Christmas Season at Genesis!



The holiday rush is upon us! Take a break from shopping and pamper yourself with an appointment at Genesis. We can help you get look your very best for all your festive events! Our Hours during the holidays are:

Dec 24th Christmas Eve - Open 10 am - 4pm

Closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Dec 27th - Back to Regular Hours

Dec 31st New Years Eve - Open 10 AM - 5PM

Closed New Years Day & January 2nd

Tuesday Jan 3rd- Resume Regular Hours

Need gift ideas? Genesis offers gift certificates for all our services which can be purchased in any amount. We also offer Joico shampoo and styling packs.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry!

~The Genesis Girls

Holiday......Celebrate!

Genesis will be closed Tuesday August 16th, for a long weekend holiday. We will be back open Wednesday August 17th at 10 am and regular hours the rest of the week. We hope you are all having a great summer, enjoy what little we have left!

Flip Flop Tans and White Sand,

~the Genesis Girls

Product Review: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation

We've tried almost every drugstore foundation on the market, always looking for a great new product. When Maybelline discontinued their 'Mineral Power' line I was unimpressed! It was one of my favourite ones. They replaced it with the FIT ME line. It comes with 18 skin matched shades....is supposed to have sheer natural coverage that won't clog pores. Once you find your perfect 'match number', the line carries blushes, powders, and concealers that are supposed to perfectly match your tone.

We both picked this up at Walmart for 6.99.....here's our breakdown:

PROS: 210 Sandy Beige PERFECTLY matched my skin, maybe the closest any foundation has ever gotten.  Application was smooth and easy to blend, I used a sponge. Contains SPF 18.

CONS: for being a 'natural' foundation I found it had a very chemical smell. Even when set with powder, by mid day our face was an oily streaky mess. It just seemed to melt right off our faces. That was enough to make Mom hate it....but it got worse for me. After 2 days of use, my face broke out in a terrible reaction. I normally have very clear skin, but this sent it into a full breakout. After stopping use, my skin went right back to normal. 

BOTTOM LINE:  We both tossed this one in the trash. I'm not saying a reaction like mine would necessarily happen to others. But unless you have very dry skin, I'd avoid this stuff. Especially in the summer heat! We were both oil slicks within hours, and we don't have oily skin types. The coverage was also very sheer, almost like a tinted moisturizer.  I'm going back to my L'oreal True Match!

If the shoe doesn't FIT, don't buy them!!

~The Genesis Girls 

'Crackle' Polish: The Newest Trend in Nail Polish

Crackle or Shatter polish is everywhere right now. OPI started the trend, with the release of their Katy Perry Line, which included a Black Shatter Polish. You simply layer it over painted nails and the black cracks and transforms before your eyes. You can layer it over any brand or colour polish. Layering over a bright contrasting colour gives the most noticeable results. 

Black Crackle Over Different Base Colours

   When the black crackle first came out, I thought the concept was really neat, but the effect was a little wild for my personal taste. They now have crackle polishes in all colours, including metallics. I especially like the silver. I find it much more wearable for work and daytime, while still allowing you to be fun with your polish!



Silver Crackle

We carry China Glaze polishes in the salon, and I'm very impressed with their Crackles. Looks great accented of the big toe of a pedicure, or the whole foot for a more funky look!

Time to Get Crackin'!

~Genesis Girls 

144th Birthday of the Best Country in the World!

In honour of Canada Day, Genesis Hair Design will be closed Friday July 1st, and back open on Tuesday July 5th. We hope you all have a safe and fun long weekend, EH!

The Genesis Girls oxox

Oh NO!!! Phone lines are down....

                                                                                       
To all our customers, and potential ones.....we are very sorry (and angry! lol) to say that our salon phone line is temporarily down. It's a technical problem, which cannot be resolved until sometime tomorrow (Thursday) morning. It's very upsetting to think we are missing our clients phone calls! If you would like to make an appointment, or contact us we can be reached at (519) 865-8805 until our salon line is up and running again.

Thanks!!

