Visage Studio: Skin care, beauty, and makeup

PARTY PERFECT HOLIDAY HEALTH AND BEAUTY TIPS

2010-11-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

Winter can be a wonderful time of year…full of family, friends and great cheer. That said, it’s no secret: the fun (and stresses) that come with the holidays can take its toll on our skin and body. DON’T FRET! Follow these 5 survival tips to keep your skin looking healthy AND beautiful throughout the season. You’ll feel better too!

SLEEP/EXERCISE: I’ve included these together because you need a balance of both. A good 7 to 8 hours sleep not only keeps skin looking younger, but it helps maintain weight regulation. Studies show that sleep deprivation can cause weight gain (yikes!), part of which is caused by reaching for sugar or carbs when exhausted to keep energy level up. Exercise is a must for a glowing, radiant complexion. It gets circulation going and moves more oxygen throughout the body.

LOOK TO A PROFESSIONAL: Getting under the care of a good aesthetician for deep cleansing facials is a must, even if it’s only four times a year. Seasons change and so do the needs of your skin. What worked for you all summer will not be ideal in the dead of winter. The right skincare expert can help you with your daily home care which can be simplified into 5 basic steps: CLEANSE, EXFOLIATE, MOISTURIZE, PROTECT & PREVENT.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL “INSURANCE”: When traveling, it’s important to take along products that will guard against harsh winter climates that can cause dry, dehydrated and irritated skin. Look for products that contain shea butter and hylauronic acid. They are ideal for “locking in” moisture and plumping the skin for hours. Other ingredients to look for that offer up soothing and anti-aging properties are green and white tea extracts, arnica, chamomile and vitamin C.

HYDRATION: Moisture is the most important quality for younger looking skin. Yes, it is important what you drink! Coffee and alcohol can dehydrate the skin, making it look older. If you imbibe, it’s even more important to do your eight glasses of water a day. And no, diet drinks don’t count.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT: Those lovely canapés are oh so tempting that who can resist? We will all be responsible for over eating pretty little puffy bites that pack a caloric punch. To help prevent looking like a larger version of a cream puff come January, balance is the key. Eating alkaline forming, fresh vegetables and fruits such as dark leafy greens, carrots, avocados and berries helps to nourish and detoxify the system which in turn keeps skin looking clear and bright!

New Air Repair Beauty Boost

2010-09-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Need a quick beauty boost? It's the Air Repair Beauty Boost, our amenity size "take care anywhere" mini skincare kit and facial-to-go containing Air Repairs high quality products.

It's portable, flight (and TSA friendly), and gives you a friendly collection of skincare products that instantly refreshes and re-hydrates so you can recover FAST from the stresses of travel and the environment. The kit sells for only $9.95 for four products and a nifty container to hold the products in.

It's the best flight insurance you can buy. Stop by our online store to pick up yours. They're perfect for gifts too.

Stylecaster Interview with Denise Spanek

2010-09-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

Check out the Jet-Setter! Airplane Skincare Tips - an interview with Denise Spanek, CEO of Air Repair and Visage Studio, San Francisco's leading skin care studio.

The interview gives tips and hints that will help you take better care of your skin, especially while traveling. Cabin air on airplanes is very dry - drier than the Sahara Desert!

And, with the Air Repair Kit or the new Air Repair Beauty Boost, you're able to protect your skin easily.

Check out the Air Repair products or check out the Stylecaster interview.

Great Gift Ideas: Air Repair Kit

2008-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

If anyone on your gift list travels, here's a great idea for a gift. The new Air Repair Kit has just been released for only $65.

San Francisco's 7x7 Magazine just featured the Air Repair Kit as one of their top gift ideas.

Frequent fliers, business travelers, even people who are traveling across different climates will appreciate the products in this kit that will help protect skin against the harsh, dry air found in all airplane cabins.

The kit can be used for travel and as part of a daily skin care regime and works for men and women and all skin types.

Racking up more wrinkles than frequent flier miles? Flying and environmental changes like sun and snow take a real toll on your skin. Air Repair skin care to the rescue. Helps dry, dehydrated and dull skin with a combination of five brand new products, specially formulated to effectively treat your skin.

Travel for business? Travel for fun? Traveling for the holidays? Check out our newly formulated beauty and skin care products - all created specifically with one thing in mind - helping your skin survive the ravages of flying. Fact: Cabin air on airplanes is dryer than the world's driest deserts. $65 and now available in my store.

Each product is also available for purchase individually.

Earthworks Pur-Essence Skin Care

2008-10-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

We've just received a shipment of the new Seringa Blossom skin care products from Earthworks. These are part of their Pur-essence line, combining wonderful exotic fragrances with products that can be used daily.

