Sunday, December 30, 2012

Thinking about Permanent Cosmetic's or MCA?
Here are some tips to help with your permanent cosmetics, and MCA scar reduction appointment: Make sure that you take an antihistamine before getting permanent eyeliner. This will stop your eyes from watering during the procedure and will insure artist ability to do their best work. It is imperative that you steer clear of caffeine the day of procedure. Caffeine heightens your sensitivity causing unnecessary pain. That means no coffee that morning! When you come in for your consultation the artist will go through and design the look you desire. After this, then creates a temporary template you will be able to wear home. This will give you a feel for what it is you want to have done, and the look you want to achieve. If this is your first time having permanent cosmetics done at LeFore's, we ask that you come in for a consultation. This way you can thoroughly discuss what it is you are wanting with your artist. We also will do a patch test to make sure you have no sensitivities to the ink we use. If after your consultation you wish to go ahead with the procedure, your consultation fee will be applied towards the actual procedure fee. The permanent cosmetic ink here is carbonless. Most tattoo parlors use a carbon based ink which has a blue undertone and often surfaces and shows through. Here at LeFore's we use color that is specific for facial permanent cosmetics, so you don't have to worry about your eyebrows turning blue. After your procedure you will have a follow up visit of the initial treatment. In this session we will go through and perfect the areas you desire. This visit is included in your initial procedure cost.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Lash Extensions are semi-permanent so they will last as long as your natural growth cycle of your lashes. So when your real eyelash falls off, so will the extension. That is typically a couple months. That means you will have to have maintenance which consists of filling in the ones that you have lost. The first initial visit will take about and hour and a half as I attach each extension individually. Fill ins will take about a half hour. After you have your extensions you may not use oil based products on your eyes, including mascara. There is a special water based mascara that you will need to use, although typically you will not need mascara because they look fabulous on their own!!

LeFore's Spa Client Appreciation Day 2012

LeFore's Spa Client Appreciation Day 2012

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

Aveda National Artist Color Expert Phillip Todd

LeFore's Spa host national hair color expert. On Sunday September 16th LeFore's Spa had a hands on workshop with national artist Phillip Todd. Phillip Todd began his journey in the Salon industry in 1986; he fell in love with Hair Color at the L’Oreal Technical Institute while working the early part of his career in London, England. From London he returned home to the Northwest and went on in 1993 to become a platform artist and educator for International Beauty Show Group’s American Team Y.E.S, a group dedicated to bringing young professionals to the forefront of the industry. He was invited by Redken 5th Avenue to work as an artist and educator in color with Shades EQ, Color Fusion and their Compass Cutting program. Balancing time between IBS trade shows in New York, Long Beach, Dallas, Toronto and Seattle, facilitating cutting and color classes and owning a salon in Seattle kept him busy through the new millennium. Currently Phillip -Todd works behind the chair as the color director at Eco Beauty SalonSpa, in Seattle Washington. He is a dedicated Purefessional and Hair Color Educator for Aveda and keeps a full national education schedule. LeFore's Stylist are excited to bring to the Walla Walla community the fall/winter color techniques collection, and are currently taking appointments @525.3336 2 E Poplar st.
We had a great time learning some new techniques, and the hair when finished was so shiny and dimensional!

Friday, August 24, 2012

Locks of Love & a Soldier

This young mother decided to join the Air Force! Thank you for your service to our country!!! Before leaving she made a decision to cut her hair and donate it to Locks of Love.
If you have never heard of Locks of Love: http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.
We appreciate the giving heart of our guest and wish her the very best in the future.

Monday, August 20, 2012

Juice Bar & Cafe

Thank you @VickiHillhouse for the mention in the wwub! http://union-bulletin.com/news/2012/aug/16/local-health-spa-refreshes-clients-inside-and-out/# … we appreciate it! Hours are: Monday - Friday 11:00 to 3:00 Join us for Lunch!

Friday, August 10, 2012

We have the answer for Cellulite!

