The Business Woman can Still have Trendy Hair
It’s a dilemma many working women find themselves in. They love the new and trendy styles they’ve been seeing lately, but they work in an office setting, so they are not sure the style is appropriate for that. Well, good news ladies! Many of these styles, when you see them in a magazine, or on your favorite star, are styled for “out and about”, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the same haircut can’t “tamed down” for the office setting.
Now, while we can’t dye your hair pink and show you how to wear it to work so that it looks like a natural color, we can do different cuts and colors and work with you on different ways to style them depending on if you’re going out or going to the office. And unless your boss hired you for your hair alone, we can always find great compromises for cuts so they can be work-appropriate, but with a touch of edge.
Bottom line: Don’t be afraid to take a little bit of a risk! Go for that trendy style you’ve been wanting, but too afraid to get. Our stylists are happy to work with you to help you find that happy medium you’re looking for!
Why Our Employees Love YOU!
Our employees at Utopia Salon and Day Spa would like to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! We all love what we do, and love you for allowing us to do it!
Abbie says: “I’m truly lucky to be able to do something that I love to do everyday.”
Beth says: “I enjoy giving my clients the chance to relax. I hope they leave feeling like a brand new person!”
Bethany says: “I love getting the chance to meet new people and build relationships with my clients.”
Craig says: “I am dedicated to making you look and feel like a million bucks!”
Deidra says: “I’ve been blessed to be part of this family, working alongside some of the most talented & caring people I’ve ever met.”
Jessica says: “I love that my clients get to leave with younger-looking skin and feeling their best!”
Kendra says: “I love continuing to learn. I love my regulars, but truly enjoy seeing new clients as well.”
Kevin says: “I would like to personally invite you to try Utopia Salon & Day Spa. We work very hard to make every visit to our salon the very best.”
Kimberly says: “I love all the services I provide! But I especially enjoy deep tissue and hot stone massages.”
Rachel says: “I love learning from my peers and building my clientele.”
Sandi says: “I love to make people feel better, whether they have an injury or just need some much-deserved ‘me time’.”
Sarah says: “My motto is: ‘Let peace be a part of you.’ I enjoy giving my clients that opportunity.”
Sherry says: “I’m blessed to have such a great staff!”
Terri says: “I love everyone I get to meet at the salon!”
Wedding Hair Style Trends
It used to be that you had 2 choices: 1. Long hair up on top of your head with a big puffy veil. 2. Medium length hair down with a big puffy veil. Or… If you wanted to get really crazy: Hair half up with a big puffy veil. Now, as weddings have come into modern day in many ways, you have options. It’s no longer about the length of your hair and it’s certainly not about the big puffy veil. (Unless that’s your preference.) We would like to share with you some trends we’ve seen in recent wedding seasons as well as many that we’ve done personally.
Trend 1: Short Hair
I remember so many girls saying, “I need to grow my hair out for my wedding.” That’s not the case anymore, though. Short hair can be accessorized in many ways to make appear special for your special day. No growing techniques needed!
Trend 2: The Blusher Veil
Trend 3: The Low Veil
Veils don’t need to be displayed high upon your head. There are very elegant ways to have a veil incorporated an up-do, lower on the head, such as this one:
Trend 4: The Flower
In all honesty, some women are getting away from veils altogether.
Trend 5: Accessories
Some women are choosing elegant hair accessories or tiaras in place of a veil.
Trend 6: Traditional
And, of course, some women are choosing to stick with tradition with a veil. Veils come in many lengths and many volumes these days and many women embrace this tradition.
So, there you have it: Up, down, veil or not; you have choices and we are here to help! Call us to schedule your trial run today!
Don’t Go Breaking Her Heart
Valentine’s Day Scenario 1:
So… You didn’t pay any attention to her hints (or ours for that matter) during the Holiday season? This is your last chance!!
She smiled and thanked you when you gave her the pretty sweater, but she’s been acting strange ever since, hasn’t she? We’re going to spell it out for you: YOU DIDN’T GET HER WHAT SHE WANTED. Nothing says “I love you” like a day at the spa.
Valentine’s Day Scenario 2:
You’ve been dating for a while, and you want to take that next step and show her you really care. Well, boys, no girl can so no to “Be my Valentine” when you give day at the spa! Give her the chance to relax. After all, doesn’t she deserve it?
Valentine’s Day Scenario 3:
You got her something really great for Christmas. She loved it! But you’ve screwed up again already! If you want a lovey-dovey Valentine’s Day, give her a chance to relax and get over it with a day at the spa!
See? No matter what the situation, there’s only one way to go this Valentine’s Day: A gift card from Utopia Salon & Day Spa!
