Sexy Summer Style: Top to Bottom

Summer is in high gear and we are all wanting to have that sexy Summer style that seems effortless yet beautifully chic.
Whether it it throwing on a fabulous maxi dress or having a simple but fashionable up-do here's our advice on how to have style from top to bottom!


SEXY SUMMER HAIR: 

Flirty Fishtail Braid

This is the perfect style to rock if you're hanging out by the shore, since the salty air will give your strands great texture for braiding. If you're not near the beach, you can fake that texture by  applying hair product through damp strands (a good one: Kevin Murphy's Hair Resort Beach Texturizer sold here in our Salon) and letting hair air-dry. Then do a fishtail braid: Divide your hair in half, and hold the left side in your left hand and right side in your right hand. Pull a half-inch section of hair from the outside of the right side and add it to the inside of the left side. Repeat with a piece from the outside of the left side, adding it to the inside of the right side. Continue adding half-inch pieces down to your ends, and secure with an elastic. Position the braid over your shoulder, then tug out a few pieces around your face for a breezy effect (or just let the wind do its thing).

Fast Figure-Eight Bun

You know how you twist your hair when you're bored on a lazy day? That's the key trick to this style, seen here. Make a low side ponytail, leaving a few pieces loose around your face. Twist the length of your ponytail, and wrap it into a figure-eight shape — smoosh it up against your scalp, and tuck the ends into the loop. Insert a few hairpins or tiny barrettes to lock it all in place. Finish with a mist of lightweight hair spray that'll give you extra hold minus any stickiness. We like Kevin Murphy's Anti Gravity Hair Spray.  

Swept-Up Sexy

Embrace your inner slacker and opt for this style when you've just rolled out of bed. If your hair's too clean, it will be slippery and won't have enough grip. If you've just shampooed, rub some mousse into dry roots to get some gritty (in a good way) texture. Try Kevin Murphy's Body Builder Volumising Mousse. Next, use a comb to tease strands around the crown to build volume. Make a side part, and sweep back the top half of your hair. Push the section up slightly to form a small bump before securing with bobby pins. Brush strands to smooth out weird pieces, but don't make it perfect. It should look a little rough.

Mermaid Mane

Curly strands are always a summer hit, but this year, it’s less about kinks and more about undulating waves. To cop the effect:Apply Kevin Murphy's Body Building Volumizing Mousse to towel-dried hair, then blow it out using a paddle brush. Don’t pull it down too hard though—some natural wave (if you have any) is good. Wrap 3-inch-wide sections around a small curling iron. Working on large chunks creates languid spirals and is a quick way to do your whole head. Avoid the roots. Finish by smoothing shine-boosting Kevin Murphy's Easy Rider Anti-Frizz cream over your locks. 

Silk-Wrapped Strands

Slipping a colorful scarf around your do is an easy way to glam up a simple look. Fold a bright scarf several times until it’s about 3 inches wide. Twist the ends. Brush your hair back, then place the scarf 2 inches behind your hairline (don’t put it any farther back or it’ll be prone to slipping off). Make sure the ends are an even length. Urban Retreat Spa and Salon's no-slip securing strategy: Tie the scarf twice at your nape underneath your hair. First, knot it horizontally, then do it again, but this time pull each side of the scarf vertically. This will keep the knot tight and also make the ends lay down evenly.

Beachy Bouffant

Want to wear your hair down but just can’t deal with it being plastered to your face on a steamy day? No sweat. Because your face-framing strands are pulled back in this style, you won’t have to fuss over them, but the overall effect is still sexy. To do: Apply Kevin Murphy Volumising Mousse to damp tresses and blow-dry using a round brush to create ends that bend (some inward, some outward). Try Kevin Murphy's Texture Master to hold the shape. Make a center part. Brush the hair on each side of your part back to just past your ears, twist each half a few times, and pin behind your ears.

SEXY SUMMER CLOTHES:

Summer Brights

Summer is a great time to break out those brighter colors! In stock at the Whimsy clothing boutique in the front of our salon are many great clothing options for the height of the Summer heat. Try one of many new bright colored items to add that punch of color. Many items sell out fast but new items are always coming in! 

