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My Blog

For the love of family

There is something so romantic about Valentine's Day. But as a mother, daughter, sister and wife I look at this most romantic day slightly differently. I try to find ways to express my love to everyone in my family.
That's why I have created gift sets for everyone in your life-no matter their age or sex. And what better way to say "I love you" then with a gift of health and beauty!
 
Here's what we have developed for you:
For the man in your life the Men's Shaving Cream is out of this world. We have combined this stellar performer with a targeted moisturizer to create the perfect package for father, husband, son or pool boy?
 
For the woman in your life we have combined the best of Julianna Skin Care and packaged them in travel sets. These sets are the ideal size for the exercise or travel bag. I was inspired to create a travel size fitness line because as often as I am in the gym I rarely see a women equipped with the right products. Quite often I see women using the gym supplied products or some generic product line that doesn't deliver the necessary benefits. 
  
For the teen we have created a line of skin care products that deals directly with the hormonal changes of a teen's skin. I have developed a special serum to control break outs and deliver just the right about of punch to knock out blemishes.
 
We are busy working on our Spring/Summer product line and plan to introduce it in mid March. If you feel that your skin has changed or the elements around you have, for example weather, stress, hormones, aging, then I strongly suggest a skin analysis appointment. We will be hosting a series of open houses where you can pop in for a quick skin assessment. If one of those times doesn't work with your schedule, then I am available in the clinic for a one-on-one appointment (however those appointments are limited).
 
And finally, we are excited to announce that with the introduction of our Spring/Summer line you will be able to purchase products via the Internet using PayPal.
 
More information on this new ordering opportunity and our schedule of open houses to follow!
 
Until then, amore darlings!
 
Julianna
 

Making seasons bright

Whew, what a month it has been! I've been stacked solid with salon treatments and busy creating more product and honestly, I couldn't think of a more wonderful way to ring in the holiday season then by spending time with my dear clients.
 
The pace has slowed now at the salon as everyone is off celebrating with family and friends or traveling the world and I find myself reflecting on how grateful I am for each one of you. It is because of you that my business is flourishing and more important my dreams are being fulfilled.
 
 
 Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday!
 
Julianna
 

It's that time of year

When holiday glee lasts late into the night, snow flurries threaten as the wind swirls and too much good cheer leaves our skin less than bright.
 
If there ever was a time to nourish your skin, and your soul, it is now. To warm up from the harsh winds and bitter cold outside it is only natural that we turn up the heat and light the fire. But these harsh changes can play havoc on our skin's balance. Combine this with a busy social calendar, any travel, and shall I dare say? - the stress of the holidays, and your skin is left begging for attention. 
 
You are in good hands! Julianna Skin Care has developed this season's products to nourish and balance your skin leaving it refreshed, refined and oh so delectable. So whether you need a light toner and cool moisturizer or a dose of her heavy duty Creme de la Creme cream and Optimal Repair, Julianna has the perfect treatment for you.
 
And to make it even easier on you, Julianna Skin Care Products will be available for sale in the newly opened Penelope & The Beauty Bar in The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Seasonally rich products have been pre-packaged in gift boxes making gift giving a breeze this year. These locally made, hand crafted skin care products make a splendid gift, even if it is just for yourself!
 
Julianna will be at Penelope & The Beauty Bar's Holiday Open House with her newly packaged seasonal products. Stop by for a first glance of this fabulous new salon and chat with Julianna about her skin care products.
 
 
Penelope & The Beauty Bar
Holiday Open House
Thursday, December 8th
7-9pm
The Fairmont Olympic Hotel
Lower Lobby
411 University Street
Seattle
 
 
While at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel make sure you take time to visit the beautiful Christmas Tree in the main lobby, the sweet Teddy Bear Suite, and all the other festive decor throughout this gorgeous landmark hotel. 
 
Enjoy!
 
Julianna
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fairy tales do come true

Once upon a time there lived a young, sad and lonely young maiden, whose name was Amanda. She lived a secluded life because, even though her heart was good and she was sweet and kind, she felt that she was ugly. She rarely smiled or sought out companions for fear of rejection and ridicule.
 
