FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
COVID
Why is Aubergine still asking Covid safety questions ?
There are about a million reasons. First and foremost, it’s the responsible thing to do. It’s being a respectful citizen and protecting yourself and your fellow human beings. On a personal note, I am asthmatic and an immune compromised person. I also have loved ones who are at high risk as well. For my own and others physical and mental well being, I will continue to screen for COVID, and ask that clients continue to mask at their appointments.
BOOKING
I’m new to Aubergine Esthetics Studio, do I need to book a “New Client Consultation”?
Yes! You are exactly the client this is intended for. Please book a “New Client Consultation” alongside whichever service you are wanting to receive during your appointment. This will give us time for you to fill out a new intake form, as well as discuss specific goals you are wanting to achieve during your scheduled service.
If I’m a regular at Aubergine but want to book a service I haven’t had done at the studio before, should I also select “New Service Consultation” in addition to the service itself?
Yes please! If you are getting a new service at Aubergine that you’ve never had done before, please book as a “New Service Consultation” to give us both a little buffer time to do a consultation for that particular service.
Can I add a service onto my appointment last minute?
Please select all the services you are wanting to achieve when you are making your appointment online. Each service has a certain amount of time allotted, so please book all the services you are wanting to achieve in order to ensure that there is enough time to accommodate. Appointments are booked back to back, so unfortunately, last minute add on’s are rarely available.
Why do I have to book online?
Aubergine is a solo run studio; think of online booking as my receptionist. Through the online portal, you are able to select all the services you are wanting to achieve, see availability, and book for the opening that best works for you. You are even able to cancel and reschedule services online, so long as it is outside of the 48 hour window of your appointment time.
Should I opt in to email and text reminders?
Not only is this appreciated, it is mandatory. Ideally you are putting your appointment into your calendar as soon as you book, but to ensure you are reminded, please opt in to email and text reminders. Appointment emails contain pertinent information about access to the studio, so it is important that you are not only receiving them, but reading them as well. A CONFIRMATION EMAIL + TEXT will be sent 72 hours prior to your appointment asking you to confirm your appointment by following the link - please either confirm your appointment, or cancel/reschedule as needed. Once you are within 48 hours of your appointment, cancellation fees start to kick in. A REMINDER EMAIL will be sent 48 hours prior to your appointment, and a REMINDER TEXT will be sent 24 hours prior to your appointment. There will be no phone call reminders.
Why do I have to put a card on file when booking?
Aubergine Esthetics Studio is a solo run and operated business, with appointments that are booked back to back. When an appointment cancels last minute, or no shows, this minimizes the opportunity for other clients to schedule their services, and directly affects business. Please read the “Policies” page before booking an appointment to ensure that Aubergine is the correct fit for you.
GENERAL INQUIRIES
Your policies page is so long - what’s the gist of it all?
The policies page may seem like overkill, but unfortunately every single one of those circumstances has occurred, and therefore all needed to be addressed. The gist: please show up to your appointments on time, feeling well, by yourself, and refrain from smoking beforehand. Please refrain from bringing your pet, child, or friend with you as these are all safety and liability conflicts. Please refrain from smoking Tobacco or Cannabis before your appointment as the lingering smell can sometimes trigger an allergic reaction or asthma attack. Please try not to be late to your appointment, as this compromises service. Also please reschedule if you are feeling ill with any and all types of contagious illnesses, as to not spread illness to myself or other clients.
I know Stephanie has year round allergies and suffers from asthma, is there anything I can do as a client to help?
First of all, thank you for being so kind and courteous! Yes, there are absolutely some things as a client you can do to help not trigger my allergies and asthma. Please refrain from wearing heavy perfumes, or smoking right before an appointment. As much as I appreciate the gesture, please refrain from gifting me flowers. I may not be able to avoid environmental allergens, but your help in keeping my small space clear of other allergens is greatly appreciated!
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
I’m honored you want to bring your friends and family to the studio, but please come to your appointment solo*. I want to be able to give you the best service I can, and that can be difficult to achieve when I or a client becomes distracted. I look forward to our one on one appointments, and just want to ensure you leave with the best results I can give!