~The Genesis Girls

How to Grow Thick Healthy Hair



One of our biggest complaints from clients is that their hair doesn't seem to grow as fast as they'd like. Especially when trying to grow out a shorter hairstyle, the grow out period can seem to take forever! The human hair grows an average of 1/4 to 1/2 an inch a month, with each person being different. There are a few things you can do to make the hair grow faster, and stronger. 

• Regular Trims - this is huge for hair growth. Trimming your hair in no way makes the hair grow faster from the root. But it does keep the ends from splitting and breaking off. Long hair is older hair, and can split and break off very easily if not properly cared for. Some people feel their hair is not growing, the truth is that it is growing from the root but the ends are snapping off. Regular trims should be done every 4-8 weeks, removing just the ends of the hair, keeping as much length as possible. 

Weekly Hair Treatment

• Deep Conditioning Treatments - there are many treatments available to keep your hair in top condition. Some are protein treatments, that strengthen the hair. Others are for moisture, to fight dryness that long hair sometimes suffers from. Many are available by store and can be used once a week at home. Others are more intensive and available in salon. These are very helpful to keeping the ends in great condition

Wide Toothed Comb

• The Right Tools - Using the right tools to handle your hair is very important. I've seen so many women with broken split hair because they are using the wrong equipment. A wide toothed comb is a necessity for all hair types. NEVER brush wet hair. Using a leave in conditioner or mousse and gently combing is the key. After all the tangles are combed free, you are now free to blow dry with a round or vent brush. The best brushes are bristle brushes. Boar or synthetic, they are way more gentle on the hair then the plastic ones. Those tend to snag and snap the hair. Bristle brushes can be found at any beauty supply.  When wearing hair up, make sure you have elastics with no metal clips on them. They are much easier to remove and cause much less damage. 

Our favourite product



• The Right Products:  If you do alot of heat styling (blow drying, straightening,curling) a good heat protectant is important. They coat the hair and help it withstand damage. They are available in different formulas. Some are a liquid or oil you put on wet hair, others are a spray you can apply before using hot tools. We carry a variety in the salon. Leave - in conditioners, mousses, and styling lotions are also helpful. They can put strength, shine and moisture back into the hair. What is best for each person varies on hair type and texture.

• Nutrition - We can use all the products and treatments we want, if we are not healthy on the inside it will reflect in our nails, skin and hair. Hair is made up of 91% protein, so eating a balanced protein rich diet is very important. Eggs, turkey, chicken, fish, and lean beef are all great forms of protein. Nuts, tofu, beans, and legumes are other protein rich foods. It's also recommended to take a daily multi vitamin, no matter your diet, to be sure you are getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. Many women, and celebrities swear by taking Pre-Natal vitamins (even if they are not pregnant) They include many nutrients that are super beneficial to hair and nails. (iron, vitamin Bs, calcium, essential fatty acids and Vit D just to name a few) Many swear by taking Biotin, a B vitamin, and is said to help with hair growth.

Before starting any vitamin or supplement program, check with your doctor. Hair loss and thinning is sometimes related to a vitamin or mineral deficiency, or hormonal balance. Both which can only be detected and treated by a medical doctor.  

This is just a loose guideline of how to get your hair growing and keeping it healthy! A healthy head of hair, is a beautiful head of hair! No matter the length or texture.   :)



Cheers to healthy happy hair days!

The Genesis Girls

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy Easter to all our clients, friends, and family!  Our hours this week are as follows:

     THURSDAY - open regular hours 10 - 6

     GOOD FRIDAY - CLOSED

     SATURDAY - open again at 10 AM

We hope you all have a fun, safe holiday! With lots of chocolate! oxox

Genesis Girls

Eyebrows: Windows to the Face

I was about 12 yrs old the first time I gave any thought to my eyebrows. Being half Italian, I never did inherit the olive skin tone, or curvy figure. But there was one thing I was blessed with: the full bodied, bushy, black eyebrows. The eyebrows I now look back on in pictures and lovingly refer to as "Caterpillars". 

Growing up with a mother in the beauty industry, I was used to watching her groom her eyebrows. She'd sit there with her magnifying mirror and tweezers and pluck away. It all seemed so quick, easy and painless.

