Star Brow of the Week

The Star Brows Blog  Has Moved Please Visit this Link for the New Site.

I adore fashion designer Christian Cota’s collection, but what the heck is up with his eyebrows? Yes, it’s true the eyebrows are not twins; they are sisters, as I like to say – or in Christian’s case, brothers!

He has beautiful eyes and lips, and even though I don’t see men except by referral, I would see him.

Not that countless makeup artists haven’t (probably) told him he needed help. He may have said what a recent client of mine said: “My brows are me.” No! Your brows aren’t you. They can change, just like your hair, clothing, and makeup.

http://www.christiancota.com/ Photo courtesy AskMen.com

Star Brow of the Week – Katy Perry

The Star Brows Blog  Has Moved Please Visit this Link for the Post on the New Site.

For Star Brow of the Week I chose Katy Perry, she is very “Old Hollywood” here, and it is stunning.

What do I love about her look?

1. Beautiful brows are really only part of the picture, you can see that in this photo – the hair, the foundation, the lips, and her beauty mark – all help show off perfect brows.

I have a $24 service called Express Brow Design  that is supposed to be 10 minutes long, but in order to send perfect brows out the door, I need to fix up the rest, which can take a little (sometimes a lot) longer.

2. The arch is really stretched out here – it helps accomadate her big eyes, high cheek bones and long jaw.

3. The color and density of the brow shape are strong, which works well with the rich colored lip and blue-black hair.

4. There is perfect placement of the anatomy of the brow.

5. Her complexion and dress are very soft and peachy – nice contrast. Ten!

See you at the new spa!

The New Spa in Grover Beach Open For Mother’s Day

The Star Brows Blog  Has Moved Please Visit this Link for the Post on the New Site. 

I started my dream business, Star Brows, in Arroyo Grande California four years ago, specializing in a unique “brow graphing” technique, which I developed at my Minnesota spa. Due to the success and popularity of that technique, I needed to expand, and now have a new home! Everything you know and love about Star Brows will stay the same, but better – I hope you’ll agree!

On April 15th I moved my eyebrow couture, skincare, massage, and body waxing spa to 1065 West Grand Avenue to Grover Beach (Shangri-La!) and have created a luxurious spa setting that I know you will love.

Originally, I really wanted to stay in AG, but then I found this amazing space with great exposure and plenty of room to grow. It’s across from Miners in Grover Beach. This location really fits my “brand.” You will truly feel like the star you are when you’re there. I wanted to create a more spa-like atmosphere so you could enjoy the full array of Star Brows services.

I’ve added two private treatment rooms with sound-proof walls and solid core doors :), a casual and open feeling makeup and waxing lounge, and an serene waiting area – and we’re closer to the beach! Who could ask for more? I’ll be posting pictures soon.

But, like any dream, there have been (and are) hurdles to overcome. In the end, though, it’s all worth it. I hope this encourages you to follow your dreams too. Turning dreams into reality takes guts, a lot of hard work, optimism, help from those who support you (thank you all!), and a generous pinch of the miraculous!

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day, and I am poised to help you celebrate. Hmmm, what would you really like? I come from a background of providing fabulous spa experiences, and now that I have the space and the environment for it, I’d like treat you.

Here is a sneak peek of a spa experience created to celebrate mom’s day, or “just because” – at the new location – offered for a limited time:

Spa Facial and Massage Treatment

Arrive a couple of minutes early so you can get settled and relax for a few minutes in the quiet environment of the new spa, and plan on staying for about an hour and a half.

When you enter the treatment room you will feel the warm air provided by state-of-the-art radiant heat. You’ll smell calming essential oils and be enveloped by the soft candlelight.

As you climb under crisp, clean, warmed sheets your body’s curves will be cradled by special contoured cushions.

Detoxifying and de-stressing drops of essential oils will be applied along your spine (Raindrop Therapy), to coax your body into a state of bliss and calm, followed by a back massage given at just the right pressure for you. When the knots are eased, you turn over and the Star Massage begins with Tu’el’s Cleansing Oils and Herbalizers chosen for your skin type. Puffiness, sinus pressure, jaw tension and all signs of stress dissipate from your face, neck and should – mmm, who knew it could feel this good?

Now the facial begins with warmed towels, gentle steam, and special masks and scrubs designed to alleviate your skin’s concerns.

