Halloween Makeup Services available at Uva Spa & Wine Boutique!

Halloween is fast approaching and it's Traci's favorite time of year! 

Uva is excited to now offer our clients Halloween makeup services. Call 708-669-7169 to make your appointment for an original, fun and creative look for your costume this year.

October Grape Escape - Masquerade Makeup and Wine Tasting!

Fall 2013 Makeup Trends

It's officially the Fall season and with the change in season comes some really exciting makeup trends!

I always look to the runway for makeup trends, and this season there were so many to choose from. Dark and moody, bright and fun, natural and ladylike, all made an impact on the catwalk. 

While some runway looks are just that, meant for the runway, I try to take inspiration from those looks and make them wearable for the everyday woman. 

Here's a list of my favorite and most wearable fall makeup trends. 

Velvety Skin:
Gone are the days of dewy skin. Matte, velvety skin is in. To look flawless and not dry, make sure you prep you skin before applying your foundation of choice. Exfoliate first and follow that up with the appropriate moisturizer for your skin type. Wait at least 10 minutes for your products to settle in, then use a primer to keep makeup looking fresh all day. Now your skin is ready for your foundation. My favorite? Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet Foundation. It lasts for hours and is full coverage but adjustable to whatever coverage you need. A little goes a long way. You can find this at your local Sephora. 

Metallics:
Metal showed up on the runway in the form of eye shadows, eyeliner and lipstick. This is exciting because some of my favorite makeup brands have amazing metallic collections. For the eyes, smudged and sexy was the look and lips were dark and moody. 

- For eye shadow, look to Maybelline's 24 HR Color Tattoo Metal Collection. This limited edition collection has 5 fantastic colors and they last all day long. Use on the lid of your eyes and smudge out the edges with a clean blending brush. Find this product at your local Walgreens, CVS or Target. 

- Metallic eyeliners are a great way to add a little metal to your look. Using it on your lower lash line also brings in another trend, keeping the emphasis on the lower lash line. Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencils come in a variety of metallic finishes. My favorites for the season are Stash, Mildew, Mushroom, Hustle, Cuff and Scorch. Apply these to your lower lash line and smudge it out with your ring finger. Find these eyeliners at your local Ulta or Sephora. 

- I am most looking forward to the release of OCC's lip tar in Black Metal Dahlia because it incorporates several trends seen on the runway all rolled up into one product: metallic finish, deep wine hued and the texture is more of a stain. This will be available in early September online at sephora.com. 

Smokey Eyes:
While smokey eyes are certainly not a new idea, it's how it is being worn that makes it a trend this season. Go for dark and daring, dramatically winged at the outer corners. This is a great time to incorporate metallic eye shadows in deep purples, emerald greens, or coppery browns. Check out Coastal Scents Metal Mania 88 Color Palette (available at costalscents.com). It's an affordable way to get a large array of metallic eye shadows, all great for this look.

*Tip: To help achieve a really nice, crisp line at the outer corner of your eye for the winged look, use tape! Take a piece of tape and stick it to the back of your hand first. This helps to remove some of the stickiness so it doesn't pull at the sensitive skin around your eyes. Then take the tape and starting at the corner of your eye, determine what angle you'd like your wing to be and stick the tape there. Using your favorite eyeshadow brush, apply your choice of color on your lid and extend out along the edge of the tape. Then take a clean blending brush and blend along your crease and the edge of the wing to give it a smokey look. Simply remove the tape and voila! You now have the on trend winged, smokey eye look! 

Fall Brights:
Lead makeup artists are making a very big statement in creating looks using colors you may think are only used during the spring and summer seasons. Vibrant neon hues are now on trend for the fall! How about a neon orange smokey eye, neon purple lips or neon green nails? Go for it! Check out Wet N Wild's Pop Art Craze Eye Shadow Trios and Nail Polish, available at your local Walgreens or CVS. 

It's Ok to be Naked:
Yes I said it, naked! But keep your clothes on because I'm talking makeup, right? Another look that was popular on the runway was very clean, natural, barely there makeup. Here's how to achieve that look: 

- I recently read somewhere that makeup artists at some of the fashion shows were spending twice the amount of time they would normally spend on the skin to achieve a luminous and flawless finish. A simple way for you to get that glow is by mixing an illuminator into your foundation. My pick is Nyx Cosmetics Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator in Sunbeam, available at nyxcosmetics.com or your local Ulta. 

