More and more, vitamin C is being touted for its ability to stimulate the production of collagen, even out skin tone, and defend against the aging effects of the environment. A quick inventory of the things in my house containing vitamin C turned up orange juice, my daily multivitamin, some effervescent cold-fighting supplements, a fancy flavored water, some Trader Joe’s body wash, and several pricey skincare products. Apparently, I’m on the bandwagon.
But whether this antioxidant lives up to its beauty-boosting hype makes no difference to me when I inhale the sweet-tart tangerine essential oil scenting my warm alcove at the Beauty Room. This is my first visit to the salon-spa, an unexpectedly girly spot considering its adjacency to a tattoo parlor in Minneapolis’s Longfellow neighborhood. I’ve come to prep for summer: a citrus body scrub to lay the groundwork for the self-tanner I’ll slather on for the next three months, and an exfoliating facial to buff away the dull, dry traces of winter.
Jennifer Callen, my aesthetician, explains that both treatments utilize vitamin C–enriched products to brighten and smooth the skin, plus fermented seaweed to improve elasticity. During the cushiony body scrub, she incorporates massage where I need it most—even though it’s not technically part of the service. I’m equally impressed by her ability to rinse away the scrub without creating a gritty mess—no small feat, I’ve learned, from less pleasant experiences. For the facial, Callen employs a rotary brush to gently deep-clean my pores, then treats me to an arm and neck massage while my refining mask sets.
After two hours, my muscles are soft and my skin is luminous and creamy. If only this came in a bottle.
What: Luminous C & Sea facial and body scrub*
Where: The Beauty Room, 4111 E. Lake St., Mpls.,
612-724-4111, thebeautyroommpls.com
Time: 2 hours
Price: $150
*Treatments may also be booked individually.
BEAUTY BAG
Aveda Sun Care
If you’re smart and slather yourself in SPF 70 before soaking up summer rays, bravo. But what are you doing to protect your hair? Considering the price you paid for those subtle blonde highlights, they probably shouldn’t be left unattended. Take cover with Aveda’s new Sun Care line. The water-resistant Protective Hair Veil contains a UVA/UVB inhibitor derived from wintergreen and cinnamon-bark oils; the citrusy Hair and Body Cleanser gently removes salt and chlorine; and the buttery After-Sun Hair Masque restores moisture. If you really mean business, use all three products together to defend hair from the sun for up to 16 hours. $20 to $26, aveda.com
BOOK IT
Juut Express Services
Juut is making it easier to hurry up and relax. When the salon-spa discovered that women want to be transformed and rejuvenated, but simply don’t have the time—it promptly responded with express services. On the menu: a blow-out, brow wax, manicure, the Perfecting Plant Peel Facial, and a table or chair massage—each done in 30 minutes or less. Don’t be late. Prices vary; seven metro locations, juut.com
