Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

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!

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!

What is permanent makeup? Well, think tattoos! Not the usual kind of tattoos you might commonly think of when you envision leather-wearing bikers or heavy metal rockers. This is another way of getting tattooed that has become popular over the past few years, and that is permanent makeup.

The typical clientele for permanent makeup is women over 45. Usually, by this time of her life, a woman know what style of makeup she wants for the rest of her life. And, should a special occasion arise, you can always wear makeup over the permanent makeup to get a different effect.

Whether you have sparse or non-existent eyebrows or are tired of putting on eyeliner daily, you would be a great candidate for permanent makeup. What generally happens, women get one procedure, have a pleasant experience and then have other treatments. Personally speaking, I had my eyeliner done, both top and bottom, then had lip liner and my lips done. It’s a confidence builder and saves time.

In some cases such as alopecia, where there is loss of eyebrows as well as hair, eyebrows can be put on permanently with tattooing. The only other alternative is prosthetic eyebrows which are costly and have to be replaced periodically.

You may be thinking what about the pain? It’s not like the painful process of getting a tattoo. Most permanent makeup artist use a topical anesthetic cream much like a dentist uses. FDA -approved pigments are used whereas traditional tattoo artist use ink.

So, if you would like to “wake up with make up”, here’s a way you can do just that, with permanent make up.