So one day, I decided to give it a go. I waited until mom was out of the room. I grabbed the tweezers, looked in the mirror and planned my attack. I grabbed a hair and yanked! OUCH! I let out a little scream! I'd never felt something so painful. 'How could someone do this to themselves?', I wondered. I dropped the tweezers, and walked away rubbing my stinging eyebrow. 

A few months passed and my eyebrows started to bother me a bit more. Until one day when I was 13. We were shopping at a grocery store, when I seen a sign for EYEBROW WAXING at the nail salon next door. While mom did the shopping, I went over to see what it was all about. I was greeted by a small Chinese woman that spoke very little English. All I had to say was "Eyebrows" and she was leading me into the back room of the salon. More like a closet with a facial bed. I layed down on it, my heart beating like crazy. I remember staring at the white ceiling, wondering what the hell was about to happen to me. In complete silence, the lady went to work. I braced myself as the warm wax was spread on. RIIIP! A wave of pain rushes over me, my eyes start to water. 'Hold it together! you can do this!' I tell myself in my head. I clenched my fists as she continued to rip strips off my face. Then came the plucking. But surprisingly it was far less painful then when I tried it. A few swipes of lotion, and she was telling me to sit up. It was over.

I hopped off the bed, right to the mirror hanging on the wall. I looked at my reflection in complete shock and awe. My crazy bushy eyebrows were now perfectly groomed arches. My eyes & whole face looked different to me. Even though I was red and swollen, an instant smile spread across my face. I quickly paid and ran to show my mother the results. That Monday at school, I had tons of compliments. "You look so different, I'm not sure how, but you look good!" says a friend.  Just proves how subtle, yet dramatic an eyebrow shaping can be.

From then on, I've been in love with grooming eyebrows. Through trial and error, as well as my Esthetic classes in Beauty school, I've learned ways to pluck, wax and shape the eyebrows. I've also learned how a brow shape can complete a look, and bring out the best features of your face.  They frame the eyes, our most expressive and beautiful features.

Before and After a Brow Wax



Sometimes it helps to not only wax and groom the brows but also to colour. Generally, our brows should be a few shades darker than the hair on our heads. But sometimes when we colour our hair, we need to colour the brows to match the look. Kim Kardashian is a perfect example. When she went blonde, she also lightened her brows several shades. If she had left her brows in there natural dark state, it would have been too much contrast with the lighter hair.



As hair greys, so can eyebrows. Colouring the eyebrows to cover the greys can look extremely natural and take years off the face. All brow tinting or lightening should be done by professionals only. If the colour were to get in your eye it would be extremely dangerous. the skin around the brows is very sensitive as well.

At Genesis we offer all brow services. And because it doesn't take much time, walk ins are welcome. $8.00 for a brow waxing, $15 for waxing and tinting.

Cheers to non-caterpillar brows!

~Genesis Girls

Tips and Tricks for Flawless Foundation

Foundation can be pretty intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. With the amount of brands and formulas available today, it doesn't need to be like your Grandmothers cakey face powder. If done correctly, foundation should be undetectable, and natural looking. It should even out your skin tone, help conceal blemishes, even minimize wrinkles. Here are a few tips to picking a foundation and making it work for you!

PREPARE THE SKIN

Your skin is the canvas for your makeup, so it's very important to have a good skin care routine. Smooth, well moisturized skin is the best for applying foundation. Exfoliating with a good scrub once a week, and moisturizing daily will keep your skin in great condition.

CHOOSING A FORMULA

There are so many different types available it can be overwhelming! It's best to match a formula to your skin type. Here's a bit of a guideline:

• Dry Skin - moisturizing formulas, creams, liquids. Avoid heavy powders as they can look pasty and flaky on dry skin.
• Oily Skin - oil free liquid formulas, powders. Avoid thick creams or non oil free liquids, they will only add to your oily areas.
• Acne Prone Skin - Oil free liquids, mineral formulas. Some brands carry formulas that have a small percentage of salystic acid in them, to help heal acne and prevent it while you wear the foundation.