LeFore's Skin Care and Health Spa brings to the Walla Walla Valley, the latest technology with the introduction of the Lumicell Wave 6 which is the only device that offers a targeted solution, and personal approach to cellulite's aspect- related problems. On July 24 th LeFore's Hosted Christina Sturridge, lead instructor from Canada on the Lumicell Wave 6, which combines 4 non-invasive technologies, Photo-Pneumatic Massage, Ultra-vibrations massage, Esthetico-frequencies, and Needle Free Mesoesthetic, working together in synergy to target cellulite's aspect related problems.
Pneumatic Massage: • The skin is suctioned, lifted and rolled between two rollers; • Encourages blood circulation; • Softens the skin's pitted appearance. LEDs: • Generates thermal action on the skin; • Encourages the skin's repair and regeneration mechanisms; • Warms the skin, preparing it for U-vibrations and RF treatments. The Photo-Pneumatic massage heads warm the skin, making it more malleable. They stimulate local blood circulation. The photo-pneumatic function considerably improves the appearance of cellulite. Ultra-vibrations: • High speed vibrations • Generates thermal action • Reduces the amount of localized and hard to eliminate fat deposits, the appearance of skin dimpling as well as the circumference of treated areas; • Improves silhouette and skin texture. Esthetico-Frequencies: • A technology that is exclusive to Silhouet-Tone. Safe and painless, this technology only delivers thermal energy to the skin, with no risk of burning or discomfort. • Electromagnetic energy; • Significantly firms the skin in a gradual and controlled manner; • Reshapes the silhouette by improving the skin's firmness and regularizes the skin's superficial relief; • Reduces fat deposits through successive thermolipolysis. The fat cells are subjected to an assault from three types of heat inducing technologies, dramatically increasing the elimination of fat. The compounded thermal action is much greater than each one on its own.  Needle Free Mesoesthetic: • It is used to help powerful lipolytic products to be applied to the skin; • Significantly improves results of other treatments. Results: Before & After

Thursday, June 21, 2012

I just got back from the Las Vegas IBS convention! The show was huge and kind of over whelming at first. There was so much to see! The three days were just enough time to see everything. What I took away from the classes the most was the perfect gel manicure class! She showed us 3 different ways to do a gel manicure for specific clients needs. The first manicure she talked about was a 30 day manicure. It is for clients that want the artificial nail feel without the added length. It also gives extra strength for nail biters, brittle, and flaking nails. The procedure for this manicure is simple. Prep and etch nails lightly Apply dehydrator Apply bonder gel and cure Apply natural clear building gel very thin to the entire nail bed and cure (cleanse and file if needed) Apply 2 coats of gel polish and cure between coats Apply top coat and cure Remove tacky layer and file free edge and sides Oil cuticles and massage To remove in 2-4 weeks, file off gel polish. Push back cuticles and remove lifting of the natural clear gel. Fill the back of the nail with the clear gel. And repeat steps 5-8. The second gel manicure she talked about was an options manicure. This manicure is for clients that have weak, dry, flaky nails. The soak off time for this manicure is a little longer than a shellac soak off. File off top coat, then soak nails in acetone for 20 minutes. The procedure for this manicure is similar to the 30 day manicure. Prep and buff nails Apply dehydrator Apply options bonder gel and cure Apply thin coat of options clear gel over entire nail bed and cure ( cleanse and file if needed) Brush on potted options colors and cure (2 coats) Top coat and cure Remove tacky layer and file free edge and sides. Oil cuticles and massage I love the 2 new service I found out about and can offer to my clients as an alternative for their nail needs. Another class I went to was a class about nail art.You can use any gel product or even regular polish on some designs. I learned a easy flower design, a color fade, glitter fade, another type of flower, and a color combo. They are all pretty easy with some practice. Im going to put the designs on a pallet so if you would like to see just come and ask me and I will show you! Through out the three day convention I learned some tricks of the trade I can share with you. For starters the industry is going from all about acrylic to everything gel! “ Gel is a protection, not a hardener!” said owner of precision nails and long time educator Jaime Schrabeck. Tips are also a thing of the past. Everyone is free forming there artificial nails. I also learned from several nail techs that acetone used to soak off gel polish every 2 weeks is not the best for your clients skin or nails. The white spots on the nail plate I have been experiencing with my clients is from the acetone. To fix this the client can take a break for a few weeks or I can simply file the gel polish off instead of soaking. Helping the nails become healthy again. I learned so much! I’m so glad I got the opportunity to go experience this show! I hope to go again next year and learn even more!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Youngblood Opportunity!

