The Good Customer

good customers deserve good service

Paging All Beauty Queens! ~ Holt Renfrew

Posted by Ange On April - 16 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

WHAT? : Holt Renfrew is having a one-day promotion. Spend $250 at their beauty department and get a $25 Holt Renfrew gift card. That’s a 10% savings people! As most of you beauty enthusiasts know, the cosmetics department rarely offers discounts. Time to stock up!  Spending more than $250? Check out these other gift card offers – spend $500, get $50 gift card; spend $750, get $75 gift card; spend $1000, get $100 gift card. Click here  for more information.

WHEN? : April 17, 2010

WHERE?: Holt Renfrew Department Stores – Canada-wide. Click here for locations.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Get A New Do!

Posted by Ange On April - 1 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

WHAT? :  CUT & COLOUR promotion at Toni & Guy Vancouver.  For $90, you can get a fab haircut AND a full head colouring. Add $30 for highlights. Promotion is valid for new clients and is only with specific stylists/colour technicians. Limited time only.

WHY? : With spring in full swing, it’s time for a new do. And who can say “no” to this irresistable offer from a reputable salon?

HOW? : Offer is valid at the Kitslano location. Call salon for an appointment.

WHERE? :

Toni & Guy Vancouver
2179 W 4th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
(604) 737-4249

 www.toniguyblog.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

Be “Kinerase” To Your Skin

Posted by Ange On January - 31 - 2010ADD COMMENTS

WHAT? : Kinerase skin lotion

WHY? : Because it contains a secret ingredient : N6-furfuryladenine. Sounds like something out of a chemistry text book, doesn’t it?  You then might ask yourself – do I really want this on my face?  Oh yes, you do!  

Otherwise known as kinetin”, this plant-based antioxidant has been found to delay age related change in plants. Studies have shown that the compound may also delay or prevent a range of cellular changes associated with aging of human skin cells. In lay person’s terms – it slows the skin’s “aging” process. It’s not the fountain of youth, but any delay is better than none, right?

Kinerase also claims that this lotion is clinically proven to improve skin hydration by 25%. And we all known that hydration is the first step to fighting signs of aging. 

Developed by pharmaceutical company Valeant, this product is not your average beauty product. Don’t expect to find it encased in a cute package and smelling of all things ‘sugar and spice’. This is a no nonsense… give it to me straight… out of the lab…. into my cosmetic bag …. and onto my face, kind of product!

When applied onto the skin, this product feels velvety and leaves a matte finish. It is non-comedogenic, hypallergenic and fragrance free. An excellent product for sensitive skin. If your skin type is toward the dry side then you might opt for their “cream” version. And if you would like SPF protection – both the lotion and cream is available with SPF 30.

HOW MUCH? : $119 / 80ml

WHERE? :   www.kinerase.com ;  www.sephora.com ;  www.nordstroms.com

Popularity: 4% [?]

A Deliciously Fresh Face

Posted by Ange On December - 18 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

Image0235

WHAT? : Fresh Appleseed Brightening Exfoliant

WHY? : First of all… you’ll have to restrain yourself from eating this stuff straight from the tube – yes, it smells that good! Pomegranate seeds and bamboo gently exfoliates. Citrus fruit acids help in the turnover of cells. Appleseed oil and evening primrose butter nourish and protect your skin. Result:  A smooth and glowing complexion! Even suitable for sensitive skin.

WHERE? :  Fresh retail stores (worldwide)  www.fresh.com ;  Sephora ;  Saks Fifth Avenue ; Neiman Marcus

HOW MUCH? :  $60.00 USD

Popularity: 1% [?]

Micro-Dermabrasion By Kiehl’s

Posted by Ange On December - 4 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

P1050800

WHAT? : Kielh’s Epidermal Re-texturizing Micro Dermabrasion. This product is part of Kielh’s  Dermatologist Solutions line. Products within this line address specific problems or concerns– for those customers who find the need to “kick it up a notch” in their beauty regime.

