FAQ

Sothys Paris

Who is Sothys?

Our Mythology: Sothys was the name that the ancient Egyptians gave to the brightest star in the sky; she was perceived by the inhabitants of the land of Pharaohs as the jewel amongst jewels. Men were fascinated by her brightness and her beauty. During a heavenly night, Saturn met the young star Sothys; even Venus never seemed so beautiful. Their meeting was astonishing and Saturn was overwhelmed with passion for her; this threw the regular rhythm of the stars into confusion. Venus could not bear the fact she was not anymore the most beautiful star in the sky. She took her revenge and Sothys fell into the dark of the night and disappeared. Saturn cried over forty days and forty nights and flooded the Earth. During centuries, the world heard nothing about Sothys until the day when Sothys reappeared to deliver her secret to the Earth: she dedicated herself to women in order to preserve their beauty and happiness. As a tribute, Men venerated her as a Goddess.

Facial Treatments

Are Facials fast fixes?

Facial treatments are a lot more preventative than they are curative. Think of visiting the spa like a trip to the dentist: “I always make the analogy that going to the dentist to clean your teeth is like your facial, whereas brushing your teeth at home is your home care maintenance.” So just like you see the dentist for check-ups and plaque buildup removal, you should pencil in time with the aesthetician to keep your skin healthy and toxin-free.

Should you be handing blackheads yourself?

Just like you should leave handling your cuticles to the professionals, you should also save extractions for your next appointment with the aesthetician. According to Berthelot, you must use a specific technique to remove a blackhead: “It must be pushed up from underneath. If it’s not done properly, it can create an irritated surface.”

Do you see more benefits when you stick to a schedule?

Before making a crazy facial schedule, you need to consider your skin type. While Berthelot suggests getting a treatment every 4 weeks, you can go more or less often based on your skin’s behavior. “Someone with oily skin can go every three weeks, and if you have dryer skin, you can go every five weeks.”

Advanced Facials

What Is Microdermabrasion, And Will It Improve Your Skin?

Microdermabrasion is a procedure that exfoliates and removes the superficial layer of dry, dead skin cells. According to licensed medical aesthetician Maria Barry at Union Square Laser Dermatology, microdermabrasion machines can buff and polish the skin using a stream of fine crystals or a diamond tip. Some systems have suction to vacuum loose skin cells from the face.

Barry believes that patients with fine lines, uneven pigmentation or clogged pores may benefit most from a series of microdermabrasion treatments. Heidi Waldorf, the director of laser and cosmetic dermatology at The Mount Sinai Medical Hospital in New York City, also recommends it for melasma patients and individuals using retinoids such as Retin-A.

“Patients with melasma, a form of pigmentation caused by a combination of hormones, ultraviolet light and inflammation, risk aggravating the pigment with almost any type of irritation,” said Waldorf. “However, I find they do well with a combination of good topical care, vigilant sun protection and microdermabrasion.”

Waxing Services

What are the most common mistakes women make before a bikini wax?

Consuming alcohol thinking that it will ease the pain, but it tightens pores, which can lead to a painful waxing experience. Also, trimming hair too short before waxing because they think the hair is too long. Or shaving between waxing services, which reverses the benefits of waxing, including removing hair from the root and having silky smooth skin.

How long should hair be “down there” to achieve the best bikini wax?

In order to achieve the best waxing results, make sure that your hair is grown out to about one-eighth to one-fourth of an inch. This is the ideal length for hair to be before waxing because it will allow the wax to better grip the hair and be released from the root, rather than just the hair above the skin being removed.

What are some of the dos and don’ts pre- and post-bikini waxing?

Do: Exfoliate in between waxing to reduce the chance of ingrown hairs.

Do: Use sun protection when exposing your skin to the sun. It is especially important during the first 24 hours after waxing in order to avoid redness.

Do: Let your waxer know before your appointment if you have any allergies, health conditions, or are taking any medication, like Accutane, or if you are using any topical lotions or creams like AHAs or Retin-A, which are not compatible with waxing.

Don’t: Use numbing products or pain relief medicine, such as Advil, as it is not necessary.

Don’t: Take alcohol (and other stimulants such as caffeine) prior to waxing, stimulants tighten the pores.

Eyelash Extensions

How long does it take to apply lash extensions?

Applying a full set of lashes takes about two hours, and can be maintained year-round with touch-ups recommended every three to four weeks. A half set of lashes are an economical alternative to achieve a similarly dramatic effect, applied as filler to thicken natural lashes, or applied outward from the eye for a specialized look.

Everyone has different lashes, and depending on the condition of your own natural lashes, lash experts can only go a certain length or thickness. (This is to ensure that your own lashes remain healthy.) For example, if your natural lashes are on the shorter, thinner side, you won’t be able to get a crazy, dramatic Kim Kardashian look, because it won’t last. It’s better to start out with a half set (50 to 60 percent of your top lashes) if you aren’t sure or it’s your first time. It’s easier to add more than to remove lashes!

How often do you need to get lash extensions redone?

Lash extensions last through a full growth cycle of natural eyelashes, typically six to eight weeks. That said, because each person’s lash growth is somewhat variable (just hair growth), I suggest light lash maintenance every three to four weeks to maintain a full look.

Do lash extensions fall out over a certain period of time?

Since each lash extension is attached to a single eyelash, they will fall out naturally along with the natural growth cycle of each lash. We recommend a touch-up every three to four weeks.

Can you shower or swim right away? Are there products you should absolutely avoid?

Keep water away from your lashes for the first 12 to 24 hours after application or touch-ups. Water can weaken the adhesive before it is set and cause lashes to fall off. The after-care varies depending on the glue used. For instance, with glue for sensitive eyes, oil-based products or makeup removers around the eye area are not recommended. Using water-proof mascara on the extensions is not recommended for any type of glue, as it is hard to remove and can actually pull off the lashes prematurely when trying to take it off.

Is it okay to also wear mascara?

If you are planning to wear mascara in addition to the extensions, only use it on the tips of the extensions and with a very light hand. This will be enough to give your eyes that “pop” along with the extensions. Using mascara at the base of the extensions will get very clumpy.

Bridal Packages

What are some of the do's and don’ts wedding day makeup?

Do: Run a bridal makeup trial before deciding on your final look. This is the perfect way to test your look and make final tweaks. Because (let's face it) not all visions turn into perfect realities.

Do: Use a foundation even if you don't normally - it will ensure that your face will stay flawless all day long.

Do: Add lashes! This will make everything on your eyes pop by giving a dramatic yet natural feel.

Don't: Do a glitter or shimmer bronzer. To get the bridal shot you are looking for, avoid glitter, which could throw off the lighting in your photography.

Don't: Get a facial within three days of your wedding reception. You don't want fresh, open pores to be covered in makeup just days after the treatment.

Don't: Apply boldly colored shadow, as it may not be the most tactful for a wedding. A neutral palette will always create a timeless look.