Teresa and Emma both had a wonderful opportunity to spend a couple of INTENSE days, with the Northwest Youngblood make-up and education team, at the Salon Services and Supplies training center in Spokane, WA.
Teresa writes: I Love the make-up! I have used it for years, and now I know why I love it! Youngblood is the purist mineral make-up you can buy. It was developed by Pauline Youngblood a paramedical esthetician who worked with plastic surgeons. She wanted to develop a product that was a healthy option for post surgery patients. Youngblood is so pure and clean that it actually protects the health and integrity of skin. It replenishes the natural lipid barrier which we all need, our lipid barrier keeps our skin moisturized which gives us a glowing and youthful look. So Youngblood mineral cosmetics are very simply an extension of your current skin care regimen. Youngblood's mission statement: "Natural, Radiant, You"
Emma writes: I love the benefits of Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics! Milled for weightless, adjustable coverage, which creates a healthy natural glow. Contains Titanium Dioxide which is a natural sun protector. Vegan formula, so it is ideal on all skin types and skin conditions. Whether I am trying to create a natural daytime look, or going for a bold evening look Youngblood has me covered! So come in to LeFore's Spa and get your new spring make-up from Teresa or Emma and they will help you acheive a "Natural, Radiant, You!"

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Brocato Education with Mandy!

While I was out on surgery leave for six weeks, Lefore’s Spa gave me a wonderful opportunity to attend a three-day Brocato class in Spokane. I believe the Brocato line has some of the best products out there and I was really excited to learn more about the products and their different uses. The first day of class was so inspiring. Brocato artist, Mike Kowallis, was an amazing speaker and taught us a lot about different cuts and color. One of the cuts he introduced was a maximum layered haircut called the “Large” cut. His way of teaching was so exciting and inspiring and he definitely reassured all of us that we could succeed in recreating this cut and style on our own clients. After the cut, the class was introduced to Brocato hair color which is absolutely phenomenal! I’ve never played with a color that even smells great! The scent is actually quite similar to the Cloud 9 repair line which happens to smell just like it sounds – soft and angelic! He taught us a color technique called “Felt” which is a new way to achieve balayage or ombre with the use of blending more than one hair color and/or bleach depending on what look you’re going for. It is absolutely beautiful and even gives the youth affect back to your hair, looking soft and sun bleached.
The last few days were all about product knowledge. The smell, feel, accuracy, and the blending ability of Brocato products put them on a whole new level. Brocato made their products interchangeable and customizable for every hair type. The products come in a various, delicious scents such as cherry almond and blueberry peppermint just to name a few of my favorites. Another great reason to choose Brocato is all the products are user friendly, meaning they actually do what they say they’re going to do, which makes it easy to choose according to what you want the outcome to be. Overall, the Brocato class was really inspiring and extremely informative. I can’t wait to use my new found product and color knowledge on our wonderful clients! Please feel free to stop by if you have any questions or would like to try our new techniques. My name is Mandy and I would love introduce you to Brocato!

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Nail Team

Teresa Larimore - Nail Specialist, Team Leader. Teresa relocated to Walla Walla From Bend, OR to be near her family. She has lived in Bend most of her life and attended beauty college there. Teresa initially went to beauty school and was trained in hair, nails and aesthetics. After a year of trying to do all three and lots of soul searching, she decided to focus on one thing and try and be the best at it. She chose to focus on the care of hands and feet. Teresa's main focus is pedicures and nails. Now nine years later, She loves what she does and she loves making my clients’ look and feel their best. Teresa offers both acrylic and gel nails. This career choice has been a very rewarding one for her.
Krystin Timentwa - Nail Specialist. Hi my name is Krystin Timentwa and I have been a nail tech since 2010. I’m very passionate about it, I went to school in Ellensburg Wa at Bluestone Academy of Cosmetology. I love getting the opportunity to do nail art, it is really fun. I’m also a new mom as of march 2012, and I have a baby boy named Lonan! I love being at LeFore’s Spa and can’t wait to meet you and do your nails!

