Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

Have you ever wondered if you are wearing too much makeup? Usually, the women who are putting on way too much are the last to know. Here are a few signs that you might need to make some changes:

• Your makeup rubs off on your clothes or phones –or is broken down by midday.
• You are incapable of “doing you face” in 5 minutes or less.
• You apply foundation all over your face, from hairline to chin.
• You purchase foundation more than 4 times per year.
• Your face “melts” in the rain.
• People think you are much older than you really are.

OK, now that we know the clues as to what we are doing wrong- let’s talk about some simple ways to go for a more “natural” look. Thank God for makeup, but the trick is to look like we are not wearing any.

Apply moisturizer before your foundation - ALWAYS! Wait about 10 minutes for the skin to absorb it.

Cover flaws like pigmented patches or blemishes with a foundation or concealer that is a shade lighter than your skin tone.

Use foundation diluted with water for a lighter and smoother coverage. Fantasia sells Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup and one of the qualities of the makeup is that you apply, then hydrate, and continue the process until you achieve the desired effect all the while maintaining a “natural” look.

Apply a soft shade of blush on the cheekbones going outwards and upwards.

Go for the soft look while aplying eye makeup. Avoid eyeliners and instead use eye shadow or eye pencil to line the upper leids. Draw a line close to the lashes.

Avoid harsh black eye pencils, instead go for brown or grey shades.

Mascara helps to brighten your eyes. Use a brush to separate the lashes for a natural look.

Redefine the lip line with a lop pencil and fill in with lipstick, using a lip brush.

Very dark lip colors, especially those with blue tones, have an aging effect. Very light colors are also a not a good idea. Go for burgundy, plum, coral, bronze copper or coffee shades.

Now you know how to take a more natural approach. If you’d like some more tips, come into Fantasia (or another professional cosmetics counter) and let one of our professionals do a make over and educate you on the use of Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup.

Okay, it’s REALLY hot out, something we’ve prayed for - those of us in Minnesota! So, how do we keep our cosmetics from melting and running down our face as the temperature goes up? Here are some tips:

• Good skin care is key to making you feel more comfortable with less makeup according to a makeup instructor. Use a cleansing brush to really exfoliate and deeply cleanse your skin.
• Keep it light. Perhaps waterproof mascara on the top lashing only and some bronzing gel on the cheeks will suffice. Throw on some lip balm with SPF 15 protection and you are good to go!
• Avoid oil-based products. Silicone-based gel primers help keep your makeup from slipping in the heat. Easy does it, a pearl size amount is all you need. Apply this before any makeup. This will also help prevent makeup from settling into fine lines.
• Always wear some sort of SPF protection under your makeup. One of the reasons Fantasia promotes Jane Iredale Skin Care Makeup is because of the natural SPF protection. Otherwise, you could consider buying a tinted moisturizer with SPF built in. Mix a little of your SPF with concealer and softly dab onto the eye area. This will keep your eyes from looking dried out and aged as well as protect an often neglected area from the sun.
• Keep blotting papers in your purse at all times, especially in hot weather. They are great for getting all that oil off your ‘T’ zone.
• With powder products, use a blush brush to keep the application light, especially if you use translucent powder to “hold” your makeup in place.
• Curl your lashes and use liquid liner at the base of the lash line. Pencils tend to melt in the summer heat. Stay away from cream shadows, they tend to crease more in the summer.
• Keep shimmer to a minimum. We tend to glow more in humidity anyway, so - no extra shimmer is needed.
• As with any season, balance is vital. If you go heavy on the eyes, go easy on the lips. This is especially important for the more mature women. You don’t want to look like a clown.

Now you don’t have to worry or complain about “melting” in the summer heat. I’m always amazed at those who complain about the heat because it’s such a short season here and I’ve learned to embrace it and not complain. Even if I melt a bit, so what? It’s summer, enjoy!

Have you ever noticed that in our culture, sometimes things become a phenomenon, seemingly overnight? For example, how about “Organic” and “Free Range” within the food industry? Years ago, most of us did not use these terms when talking about grocery shopping, today it’s common place.

Well, the same thing has hit within the makeup industry. “Mineral Makeup” is a term that you did not hear a few years ago. Today it is set to be THE trend of 2008.

Why? Well, the makeup industry is notoriously competitive. Therefore, anything new on the scene, has to be different, as well as fit with the overall current life trend of better and more natural living.

What is “mineral makeup”? When minerals are included in makeup, they leave the skin looking natural, clean and flawless. The science behind the minerals included in the makeup is that they are based on naturally occurring titanium and zinc oxide, and not mixed with any other chemically produced ingredients that may be found in other products out there. And, they have natural SPF which is a good thing.

The mineral makeup craze became popular in the US in 2007 when Bare Essentuals hit the scene. Their tag line was ‘Makeup so pure you can sleep in it’, highlighting the natural properties of the product and the fact that it won’t damage your skin. Since they blazed the trail, many of the major brands have developed their own versions of mineral makeup. The brand of mineral makeup we love and sell at Fantasia is Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup. Jane Iredale is a former movie/Hollywood makeup artist and saw what traditional did to the skin of her clients.

