3 steps to your most radiant skin ever- by bareMinerals

Classic beauty entails beautiful youthful skin.  As we age, our skin looses its elasticity and begins to show the effects of this.  A simple daily routine can stop these effects before they start, unfortunately most of us don’t learn this until we already see the signs.   If you didn’t start a skin care regimen before you noticed wrinkles, sun damage or dryness (most of us didn’t)- the best time to start is now! Taking care of your skin is the first step towards youthful beauty.   We’re excited because we now carry bareMinerals full line of make up and skin care.

Bareminerals offers amazing and luxurious system for any skin type.  They recommend finding the perfect 3 products for your skin.  The first step is the Purifying.  They have 4 cleansers that all deliver exceptionally pure and revitalized skin.  The cornerstone of these is the Pure Plush, for all skins types. Starts as a cream, but with water transforms into a cushiony lather to refresh and lift away make up.  Then there is Clay Chameleon, a detoxifying clay-to-cream cleanser that lifts away impurities.  For those with dryer skin, there is Oil Obsessed, ultra-lightweight oil provides a comforting cleansing experience.  Oil obsessed is also great for removing waterproof eye make up.  Lastly, Blemish Remedy formulated to combat acne.  This cleanser helps prevent future break outs and treats existing ones, suitable for acne-prone skin or anyone who gets the occasional break out.

 

The second step, Empower, is the first of its kind infusion, designed to reawaken and help maintain your skins most vibrant look of health.  This fluid-serum powered by the long life herb derived from Okinawa Japan, where people live longer than other parts of the world.  This herb delivers radiant, resilient and more youthful looking skin.  This product is the most essential part of the system and is perfect for all skin types.  It soaks right in, plumps, firms, and smooths all while feeling super luxurious.

The last step of this pampering ritual is moisturize.  Pick the perfect level of moisture for your skin to soften, smooth and deeply replenish.  The lightest of the choices ideal for oily to combination skin is True Oasis. True Oasis is a unique oil-free gel cream that is formulated with peptides, ceramides, and amino acids to help smooth rough texture and ease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The next step up in moisture is Smart Combination designed for combination to normal skin, its light and oil-free with a little smoothing moisture to improve the skins appearance and replenish hydration.  Normal to dry skin gets treated with Bare Haven.  This creamy moisturizer revives overall resilience and suppleness and effortlessly blends into skin to help enhance a natural, healthy glow.   Lastly, for our dry to very dry skin types, we have Butter Drench.  This one deeply immerses your dry skin in rich, luxurious moisture.  Powered by intuitive mineral moisture technology and enriched with shea butter this saturates skin with rejuvenating moisture.

The next time you are in any of our 4 locations, you can try any of these steps or the whole system.  If you don’t necessarily want to take up all your make-up and re-apply, we can pamper your hands and revive them with a relaxing hand massage.  You’ll love  how amazing your skin feels  after we purify, empower and moisturize with the bareMinerals skinsorials line.

 

Are you sabotaging your face?

Always take your make up off before bed. Moisturize your skin. Use sunscreen everyday. Even if we fail to do these things everyday, most everyone knows these simple rules.  They make a huge difference.  But there is one crucial element that constantly gets over looked. We wash our face, we wash our hands, but we can over look a common tool most of use every day.  I’m talking about make-up brushes.  Those amazing magical tools that apply foundation with a smooth finish and minimal product.  Buff and blend eye shadows, paint precision eyeliner, or create the perfect ombre lip.  Make-up brushes are essential for a complex look or a speedy application.

So let me ask you, and lets be honest here.  When is the last time you washed your make-up brushes?  Do you ever? ok- I’m betting the answer might be kinda hazy.  Washing those brushes might be something you think about or maybe this is your wake-up call.  What can happen if you don’t wash your make-up brushes regularly?

Your dirty brushes carry more than just make-up.  Skin cells, sweat, oil, bacteria, and grungy dirt just to name a few.  All these lovely things combined are breaking your face out!  We wear make up to enhance our skin, not dull it out.

Speaking of all the build up, its making your make-up go on unevenly.  The colors won’t be true and your application won’t be crisp.  Why not set yourself up for an awesome look? It’s what all the pros do.

If you have a situation where more than one person is using the brushes, washing is a MUST.  Friends sharing brushes end up sharing way more.  Infections, anyone? Pink eye, staph, strep, e coli, fungus just to name a few. Ew.

Rubbing your skin with stiff, unclean bristles is sure to cause irritation on the delicate facial area.  Dragging and pulling are not good for wrinkle prevention.  Also- keeping your eyelash curler free of mascara and general gook ensures all of your fabulous lashes stay on your lash line.  Dirty eyelash curlers tend to pull out eyelashes. ouch!