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Meet the Hair Team

Shanna Poirot - Stylist Extraordinaire Shanna Poirot has a four year Art degree and German minor from Walla Walla University in College Place, WA. Shanna expanded her art experience to the art of hair and graduated from Northwest Hair Academy in 2002 in Mt. Vernon, WA. Shanna gained valuable experience doing hair at salons in Bellingham and Walla Walla. She currently is enjoying working at LeFore’s Spa as a cosmetologist doing hair.Shanna shapes her clients’ hair by using her artist’s eye and by listening. Shanna particularly enjoys assisting clients in discovering a style that they can identify with.Shanna’s typical haircut service includes a thorough consultation, an invigorating shampoo, a conditioning scalp massage, a haircut, a style lesson and suggestions for hair care. Clients receiving chemical services such as color or straightening receive a complimentary hand massage during the processing time.Shanna enjoys a wide variety of projects at home including spending time with her husband, twin boys, and a younger son, Shanna loves spending time outside walking, biking, or camping.
Nikki Mamoulelis - Stylist Extraordinaire, Team Leader Nikki grew up here in Walla Walla. She attended college in the Napa Valley, and received a bachelors degree in exercise science, Nikki then decided to follow her dream and attended the Gary Manuel Aveda Institute in Seattle to become a Cosmetologist. Nikki applied at LeFore's before she finished school, and is happy to be back in Walla Walla. Nikki got married in 2009 and just recently added a sweet little addition to the family and is currently available for appointments part time.
Hannah Mudd - Stylist Extraordinaire Hannah moved to Walla Walla in 2009, after growing up in Richland Washington where she received her education at the Academy of Cosmetology. Hannah really enjoys doing hair, make-up, and nails. Her favorite is hair coloring and cutting, as she knows it can make a difference in how a person feels. In her spare time Hannah enjoys drawing, photography, and being outside as much as possible. Hannah loves what she does and will never stop being passionate about it!
Mandy - Stylist Extraordinaire Mandy went to the Gene Juarez academy in Seattle to attain her hairstylist dreams. Moving from Seattle to Walla Walla recently Mandy says she was a small town girl living in a big city! Mandy has just completed her training to become a Brocato networker... who knows we may see her on a hair stage one of these days. Mandy has a warm and outgoing personality and loves doing hair and meeting new people.
Emma Brueske- Stylist Extraordinaire Emma attended Walla Walla Community College to achieve my degree in hair design. Emma views hair as an art that never gets old. In her free time Emma loves to travel and experience new cultures and foods, she likes to be open minded and try new things, and enjoys sports and outdoor activities.
Gretchen Calahan - Stylist Extraordinaire Gretchen recently graduated from Hair Tech Academy, and has a passion for Cutting and Coloring along with a natural ability that shows through to her clients. Gretchen loves being able to make people feel good about themselves. She is beginning her career by taking the steps to become an Aveda Mentor. In her spare time Gretchen loves spending time with her son, going fishing, and riding her horse.
Sallee Bleth - Stylist Extraordinaire In the Spring of 2011, I graduated from Hair Tech Beauty Academy. There I discovered that assisting clients with their style goals is truly my passion. To further enrich my training, I attended several cutting and styling courses at the International Salon and Spa Expo in Long Beach, California, as well as classes in Aveda, Tigi, and Redken color lines. I was born and raised in the Walla Walla Valley, and plan on calling it home for a long time. I was married in August 2011 and my husband Johnny is the love of my life. God has richly blessed me with a wonderful family, and I love spending time with them. I have wonderful parents, two awesome sisters, a great brother-in-law, and the cutest nephew. I enjoy painting, country music, road trips, cute shoes and a good cup of coffee. Johnny and I have three dogs and one cat. From assisting you in choosing a tasteful and stylish hair cut and color, to carefully bringing the style to reality, my goal is to ensure you have a relaxing spa experience at LeFore’s that leaves you feeling fresh and confident.
Sandy LeFore - Stylist Extraordinaire Sandy brings great experience to our hair team, having attended multiple advanced classes with our industry leaders like: Vidal Sassoon, Gerry Gerard, and Michael O'Rourke, she helps to mentor our new interns. Sandy is a familiar face to many around town. She previously owned two hair salons in Walla Walla and she loves what she does. Sandy has an outgoing personality and loves to socialize! Look for her at chamber events and other social events around town.