And don’t forget those hard working hands and feet. They will be meticulously worked out, every finger and every toe rubbed until they are eased. Your feet will be wrapped in warm towel-like booties and a little Craniosacral work will be done to balance your body’s rhythms.

Later, plan on relaxing and drinking plenty of water with slices of organic lemons to complete a perfect experience.

Who knew Star Brows was about more than eyebrow couture? Now’s your chance to see! Limited spaces are available for this special offer, so call now – 805-722-8222  – and mention the Mother’s Day Spa Special. It’s not on the menu and is specially priced at $99. It expires on May 12^th, but you can get a Gift Certificate for the service and use it anytime!

See you at the new spa!

Skin Deep and Star Brows Niche Story

The Star Brows Blog  Has Moved Please Visit this Link for the Post on the New Site. 

Recently I wrote a piece for Associated Skincare Professionals. They have a national magazine publication called Skin Deep. My article is scheduled for publication in May, 2011. It’s called “Succeed Big by Thinking Small: How Focusing on Your Market Niche Can Yield Big Results.” It was my first foray into the world of professional writing. And although the process was laborious, I am so excited to have done it. In the article I talk about niche marketing in the field of esthetics, but I would like to tell you about my own personal niche story.

I was born to be an entrepreneur: Type A and all. I’ve had brief stints in the world of “being an employee,” and that never was a pleasant experience for me. Some who know me may say it’s because I have strong opinions – not usually great employee material. But, I’m convinced you need to face your weaknesses squarely in order to move to the next level. Or better yet, know where you fit in the work-a-day world. Of course, there are also gifts that go along with being like me, and that’s the true story.

I’ve written the magazine piece and this blog post in the hopes that they may inspire you to find your niche and be all you can be, too!

I was raised by a very successful entrepreneur. Everything my dad touched (business-wise) seemed to turn to gold. Sure, he made plenty of mistakes along the way, but he kept learning from them. He himself is a brand. His most recent endeavor, Robert Hall Winery, is amazing. I’m very proud of him. He never graduated high school and yet he recently won the most prestigious award in the wine industry, the California State Fair’s Golden Bear.

What did he teach me?

• Be a “Local Yokel.”
• Your community needs to know, like, and support you.
• Work harder and longer than the rest.
• Be a positive thinker.
• Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves.
• Believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible.
• Anybody can spend money; it’s saving it that’s the trick.
• If you can dream it, you can do it.

If you clicked the true-story link above, you know that my mom, Sandy, also exerted a strong influence on my entrepreneurial drive, my belief that I could succeed as a female professional, and my lifelong love for the esthetics business. She was a spa-goer herself and many times took me along! She was involved in the Women’s Lib Movement when I was “coming of age.” At about the same time, she went back to school to get her law degree. But the real gift she gave was one of acceptance. She let me be and do what I thought was right. She never tried to control or put pressure on me to do what she wanted. I am both proud and grateful for this strong woman who helped groom me for success as an entrepreneur.

Both parents encouraged and supported my decision to start my own business at the age of 20. I had studied dance my entire life, so my first business was a “no brainer.” My parents owned a bowling alley, and it had a lower level (empty during the day) with a dance floor. In addition, there were lots of moms in bowling leagues who had their kids in onsite childcare while they bowled.

So, this was my first business, Miss Linda’s Dance Studio, with my first little customers ready and waiting right down the hall.

I went on for the next 20 years, changing locations, growing and expanding that business until I had two studio spaces called Roseville Performing Arts, four employees, and a professional dance company called The Har Mar Dancers.

When I was almost 40 years old, I wanted a change, so I sold my studio and went back to school to become a Massage Therapist. My first shop as a sole proprietor was called Body Rhythms Therapeutic Massage. I hired an esthetician to do facials and waxing and thought to myself, “I would love to do that.” So, I went back to get my Esthetics degree.

Over the next 15 years I gradually expanded, adding hair and nail services, and the business became a corporation called Body Rhythms Therapeutic Day Spa & Salon. I had hundreds of employees over the course of time. I was able to mentor so many women in the field, and I had a thriving personal practice doing facials, massage, and waxing.

It was during that time that I developed my signature eyebrow design technique called “Graphing,” which is based on the techniques that plastic surgeons use to do face lifts.

