What’s In A Name?

We get asked maybe five times a day how to pronounce the name of our studio. Though we knew it would be a challenge, we really love the meaning, so we kept it. Now we have fun helping people remember how to say it:

Mooi like boy

Mooi like toy

Mooi like soy

Mooi like coy

You get the idea. 

Mooi means beautiful in both Dutch and Afrikaans. But it’s not just that translation we liked. We want everyone to feel and embody Mooi. 

You know that feeling when you're getting ready to go out for the evening? You played all your favorite music, you set aside a good chunk of time to pamper yourself. You nailed your makeup, your outfit is on point, and you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and think, “Damn.” That’s Mooi.

Mooi is being able to say “damn” with the same confidence when you roll out of bed, grab a cup of coffee, and drag yourself over to your bathroom mirror and see your pajama’d self with bedhead staring back at you. 

We truly feel that beauty has so little to do with what’s on your face. It’s how you feel about that face. We love that we have the tools and training to give women outward confidence. But we think our secret sauce is the relationship skills we have to help women find confidence for who they are, not how they look. It’s our Mooi.

We have a challenge for you. We challenge you to write down at least three things about yourself that make you feel Mooi. These things should have nothing to do with your physical appearance. We would love if you shared them in the comments below, but even if you don’t share, we can guarantee it will make your day. 

So, go on. Write them down. Feel beautiful. Be Mooi.

I Woke Up Like This: All About Lash Lifts

No fake eyelashes or extensions, no eyelash curler, just your gorgeous and natural set of eyelashes!

Lash Lift is one of our favorite services and it’s quickly becoming one of the most popular. This technique is completely natural and utilizes lifting lotion and silicone rods to lift your eyelashes, making them look longer and fuller. It lasts six to eight weeks, sometimes longer, and you’ll still see a fabulous lash lift even when you get of the shower or a swimming pool.

This is probably the most cost effective and safest lash treatment out there. We use Elleebana Lash Lift, which is one of the most highly recommended brands for lash lift treatments. We can’t even begin to tell you how much time this will save you in the morning. A few of our clients even expressed they didn’t have to start applying mascara until the second week after their treatment, and even if they did, they applied one coat.

You don’t realize how many you have or how long your eyelashes truly are until you receive a Lash Lift treatment! Waking up like this – with completely natural, curled lashes – is absolutely worth it.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about lash lifts:

What is a Lash Lift?

The lash lift procedure has revolutionized old, inadequate perming techniques. Using silicone pads instead of perm rods, this new technique can lift, straighten or curl, and lengthen your own natural lashes to create a brighter, fuller, wide eyed look. No need for extensions and the associated aftercare, this will last you 6-8weeks. 

How do I need to prep for the treatment?

Please come in make up free. If you wear contacts, they must be removed.

Can a Lash Lift be used to compliment other treatments?

Yes! A lash Lift is enhanced when you use an eyelash growth product, or a semi-permanent mascara. While your lashes grow longer, our process controls straight or overly curly lashes by giving them a uniform lifted look. 

Is a Lash Lift the same as an eyelash perm?

No the Lash lift is a new, improved procedure, overcoming the ‘over curled’ look of its predecessor . Whilst the chemical procedure is identical to a perm, the difference is in the results. By ditching the old fashioned perm rollers which curled back the lashes to the extent of the ‘dolly look’, the silicone pads used for this new procedure lifts the lash from the root in either a straight or curled, upwards fashion that produces length and a bright eyed enhanced look.

Does the Lash Lift procedure hurt?

No the procedure is totally painless. You will have your eyes closed for the entire treatment and although it may feel a little strange being unable to open your eyes for this time, it offers you a chance to relax during the treatment.

Is the procedure safe?

Yes. Lashes are lifted onto our specially shaped lifting pads before products are applied.

Will the Lash Lift damage my natural lashes?

No. Your lash procedure will be performed with the utmost care and proper technique. The product never touches the skin during the process. Redness around the eye may occur due to the product removal process (wiping the eyes with cotton rounds) but should disappear within a few minutes after the procedure.

How long does a lash lift take?

An Elleebana lash lift takes approximately 45 minutes.

Can I wear makeup after my lash lift?

Yes but it is advised that you leave your lashes untouched for at least 24 hours after your treatment. You may find that there is no need for mascara anyway, but if you wish to make your lashes even fuller, a non-waterproof mascara is advised as the removal of waterproof mascaras can be harsh on the lashes and weaken the lift.

Post Care Instructions:

• Keep your lashes dry and free of makeup for 24 hours after the treatment.