WHY? : An intense, result-oriented product for smoother and brighter skin. The amazing combination of the products’ 3 key ingredients (micronized shells, shea butter, and willow herb) yields incredible results. A product that abrades, hydrates, and soothes! Having never invested in a professional service before, I cannot compare the results of this at-home procedure to those achieved at the hands of a professional. But if you are looking an intense scrub, THIS product is for you! A word of caution: it’s not for the faint of heart. One whirl of this product will reveal skin that you’ve probably not seen since birth. The directions suggest that you use this product on dry skin, but if your skin feels irritated, you can apply with some water or on damp skin. Use in the morning and your skin will be glowing all day. Tip: Great for elbows and knees too!

WHERE? : www.kielhs.com;  Keilh’s retail stores (worldwide);  Barney’s NY;  Saks Fifth Avenue; Nordstroms; Bloomingdales; Holt Renfrew (Canada)

HOW MUCH? : $40.00

Popularity: 3% [?]

Be Cute & Curly

Posted by Ange On November - 21 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
~Curly Cute Do~

~Curly Cute Do~

WHAT? : Aveda’s Be Curly Curl Control Lotion

WHY? : While the majority of my girlfriends are buying flat irons and rushing out to test out the newest straightening products, I am obsessed with all curl enhancing methods. As my hair is naturally straight, I am in the habit of creating my curls through the chemical way – perming. To maintain my cute do, I am constantly in search of the perfect curl-enhancing hair products. This product from Aveda, is great for shorter styles. Product claims to tame curls but I think it also defines the curls/waves quite well. Fabulous product for all climates.

HOW? : Although the directions recommend that you use this product on dry hair, I have used it on damp hair and have had great results. In fact, a hair dresser at an Aveda salon had suggested using it in this manner. A little goes a long way.

WHERE? : www.aveda.com ;   Aveda Salons (check website for locations) ;   Eccotique Spa & Salon (Vancouver, BC) ;   Essentique Spa Salon (Winnipeg, MB) ;   Euphoria Salon & Spa  (Buffalo, NY)

HOW MUCH? : $18.00 USD

Popularity: 8% [?]

Peel So Smooth

Posted by Ange On November - 18 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
~Peel So Smooth~

~Peel So Smooth~

WHAT? : MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel – One box has 30 applications, packaged individually. Great for traveling!

WHY? : A two-step regimen in 2 minutes a day resulting in smoother and firmer skin. A patented system coined “microexfoliation” – a gentle, non-irritating method of removing cellular debris from skin surface. Plus, there is no recovery time.

HOW? : Swipe the moist towelette from the “step 1″ packet over face. Wait 2 minutes, swipe moist towelette from “step 2″ packet over face – this is the neutralizer. Voila! Instant radiance. I recommend to use in the morning for glowing results all day.

COST? : $80 USD

WHERE? : www.mdskincare.comwww.sephora.com www.nordstroms.com ;  The Bay Department Store (Canada)

Popularity: 1% [?]

An Essential Wash

Posted by Ange On November - 12 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
~Essential Face Wash~

~Essential Face Wash~

What? : Trisan antibacterial skin cleanser.

Why? : Recommended to me many years ago by my dermatologist. This product is soap free, oil free, perfume free and alcohol free. Only suds mildly and does not dry out your skin. Excellent product if you have combination, oily or acne-prone skin. Also great as an “after workout” wash – to clear out those sweat-blocked pores! Can be used for your face as well as whole body. Contains “triclosan” – the ingredient that kills germs. Yucky!

How much? : $12 – $16 CDN – depending on where you purchase.

Where? : Canada – Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Great Canadian Superstore. This product is only available “behind the counter” at the pharmacy. Ask your pharmacist.  Also available at www.allabouthealthyskin.com

Popularity: 1% [?]