Summer Prints

This hot summer trend is definitely the maxi dress. Especially maxi's with fantastic prints like this one. Add a beautiful maxi to your wardrobe (we have several styles in stock) and you will find it's the easiest way to look great instantly. We love maxi's because come Fall you can throw on a cardigan or denim jacket and it will be perfect for the coming colder weather. 

Summer Protection

We all need to protect our skin and still look chic on the same time. Add a flirty summer hat to your outfit to be functional yet adding a sophisticated touch to your wardrobe. 

SEXY FOOTWEAR

Think boots are just for colder weather? Think again! Adding cowboy boots to your summer style will be a fashionable surprise to any outfit. We paired it here with one of our flirty summer skirts and basic tank tops. Several new styles in stock now in our Whimsy boutique.

SEXY SUMMER NAILS

This summer the sexy color is blue! This adorable trend is surprisingly sexy and very unexpected. Come in to Urban Retreat Spa and Salon for a manicure or pedicure and try this fun color! See how the celebs are wearing it for inspiration! 

We hope you are enjoying your summer and can use these tips to have sexy summer style all season long! Stay tuned next week for 

WHAT TO PACK: Great tips on what to take on your next vacation for easy style while you're away!

Head to Toe Skin Solutions

Let's start with your face...

Step 1: Know Your Skin Type

Who doesn't want healthy, great-looking skin? Start by knowing your skin type. Then you will know how best to take care of it. The 3 main types of skin are:
DRY SKIN: usually flaky, scaly, or rough to the touch.
OILY SKIN: shiny, greasy, and you may have large pores.
COMBINATION SKIN: dry in some areas (usually the cheeks) and oily in other (usually the forehead, nose, and chin)

Step 2: Cleanse

Don't just grab whatever soap that is in the shower or at the sink! Use the skin care product that is correct for your skin. At Urban Retreat Spa and Salon we carry the fantastic Glymed skin care line.
We are happy to help you know exactly which products are appropriate for your skin type.  Try Glymed's: Mega-Purifying Cleanser. This ultra-gentle cleanser instantly dissolves makeup and the daily accumulation of oils and evironmental debris on the skin. 

Step 3: Balance and Moisturize

Balance? Yes! Proper balance is key to healthy skin. Glymed Plus offers a afull range of balancing products that nourish and protect skin cells and prepare your skin to be moisturized. Try Glymed's:
Skin Recovery Mist: Quench dehydrated, lackluster skin in a mega dose of skin protective phytonutrients, moisture boosting hyaluronic acid and vitamin B panthenol. 

You may think you're too young to need moisturizer, or that your skin is too oily, but all skin needs moisture. Moisturizers help keep your skin from drying out. Use it daily, no matter what type of skin type you have. Apply it while your skin is still damp from washing or rinsing to seal in the moisture.
Glymed has several great moisturizers for all skin types. Try Glymed's: Daily Repair Mega-Moisture Cream. This lightweight vitamin, mineral and glyco-protein cream hydrates as it helps repair photo-damaged and environmentally stressed skin. 

Step 4: Protect

Sun can damage your skin no matter what your age. It's the number one age factor for skin and of course you should be concerned with skin cancer. Wear it daily, even if it's not sunny and even if it's cold. The sun's rays can reflect off water, sand and snow. Glymed has several products that have SPF. Such as: Photo-Age Environmental Protection Gel SPF 15. It's light-weight, non-oily UVA/UVB full spectrum protection. 


What about wanting that sun kissed glow? We all know the dangers of the sun and tanning beds. But we also want to have a great tan! We offer a fabulous product called Fake Bake Sunless tan. It is amazing! Easily applied and streak free. You'll have that beautiful tan without all the damage.

Step 5: Prevention

So you're working hard at keeping your skin at its best. The logical thing is to prevent damage correct?
Let's talk about makeup. Ever go to bed with your makeup still on? Time to stop! Did you know that
going to bed before washing your face will leave makeup on your skin that can clog your pores and cause acne.

As far as choosing makeup, choose products that have "nonacnegenic" or "noncomedogenic" on the label. They will be less likely to cause acne or clog pores. Look for makeup that is water-based and not oil-based. Mascara should not be used any longer than four months.

Don't want to worry about makeup? Try our permanent makeup service. You'll wake up looking fantastic!