 CHOOSING A SHADE

Choosing the right shade of foundation is probably the most important step. You want as close to an exact match as possible. This means you might have to use different shades throughout the year, depending on how tan or pale you are. Here's a few tips for find your perfect shade:

• Don't be afraid to ask for samples or testers, you should never purchase something without trying it.
• Natural daylight is the best light to test in. Sometimes it can look different in the bright store lighting then in a softer more natural light
• Test on the back of your hand, or the side of your cheek. The colour should almost disappear into your natural skin tone
• Pay attention to undertones. Some have a more yellow-based beige undertone, while others have a more pinkish one. One will suit you more than the other.
• Trial and error. Try lots of different shades and brands. Eventually you will find the best match for you.

 APPLICATION

• Pick your application tool. Cosmetic Sponges, Wedges, Foundation Brushes, or your Fingers (clean ones!)
• Start with clean well moisturized skin. You may use a primer, although this step is optional. Primers help the foundation adhere to the skin, and last longer. It also helps it glide on more smoothly. (Smashbox and L'oreal make good ones)
• Dot the foundation along your forehead, nose cheeks and chin. With your tool, use circular strokes and blend all over the face. Blend into the hairline, and down unto the neck. You don't want any visible lines.
• Once well blended, you can set your foundation with a dusting of loose translucent powder. This helps the foundation last longer, and is especially great for those with more oily skin.

RANDOM TIPS



• If you find your formula too heavy, dampen your foundation sponge with a little water. This will give you a more sheer application.
• You can mix two foundations, to create your own personal shade. This is great for when your skin is a little darker or lighter than usual.
• If you find your foundation a bit dull or sallow looking, try adding a few drops of liquid highlighter or luminizer to your bottle. This will give u a subtle glow.
• Pay attention to expiry dates. Some have them printed on the bottle. If not the rule is generally toss it 6 to 12 months after opening. Also toss if you see a change in colour, smell, or if the liquid is separating. You don't need that yucky bacteria on your skin.

Cheers to putting your best face forward!!

~Genesis Girls

Product Review : L'oreal Eye Illuminator Mascara

Since L'oreal Beauty Tubes is my favourite mascara (red and white tube) I was really excited to try this new version. The Eye Illuminator, comes in four different shades and is supposed to bring out your eye color. It's a doubled ended mascara, with a black base coat on one end, and a highlighting topcoat on the other. Each formula has a different top coat specifically geared towards your eye colour.

• Black Copper for Blue Eyes
• Black Bronze for Green / Hazel Eyes
• Black Quartz for Brown Eyes
• Black Crystal for All Eye Colours

Black Bronze version

I bought the Black Bronze Version for my green eyes. It was on sale at Shoppers for around 9 dollars. I had high hopes for this mascara, as I think L'oreal makes some of the best drugstore brand mascaras. My hopes fell flat with this. I don't hate it, but I certainly don't love it. Here's my thoughts on it:
PROS:

• Black base coat went on fairly smooth. Lengthened the lashes well, with little clumping
• Formula is lightweight, no flaking throughout the day
• Bronze topcoat is subtle enough for day wear, adds subtle shimmer not tacky sparkles
• Easy to wash off

CONS:

• Did not add much volume or thickness to lashes. (I'm a volume kind of girl!)
• Bronze topcoat does not show up nearly as much as hoped.
• Topcoat has a bulb shaped brush which I found clumped lashes

A big key to getting the top coat to stick, is to apply it when the black base coat is still wet. So instead of doing the base coat on both eyes, only do one at a time. Black coat immediately followed by the top coat.  Repeat the same on the bottom lashes. I also found the brush on the topcoat end side is weird and ended up clumping my lashes.  So what I did was use the very tip of the brush, where the product is built up. I brushed that part on the tips of the lashes and it seemed to deposit the bronzy colour better.

So did it make my eyes look greener? Maybe. I felt that it did, but it might have been the gold & bronze eyeshadows I paired it with that day. Or it was in my head lol. I did like the hint of bronze shimmer, it showed up really well on my bottom lashes and I could really see it in the sunlight. I liked that it was subtle enough to wear to work without looking ridiculous. In the end my biggest complaint is that the formula just didn't thicken my lashes enough. Mine are naturally pretty long so I always gravitate towards volume mascaras. I think I'll try the top coat over my other mascaras and see how it goes!