L’Occitane En “Saigon”

Posted by Ange On November - 8 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
L'Occitane Ho Chi Minh~

L'Occitane Ho Chi Minh~

It is dark. I am lying face down. Feeling a bit chilly. Perhaps it’s because I only have a towel draped over me. I am held hostage with my head planted in the “hole”. I am not able to see the activity around me but I am not unaware. Relying on my super-duper hearing I am able to piece together the scene in my head. The door opened a few seconds ago… letting all the outside noise infiltrate the room. I don’t think the door has been closed properly because I can still hear people talking, laughing, and walking. Walking??? Are they walking by my room? Can they see me in my state of undress? This worries me and I start to feel panicky. One should not be feeling stressed when they are at the spa.

My masseuse continues to walk in and out of room a number of times during my session. This confuses me, because I am left in the dark, literally. I am not informed as to what is happening around me. A couple of times, the door opens and someone begins to carry on a conversation with my masseuse. Really??? What happened to “my time”? Focus here!

After my namby-pamby massage, I am left alone again. Did they forget about my facial? Somebody enters the room. Finally! The final step of my facial was a peel off face mask. The mask was applied. I am not informed as to how long I need to wait. Instead, she leaves the room. Alone again. After some time, I found myself trying to figure out how much time had passed. My mind begins to wander and I think of movies involving inmates – and how they lose track of time thus resorting to making marks on the walls. I wish I could see a clock. I wish I could just see. My anxiety builds. I think about counting sheep. Maybe I can figure out how much time passes or maybe just pass out. Either way, it may alleviate my anxiety. At this point, I am certain that the staff have forgotten about me. I am cold again.

An eternity later, the spa personnel returns to attend to me. My session is over. I am invited to rinse off in the private shower inside my treatment room. However, I am not left alone this time. She begins to clean up the room. I am confused. Am I supposed to take a shower in the stall with the clear glass doors with her in the room? Seemingly, this was what was expected of me. Just wanting to get out of there, I quickly rinsed off. I wished that I was in the dark again. Awkward.

I am at counter, waiting to pay my bill. Bill paid. Had to request for a receipt as none was offered to me. Of the 5 employees cluttered around the counter, not one thanked me for my business.

Quite unfortunate for L’Occitane En Provence in Ho Chi Minh. I have frequented this spa numerous times over the past several years. During earlier visits the service has been wonderful. But with each subsequent visit, I’ve observed a marked decline in customer service. This last visit will literally be my last.

Popularity: 5% [?]

Too Beautiful To Kiss

Posted by Ange On November - 2 - 2009ADD COMMENTS
~The Goddess Gift Set~

~The Goddess Gloss Set~

What? : Luminous Volume Lip Gloss from Beaute Cosmetics – Canadian-based luxury beauty brand.

Why? : Because, ‘girrrl’… this will be last brand of lip gloss you will ever purchase! Not only does this lip gloss plump and shape, it also provides the perfect amount of moisture. You needn’t worry about your hair sticking to your lip gloss – I checked the ingredients… and I didn’t see “glue”. You also won’t be overwhelmed by a gazzillion colours, as Beaute only carries 12 different shades. Colours have great pigmentation and are effortless to apply with their Taklon brush. Finding a complimentary colour from their neutral palette should prove to be an easy feat.

How Much? : $26 each Or $65/$95 for their gift sets:

  • Goddess Gloss Set - Heroine, Elitist, Chimera : $65
  • Seductress Gloss Set – If, Urge, Paramour : $65
  • Temperamental Gloss Set – Heroine, If, Girlie Show, Elitist : $90 

Where? :

http://beaute-cosmetics.com ;  www.studiobeautymix.com ;Holt Renfrew Department Store (Canada) ; Patrick Melville Salon & Spa (45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10011) ; Boutik (B-119 12 Avenue SW, Calgary AB, T2R 0G8) ; Lux Beauty Boutique (10120-124 Street, Edmonton AB, T5N 1P6) ; Buttercup Beauty Cup (402 Academy Road, Winnipeg MB, R3N 0B8)

Popularity: 1% [?]