Step 6: Health and Nutrition

They say beauty comes from within and they're right! What you eat, drink and do to your body effect the health of your skin. Keep your skin healthy by eating smart. Eat lots of veggies, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans and eggs. Watch out for foods that are high in cholesterol, trans fats, saturated fats, salt and sugar. And get plenty of sleep for good health and to avoid dark circles, fine lines, dull skin, and other side effects of bad rest.


Remember to relax! Even stress can make you break out. Try a massage from Urban Retreat Spa and Salon to bring you to a more peaceful emotional, mental and physical state. 

Step 7: Last but not least...
Now how about those hands and toes? Think a manicure and pedicure are only a luxury? Think again!
Your hands and feet take a beating each day. There are several health benefits to having proper maintenance of them. Cutting, clipping and cleaning of the nails prevents nails from growing incorrectly or infection.

Exfoliation, or the sloughing off of dead skin cells, prevents the cells from accumulating and causing bunions or corns, which can be painful. Removal of the dead skin cells also encourages newer skin cell growth which creates a smoother, more appealing foot.

The most enjoyable part of the salon manicure and pedicure is the massage. The lotion and/or oils used gently moisturize the newly exfoliated skin, and massaging promotes circulation and reduces pain from overuse. And let's face it, a nice time out for this pampering can reduce stress!

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment for any of our services or to learn about our products feel free to contact us:

Give us a call at 801 386-7009 or contact us directly.

Benefits of Massage

So many of us think that taking the time and money to get a massage is a luxury. The reality is massage is extremely good for your health in so many ways you may not have realized. We have many services that will help you feel relaxed and revitalized! Our massage therapists are the wonderful Nicole Fehr and Lisa Cormier.

What are the benefits? Let's start with the physical benefits:


1. Alleviates low-back pain and improves range of motion. If you have been suffering back pain, stiffness, soreness a massage will be extremely beneficial to you.
2. Massage exercises and stretches weak, tight or atrophied muscles.
3. Helps athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
4. Increases joint flexibility.
5. Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
6. Eases medication dependance for pain.
7. Reduces spasms and cramping.
8. Relieves migraine and head ache pain.
9. Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
10. Improves the condition of the body's largest organ, the skin!
11. Releases endorphins, amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller. 
12. Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the bodies natural defense system.


Our massage treatments we'd suggest for those looking to increase their bodies health:

Deep Tissue Massage

60/90 minutes:

Suited for clients with injuries or body pain.

An invigoration deep tissue massage. 

Our massage therapists treat the back, neck, and shoulders while addressing specific injury/pain areas. 

or you can try...

Soothing Stone Massage

60/90 minutes:

A detoxifying and relaxing treatment using

the therapeutic effects of hot stones and warm 

body oils. A terrific remedy for sore muscles.

For those expectant mothers...

Pregnancy Massage

60/90 minutes:

A massage treatment specialized to meet the

needs of the expectant mother.

Energy is restored and aches and pains

are diminished.

So what are the emotional benefits?


1. Reduces depression. Massage therapy can give a person an overall sense of well being. For someone who is experiencing anxiety or depression this can be an immense help.
2. Stress and Relaxation. Stress can actually be decreased and relaxation improved when massage therapy is done. This can have a direct impact on our emotions. Reducing and controlling stress levels through massage therapy can help us be better able to deal with problems as they arise. 
3. Touch, especially in America, is not a common thing between people. Because we are humans, touch helps to ease us, and it can provide comfort and support in times of distress. 


Massage puts more than a smile on your face. It is a huge benefit to your health. 

Our massage treatments we'd suggest for those looking to increase their emotional well being?

Retreat Signature Massage

30/60/90 minutes

Relieve stress and tension as your "problem areas"

are treated. An excellent massage for experienced

patrons or those who enjoy a deep, 

thorough massage. 

or try...

Couples Retreat

60/90 minutes 

A customized signature massage for you

and your partner. Specially priced for couples.

A great way to celebrate an anniversary

or other special occasion.

Interested in scheduling a massage appointment?

Call us today:

Give us a call at 801 386-7009 or contact us directly.

10 Ways to for Younger Looking Skin

We all want to  have healthy, youthful skin. It's very possible there are many things you could be doing that you may not realize! At Urban Retreat Spa and Salon, we love to helping you look your best. Here are 10 Ways you can help keep your skin youthful. 


