Get Schooled on Brushes!

photos: denman, ibiza, cricket, warrentricomi, spornette, mason pearson, denman post designed by kristin ess

#1 The Denman Paddle Brush. You can detangle with it, blow dry with it, massage your head with it, and tease hair with it. It doesn’t pull or scratch because of its perfectly rounded nylon pin-bristles, it doesn’t cause static, and is padded with an air cushion. On a daily basis, I use it to blow my hair out quickly before I curl it with a curling iron.

#2 Ibiza Round Brushes. These are my favorite round brushes for home use. They’re gentle enough to give in to a tangle, but strong enough to get tension for smoothing out waves. This brush is packed with the perfect amount of bristles. Your hair practically jumps around the brush and blows itself out.

#3 Cricket Metal Round Brush. This brush acts as a curling iron when it heats up. Most people use this when they want a little bend on their ends without using a curling iron. It has a hollow core which allows air to flow through. In other words, your hair is being dried from the inside as well as the outside, and that speeds up drying time. This brush is not my particular favorite because they often scratch the scalp and if you don’t move fast enough, there can be too much heat between your blow dryer and the metal of the brush.

#4 WarrenTricomi Metal Core Brush. This is like #2 and #3 mixed together. Since this brush has both boar bristles and nylon bristles you have more control over the hair than you do with a regular metal core brush. The boar hair bristles also help prevent excessive contact between the hair and the metal. This is a rather versatile round brush. It can be used to create smooth straight hair or hair with lots of body.

#5 Spornette- “porcupine” G36. This is my all time favorite brush for bangs. I have it with me ALWAYS. It’s under $10 and it’s the boss of your bangs when they act like they can’t hear you.

#6 The Mason Pearson. This is what’s considered by many to be the “Holy Grail” of brushes. While I love a Mason, I lose things a lot and I can’t quite justify spending $150 every time they escape my kung fu grip.

#7 The Mason Pearson’s cheaper, slightly less sophisticated cousin…The Denman Large Boar Bristle Brush. I use this a lot for updos and smoothing down fly aways. It’s also a great brush for soft teasing!

Resource: http://thebeautydepartment.com/2011/04/brush-up/

2012 Fall Hair Trends

It's August and it's BACK TO FALL TRENDS time! 

This Fall trends represent the return of many  favorites, while also showcasing some new bold ideas. Whether you’re looking for a totally new hairstyle, or a simple way to spruce up your old one, there’s something for everyone to try. Take a look and contact Kasia Organic Salon for  the latest hair ideas for the the upcoming Fall season!

 

Blunt Bangs – Wear this trend fringed out for a truly fashion forward feel.

Retro 1960′s Bouffants – Many designers favored this retro 60′s classic. 

Perfect Ponytails – While ponytails remain a runway classic, this season they’re kept perfect and polished.

Sleek Hair – Hair that is kept perfectly polished and sleek straight was the preferred look on the runway.

Twisted - While the braid has been a favorite for quite some seasons, the twist is now in full swing and can be seen in the form of updos, and half up down styles for a new edgy take on the braid.

 Embellished Hair Pieces - Keep your style perfectly in place with some of this season’s extraordinary head pieces, from hair pins, barrettes to sparkling headbands.

Shoulder Length Angled Bob – The most sought after haircut of the season.

Red Haircolor – The most popular fall 2012 hair shade is the look of red hues. Try hues of copper or ginger to make your skin tone pop.

Ombre Haircolor – The head turning look of ombre is still popular for fall 2012.

 Contact the Kasia Team at 612.824.7611

 

 

Resources: Images from elle and becomegorgeous

Get GROUNDED with Kasia *NEW* Pure-Essence "Plant-fume"

A 'Beautiful Health' evolution is a constant at Kasia. Take note! 

What's NEW!

We are anxious to share our new Pure-Essence "Grounded" scented roll-on! Read about the Beautiful Health benefits!

Now Available!!

*NEW*  Pure-Essence "Grounded" 

 

An aura of pure aromatic essential oils frame Kasia's captivating and mysterious scent "Grounded" Pure-Essence.

 

Made from the purest plant-based ingredients with no chemicals, synthetic scents or man-made additives, our Pure Essence allows you to stay "grounded" naturally. Free from alcohol, artificial fragrances, phthalates, parabans, and other chemicals, all Kasia Pure-Essence scent blends are handcrafted in small batches using therapeutic-grade essential oils.

 

Properties:

  • Patchouli: alleviates anxiety and brings focus
  • Sandalwood: relieves agitated emotional states and gives strength
  • Frankincense: calms and improves concentration
  • Bergamot: relieves nervous energy and encourages contentment
  • Cedarwood: combats nervous tension and boosts positivity

 

 Kassandra's Tip: Did you know that traditional fragrances are made with about 884 toxic substances? Toluene is a neurotoxin, and according to recent EPA fragrance testing, every single fragrance tested was found to contain toluene. Fragrances are not just perfumes; they are included in most personal care products on the market. And because the formulas are proprietary, the manufacturers are not required to divulge their ingredients. Avoiding perfumes and products with added fragrances will help you eliminate an additional hundreds of unknown toxins.

