ROCA Salon & Spa

Spring Break Waves

2012-03-05T09:02:00.000-06:00

Contributing Style Assistant - Justine

Spring Break is right around the corner! One product you should include in your suitcase with your teenie bikinis and sunblock is Davines Sea Salt Primer No. 14. This product is amazing and very low maintenance when it comes to styling. Using this will create that off the beach surfer waves that everyone loves.

Just pump a few sprays all over your hair and either let it air dry or diffuse on low heat. That easy!!!! If you want a little more curl after diffusing, use your curling iron to touch up a few pieces and off you go. I also carry this product in my pool bag in the summer to spray in after getting out of the pool so when it dries it will give it some more style. Come in and try this amazing product today! Have a great spring break and a great start to the summer.

Prepare For Your Waxing

2012-03-02T16:55:00.001-06:00

Contributing ESTHITICIAN - Suzanne

Before any kind of body waxing, you want to make sure you do everything you can to make it as painless as possible.

Prepare your hair by trimming the area to at least a quarter to a half an inch. The size of a long grain of rice is a good reference.

I recommend the day before to exfoliate and hydrate the area you'll be waxing. Preparing your skin is one of the key steps to a successful waxing experience.

The day of your waxing appointment, limit your caffeine intake. By limiting caffeine your body will be less sensitive to the feeling of the removal of the hair.

If you would like to take ibuprofen 20 minutes before your appointment it will lessen the chance of any discomfort.

The whole process will be over quickly and you will love the look and feel of your smooth skin.

Quick Tip: To keep your skin smooth and bump free make sure to exfoliate the area days after your waxing to make sure you do not create ingrown hair or bumps. Also, remember to hydrate the skin after your shower for a smooth finish.

Makeup Foundation

2012-02-27T14:52:00.001-06:00

Contributing Makeup Artist - Angel

Choosing the right foundation can be tricky ladies, so in the following blog I offer the tips that I have used professionally to seek the right foundation match. You'll first want to figure out what kind of skin you have. Figuring out what kind of skin you have you can determine its needs. Questions you'll want to ask yourself when determining skin.

Is it oily?

Is it dry?

Or is it combination that changes with season climate?

Oily skin: I usually recommend powders or creams because of its endurance and can also provide a nice coverage while holding up to the oils. As for powder, they help pick up any unwanted oils that maybe adding to the shine. Use powders to absorb oils and take shine away.

Dry skin: Using anything moisturizing such as liquids or creams are good to hydrate the skin. These products have moisture in them which will help the makeup from crumbling off the skin. When skin doesn't have moisture makeup is more then likely to crumble and to break making it look cakey. Gently use a loose translucent powder for any shine throughout the day or a gentle spray to add moisture and keep your makeup looking fresh.

Combination skin: Use either types of foundation wether it be creams, powders, or liquids. What the main key here is to use it in amounts where it won't be over bearing for the skin. Again, use a matte powder for shinny areas and liquids to moisturize.

These are some simple tips. Any additional advice please write your questions below to direct you to the right foundation!
These are my tips from your makeup artist at Roca Salon & Spa. Angel!

2012 Spring Trends

2012-02-20T10:31:00.003-06:00

Contributing - Roca Staff

Spring is finally right around the corner and we can not believe the mild winter we have had. Which not one of us are complaining about. As the weather becomes warmer so does hair color and makeup. Each staff member from each department gave their trends and we came to a conclusion for what everyone is raving about.

Skin Care - Anesa

With the warmer air coming through the midwest we want to start thinking about switching up our skin care regimen. Switch it up with a less hydrating heavier moisturizer. Use something with a lighter consistency. The Clear Skin Probiotic Moisturizer has corn starch that gives your skin a light matte finish. If you have more sensitive or reactive skin the Calm Skin with Chamomile is a great alternative to a lighter moisturizer.

Look at your cleaners. Instead of using a heavy cream or milk cleanser switch to a gel. Do not forget to use your sunscreen now that everyone will be seeing the sun more often now. Also a great tip for the preparation of spring is a relaxing body treatment that gives your body the correct hydration and healthy glow.

Hair Color - Rhonda

Styling your hair with a round brush gives you the body and volume you are looking for with the right volumizing products like our Volu Mist by Davines or Volume Wet to Dry Gel by Sojourn.

If your going blonde this summer stick with the more pastel blondes like what Taylor Swift is doing right now. White blondes can be harsh on fair skin tones this time of year and golden blondes can be to warm.

If you have a darker hair color like a brunette then you should transition into a warmer Auburn Brown with slight red tones. If you dont want to commit to all over color, go for a partial hi-light or low-light with warm auburn tones. We can even Balayage (hand painting technique) it on for more of a natural look.

Makeup - Joey

With the new Jane Iredale Display which Roca is the first salon to have it in the Midwest and 2nd in the whole country, we are just ecstatic with the new colors.

