Fantasia Salon / Spa and Wig Specialists

If you have read very many of my posts, you know I’m a big fan of the mineral makeup.  I have personally used it for over 5 years.  There are numerous benefits to mineral makeup.  Here are a few.  It gives your skin a great look and feel, stays on all day, is good for sensitive skin and it’s anti-inflammatory with out harmful ingredients.

Like most cosmetic products, mineral makeup has its fans and its critics.  Those of us who love it say that it’s very light, natural and long lasting.  There are some however, who say that it makes the skin dry, irritating and accelerates wrinkles adding years to one’s look.    That said, most consumers are initially drawn to try mineral makeup because of skin health claims.  Specifically that its pure formulations are safer and better for sensitive, even acne or rosacea-prone skin.

The great thing about mineral makeup is that it’s devoid of harsh chemicals and preservatives that stress the skin, clog pores and aggravate acne or skin conditions.  Personally, I moisturize, then wait about 10 minutes before applying the makeup.  I have not had an issue with dry, irritated skin or an acceleration of wrinkles.

The base for mineral makeup, titanium and zinc oxide, are both naturally occurring. There are no dubious ingredients that are typically found in most makeup.  These oxides provide a natural sun protection of SPF 15 and , because zinc has anti-inflammatory properties, it is great for conditions such as acne.  Another redeeming quality, mineral makeup is healing to skin if worn after cosmetic surgery or abrasive facial treatments such as microdermabrasion.

Although mineral makeup was discovered 30 years ago, it’s influence is still changing the cosmetics, fashion and film worlds.  Fantasia sells Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup.  Jane Iredale was a film makeup artist and observed what traditional makeup did to the skin.  This is what drove her to come up with something different which would cover but not be harmful and harsh to the skin but yet give a flawless look and a natural long lasting finish.

Mineral makeup contains ultramarine pigments, mica, titanium dioxide, zinc and iron oxides.  Several mixtures of these dyed stones can be formed into eye shadow or even body powders. As we’ve discussed, mineral makeup provides many kinds of benefits.  A very serious benefit is its all day coverage, you can relax knowing you always look your best.

The ingredients in mineral makeup are pure and healthy and it feels wonderful while helping you look naturally beautiful.  Now that you know all of this, what are you waiting for?  Come into Fantasia and have a make over with Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup.  I think you will be glad you did.

Do you sometimes think the only way you will be able to continue looking great is to go “under the knife”.

There is really no specific method to measure beauty.  Some people may prefer the looks of an era and hate it after a decade or so.  Beauty simply deserves appreciation.  The appreciation should not only come from others, it should first come from the person who holds such beauty.

Like it or not, it’s still a person’s physical appearance that gets a second look.  No matter how many people say “beauty is only skin deep”, it still pays to make the best out of one’s physical assets.  Here are some technical know-how’s on how one can attain and maintain ageless beauty, both inside and out.

Personal Hygiene:  There’s no better expression of one’s good beauty values than a clean and clear complexion, well-maintained teeth and a nice, fresh scent.  Those can only be achieved through regular hygienic practices.  You don’t have to buy the most expensive beauty products to look your best.  You just need to be consistent with your beauty regimen.

Grooming Your Eyebrows:  Arches that are neatly shaped can make a huge difference in how you look.  A professional can help you get them into the shape which best suits your face.  Then, you can do the maintenance on your own.

Get Your Nails Done:  No woman can ever be excused from having clean nails.  They don’t necessarily always have to be done at the salon but at the very least you need a clear or neutral polish.

Get Healthy:  If you aren’t on the health band wagon yet, it’s time to get on it.  A sickly person does not radiate beauty.  No illness symptom has ever made anyone look good.  If you practice nasty, unhealthy habits such as smoking, stop!  Do it for you.  Get enough exercise to make yourself glow.  Take supplements and eat good food to support your skin’s renewal, thus maintain age-defying beauty.

Don’t Overuse Products:  Overuse of cosmetic products such as foundations, cakes or powders can actually make your skin worse.  You know I’m a fan of mineral makeup.  One of the things I like about it is that it’s pretty much impossible to overdo it.  Fantasia sells Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup.  Schedule a makeover with us, you will be impressed.

Protect Your Skin:  Use sun block if you want to preserve your skin.  Together with a light lip balm and some translucent powder, all you need is a smile to finish your “natural” look.

Stay Cool:  Cultivate a calm and sunny disposition and it will inhibit the effects of stress to your face.  Stay away from situations that can stress you.  You don’t want wrinkles from worry do you?

Follow these tips and you will remain beautiful and be well-equipped to maintain your best features.

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.

Have you seen the magazines either on-line or in print, where they are quick to point out the celebrities fashion faux pas? Or, better yet, are you a fan of What Not to Wear? We are pretty much obsessed with how we dress but we don’t necessarily always get it right. Here are a few simple fixes so you can have a spectacular wardrobe!

Stand up straight. While true, your posture has nothing to do with your clothes, you really just look better when you stand up straight. Pull your stomach in a bit and your shoulders back and it’s looks like you’ve lost 5 pounds, instantly. And, your clothes will hang better.