*Clients under 18 must have a Parent or Legal Guardian with them at the arrival of their first appointment.
I know Stephanie loves animals, should I bring my pet to the appointment?
As much as I would love that, for safety and sanitation reasons, the Oregon Health Authority does not allow for animals to be on premise where services are being offered; with the exception of certified service animals and registered emotional support animals. I myself have a registered emotional support animal, and she is sometimes here with me. I will always touch base with clients directly before bringing Onyx with me into the studio on any given day, as to make sure you are comfortable with having her here. I would never want to put you in an uncomfortable situation during your appointment.
BUSINESS NAME
Where does the name “Aubergine Esthetics Studio” come from?
”Aubergine” is one of my favorite colors. “Esthetics Studio” is what I am as a business. Pretty simple.
What does the color “Aubergine” look like?
Aubergine is a dark, rich color in the purple family with a lot of depth to it, also known as eggplant. Aubergine actually translates to eggplant in the French language. In Europe, if you were to mention aubergine, they would most likely assume you were talking about the fruit (commonly mistaken for a vegetable). In America, if you were to reference aubergine, it would most likely be assumed that you are referring to the color. Obviously there are exceptions to every rule, but in the case of “Aubergine Esthetics Studio”, I am most definitely referring to the stunning color.
WAXING VS. SUGARING VS. THREADING
How are Waxing, Sugaring, and Threading different from one another?
Threading, Waxing, and Sugaring are all just different methods of hair removal. Whether you are threading, waxing, tweezing, or sugaring - if the technique is being done properly, they should all remove hair from the root. I like to compare hair removal methods to different forms of travel - you could walk, bike, drive, fly, etc - but no matter which form of transportation, you should still end up at the same destination. Same with hair removal techniques - you should get the same end result whether you wax, thread, tweeze, or sugar - so long as you don’t have any contraindications to that form of hair removal. The end result of a brow shaping will be more determined by your natural brow and the service provider’s ability rather than the form of hair removal. The same can be said for most hair removal services. At Aubergine, we offer threading, waxing, and sugaring for the face, threading or waxing for brows, as well as sugaring and waxing for the body. Please read further to determine which are the best options for you!
What is Waxing?
Waxing is the use of wax to remove body hair. Waxing is the most common form of hair removal in the USA, as it is the only form of hair removal required to be taught in beauty schools. Wax needs to be warmed and melted before it can be applied to the skin, and is then removed in the opposite direction of hair growth to remove the hair. There are many different types of wax used for hair removal. At Aubergine we carry both hard and soft wax, but typically prefer to use hard wax, as it is often the more gentle option of the two. Wax adheres not only to hair, but also to both live and dead skin cells; for this reason waxing is often considered one of the more abrasive forms of hair removal.
Who should or shouldn’t Wax?
Waxing is the most common form or hair removal performed in salons and spas in the USA, however, that doesn’t necessarily make it the best form of hair removal. Waxing can be a safe practice, but unfortunately there are many exceptions to that rule. Waxing should not be performed on anyone who is allergic to the ingredients that compose wax, or has shown any type of adverse reactions to waxing in the past. For example, if you have previously been waxed and your skin lifted, scabbed over, broke out in hives, or remained pink/red after hair removal for more than an hour after the service, waxing should not be performed again. This indicates a sensitivity and adverse reaction to waxing. Waxing should also not be performed on an area of the body that is actively irritated by, or is being treated for, acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, herpes, or other skin conditions that irritate the skin or are potentially contagious. Waxing should also not be performed on an area of the body that is being treated with a topical Retin-A, retinoid, tretinoin, or other related Vitamin-A derivatives. Anyone currently being treated with Accutane should not undergo any type of hair removal, including waxing, on any part of the body - threading may be an exception, but please touch base with your Physician before doing so. If none of these instances apply to you, waxing is a perfectly safe, effective form of hair removal, and honestly a lot of people prefer it. However, if any of the former circumstances apply, waxing should be avoided, and I will be happy to discuss with you your other options of hair removal, such as threading or sugaring, if either is appropriate, or if hair removal should be avoided.
What is Sugaring?