 

INGREDIENTS: Pogostemon cablin (patchouli), Santalum album (sandalwood), Boswellia frereana (frankincense), Citrus bergamia (bergamot), Cedrus atlantica (cedarwood)

Top 5 Mineral Makeup Tips ....

every Informed Beaute' should know!

Kasia Salon recently hosted Jennifer Honeycutt, an international makeup artist and La Bella Donna Regional educator. We want to thank everyone who came out for their mini-makeover. 
Lovin' La Bella
I have not found a competitor that comes close to La Bella Donna. With just four ingredients, their formulas are actually healthy for the skin because they are made from natural elements: mineral-based pigments for natural-looking color and micronized Titanium Dioxide, a non-chemical sun block (SPF 20), for environmental protection. Iron Oxides provide the source of color, while Bismuth Oxychloride and Zinc Oxide act as anti-inflammatories.

 TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS from recent training.

 

1. La Bella Donna mineral powders contain only four ingredients. They are anti-inflammatory, soothing, anti-aging, and non-clogging - ideal for all skin types, as well as allergy-prone skin.
2. ALL products within the line can be used interchangeably on the lips, eyes or cheeks, giving you more bang for your buck.
3. If you still have older makeup that you don't want to go to waste, simply apply La Bella's loose mineral products to protect your skin from synthetics and dyes!
4. Always apply loose minerals first, followed by your liquid base and concealer (especially under the eye). The concealer/liquid melts right into the skin, evening out the skin tone.
5. We LOVE the Baci-Baci Moisturizing Lip Sheer. Developed as a vitamin C and organic lip treatment, these lip sheers contain antioxidants and sodium hyaluronate, which plumps the lips and creates a moisture barrier.

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN  

WELLNESS AND BEAUTY

La Bella Donna Loose Minerals provide a natural alternative to chemical makeup in order to ensure the health of the skin, as well as the body. Our skin is our largest organ, and everything we put on it is filtered through the liver, just like with the food we eat. The goal is to avoid absorbing chemicals into our bodies.

 

Because La Bella Donna Minerals are made from rock and are not diluted with fillers, they provide many benefits to the skin that other products cannot provide.

Book your mini-mineral-makeup makeover TODAY! # 612.824.7611  

 

 Natural - Non-toxic Pedicures

 

 

Our pedicure stations offer a brush of Acquarella, a high-quality water-based line of polish in a gorgeous array of colors. Choose from three luxurious and indulgent pedicure options.

 

Acquarella's non-toxic polishes are odor free and formulated without formaldehyde, phthalates, petrochemicals, or solvents of any kind.

 

Save money! No pre-coat or top-coat needed. Our polish is specifically designed to hydrate the nails with an innovative fast-dry formula.

 

Book Today!

 

The Organic Treatment

Relax in a vibration chair with a cup of Kasia Fair Trade Tea and heated foot jets while we pamper your feet with a scrub, massage, nail-shaping and polish, using natural, non-toxic and organic products.

 

45 minutes - $45 (choice of polish or massage)

60 minutes - $65 (includes massage and polish)

90 minutes - $75 (includes paraffin wrap for hands)

Rejuvenating Foot Ritual:

Take your pedicure (without the polish) to the next level with an invigorating treatment designed to revitalize your skin and stimulate your senses. A warm whirlpool foot bath is prepared using aromatic oils and is followed by a signature foot massage incorporating a touch of reflexology to melt away stress. 40 minutes - $45  

 

 

 

 

The Latest and Greatest

"Informed Beauty" Blog

Top 5 Mineral Makeup Tips .... every Informed Beaute' should know!

La Bella Donna Loose Minerals provide a naturale alternative to chemical makeup in order to insure the health of the skin as well as the body. Our skin is the largest organ and everything we put on it is filtered through the liver just like the food that we eat. We do not want to be absorbing chemicals into our bodies. La Bella Donna Minerals have so many properties for the skin that we cannot get from any other source because they are only minerals from rock and not diluted down with another ingredients.

Natural "Bug-Off" DIY Home Blend

 

We are in the middle of summer, and we all  love spending time outdoors, but mosquitoes and other flying/biting insects can ruin the best of outdoor occasions. Synthetic insect repellents smell awful and are known to cause irritation and sensitivity in some people. They are also known to be toxic and can be harmful to the environment.

Below is a gentle insect repellent only requires a few Kasia pure essential oils and other ingredients.   Enjoy a more  pleasant aroma in keeping the bothersome itchy critters away. Keep in mind, your usage and body chemistry potentially affects your resulted scent.

 Bug-Off Repellent

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz. clean spray bottle with a fine mist setting (do not use a bottle that previously contained cleaning products or hair products such as hair spray).
  • 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of high-proof alcohol (vodka is suitable, rubbing alcohol is not). Alternatively, you may omit the alcohol and increase the amount of distilled water to 3 ounces.
  • 15 drops  Lemon Tea Tree
  • 10 drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 5 drops Lemongrass Essential Oil

Directions: Fill the spray bottle with the choice of either 1.5 ounces of distilled water and 1.5 ounces of alcohol or 3 ounces of distilled water. (Even though a 4 oz. bottle is suggested, leave about 1 oz. unfilled so you can shake the bottle well between uses.) Then, add the essential oils.

