May 21, 2012

SF Salon Deal: Keratin Complex Express Blowout

Johnny in his Union Square salon

When a Brazilian Blowout is too time-consuming or too expensive, the Keratin Complex Express Blowout may be exactly what you’re looking for. Luckily for SF Indie Fashion readers, Johnny Bueno is offering this new-to-his-salon treatment at a discount.

Ringing in at about half the price and requiring half the time of a Brazilian Blowout, the one-hour service is similar in its ability to smooth, de-frizz and reduce curl, but requires much less in the way of commitment. The results of the treatment last anywhere from a month to six weeks.

It’s a summer-friendly hair strategy that cuts frizz and reduces the need for styling right when added humidity, beach trips and it’s-too-hot-to-blowdry moments take over.

So here’s the deal: book a color appointment with Johnny Bueno Color Studio this month, and you’ll save 20 percent on a Keratin Complex Express Blowout (reg. $145-$165). Another perk for readers: Tell ‘em we sent ya, and you’ll score a super-soft Johnny Bueno logo tee for $5 (reg. $25).

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Lasting Beauty: Captain Blankenship Balms and Solid Perfumes

Rosy Red for lips and cheeks, $15, from Captain Blankenship is made using Beeswax, California organic almond oil, organic jojoba oil, wildcrafted shea butter and essential oils.

Beauty products that not only deliver welcome results, but last and last and last get our shatter-polished thumbs up every time. We recently discovered such tandem benefits in Bay Area-based beauty line Captain Blankenship.

Priced from $15-$30 and packaged in reusable metal tins, the balms and solid perfumes from this local line can easily last over a year, says owner Jana Blankenship (the woman behind notable Mission art spot The People’s Gallery).

Begun as a small side project by Blankenship, an art curator who also works with the Wattis Institute, the homegrown beauty company’s growth has been steady in recent months, though strictly organic, not unlike many of its wild-crafted ingredients. These days, the line also includes liquid scents, bath salts and aromatic sprays.

Our favorite scent during a recent sniff session at The People’s Gallery? Mantra, an earthy fragrance designed to aid meditation and concentration made using jasmine, vetiver, sandalwood, blood orange and spearmint.

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Flex Time: Try San Francisco Midweek Beauty Deals

Russian Hill's Beauty Company frequently offers midweek specials via its Facebook page.

At Cavallo Point, midweek spa deals accompany to-die-for views.

Got some midweek flex in your sched this summer? Then these midweek deals at local day spas are just for you. Even better, you’ll avoid the Saturday masses and get your look in line before the weekend hits.

Cocoon Urban Day Spa Midweek Mani-Pedi Special: Through the end of June, score $10 off all mani-pedi combination treatments when you book appointments Tuesday through Friday before 4 p.m. Insider tip: if you drive to this Rincon Hill location, hunt on Guy Place for one-hour, unmetered spots.

Cavallo Point Midweek Spa Special: Yes, there are many other reasons for locals to hit this just-across-the-Golden-Gate destination than the postcard city views. Head here Monday through Thursday, and you’ll save 15 percent on any facial, massage or body treatment (excludes tandem massages). Add a yoga class ($15) or spring for a full day pass ($65) to enjoy the bucolic lodge’s full suite of fitness offerings, including a eucalyptus steam room and a heated meditation pool.

Zaza Nail Spa Midweek Special: Book your appointment Monday through Thursday before 4 p.m., and you’ll be rewarded with $15 off the classic mani-pedi combo, as well as skincare and massage treatments this month. Afterwards, if more me-time is required, get sucked in by the deals across the street at Jeremy’s.

Beauty Company: Those who “like” this Russian hill shop-slash-salon on Facebook will be happy to find an ever-updating assortment of midweek deals posted on the shop’s wall. Recent deals have included a free mani-pedi with purchase before 4 p.m. offered to those who check in using Facebook and 40 percent off waxing done before 4 p.m.

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Photography courtesy of Beauty Company and Cavallo Point

Bar Fun: Bathing in Luxury Vegan Soaps

Handmade soap in Pink Sugar Berry from Bathing in Luxury

For soap that sends a welcome message, try handmade bars from Bay Area-based Bathing in Luxury. Livened with hues made from mineral pigments, scents range from unisex Sunny Laundry to guy-friendly Surfer Dude and dessert-inspired Frosted Rum Cake. Most bars ($5.75) are made of vegan ingredients using a cold-press process and feature blends of essential oils, Vitamin E and natural fragrance.

In need of a Father’s Day gift from a local company? The etsy shop’s manly soaps section includes a gift set offering your choice of three soaps wrapped and packaged in a wooden crate for $22.

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Tried & True: Yes to Tomatoes Acne Roller Ball Spot Stick

We recently became roller girls, but without a pair of skates or an elbow to the ribcage in sight. That said, serious combat was involved. We recently tested the Yes To Tomatoes Acne Roller Ball Spot Stick from San Francisco-based company Yes To. Read on for why we’re declaring it a winner.

First, a paraben-free ingredients list pairs natural skin-helpers such as organic tomato extract and tea tree oil with zit-fighting usual suspects such as salicylic acid and witch hazel. The compact roller ball applicator made it easy to zero in on spots and get the treatment right where it was needed – and not all over our faces.

But more than the ease-of-use or the novelty of the packaging, we were impressed with the result. After one nighttime application, we saw notable improvement in our skin the next morning, but without redness or flaky skin.

We’re also fans of the company’s full disclosure of every ingredient in the product right on the web site.

Want your own? The Roller Ball Spot Stick ($9.99) is currently available in the Yes To online store.

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Full disclosure: samples were gifted to us for use in this post. Though we don’t think that biases our judgment, we think it’s only good, fair reporting to let you know.