54 Beauty Secrets

How do you channel your inner—and outer—beauty? For some, it’s about adornment. Makeup, like fashion, can completely alter the way you look and feel. For others, it’s an hour of silence at a spa, restoring a sense of self. It’s whatever gives us a boost of confidence looking in the mirror before stepping out into the world every day. Here we’ve highlighted top treatments, trends, and tried-and-true products to help you get in touch with your most beautiful being.

1. The Vanity is Back
Photo by John Wagner
This timeless tabletop has returned in a big way. Mirrored vanities are everywhere from national retailers to local antiques stores. Make it mod, vintage, girly, or goth—whatever your style, it’s your place to keep your favorite fragrances, jewelry, love letters, lipstick, and anything you might need to tackle the day as elegantly as possible. Vanity and accessories shown from Alfred’s Grand Petit Magasin, 4388 France Ave. S., Edina, 952-345-6696

2. MBT Shoes
Photo by Mary  Lynn Blasutta

All you need to do is walk in these clever little shoes to reap the benefits. The uniquely shaped sole improves posture and engages rarely used muscles to reduce the appearance of cellulite by strengthening and toning your legs, butt, stomach, and back. The ultimate efficient work-out. Foot Solutions, four metro locations; Fusion Lifespa, 18142 Minnetonka Blvd., Deephaven, 952-345-3335; Shu Global Footwear, 1041 Grand Ave., St. Paul, 651-224-3570

3. Extreme Hair: Short Is Short (and Long Is Long)
Photo by Mary  Lynn Blasutta
Maureen Anlauf, Juut master stylist and recent winner of the North American Hair Stylist of the Year award, says she’s mostly working above the chin or below the shoulder blades these days because extreme lengths are very hot. Long hair is full, feminine, and pretty with more layers on the top of the head and softer scissor cuts (instead of last’s season’s sharp razored edges). Short hair has texture, lots of shape, and a sort of “controlled mess” look to it. Fringes (like bangs) are above the brow or below the cheekbone and are great for framing angles on the face. Although extreme is the au courant look, Anlauf insists a good stylist can adapt runway fashions to fit every face.

4. Edible Beauty
Photo by Mary  Lynn Blasutta
Horst Rechelbacher says we are entering the “age of confrontation” as a consumerist society, meaning people are becoming less tolerant of cosmetic companies selling unmarked and potentially cancerous chemical ingredients under the veil of “safe and natural.” In an attempt to effect change through the marketplace, Horst has been steadily rolling out IN (Intelligent Nutrients), a new line of food-based, completely natural home and body-care products made from such things as pumpkin seeds and cumin oil instead of undesirable synthetic concoctions.

5. Brazilian Wax Parties
Photo by Mary  Lynn Blasutta
Ah, the pain of a Brazilian. How about some music, sangria, and small plates to take the edge off?  Esthetician Faye Nouraee holds private parties after hours at the salon where groups of gals get private waxes, botanical exfoliations, and toner treatments. Plus, the host receives a free facial. $60 per person. Salon Estilo, 11 10th Ave. S., Ste. B, Hopkins, 952-932-0444

6. Watsu
Photo by Randall Nelson
What-su? Imagine floating on your back in a heated pool while a massage therapist uses shiatsu techniques to work away most of your stresses, aches, and pains. The warm water allows the therapist to go deeper into the muscles and pressure points, and the effect is a notch or two more meditative than an ordinary, on-the-table session. Starting at $45. The Marsh, 15000 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-935-2202