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!

Would you believe that some of the same makeup tips apply whether you are 15 or 50? How can that be? Well, it’s all about the “less is best” concept.

If you are 50+, it’s probably time to purchase your makeup at a salon or professional makeup counter. Unlike drug stores or mass -market retailers, which usually have no testers and really bad lighting, at a salon or professional makeup counter, you can try the products out, with the assistance of a makeup professional, and you can tell what you are really going to look like because the lighting is appropriate. Yes, you are going to spend more money than you would at Target or Walmart. But, doesn’t it make more sense to spend more and get it right then to go cheap, get the products home, and never wear them again because they don’t look good on you, and, then you keep repeating this process? What’s the definition of insanity? It makes more sense to spend more money, get something which is going to be good and flattering for you. This will save you both time and money in the long run!

You might want to seriously consider mineral makeup if you haven’t yet tried it. At Fantasia we sell Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup and our staff and clientele have fallen in love with the products. In addition to being affordable, the products have natural SPF protection to protect your skin which is important whether you are 15 or 50+.

If you like eyeliner, remember that as you age, eyeliner can drag down the appearance of the lid, especially if the line is too thick. You might want to consider permanent pigment makeup for your eyeliner. You wake up with your eyeliner on and never have to give it a second thought. A lot of us baby boomers are in love with the permanent makeup concept. Personally, I’ve had the eyeliner, lipliner and lips done and it’s great. Linda Gutzkow works with Fantasia Salon and does a fantastic job with the permanent pigmentation makeup.

If you have never been one to learn the art of wearing makeup, this is where the salons and professional makeup counters really shine. You can go in and have a complementary make over. Obviously the sales people would like to sell you something but you don’t have to buy everything in one visit. Start with lipstick or foundation and build from there. Use their expertice to learn how to look your absolute best.

When you know you look good- your confidence level soars, whether you are 15 or 50+!

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!

Even in a tight economy, a gal’s got to look good! Getting Botox and face-lifts are great for those who can afford them. But there are some other ways you can keep your skin fresh in addition to good skin care and makeup. One of the most effective strategies for super skin is to nourish your body with plenty of nutrients. Research has shown that specific foods can help prevent wrinkling, sun-damage and help to keep your skin well hydrated.

Here’s a grocery list for your skin!

Orange and red fruits and vegetables. These are high in antioxidants and can help prevent wrinkles. Sweet potatoes, tomatoes and cantaloupe are examples of foods which can help keep your skin firm and bright. Add more of these to your daily diet. Instead of making mashed potatoes or baked potatoes with white potatoes, use sweet potatoes topped with a bit of brown sugar and butter. Or, if you are like me, I think they are sweet enough with just the butter! When having a sandwich or salad, add a few slices of fresh bright red tomato. Then ditch the chips and snack on juicy cantaloupe instead.

Eat citrus fruits on a daily basis to help keep your skin hydrated, which, in the long run, prevents wrinkles. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps keep the collagen in your face from sagging. But, it’s water soluble which means you need to stock up everyday. Oranges are a great source of vitamin C but grapefruits lemons and limes are also good choices to keep your “c” levels up. Collagen begins breaking down in your 30’s, start stocking up now! Mix grapefruit into a salad for a summery fresh addition. Squeeze fresh lemons or oranges and make lemonade or orange juice. Squeeze limes or lemons over fish and chicken for some tangy zip.

Herbal Teas. EGCG is a very potent antioxidant which can prevent acne, sun damage and inflammation of the skin. It has even been known to combat skin cancer and tumors. Real teas, green, black or white are the best ways to consume EGCG. Four to six cuts of tea per day is the amount needed to have a beneficial effect on skin. Gradually replace your daily coffee with tea. In addition to the skin, the antioxidants will be healthful for your whole body. For a summer refresher, you can put green tea in a spray bottle and spritz your face through out the day.

Leafy greens have vitamin A which is one of the most important skin helpers helping to prevent your skin from becoming dry and scaly. Vitamin A is essential for the cell renewal process and promotes the growth of new skin. Spinach, broccoli and escarole are just a few examples. Fresh, frozen, raw or steamed leafy greens are all beneficial for skin health. So, eat those salads!

Seafood is where Omega 3 fatty acids are found. Fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, sardines and shellfish have anti-inflammatory properties and can fight sun-related skin damage. They also help protect against sunburn. While eating fish can make your skin look wonderful, keep your intake moderate so you don’t end up consuming too much mercury. Eating fish once or twice per week is sufficient, especially if you load up on the other healthy skin foods.

So, get your edible skin care fix with these healthy foods. You will not only do your skin a favor, but your body as well!

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!

Summer is just around the corner. At least, that’s what they keep telling us. Some of us here in Minnesota are beginning to wonder…

We all know of the dangers of sun-bathing, but we still long for the sun-kissed glow. How can we achieve this look without risking the health of our skin? By using the right tools to enhance features and protect skin.

Here are some essentials every woman should keep in her make-up kit this summer to keep skin looking healthy, glowing and gorgeous!

Foundation that offers SPF protection. If you’ve been reading my posts, you know I’m a fan of the mineral makeup as it offers natural sunscreen protection. If you are using another makeup, look for something that covers well and has a mineral-defense shield to protect your skin.

Bronzing Powder can be used to mimic that sun-kissed glow. There are lots of good bronzers on the market. Again, I like the mineral makeup bronzers.

Water-Proof Mascara. You will want this assuming you decide to take a spontaneous dip in the pool. Find a mascara that will survive the water and coat your lashes with long-lasting color while helping to condition and protect.

Bright eyeshadow. Bright, bold, colorful eyeshadow helps to enhance the sun-kissed look. You could try something ocean blue, fiery red, bright emerald green or those which offer a rich, warm, golden glow.