One of the best-selling gifts in our online bath and beauty store are the bath truffles. Each bath truffle can be used multiple times - place it in your bath for a few minutes and then remove it and place it in a dry place so it can be used again.

The bath truffles help moisturize your skin while providing wonderful fragrances and scents. For only $30, you get a box of 6 bath truffles. These make a wonderful gift for anyone on your shopping list. And, they're a wonderful treat for yourself.

See more information on the EarthWorks skin care products.

April is the Cruelest Month for Fools

2008-03-24T14:11:00.000-07:00

How April 1st Became April Fool’s Day

New Year, as the world knew it prior to 1564, was celebrated on April 1st. April 1 was New Year’s Day – the culmination of holiday celebrations that started on March 25th and continued on for eight days.

In 1564, Charles IX shifted the calendar in France and New Year's Day was moved to January 1. The French would never again celebrate April 1st as New Year’s Day. The official decree had been made.

In those early days, before iPads, the Internet, HDTV and 3D TV, smart phones and the automobile, the only way to get a message from one person, one village, one city and one country to another was to send the news by a messenger traveling by foot, by horseback, reliable carrier pigeon or by ship. Many people did not receive the news for days, weeks, months and even years. It took many years for countries to shift the new year from April 1 to January 1. And, to adopt the new Gregorian calendar.

Even citizens who received the official news that the date of the New Year's celebration had been changed refused to believe it. They continued to celebrate their New Year with an eight day celebration starting on March 25 and continuing through April 1. New Year's Day was April 1.

These folks were labeled as "fools" by the rest of the population who had their facts straight. The fools were subject to ridicule and were often were the victims of practical jokes or were sent off on "fools" errands. April 1st became April Fool Day.

The world adopted the shift in the holiday along with the new Gregorian calendar. January 1 became the start of the New Year. April Fool’s Day remains the official day for practical jokes.

Even as times change, this remains constant: the French are experts in the art of skin care and developing fragrances. French products are some of the best in the world from lines that combine the latest in technology with the old-world techniques of manufacturing. French women know how to pamper themselves, how take the best care of their skin and how to keep their skin looking young and beautiful. Here's your second chance to make those New Year's resolutions and pamper your skin.

"I've combed the streets of Paris for the best-of-the-best products and brought all of these back to the US. I'm featuring my Best of France products, all carefully researched and hand-picked by yours truly."

You don't have to travel far to take advantage of these French skincare products. All are available in my online store. And, at any time of the year, orders over $99 (US only) have standard shipping at no charge.

Maria Galland

Each Maria Galland skin care product combines gentleness and effectiveness with strict pharmaceutical control. All products are suited for all skin types. Try Maria's Intensive Action Firming Mask n°153 to give your skin a more radiant and smoother look. In just a few minutes, this pink and white clay mask will help bring new life to your looks. Browse now.

Les Bains du Marais

Les Bains du Marais products are carefully infused with delightful scents and are available in both body oils and tonics. The scents are subtle yet envelop you in a veil of loveliness. Try any of the three fragrances: Musc Blanc, Jasmine and Fleur d'Oranger. Browse now.

Anne Sémonin

Anne Sémonin products have become the favorites of celebrities and beauty editors worldwide. Each product is designed for maximum effectiveness. Try Anne's Botanical Face Milk, a cleanser with sea extracts and hazel nut oil that gently but effectively removes makeup and impurities without disturbing the skin's vital equilibrium. Its anti-inflammatory properties make this cleanser suitable for all skin types and ideal for sensitive skin. Browse now.

Don't Leave Home Without It

My Air Repair Rescue Balm has become the crème de la crème, as indispensable as water, food and air. Well, I wouldn't want to be caught in the Sahara without it, nor on the slopes near Zermatt without it. Put one in your purse (or pocket for men). It's the best beauty bargain on the globe - only $18 and well worth it.

Visage Studio New Digs in San Francisco's Dogpatch

2008-01-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

We've moved our shop from Burlingame to San Francisco and as of today, we're open in the new location. We're located in the "Dogpatch" area, located on the flats just east of Potrero Hill.

We're in the American Industrial Center, a building built in 1915 by the American Can Company and then transformed into home to 34-40 large tenants. In 1985, the building shifted to small, community businesses - 285 businesses - ranging from architects, artists and agencies to photo studios and production companies. And now, home to Visage Studio.

2325 Third Street, Suite 411
San Francisco, CA 94107
+1 415.503.1011

Maggie Q, Star of Live Free, Die Hard

2007-07-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Maggy Q, star of Live Free, Die Hard is in the August issue of Elle Magazine. Her choice of natural skin care products? Susan Posnick.

"It's so simple to use and makes my skin look flawless," Q says.

Susan Posnick is a celebrity make-up artist with over a twenty-year, award-winning career painting the faces of the most beautiful women in film and fashion.