Salon & Spa
At Utopia Salon & Spa, you get the full experience! From hair and nails, to a massage and facial, to a session in our sauna, when you get the full treatment, you will leave feeling beautiful and relaxed, which is why we want to remind you of the full packages we offer!
Our staff love to make you look and feel amazing, and we would love the chance to do just that! So visit our Packages page or stop in to talk to us more about all of our services! We are happy to answer and questions or concerns you might have!
Cute Purse! Does it Hold Everything You Need?
So, you’ve got the cute purse, but does it hold everything you need? From make-up emergencies, to real emergencies, there are some things that every woman should carry with her at all times.
1. Baby Wipes
Weather you’re in a sticky situation, or needing to wipe down a nasty public restroom before using it, these are a very handy thing to have!
2. Mints or Gum
Because you never know when you’ll meet a cute guy or called into the boss’ office, it’s not a bad idea to carry something with your to freshen your breath. Just in case.
3. Phone with a Full Charge
So, you just saw the cutest guy and you like tot [totally] have to text your bff [best friend forever] and tell her the deats [details]. Alright, even if you’re not a text-craved teenager, a cell is a great thing to have in case you break down on the side of the road, have a strange person following you or need your friend to bring you a piece of gum.
4. Nail File
Even if you’re not worried about what they look like, chipped nails can be painful or sharp and it’s good to have a file on hand in these situations.
5. Tampons/Pads
Even if you don’t need them at the time, one of your friends might. (They just might pay you back if you’re ever have a similar emergency.)
6. Cash
I know, I know. We are all electronic now. However, if you need to pay a friend for your half of lunch, if your check didn’t deposit as fast as you thought it would or if you happen to be somewhere where they don’t take credit cards, it’s good to have cash, as a back-up.
7. Writing Utensil
In case you have get that tot cute boy’s digits! We all know… There are many situations in which one of these handy little gadgets come in handy, whether it be for fun or for an emergency situation (writing down a license plate, etc.)
8. Band Aids
From cuts and boo-boos, to blisters from those new heels, let’s face it. They’re nice to have.
9. Asprin
Or any other pain killer of choice.
10. Mini Sewing Kit
Especially for those of us who are extra clumsy. It’s embarrassing to go to an office meeting with a tear somewhere in your outfit.
Top 7 Hairstyles of 2011
Happy New Year Utopia Fans and Clients! We thought that there was no better way than to ring in the New Year than to review some of the styles that made our 2011 beautiful! Today, we bring you the top 7 searched hairstyles of 2011.
7. Meagan Good
This fun and edgy cut put Meagan Good at #7 on the countdown.
6. Dorothy Hamill
This fun and shaggy bob was the 6th most searched hair style of 2011. You’ve still got it, Dorothy!
5. Kate Winslet
Kate’s wavy, shoulder-length do lands her at #5 on the countdown.
4. Kim Kardashian
Although Kim Tweeted that she had gotten a dramatic new haircut, she still has the same long waves that put her at #4.
3. Jennifer Anniston
When Jennifer chopped her hair into this cute, shoulder-length bob, she landed herself #3 on the most search hairstyles of 2011!
2. Emma Watson
Emma rocks this dramatically short cut, perfect for her face shape (See: Your Face Shape vs Your Hairstyle)
1. Justin Bieber
Surprised? We’re not. Justin’s hair has become the sensation of younger men/teens throughout the nation!
Again, Happy New Year! We look forward to all the new styles we will get to see in 2012!
Now… What to Do with All those Christmas Scarves?
If you’re anything like me, you get 1 or 2 scarves every year for the Holidays. They are pretty, so you don’t put them in a bag to give to Goodwill, but you’re never quite sure what to do with them, either.
Well, here are some ideas on what you can do with all those scarves:
1. Wear them around your neck/body
Whether you wear it traditionally around your neck or find a new trendy way to wear it, this is what scarves were made for!
2. Wear it around your head
For those making a fashion statement, or for those who just haven’t gotten in to Utopia to get their hair done lately, wearing it around your head is another great option.
3. Cover a throw pillow
If you have some old throw pillows that could stand to be dressed up a little, scarves make for great throw pillow covers. If you know how to sew at all, it’s not too difficult.
4. Use it as a rag
If you have a couple you don’t really care for, you can always use them as rags. Old wool scarves work really well for this.
5. Make a Table Runner
Even if you don’t know how to sew, you can usually do this without any trouble. Just lay the scarf down the center of the table, and you’ve got a great decoration.
6. Window Drapery
Drape over your window for a trendy look to spruce up any room.