If you like natural looking mascaras, you might really like this. The topcoat idea is pretty neat too....I'd be really interested in hearing some opinions on the other shades!

Peace, Love & Lashes,

The Genesis Girls



Suiting a Hairstyle to Your Face Shape

The most asked questions from our clients choosing a hairstyle is, "Will this look good on me?"  "Will I suit it?"

Your face shape is a huge part of deciding what will and won't suit you. The right haircut will draw attention and highlight your best features (ex. beautiful cheekbones, gorgeous eyes) While at the same time minimize features or flaws you don't like (ex. a high forehead)

Here are the basic face shapes described, along with tips on what suits them. (or doesn't!)

The Round Shaped Face

The round shaped face is about the same length across as it is long. If you measure ear to ear, and top of the forehead to chin, the dimensions are close to the same. 

Styles that flatter a Round Face Shape:

• Short styles with some height or volume on the top of the crown, smoother on the sides
• Off center parts, side swept bangs help counteract the roundness of the face
• Long hair with layers longer than the chin.

Things to avoid:

• Thick chunky bangs add weight to an already round face
• Curls or volume around the sides of the face, this widens the face
• Shorter layers around the cheeks or chin will draw attention attention to roundness.

The Heart Shaped Face



The heart shaped face, is narrow in the chin but wider in the forehead and cheekbone area.  Flattering hairstyles add weight to the chin area, and lessen the width of a broader forehead.

Styles that Flatter:

• Bangs are wonderful, especially texturized ones
• Off centered parts
• Jaw length bobs or cuts add weight to the face

Things to avoid:

• Center parts with no bangs
• Too much height or volume on top

The Oblong (Long) Shaped Face

The Long Shaped face is longer than it is wide. The measurement of hairline to chin, will be great than ear to ear.

Styles that flatter:

• Short and medium lengths are best. 
• Layers around the face or throughout, Bangs work as well 
• Curls, waves or texture will soften the angles of the face.

Things to avoid:

• Too long hair, this drags the face down making it appear longer
• Too much volume on top, volume is best on ends and sides.

The Square Face Shape

The Square shaped face is very similar to the round shape just more angular. The width and length are nearly the same.

Styles that flatter:

•  Short and Medium hairstyles either above or below the chin.
• Layered hairstyles will soften the face
• Off centered parts, wispy bangs

Things to avoid:

• Hairstyles that sit right on the jawline
• Too long or too straight, won't bring softness to the face
• Blunt heavy bangs

The Oval Shaped Face

The oval shaped face is the most proportioned. The length is about one and a half times the width. This face suits many styles and textures! Feel free to experiment, because you suit just about everything! Lucky you!

We hope this helps you better understand face shapes, and what brings out the best in them. Keep in mind these are just recommendations, not strict "rules" that must be followed. When it comes to hair, do what you love, and what makes you feel good! Feeling happy and confident with your hairstyle is the most important part.

Cheers to good hair days in all shapes and forms!

oxox

Welcome to our new Blog/Website!

Thanks for checking out our new website! We've decided to take a more blog approach, to help us keep in touch with our clients better. We'll be using it to update on any salon news or happenings. Changes in hours, new products or services, as well as pictures of the renovations we have started!

I also wanted to start this blog as sort of a beauty newsletter. Through working in the salon, reading beauty magazines/websites, going to Cosmetology school, and growing up with a hairstylist mother, I've come across quite a few beauty tricks over the years.
I'm also a beauty product junkie and have possibly tried every mascara on earth. Haha! Between my Mom and I we have sampled so many products, from hair to skin to makeup.

So I figured why not share some of the knowledge we've built up over the years. Especially if it saves our clients some money, time or frustration at the beauty counter.  It might seem silly to some, but I believe finding that perfect lipgloss or eye shadow colour can brighten your whole day. I also know the frustration of spending good money on a product only to have it not work for you. 

So this is where we'll be sharing our thoughts, experiences and opinions with you. As well as articles, links and videos we come across to pass along. We welcome your comments, thoughts, or suggestions for what you'd like to see.  Don't forget to check out our polls on our homepage while your here.

Happy Hair Days,

Chantel & Taz