So, bottom line. Why would you use mineral makeup? One reason is that it is perfect for skin that is sensitive and easily irritated by makeup products. Secondly it is easy to apply and blend. Mineral makeup gives a flawless finish with minimum application.

Foundation is the key makeup item that women find the most difficult to get right. Once found, women tend to remain faithful to that foundation, sort of like finding your perfect pair of jeans. However, if you have not tried mineral makeup, you should spend some time with an expert at the makeup counter and explore the possibilities. I think you may be glad you did!

Occasional breakouts can be expected during the summer season. Both humid weather and high temperatures can make acne and blemished skin difficult to manage. Using makeup can further exacerbate the problem. If you are having trouble with your skin, here are some tips to help you counteract the problem.

Use makeup designed for sensitive skin. Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup is a fabulous line and what we carry at Fantasia.

Use a gentle cleanser to cleanse the face and neck area twice per day. SkinCeuticals products are excellent and they have a wonderful gentle cleanser.

Avoid using astringent until shortly before bedtime. Astringent can strip away the skins natural oils which can irritate blemished skin. If used just prior to bedtime, it will help keep pores clean.

Always use non-comedogenic brands and non-oily foundations. Again, you can beat the combination of the SkinCeuticals Skin Care and the Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup.

Use earthy and natural powdered eye-shadows. Although eyelids rarely break out, you can reduce the chance of wrinkles and creases by using enriching eye-shadows on a regular basis. Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup is great for sensitive skin.

Avoid hair spray near your hairline. This is a surefire trigger for acne breakouts, and, when mixed with makeup, it can drip onto your face when you sweat for further skin irritation.

Don’t apply cakey foundation. If you haven’t tried the mineral makeups that are applied with a brush, you really don’t know what you are missing.

Use an aloe and cucumber-based mask to soothe and soften skin. SkinCeuticals uses these and other botanical formulations in their products. Both of these have nutritive properties that can help to reduce inflammation.

Use a powder with SPF protection. Again, back to the mineral makeup which has naturally occurring SPF protection; it’s a great choice. This helps cover minor blemishes without a complete foundation application. Use eye makeup remover nightly, make sure it’s one that’s designed for sensitive skin so that residue does not irritate the area around your eyelids and nose.

Use a blotting tissue or pad throught out the day. This will soak up excess sweat and help creat a sleek, matted finish.

Many women with acne make the mistake of overdoing summer makeup as a cover up. This can irritate and inflame the skin even more. Look for natural and organic products such as SkinCeuticals Skin Care and Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup whenever possible and keep in mind, less really is more during the summer season.

The trend this summer is toward simple and quick, and less is more. Wash and go hair, five- minute makeup routines or, almost no makeup at all, whatever makes it easy for you to look great! Here are some ideas to help you “shine” this summer!

Hydrate your skin as soon as you step out of the shower. Actually, it’s best to apply lotion while your skin is still moist. Look for non-greasy and lightly scented lotions. Personally, I read all of the ingredients, remember - what goes on your skin, get’s in your skin (your body.)

Get rid of dark circles. Dark circles can happen when you are dehydrated. The skin cells above the blood capillaries shrivel due to lack of moisture and can cause dark circles. So, try drinking more water to plump up the cells. If your circles are not from dehydration, it could be from lack of sleep or illness. So, if water doesn’t do it for you, go for a concealer that really matches your skin. Make sure you get the right product for you.

The trend this summer is to be bronzed. Go light on makeup and use bronzing products to give you a great glow. I’ve said this before, you can’t beat the mineral makeups and Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup has great bronzers in their line. And hey, if you have the glow naturally - don’t cover it up!

How are you blending your makeup? Let face it, most of us started putting makeup on when we were teenagers. The year we were teenagers is probably the way most of our makeup still looks today! Unless, however, we have had an expert to show us the latest looks. Update your looks! Find a professional to help you. Fantasia has a couple of makeup artists on staff who would love to help you update your looks. Make sure you tell whoever is applying makeup for you that you want a five-minute routine. You don’t need a hundred products on your face!

Get a wash and wear do. Hairstyles are much more casual these days. So have your stylist give you a cut and style that is really about washing, hydrating, leaving in conditioner, shaking your head and going. That way you don’t have to deal with piling on products to keep your style in shape in the high humidity.

Always remember, for summer, the KISS principle, KEEP IT SIMPLE SILLY!

When it comes to makeup, in the final analysis, you have to do what’s right for you. There are cosmetic “bullies” out there who want to tell us exactly how to wear it but there’s something to be said about being comfortable in your own skin. If you feel you look to “made up” you are going to be self-conscience.

But, most of us are open to tips which can help us improve the way we look. Whether you want to keep up with the trends, or go for a more natural look, here are some tips that may help you polish your look.

There are three must haves for summer and that would be mascara, lip gloss and will groomed eyebrows. (Gee, I think I’ve heard that one before.) Do not neglect your brows, they are a very important part of your face.

Waterproof mascara is something every woman should carry. Most women prefer black mascara, but pale complexions might want to try brown or brown-black for a less harsh look.

