It is essential to wear sunscreen while out in the sun for any amount of time. Without it, you have zero protection from the suns rays. Studies have shown that the #1 cause of damage and aging to the skin is sun exposure. Lengthy exposure to the sun can cause wrinkling and a leathery skin appearance. In order to decrease this long-term damage to your skin, make sure you get sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. SPF is the universal measurement of protection against UV rays and the higher the number, the better.

You may miss out on your bronzed skin now, but you will thank us for this lecture later! Now go have some SAFE fun in the sun!

Your hands have been neglected
from all the years that you
used them for me only
to hold me and guide me, too.

Your feet are sore and calloused
from going on before
clearing the path for me
so I could do much more.

And oh, your poor back
how it must hurt you so
from carrying the weight
of all my burdens and woes.

You have put yourself aside
and it’s time for me to say,
“Thank you for everything!
and Happy Mother’s Day!”

First off, coffee beans! Yes, we know you’re wondering what purpose coffee beans serve for your beauty supplies. It’s simple: coffee beans in a small container makes the perfect holder for your makeup brushes. Another fun aspect of this trick is that you can use flavored coffee beans and you will not only create a conventional use of space but also will add a wonderful aroma to your bathroom!

Second, a plate rack or spice rack. This kitchen item serves as a wonderful holder for all of your perfume bottles. Just find one that will fit your space and paint it to match your décor and voila, new perfume holder!

 Our third trick is probably the most odd one of all- a cheese grater! As strange as it sounds, a cheese grater makes a wonderful earring holder. Paint your grater a fun color and you have an instant organizational tool for your earrings.

Now that we have your creative wheels turning, it’s time to take on some projects and finally get that bathroom organized!

5. Her hands have been neglected over the years while she used them only to hold you, guide you and hug you.

4. Her feet have been worn from the years of her walking ahead to clear the path for you.

3. Those lovely wrinkles on her face are from the years of worrying about you.

2. Her back is sore from years of holding you up until you had wings to fly on your own.

1. Although, you were perfect and none of those gray hairs are due to stress you caused, she did have to put up with your siblings as well.

And we’re sure you can think of many more reasons, with a Mother as special as yours! Stop in to Utopia for a gift certificate so Mom can indulge in a little pampering this Mother’s Day!

We know, winter is barely over and those little piggies have been in hiding for several cold, dry months. But it’s time to whip them back into shape for spring! Think of all the special events you have coming up! Backyard barbecues, weddings, dates…you name it! No one wants to see calloused feet and unpolished toes.

Luckily, Utopia can provide you with a refreshing pedicure that is not only going to make your feet looking fresh and fabulous, but will also provide you with some relaxation! We all know how hectic our schedules can get. Especially during these summer months when you’re trying to cram in as much fun with friends and family on top of all the work and social commitments that come this time of year, but it’s ok to take out a little “me” time every once in awhile. Go ahead, treat yourself – you know you want to (and we don’t blame you)!

Avocadoes are loaded with vitamins A, B, C and E, as well as potassium and fat, making it the perfect moisturizer. In order to prevent your skin from becoming dry, cracked and irritated, just take a spent avocado peel and use gentle upward strokes to lightly massage your face. You may leave the moisture-locking oil on as a nighttime moisturizer or to wash your face with in the morning.

Peaches are rich sources of skin-renewing alpha-hydroxy fruit acids, which get rid of dead cells, and vitamins A and C to nourish new ones. For a simple solution to unblock pores, fight blemishes and tone your skin, just cut a slice of a peach and massage the flesh on your face. Leave the juice on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

In our Whiten Your Teeth Naturally blog, we explained to you how strawberries act as a teeth whitener. They also act as an exfoliator, with their heavy dose of Vitamin C and alpha-hydroxy acids. Mash 8-9 strawberries into a paste and add three tablespoons of honey. Apply mask directly to your skin, let sit for a few minutes and rinse off to improve texture, minimize greasiness and encourage a healthly, radiant complexion.

These at home remedies help to maintain beautiful skin through everyday life, but don’t forget, professional services are still important to keep your skin healthy. Contact us at Utopia to see what we can do for your skin!

With summer rapidly approaching, we could all use a few tips to keep ourselves looking beautiful even within the heat of the summer. Here, we will help you through some of the battles we all face in the hottest months of the year.

Sweat beads on your face can cause an unpleasant shine. In order to help eliminate this pesky problem, replace your rich cleanser and face cream with a foaming gel and an oil-free daily lotion that has a minimum SPF 15. Also, carry a compact for midday touch-ups.

To avoid unattractive smudges from your eye makeup, try waterproof eyeliner, shadow, mascara and undereye concealer. To give a little extra protection on top of these waterproof products, try using color on the top lids only and dust translucent powder along your lower lash line.

In order to keep your makeup looking light, fresh and flattering in the summer sun, skip foundations and cream lipsticks. Instead, use makeup with a lighter texture such as tinted moisturizer, cheek stain and lip gloss. In addition, use bronzer to create a warm skin tone.

Don’t forget, if the summer sun has got the best of you, stop in to Utopia for a refreshing facial to help keep your skin looking younger longer!

1. A simple braid can add a little personality to an easy, beach-ready hairstyle such as Rashida Jones wears here. To create this braid, side part your hair, braid into a French braid on one side and pin it back. Simple as that!

2. Solange Knowles looks beautiful in loose curls and so can you! This style works best if you have naturally wavy hair, but if you’re hair is straight you can always use a large curling iron to create beautiful waves!

3. Pigtails add a youthful touch to any hairstyle as Rosie Huntington-Whitley displays here.

4. Adding a flower is a quick way to dress up a simple beach hairstyle, as you see here on Audrina Patridge.

5. Sarah Hyland opts to maintain her locks in a cute, low bun. To mock this look, just part your hair in your favorite style, gather your hair at the nape of the neck and secure with a hairtie. This is also a fun look to add a flower to!

6. A satiny headband adds a sophisticated touch to beach attire as Rachel Zoe shows here.

We hope you enjoyed our favorite beach friendly hairstyles! Don’t forget, if you need any services to get you ready for the summer, contact us here at Utopia!

1. Swept to the side
Taylor Swift, as pictured here, uses larger curls and often a side partition to create a beautiful, elegant style that can be switched up just slightly on each bridesmaid. For a spring or summer effect, you can always add a flower as well. (See trend 4)

2. Vintage Do’s
Kate Bosworth, as pictured here, looks classically gorgeous with her 30’s inspired look. As we said in our blog about vintage styles, this is a very in look right now and we plan to see a lot of these looks this wedding season.

3. Braids
Jessica Alba, as pictured here, puts a feminine touch on this traditional hairstyle with a simple braid, another very “in trend” at this time.

4. Accessories
Adding a jewel, flower or headband can help to create a connection with the theme of the wedding. Jewels will reinforce the traditional elegance, a flower will keep with a soft and beautiful theme and a headband can create a casual feel for an outdoor wedding.

Our recommendation:

Step 1:
Bring the gals in for a girls afternoon a couple of days before the wedding to get those nails, toes, massages and facials. You’ve worked so hard over the past few months getting everything ready. You deserve an afternoon to just relax with the girls and enjoy the moment. You’re getting married! This is supposed to be the happiest time of your life!

Step 2:
Bring the gals in the day of the wedding for our beautiful formal styles that will be the perfect fit for your wedding! Let us help you get in style for the big day and again, enjoy! It’s your day!

Call today for a consultation on what we can do for your big day!