How about your “foundation”? Don’t ignore what you are wearing underneath. Visible pantie lines are a fashion no-no. There are lots of options these days. Ditch your standard panties and wear a thong. If you can’t stand thongs, truly a seamless boy short or shape-wear such as Spanx. (Target has knock-offs, much cheaper.) Invest in a few good bras and make sure they fit you.

Don’t buy stuff that doesn’t fit. We are all going to lose 10 pounds,,, someday. Do you have pieces hanging in your closet with tags still attached? Dress for now, not 5 or 10 pounds from now. Otherwise, you torture yourself when you go to your closet. Find a tailor. Buy the pair of jeans that fit and flatter you and have the length and waist tailored for a perfect fit.

Wearing everything as outfits. You don’t want a complete mishmash of pieces that don’t work together but neither do you want to limit your choices by never mixing it up. Try new combinations. Perhaps try a suit jacket with jeans and some fun necklaces. “Fashion is what you buy at the store, style is what happens when you take the clothes and make them your own”, in the words of a style coach.

Don’t be a fashion victim. It’s not good to get stuck in a rut but neither is it a good thing to follow every trend coming down the runways. Look at the season’s trends and find ways to wear them that suit your body, your age and your lifestyle. You can wear trends selectively and still look completely current.

Wearing the wrong length skirt. Not every skirt will flatter every body. The most universally flattering length for skirts, whether straight or A-line, is just above or just below the knee. Your choice will depend on whether you like your knees enough to show them off. Mid-calf is a bid length for a skirt, it makes even good legs appear shorter and thicker.

Don’t confuse sloppy with casual. Dressing down is now a national past time. We even have casual Fridays in business places. There’s a way you can be informal but still pulled together and chic. A pair of khakis and a tee shirt doesn’t look sloppy with with a great pair of shoe and an interesting necklace. Make sure to pay attention to your hair and makeup.

Wearing the same jeans with different heel heights. You will probably need more than one pair of jeans if you wear them with different heel heights. Jeans with a slight flare and a half inch off the ground look the best. Any shorter than that and the proportion is thrown off, making you look hippy.

Carrying a purse that’s too big. A suitcase-size purse can overwhelm your look. Don’t give in to the trend of a back-breaking bag big enough for a weekend get away. Pare down and carry only what you need in a mid-size bag. You will still look stylish and you won’t trash your back in the process.

Over doing the accessories. Layering on too much jewelry will overshadow your clothes and you. Unless you are going for the boho look, stick to a fun purse, a great bracelet or perhaps a dramatic necklace.

Wearing the wrong shoes. It’s all about proportion. Chunky shoes don’t work with a feminine little dress. Delicate shoes typically don’t work with a tailored look. Gym shoes never go with “work” clothes. Find good flats comfortable for your commute and change when you get to work.

Saving your nicest clothes and jewelry for special occasions. An old fashioned approach to fashion is to reserve clothes only for a big night out. You can wear your fabulous heels, great jewelry and embellished tops for everyday without looking as if you are on your way to a cocktail party. Pair the dressy piece with something more casual. Fashion should be fun and there’s nothing fun about having great pieces in your closet that you rarely if ever wear!

Now you know how to avoid common style missteps that some women regularly make. You go girl!

What are the most common makeup mistakes? Here they are and how to correct them.

Wearing too much or too little make up. Makeup should be time and place appropriate. What looks perfect for a big evening event doesn’t work at the grocery store or gym. When you consistently overdo your makeup, you look like you are trying to hair. Try toning it down for a more natural look. That would work for everyday. For perfect minimal makeup try a good moisturizer, under-eye concealer, blush, curl your lashes and add a bit of lipstick or gloss.

Never updating your color, products or methods. Are you still using the same eye shadow, lip and blush shades since when you first started wearing makeup? Well honey, you are long overdue for a trip to the makeup counter. Just like you pay attention to fashion such as whether bootcut or straight-leg jeans are in, you need to watch the makeup trends. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to toss the red lipstick, maybe you can tone it down by adding some brown to it.

Using the wrong foundation. If you are wearing a foundation that doesn’t match your skin tone, the results are going to look awful. If you chose a shade that matches, you will get a flawless looking face, which should be the goal. Try on three and pick the one you think is the closest match. Then also try one shade darker and one shade lighter. Check out the makeup counter wearing none, and swipe the three shades from your cheek to your neck. Your perfect match is the one that blends so well it literally disappears.

Over-tweezing or not tweezing your eyebrows. The brows are a central and important feature of your face, they frame your face and when well groomed they enhance your eyes and your whole look. If yours are out of control, it’s worth the time and money to let a professional do them for you. In my opionion, waxing is the way to go because it last so long. Yes, there’s a bit of pain, but it’s quickly forgotten. Follow your brow’s natural arch, and clean up the areas over, under and in between. Visit a pro about every 6-8 weeks to keep them looking good.

Wearing a rainbow of eye shadows all at once. Just because the compact came with four or more colors doesn’t mean you have to wear them all at once. Use no more than three shades, a medium shade on the lids, a lighter one to highlight the brow bone and the darkest as a liner for the top and bottom lids. For simple everyday, skip the liner and just use a single light shade all over up to the brows.