Clean and fresh is alway a great way to enter into spring. Coral eyeshadows like Jane Iredales "Red Carpet", iridescent greens or pastel purples are popular colors right now. The coral colors just make every eye color pop, especially blue eyes.

A pink blush like "Awake" will give you that fresh light look and a pop of pink. For your lips go for a vibrant pink like "Sugar Plum" lip gloss or a satin lipstick like "Renee". Now if your a neutral lip person go with a neutral brown color with an undertone of pink like "Iced Mocha".

Get out of your "NORM" and try something new. Remember makeup comes off so just try and see, you may be surprised what color you may love.

Check out the Spring Trends on Fox 4 (link below) that Joey and Justine did yesterday. If you want these looks make sure to make an appointment and step into spring the right way.

http://fox4kc.com/2012/02/19/2012-style-trends-from-roca-salon/

Magnetize Your Nails

2012-02-17T18:58:00.001-06:00

Contributing Nail Tech. - Marsha

Roca Salon and Spa is always looking for what’s new, and what we can offer to our guests that will always keep them stylish. Well, with our Gelish nails (which have been so popular since we offered them) we now have something brand new.

Explore the "laws of attraction" for your nails with the new MAGNETO polish by Gelish. This new trend can be added to your Gelish manicure. This will last up to three weeks without chipping, scraping or peeling. This polish is formulated with magnetic pieces in the polish. After prepping the hand and nails correctly the polish is ready to apply. After your thin coat of color is applied, the magnet is placed over the wet polish. It pulls the magnetic fragments downward, creating a 3-D, or holographic, design. Finally, we cure it under our LED light for that long lasting glaze.

Magnetize your nails with Marsha or Beth by adding this polish treatment to your manicure appointment. You will be amazed by what this polish can do, not only for your nails but your all over style.

Young & Fresh for Every Age

2012-02-13T10:37:00.001-06:00

Contributing: Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer - Joey

I had the pleasure to photograph and style Kate Cosentino, a young singer who is releasing her first demo album. When going over her look, I first thought of soft, retro waves with a fresh, young makeup look. The way I achieved this look was very simple and didn’t take too much time.

Photography by Daicyfigueiredo.com

Soft retro waves

These waves are so versatile for any length of hair and any age of women, so anyone can create this look without looking like they tried too hard.

It’s all about preparation and foundation. Sojourn Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner helps keep the hair soft and healthy.

I started by prepping the hair with a thermal protection spray (Sojourn Thermal Protection Straightener) throughout the hair.

Starting from the top of the ear, I took horizontal sections and clipped everything else out of the way. I sprayed each 2” horizontal section with Sojourn Firm Hold Working Spray to keep each curl soft and flexible, but still allowing it to keep its form.

Secret of the retro curl – Starting at the bottom, I curled each sprayed 2” section of the hair on a diagonal, wrapping the hair around the iron and directing it away from the face. It gives more of an “S” wave.

I then continued curling each horizontal section as I moved up the head. Once I reached the front section near the face, I sprayed each section with hair spray and curled backwards.

After curling the whole head, I used a pearl-size amount of Sojourn Sculpting Taffy to break up all the curls with my fingers, which also keeps down any unwanted frizz.

Makeup

I use Jane Iredale Cosmetics on every photo shoot because it’s the only makeup I have found to provide true skin tone and flawless-looking skin through the eye of the camera. I first used Liquid Minerals in the shade of “Radiant” all over the face and neck, and then applied Pressed Powder over the liquid foundation to give a flawless look.

I used Lid Primer in the shade of “Canvas” on the eyelid, and then used “Brown Sugar” Triple Eye Shadow for a more neutral color. I used the darker brown shade of the triple eye shadow just inside the outer corners of each eye to give dimension and shape. Then, I used “Black Ice” Longest Lash Mascara to give the eyes that “pop” of depth.

I used the soft pink “Cotton Candy" Blush on the apples of the cheeks, and “In The Pink” Lip-gloss to finish the look. You could even use a dark berry lip color, like “Cosmo”, for more of an evening look.

Eminence Famous Fans

2012-02-10T19:52:00.000-06:00

Roca Spa Department

It was suppose to be about nails this week but with how busy the nail techs. were this week they didn’t have time to write a blog so Skincare stepped in.

Eminence is the Roca skincare line that has not only our clients in Kansas City raving about their collection but celebrities in Hollywood and TV are too. The great thing that Eminence does is NOT pay for celebrity endorsements, it is 100% voluntary. Now what does that say about a product? Heck anyone would say a product is great for a few $100,000 but not everyone would say a product is great for free. Check out what these celebs. say about Eminence.

Famous Fans

Katherine Heigle is a huge fan of Eminence and particularly the Sweet Cheeks collection of skin quenching products like the Strawberry Rhubarb Hylauronic Serum, Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafoliant and the luscious Strawberry Rhubarb Masque.