1. Sunscreen! Apply generously! If you don't apply the right amount of sunscreen, you're not getting the protection you need! It's recommended to use a nickel-size amount for your face and ample amounts on your entire body. If you're going to spend a lot of time outside, apply it on everywhere, even if you plan on wearing a bathing suit or clothes- and do so at least 20 minutes before you leave, so it has time to sink in. Sun damage is the number 1 skin aging factor. 

2. Don't get lulled into a false sense of security. People really think a higher number of SPF means longer coverage. But no matter the number you've picked, you have to reapply generously every 90 minutes.

3. Just because you have a thick head of hair, it doesn't mean your scalp is protected. If you're going to be in the sun, we suggest misting your head with a spray sunscreen or always packing a hat. At Urban Retreat Spa and Salon, we have a Whimsy Clothing Shop in front with beautiful hat options for you!



4. Stop thinking your makeup is able to protect your face from the sun sufficiently. Plenty of foundations and pressed powders now contain sunscreen, but that doesn't mean they give you the right amount of protection. Experts say you would have to apply seven times the amount of foundation you wear to get the full SPF value of the product! At Urban we recommend using Glymed 15 or Glymed 30 for much better protection for your skin. Prevent environmental again assaults using a proven and effective, full spectrum SPF protection formula that blends perfectly with any makeup product.

5. Don't forget about your lips. Did you know your lips get more sun exposure than any other area on the face? And if you're in the habit of putting on lip gloss before going out it's like putting baby oil on your body and lying in the sun! You can burn your lips. If you plan on being outside, make sure your gloss has an SPF of 20 and put it on after you've covered your lips with a sunscreen lip balm. Or throw on a hat from Whimsy as mentioned before. They have built in SPF!

6. Hydrate! No, Diet Coke does not count. The more hydrated your skin, the better your wrinkles will look. Drink lots of water, cut back on coffee and soda. Aim to drink eight 8oz. of water a day. Keep it available and  you will hit that goal easily. If you are feeling thirsty, you are not drinking enough. 

7. Keep your skin hydrated. The trick is to start with a cleanser that doesn't strip your skin. We recommend starting with a hydrating  Glymed Cleanser.  

It's also important to gently exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells- no moisturizer can penetrate a layer of flakes. We recommend following up a gentle exfoliate like Glymed's Exfoliant Masque.

 Then double up on moisturizers: In the morning, try a lighter formula with sunscreen that absorbs well. Try Glymed's 15 or 30spf moisturizer as mentioned above. At night, go with a dense cream such as Glymed's Mega Moisture for evening.  

Follow with Glymeds Eye calm for eye puffiness and Glymed's Eye and Lip Renewal for firming eyes and lips to soothe your skin while you sleep.

  

8. Stop Smoking. In addition to causing Cancer and bad breath, smoking cigarettes destroys collagen and elastin, and decreases levels of estrogen, which is necessary to keep skin firm. 

9.  Get enough sleep. Easier said than done correct? The term beauty rest actually has some science behind it! Not only does your skin need some down time to repair it, but sagging skin and puffiness around the eyes make wrinkles look much worse. 

10. Eat healthy!

Your skin receives nutrients not only from creams and treatments, but also from the food you eat. The more balanced your diet, the younger you'll look. And if you're not taking a multivitamin, start now. To keep skin happy, eat more fatty fish (such as salmon), dark green vegetables (like broccoli and spinach), almonds, and walnuts. Drink lots of antioxidant green tea. And lay off the refined sugar and booze—both cause aging inflammatory reactions in the skin.

How can we be of help? We have several Skin Care Services to help you be as beautiful as possible. 

SKIN CARE SERVICES

Retreat Renewal Facial                  40 min   $55

Treatment for All Skin Types - Quick Fix

A complete solution for those who need a detailed quick fix.  Intended to relax and rejuvenate.  This customized facial is great for all skin types. The treatment will leave skin visibly refreshed and enhanced.

Retreat Signature Facial      75 min. $80

Treatment for All Skin Types - Relaxing Maintenance

The latest in skin care technique. Purify and nourish your skin while leaving it noticeably firmer and more radiant. Our signature facial includes: cleansing, steam, exfoliation, extractions (at request), masque, toning and moisturizing. European massage of the face, neck and decollate to relieve stress and tension that can lead to premature aging.