If not for the love of your face, consider this simple reason to wash your brushes regularly. A clean brush extends the life of the brush.  Make up brushes don’t grow on trees and some of these tools aren’t cheap!

What is the best way to wash your brushes? With warm water and gentle soap.  Even shampoo will do.  Be gentle, squeeze excess water out and lay flat to dry.  Trust me, your face with thank you.  Bare minerals makes a cleanser exclusively for your brushes.  Ideal for luxury brushes, it cleanses and gently conditions your brush leaving it restored with no residue.

Why Your Hair is too Good for Box Color.

Alright.  Let’s be honest.  I have seen you in the hair care isle in the super market.  It is easy to be tempted by those at-home “box hair dye” with the happy women on the front.  Every one of those ladies has great, shiny, perfect hair color!  Did you see the price, too? For around ten dollars you can be your own at home colorist! It all sounds so perfect!  Unlike other blogs, my intent is not to shame you into agreeing with me.  I simply want to educate you on why box hair color might not be what you want to do.

Box Color is made for anyone. Professional hair color is made for YOU.

 Hair color is a science.  Your stylist has training and experience, but most importantly, your stylist knows you and your hair.  Also, a great stylist cares about your hair and keeping it healthy.

Think of Box Color as “One Size Fits All” color.  Permanent box color is normally very strong.  Most guarantee grey coverage, and for that to be true, it has to cover ALL grey.  Especially very resistant and stubborn grey hairs.  So, chances are, a box color can be way too strong and harsh for what your hair actually needs.  Powerful color is not always needed for each situation. Using a color that is too strong can result in shallow, duller color than intended.  Fading is also common.  Applying a color to one’s own head risks un-even coverage, over-lapping color and can result in critical hair damage.

A great colorist analyzes your hair’s texture, porosity, and condition before even choosing a color line to use on your hair.  They also know certain questions to ask that can affect a color formulation.  How long do you plan to keep this look?  What kind of maintenance are you comfortable with?  Hair technology is ever evolving, and with new options of colors, you want to make sure you get the best color for your tresses.

That being said, if you are tempted to color your hair with box color, and actually do- Know that there is Redken Color Certified Stylists who can help you fix even the most hair-rasing color attempt.

 

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Clogged Hairspray Hacks

.If you love hairspray like me, you experienced the sputtering clog.  So annoying when the perfect fine mist is replaced by a drippy, weak and pathetic attempt at a spray. And why do I only get this when I’m in a super hurry.  Sigh.  Ok, but as a hairstylist I’ve learned some quick hacks.

Now there are levels of clog.  It can be an easy nail flick to fix and range up to taking the sprayer apart.  The faster you resolve the situation,  the less severe the resolution is. Kinda like life.

De-clogging hacks below:

Try to use your fingernail or bobby pin to scrape off the dried hairspray from the nozzle opening.  Do this first, before getting the nozzle wet, as dried hairspray is likely to pick off in one piece .

Still clogged? Run hot water and get a cup or bowl to submerge the top of the hairspray.  Soak the hairspray container in the hot water for 5 minutes.  towel the sprayer off and test it.

Still sputtering? remove the top plastic button, it should just click off, and put back into the hot water.  Next look at the tube that supplies the product and aerosol to the actual nozzle.  if you can see it clogged, try poking it with a bobby pin, then rinse with warm water.  Place the nozzle back onto the can and try it.

If after these three steps you don’t have success- I’m going to give you two pieces of advice.

Maybe the can is done. might just be old, or no product left and-

If your hairspray doesn’t dissolve with hot water, do you really want that on your head? Professional hairsprays are designed to be water soluble. You can achieve the strongest of hold with professional products.  Personally I love some Redken hairspray.

Mermaids & Unicorns

Bright hair is everywhere lately!  Mermaidians and Unicorn tribe is now a way of life.  Some people go big, transforming their hair, reminding this blogger of My Little Ponies, in a great way!  If you have been thinking of living in Technicolor, read below to know some basic facts about taking the plunge into a vivid, colorful hair dream.

This Blogger’s work.

How do you get your hair this Rainbow Bright?  The key to these colors’ vibrancy is a two-step process.  First, the hair must be pre-lightened (read bleach) to achieve a light enough canvas to see the hue.  Some colors require more lightness as a background than others.  Pastels are only achievable on the lightest of pale blonde hair.  Hot tip: if your stylist suggests Olaplex, Ph Bonder, or other strengthening treatments- do it.  Bright colors don’t last on compromised (read: fried) hair.  The stronger your hair, the better the results.