One day she overheard a conversation in the village about a mystical place high above the city in a hidden hillside cavern where a good Sorceress name Julianna performed magic for maidens young and old.
 
Amanda's heart beat fast with the hope that perhaps Julianna could cast her magical power to change Amanda's life and give her that elusive beauty that she longed for. Calling up all of her courage, Amanda packed up an extra cloak and basket filled with fruit and cheese to sustain her on her quest to find the mysterious Julianna. From her own garden, she picked a bouquet of fragrant violets to take along, perhaps to offer to the good Sorceress if she could be found.
 
All alone, Amanda fearfully struck out and she walked until she found herself high above the busy city. She searched along the craggy rocky hillside for the cave she'd only heard about. The sweet scent of healing herbs and oils urged her to search on with excitement. Suddenly the sweet perfumes became stronger and led her to an open space in the hillside where a soft warm breeze hummed a gentle flute sound as it blew through the rocky cracks as if to accompany the water trickling down the cave's wall. As she moved closer, a dark skinned woman with warm brown eyes approached her holding out her welcoming arms. As if she were expecting Amanda, the woman smiled and embraced the frightened girl, immediately setting her at ease. Amanda knew that she had found the magical place that she had been seeking. Silently the woman led her to a steaming tub of bubbling water and took Amanda's dusty clothing and shoes. The woman softly helped Amanda into the steamy bath as she explained that her name was Najiba, and that Amanda was safe here with Julianna.
 
Amanda immersed her aching body into the deliciousness of the feel, sounds and smells of this place, and felt her anxiety melt away. Several moments slipped by and Najiba returned. She led Amanda to a large room and directed her to lie down on a long cushioned marble table, Mysterious jars of potions and ointments lined the moss covered walls, and the familiar sweet healing smell that she had grown accustomed to was everywhere.
 
In the midst of it all, there appeared the Sorceress Julianna. Amanda notice that this small delicate woman looked nothing like any witch that she had ever seen before. Julianna's large gentle dark eyes focused on Amanda with the same innocent interest that Amanda had seen once before in the stare of a young doe observing her beloved fawn. Amanda knew that this loving soul meant her only good and without a word, she knew all was well.
 
Julianna's luminous eyes and translucent skin was complimented by the flowing white gown that draped her petite body. She looked for all the world like a high priestess of care and healing. She held Amanda's face in her soft hands and with her caring eyes she looked deep into the heart of this searching soul. Julianna's penetrating examination reached deep beyond the surface of Amanda's body and reached the secret insecurity that she concealed.
 
Without further adieu, Julianna began to assemble the various bottles, jars and containers. Amanda closed her trusting eyes and sank deeply into the softly covered table, her hungry soul feasted on the nurturing care.
 
Julianna silently stroked, administered and anointed her body. The wind played its flute sound, the water trickled into a waiting fountain, and as the breeze blew, Julianna's robes moved softly around her. All this beautiful ambiance created the scene for magic to occur.
 
When this special time was complete, Amanda collected her clothing, leaving the fragrant violets for her benevolent Sorceress.
 
The very best instruction that Julianna gave the girl was that the final ointment that was supplied to her in a large jar must be reapplied every day until it was gone. If she truly believed, Amanda's own inner beauty would surface and the world would see her as she truly was. Embracing the precious jar, Amanda scrambled eagerly back down the craggy hillside to her life.
 
As the days and years passed, the sad lonely girl was transformed with her own confidence and she blossomed. The lovely face, that had always been, now shone with a new happiness that made the world a more beautiful place. Long after the jar was empty, the heart was full with a new sense of value-it had only needed to be nurtured to live fully.
 
Many times Amanda returned to the craggy hillside to try and find Julianna's cave and to thank her for the gift. But, it was never to be. Maybe it had all been just a lovely dream?
 
This sweet story was written by a loving a devoted client.
 
Julianna's products are now available at The Beauty Bar in The Fairmont Olympic Hotel. If you need something over the Thanksgiving holiday please contact them at 206-963-5204.
 
Wishing you and yours a magical Thanksgiving.
 