Neglecting your skin. If you aren’t taking proper care of your skin, all the makeup in the world isn’t going to compensate. Your skin should be properly hydrated so that your concealer doesn’t look caked , your blush splotchy and so your foundation will go on smoothly. Dry skin needs a rich moisturizer or face oil before makeup application. Oily skin will look best if you wash first with a cleanser that absorbs the oil then use a lightweight, oil -free lotion to hydrate the skin so the makeup will go on smooth.

Choosing the wrong makeup for your skin type. Good skin care will help your makeup look better. Use the right makeup formulas to enhance your skin. If you have dry skin, avoid powder foundations and blushes. Creamy formulas blend better, and if you have any fine lines or wrinkles, cream will help smooth. You already know I’m a big fan of mineral make up. Even though I have some fine lines and wrinkles the mineral makeup works great for me so I encourage everyone to at least try it. Fantasia sells Jane Iredale Skin Care Mineral Makeup which is wonderful.

You may have had oily skin since you were a teenager, but if you are now over 40, there’s a good chance your skin is starting to shift to the dryer side.

Going to bed with makeup on. If you take time to put it on, take the time to take it off. Leaving makeup on overnight clogs the pores and gets your pillow case dirty to boot. If you are not removing your makeup, you are not caring for your skin by cleansing and applying an appropriate night moisturizer. First get rid of the eye makeup and follow with a facial cleanser. Then moisturize.

Paying too much attention to one feature on your face. You may have a favorite feature but don’t overdo it. You don’t want to over compensate so much that instead of seeing your bright pretty eyes, all people notice is your makeup. The trick is to play up your eyes more subtly then add a little makeup to the rest of your face. Just because you don’t want to draw attention to your mouth doesn’t mean you wear nothing on your lips. Use something natural such as a pink lipstick or gloss so that you at least look well groomed.

Trying to draw larger than life lips. Yes we know some makeup artist advise lining yoiur lips outside your natural line in order to make your pout look more pronounced. Most women, however, don’t have the technique to pull it off without looking silly. It’s better to apply your lipstick or gloss first, then take a lip pencil in the exact shade of the lipstick or gloss and draw a thin, light line at the outermost edge of your mouth. You don’t want to look like you’ve had silicone injections, but just to make your lips the most they can be.

Attempting to create contours where none exist. Using darker shades of blush to try to brush on an optical illusion of more prominent cheekbones or a less prominent nose is a trick best left to the professionals. No matter how skilled you are with the makeup brush, it’s nearly impossible to use dark colors that aren’t glaringly obvious when viewed in person, particularly in daylight. Focus instead on pretty, soft makeup that plays up your best features.

Confusing concealer with cover up. It sounds like they serve the same purpose but there’s a big difference. Concealer goes under your eyes to hide circles and brighten the skin. Cover up camouflages blemishes or other flaws. Your foundation can double as your cover up. Dab foundation on with a brush and set with translucent pressed powder- and no more blemish.

We have talked alot about makeup for those of us who are more mature. We will take a departure today and talk about makeup for teenagers where a little restraint can lead to dazzling results.

First rule of thumb for young and old alike, use a good moisturizer. I know if you are young you also think you are immortal and will never wrinkle like the rest of us. Well guess what? You are wrong!

Start your skin care regime with a good cleanser and follow that with an even better moisturizer. If you have oily skin, which many teens do, you are going to want your face, or your canvas to be adequately prepared to accept your makeup.

Gently apply concealer around your eyes, nose and mouth, covering any blemishes and under-eye circles. Preferably using a brush, and remember, the flatter the brush, the more intense the color application.

Gently apply foundation. If you have been reading my posts, you know I’m a huge fan of mineral makeup. Particularly since teens tend to have oily skin, mineral makeup would be an excellent choice. Go to a salon or store that sells mineral makeup and let them do a makeover on you. Don’t feel obligated to purchase everything if you can’t afford it. Buy one item perhaps and come back when you have some more money.

Apply color by lightly dusting the cheek and blending gradually, blending, and blending some more outward toward the hairline.

Apply a neutral cream eyeshadow to the entire eyelid. Then cover with a medium color on the upper portion of the lid and a darker shade near the lash. Consider your coloring. A little boldness might be called for. Eyeshadow is jewelry for your eyes, have some fun without out getting crazy.

Line the top and bottom lashes using a small brush and a pencil.

Sweep two coats of mascara on the upper lashes. How the wand vertically to apply a single coat to the bottom lashes.

Aply a neutral lip conditioner first, then brighten with a sheer color and a glassy gloss. Blot and re-apply.

Step back and take a look. Apply the lightest of face glitters to your eyes, just enough to catch the light.

Be confident. Carry your lip gloss for reapplication as necessary.

And, most importantly, be yourself. I remember as a teen, I wanted to look like my girlfriends. Today, I realize the importance of being an individual and I refuse to do something because every one else is doing it. I’ve finally got a grip on the old adage, “Observe the masses and do the opposite. ” And, you know what? It feels really good.

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!