To Use: Shake the bottle before each use. Essential oils do not fully dissolve in water and alcohol and will settle. If you do not shake the bottle, you risk having concentrated droplets of essential oil irritate your skin.

Mist onto your skin and clothing and reapply as necessary. Discontinue use if you feel sensitivity from the repellent. Be careful not to mist delicate fabrics or surrounding furniture that may be harmed by the ingredients in the repellent. 

There is no guarantee that this recipe will prevent you or other users from being bitten by insects and it hasn't been scientifically tested for effectiveness.

Relief

For mosquito or other insect bites that don’t demand much attention, a simple dab of essential oil of lavender or tea tree provides relief from itching.  Lavender essential oils reduce swelling and inflammation, and diminish itching or other allergic response. Bentonite clay (available at your natural food store) poultices are of great help for more painful stings or bites. As the clay dries, it pulls toxins to the skin’s surface to keep them from spreading, and it pulls out pus or stingers imbedded in the skin. Adding essential oil to clay keeps the clay reconstituted, preserved, and ready for an emergency.

Essential oils for bites and stings: lavender, tea tree, chamomile, peppermint (stops itching)

Other essential oils that are insect repellents: birch, cedarwood, cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass (or citronella), orange, patchouli, peppermint (repels ants), pine, sandalwood

Learn more about Kasia Organics - Pure Essential Oils HERE

The Effects of Sun Inflammation and your Beautiful Health

It's been one HOT summer consumed of sun filled days.   Unless you are out in  a thick layer of sun protective clothing,  chances are - you are suffering sun damage with extended time in the sun.  When you use sunscreens like octylmethoxycinnamate or benzophenone, no matter what level of sun protection, they are reporting (ie SPF 100), you  are sustaining significant sun damage in addition to the added inflammation from the ingredients themselves."Sunburns" are a physiologic reaction to specific DNA changes that can be prevented by chemical absorption of UVB rays.  But please do not confuse a lack of redness with a lack of damage. Collagen/elastin (and other forms of skin) damage occur with extended time in the sun, whereas "sunburn" redness and pain are the direct result of the swelling, increased circulation and an inflammatory cascade that were stimulated by the DNA lesion.

As always Informed Beauty -- we strive to educate our you on a natural and safe alternative as well as the "proper way" to expose yourself to the sun.

 

Why is Kasia SUNSHIELD  part of only 8% of Sunscreens on the market, considered SAFE?

FACT:  There are few active sunscreen ingredients that effectively block both  UVA and UVB rays.  Kasia uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are the only ones that are both safe and effective for UVA and UVB protection and  do not penetrate the skin but block or reflect the sun.

Hit List to AVOID!

Sure, avoid Parabens, but take extreme caution in avoiding sunscreens with Oxtinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone or Homosalate. These chemicals are toxic and have high absorption rates through the skin.  They act as either irritants, allergens, hormone disruptors or carcinogens.

Dioxybenzone and oxybenzone are quoted to be of the most powerful free radical generators known to man! YIKES!

Natural and Free from Harmful Chemicals

Good Day Sunshine Sunscreen, developed by local natural health and beauty care leader Kassie Kuehl, is a chemical-free sunscreen optimal for sensitive or traumatized skin and safe for children.

“Losing my 24 year old brother to skin cancer, I have grown well aware of the many underlying potential causes,” Kuehl said. “Unlike chemical sunscreens, I love that nature can provide remarkable ingredients that reflect and scatter away both UVA and UVB rays from your body by forming a physical barrier, without irritating or clogging your pores.”

Additional key benefits that set Good Day Sunshine Sunscreen apart from commercialized sunscreens:

  • True broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Safe for toddlers and children
  • Non-chemical sunscreen
  • Moisturizing and healing properties
  • PABA-free and fragrance-free
  • Light and smooth formulation ideal for daily use and can be applied under makeup
  • Formulated for skin sensitive to traditional sunblocks and post-treatment patients
  • Formulation of  5% zinc and 5% titanium

In short, green tea helps protect your skin’s cells by providing antioxidant protection.

  • FREE of chemical laden fragrances…NON-zero….zilch.
  • FREE of parabens (harsh chemical or any harsh preservatives)..
  • FREE of Xenoestrogens!

The Sun and your Beautiful Health.

  1. UV exposure to bare skin (regardless of the sun protection) should never exceed 4 hours a day if you can help it because the skin is simply not designed to handle it.
  2. Chemical UVB sunscreens inflame the skin while inhibiting the skin's repair response/warning sign that is normally generated (aka sunburn) even though tremendous damage is still happening) and therefore should be avoided.
  3. There are an amazing number of drugs that cause sun-sensitivity and you should make every effort to get off of them because they result in an inability for your skin to heal itself after sun exposure which increases aging, damage and cancer risk dramatically.
  4. Sun-sensitizing drugs (including birth control pills) affect people differently. UV Protection Water will not stop the sunburn response in those people with substantial immunosuppression from medication but may work fine for many on those medications so a test is recommended.
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