Until next time,
 
Julianna

Beauty in the Garden of Good and Evil

I've always thought of myself as a bit of a Sorcerer - crafting magical potions in small batches using nothing  but the finest ingredients found in nature.
 
On this All Hallows' Eve I can't help but think about beauty from a witches point of view.
 
"Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.
Fillet of fenny snake,
In the cauldron boil and bake;
Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting,
Lizard's leg and owlet's wing,
For a charm of powerful trouble,
Like a hell-broth boil and bubble..."
William Shakespeare, Macbeth, Act IV, Scene I
 
Reading through this chant one would think the cauldron was filled with bits and pieces of bumpy reptiles and feathery friends. But in fact, Shakespeare was referencing many herbs in this witch's brew. "Eye of Newt" is a folk name for Mustard Seed, while "Toe of Frog" refers to Buttercup. "Tongue of Dog" is Hounds Tongue, a plant that has some toxic properties that mainly affect cattle and horses. "Adder's Fork" is a fern more commonly known as Adder's Tongue and is useful for aiding the healing of wounds and bruises.
 
Sometimes when old grimoires and spells asked for blood they weren't suggesting the actual blood of human or animal, but the sap of the Elder tree. The sap of a plant is, in essence, its blood and would have been considered an appropriate ingredient in a charm or spell. Elder is especially sacred as a tree whose powers included that of life, death, and the state of happiness for a household.
 
The ingredients I use in my formulas aren't called Eye of Newt or Tongue of Dog but they definitely possess powerful magic.
 
Powerful enough to create healthy, beautiful skin but cannot stave off aging entirely and definitely not forever. 
 
I have always said that I believe the most beautiful person is one who has aged graciously, who  has taken good care of them self, including their skin. 
 
But so many people look in the mirror and are unhappy with their reflection. They take extreme measures to look beautiful - some go under the knife, some buy all the latest gadgets and mega products, others hide behind layers of make-up, while some never remove their mask.
 
This is the true evil of Beauty - the quest that permeates the being, and its pursuit has devastating effects.
 
With each and every one of my clients I stress the true meaning of beauty - loving yourself! When you love yourself you take excellent care of your whole person, including your skin.
 
So repeat after me:
 
"Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who's the fairest one of all?
Me!"
 
 
Remember, the path to beauty and enchantment is full of wisdom. So the next time you run across an odd name in a riddle or chant, take a moment to look it up...you will probably find its a common plant found in your own back yard.
 
 
Until next week,
 
Julianna
 
 
 
 
 

Ayurveda, a balanced approach

At the core of my skin care products is my belief in the healing properties found in natural ingredients. This belief stems from my knowledge and understanding of Ayurveda. Ayurveda can be traced back to 1500 BC and the Hindu religion. It is a system that stresses the use of plant-based medicines for treatments. Ayurveda in Sanskrit means "the complete knowledge for long life".
 
Ayurvedic literature deals elaborately with measures of healthful living during the entire span of life and its various phases. It focuses on exercise, yoga, and meditation as well as therapeutic regimes of eliminating toxic elements from the body.
In practice, Ayurveda's central ideas are based in its fascination with balance. It is the same approach I take when creating the formulas for my skin care products.
 
Each of my products  contain  4NB- Nutri Blend , unique to that formula. The combination of plants with energy from the sun, soil, air and water gives each ingredient its individual healing properties.
 
The 4NB Nutri Blend extracts used in all my skin care products are:
 
Berrie Blend - high is Vitamin C this blend reduces inflammation and delivers powerful antioxidants, and Citrus,  Pomegranate, Cranberry, and Raspberry extracts boost the skin's glow.
 
Herbal Blend - this healing formula reduces irritation, dryness and decreases the effects of sun damage. Green Algae, Chickweed, Oat Leaf, Green Tea combine with a spectrum of minerals, B Vitamins, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A and Amino Acids.
 
Essential Oil Blend - Wonder plants like Lavender, Calendula,Mint, Chamomile and Rose are combined just so to provide aroma and therapeutic benefits and contain antibacterial, anti fungal and anti inflamatory properties.
 