Jessica Biel is a stunning actress who has starred in many blockbuster hits. Her favorite products include the Vanilla Sun Cream SPF 32 and the Quince Nourishing Body Lotion from the Beyond Organic Collection.

Gucci Westman a Global Artistic Director for Revlon shared her ultimate beauty advice in the October Issue of InStyle. She raves about the Coconut Milk Cleanser and Poppy Seed Microderm Polisher.

Clinton Kelly from What Not To Wear relies on Eminence to keep his skin fresh and feeling fantastic. His favorites include Blueberry Soy Repair Masque, Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser and the Eight Greens Whip Moisturizer.

These are just a few famous fans that rave about this amazing organic line that Roca Salon and Spa carries. If you have not experience this skincare collection for yourself what are you waiting for? Our skincare professionals Anesa, Lacey and Suzanne would love to share the Eminence experience with you included in a facial, massage or body wrap. Call guest services for your appt now. If these non-paid Celebs come clean with their beauty advice come clean with yourself and give your own testimonial on our Facebook Page or Reviews.

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

2012-02-06T09:28:00.000-06:00

Contributing Stylist/Makeup Artist - Joey

I wanted to write this blog this morning because there is one thing that I've been finding out when Roca had the Jane Iredale event last week. I asked the women that attended and my clients all that week if they clean their makeup brushes? Only one person said that they did (which I dont know is a 100% true haha).

Cleaning your brushes is so important for two reasons. Our Jane Iredale makeup does NOT collect or harbor bacteria but your brushes can over time. When you keep applying your makeup on dirty brushes, that bacteria gets transfered to your skin which can cause unwanted breakouts and blemishes. Also when you keep using your brushes over time without cleaning them, the color can get darker and darker and that pigment builds up in the brush. This is what I do to clean my brushes at work and at home. I clean my brushes after every use at work but at home I usually do it every week.

- Pre-rinse the brush under water
- Use Jane Iredales brush cleaner or professional shampoo or cleanser
- Determine how much shampoo to use by how dirty the brushes are
- Swirl your brush in the palm of your hand mixing the shampoo together
- Rinse the brush out until the water runs clear again
- Squeeze the access water out
- Dry on a towel and let it set overnight

It doesnt take much time but it will set your skin up for success for future uses. So have fun cleaning ALL your brushes. While your at it clean out your makeup bag too. Old dry mascara, separated lip gloss or old smelly powders. Come in and Ill personally set you up with new spring colors.

Thanks and have a great start of the week.

Use the youtube link below to watch my brush cleaning routine step by step.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6P1JkH0I6I

Curly Girl Tips!

2012-02-04T10:46:00.000-06:00

Contributing Stylist - Kate

Your already a Curly Girl at Roca Salon and you are embracing and loving your curls. Well here are some quick tips that have helped me go longer between shampoos and creating frizz free curls days after I do my Deva 3-Step.

1) Cliping your curl. To create volume try cliping in this manner. Hold a curl family and bend it to create an arch and clip horizontally to hold. Do this all over the top of the head and let dry before taking them out.

2) Sleep on a satin pillow case. Now you dont need the whole satin sheet set but if you purchase a satin pillow case for the main pillow your hair will glide on the satin fabric rather than rubbing on cotton. The friction on cotton will break up your curls overnight and create unwanted frizz.

3) Sleep with a high ponytail (Which I like to call my Unicorn haha). Bring out a soft scrunchy or loose hair tie and gently pull your hair in a high pony and that will keep your curls from flying everywhere while sleeping.

4) Second/Third Day Cocktail - This cocktail is great for days your not going to do the three step all over again.

Mister Right Cocktail:

1 part gel ( one pump)

2/3 mister right

1/3 water

Shake well

should look like this in color and texture.

- Mist hair so it's damp to touch
- Take hands and smooth down frizz
- flip over and scrunch up
- flip back over and let dry
- after hair is dry break up gel case, by scrunching up

5) If all else fails and your in a rush use "Set Up & Above" a small pearl size amount and rub into hands. Smoth over the top lightly and form your curls back together and youll be set for your day.

6) Finally Day 4/5 - This look is super cute for the last days of your curls. I put it in a ponytail, split it in two and wrap each part around and pin to create a textured bun.

Hopefully these tips will help you during the days after your 3-step and help with frizz free curly living. If you ever have questions you can always Facebook us at Roca Salon and Spa or Call the salon. Have a great and Curly Day!!!

Growing Out Process

2012-02-01T08:20:00.000-06:00

Contributing Stylist - Caitlin

Everyone has been there. The day that you decide to grow out your hair you want to wake up the next morning looking like Cher circa 1970. Since that is usually not the case here are a few tips to help you get through those akward months.

One thing that you can do to add spice up your locks during the grow out phase is to get highlights or low lights. This will not only add depth to your hair, but will also give you a little bit of interest during those shaggy looking days.