Men's Skin Maintenance Facial 60 min. $80

Treatment for All Male Skin Types

This treatment addresses a man's specific skin needs including the prevention of ingrown hairs, soothing razor burn, and correcting damaging results from daily shaving, and environmental stresses.  Acne-prone areas are also addressed. Includes light massage of the arms and hands.

Superior C Skin Peel  75 min. $80

Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

This rich antioxidant peel is excellent for mature, hyperpigmented, and environmentally damaged or stressed skin.  It helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthens the tone of skin with increased production of collagen and elastin, leaving the skin firm, soft, and radiant.  Perfect before special occasions.  Recommended as a series of three to six treatments.

Four Layer Facial 75 min $90

Treatment for Dehydrated Skin

This unique Four Layer Facial® treatment utilizes the natural, therapeutic properties of the sea. Suitable for all skin types, the seaweed-based products were designed to re-hydrate, re-mineralize and re-balance the skin. The richness of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids improve both skin tone and texture, assuring a long-lasting afterglow with new softness and smoothness.

Therapeutic Acne Treatment Facial     60 min $80

Treatment for Acne Prone Skin

This treatment is designed for non-inflammatory acne to acute/chronic acne.  The treatment utilizes the properties of Salicylic Acid to prevent acne and acts as an anti-inflammatory.  The treatment is safe and effective for all acne clients.

Microdermabrasion 60 min  $110/600

Treatment for Resurfacing

A highly effective exfoliation technique that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, hyper-pigmentation, age spots, enlarged pores, sun damage, and acne scarring. This is a non-invasive alternative to laser and chemical peels designed to produce soft, radiant skin. Each treatment includes a Retreat Renewal Facial.

For best results, a series of 6 is recommended.

Looking for individual advice?

Give us a call at 801 386-7009 or contact us directly.

10 Ways to Style Your Hair with Kevin Murphy Products

Whatever you are trying to achieve with your hair, whether it be reducing frizz, getting it fuller, having it stay styled all day long or do something super fun like adding temporary bright hair color there is a Kevin Murphy product for it.

At Urban Retreat Spa and Salon, we use and sell Kevin Murphy products. We do it because Kevin Murphy is amazing!
All our hair stylists enjoy KM because of its versatility and fantastic quality. 

So whether you want to come in and have us help you or purchase some product to try things out for yourself, we'd love to be of help.

Here are 10 Ways to Style Your Hair using Kevin Murphy products! Enjoy! (Want to learn more? We have several previous Blog posts about some of the products mentioned here.)


1. Want Fuller hair? 
Try using FULL AGAIN. We love it! It's easy to use and has
fabulous ability to defy gravity. 

2. Want to do an up-do and make it hold all through your special event? We use BODY BUILDER HAIR SPRAY. Check out the beautiful results from our latest photo shoot.This beautiful hairstyle is the work of our very experienced and wonderful stylist Meagan Swartz. 

3. Want to add some Fun Color? Get creative with the Color Bug. No commitment necessary, it washes right out! The Color Bug has become extremely popular. We sell out of it frequently! Check out the beautiful results.

4. Have curly hair? Trying to tame it and enjoy your beautiful curls? Try Kevin Murphy's MOTION LOTION. 

5. Don't have natural curls but want to add some waves to your hair-do? Try THE MERMAID HAIR KIT. Lovely loose wavy curls are at your finger tips. See how we used them in a recent photo shoot. Styled by Tory Price. 

6.Want fabulously sleek hair? Fighting the Frizz curse? 
Try EASY RIDER! See how Tory Price styled a client and got a beautiful look with no frizz. 

  7. Need to get your hair full but have it stay? Add KM's 
BODY BUILDER  VOLUMIZING MOUSSE to damp hair.

8. Wondering about Shampoo and Conditioning options? We love all of them, but depending on your hair type, we can help you find the perfect fit. Come in and ask us! We'll be happy to help you. 

9. Fighting dry hair? Need a deep conditioner beyond the day to day. Try Kevin Murphy's BORN AGAIN MASQUE. 

10. Want to be able to add volume throughout the day? Try 
POWDER PUFF. It's small container makes it easy to carry in a handbag. Just add to the roots of your hair and tease with your fingers. Voila! More volume. Fight those afternoon flat hair blues.