Humectant Blend - a combination of Hyaluronic Acid, Silk Peptide, Aloe Vera, Propylene Glycol boost the skins elasticity and hydration and provides moisture balance that penetrates the skin surface to carry beneficial ingredients deep into the epidermis.
All of my products are formulated with these exclusive 4NB Nutri Blend blends. Keeping your skin healthy, vibrant, age-resistant, and balanced.
 
Until next time,
 
Julianna
 

It's not just the weather that is changing!

Your skin is constantly changing so just when you think, aha! I have a handle on my oily t-zone or I am doing a great job at keeping those dark circles at bay, bam! it changes and you are back trying to figure
out what your skin is doing and what it is reacting to.
 
It could be just one thing, like a shift in the weather, but most likely it
is a myriad of factors ganging up on your skin. Changes in hormone levels, or diet, an illness, perhaps a cosmetic procedure, simple aging or even travel can all combine to create changes your skin's condition.
 
The first step to taking back control is to book a facial. If time is a rarity, then a fifteen minute skin analysis will work. But either way, it is important for me to take a look at your skin. By feeling, touching and seeing first hand what your skin is doing I am able to personalize products that will truly benefit your skin.
 
Personalizing products is the key to Julianna Beauty and for healthy
and beautiful skin everywhere. Every product in my skin care line has been developed over time with the help from clients of all skin types. Every product was developed with a hands on approach, over and over again-each product was developed with a client's specific need in mind.
 
I combined those years of research with the nutritive and healing benefits of the world's finest plant extract to create a product that is safe, effective and gentle.
 
I time my products with the changing seasons. I use this time to change the nutritive ingredients in my products to provide the benefit your skin will need for that season. What the skin craves on hot and humid days is far different from what it needs on cold, dry days.
 
By producing my products this way, in small batches, I am able to provide personalized products for your skin, not just your skin type....
the difference is amazing and the results, well they are simply stunning.
 
The Fall line is now available. The products are filled with yummy ingreditents like almond, chamomile, cranberry, grape and sunflower.
If you know the products that work best for you and would like to place an order, please send me an email I will have it available the next day for pick-up in the Salon.  If you think your skin has changed or are new to Julianna Beauty and would like to schedule a fifteen minute skin analysis or facial, email me your best days and times. We will get it scheduled by the next day.
 
Until next week, bellissimo
 
Julianna

Change is in the air

We have been busy over the summer. We stepped back and took a look at our product line, distribution and packaging and realized some changes would do us good!
 
We are busy working on packaging for our extensive product line. While I know many of you love the hand written labels, we found we have reached the point in our product cycle that perhaps consistent and pre printed labels would be better.
 
And speaking of our product line, we evaluated our men's and teen lines and found that additional products were needed to round out the skin care routines for both. Look for those to be unveiled for Holiday 2011.
 
Distribution of our products also seemed to need some attention. We are proud to announce that the Seattle Athletic Club will continue to retail the products. We will also have our products available at The Fairmont Hotel . We will continue to find beneficial points throughout the city to carry our products making it easier for you, my beloved clients to get your needed products. Of course you will continue to be able to pick up your products here at Bellezza /Sorrento.
 
Realizing how difficult it can be at times for clients to book their appointments with me forced us to take a look at our appointment booking system. We are moving towards an online system and ask that all appointments be made via email to julianna@bellezzaskinclinic.com Your appointment will be confirmed within 24 hours.
 
In addition to holding appointments in the Bellezza Salon, clients will be able to book time with me at The Beauty Bar in The Fairmont Hotel scheduled to open Fall 2011. Stay tuned for more announcements and how to book me through The Beauty Bar/Fairmont.
 
I have enjoyed working with each and every one of you over the years and will continue to strive to make your experiences with Julianna Beauty and Bellezza simply exquisite. You are my family.
 
                                                                   
                                                                                                            Julianna
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Going Posh

Hats, hats, hats...they're everywhere I turn, and I love it! As a lover of all things feminine and gorgeous how could I not?
 