7. Make a quilt
If you have enough and if you or someone you know sews, you can have them make a quilt out of all your old scarves.
No matter what you got, we hope that you had a Happy Holiday. Call today for an appointment to look your best as you bring in the new year!
Whiten Your Teeth Naturally
What goes better with a the smooth and healthy skin you have after a facial than white and healthy teeth? Try these natural (and inexpensive) teeth whiteners we found to enhance your smile!
1. Many know that lemons are a natural teeth whitener. I even had a few friends in college who would suck on a lemon slice every day to whiten their teeth. (I could never stand the taste.) But did you know that there are other fruits proven to be natural teeth whiteners as well? Rubbing orange peels on your teeth has proven to have a whitening effect and strawberries are also a natural teeth whitener. (Please note that after using any of these techniques you should brush your teeth, as the acid in lemons and oranges, especially, can hurt your teeth in the long run if not used properly.)
2. Before toothpaste existed, people would use table salt mixed with water. Although this did not effectively fight cavities, it did have a whitening effect, making people think that their teeth were getting clean. You can also add salt to the fruit you are using to whiten your teeth! (Just be sure you remember to brush your teeth afterwards!)
Now, smile! You have smooth skin AND white teeth!
It’s the Most Wonderfully Hectic Time of Year!
You’ve got the shopping, the Holiday plays, the cooking, the cleaning, the decorating ,the running around, [deep breath] the family, the caroling, the wrapping, the giving, the work load, the traffic… It’s called the most wonderful time of the year. So, why is it so stressful?
Well, we can’t eliminate all of your stressful moments. But we can help to relieve your stress. Message Therapy has been proven to relieve stress, encourage relaxation, improve circulation, lower blood pressure, relieve headaches and strengthen the immune system. All very important to this time of year!
In addition, there is one more thing on this list we can help you with. We don’t cook or clean your house. We can’t magically clear traffic. We aren’t going to ward off your family or go to Holiday plays for you, but we CAN help you check some of those people you need to shop for off your list. Whether it’s your boss who you wish would chill out, your sister who deserves a day off or your best friend who you love dearly, we have the perfect gift for them… A gift card to Utopia Salon & Day Spa. Our gift cards are available in $25 increments (up to $100) and are redeemable for any of our services. (Plus, they’re easy to wrap!)
Click here to go to our Gift Card page for more information. You can order online, over the phone or grab a few while you’re in for that message.
Feel better? Now you can say “Happy Holidays!” and really mean it.
The Difference Between Looking Beautiful and Looking Touched Up
At Utopia Salon & Day Spa, we want our clients looking and feeling great. And there are many ways we are able to help them with that. We don’t, however, wanting them to think they are not as beautiful as some of the super stars out there, because believe us, you are! We’re about ready to prove it.
Everyone knows that when you see stars in magazines that they’ve been touched up. But how far to they go? (Click on any of the following pictures to make them larger.)
Britney Spears has been an icon of beauty for a couple of decades now. (Minus her little head-shaving episode.) You don’t really think she stays looking that young though, do you?
Kelly Clarkson is a beautiful young woman. There is no doubt about that, but even she gets touched up to make her look skinnier.
We asked our graphic designer to give us a couple samples as well, to show how easy it is. She used herself as the first example, to show just how much you can do.
(Lines around the mouth are gone. Bags under her eyes are gone. Hair is a different color. Shirt is a different color. Skin is smoothed out. Name tag is gone. Teeth are whitened. Lips are thickened.)
Now here’s our very own Deidra Slinde. The first picture is before. The second picture is after being touched up. (Skin smoothed out. Hair darkened. Teeth Whitened. Color of eyes intensified. Eyelashes added.) The third picture is what she really looks like after services provided at our salon (no touch up necessary, thank you very much!)
You are beautiful. All we do is help you take care of and maintain that beauty, and we are happy to do it!
Reuse your Old Lipstick
We all have old lipstick that looks like this. And to make matters worse, you open every single cap before you find the one you’re looking for. Well, here’s a way to make it easier:
You will need an empty makeup compact, dental floss, the end of a toothbrush, Vaseline, a lipstick brush (or something that could pass as one-thin, soft paintbrushes do work) and of course, you will need your old lipsticks.
1. Use the dental floss to cut off the tops for your old lipsticks, and put each one into a different compartment of your empty (and clean) makeup compact.
2. Use the end of your toothbrush (the side you don’t brush with) to mash up each lipstick in it’s new compartment. Then clean around the edges so it’s not just a big mess.
3. Add a bit of vaseline to one of the compartments to brush over your applied lipstick for extra shine.
Ta Da! You have yourself a lipstick pallet just like the professionals use!