When I was around 50, my husband, our youngest daughter, and I moved to California. I was exhausted from running the day spa and salon in Minnesota and wanted a simpler life. My other daughter and son-in-law were marketing grads from Cal Poly and lived in California. They helped me discover my own market niche: Eyebrow Couture. Originally, I thought I would design the eyebrows of the stars, but what I realized is that every woman is a star and wants to look like one. I love my work! It’s an important part of my life. The women I meet are wonderful. They teach, inspire, and bless me daily.

Finding your niche in the work-a-day world is just like discovering who you are. I don’t believe we are meant to have our work separate from our lives. Our passion and life energy should infuse whatever we do.

I hope you dare to dream. I Hope You Dance.

See you at the spa!

New Years Eve Makeup 2011!

Unfortunately my “pre-bash massage” was just cancelled – dang 😦 – so I’m writing an NYE makeup post instead!

Happy New Year’s party preparations to all of you! I’m getting ready for The Golden Era event at my father’s winery. I want to look my best, and I want you to look your best too – even if you’re not planning to go out for NYE! Here are eight steps to a flawless look:

1. Exfoliate – Perfect makeup requires well-tended skin. A week to a couple of days before the big night start doing masks, peels, and scrubs. The Cleansing Oil is also an excellent way to polish, exfoliate, and brighten your skin: Do a 20-minute massage with it instead of the normal quick cleanse. (Did you know the Cleansing Oil takes off makeup really well? Buh-bye makeup dissolver.)

Of course, hopefully you have consulted a skincare professional about what products are best for your skin. If you trust your exfoliant not to cause a breakout or irritate your skin, using one even the night before will help your skin look radiant.

My picks: Gyco-A Gel, Crystal C Serum and Peeling Cream. Just so happens two of these are January’s Product Feature with Double Rewards!

2. Moisturize – Those of you who read my blog regularly know that when you discipline the skin, you also need to use plenty of TLC. Moisturize the entire face, neck, and décolleté, as well as the eye area. Even oily and acne-prone skin types need moisturizer. Your makeup will look so much better if your skin is well hydrated.

My picks: Hy-Drate, Vitamin Cream, Chamomile, Eye Plus Cream, Lipo-Gen.

3. Prime – Every great artist knows that preparing the canvas is key. Getting the skin ready for the application of cosmetics makes the finished product look so much better. Absorb Oil Control is perfect for oily and acne-prone skin: It is an oil controller and hydrator in one. Mineral Primer will fill in the fine lines and imperfections and make your foundation last. Use Concealer around the eye area.

4. Apply Foundation – Mineral Makeup is my favorite for your base. Use a small brush for extra coverage in the areas that need it. Use a darker color to contour, like the hollows of your cheeks or the sides of your nose. Contour the eyes with shades of brown, especially if you have droopy lids. (Remember: dark recedes, light brings forward.) Highlighter under the brow bone accentuates the arch. I carry BDB Duo Concealer: it’s a pencil with concealer on one end and highlighter on the other – another “twofer”!

5. Add Color – Glitter (small particles, used sparingly) is a hot look for NYE. Aging skin doesn’t do well with glitter though. I personally like the Youngblood Mineral Makeup in the color Sunglow for sparkle and pop. Blush should be applied to the apple of the cheek only if you have a very thin and long face, so you can create width. If your face is round, apply blush on the cheek starting at the edge of the iris and swooping up to the temples and into the hairline.

Shadow color can be added next. Remember: if you are playing up the eyes, go easy on the lips, and vice versa.

6. Lashes – Right now I am playing with and loving LashSense One Step by SeneGence. It is a lash growth and conditioning product and mascara. And of course I must have my beloved

Blackout Mineral Mascara by Youngblood. I always use two mascaras. I find I get the best lashes that way. Lash Primer is also excellent for extra volume and conditioning. For those of us who need to curl our lashes, I like the MAC curler best.

7. Lips – Bright and bold is on trend for both NYE and spring 2011. You know I am partial to LipSense long-lasting lipcolor!  I’ll be wearing Plum as a base, then Brick, and the top coat will be Neutral. Because this lipcolor is applied in 3 coats, I played on my hand to find a color that matched my shoes. (Check them out: They are comfy with leather uppers – Ross!) You can create any color you want when you have the basic Lipsense colors.

As an alternative, I like recommending a lip pencil and plumping colored gloss – both by Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics.

