beauty

When husband and wife team Sam Koza and Jessica Mae created their own beauty business several years ago, they knew the name needed to be as fierce as the mission. WarPaint International was the result of their brainstorming efforts. “[The name is] powerful and meaningful,” Mae shares. Read more about Why Locals Are Putting Their WarPaint on This Valentine’s Day

Donna Duffy recommends a mild to slightly deeper exfoliation during the fall, once a week for five or six weeks. Organic Pharmacy, a London-based organic cosmetics line, offers an enzyme peel mask facial treatment, available in a lower retail strength ($79). A professional strength version ($125-$200) can be applied by the pros at Fusion Lifespa. “The key is to have somebody you trust perform [skin services],” Duffy explains. “Have a good conversation about the after-care and a good sunscreen, and you are good to go.” Read more about The Skin You’re In

With 50 years of experience and 103 trophies at styling competitions, Rita Ambourn is still as passionate about hair as she was as a student at Oliver Thein Beauty School in Burnsville in the 1960s. Read more about Hairstylist Rita Ambourn remains passionate about her calling after 50 years of experience

The friendship between CaJah Salon owners Jim Halvorson and Carrie Sartin began with a back handspring. Sartin had been working at her last salon for three years when Halvorson was hired, she says. “When I found out you were a gymnast and you had horses,” she says to Halvorson, “I knew I needed to be your friend.” Read more about CaJah Salon Gives Back Beautifully

Too often, going to the salon can feel like just another chore. Add it to the list with a dentist appointment, getting an oil change and doing the laundry, and it can feel annoying and overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a tried-and-true stylist you can trust.

Two lake-area salons and stylists are aiming to change that, with revamped spaces and renewed mindsets about what’s most important—you. Read on to find out how you can capitalize on their fresh approach to beauty, and get a restart yourself. Read more about Two Area Salons Revamp to Bring New Products and Spaces to Customers