Benefits of a Collagen Facial
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a type of protein naturally produced in our skin.
What does Collagen do for my skin?
It keeps the skin firm with it’s natural shape.
So, if my skin naturally produces this, why do I need a facial?
As we age, the Collagen brakes down, resulting in saggy and wrinkled skin.
Tell me more!
A Collagen mask delivers a boost of vitamins and minerals the skin is lacking. It helps the existing collagen and elastin in our skin.
A Collagen mask helps exfoliate dead skin cells, lightens and reduces hyper-pigmentation, restores moisture and leaves you feeling refreshed.
A Collagen mask is made up of acids, vitamins and minerals specifically for our sensitive skin.
A Utopia Collagen Facial:
Our Collagen facial is relaxing and includes several cleanses, exfoliators and a detoxing mask to help prepare the skin. While this great, anti-aging mask works on your skin, you will receive a scalp, shoulder and hand massage. You will leave feeling younger and refreshed.
Schedule an appointment today for your first Collagen Facial!
Your Face Shape vs Your Hairstyle
A couple of weeks ago, we talked about getting a new hairstyle and we touched on how not every hairstyle will look good on ever person. One major reason for this is face shape. Unless you were blessed with a perfectly proportioned face (Darn you, if you’re one of those lucky women!), then there are features you need to consider before getting a new hairstyle.
1. Round Face
A round face, such as Kirsten Dunst’s, is one where the length nearly equals the the width with a soft curve.
With a round face, it’s best to avoid adding much volume around your cheeks, as this can exaggerate the roundness and can even make your face look a little chunky. Instead, try hairstyles that have most of their volume on top. Longer styles tend to work best with round faces, as they create the illusion of a longer face.
2. Oval Face
An oval face, such as Jennifer Aniston’s, is usually at least twice as long as it is wide and has a very soft curve to the forehead and chin.
With an oval face, you are blessed. You can wear almost any hairstyle. Try to stay away from hairstyles that fall in your face, as it may end up creating the illusion of a different face shape and let’s face it, you’re blessed with this one!
3. Square Face
A square face, such as Jessica Simpson’s, is one where you have a wide forehead and a wide jaw with less of a curve.
With a square face, Jessica is actually not wearing the best hairstyle in this picture. Stylists suggest hairstyles that fall closer to your face as well as side-sweeping bangs. Like the round face, it’s best to try to keep the body of your hairstyle towards the top to add the illusion of length.
4. Heart Face
A heart face, such as Reese Witherspoon’s is sometimes considered a triangular face, which features a wider forehead and cheek bones and an angular jaw.
With a heart face, whispy layers will pull the attention to your beautifully angled jaw and away from your wide forehead. Try not to give your hair too much body, and straight, sleek look will give your face more length.
5. Long Face
A long face, like Sarah Jessica Parker’s, is a longer version of an oval, usually with a longer forehead.
With a long face, you want to do just the opposite of a round face. Give yourself body around your cheeks to make your cheeks seem rounder. Straight across bangs will shorten your forehead and medium length cuts create the illusion of a shorter face. Avoid styles with no bangs.
Now that you know the perfect cut for your face shape, call today for an appointment!
2 Fool Proof Gifts for Women
It’s that time of year again. You’re significant other has been dropping you hints. (We know, you’re a man and you haven’t noticed.) Last year, you got her a vacuum for Christmas, and that didn’t go over so well. So, this year, take our advice.
Here at Utopia Salon we only know of two full proof gifts you can get her this Holiday Season that will get you out of the doghouse for not only last year’s gift, but next year’s gift as well.
2. Jewelry (Sorry, we can’t help you here.)
1. A Day at the Spa
Guess what, boys, you’re in luck! We just so happen to have gift certificates for $25, $50, $75 and $100. See our Services page for all the relaxing treatments we offer, including full packages that will have your significant so thrilled, she won’t even remember last year’s gift!
If you really want to get out of the doghouse, give her the gift of relaxation! She deserves it!
Note to the Ladies: Share this with your significant other. They’re not good at subtle hints. Cut them some slack.
I want a new hairstyle!
Great! Cosmetologists love this. This is what they went to school for, and the reason they are in the industry.
However, so many girls go into a salon picturing what they want and come out disappointed because they don’t look like the celebrity they saw the style on. Today, we’re going to give you insight on how to avoid this disappointment and how communicate with your stylist so he/she can start to see the same vision you are having.
DOs and DON’Ts:
-DO bring a picture if you can.