Sugaring is the use of a sugar paste to remove hair. Sugar paste is typically composed of - you guessed it - sugar, as well as, lemon, water, and acacia. Sugar paste often resembles the color and consistency of honey or caramel. Sugaring as a practice has been around for thousands of years, and likely originated in middle eastern cultures. At Aubergine, we use the hand method of sugaring, as opposed to the strip method. Sugar paste is often used at room temperature, and removes hair in the direction of hair growth. Sugaring not only lifts hair, but also picks up any dead skin cells in the process for a light and gentle form of exfoliation. Sugaring does not pick up lives cells like waxing does. Sugaring is often considered less traumatic for the skin and hair than waxing, and often leads to less irritation and sensitivity, fewer ingrown hairs, and a reduction of hair growth over time. Sugaring is also a more environmentally conscious form of hair removal than waxing, as it creates less waste as a result of the service.
Who should or shouldn't Sugar?
Sugaring is a fairly safe service in most cases, and is a beloved practice by many. However, there are a few exceptions. Sugaring should not be performed on anyone who is allergic to any of the ingredients that compose a sugar paste. Sugaring should not be performed on an area of the body that is actively irritated by, or is being treated for, acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, herpes, or other skin conditions that irritate the skin or are potentially contagious. Sugaring should not be performed on an area of the body that is being treated with a topical Retin-A, retinoid, tretinoin, or other related Vitamin-A derivatives. Anyone currently being treated with Accutane should not undergo any type of hair removal, including sugaring, on any part of the body. Sugaring may also not be appropriate for someone who battles with fungal or yeast infections in the areas affected, as sugar will feed these conditions. In any of these instances, I will be happy to discuss with you your other options of hair removal, such as threading or waxing, if either is appropriate, or if hair removal should be avoided.
What is Threading?
Threading is the manipulation of thread to remove hair. Think of threading as fast tweezing, but in rows instead of individual hairs! Threading is only performed on the face and brows, and not on the body. Threading likely originated in middle eastern cultures, and has been around for thousands of years. There are several methods of threading; at Aubergine, we offer the hand method of threading, rather than the mouth or neck method. The type of thread can vary, but the most common thread used at Aubergine is a polyester/cotton blend. Threading is one of the safest forms of hair removal available. Threading only removes hairs, and does not lift any dead or live cells from the skin. It is also the least wasteful form of hair removal offered at Aubergine, as only a small piece of thread - and lots of skill - is used for the service.
Who should or shouldn’t Thread?
Threading is generally considered the safest form of hair removal other than perhaps tweezing. On very rare occasions, some people may have a histamine reaction to any form of hair removal, as your body is processing the actual act of hair removal as trauma. Histamine reactions can often be treated with an allergy medication, such as zyrtec, allegra, or benadryl*.
*Please consult with your General Physician before taking any new medications such as zyrtec, allegra, benadryl, or other allergy medications.
ALL ABOUT BROWS
What is “Brow Rehabilitation"?
Simply put, Brow Rehabilitation is the process of growing out your brows so that they can be properly reshaped. It is advised that you toss those tweezers, stop touching your own brows, and come in to see a professional who can walk you through the process.
Why shouldn't I tweeze my own brows?
It is hard to have perspective when it comes to your own face. When you are focusing on one brow at a time, you may lose focus of the big picture. It is far too easy to over tweeze your own brows. For some, one tweeze is too many, and once a follicle is damaged, the hair may never grow back. Not tweezing your own brows is especially important when growing them out, because hairs grow in different cycles. You may think you are only tweezing a rogue hair, but as it may turn out, that rogue hair was actually part of a line of hairs. If you keep tweezing them individually, they will never have the chance to grow into said row. Tweezing your own brows is a lot like cutting your own bangs - leave it to the professionals!
How long does Brow Rehabilitation take?
Brow Rehabilitation can take anywhere from 4 weeks to a full year, though the average time falls at about the 3-5 month range. Some clients choose to come in regularly during the grow out process, while others let their brows grow out fully before coming back to reshape. Please choose whichever option works best for you! For some, using a brow growth serum every night - such as Grande Brow, Babe Lash, or Latisse - or taking Biotin can help speed up the process.* I won't lie, growing out your brows is not fun. I myself got front bangs while I was going through the process so I could hide the crazy grow out, but it is so worth it in the end <3
*Please consult with your General Physician before taking new medications such as Biotin or Latisse.