I have found that expiermenting with different hair accessories while growing out my hair helps me from becoming to bored with my length. Try a chic headband or a simple hair clip. Remember to keep it simple you don't want to end up looking like a 5 year old.

Another thing you can do when your hair is starting to lose body is change your part. It will change your overall look and it will give you extra volume. Right now I am transitioning from a long pixie to a bob. I have started to curl my hair in different ways and it is helping me get through the limbo stage. Keep your curls loose and tousled, this will help you avoid your grandma's rollerset look. When your hair gets long enough to put up, expiermenting with different upstyles. If you do this for a couple of weeks straight you will be shocked at how fast your hair has grown.

Most importantly keep your hair healthy while it grows by getting trims every 11-13 weeks. Have your stylist give you a deep conditioner treatment after your shampoo, so your hair stays soft and well moisturizer.

Finally if none of these tips work for you come get extensions! Caitlin, Rhonda and Joey offer instant gratification to the right extension candidate! Good luck!

Love Me Try Me

2012-01-24T11:31:00.001-06:00

Dalton a Stylist at Roca Salon also writes a blog for MoxieQ. He has put together a contest for everyone to participate. It's for a Valentines day special and it is filled pack with professional products. Go to MoxieQ and see what other fun beauty ideas they have. The question you must answer one simple question. "What makes you feel Beautiful".

Follow the link to participate in the Valentines Day Love Me Try Me.

http://www.moxieq.com/feel-beautiful-inside-and-out-enter-the-love-you-try-me-beauty-contest

Red Carpet to Simple Everyday

2012-01-16T22:02:00.002-06:00

Contributing Stylist/Makeup Artist - Joey

So our mission at Roca is to stay on top of the trends from hair, makeup and skincare to really make your everyday lives as stylish as the celebrities are on the red carpet.

This year at the Golden Globes it was really simple and clean. From the dresses to the hair and even the makeup. Simple doesn’t always mean Plain Jane. In our eyes it means fresh and classically beautiful.

Hair

The hair was up and if it was not up it was down in retro waves like Julianne Moore with her gorgeous waves that had a high part and all to one side featuring her beautiful features.

Angelina Jolie really turned it out with her Chignon. There were tons of these on the red carpet. Chignon is a French word meaning “nape of the neck” even though there can be different variations of this style its always a classic style that will never disappoint. Angelina decided to go with a sleeker version but others celebs had more of a loose feel.

Makeup

As I have always said and this is just my philosophy, Less is more. Only because you can really enhance a face and its features by highlighting just the right areas instead of dabbing on all this eye shadow. Radiant skin is in and soft pink lips made a huge come back on the red carpet. Look at Jessica Biel and her soft look but with a real pop of pastel pink on the lips and cheeks.

Paula Patton followed the trend of less is more but popped eye liner from top to bottom and made her brows prominent but not over done. There you go with the nude lip again…loves.

Well these trends are right up my alley and I am loving every minute of this fresh take on simple looks that you can do right at home. Now if your looking for the pop of color its also about red lips. Be bold this year and try on 3 different shades and find your favorite. Its perfect for that special Valentines dinner date.

Red Carpet to Simple Everyday

2012-01-16T22:01:00.000-06:00

Contributing Stylist/Makeup Artist - Joey

So our mission at Roca is to stay on top of the trends from hair, makeup and skincare to really make your everyday lives as stylish as the celebrities are on the red carpet.

Hair

The hair was up and if it was not up it was down in retro waves like Julianne Moore with her gorgeous waves that had a high part and all to one side featuring her beautiful features.

Angelina Jolie really turned it out with her Chignon. There were tons of these on the red carpet. Chignon is a French word meaning “nape of the neck” even though there can be different variations of this style its always a classic style that will never disappoint. Angelina decided to go with a sleeker version but others celebs had more of a loose feel.

Makeup

As I have always said and this is just my philosophy, Less is more. Only because you can really enhance a face and its features by highlighting just the right areas instead of dabbing on all this eye shadow. Radiant skin is in and soft pink lips made a huge come back on the red carpet. Look at Jessica Biel and her soft look but with a real pop of pastel pink on the lips and cheeks.

Paula Patton followed the trend of less is more but popped eye liner from top to bottom and made her brows prominent but not over done. There you go with the nude lip again…loves.

Moms...Refresh & Renew

2012-01-09T14:45:00.000-06:00

Contributing Stylist - Caitlin

Hello everyone! This is Caitlin a Roca Stylist! When thinking of what I had to say to everyone in my blog this week thoughts kept popping in my head of first birthday party plans, my broken coffee pot, how my ever growing pile of laundry is STILL taunting me and what to make for dinner. As you might have guessed I am a part of that ever growing group called working moms! Yes we are a entertaining breed to some coworkers,"is that a new tie dye trend you are sporting?" Nope just left over spit up on my shirt. "nice new hair accesory!" Whoops I guess Henry threw a cheerio in my hair when I wasn't looking! With all this everyday madness when do we have time for ourselves?