• Avoid any oil based creams and lotions for the first 24 hours after the treatment.

• Do not use waterproof mascara.

• Do not irritate or rub your eyes while you have a Lash Lift

Have any other questions about our Lash Lift service? Let us know in the comments below!

Client Before and After

Let’s Talk About Healthy Skin

One of our all-time favorite skincare brands is Sanitas, but you all already know that. They’re a Boulder-based company, and we’re huge advocates for them. One of the best things about Sanitas is that their products absorb nutrients, and they’re highly effective. 
Read on to learn about the Sanitas products we swear by!

Colloidal Mineral Cocktail

We recommend trying the Colloidal Mineral Cocktail – it’s a liquid dietary supplement that aids in body functioning and overall skin health. Both of us (Raquel and Ahmana) agree that our skin has a healthier glow, and it truly gives us energy. 

We recommend taking a shot (cap full) a day. It will help your skin from the inside out, and it has a delicious minty taste so you can actually enjoy taking it. It’s truly part of our daily routine because it’s easy, low maintenance, and provides a dose of multivitamins and minerals. 
Benefits include increased brain function, clear skin and more energy – you can’t beat it! It’s our second favorite cocktail, if you know what we mean. 

Lemon Cream Cleanser

The Lemon Cream Cleanser is so gentle and helps to brighten your skin. We love that it’s gentle enough for everyday use. The vitamin C helps to protect your skin from environmental aggressors and it also helps to absorb moisture. 

The hyaluronic acid is a gentle acid that increases the moisture in your skin. Sanitas suggests you pair an active cleanser with a rest cleanser, which is exactly what you do when you workout your muscles. You have an active day of lifting, and then you rest in between. The same thing goes for your skin! The active cleanser in this scenario would be the Glycolic Citrus Cleanser, which includes glycolic acid to exfoliate and lighten hyperpigmentation, aging and dark spots. 

PeptiDerm Moisturizing Cream

The PeptiDerm Moisturizing Cream is gold in a bottle – no joke. When we say a little goes a long way, we mean it! This product contains peptiderm, and immediately after you use it, you can feel your skin firm up and over time, you can see the effect of collagen and elasticity without feeling thick and caked on. Let your skin breathe! 

This cream contains vitamin E and C, which provides antioxidant protection. Oh, and did we mention it’s loaded with some of our top favorite ingredients? Jojoba seed oil, anti-aging peptides, and vitamins C and E all work together to boost the appearance and health of your skin. 

Go on, give these products a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! 
 

Meet Mooi

We’re so excited to announce the launch of Mooi Studio, a makeup, skin and beauty studio based in Denver, Colorado! We’ve been hard at work preparing for the launch of our studio and can’t wait to share it with you.

What Is Mooi?

Mooi Studio will offer a variety of skincare and makeup services, including wedding makeup, date night and photo-ready makeup applications, lessons, specialized express skincare treatments and more. Founders Raquel Turner and Ahmana Aryan are passionate about making women feel beautiful, and this passion is what has allowed them to partner and turn their dream of opening a makeup studio into a reality!

How Mooi Started

Raquel and Ahmana met seven years ago working at MAC and then transitioned to NARS. From there, the rest is history! They love the energy that comes with working together, and share very similar, yet unique styles. 

Also known as the dynamic duo, these two have joined forces to launch Mooi Studio where they will specialize in makeup and skincare as well as cosmetic retail. The vision for Mooi is to become a place for women to gather, relax, and enjoy one another’s company during a beauty service. 

Meet the Girls Behind Mooi

Raquel Turner is a licensed esthetician with years of professional experience to support her talent in the beauty industry. She has based her philosophy on helping people feel beautiful and at their best while creating true and lasting connections. From styled photo shoots, to brides and special events, Raquel specializes in everything from the soft and natural to the bold and dramatic. She’s a trusted expert in the beauty and skincare industry and goes beyond service to educate clients for a lifestyle of beauty and health. 

As a makeup artist and licensed esthetician with 13+ years of experience, Ahmana Aryan is passionate about all things beauty. Her experiences working with top brands like MAC and NARS, along with her insight into what products are needed to create beautiful skin and makeup, sets her apart as a leading beauty professional. Ahmana loves connecting with her clients to help them feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. She’s done makeup for celebrities, various magazines, brands, brides and her personal clients. 

Here on Mooi’s blog, ‘Behind the Brush,’ you can expect to learn about all of Raquel and Ahmana’s favorite products and expert tips and tricks. To keep up with all things Mooi, be sure to follow us on Instagram!