- Skip the Blush! We're going for naked right? And even though being naked might make some blush, in this case we're skipping it. 

- As for eyeliner, less is more for this look. A very sharp kohl pencil eye liner could work but liquid eye liner would be best to achieve the thinnest line, right across your top lash line, stopping at the corner of your eye. No extension at all. Black is great, but feel free to use color too. Both Urban Decay and Wet N Wild make fantastic liquid eyeliners, though Urban Decay as a wider assortment of color. 

- Lips will be naked too so make sure you lips look kissably soft. A great way to do that is to exfoliate your lips at least twice a week. Before I go to bed, I like to mix a bit of honey and granulated white or brown sugar. I rub this against my lips for about a minute and then just lick it off. Yummy! Then I apply my favorite flavor of EOS Lip Balm (did you know that EOS stands for Evolution of Smooth?). I love to use this lip balm before I got to bed because when I wake up in the morning, my lips are super soft, moisturized and ready for a good morning kiss... AFTER I brush my teeth of course! Find EOS Lip Balm at your local Walgreens or CVS.

- And if you feel like you want to add a little color to your lips, opt for a berry colored lip stain. My favorite is Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Smitten which is just 1 of the 12 colors in the collection. Choose your favorite at your local Walgreens or CVS.

While it's always fun to check out the runways latest looks, keep in mind that trends are just that, a trend and not necessarily the rule. I like to think that in makeup, there are no rules! The most important thing is that you feel good about how you look because nothing says beautiful like confidence! 

Until next time... love, peace and lipstick!

~ Traci
Licensed Esthetician and Professional Makeup Artist at Uva Spa & Wine Boutique

WOTW: Alexander Valley Vineyards 2012 Dry Rose of Sangiovese

Wine of the Week

In our opinion, it's always rosé season and this week, we are featuring Alexander Valley Vineyards (AVV) 2012 Dry Rosé of Sangiovese. 

Since their first vintage in 2006, AVV's Rosé has been recognized by critics and wine lovers as one of the best in the country. When compared to the 2011, this vintage is slightly lighter in color with a light pink / salmon hue. Aromas of wild strawberry, watermelon, raspberry and mint jump out of the glass. There are flavors of strawberry, peach, berry and a hint of minerality. The wine has medium mouth-feel and a dry finish with a very long aftertaste.

Pair this little treat with a light white fish, like flounder or snapper, pan sautéed and finished with a lemon, caper and butter sauce. Fish, lobster or shrimp tacos would be wonderful too. Try New Orleans style BBQ shrimp for a decadent pairing.

Pick up your bottle at Uva Spa & Wine Boutique!

And the Uva Glam Session winner is....

Congratulations to our winner!

Uva Spa & Wine Boutique would like to thank our winner and finalists in our Uva Instagram Challenge:

Alma Carillo @arose12
Mirely Rodriguez @mirelyr
Esmie Cuevas @gb4bey
Veronica Orejel @ms_vee
Rosy Ramos @rosy1020
Rosie Velez @downtownlegs

You all have been so great in participating in our challenge!

We look forward to giving our winner a fun experience and some amazing photos with her Glam Session!

And to Mirely, Esmie, Veronica, Rosy R, and Rosie V, it is our pleasure to gift all of you with a 30 Minute Customized Grape Therapy Facial for your participation and involvement in making this a fun experience!

Thank you to everyone that voted!

Wine of the Week (WOTW): Cryptic!

Often compared to the much more expensive The Prisoner, Cryptic is a great substitute for a fraction of the cost! It is delicious, inexpensive, and fun, with backwards lettering and scramble puzzles on the label that you must decipher in order to determine the blend.

Cryptic refers to the mysterious alchemy that comes from combining individual lots of wine together to create a magical blend. The three Cs on the encryption wheel each represent one of three varietal components: Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each grape varietal adds a unique characteristic to the blend, and when blended together the result is unexpected and unique. Cryptic is sourced from vineyards they control and from grapes they crush from more than 30 different vineyards. These vineyards are located in three distinctive growing areas: Amador County in the Sierra Foothills, the Lodi River Delta and Paso Robles in the Central Coast. Each of these areas is known for soils, climate and growing conditions that produce big, rich and bold red wine grapes. Cryptic sets the mood for a magical experience to be shared. 

