Vintage Vixen

Today’s geisha is a vintage vixen, a look that flatters everyone. Traditional geisha makeup emphasized a red mouth, and today’s make-up trend brings back the red! Pin up those curls, press on a velvety soft powder, and paint on a bold slash of crimson; give them your best Mona Lisa and let them beg to know what you’re thinking! To get this look:

On Hair:

Pin-curls are in! And easier done than said. Prep hair with a little volume-inducing spray: try John Masters Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer. Part hair on the side, aiming the part with the highest-level of your eyebrow arch; using hot-rollers or a large-barrel iron, vertically wrap 1-inch pieces around the iron and hold for 10-15 seconds. Gently release, then pin up and let cool-down. Leave up for approx. 20 minutes, then let loose and finger comb. Spray a little moisturizer – try Hamadi Beauty Shea Spray - from mid-curl down, and fluff.

On Skin:
Begin with absolutely clean, moisturized skin. Try Kimberly Sayer Firming Botanical Face Serum. It’s the perfect under-makeup prep! This look begins with a flawless finish, which sets the backdrop for both the eyes and lips. At Upurea, we recommend a crème foundation, providing high-definition and full coverage – which also makes the final dusting of powder unnecessary. Try Nvey Eco Organic Creme Deluxe Foundation in a variety of shades. Getting the right shade can be tricky – see our article on Choosing The Right Foundation for tips! Gently smooth foundation on, paying close attention to the temples, jawline and around the nose – these spots are commonly missed and can produce a blotchy effect.

On Eyes:
A modern-geisha’s eyes are defined, but not heavily lined. Try Nvey Eco Organic Creative Eye Color System in No. 3, which includes neutral earth tones and a highlighter in silver. Beginning with the upper and lower lids, softly outline the lash-line with the lightest of the shades. To define the shape of the eye, sweep the medium shade along the crease; using the darkest shade, apply along the outer upper and lower corners. Finally, press the silver on the inner corners, and sweep softly under the browbone. Add two coats of Nvey Eco Organic Moisturizing Mascara: for Brunettes, try Black; Blondes and Red-Heads can try Brown.

On Lips:
The center-piece of our classic look is the mouth! This look screams red, and Nvey Eco Organic Lipstick in #369 – Real Red delivers a smooth embellishment. Blot with a tissue and re-apply for long-lasting color.

The Art of Bathing

At Upurea we love a good soak. In fact, we revel in it. It relaxes and melts away our tension, soothes our aches and pains, and comforts us when we feel unwell. We
recognize that the bath is a key element in taking great, personal care of ourselves, promoting not only our health but also glowing, gorgeous skin!

All of us at Upurea consider ourselves pro-bathers, but after our trip to Japan we
know better. We have been painstakingly introduced to the Art of Bathing, and now
we humbly share it with you!

In Japan, bathing is a cleansing of mass proportion: not only of the body, but the mind and soul as well. After a long, hard day at work, the bath becomes a place of familiar ritual; one sheds not only the clothing but the entire day, as well.

Most often public baths until very recently – mid-twentieth century – the bath is
still an integral part of every Japanese day. It begins by thoroughly cleansing the body before getting into the water; and ends with the most delicious feeling of complete renewal.

Before running any tub water, step into the shower first (trust us!). This is a great opportunity to scrub, lather, and get buff – try a scrub with salt, sugar, walnuts or loofah, or a grainy, invigorating mentholated soap. Rubbing in a slow, circular motion from hands and feet towards your heart removes dead skin cells, and
also promotes circulation. Use this time to also gently massage a shampoo into the scalp, or work in a deep conditioner.

Next rinse completely with warm – not hot! – water, and pat dry with a clean towel.

Now you’re ready for your bath! Bath salts and oils are a wonderful way to enhance
the bathing experience, delivering powerful aroma-therapeutic properties directly
to the nervous system. Add your oil or a salt-blend while running the bath water, and pay attention to the temperature – you want it hot, but not too hot. When full slip in and close your eyes. With each exhale, visualize the challenges of the day
leaving your body – we swear this works!

You may find that you sweat more than normal, which is a sign that all the scrubbing and massaging is working to remove toxins from your system. You’ll want to steep for at least 20 minutes. * Please bathe mindfully if pregnant or unwell. Certain herbs, essential oils and hot temperatures should never be taken by pregnant women; check with your physician if you wish to enjoy a long soak.

After your special bathing time, extend your relaxation by smoothing on a luxurious
lotion, wrapping up in a warm robe and enjoying a cup of tea. Optimally, you'll
float peacefully off to bed!

With a little extra time and attention, you too can truly immerse yourself in the quintessential Japanese experience. Rirakkusu!