Her work has been featured in Vogue, bazaar, Essence, Elle, and Allure.

After developing skin cancer, Posnick decided to pioneer a healthy make-up line that protects skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Every one of her formulations contains SPF-26 protection. Read more...

My Dry Hands Are Like Reptile Skin

2007-05-18T06:33:00.000-07:00

My hands are as dry as reptile skin. What do you recommend that I use?

Your best bet for extremely dry hands and skin in general is the AIR REPAIR RESCUE BALM. It's the best $18.00 you'll ever spend on a skincare product! Not only will it help soften the skin, but the shea butter will act as a "humectant" to help from further moisture loss. It seems a bit thick at first, but keep working it in and after a few minutes, all you will be left with is soft skin. Makes an excellent lip balm too! It's also a totally "green" product. And, if you're a cook, bartender or anyone who works around water, this is the best salve for soothing your dry skin.

Put Puffy Eyes to Rest

2007-05-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Which is better for eye puffiness especially under the eyes? Chinese Tea Eye Gel or the Karin Herzog Oxygen Eye Cream?

For de-puffing, the Chinese Tea Eye Gel is better. However, for an extra effective eye treatment, I like to put the gel on first (lid and under eye), applying with a very light "stippling" motion for a minute or so.

Then for smoothing out lines and to add more moisture, I put the Oxygen Eye Cream over it. This duo can be used both morning and night. Also, I like to keep the Chinese Tea Eye Gel in the refridgerator for an extra de-puffing effect. However, this is not necessary for it to be effective.

The Zodiac Killer’s Brother Wears Make-Up

2007-04-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

It was just another normal day at Visage Studio sometime ago in the 90’s. RIINNGGG… “Hello, Visage Studio, can I help you?” A man named William asked if we did prosthetic make-up. Although this was not my specialty, at that point I my life, I was willing to be a bit of a make-up “whore”.

Anyway, I figured if I out priced my services, he would take a pass. Being under-experienced and overly confident I said “yes”. “Can you make me look like the Zodiac Killer?”, he asked. Why I said, “Of course, we do this sort of application all the time, but it will cost you $500.” “That’s fine, he said.” WHAT! Before I knew it, I had committed to a date and time at my Studio to make William look like someone who had terrorized my childhood!

Calling in the forces, I was not about to take this on alone. A friend of mine who digs this sort of thing (not serial killers, prosthetic make-up jobs), agreed to help me out. We were sent a police composite drawing of the “Z” and asked to make the prosthetics from this.

William arrived on time, dressed like a gentleman with his partner in crime who just happened to be some sort of sheriff, gun and camera in tow. This was starting to feel very “David Lynchian” to me, but I went with it. He was older, very poised and polite with a seemingly colorful, yet normal background.

He was an attorney and had written a book on WWII, which he proceeded to give me an autographed copy. I asked him why he wanted to look like the Zodiac Killer and he said he had always been fascinated with him. We completed our task and collected payment. The “Sheriff” took photos and they went on their way. Harmless…

A couple of weeks later, I was at my local San Francisco TV station (I freelanced quite often at that time doing celebrity makeup work). I was holding court in the make-up room, which housed a little monitor so that I could check my makeup work from time to time. All of a sudden I heard, NEWS FLASH… “Bay Area Man Claims To Be The Zodiac Killer’s Brother.” News at 11. Yes, it was my man William. Little did I know what was to follow later that year. Let’s just say I was starting to get a reputation for specializing in serial killer’s relatives.

I did make-up services on who’s mother?! Stay tuned…

His Name Was Michael Jackson

2007-02-22T16:08:00.000-08:00

No, it’s not what you are thinking. I didn’t set off to North Africa in search of ”The Thriller’s” beauty secrets. I went to Morocco in search of the single woman’s empowering adventure. Of course, if I found some really cool beauty products along the way, even better!

I started my adventure with a newly divorced friend whose spirit for travel and adventure matched mine. Our first stop was Marrakesh. We made our home base here, as it seemed cosmopolitan enough for our taste, yet still there was a sense that “we were not in Kansas anymore.” We made our way though the labyrinth of souhks, better known as the shops that sell a variety of high quality crafts, as well as a fair amount of rubbish. We visited mosques, gardens, museums and the Djemaa el-Fna, a huge square in the medina that is illuminated at night with food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers and magicians.

(Oh don’t worry, there really is a Michael Jackson affiliation with this story…read on.)

Now, it was time to head out on a REAL adventure. Having done a bit of research about Essaouira, a charming coastal town that from all the travel guides, sounded a bit like Santa Cruz here in Northern California. I consulted a local tour guide as to what it would take to get there; “A couple of hours and a car and driver”, he said. And so, here we were in the middle of July (not the time to travel here, as it is bloody hot combined with the fact that we were riding in a 1974 flint stone-powered Mercedes) heading to our destination in the middle of the sweltering Sahara desert! At times we were so isolated, that, well, let’s just say that if we had have broken down, we would still be traveling back to Marrakesh by camel.