Monday, February 27, 2012

The 2012 Oscars

Every since I was a small child, I have always loved watching this event. Much like the Miss America pageant, for me it was all about how the stars looked. What would they wear, would their hair be up or down or perhaps some way I had never seen before, something new to see and perhaps try myself. I loved seeing how the make-up and jewelry would accent their overall look. This year Some favorite looks: Emma Stone looked like a movie star (think Grace Kelly) with a striking red gown and perfectly coiffured hairstyle.
Michelle Williams looked effortless, yet sophisticated in this demure pixie:
Another stunning look with a beautiful the contrast of green on her golden skin tones, was Viola Davis:
My Favorite look of the evening was the Gold trend. The Oscars remind me of something to look forward to while growing up, the ultimate dress-up event. I think my very favorites where Meryl Streep and Stacy Kiebler. They both looked exquisite. How classy of Meryl to acknowledge her hairdresser and make-up artist.
Now for nitpicks: Gwyneth Paltrow, she looked divine, I would say one of the best dressed of the entire evening, until she turned around and had a bare ponytail!! I mean come on, how can something so obvious be overlooked.
For me the worst look for the Academy Awards had to be Jennifer Lopez, It looked like a tightly pulled ponytail, into a bun on the top of her head. In my opinion it was not flattering. I mean wasn't she voted by people the most beautiful women in the world last year? She is gorgeous, but the hairstyle wasn't.
All in all I enjoyed watching and thinking about how much I enjoyed a look or how I would change it to make it better, at least better in my head :)

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Guest Services

Eleanor Schroeder - Spa Coordinator, Team Leader. Eleanor graduated from Whitman with a BA in History. Why reception? Because she Loves organizing while enjoying the relaxing peaceful nature of a spa environment. Eleanor is married with a beautiful new puppy, and enjoys spending time camping with her family, reading, and going for long walks.
Alyssa Beyer - Spa Coordinator Alyssa loves art, photography, and bold style. She is a Walla Walla University Alumni and proudly Mrs. Beyer, as well as a mom to two wonderful dogs Bella and Meah. Alyssa's passion for photography began at a young age and has helped her to build the business she has today: www.alyssaannette.com Alyssa feels blessed to be a part of the LeFore's Spa team while building her business.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

MASSAGE TEAM




Jacob Tucker - Massage Therapist, Team Leader

When I initially started college, I wanted to be a physical therapist. As I studied though, I realized that the aspect of PT that intrigued me the most was the massage. I attended East West College in Portland Oregon, and loved every second of it. Wanting to focus my skills on the therapeutic aspects of massage that attracted me, I have since worked at a hospital and a physical therapy clinic, providing relief to hundreds of patients that normally would not receive massage therapy. I am now excited to bring those same therapeutic goals and skills that I have acquired working in those locations into the relaxing environment that Lefore’s Spa has to offer.





Lis Kubo - Massage Therapist

As a massage therapist Lis hopes to touch not only peoples sore muscles, but their lives as well. Lis hopes to make sure every client receives exactly what they need and wants her guest to feel free to voice if they are expecting anything different from what she is already providing. Her goal is to bring a positive and nurturing attitude to every person she comes into contact with, create an opportunity for understanding their needs, and to meet their needs by achieving the highest level of relaxation and comfort possible. God has blessed her with amazing opportunities and she prays that she continues to serve others to the best of her ability, sharing His love and blessings.
Janey Duskin-Gilmore - Massage Therapist

Janey attended the Bluestone Academy of Massage in 2007, and currently works part time at LeFore's while she is attending WWCC to acheive her nursing degree. Janey also has a young family that keeps her busy in her free time.







Kate Colvin - Massage Therapist

Kate Went to Tri City School of Massage and graduated in April 2011. She have always enjoyed giving back massages to family and friends and decided that she enjoyed it so much that she should learn the art of massage therapy as a profession. It is a very rewarding job to know that you are helping someone feel better.

When Kate is not working at LeFore’s she is also a member of the local roller derby team, The Walla Walla Sweets Roller Girls. Kate also enjoy art, music, and spending time with family and friends.