And now, time for a Beauty post. Hey, last time I surveyed people they said whatever, so here's whatever. :)

I had my first facial today...and it was a hydrafacial.

I've been mostly been a wash my face with soap and do not much of anything else type of person.

Here's my past skin care routine:

• Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
• Witch Hazel

Why Dr. Bronner's soap? I discovered it in college and fell in love with it and never turned back. It's all natural, gentle, and lasts a long time since you dilute it in water.

Why Witch Hazel? My skin can be oily sometimes, so this was my inexpensive toner. I did use my mom's nice Clinique products when I lived at home, but being a rather broke college student I went looking for less expensive options. I've since read that witch Hazel isn't necessarily good for your skin on a regular basis. It can strip oils and the protective barrier on the skin, so best for spot treatment, bruises, etc.

Present:

• Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap
• Hyaluronic Acid (HLA)

I added HLA to my routine after reading about it. I tried samples of a few store-bought HLA products and I liked the moisturizing effect, but I wasn't so keen on the high price tags. I found out you can buy pure HLA and mix it with water to make your own fresh HLA serum. It's much less expensive, so I can be very generous is applying it. :) I make it in small batches and refrigerate it.

The Future:
?
Maybe Hydrafacials?

I liked the hydrafacial. It was relaxing. The most intense suction part felt like a cat's tongue! :)

Amrita also did this great meditation at the end of the session. It was really nice. It definitely felt like treating myself to a spa experience.

Her private studio is beautiful and clean. All very hygienic and I know she really cares about making sure she provides a good, safe experience for her clients.

My face definitely looks much more hydrated than before. I'm sure that's partly the last step, which includes an HLA infusion.

Here's a pic of my face "glowing" after the experience. No make-up, no filter, not even the automatic "Beauty Face" my camera tries to put on all selfies. :)

I'd definitely recommend trying it! If you've ever been curious about hydrafacials or facials in general, it is a very pleasant experience.

I've seen some before/after images of what 4-6 sessions can do for you & I'm impressed! Clearer skin, reduced pigmentation, reduction of fine lines... Amrita explained there's different formulas that can be added to the process to tune the treatment for what you want to accomplish.

Hydrafacials do seem like a really nice, gentle, non-invasive facial with results!

If you want to try one with Amrita at Grotto De La Demoiselle, contact her at 604-369-2323 before the end of May to try one for only $99! Just tell her Lalena sent you. :)

If you do it, let me know what you think!

We're exposed to a lot of images of women that have been altered, in TV, film, advertising, magazines, pretty much everywhere you look. Makeup, lighting, lash extensions, Photoshop, plastic surgery...all of these can make someone look radically different.

I'm happy to see more women posting about how they work those angles to get the perfect pose and sharing pics of "Instagram Booty" vs. real life.

Pictures showing them looking great and toned and curvy in all the right places, next to images showing the relaxed, imperfect poses, where you get rolls and don't look quite as amazing...

I love that they're sharing what it takes to get the certain looks in pictures. Apparently the "Instagram Booty" involves arching your back till it hurts, tightening your glutes, and getting just the right angle!