There was little in the way of modern civilization, as we know it. This was the land of the Berbers, whose villages were beautiful in their simplicity, but modest at best and certainly devoid of modern amenities. Just as I had surrendered to whatever travel fate that was to become us, our driver pulled over. He spoke no English and of course we spoke no Arabic but we tried to figure out by way of sign language what on earth was going on. Then, he pointed to what looked like ordinary olive trees except they were peppered with… GOATS! Not one, not two, but several goats just hanging out in the middle of the desert in trees. My first thought was this has got to be a staged photo-op for gullible tourists, but no tourists would have the sense to travel out here. Just as I was “coming to” and digesting all of this, a little Berber boy comes walking anxiously toward me with, of all things, a black baby goat! He made a gesture that he wanted me to hold this adorable little creature; I couldn’t resist. Praying silently that I would not be pounced upon by one of his relatives in the trees, I agreed to have my photo taken. As I handed this sweet goat back to the little boy, he was able to understand my question, which was: “What is your goat’s name?” His answer: “Michael Jackson.”

Oh, by the way, I did learn a beauty secret from the goats of all things. The reason they risk their lives to climb those trees is to eat the argon fruit, which is what these trees produce. Like our olive trees, this precious fruit is also made into an oil, which is then used in beauty tonics and skin softening oils. No longer the beauty secret of goats, you too can experience this pleasure by checking out my latest European import, Les Bains du Marais products. Just in case the goat thing freaks you out, this oil has also been the skin care secret of many beauty women from North Africa to the Orient.

Behold the Skin of the Sharpei…

2007-01-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

Cute for a doggie but “unflattering” on us girlies! So, when our phones started lighting up like a Chinese New Year's Day parade with SOS calls from our customers around the country, I went into high gear, and came up with some bona fide beauty solutions. Lamenting that the “cold snap” (or slap!) had taken a toll on their skin, prematurely aging them into the next decade, I personally put together youth -inducing skincare regimens that would reverse the nasty little ravages that winter had bestowed on them. You too, can contact me with your personal skin “sob” stories. I’ll be armed and ready to address your needs – from post-party puffy eyes to dreadful dry skin. In the meantime, here are some rockin’ remedies that will have you saying bye-bye to “bow wow” skin!

Remember your skincare routine should change “like the weather”. In a colder climate, skin is dryer and more sensitive, and dead skin tends to build-up, giving cause for the “I look ten years older” panic when looking in the mirror! I call my quick solution M E R L O; no, that doesn’t stand for drinking large amounts of red wine. It’s the following five-step solution:

M-ASK: A super quick fix for dull, dry skin, applying a mask can help revive even the most sallow skin. While you are having your coffee (oops! herbal tea) in the morning, slather on Anne Semonin’s Sea Gel Mask, it hydrates, soothes and tones the skin. Even five minutes of masking is better than going to work looking like a worn-out rock star!

E-XFOLIATE: Sloughing off dead cells is the key to boost, balance, and brighten the skin. Forget mind-blowing, microderm machines; simply use Karin Herzog’s Mild Scrub daily, it will also make those large pores appear smaller.

R-ESCUE: The skin (all over the body) needs extra help in this climate. Internal heating systems as well as the lack of humidity can leave skin irritated and literally so dry it “cracks”. (Have you looked at your heels lately?) My very own Air Repair Rescue Balm is a soothing, chemical-free all-purpose salve that can be used ANYWHERE skin is dry. For all you holistic fans, it is completely preservative-free as well! Another skin-saving remedy is our Air Repair Skin Vitality Mineral Mist. This can be sprayed on the face anytime to re-hydrate, even over makeup.

L-AYER: In this weather, one layer is never enough! Start by putting a nourishing oil or treatment serum on a clean face, follow with a moisturizer, then sunscreen. My suggestion for a “triple treat” for day- Skinceutical's C E Ferulic, followed by Karin Herzog's Vita – A – Kombi 1 and finishing with Skinceuticals SPF 30 OR SPF 45. For night, replace the C E Ferulic with the Anne Semonin Olgio Anne Serum with the Karin Herzog Vita –A Kombi 1 over it. Obviously, forgo the sunscreen.

O-XYGENATE: Increasing oxygen levels in the body and skin instantly energizes your whole being. For your “inside”, try some deep yoga breathing or quick aerobic activity. For the “outside”, a generous layer of Karin Herzog Vita –A – Kombi 1 Cream is your best bet. Use it day and night just as you would a moisturizer.