How big will my brows get when growing them out?
There is no one answer to this. A good indicator is to look at photos of you when you were a child before you or anyone else ever touched your brows. Did you have a unibrow? They might come back BIG. Did you have naturally petite brows to begin with? They will still be petite. The beauty of brow rehab is that you are regrowing your natural brow, so that they can be reshaped to properly suit your own natural brow shape.
How successful is Brow Rehabilitation?
That is a case by case answer, but I am positive we can work toward a brow you are happier with. At the very least, even if your brows don't get bigger, they can still be better in other ways; i.e symmetry, proportions, shape. Please give it time, we want as much brow to work with as we can!
How often should I come in for a Brow Shaping?
Ideally it is advised to come in anywhere between 3-5 weeks for brow maintenance. Depending on hair growth and personal preference, some clients come in as soon as 2 weeks, and others push it out to 8 weeks. As stated previously, while going through Brow Rehabilitation, you may choose to come in for maintenance appointments, or to let your brows grow in as much as possible without touching them before coming in for a reshaping.
Should I do threading, or waxing for my brow appointment?
The answer depends on a handful of factors. The first is safety, the second is preference. Please see the “Waxing Vs. Sugaring Vs. Threading” section to determine which is best for you. I am also happy to discuss your options and preferences at the time of service.
What brow makeup products do you carry?
At the moment, I carry The BrowGal Eyebrow Pencils in all shades, The BrowGal Clear Setting Gel, Brett Freedman’s Universal Laser Brow Micro Pencil, and Brett Freedman’s Vanity Pencils in Ginger + Auburn.
TINTING SERVICES
What is Brow Tinting?
Brow tinting is the process of dying the hairs on your brows. It generally lasts about 2-8 weeks, the average being 3-4 weeks. The tint will be darkest the first 24/48 hours, and will lighten to the true color after a face wash or two. Much like when you dye the hair on your head, there may be some light staining on the skin where the tint was placed for the first 24/48 hours (which contributes to the tint appearing darker the first few days). Some people love the staining, because it gives the illusion that the brows are filled in with product, while others hate how dark it is initially - but please give it a few days to fade to the true color!
Why do people tint their brows?
There are a handful of reasons to tint your brows, the most common reasons being: your brows are naturally lighter than your hair color (brows are typically a half shade darker than your head hair, but this isn't true for everyone), you’ve recently dyed your hair color darker and your brows no longer match, you have naturally blonde brows that make them appear translucent, the hair in your brows is darker in the fronts than the tails, your brows have turned white or grey, or just because you want to.
What color brow tints do you offer?
I can match almost every naturally occurring shade (ie blondes, redheads, brunettes, black hair) to make the color most suited for you. At the time, I do not offer any "fashion colors" ie bright red, neon orange, yellows, greens, blues, indigo, violet, etc. I am also unable to lighten brows, as this often requires bleach, and applying bleach that close to the eyes goes against Oregon’s safety regulations.
Am I a candidate for Brow Tinting?
Would you like your brows to be a different color than they are currently? Are there hairs to tint? Then YES! Tinting can give the appearance of a fuller brow with more depth, so long as there are hairs to tint!
What type of dye do you use for Brow and Lash Tinting?
At Aubergine, we use a vegetable based dye for tinting. It is the same type of dye used for both brows and lashes, the only difference being the colors which are used on each area. On the off chance the dye gets in your eyes, it may sting, but will not cause any long term damage - just like if you were to get an eyelash in your eye; super annoying, but fine as long as we rinse it out!
What is Lash Tinting?
Eyelash tinting is the process of dying the hairs on your eyelashes. Lash tinting generally lasts about 4-12 weeks, the average being about 6-8 weeks. There may be some light staining around the eyes that almost give the appearance of eyeliner for the first 24/48 hours. This will fade naturally with a few face washes.
Why do people tint their eyelashes?
