Along with being a trained aesthetician, Vanessa Prashad is also the founder of Live and Lather, a hand-made soap line that the beauty guru whips up right in her own home. We caught up with Prashad to find out more about Live and Lather, her favourite beauty products and spa treatments, and her ultimate skincare tips…
Give us a snippet about you. What should people know?
I’m a trained aesthetician and have been in this business for the past 13 years. My love and passion is for making women feel good about themselves. I want to make sure that I educate all women about their skin and how to take care of it.
How did you come up with the idea for Live and Lather soap?
I created Live and Lather because I wanted to make a natural product that would help with various skin ailments, as well as products that would improve skin conditions that I come across so often.
What makes Live and Lather so special compared to other brands of soap in your opinion?
Live and Lather is handmade at home and it is made on a whim – no recipe, no special machinery… just me and my creative mind.
Do you currently have a favourite type of Live and Lather soap?
My favourite soap bar is the Oatmeal Sea Buck Thorn Vanilla Bar. Enriched with sea buck thorn oil and oatmeal, this bar sloughs away dead skin cells and then nourishes and repairs with the sea buck thorn oil.
You’re an aesthetician as well. Give us three pieces of skincare advice that every person should keep in mind.
– Everyone should exfoliate. We replenish 1.5 million skin cells per hour. We need to get rid of them in order for healthy cells to form and grow (also ingrown potentials won’t stand a chance).
– I can’t stress how important it is to moisturize the skin. It is the body’s biggest organ. Please feed it. Drink lots of water and also moisturize the dermis layers.
– Massage your skin. This will help eliminate fine lines and will provide oxygen to your skin.
When you get to treat yourself to a beauty or spa indulgence, what’s your favourite?
My absolute favourite service is acupuncture and a deep tissue massage. They relieve tired aching muscles and leave you feeling rejuvenated. (The only person who can do this for me is TJ from Equinox.)
What is currently in your beauty bag?
Lip balm, Live and Lather Lavender Body Butter, and Armani mascara.
What are three things you can’t live without?
My two children, Hilary and Jacob; my lip balm; my iPhone.
Finish this sentence: I love Toronto because…
…because of the people. So many people have supported me from the very beginning and continue to show their love and admiration for me and my products. I am truly grateful.
Let’s get social for a mo’. How can people stay up-to-date with your busy life?
Instagram, Facebook and the website is coming soon!
