Best Face Forward

by Kim Taylor

Wow! Is it spring already? It seems like just yesterday I was muddling through winter and now all of a sudden I have this burst of energy and motivation to clean and organize EVERYTHING! Unfortunately, even with the longer days I still can’t find time to do it all. I’ve learned over the years that I can’t tackle everything at once; I have to break tasks down into small projects or nothing will ever get finished. The other piece to that puzzle for me is trying to throw in a fun project here and there to keep me motivated.

A favorite spring project of mine is going through my makeup, purging and replacing the old while adding a few fun new items to update my look. This task feels especially significant to me this year as I am turning forty in April. I believe forty is just a doorway for all of the amazing things yet to come, but I still want to walk through that door looking twenty-five (ok, I’ll settle for early thirties).

First of all, I know that it doesn’t matter how great my makeup arsenal is if I don’t take good care of my skin. I own a salon and spa for goodness sakes, doesn’t that mean I know everything? HA- NOT EVEN CLOSE. However, I am a pretty smart cookie and I’ve staffed my spa with professionals who know a whole lot more than I do about skincare and makeup.

Before I get too excited about freshening up my makeup, let’s chat a bit about skincare. I am a true believer in professional skincare at home and in the spa. I use a combination of Sanitas and Image products and I love both equally. I never get rid of skincare products that are working for me- although I do have to replace empties and add new products that address my skin in a different way. I make sure to book skincare appointments regularly, (about every 6 weeks) so that I stay on top of changes in my skin. I’ve noticed in the last few years that I need and prefer a slightly more aggressive approach in the treatment room. In our dry climate, and maybe because I am no longer a spring chicken, I benefit greatly from resurfacing treatments such as microderm and dermaplane. They help my skin absorb all of the nutrients that are packed into my homecare products. One of the most fabulous things I can share with you about the estheticians at Essence is that every treatment is carefully customized to fit the individual needs of each client. This ensures you always get the facial your skin craves.

Skin that is well cared for is easier to apply makeup to and will yield a more natural and even result. My first choice in makeup is Glo Minerals. One of the qualities that makes Glo a standout makeup line is that they use pharmaceutical grade ingredients. They infuse their formulations with Vitamins A, C, E, and Green Tea Extract, a powerful antioxidant blend vital to maintaining and protecting healthy skin. I’ve been using Glo since we began carrying it in 2013. The line is complete; everything you need from foundation and concealers to eyes, lips, and cheeks. I truly appreciate the beauty and artistry that goes into a great smoky eye, a perfectly contoured jawline, and lips that pout but not overly so. However, I am more of a “fresh face” kind of gal. Their primer, sheer tint foundation, and blush are easy to use and feel amazing on my skin. Complement those staples with a couple of fun eyeshadows and lip colors and whatever else Glo is cooking up this season I am fresh and ready for spring (and the big 4-0)!

In anticipation of a beautiful spring, Essence has put together a week-long skincare and makeup event April 3-8. Our skincare specialists, Serissa Asta and Lindsey Sloan will be offering skincare and makeup consultations as well as specially priced makeup services. (details below)

Serissa Asta received her training at the Aveda Academy in downtown Denver in 2006, and continued her education at the Denver School of Aesthetics receiving certification in chemical peels and microdermabrasion. Serissa is talented in the art of eyebrow shaping and is experienced in body waxing. She thrives in situations that enable her to use her vibrancy and creativity, especially in the realm of makeup application. A former freelance makeup artist for MAC, Serissa thoroughly enjoys walking alongside her clients in mutual pursuit of renewal and reinvention. She values the process of skin care and strives to meet the unique requests that each client brings to the table.

Lindsey Sloan has been a licensed esthetician for over 14 years. She is very passionate and is deeply committed to achieving the best results possible, customizing every service to meet the needs of each client. Lindsey loves to learn and grow. She regularly attends advanced education classes and offers purposeful, effective treatments. Well-rounded and skillful, Lindsey offers a full menu of skincare services. Her specialties include anti -aging treatments, dermaplaning, and all types of waxing. She holds a degree in Psychology and enjoys assisting others in their journey to wellness and wholeness.

If you are looking for a fun, feel good spring project- consider adding some fun new skincare and makeup goodies to update your collection. We are excited to help you put your best face forward this spring!

Best Face Forward Event

When: All week Monday 4/3- Saturday 4/8

Where: Essence hair, skin, and body 1422 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen

  • Complimentary skin analysis, foundation matching, and makeup consultations by appointment.
  • Makeup application/lesson $45 by appointment (regularly $55- $65).
  • 15% off all Glo, Image, Sanitas, and in stock Clarisonic products.
  • Enter to win a sixty-minute customized facial with $50 makeup and/or skincare product purchase.

To book a consultation or makeup application/lesson, call 303-670-0777

AND….

While you are thinking about it, go to our website to see the great packages and seasonal offerings we have designed with YOU in mind. Happy spring- we’ll see you soon!