After investing all our time in our children, our spouses and our jobs, we have little energy to invest in ourselves. I find with my clients that giving themselves one day a month to refresh their look also refreshes their mind body and soul. If you don't have the time or funds for a full day at the spa here are a few tips to to help you keep your look fresh and your mind sane.

First is a simple trim. At the the very least you can have a kid free hour, a wonderful head massage and a fabulous blow out. This also keeps your dead ends at bay and your hair healthy and full of shine. Second is a color service. Whether you are covering up those pesky grays or just wanting to enhance what you have naturally. A great color looks good on a date night in loose waves or on a play date in a pony tail. Last but not least a spa service. Getting a pedicure or facial or even both make you look and feel amazing!

After all you do everyday for everyone else you deserve some me time! Well looks like Henry is waking up from his nap time to put my mom cap back on! Take care and remember to take time to invest in yourself.

Brow Wow

2012-01-06T17:26:00.000-06:00

Contributing Stylist - Dalton

Find Your Eye Set

There are three main kinds of eye sets: normal, close and wide set. Eye set is found by measuring your eye from your inner tear duct to outer corner. The determination of your eye set is the first step to perfectly shaped eyebrows.

How does that compute?

When your eye measurement is the same as the distance between your eyes that means you have normal set eyes. When it’s greater, then you have wide set eyes; less, then you have close set eyes. With normal set eyes, your eyebrows should start at the inner eye (tear duct). Wide set eyes should have eyebrows that start further in, while close set eyes should start a little past the inner eye.

Get Those Puppies in Shape

Rounded eyebrows will soften your features.

Soft angled eyebrows, when combined with a small arch, are feminine and are the most preferred shape.

Angled eyebrows in which the peak of the arch is a little higher give you a more youthful look.

Straight eyebrows are for those with a long face. They make the face appear shorter and more oval (like Brooke Shields) .

Quick Tips:

Use the right mirror. Don’t use a highly-magnified mirror because you will end up over plucking. Also remember not to stand too close either; make sure to stand slightly back from the mirror so you can see if the eyebrows are balanced and match.

Start by trimming your brows. In most cases just trimming your brows will clean up the look rather than plucking. Trim your brows using small scissors.

Pluck one hair, using a good quality tweezer like the shuamora brand, then step back and take a look, because one little hair does make a difference.

There you have it ladies you should now be well on your way to the perfect brows. Let me know if you have any of your own tips to share!

Stay beautiful loves,

Dalton

Protect Your Investment

2012-01-02T09:13:00.002-06:00

Contributing Stylist/Makeup Artist/ Photographer: Joey

Photography by: Daicyfigueiredo.com

I want to speak to all you ladies and few men this week that color their hair. What I really want to touch on this week is the protection of hair color and the importance of home hair care as in Shampoo and Conditioners. These are some important details and ingredients to look for in picking the right shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair. Everyone looks on their food items making sure its low calories, no fat and all that other stuff to make sure your putting healthy food into your body. Why don’t we as consumers check on the back of our beauty products? Beauty products are now based on Smell, Color of the package and Design. It’s all about Marketing, no substance of what’s really in our home care products.

1) DO NOT believe what you see on the front of the bottle. Just because a big company says its for color treated hair does not mean it really is. There are ways around the laws so a company can put that on the bottle. Im speaking about Commercial and even Professional beauty products. The real information is found on the back.

2) Shampoo and conditioners can be filled with unnecessary wax and ingredients that can build up in your hair and coat it like wallpaper. Just because it’s “professional” and feels good does not mean its good for you. E.g. Cheesecake Factory Grilled Shrimp BLT sounds like fresh and light and pretty healthy right? Wrong! its considered the worst sandwich in America bringing its calorie count to 1,930, 24g of Saturated fat and 2,965 mg of sodium. I know this blog is not about a sandwich but it shows you that the name can make something sound good for you and be just the opposite.

3) Invest! Protect your color service with good products. Yes they may not be $3-$5 at Walmart but as Rhonda says “Would you wash your BMW or Mercedes with cheap dish soap?” no you would take it somewhere that use quality cleansing products.

Lets get down to the details!!!

The most important is the PH range of your shampoo and conditioners. It should fall into the range of 4.5 – 5.5. If it doesn’t say on the bottle then call that 1-800 number and ask. If they can’t give it to you then you know its pretty high. The lower the PH the better the cuticle is closed and your color will last longer.

Sulfate-Free can actually remove more color than sulfate shampoo. Companies have to replace it with another kind of sulfate just a different kind. Goes back to the marketing of that product.

Intense repair treatments are some of the worst and misused products you can use because of the active proteins in them. They harden on the hair and can over protinize the hair and break.