Lash tinting is most commonly a service for clients whose lashes are blonde, red, or light brown - you can choose to tint your lashes any color from a light brown to jet black, though black is the most common request. Even clients with black hair that have lash tips that naturally fade to a translucent color could be candidates! Lash tinting does not give the thickening or building benefit of mascara or extensions, but is rather just the process of coloring the hairs of your eyelashes.
What color do you tint lashes?
Typically lashes are tinted a deep, dark, jet black. If that isn't your style though, I am able to tint lashes a softer black, various browns, or even auburn.
Am I a candidate for Lash Tinting?
Anyone who’s lashes aren’t naturally black from root to tip is a candidate!
LASH LIFT & BROW LAMINATION
What is a Lash Lift, and who is it right for?
Lash Lifts are ideal for clients with medium to long lashes that are naturally on the straighter side, or only slightly naturally curled. A Lash Lift gives lashes a similar effect to a lash curler, but the results last between 6-12 weeks. For those who also have lighter lashes, accompanying a Lash Lift with a Lash Tint can make a huge difference in the appearance of your lashes.
What is Brow Lamination and who is it right for?
Brow Lamination is ideal for clients with curly brows who want to straighten them out, brows with kinks and cowlicks that you want aligned with your other hairs, clients with sparse brows that want them to appear fuller, or clients who want to rock that fluffy, brushed up look for their brows - all separate looks can be achieved with Brow Lamination. Results last about 6-12 weeks. For clients who want to add definition to their brows, pairing a Brow Lamination with a Brow Shaping can make a big difference. For those who want maximum definition and fullness, pairing a Brow Lamination with a Brow Shaping + Brow Tint can completely transform your brows!
BODY SERVICES
How long does my hair need to be for body hair removal?
Hair needs to be at least 1/8th of an inch for body waxing and sugaring. You are welcome to come in with any length longer than that as well. If your hair is on the longer side and you wish to trim for your own comfort before your appointment (there will be no trimming on our end), you are welcome to do so - so long as you don't trim shorter than 1/8th of an inch.
How often should I come in for body hair removal maintenance?
Ideal maintenance is anywhere between 3-6 weeks. It is a far more comfortable experience if you are waxing or sugaring regularly. The service may be a little more tender the week of or before your menstrual cycle, or if you are taking oral antibiotics. For some, taking ibuprofen or another low dose pain killer about an hour prior to your appointment can help with ease and comfort*.
Do you offer Brazilians/Bikini/French Bikini/Portlanders for Women and Men?
Brazilians/Bikini/French Bikini/Portlanders are offered for anyone rocking a Vulva (Cis Women, Post-Op Trans Women, Pre-Op Trans Men, Some Non Binary Folk, etc), but I do not currently offer those services for anyone packing a Penis. There are only a handful of places in Portland that offer Brazilians for those with a Penis, as it is not a service standardly taught in beauty schools.
What's the difference between a Bikini, French Bikini, Portlander, and Brazilian?
A Bikini is removing the hair that would fall outside of a bikini cut swimsuit around both the pubic bone and labia, with more of a triangular pattern on the pubic bone. A French Bikini is similar to a bikini, but with a pattern that goes slightly farther in, both on the labia and pubic bone, leaving more of a rectangular pattern on the pubic bone. A Portlander is removing all of the hair from the labia and backside, while leaving the hair on the top of the pubic bone untouched. A Brazilian is removing all hair from the pubic bone, labia, and backside. (drawing below for a visual)
Can I still get a Bikini/French Bikini/Portlander/Brazilian if I am on my menstrual cycle?
Absolutely! Please just ensure to wear a tampon during your service.
*Please consult with your General Physician before taking any new medications such as ibuprofen or other low does pain killers.
FACIALS & SKINCARE
What types of facials do you offer?
All facials are customizable to your skin type, skin conditions, allergies, sensitivities, and goals. I prefer to take a holistic and educational approach to facials. The beginning of each facial starts with a thorough intake and assessment of not only your skin, but also related information that effects your skin, such as at home skin care, sleeping habits, water intake, eating habits, lifestyle, etc. All of this information will help curate our course of action as far as not only what products will be used during your facial, but also how to better take care of your skin in the long run, regarding not only proper products to be used at home, but also lifestyle choices that will improve the health of your skin. Some people come in with specific goals, such as calming their sensitive, reactive, or acne prone skin, best practices for aging gracefully, to learn about what products they should be using and why, or simply because they enjoy the many benefits of facials.
