Beauty

Nails in a hurry

We don’t know about you, but anything that saves us time is a winner.  Cue online shopping for everything from groceries and toiletries, to clothing and shoes. But when it comes to grooming, it’s hard to find 90 minutes to set aside.

Which is why we’re thrilled that our favourite pamper spot toast & co, has introduced 30 minute manicures and pedicures.  Just enough time to hurry in after work, take a deep breath in the ever calming space of toast, and make it home with time to spare. And because they use only top quality nail brands – CND Vinylux, OPI Infinite Shine and Color Club – you can be sure of chip-free, long-wearing nails.

All images via our Pinterest.

Sensory experiences at Toast & Co

We’ve blogged about Toast & Co previously, and for good reason.  We love a good pamper session, and there is no other salon in Johannesburg that offers quite the same level of service, attention to detail and all round delightful ambience and relaxation.

Whether it’s a manicure, pedicure, facial or massage, any treatment at Toast is a sensory experience.  From the coffee, Ugandan from Carico, melt-in-you-mouth handmade butter biscuits (don’t say we didn’t warn you!), rose petals, handmade fizz bombs for luxurious pedicures, and carefully selected fragrance diffusers, candles and soaps (all for sale in the retail section).

Click here for a list of treatments available at Toast & Co.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Get holiday ready in 6 steps

Yes it’s that time of year!  And we can’t wait for some much deserved R & R.

Wherever you’re going this December – the beach, a city break, overseas, or a stay-cation – we’ve put together, with the help of the experts over at Toast & Co, a list of essentials to help you get holiday ready

  1. Manicure and pedicure

There’s no way we’re going anywhere without that fabulous feeling that only a fresh mani/pedi can create. We’d definitely suggest Shellac for long-lasting perfection.

2. Facial

Get your skin ready for a long-haul flight (or just a drive down to the coast) with a facial. We love the QMS oxygen facial from Toast & Co, or try a Team Dr Joseph facial. 

3. Sun protection

There shouldn’t be any need to emphasise the importance of a really high quality SPF for your face and body.  We highly recommend Heliocare, a state of the art photo protection range (available from Toast & Co). 

4. Spray tan

There’s nothing that says ‘holiday’ more than bronze skin, and there’s nothing quite like the natural bronzed looks of St Tropez spray tan (book one at Toast & Co).

5. Eyebrow grooming

The importance of groomed eyebrows can’t be over-stated, but even more important is finding a pro to groom them!  Never put your brows in the hands of someone you don’t trust. 

6. Wax

Hair free everything!  Nothing makes us feel more glam and holiday ready than smooth and silky skin.  Toast & Co offers both wax and sugar hair removal (wax is good for larger areas like legs, while sugar is best for smaller areas like bikini and face).

Images via.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

 

Five tricks to make your mani/pedi last longer

With spring finally here, we’re ready to break out our fresh manicures and pedicures, but is there anything more frustrating than investing an afternoon at the salon only to chip your nails the very next day?

We asked the experts, Julie and Karen from Toast & Co, how to keep your fingers and toes looking glamorous for as long as possible. Read on for their expert tips.

1. Look to your diet. Making sure you’re eating a balanced diet, and also checking the side effects of any medication you may be on, is key to understanding your nail health. “Splitting nails and dry and flaky cuticles can’t be fixed by even the best manicure,” said Karen. Eating plenty of lean protein is important for strong, healthy nails, as well as drinking plenty of water.

2. Always apply a topcoat. “To extend the life of a manicure, I advise applying a coat of high-gloss topcoat over your existing nail polish three days after getting a manicure,” says Karen.

3. Protect your hands post-manicure. Use gloves while gardening and doing the dishes to help protect your polish from chipping and lifting.

 

4. Apply cuticle oil every night. This also helps keep your cuticles from drying out. “Applying cuticle oil prevents hangnails and dry cuticles, which can cause polish to peel and chip,” says Julie.

5. Keep your toes under wraps and moisturise daily: “Wearing flip-flops regularly contributes to dry and dirty feet, which can ruin a pedi within a week,” says Karen. She says the secret to achieving a long-lasting pedicure, and silky smooth feet, is to apply moisturiser daily. Apply a rich moisturiser after a shower to provide instant hydration and protection. Better yet, apply moisturiser to feet and then pop on socks to enhance absorption. 

Images via.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Forever Summer: Nail Trends for Summer 2018/2019

Summer is upon us! It’s time to break out your sandals, and those freshly manicured and pedicured digits, and embrace some some fun and fresh summer trends and shades.