Mineral powders are more natural looking and better for your skin. Furthermore, they have natural SPF. Jane Iredale Mineral Skin Care Makeup is a wonderful product which we carry at Fantasia. Mineral makeup is oil-free and alcohol free. It actually creates a sealant on the skin. And it feels nice and light, not heavy like a mask.

A splash of color makes you sizzle for summer. The desert chic look with bronze with a splash of teal or green can really make you pop!

Bronzing powder is definitely a summer necessity.

Lip protection is very important. A lot of people get cold sores due to sun exposure and in worst case scenario’s, you can develop skin cancer on the lips. Most makeup artist recommend 30 SPF on the lips.

For a professional, polished look, professional makeup brushes are necessary tools. with the proper tools, you cannot achieve proper application. Make the investment in the tools.

And finally the lips. Start with a lip primer. Did you know that powdering your lips, once you have lipstick on can help your lipstick stay on longer. Or, you can apply your foundation to your lips before applying lipstick.

If you are a gloss fan as I am, and you want it to stay on longer, cover your lips with mineral powder with SPF, then color the entire lip with lip liner and coat with gloss. trendy summer colors are glossy nudes and light pinks. Coral and melons are also quite popular. Lip plumpers are hot, they actually work and can last two to four hours.

So, now that you are sizzling for summer, go and dazzel them!

When it comes to having great looking skin, experts say moisturizers and the right makeup are essential. But, how do you know which is giving your the best bang for your buck?

Here is a common concern. “When I put makeup on it goes into my fine lines and then I think they are more noticeable, what can I put on before my makeup to help with the problem?”

This can be a common problem. Foundation makes a difference and some of the cream based foundations just seem to find those lines and crevasses. So what’s a woman to do? Powder based makeups or mineral makeup is the solution. These are applied with a brush instead of a sponge so they are far less likely to exacerbate the problem.

There are a lot of great mineral makeup products on the market, all over the place in terms of price. I use and love Jane Iredale, sold in many upscale salons such as Fantasia. In addition to minimizing lines, another attribute of mineral makeup is that it doesn’t have all the preservatives and it goes on light. You get excellent coverage without feeling like you have heavy makeup or a mask on.

Those with dry skin should always moisturize well first before applying mineral makeup or, they may feel as though the powder is drying them out even more.

Choose moisturizers that have peptides in them, these are great for helping keep the skin hydrated. When it comes to skin care, it pays to spend as much money as possible for good products. With skin care you really do get what you pay for. SkinCeuticals is an excellent line which is why it is sold at Fantasia.

Half the fun of being female is all of the wonderful options we have with regard to makeup and skin care. For those of us who love natural, we have a lot of great choices available to us. And today, with the help of the internet, it’s pretty easy to be an informed consumer!

Perhaps you are wondering exactly what kind of salon Fantasia is? Yes, we are a “regular” hair salon but so much more. Since the 1960’s, our owner, Twila Donley, has been specializing in wigs. She has enjoyed wearing wigs herself for many years and has a passion for the hair replacement industry!

There have been many changes over the years at Fantasia and today we are a full service salon and hair replacement salon. We provide all kinds of hair and nail services along with some Spa services such as facials, and various body treatments. We carry a full line of some of the best cosmetics and skin care on the market today, Jane Iredale and Skin Ceuticals. Our Esthetician would be happy to talk to you about either of those products.

Fantasia offers healthy, natural hair replacement products for all types of hair loss or thinning hair. Some of the solutions Fantasia offers are exclusive to our salon and some can be obtained at only one other salon in the Twin Cities Metro area. Because of this, Fantasia has customers from a broad area. We have the reputation of having the best products and the best service in the industry.

Some of what Fantasia has to offer is customized hair pieces in trend setting styles and colors. We have a very large inventory unlike many other salons which sell wigs. All of the wigs we sell are a superior quality and construction and come in many unique styles and colors. We work with the some of the country’s leading innovators of hair replacement products. We offer only those products you can feel comfortable wearing. With the invention of Cyberhair, we even have hair replacement you can sleep and swim in.

Fantasia’s goal is to provide solutions for your hair loss needs. Our desire is to educate you and support you while keeping in mind your individual lifestyle. We know that when it comes to hair replacement, one size does NOT fit all and that’s why we are excited to bring many types of solutions to you.

If hair loss is an issue, we can help just about everyone. We specialize in female hair loss and medically related hair loss due to alopecia, chemotherapy, hormonal hair loss, trichotillomania, and others. Or perhaps you just want to wear wigs and hair replacement for fun and fashion, we can help with that!

Fantasia will work with chemically damaged as well as fine hair. We carry only the healthiest alternatives for hair enhancements. We also carry Hair Support System to assist in repairing your own hair for the future. We offer professional hair loss treatments to prevent future hair loss.

We are very excited to be moving into Image Consulting and we will be providing more information on that via an email campaign. If you are not a customer and we do not have your email address, call and provide us your email and name so you can be included in the exciting things we will be unveiling shortly.

At Fantasia, we like to work by appointment so our professional staff can get to know you and recommend the best solution for your situation. We begin the process with a no obligation consultation. We’d love to help you, call us today.