What happens during a facial?
Facials start with an intake and analysis of your skin type and goals. This ensures we are using the correct products and procedures for your skin health and needs. Then we’ll proceed with cleansing and steaming the skin, exfoliating and hydrating masques, extractions and high frequency as needed, massage (of the head, shoulders, and decollete), face serum + moisturizer, lip + eye hydration, and a mineral SPF as needed. During each step of the facial I will discuss with you what I am doing, the products I have chosen to use + why, the ingredients they contain, and what said ingredients do. During and after the facial we will discuss recommended skincare products for you to use at home, some lifestyle adjustments to better the health of your skin, and the advised frequency at which you would most benefit from facials.
What’s the difference between the Initial, Monthly Maintenance, Seasonal, Semi-Annual, and Annual Facials?
Initial facials are for those who are receiving their first facial at Aubergine Esthetics Studio. Even if you have had facials in the past elsewhere, please still choose the “Initial Facial” if this is your first facial at Aubergine Esthetics Studio. The Monthly, Seasonal, Semi-Annual, and Annual Facials are all maintenance facials after your initial visit. We will discuss which maintenance schedule will be most appropriate for you after your Initial Facial.
What does a “Skincare Consultation" entail exactly?
First you'll fill out a Skincare Consultation intake form (similar to the intake form used for facials). Then we'll discuss your skin, skin goals, lifestyle habits, and current skincare routine. Next we'll discuss adjustments that can be made in your lifestyle to improve your skin health. We’ll also discuss which products would be appropriate for your skin type and goals; I'll give you specific guidelines as to which products you should be using, and how to use them. You may either pay a flat fee of $150, or that can be used towards the purchase of skincare products, in which case the consultation becomes complimentary. It is very important that you are using the correct products for your skin, which is why consultations and facials with a Professional, Licensed Esthetician are so important. This service can either be done in person, or via email. If you would like to do a Skincare Consultation in person, please book online. If you would prefer to do the service via email, please email me at skyler@auberginepdx.com with the subject title "Skincare Consultation for (Your Name)". For Skincare Consultations done via email, after the consultation, products can either be picked up at Aubergine, delivered (if you live within the Portland greater area), or shipped via USPS (for addresses outside of the Portland greater area, but still within the U.S.).
PRODUCTS
What product lines do you use for facials?
I use a variety of products from lines such as Somme Institute, Arcona Los Angeles, Dr. Dennis Gross, Dermalogica, and Brush On Block. I will likely be expanding and cutting lines from my repertoire as time goes on, but I am excited to be working with the products in my current collection. Any product used during your facial, or recommended to you for at home use will be carefully selected specifically for you and your unique skin.
What skincare lines do you carry for retail?
Aubergine currently retails select products from skincare lines Somme Institute, Arcona Los Angeles, Dermalogica, Brush On Block, Portland Bee Balm, and Grande.
What makeup lines do you carry?
For makeup, the only products Aubergine currently carries are brow related. I carry select brow pencils from Brett Freedman, as well as select brow pencils and a clear setting gel from The BrowGal.
PRODUCT PURCHASING, DELIVERY + SHIPPING
How do I order products?
Products can be purchased at the time of your appointment, or I am happy to deliver or ship products. If you are wanting to order products for shipment or delivery, please either text me at 503.395.4639, or email me at stephanie@auberginepdx.com . Delivery is complimentary within the Greater Portland Area, and shipping is free with orders over $150.
DISCOUNTS
Does Aubergine offer any discounts?
Yes! There is a 10% discount on services for Students and Educators (with a valid student or educator ID at checkout). There is also a Referral Program in which if you send a new client my way for a service, they will receive 20% off their first service, and you will receive 20% off your next service after their initial visit - just make sure they mention who sent them so you can both take advantage of the Referral Program! Discounts apply only to services, not products.