these lower quality hair straighteners are basically just metal plates, making them very harmful to your hair. Ceramic and titanium hair straighteners are the best of the best (titanium being the top tier for stubborn or thick hair), especially when the plates are 100% of the material! While it may be pricier to get a 100% ceramic or titanium hair straightener, I think it is well worth the investment. These straighteners won’t break or damage your hair, and if taken care of properly will last you many years.

Mirror Titanium Hair Straightener Flat Iron- ISA Professional

Now let’s talk hair straighteners HG (or holy grail), mine being ISA Professional’s Mirror Titanium Digital Straightener. Not only is it a beautiful candy apple red, it’s also tapered around the plates, making it easy to create waves and curls with it. The plates are also made out of, you guessed it, mirror titanium, titanium that is so smooth that the plates look like black mirrors. It’s also digital, which is amazing because it allows me to choose the right heat setting for my hair type. This hair straightener has such an advanced design and is so easy to love because it doesn’t tug my hair, heats up super quickly and has cut my hair styling time by half!

I have color treated, frizzy hair which can be hard to control but this straightener was up for the challenge and then some. I almost couldn’t believe it myself but my smooth, shiny hair is the proof. I’ve also gotten many compliments on how shiny and healthy my hair looks, so this tool is definitely a winner and a permanent staple in my hair care collection.

Hair Straightening Brushes

Brunette with Healthy Hair - ISA Professional

I also want to talk a little about the newest trend hitting the beauty world right now, hair straightening brushes. These brushes have a built in heat plate on the base of the bristles, making it the only tool you need to straighten your hair. Some women with thicker or coarser hair like using the brush and then quickly using their hair straightener after, to ensure maximum smoothness.

The tips of the bristles are cool to the touch and have no give, making it easy to use and you won’t have to worry about burning yourself. Gone are the days of using a blow dryer before getting that sleek look you want; these brushes will give your hair the control you need. As with any hair tool, always look for a quality brand and materials, as well as a digital temperature readout. Remember, you need to find the right temperature for your hair type, in order for the hair tool to work its best!

What's your hair straightening regimen like? Do you use hair straighteners, curling irons, hair straightening brushes? Tell us in the comments below.

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22 Jul '16

Our Top Fashion Blogs for Summer 2016 - Part 2

Top Fashion Blogs Summer 2016

Summer is still going strong and summer fashion is still looking bold and perfect for the seemingly endless heat. While we can't get enough of the colors, prints and patterns that emerge during the summer months, there is also the appeal of simplicity. In order to beat the heat, summer fashion makes people approach style in a simple and sometimes minimalist way. These talented bloggers are well on they're way to perfecting the balance of statement and comfort that summer fashionistas demand

GabiFresh

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jul 6, 2016 at 4:22pm PDT

Gabi's style and carefully curated blog is constantly delivering some of the best looks out there. For example, this look is all about color balance, comfort and simplicity without sacrificing an ounce of chic. The shades, heels and watch add the perfect touch of class to this breezy look and the print brings all the fun/attitude.

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jun 22, 2016 at 3:59pm PDT

Nothing says summer like a cool, effortless and flowing all white look. The look is perfectly accessorized but it's the way the dress falls and fits that make it the star of the show. The pleats add an extra touch that make this look truly special.

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jun 17, 2016 at 2:52pm PDT

White crop top and short shorts? Yes, please! This quintessential summer look is right for so many occasions it just can't be ignored. Gabi pulls this look off flawlessly, especially with those hoop earrings and gorgeous sunglasses. Too chic.

A photo posted by @gabifresh on Jun 8, 2016 at 5:33pm PDT

This swimsuit is just too beautiful, it really hits every point you could want a swimsuit to hit. You can tell it's top quality, the hues are perfection and the style is definitely spot-on. There is so much right with this that it may be the perfect summer swimsuit!

Erica Tironi

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Apr 18, 2016 at 8:06am PDT

We've been following Erica for a while now and she never fails to deliver beautiful looks and so much more. Her Italian roots and extensive travels make for an incredibly interesting and well rounded blog, while also giving her a unique and sharp eye for fashion. Just look at that red dress !

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Jun 6, 2016 at 6:34am PDT

This look is summer in the city to perfection! A clean and simple top with a complex metallic neck paired with that glorious print skirt and shoes make this a total winner. Doesn't it look like she's going to the most fashionable brunch ever?

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Jun 22, 2016 at 8:11am PDT

Brimming with confidence and attitude, this is possibly the coolest look of the summer. This combination will get anyone looks, as it should, because it screams: "that's right, I'm awesome."

A photo posted by Erica Tironi | Erica Voyage (@ericatironi) on Jul 4, 2016 at 8:15am PDT

This gorgeous print was most definitely designed with summer in mind. It perfectly encapsulates summer chic and at the same time evokes a longing for sunset tapas and wine in Spain.