8. Eyebrows – Getting the right shape requires professional help – at least to get you started, at best for maintenance. You’re not stuck with the eyebrows you have: You can create the perfect brows at home.  How? If you have thinning brows, start using Brow Boost right away. All the Billion Dollar Brows products rock! Cosmetics for creating the perfect eyebrows – like pencils, powders, and brow-setting gel – will transform blah brows to bomb brows!

See you at the spa!

Beauty On The Cheap! Part 3

In Beauty On The Cheap! Part 1: Straighten Up, we talked about how sitting, standing, and walking straight strengthens and beautifies. Beauty On The Cheap! Part 2: Put A Smile On Your Face talks about how smiling and laughing makes us more beautiful inside and out.

This installment of how to be more beautiful without having to spend a dime, is about giving. Giving is, in my opinion, one of the most important elements of “being beautiful” that I can think of.  How, you ask, can giving make you more beautiful? I know, and you probably do too, but I’ve never tried to explain it. Let’s get right down to it: Real beauty emanates from the heart.

When you’re giving, aren’t you happy? We are wired to receive unadulterated pleasure when we give. So why don’t we give more? Some do. They’re called Philanthropists.

You’ve seen the hideous attempts at sustaining youthful, physical beauty as Father Time marches on into the 40s, 50s and so on? I find this a rather sad, misguided effort to be happy. Does an eye lift, tummy tuck, lipo to the thighs or nose job really make someone happier? Maybe in the short-term, but the discontentment within that drove the person to such measures will reappear, it’s just a matter of time. The message the culture gives is that beauty is only skin deep – but we all know that’s not true.

I am in the beauty business after all, but it’s really just a front for the real business of  caring for people, and helping them realize their true beauty within. Sounds corny? Maybe, but it is a way I can give – and it brings me immense pleasure.

When we are young we posses natural beauty: our skin is taut, gravity hasn’t pulled any body parts down, 😉 we have a full head of “colored” hair, and you know the rest. Well, after the bloom begins to fade, inner beauty begins to shine more and more brightly. We become wiser, our hearts have healed, virtue is strengthened, and hopefully we have learned to give – not just of our excess, but sacrificially…till it hurts sometimes.

I guess 2 Corinthians 9:7 says it best: “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” That verse combines part 2 of this series (smiling and laughing) with today’s topic of giving!

Now if you are under 30-something, don’t think you’re going to get by on good looks alone! Your beauty too depends on the quality of your heart, and your ability to both give and receive love.

There are, as you know, MANY ways to give: yielding to another driver, holding back a well deserved rebuke when you’ve been offended, calling or visiting someone who is alone, being kind to those who serve you – like the grocery clerk! –  helping the poor among us, volunteering at a shelter, or promoting a cause and raising global awareness about an issue like Water – which is today’s topic.

I was inspired by Jeanne, a friend of mine who is a professional writer, to do a post about the issue of Water, as October 15th 2010 is Blog Action Day and this year’s theme is Water. Did you know that less than 1% of the world’s water is drinkable? We actually flush our toilets with drinkable water – ever thought of that? There is a big monster behind a curtain for us as Americans, we can’t (or don’t choose to) see the impending crisis of our diminishing water supply – but I digress.

My connection with the theme of international awareness being brought to the issue of Water is three-fold:

Our oldest daughter Valery and her husband Jonathan are expecting their first child, and our first grandchild – they will name him Carter – from Ethiopia. Part of the inspiration to adopt a child from this country came from their association with WineForWells.org. My Dad has a vineyard and Winery in Paso, and we live in wine country, so there’s lots of interest in wine. Not to mention that we live minutes away from one of the largest bodies of water in the world, The Pacific Ocean, and daughter Angela is studying at San Jose State to be a mechanical engineer specializing in the desalination of salt water.

Speaking of water – I need to remind “us” that we would not be as beautiful as we are if we didn’t have plenty of clean water to drink, cook, clean – and even wash our faces with. You know, you’ve seen the pictures of those unfortunate people without enough clean water. We assume these resources will always be there, but for millions they already aren’t – and who knows what the future holds for us?

Maybe Star Brows will host a Wine For Wells event! Their mission is to provide clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene education to those in need around the world. Hosting an event is part of their business model. I’ll keep you posted. And remember: “Faut souffrir pour être belle.” “One must suffer to be beautiful.”

See you at the spa!