After the hair is lightened, the direct dye (the most vibrant hair color available) is deposited on dried strands.  This process is known to be lengthy, so younger kids and fidgety people, beware!  That being said, if only some parts of the hair is to be super colorful, I do recommend a gloss or some color on the other parts of the hair so the shine is consistent. For example, if you are just putting hot pink on the ends of your hair, a gloss on the root area to the pink really completes the look.

Lets talk about salon maintenance.  This looks really needs to be refreshed every 4-6 weeks depending on your shampoo schedule.  FYI- the lightening does not have to be done every time, just the color deposit if you don’t mind how your hair has grown.  This really depends on the look that you are going for.

Unfortunately, the maintenance for this look does not end with salon visits.  A color protecting shampoo and conditioner are a MUST for this adventurous look.  If you heat style your hair regularly, a heat-protectant is also needed.   Dry shampoo is a great way to stretch out time between shampoo, making color last even longer.  After washing your hair, be mindful of the towel or any other cloth that comes into contact with your wet hair.  White towels can become pink; pillowcases can grab purple, etc.

Some colors even glow under black light.

Be forewarned that while rocking this awesome look, people will stare at you.  People will ask you if that is your natural color ( har-de-har, dad jokes). But some say that is the best part!  This is not a look for wallflowers.  You can always do a little peek-a-boo piece to see if you are ready to commit.

One last thing to consider:  removing the direct dyes that are used for these looks is best left to a professional.  We have lots of tricks up our sleeves, but know, as awesome as we are, changing you back to “normal” can be a process.  Don’t let that scare you – talk to your stylist today about a jewel shade or candy hue today!

5 Ways to Thank Your Hairstylist

Ever thought to yourself, “I really want to show my stylist how much I appreciate him/her…but what can I do?” We hear you. So we put together a list of 5 awesome ways to show your hairstylist how much you care:

1.) Referrals. Nothing says, “I love you,” more than sending your friends and family to your stylist. This shows that you really enjoy their work and want to share that with the ones you love. Even the most talented stylists have their moments of doubt, so it is so important to have the reassurance that comes with loyal clients sending in referrals. If you love your hairstylist, send them referrals!

2.) Retail. Trust us, we hate pushy salespeople just as much as you do. Our goal when offering our clients shampoos, conditioners, and styling products is not to sell – it is to educate them on what nutrients their hair needs and send them home with products that contain those nutrients in order to maintain that just-left-the-salon look, even when it has been 8 weeks since the last visit. There are no words more painful to hear as a stylist than, “Oh, I’ll just buy it at Ulta.” Buy your products from your stylist because they care enough about you to tell you exactly how to keep your hair healthy and beautiful all year long.

3.) Reviews. Does your stylist’s salon have a Facebook page? A website? A link on Google+ or Yelp? Leave them a review! It’s 2016, people. The first thing that anyone looking for anything turns to is Google. Reviews are such a huge tool in finding the right stylist, so be specific when explaining why you love yours!

4.) Gift Certificates. This goes right along with referrals. Have a friend who is in SERIOUS need of a haircut but refuses to go to a salon because of finances? Buy her a gift certificate and send her in to see your stylist! All it takes is one AMAZING haircut to get her to love your stylist just as much as you do! Who knows, maybe you can start booking your appointments together for a fun girls’ night!

5.) Rebooking. We understand that you don’t know what your schedule will look like 8 weeks from now. We understand that you never know what is going on with your kids’ sports/school events. Rebooking your next appointment before you leave the salon insures that you have a spot on your stylist’s book, and even if you need to reschedule that appointment when it gets closer, it’s a lot easier to move around an existing appointment than it is to create a new one. Your stylist will be a lot more willing to work with your schedule if you regularly rebook your appointments because it shows that you understand that your stylist’s time is valuable.

 

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Another Genius Move from Redken

New from Redken is a line of cleansers that truly lives up to it’s name.  Redken Genius Wash is a cleansing conditioner that gently cleans your parched or colored locks.  There are 3 levels of condition to choose from and all are paraben-free with no sulfates, harsh salts or chemicals.  Shampooing your hair frequently can cause frizz and dull color.  This system provides a solution for clean hair when you really don’t want to shampoo your hair.

 

How can a Genius Wash help your hair?  In one step you have gentle cleaning plus extra conditioning.  Your color will last longer!  Incorporating this into your hair cleaning routine increases manageability while pampering your strands for extra bounce and shine. Genius wash has concentrated apricot oils and soy protein formulated for your hair type.