We really hope you enjoyed seeing our summer fashion picks as much as we enjoyed picking them and above all we hope they inspire you to explore summer fashion. Don't forget to let us know what you think in the comments below.

21 Jul '16

Glam by Maryam : One of Our Favortie Makeup Artsits

Favorite Makeup Artists

It seems like everyday a new makeup artist appears on social media. Out of the thousands of makeup artists out there some stand out not just as great talents but also as great educators. A true makeup artists is able to impart their knowledge in meaningful ways and not just show you a few tricks and hacks, although they always have great tips and tricks too. One of our fave MUAs is Maryam from Glam By Maryam She is definitely one to follow if you want to get in depth and professional knowledge.

A photo posted by Maryam Ormeen Sarwary ♈️ (@glambymaryam) on Jul 12, 2016 at 8:03am PDT

Her skills as a beauty educator can be best appreciated at one of her seminars. These events not only significantly help up your makeup game but also come with many attendance perks. High profile clients, like TV personality Aryana Sayeed and high-end gift bag products like our Xanadu 24K Gold Serum and Makeup Primer are just some of the extras for those attending.

A photo posted by Maryam Ormeen Sarwary ♈️ (@glambymaryam) on Jul 10, 2016 at 11:02am PDT

Glam by Maryam Makeup Seminar - ISA Professional

If you have the chance, don't miss out on her next Toronto seminar or contact her to find out when the next one is! Let us know who your favorite makeup artist are in the comments below.

19 Jul '16

Adding These Daily Habits Can Help You Feel and Look Great

4 Tips For a Healthier, More Beautiful You

Girl Appreciating a Sunflower- ISA Professional

We've all gone through that moment of realizing that our lives could use some improving; whether it's working harder for a promotion, learning a new language, or signing up for that yoga class you've always wanted to try out. No matter what your goal was, it can be hard to achieve, or even worse, keep up with. While your hectic work or life schedule may make it seem like these goals are impossible, it doesn't have to be so daunting. It all starts with a few steps and luckily for us, those small changes can lead to a healthier you, with permanent life changes. You don't have to do all of these changes at once; try one or two to begin with and take it from there. The trick to keeping them up is thinking of the big picture; one positive life change will lead to more positive changes because you know that you are in control of your life and your choices. We all need some “me” time, make it a priority to give yourself some; after all, you can't take care of others or your job if you don't take care of yourself first!

Drink Lemon Water

Woman Drinking Lemon Water- ISA Professional

Let's be honest here, what do you usually go for first thing in the morning? Chances are, it's coffee. Although coffee it does have its own health benefits, there's another beverage that is extremely beneficial to our health that is often ignored: lemon water. Lemons are extremely beneficial to our bodies; they're high in Vitamin C, help aid our digestion, have various electrolytes (like potassium and magnesium) for hydration and contains antioxidants that help strengthen our immune system.

In fact, drinking a whole lemon in water (I usually cut a lemon in half and drink two glasses) can help lower blood pressure and even cleanse your arteries! Some people swear by drinking warm or hot water with their lemon, but if it's too hot where you life, room temp works too. Drinking it first thing in the morning will give you energy and even helps fight off cravings later on in the day.

Apply Serum and SPF Before Going Out

Woman Applying Sunscreen- ISA Professional

You're probably sick of hearing about the importance on applying SPF and serums but they're talked about often for a reason, it's just for our own good! SPF helps protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, which can be extremely harmful for our skin and can lead to skin cancer. Serums help fight signs of aging and have a lightweight consistency, making them the perfect pairing to SPF.

Apply your serum first since it dries quickly, then apply your SPF. I'm in awe of ISA Professional's XANADU 24k Serum; it has Vitamin C, so while the lemon water helps you on the inside, this amazing serum gives your skin the same treatment on the outside. Another good tip is to stick to SPF made specifically for the face since these aren't as heavy or chalky. I like to use Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid, it isn't greasy and works great under makeup. This combination of skin products will make your skin stay healthy and beautiful. Believe me, your skin will thank you for this small lifestyle change!

Meditate For A Healthier Body and Brain

Woman and Girl Meditating

I know what you're thinking; you sometimes don't even have time to wash your hair, much less meditate daily, but even a little goes a long way. You don't have to join a yoga class if you don't want but you should start taking at least 15 minutes out of your day to get away from computers and cell phones and just breathe.

You can accomplish this by just sitting in a quiet room and concentrating on your breathing or by going out for a calming walk with your dog. If you're interested in a yoga class but don't think you have time or money for it, buy a yoga mat and separate some time a couple of times during the week to practice at home. There are plenty of videos out there to help you out and if you think inviting a friend to do it with you will help keep you motivated, do it!