*The only thing that can repair your hair and moisturize are Keratin and Cystine. Not soy, wheat, hydrolyzed vegetable, silk or any other oils and proteins.

Hydrolized Keratine Cashmere- The protein that is the exact protein that your hair and skin are made of. Look for this protein in your products.

Cystine Amino Acid- A crystalline amino acid found in keratin proteins such as Hair, wool and horns

These are some things to look for as you shop around for hair care products. Roca Salon and Spa can only guarantee the color service if you are using the Sojourn and/or Davines products because of the research we have done to insure the long lasting condition of your hair and color.

Check out these two brands because I personally like the ingredients, Ph level and each philosophy of each company.

www.sojournbeauty.com

www.davines.com

New Years Smokey Glam Eye

2011-12-30T08:39:00.000-06:00

Contributing Makeup Artist – Angel

1. Start by priming the eye with Mysticoal Onyx duo on the lid starting at the lash line blending up towards the crease.

2. After you have blended it nicely, take a flat head brush and dab in Walnut shadow by Jane Iredale. Grab a blending brush, the brush with the dome fluffy top and start to blend in the crease up.

3. Follow by going back to your flat brush and taking a bit of smoky grey JI shadow and placing it from the lash line up. It's will make the black onyx color pop and give you more color.

4. Lastly, highlight the brow bone with a nude or lighter color and blend with a smaller shade brush. Great suggestions for the brow bone highlighter can be bone, oyster, white or opal crush.

5. Extra glam drama tip: Line with black line top and bottom

6. Use Blinc mascara in black on top and bottom lashes.

7. Take either walnut or smoky grey shadow and use pencil brush to slightly smoke the under lash line. Furthermore , you can use white eyeliner in the waterline of the eye to open the eye up & black to make it smokeeeey!

Smooth Hydrated Skin

2011-12-19T15:34:00.000-06:00

Contributing Esthetician - Anesa

The importance of exfoliating during the winter is key. If you skip on exfoliating your skin it will become more dry and flaky. Also makes the skin dry and appear dull. To keep that healthy glow, we recommend exfoliating twice a week (e.g. Wednesdays and Sundays would be best.)

Best exfoliating product is Almond Mineral Treatment. It keeps the skin hydrated and utilizes paprika for instant plumping effect.

Between the cold and harsh elements of winter the best way to beat the dry skin during these harsh months is to transition to a heavier moisturizer.

Best over all moisturizer is Eminence Tropical Vanilla Sunscreen. Hydrating your skin 250% in just 7 days or Add a night cream to your skin care regimen like our Eminence Blueberry Soy Recovery cream.

This is a great start to smoother skin and a more even skin tone. If you have any questions never hesitate to contact us at the spa and also book a refresher facial to really get a more in depth skin care regimen for your specific skin type.

The New Simple Holiday Look

2011-12-16T09:02:00.000-06:00

Contributing: Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer - Joey

Everyone is looking for that healthy glow on their skin. The Holiday parties are starting this weekend and you need to know the look for this year.

Let your skin and lips be the show. Which usually it would be your eyes but Im so over the so called Smokey eye.

Photography by Daicyfigueiredo.com

Face:

* Start with your moisturizer and let it dry completely.

* Use Jane Iredales Lilac Brightener tinted moisturizer for a nice illuminated glow.

* Apply your Pure Base Mineral Foundation. Apply in a downward motion. Don’t buff because it will make your skin too shiny.

Eyes:

*Fill your eye lid and brow bone with Allure Eyeshadow for a nude effect

* Swipe basic black eyeliner corner to corner of your lash line.

* Apply your favorite mascara for long lush lashes.

Cheeks:

Swipe a quad bronzer for a blush that really illuminates the skin for the natural glow.

Lips:

Exfoliate your lips for a smooth surface. You can use natural brown sugar or even a warm washcloth to gently exfoliate.

Apply my all time favorite lip gloss for that perfect berry red. COSMO.

Finish:

Finish with a setting mist, My recommendation would be Eminences Stonecrop Hydrating Mist to set your mineral foundation and make it waterproof.

Have fun and remember to “Style Responsibly This Holiday Season.”

Nail Sparkle

2011-12-12T08:27:00.001-06:00

Contributing Nail Technician - Marsha

How about a little sparkle in your life? For the Holidays, bring that sparkle to your nails. Get a Gelish manicure and a glitter top coat. Gelish will last 2 - 3 weeks without chipping or cracking. With its iridescent sparkle, your nails will definitely be the stand out for your parties. Take it to the next level and do a French tip and add the sparkle to the top coat.

Don't forget to apply lotion to help moisturize your hands in the winter. A warm paraffin dip is soothing, warm and moisturizing for your hands and feet.