How do you use Genius Wash?  Simply alternate washing with traditional shampoo and Genius Wash.  If you wash everyday, use Genius Wash for every third wash.  If you wash your hair less frequently, use Genius Wash for every other wash.  Your hair will thank you. Apply a generous amount (about 10-14 pumps) and distribute evenly through damp hair.  Gently massage.  Leave in for 2-5 minutes for best results then rinse thoroughly.  Talk to your stylist about the best one for your hair needs and instantly become genius!

Are you sabotaging your face?

Always take your make up off before bed. Moisturize your skin. Use sunscreen everyday. Even if we fail to do these things everyday, most everyone knows these simple rules.  They make a huge difference.  But there is one crucial element that constantly gets over looked. We wash our face, we wash our hands, but we can over look a common tool most of use every day.  I’m talking about make-up brushes.  Those amazing magical tools that apply foundation with a smooth finish and minimal product.  Buff and blend eye shadows, paint precision eyeliner, or create the perfect ombre lip.  Make-up brushes are essential for a complex look or a speedy application.

So let me ask you, and lets be honest here.  When is the last time you washed your make-up brushes?  Do you ever? ok- I’m betting the answer might be kinda hazy.  Washing those brushes might be something you think about or maybe this is your wake-up call.  What can happen if you don’t wash your make-up brushes regularly?

Your dirty brushes carry more than just make-up.  Skin cells, sweat, oil, bacteria, and grungy dirt just to name a few.  All these lovely things combined are breaking your face out!  We wear make up to enhance our skin, not dull it out.

Speaking of all the build up, its making your make-up go on unevenly.  The colors won’t be true and your application won’t be crisp.  Why not set yourself up for an awesome look? It’s what all the pros do.

If you have a situation where more than one person is using the brushes, washing is a MUST.  Friends sharing brushes end up sharing way more.  Infections, anyone? Pink eye, staph, strep, e coli, fungus just to name a few. Ew.

Rubbing your skin with stiff, unclean bristles is sure to cause irritation on the delicate facial area.  Dragging and pulling are not good for wrinkle prevention.  Also- keeping your eyelash curler free of mascara and general gook ensures all of your fabulous lashes stay on your lash line.  Dirty eyelash curlers tend to pull out eyelashes. ouch!

If not for the love of your face, consider this simple reason to wash your brushes regularly. A clean brush extends the life of the brush.  Make up brushes don’t grow on trees and some of these tools aren’t cheap!

What is the best way to wash your brushes? With warm water and gentle soap.  Even shampoo will do.  Be gentle, squeeze excess water out and lay flat to dry.  Trust me, your face with thank you.  Bare minerals makes a cleanser exclusively for your brushes.  Ideal for luxury brushes, it cleanses and gently conditions your brush leaving it restored with no residue.

The “Secret” your stylist is dying to tell you.

As a stylist and hair colorist, sometimes people can confuse us with magicians.  Believe me, we wish we were.  Hair color and other hair chemical services are science, and science has rules.  If you are a fan of chemical hair services, you have probably noticed the aftermath.  Bonds being broken in the hair cause damage to the hair structure.  Damage is seen as broken hair, wiggly or frizzy hair, limp and lifeless strands or inability to hold color.  The secret?  We now have an incredible tool to combat hair damage for all hair types.

Olaplex! Olaplex is a system stylists can use to get healthier hair results.  It dramatically reduces breakage with any chemical services.  Olaplex will relink the bonds that are broken during a chemical service and strengthen the hair immediately. Olaplex makes your hair stronger, healthier, and color will last longer.

This incredible tool can be used just as a treatment for distressed hair to help rebuild the strength, structure and integrity to the point where you can proceed with a chemical service.  Olaplex can also be used with hilights, balayage, on-the-scalp lightener, extensions, keratin treatments, relaxers, perms, thermal straighteners and to repair bounce to naturally curly hair.

The system has three parts.  No 1 an No 2 are used by your stylist and No 3 is a take home treatment designed to keep the hair in pristine condition. Once you experience this system, you’ll never want to be with out it.  Want your stylist to love you? Ask about using Olaplex with your next chemical service and watch them smile.  Olaplex is available to experience at Salon Disegno this moment.

 

Don’t Blow Dry~ Glow Dry!

This year make your hair your Valentine! Give your hair some love while you heat style and your hair will be sure to thank you!  This leave-in is for all hair types that need a beautiful, long lasting blow dry with heat protection and shine for days. Don’t let the word “oil” scare you- this formula absorbs right away and is ultra lightweight and airy!

Check out Suki Waterhouse in a Redken short below.

 

If you are all about face primers, eye-shadow primers, primer for the matte lipstick – don’t forget to prime your hair!  You’ll thank me for it later.

This heat-responsive miracle is available at all Salon Disegno locations $34 for a very generous supply.