The benefits of meditation are plenty: it decreases anxiety, depression, stress, inflammation and pain. It also makes you more focused, reduces loneliness, boosts your immune system and increases positive emotions! The benefits of mediation are well worth separating some time out from your schedule, and is a lifestyle change that will make you feel optimistic and amazing.

Exercise For A Few Minutes Every Day

Woman Working Out- ISA Professional

If there's one lifestyle change that every expert recommends for a long and healthy life, it's exercise. Now if you're cringing just thinking about exercising, you're not alone. For some reason, some think that you're either a couch potato or a hardcore athlete that monitors everything that you eat and every calorie you burn. It doesn't have to be that way, you don't have to identify with only the one or the other.

Like many things in life, it's all about balance and if you don't see yourself becoming a workout fanatic, you should still dedicate some time during the week to exercise if you want to avoid sickness and obesity. It is suggested that you do at least 150 minutes a week for there to be any health benefits and you can choose how you want to divide them according to your schedule. I like to stick to 30 minute workouts, 5 days a week; this way I can enjoy my weekend without thinking about exercising. If that still seems like too much for you, try 15 minutes every day instead. Just remember, if you're new to exercising, make sure you start small; trying a hard work out straight off the bat is a bad idea for your heart and body. Also, make sure you talk to your doctor before starting any workout regimen if you have a heart or health condition; this ensures that your workout is right for your body.

15 Jul '16

Who Says You Can’t Wear Makeup in the Gym?

Makeup and Working Out at the Gym

There’s a time and a place for makeup, and when it comes to the gym, opinions are often split. Celebrity makeup artists and skin care specialists will always tell you that wearing makeup while working up a sweat is never recommended, as foundations and powders can lock in the toxins that you’re trying to release. As the founder of Cosmetique Aesthetics reminds us, “Your skin needs to be able to breathe while you’re heavily perspiring.”

Woman Relaxing Post Excersize in Workout Clothes ISA Professional

To Makeup or Not to Makeup

Blotting a little concealer here and there with a light layer of coverage may seem harmless, but not washing your face before and after your workout does more damage than you might think. As your heart rate elevates, your body temperature increases and signals you to open your pores to release sweat, a natural way for one to detox, but when creams and powders are applied onto your skin, you hinder your ability to sweat out toxins because of the pore-minimizing effects of makeup. The whole point of breaking a sweat is to detox, which is due to clogged pores that build up bacteria, eventually resulting in acne breakouts and a dull complexion. Should you make this into a habit, pores will enlarge over time and increase the presence of blackheads. And for those who suffer from temperature-sensitive conditions, your desire for a flawless face at the gym can exacerbate the effects of rosacea and eczema.

Other than compromising skin health, the aesthetic appeal of makeup will only last for so long, given how flustered most of us get after a 30-minute session on the treadmill. That, along with the sweat and toweling off that wipes away the foundation, renders your gym makeup useless. The unevenness of skin tone and blotchy skin is definitely not a flattering look on anyone.

Despite all the downsides, it hasn’t stopped cosmetics companies trying their hand at sweat-proof makeup. There may be a host of brands out there that claim to be worthy enough for a workout without damaging your skin, but experts see them as nothing more than a marketing ploy not worth risking your health for.

Yet, one line of cosmetics products is showing some promise over the rest.

Makeup for Active Lifestyles

It’s no secret that fitness is now a popular motif for fashion designers. The athleisure trend has been a force to be reckoned with for the last several seasons, as athletic shoe companies have thrived on producing new designs and yoga apparel that have become staples in our everyday wardrobe. Even luxury labels have jumped on the bandwagon, as fashion houses like Chloé showcase their take on athletic gear which is currently being showcased by the international fashion e-store Lyst. With the athleisure craze seemingly growing stronger year after year, the sporty chic fad has finally found its way into the beauty world to offer makeup and skincare safe to wear while working out.

Arrow is a revolutionary makeup line from Birchbox, the beauty subscription service’s second collection in their ongoing venture to develop products in partnership with other cosmetic companies. Because of the hazardous impact of makeup in the gym, Birchbox stuck to lightweight, cleaning products to maintain your “au natural” look. Powders, creams and foundations were not included in the line for obvious reasons, but you can expect a tinted brow gel, a cooling lip and cheek tint, facial mist and deodorant, compact enough to fit into the Arrow makeup bag. Other items, such as the water resistant mascara, cleansing cloths and tinted serum will follow in the next couple of months.

Although skincare experts will tell you that you’re better off working out sans makeup, one of the keys in finding gym appropriate products is by looking out for natural, organic and clean ingredients. What makes Arrow a cut above the rest is its use of vegan, organic substances, cruelty- and paraben-free, perfect for the most sensitive of skins.

What’s your opinion on wearing makeup to the gym?

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