Winter Dry to Hydration High

2011-12-08T22:46:00.001-06:00

Contributing Stylist Gretchen

Wondering why your favorite skincare or haircare product suddenly seems to have stopped working? We all need more hydration as the humidity drops. Richer face masks and creams for the face, a nice deep conditioner for the hair. Supplements such as Flax seed oils, fish oils, omega fatty acids or even Primrose oils can help with dry skin and scalps. Come in for complementary consultations for any skin or hair concerns you may have. Remember to switch your make- up colors from your summer colors to a more flattering palette for winter.

Roca also provides spray tans using Norvelle products to warm that winter pallor. We also offer Hot Towel Shaves for the men in your lives. Come in for a gift certificate or treatment soon.

Blondes Need Special Attention

2011-12-02T07:24:00.001-06:00

(No, this isn’t a joke)

By Contributing Stylist, Colorist, Owner of ROCA Salon & Spa – Rhonda

If you highlight or color your hair blonde, or are even just thinking about becoming chemically dependant with blonde, here are my tips for maintaining the integrity of your hair:

DON’T overlap lightener (hair bleach)! This product is designed for maximum lift and is not designed to re-apply to previously lightened hair, once it is the color of palest light blonde. To re-apply or overlap the product may result in over-processed hair causing dry and brittle strands, or even breakage. Make sure your stylist pushes the previously-lightened strands out of the foil and only applies the product to the dark re-growth area. For on-the-scalp applications, thin sections are required and, once again, meticulous attention to avoiding previously lightened hair. However, it IS safe to overlap blonde hair color up to 2 times, depending on the condition and texture of the hair.

DO confess your hair sins and entire history to your stylist (hint: ½ inch = approx. 1 month of growth, so you may have years to confess to, depending on your hair length). They can’t always tell by looking what lies underneath the dark color you just applied last week. Keep in mind that even if you have colored over previously highlighted hair, the light pieces, which have been internally altered) are still underneath (unless they have grown out to the point of being cut off) and will be even more susceptible to damage if re-lightened.

DON’T even think of drying or styling your hair without a good thermal protectant which can be used both before you dry your hair and again before you apply a flatiron or curling iron.

DO use shampoos and conditioners that contain keratin rather than wheat or soy proteins, as too much of those ingredients will eventually create a reverse effect. After you have used up the product, switch to a product which is sulfate-free and sodium hydroxide-free, such as all Sojourn cleansing products. You really can get too much of a good thing.

DON’T comb your hair with a fine tooth comb while wet. Use a seam-free wide tooth comb to spread conditioner through your hair while in the shower, and to de-tangle once finished.

DO sleep on satin. Now, I’m not saying you have to go buy red satin sheets!! You can use a satin pillow case on the pillow you use to sleep on. Or, keep a large satin scarf in your nightstand and drape it on your pillow to lie down on at night. You can also easily take the scarf with you when you travel. Cotton pillowcases wick moisture from your skin and hair, and cause your hair’s cuticle to roughen-up, resulting in disheveled “morning hair”. Satin will actually protect your hair and keep the cuticle aligned, maintaining a shine to your hair.

DON’T swim without protecting your blonde locks from the chlorine. The best thing to do is to comb coconut oil through your hair before entering the pool. It will not only condition your hair, but the oil repels water and will prevent the chlorine from attaching. Better yet, apply the coconut oil to your hair before you go to the pool or beach and let the sun give you the ultimate hot oil treatment. Your hair will only look wet, not oily, and you will smell delicious!

DO only allow a professional to create and maintain your blonde hair. I see so many heads of orange “blonde attempt” hair that it makes me want to go to the store and put my business card that says “If you use this, you will need me, and to re-do what you do is not cheap!” inside every home blonding kit!

DON’T ever allow your hair to grow out beyond 1cm if you are applying any blonding product on your scalp, or 4 weeks MAXIMUM between services. This also varies if your hair is fine or coarse. The first 1cm contains soft melanin, or pigment, which is easiest to lighten. Once the hair grows past that and no longer is influenced by the warmth of the scalp, the melanin hardens and is more difficult to remove. This is why many times you see people with gold or orange “bands” of color in their hair. They simply waited too long for their re-touch.

DO use lavender-blue colored shampoo and / or conditioner to help neutralize the unwanted “brassy” tones in your hair. Not daily, but every second or third shampoo.

DON’T stop following our blog! More great tips, tricks, and ideas to come!

Mens Style Time Machine

2011-11-28T09:05:00.002-06:00

By Contributing Stylists Joey & Gretchen

In honor of Roca Salons first Mens Only Event on Dec 2, 2011 we thought touching up on some mens hair styles this week was appropriate. With hit shows like Boardwalk Empire and Mad Men. Male style has come back with class. No more Faux hawks for 2012! The style is setting back to the 1930's and also 1960's. Different eras but similar styles. Its all about the side part and pushed to it to the side. How to get this style you ask? well its all about the cut first off but product plays a huge part in the styling.