-But DON’T expect to look exactly like the woman in that picture when you leave, unless it’s your twin. The beauty of being an individual is that you are exactly that. You have a different face shape, skin tone, texture of hair, color of hair, and thickness of hair as the woman in the picture. The hairstyle, quite simply, may not look exactly the same on you as it does on her.
-DO ask your stylist. They have a pretty good eye for whether the style will look alright with your face and hair.
-DON’T freak out. The stylists at Utopia know what they are doing. Trust them.
-If you don’t have a picture, DO describe what you want in your own words. Be specific, and if you’re not a risk taker, maybe try implementing the change gradually so there is less of a chance of surprise.
-DON’T get discouraged when trying to style it. It’s new. It will take some getting used to.
-DO let them know next time you come in what you liked and what you had problems with when styling it. They can help you with that.
-DON’T tell them you love it if you don’t. It’s your hair. They want you to be happy.
-DO tell them how many compliments you got. Go ahead, boost their ego!
Fun and Creative DIY Halloween Costumes
With October 31 right around the corner, many of us procrastinators still have one looming question… What should I be for Halloween? Well, we at Utopia Salon & Day Spa have come up with a couple of fun, easy, and inexpensive do-it-yourself options that we think will blow last year’s costume out of the water!
1. The Walk of Shame Bridesmaid
We all have old bridesmaid and/or prom dresses laying around, never to be worn again. If you don’t mind messing one of them up a little, tear a piece off, create some fake dirt with makeup. Then, mess up your hair and make up, and WHALA! You are the Walk of Shame Bridesmaid!
(Don’t have any old dresses laying around? You can simply do the College Student Walk of Shame… Same concept, just with regular clothes.)
2. Prom Queen Barbie
So, you have an old dress, but you’d rather not mess it up. You can be Prom Queen Barbie! Dress, bleach blonde wig, fake crown, cheap flower bouquet, and you’re set!
3. Horror Film Survivor
Grab some old clothes you don’t mind ruining, use fake blood, catchup, or anything else red that could pass as blood that you have laying around the house, and you’ve got yourself a pretty impressive, not to mention cheap and easy, costume! Mess up your hair and make up a little as well to make it even more believable.
4. Lindsay Lohan
Last, but certainly not least… Lindsay Lohan… Key element in this costume… Anything you can find that could pass as an ankle monitor. Other than that, just look like a complete mess.
Have any other ideas you came up with? Share them! Otherwise, we hope our 2011 Halloween ideas were of help. Happy Haunting!
DIY Face Wash
Try this mixture for a cleansing face wash that you would spend buco bucks for in a department store.
Start with 1 part Honey.
Benefits of Honey on skin:
-Is an antioxidant
-Kills bacteria, clearing up acne
-Absorbs and retains moisture, leaving your skin fresh and younger looking (That’s right, ladies! Honey is used in many of those expensive anti-aging lotions you buy.)
Add 1 part Lemon Juice.
Benefits of Lemon Juice on skin:
-Source of vitamin C, great for skin
-Contains Citric Acid, exfoliates skin
-Reduces red spots
Lastly, Add 3 parts Oatmeal.
Benefits of Oatmeal on skin:
-Locks in moisture, helping to moisturize skin
-Contains proteins, creating a natural barrier for the skin
-Cleanses pores and fights acne
-Great for sunburns or other skin ailments
Vaseline… Not just for chapped lips!
Of course we all know that vaseline can be used for chapped lips, but did you know that there are many other wonderful things vaseline can do to beautify your body? Try these fun little tips for different ways to use your big jar of vaseline:
Eye makeup remover. That’s right! Vaseline is actually one of the best eye makeup removers you can get. It removes even the toughest mascara and sooths your lids as well.
Shaving cream. Don’t have time for a shower, but need to shave your legs? Use vaseline! (Just use a light coat, though!) It will moisturize at the same time. No need to lotion when you’re done.
Exfoliating Scrub. Nothing will be as great as spa quality, but for those in-between times, add some sea salt to your vaseline and it can substitute for a nice exfoliation.
Deep Moisturizer. You know how your elbows get so dry? Put some vaseline on them to smooth them out.
There you have it! Vaseline isn’t just for your chapped lips anymore!
How to Fight the Eyeliner Clumps
If the tip of your eyeliner pencil crumbles and smears on your lids, store the liner in the freezer for 15 minutes before use so the tip is firm and goes across your skin smoothly.
Thanks for Your Support Through Our Changes!
As you know, we here at Utopia Salon & Day Spa have made a couple changes to our online image lately. We got a brand new Facebook Fan Page as well as a whole new look to our website. We just want to thank all of our customers for supporting us through these changes. We hope you like them and that they make using our online resources easy and aesthetically pleasing for you!