OPI summer 2018/2019

The nail gurus over at Toast & Co gave us the low-down on what to expect for summer manicures and pedicures. Read on for our favourite nail trends for summer 2018/2019. 

  1. Short nails.

Short but groomed nails are all the range for summer, pairing perfectly with a solid swipe of opaque, lustrous nail polish.

Short nails summer 2018 trend

2. Classic red nails.

Red is a timeless color that will always have its place on and off the runways. It’s sexy, elegant, and high-energy, so it’s no surprise that red nail polish is one of the spring/summer 2018’s nail polish trends.

3. Nude nails. 

You cannot go wrong with a pale pink, beige, or light taupe. These are timeless and natural hues, and we’re happy to see that nude nails are members of the summer 2018/2019 hot list.

4. Denim blues.

Match your mani to your summer cut-offs with muted blues that look perfectly worn-in.

5. Bright matte nail polish

A fun way to play with really bright, neon nail polish shades is to change up their finish. While we’re used to glossy brights, 2018 summer sees electrifying mattes.

6. Opaque shimmer nails

Add some shimmer without overwhelming the senses. Quick and easy, yet glamorous, nails. Yes please!

7. Nude and black

Nude (or white) and black is a nail combination that is becoming as ubiquitous as the French manicure. As part of spring/summer 2018 nail art trends, it’s all about nude/white nails with thin black lines for accent.

8. Colourful stripes

Although the runways saw a lot of black stripes, colourful stripes and French manicures in bright hues are having their moment in the sun this summer. 

colourful stripes nail polish 2018

9. Neon nails

Expect punchy neon nails everywhere throughout the summer. 

Images via.

Digital marketing: Joburg Capital

Team Dr Joseph week at Toast & Co.

From 2 – 9 May toast & co is teaming up with Team Dr Joseph Skincare to offer the perfect Autumn treat.  Book a Team Dr Joseph Intense Purifying Face Treatment (R700) and receive a complimentary full size Daily Cellular Protection hand cream (valued at R260), plus a R100 voucher to use on your next Team Dr Joseph facial at toast & co.


The Intense Purifying Face Treatment is a 50 minute facial, which offers an in-depth cleansing specific to your skin type, based on the Team Dr Joseph method. You skin is left bright, soft and radiant, while you are left feeling clear and energetic.
The facial begins with warm herbal compresses and gentle massage stimulating the lymphatic system. The skin is then gently peeled, followed by cleansing with cupping glasses and deep cleansing, a tonifying facial pack, a peel-off mask and finally the application of daily skincare specific to your skin.
Read more about Team Dr Joseph facials and high-tech natural products over here, or call toast & co to book your Intense Purifying Face Treatment.


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OPI Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants

Anyone else obsessed with nail polish names? Some are hilarious, some are witty and smart, and all makes us wish we had the naming job!
In honour of jobs we don’t have, we decided that a series of collages inspired by some of the best names was in order.  Here’s number one in the series. Doesn’t OPI’s Sun, Sea, and Sand in My Pants just capture all the best things about summer and long holidays?
OPI and the best manis and pedis in the business are available at Toast & Co in Joburg.


 
Images via Leta Sobierajski, Pretty Stuff, Pinterest, Cult Of Tomorrow, Etsy, Tango & Foxtrot, Muzze, Playbuzz, Style Takes Heart, Pinterest, Institute Mag, PlayBuzz.

All natural Team Dr Joseph facial

If using natural skincare products is a concern for you, it can be hard to find the balance between all-natural ingredients and proven scientific impact.  If I’m buying skincare products, I want to know that I’m not putting anything toxic on my skin, but I also want to be certain that the serum or cream I’m using delivers the goods when it comes to hydration, managing pimples, or minimising pigmentation and the signs of ageing.
Team Dr Joseph is relatively new to SA, and is a skincare brand dedicated to marrying “the ancient wisdom of folk medicine and the latest scientific findings, the purest materials and the finest technology, the genius of nature and sophisticated know-how.” In short, TDJ offers high-tech natural cosmetics that take their inspiration from plants, with emphasis on ingredients with the highest purity, quality and sustainable biological cultivation.
I had a Team Dr Joseph Advanced Bio Lifting Face Treatment at Toast & Co, and was treated to two hours of facial massage, warm herbal compresses, peeling, deep cleansing with cupping (first time I’ve ever had cupping on my face), serums and masking.  The scent of the products is herby and aromatic, while the two hours is spent mostly in silence (and near sleep!).
My skin was left feeling deeply hydrated and glowing, and I was left feeling deeply relaxed. Possibly the perfect Saturday afternoon treat!




Images via Team Dr Joseph Instagram.