Over the course of the summer, we've been hinting here and there about big changes happening around these parts. We've given our website a much-needed facelift, gotten pretty serious about our Instagram game, hired some amazing new staff members, and most recently, redesigned our store. Those of you who are local in Atlanta might have had a chance to see everything in person, but for those of you who haven't, we wanted to give you a tour of our store as it looks today. 

We started with this inspiration shot from House Beautiful:

Interestingly enough, the article describes the color palette as bringing nature into a space. How fitting for a shop like Fig & Flower, right? We loved the eclectic mix of elegant furnishings paired with pops of color and playful fabrics. Basically, we thought, "Hey, that's us!" We hope you'll think so, too. 

Take a tour of our space below. Oh, and just to give you an idea of where we started, here's where we were last summer. My, what a difference a year can make! 

We've honed our color palette - hello deep turquoise, smoky blues and shimmery gold...

We've installed gorgeous original art by Libby Emi and custom shelving by Woodology...

We've painted walls. We've planted plants. We've added a pretty amazing rug. In essence, we've really made our space feel like home - a home for us, for our amazing products, and for our wonderful customers. And we can't wait to show it to you in person.

Oh, and we almost forgot: we're bringing you even more Fig & Flower by opening at 10 AM Monday - Saturday. Come visit!

Look out for our blog post next month highlighting the brands we've added to go with our new updated look! Leave a comment below and tell us what you think. Much love, my beauties.

Taking an hour out of your day for a manicure or pedicure is for some, the ultimate pampering. You dip your overworked feet into a warm bath of bubbling water and immediately enter relaxation mode. Not to mention the impending massage on hands and feet that inevitably comes with every mani-pedi service. It’s relaxing and rejuvenating to have someone else take care of you, plus you add a punch of color to your skin, too. What’s not to love?

We’re so glad you asked. Recent studies have found that indulging in a mani-pedi can be just as harmful as it is soothing. In fact, a study led by Duke University and the public health advocacy organization Environmental Working Group suggests that we absorb at least one potentially hormone-disrupting chemical every time we get a polish. That means that these harsh chemicals could be entering our bodies, and while experts say that it’s not an imminent threat, it is cause for awareness in not only the things that you are putting into your body, but the things you’re putting on it as well.

What exactly do you need to know when it comes to chemicals in nail polishes? First, understand what harmful chemicals to stay away from. Polishes like the ones by RMS Beauty are free of Petrochemicals, Parabens, DPB, Toluene, Camphor, Xylene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, and Animal Products. Making RMS polishes even better is the fact that they’re easily removable with any nail polish remover. That means no need to use harsh acetone products on your delicate nails. Thankfully, RMS Beauty isn’t the only company committed to removing harmful chemicals from their polishes. 100% Pure polishes are also 5 Free, a phrase encompassing the five major chemicals commonly found in these products. In 100% Pure polishes, you won’t find Dibutyl Phthalate, Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor.

So how do you avoid harmful chemicals while still indulging in your favorite pampering? Consider bringing your own 5 free polish to the salon. This will ensure you’re using a polish that won’t cause any concern. If you’re still set on using your favorite OPI color, consider swapping in a 5 free formula in between your OPI manis. You’ll cut back on harmful chemicals while protecting your nails from absorbing things your body doesn’t need. And who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself embracing chemical free polishes more and more. Ultimately, it’s all about being aware of what’s going in and onto your body. Understanding how to make swaps from time to time will make for a healthier lifestyle overall, and you can continue your carefree pampering. Treat yourself, y’all.  

Monday, June 20th marked the first official day of summer, but even though the days are longer, let’s admit it: we don’t always have time (or energy) to devote to a full face of makeup. If you’re looking to simplify your makeup routine, we have a step-by-step tutorial from our founder, Sara. Below, you’ll find the five (yes, only five!) products you’ll need to look fresh and clean this summer.

Step One: Apply Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfector primer all over. Summer is a perfect time to skip heavy foundations and embrace primers and tinted moisturizers instead. This Vapour Stratus Soft Focus Skin Perfector is tinted for just a touch of color and includes light reflective technology to add a little glow wherever you go.

Step Two: Apply RMS Beauty “Un”-Cover Up concealer anywhere you want just a tiny bit of extra coverage. Using your ring finger (it’s the weakest of the bunch), apply this concealer to blemishes or other areas of redness. Sara recommends your ring finger in order to control the thickness of the product and leave a more delicate finish. To apply, dab the product, opposed to rubbing it, in order not to pull your skin. As you apply, avoid your cheek area in order to maximize natural cheek color (no need to cover up rosey cheeks only to apply blush on top).

Pro Tip: Use this concealer as “an eraser” to cover any excess color once your application is complete.

Step Three: Use Vapour’s Auro Multi-Use Blush Stick in Eros as your blush and lip color. Apply this multi-use blush stick with your fingers - two different ones to be exact. Pick-up the color with one finger and apply it with a different finger. This avoids adding too much color too quickly.  Cream blushes, like this one, are forgiving because if you find your cheeks full of too much color, you can easily rub it in. Use same product on your lips for easy application and saving time, too.

Step Four: Choose a neutral eye color like 100% Pure Eyeshadow in Star Bright. Using a neutral, but shimmery color will help your eyes look more awake. Make sure you blend the color well using an eyeshadow brush.

Pro Tip: Use your eyeshadow as a highlighter at the top of your cheekbones and bridge of your nose for an added summer glow.

Step Five: Finish your look with Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara. We’re cutting out the middle man here (aka. eyeliner) and going straight for the drama with mascara. Use a black mascara, like the Alima Pure Natural Definition Mascara, and apply two coats. Adding an additional coat will turn up the look without any extra product.

Pro Tip: If you get mascara on your lid, don’t use a wet q-tip to clean it. Wait for the mascara to dry, and use a dry q-tip to remove the excess. Using a dry q-tip will help your mascara come off clean while a wet q-tip will spread the mascara around.