For long hair: Stay away from anything too short on the sides( mullet) or with too rounded a shape (feminine).

Faded necklines can help guys-with cowlicks in that area better than a mire defined neckline can. Texturized tops can lay down or look more conservative for the office but look more messy with the addition of the right product.

There is many different products to use depending on the texture and the look your trying to achieve.

Sojourn Sculpting Taffy - Soft texture - apply in wet hair and it will dry soft without that hard gel feel or waxy texture that a pomade will give.

Davines No. 8 for Wizards - Hard Texture - This hard gel will let your damp hair set and create a clean shine classic look thats not moving.

Davines No. 13 Matt Forming Ground - Dry Wax - This matte pomade should be used in dry hair to create that slicked back look or to create texture.

Davines No. 6 Glossy Plasteline - Glossy Wax - This pomade has a high gloss for that real slicked look. You can apply wet and dry.

There are many different products you can use but why I love these products is that you can se them in many different ways so your not using one product for one look. Its exciting to see these styles come back and its perfect timing for a new fresh start in 2012.

RSVP for our Mens Event to learn shaving techniques and also learn about different products to get these classy styles call Guest Services at 816.531.8018

Boulvard Brewing Company is presenting a beer tasting and Weston Cigar Co. presenting some of tehir products. Its Dec 2nd at 5:30-8pm Come and join us after work and start the weekend with style.

Going Dark for Fall

2011-11-24T23:02:00.010-06:00

By contributing Colorist, Stylist, Director of Education - Janelle

As the weather turns cool, the leaves on the trees turn beautiful shades of yellow, copper, and red and then fall to the ground in a lovely crisp layer of browns and golds. This time of year always inspires clients to look at darker shades for their hair. Gone is the sun soaked skin of the summer and the blonde hair colors that go with it. From October through December the majority of my clients seek something richer and darker with their hair color. Almost all of these clients will want to return the their butter blondes in April, but for the winter months they seek chocolates and caramels. Many sit in my chair having scheduled an all over color to go darker and want to select their desired color from our swatch books. I always find myself reminding clients how difficult and damaging to hair it can be to take highlighted hair to an all over darker shade and then try to return to blonde again. The products used to lighten artificial color in hair are often much harsher on one’s hair than the products we would use to lighten virgin or natural hair.

If you are a client that likes the versatility of going light in the summer and darker in the fall and winter, consider lowlights. Lowlights are a great option and can have a huge impact on the overall look of your hair. You can go drastically darker with lowlights, or if subtly is your way, lowlights can meet your needs as well. Often, we at Roca will select a very gentle hair color when applying lowlights that will slowly fade out of your hair allowing us to use much gentler products when you want to go lighter again come the spring and summer. Over the years I have found lowlights to be a wonderfully beautiful way of creating darker, multi-tonal colors that are far less of a commitment. Happy autumn and enjoy discussing with your colorist the best shades for your lowlights.

Veronica Lake Inspired Holiday Hair

2011-11-21T09:06:00.002-06:00

By Contributing Stylist/Makeup Artist/Photographer: Joey

The Holidays are here so it is time to get ready for the family and those great holiday work parties. Impressing everyone with a polished look doesn't have to be complicated. A lot of celebrities and fashion icons are going back in time with this 1940's Veronica Lake inspired look. Im a stylist that likes to use minimal products and easy techniques for you to use at home. Here are some quick steps to achieve this posh holiday look.

1: It starts with your foundation! Always prep your hair with a salon quality shampoo like our Sojourn Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner for clean, hydrated smooth hair.

2: Spray Sojourns Thermal Protection Straightener to your hair to detangle and protect from the upcoming heat.

3: In towel dried hair apply a quarter size of Sojourn's Sculpting Taffy starting from the mid lengths to the ends whatever is left apply to the roots. While blowdrying, the taffy will sculpt your hair and form it with soft smoothness and body. (with each section round brush it and spin your brush like your twirling spaghetti).

4: Spray each section your going to curl with your Sojourn Thermal Protection Straightener and begin to curl your hair.

5: Part your hair high on either your right or left part. Finish with using the Sojourn Finishing Hairspray and finger through your curls for soft flexible texture.

6: Tuck one side behind your ear. Make the look your own by clipping in a diamond or sparkly hair clip.

The great thing about these products too are you can reuse them for a lot of different looks. Ask your stylist how you can transform this look for other stylish ideas. All products can be purchased at Roca. Remember it is just hair, have fun with it.

Welcome to the ROCA Blog!

2011-11-16T08:25:00.001-06:00

Re-introducing our all-new ROCA blog! Here you will find information on all things hair, face, skin, and nails, plus humor, special offers, photos, and all the things that ROCA embodies. Subscribe now to learn great tips and ideas from the ROCA Style Team, and from our very own massage therapists, estheticians, and nail techs. Our gift, from ROCA to you ...