54 Beauty Secrets

16. Shine
Photo by Randall Nelson
It’s big this fall, be it a gunmetal handbag, dramatic gold jewelry, or glossy, vibrant hair. Gordon Nelson, the international creative director for Regis Salons, confirms what we’ve been reading about the end of chunky, piecey highlights and urges everyone to embrace subtler foils (like caramels or honey blonds) to give the hair sun-sparkling dimension and volume. So go ahead, shine on!

17. Hair Removal—for Men
Photo by Randall Nelson
Yes, guys are taking it off—all of it. They just don't want to gab about it in a room full of other dudes. John Zeches Skincare keeps the whole process private so his clients, most of whom are straight, don’t even cross paths between appointments. Zeches, who formerly worked for Tom Schmidt, uses a soy-based line of wax for eyebrows, abdomens, backs, butts, and, of course, the most popular treatment—the men’s Brazilian. Gals are welcome too. John Zeches Skincare, 2388 University Ave. W., Ste. 205, St. Paul, 612-670-2141

18. The Organic Spa
Photo by Randall Nelson
No longer confined to the grocery cart, organic is fast becoming the domain of estheticians opting to mine Mother Nature for the latest in skin and body treatments. Fusion Lifespa, which opened just over a year ago, is one local example of this new breed of holistic beauty temples. Each fall, owner Donna Duffy makes a highly coveted (there’s a waitlist) hand and body cream from freshly harvested organic cranberries that are packed with antioxidants and healing enzymes. When Duffy isn’t deep in cranberry crush or other all-natural products for the Fusion signature skin-care line, she and her dedicated staff are helping clients experience French botanical facials, Napa bath soaks, and Javanese nail treatments complete with vegan polish. At Fusion, you can also outfit your home with eco-friendly (and silky soft) bamboo sheets, clean-burning soy candles, or decorative Bali antiques. Fusion Lifespa, 18142 Minnetonka Blvd, Deephaven, 952-345-3335

19. Cosmetic Acupuncture
Photo by Randall Nelson
Long popular on the coasts and in parts of Europe and China, cosmetic acupuncture is on the verge of a beauty tipping point in Minnesota. An acupuncturist uses tiny, sterile needles to stimulate qi (energy) and collagen in the face. During the course of treatment, deep lines will soften and skin becomes noticeably tighter and firmer. Devotees also report improved sleep at night. Who knew traditional Chinese medicine could give Botox a run for its money? Starting at $90.HealthPoint TCM, 720 Main Street, Ste. 208, Mendota Heights; Stillpoint, 333 N. Main St., Stillwater, 651-430-0018

20. Filler du Jour
Photo by Randall Nelson
It’s hard to keep up with injectables, but Skin Therapease owner Pat Scherven says Restylane is still the hottest for lips and laughlines. Next up (pending FDA approval) is Sculptra, which is currently used on HIV patients to fill in areas of facial fat loss and lasts longer. 1907 Wayzata Blvd., Ste. 120, Wayzata, 952-404-0000

21. Sunscreen
Photo by Randall Nelson
Always, always in style. Brian Zelickson, MD, a dermatologist and owner of the Center for Cosmetic Care, recommends using sunscreen every day, preferably one that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Zelickson suggests L’Oreal’s Mexoryl SX or Neutrogena’s formulas with Helioplex technology. Target.com

22. Great Lengths
Photo by Randall Nelson
It’s the brand VH1 called the “Rolls-Royce of hair extensions, the crème de la crème of hair.” Everything is 100 percent natural (no knotting, braiding, sewing, or ripping) and begins with virgin Indian “temple hair” (untreated and chemical free), which is slowly stripped of all pigment and then retreated with textile dye. Shades are expertly matched to your own and attached via heated keratin protein bonds. They last about three to five months and are truly up to celebrity standards. $1,200-$4,000. Twiggs Salonspa, 785 E. Lake St., Wayzata, 952-258-0200