Sparkly, sheer lipstick to brighten your face. The dark, heavy lip colors are best when worn in the winter. For the summer try sheer colors such as the pearlescents with just a hint of sparkle. Pinks are great for summer or perhaps you would prefer a golden rose with multi-colored sparkles.

Self-tanners rather than sun-bathing. Again, there are tons of these on the market. Try one of the new body lotions which gradually build that even sun-kissed glow. Start by applying to dry and well cleansed skin and allow it to set in before dressing. Some of these lotions will help improve the texture of you skin while adding that “fresh from the beach glow”.

At the end of your day, when returning home of the beach, don’t forget about something for your feet. There are wonderful foot masks on the market with essential oils that will leave your feet feeling cool, refreshed and fragrant. The mask will deep cleanse and soothe tired achy feet from running across the hot sand!

Even with skin cancer rates rising, many of us still like to bake ourselves bronze in the summer. There’s something about wearing white with a good tan. It just looks–healthy. Yes, we know people who don’t take care of their skin in the sun are going to age faster. But, we are hooked on that healthy look.

Experts tell us that spray-tanning and bronzing sunscreens are safer than tanning beds. Tanning beds have been associated with an increased risk of skin cancer and are definitely not recommended.

Some dermatologist are telling us that mineral makeup is a great innovation and the mineral bronzers can give the same effect as a golden tan.

The main ingredients in mineral makeup are mica, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These are found in most makeup, but at a high concentration and without irritants like talc, preservatives, fragrance and dyes. Mineral makeups also have a built in SPF 15.

Mineral makeup can reflect light, giving a nice tone to the skin. Minerals are inert so you are less likely to have reactions to mineral makeups. Talc tends to absorb sweat and oils, leading to a creasing effect which is undesirable, but the mineral-based makeups are more likely to stay looking great even after a work out or a hot day in the sun.

The mineral bronzers should be applied on the forehead, cheekbones, nose and decolletage area. You want to apply the bronzer on places where the sun hits.

Another important tip for summer is to up your intake of water and vitamin C. This helps to repair tissue. Treat yourself to an anti-oxidant facial to help your skin in the summer. And here’s another natural home remedy that will keep your skin fresh and healthy in the hot sun. Brew a pot of green tea, jasmine smells really nice, let it cool, then put it in a spay bottle to mist your face throughout the day. This is inexpensive and very refreshing!

Do you ever leave the house with no makeup. Or, what would be the bare minimum you could do with? For me, its always been eyeliner and lip gloss. While I may still look a little rough, at least with these,  I can go out not feeling completely naked.

Must have makeup varies depending on who you ask but most agree on one thing. It all starts with genuinely cleaned skin, not just splashed with water. A good skin care regimen is essential . And if you are over 30, plan on exfoliating daily to get rid of dead, dry cells and bring back the brightness.

According to one of New York Cities most prominent makeup artist, here are some must haves: bronzing powder, mascara and lipstick. She stresses the importance of not forgetting the eyebrows. Your brows frame your face, if they look polished and defined, you can actually get away with much less makeup.

Here’s another tip our from the same makeup artist. Apply your bronzer from the decolletage on up. At her studio, they use this technique on every celebrity and socialite that walks through the doors. You can contour the face by using a fan brush on the cheekbones, chin and bridge of the nose. Bronzer warms the skin and brightens the eyes. To minimize a larger nose, use a concealer over the bridge and bronze on the side to soften the angles. And, don’t forget the blush- a touch of it adds the right hint of color.

I now have a whole new respect for bronzer. Prior to writing this, I used just a bit on my cheeks. Looks like I have to buy some different brushes and rethink what I’ve been doing.

My new makeup must haves are bronzer, eyeliner and lip gloss.

It’s pure, it’s natural, it’s actually good for your skin. These claims are what have catapulted mineral makeup into a full-fledged cosmetic phenomenon.

Today, virtually every cosmetic company has a mineral makeup. Mary Kay recently unveiled their line of mineral makeup. Check out your local drug store and you will find most of the players such as Revlon, Neutrogena, L’Oreal, Cover Girl and Physician’s Formula now have mineral lines. So do New York Color, Wet n’ Wild, Mabelline, and Avon. M.A.C. will be debuting their line this year if they haven’t already done so.

Why the buz? The consumers are buying into the all-natural rage. Some retailers such as Walmart and Target report that sales of mineral-based cosmetics were in the amount of $149 million last year!

Mineral makeup is affordable, costing no more than traditional makeup. Women love it because they view it as a treatment and self-preservation rather than self-indulgence. It’s exciting to know there are healthy options that offer them beauty.

Bare Escentuals has been the trailblazer in the mineral makeup market. If you’ve ever watched late night TV, most likely you have come across their infomercial.

For most of us who are sold on mineral makeup, we have all undergone a metamorphosis from the days of traditional, greasy, heavy makeup. Makeup that would melt in the summer, get oily and leave us feeling as though we were wearing a mask. Another benefit, sun protection that doesn’t disappear if you perspire.

From a dermatologist perspective, the makeup appears to be pretty safe and the women like it. Stated by Dr. Robert Norman from Tampa, FL. “The makeup doesn’t aggravate acne or cause flare-ups but, there are certain people who will be sensitive to it.”

Christy Nolan, an esthetician in Dr. Norman’s office recommends Jane Iredale Mineral cosmetics to patients particularly after laser and surgical procedures. She is personally a big fan of the makeup and wears it daily. “It goes on very well, blends and covers with out damaging the skin,” and says Nolan, “it doesn’t clog the pores like other makeups can.”