Let's start with the Royal Wedding shall we? I know most of the world tuned in to watch Prince William and his lovely Kate exchange their wedding vows, but not I! No, this was my chance to get my fill of eye candy....and I was not disappointed. I saw everything from the bizarre to the sublime.
 
 
 
 
Next it was off to the races, the Kentucky Derby that is. If there ever was a group of ladies that knew how to show up the Brits, it's these women. Stunning to just plain out there was the order of the day. 
 
I was scheduled for a busy day, but after one quick glance of these 'creations', I cleared my calendar, pour myself an ice tea (well perhaps it was a whiskey) and sat back to watch these thoroughbreds (and I am not talking about the horses) parade by all day. Oh how lovely, in deed.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tucked somewhere in between was opening day of boating season here in the Pacific Northwest. And with that came a whole new set of hats that I simply adore. These workhorses can be folded, thrown in the wash, and tossed in a bag, and emerge charming. 
 
 
And this past weekend, in most parts of the country, women were celebrating the start of summer by donning their wide brim hats on the warm beaches of the Carolinas or in sunny Napa.
 
 
You might be wondering why I love hats so much. Well besides the fact that they complete the outfit, they also provide much needed shade for your face and the delicate skin on your ears, neck, and scalp. If you don't think you look good in hats, think about this....age spots, wrinkles, and worse, the threat of melanoma and scars from the treatment of suspicious spots.
 
You can never have too many hats.  I recommend you keep a hat handy where ever you go in the sun. I always keep a hat in my car and there's one by my kitchen door on the weekends. Plus I have the right hat for every weekend activity: hard working hats for messy stuff like gardening and hiking, fancy ones for wine country events and in between ones for farmers market shopping and lolling about on vacation.
 
When looking for a hat, look for a brim that's at least 2 inches wide all the way around to make sure you have enough shade. Also make sure that the materials is made of tightly bound fabric to prevent too many rays from passing through. The best hats come with built in ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) right in the cloth!
 
Of course, you should always start with a lotion that contains an SPF and apply stronger protection when you know you will be out in the sun. Be sure to check out my line of skin care lotion for the ultimate in skin care protection this summer.
 
So what do you say? Shall we give the Brits and those Southern Belles a run for their money?
 
Until next time,
 
Julianna

Washing over me

The great Ennio Morricone's score from The Mission is simply extraordinary. Listening to this incredible soundtrack transports me to another place...the music washes over me and all of this world is forgotten. My favorite piece from this incredible soundtrack is Gabriel's Oboe. It touches my soul in a way that is quite amazing.
 
Click  to play Gabriel's Oboe by Ennio Morricone
 
 
Whenever I feel a need to put perspective on the day, you know the proverbial "wishing to see the tree through the forest', I play this music and marvel in the beauty of the world.
 
Many of you know the lovely  Pilate Studio next door to me and the new    Beauty Bar   that offers pilates classes as well as tantalizing beauty services such as Mink Eyelash Extensions, Sugaring, and Body Slimming Programs like the Sudatonic Detoxification Body Wrap.(for appointments and info call Angela 206 963 5204 )
 
I indulged in a Sudatonic Detox Body Wrap last week. Looking for a way to further my spring cleaning I suppose. What I found was an extraordinary experience. After an application of exquisite body cream, I was wrapped in a thin plastic sheet, then bundled in the Sudatonic Infrared Blanket.  It was a cold Spring day so raising my interior body temperature to the level it did felt nice.
 
I had heard great things about this treatment. Perfected years ago by the French (I am told this is the REAL reason why French women don't get fat), the Sudatonic System has only recently arrived stateside.
 
Eager to shed some toxins and perhaps a few inches, I signed up. 
 
The 50 minute treatment is designed to raise the internal temperature of your body through the use of deep penetrating infrared heat, much like a fever but without being sick. The increased body temperature increases circulation and makes you sweat a lot. I am told it is equivalent to running six miles and burning between 1,800-4,000 calories.  
 
Lying there, all bundled up on the cozy bed, I felt transported to another place. Strands of Morricone's music wafted through my mind and I felt transported to the jungles of South American...it was relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time. I look forward to my next treatment soon.
 
Until next week,
 
Julianna