Complex, supple and seductive, with ripe raspberry, dark blackberry and blueberry flavors, notes of toasted hazelnuts, a hint of vanilla and a touch of mocha on the finish.

The Zinfandel component is brimming with brambly, intense red berry flavors.  Inky, intense Petite Sirah provides depth and color and concentration, while elegantly structured, silky Cabernet Sauvignon adds polish and complexity.

Pick up your bottle anytime at Uva Spa & Wine Boutique!

Uva Challenge's Final Step!

So, you've shown us pictures of yourself drinking wine, and we've all been able to see your daily skincare regimen, now we want to see you glam yourself out wearing your favorite lipstick! 

Take a photo of yourself wearing your favorite lipstick. See my example above although 4 pictures are not required... just fun! 

Post that photo (or a compilation of photos as I did, if you're feeling adventurous) on Instagram. 

The caption must include the following:

1. must say Uva Challenge 
2. must include the tag @uvaspawineboutique 
3. must state "My favorite lipstick is (brand) in the color (name of color)".

We also need for you to click on the Add People button and add @uvaspawineboutique. This will put your picture on our Instagram page and make it easier to keep track of.

You will have until next Thursday, August 29 to get your picture in but the sooner you get it in the better because we're doing a voting process again and the longer your picture is out there, the more votes you could get!

Once you picture is posted on Instagram, we will take a screen shot of it and add it to a photo album on our facebook page, as well as post it on our Instagram page.

Then the voting begins! Get your family, friends, co-workers, etc. to vote for your picture by liking it on Uva's Facebook page or on our Instagram Page! The more likes you have, the more chances you will have to win the Uva Glam Session! (FYI... Likes on your pictures on your Instagram or Facebook page will not count. Please direct them to Uva's Instagram and Facebook page.)

TIP: To really get your family and friends attention on Instagram, once I post your picture on Uva's page, go to the comment area and tag them! On Facebook, go to your picture and tag them or go to the comment area and tag / bluelight them!

At midnight on what will technically be Friday, August 30, we will tally the votes. The picture with the most likes will get 8 tickets put into our giant wine glass. The second place picture will get 7 tickets and so on through the person with the least amount of votes which will get 1 ticket. This can increase your odds of winning dramatically! And this is why it is so important to get your picture submitted as soon as possible!

On the afternoon of Friday August 30, we will announce who the lucky winner is!

Get to work ladies! And Uva fans, help these ladies win by voting for your favorite picture!

Good luck!

Wine of the Week!

Chef Jaime Laurita’s Prosecco is fresh, fizzy and delicate with notes of crisp apples and ripe orchard pears. Perfectly dry and palatable, this Prosecco is versatile; it can be simply incorporated into all of your life’s celebrations.

Try it with battered seafood, spicy Asian foods or anything creamy and decadent.

It can be enjoyed as an aperitif and it’s great with finger foods and cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda or even a nutty cheese ball.

The results are in for Step 2 of the Uva Challenge!

Thank you to everyone for participating by voting for your favorite picture!

You have helped these women increase their chances of winning a fabulous Uva Glam Session worth $300!

Here are you're results...

Uva Challenge: Step 2!

Lovely Uva Challenge Participants, here is your second step to the challenge:

Take a photo of yourself in the midst of your daily skincare routine. It could be an image of you in the process of washing your face, letting a mask set, or moisturizing your skin. See my example below that shows the 3 different steps. The 4th is just me feeling all fresh and clean! LOL!

Post that photo (or a compilation of photos as I did below, if you're feeling adventurous) on Instagram. The caption must say Uva Challenge and must include the tag @uvaspawineboutique. We also need for you to click on the Add People button and add @uvaspawineboutique. This will put your picture on our Instagram page and make it easier to keep track of.

You will have until next Thursday, August 22 to get your picture in but I will say, the sooner you get it in the better because there will be a voting process involved and the longer your picture is out there, the more votes you could get!

Once you picture is posted on Instagram, we will take a screen shot of it and add it to a photo album on our facebook page, as well as post it on our instagram page.

Then the voting begins! Get your family, friends, co-workers, etc to vote for your picture by liking it on Uva's Facebook page or on our Instagram Page! The more likes you have, the more chances you will have to win the Uva Glam Session! (FYI... Likes on your pictures on your Instagram page will not count. Please direct them to Uva's Instagram page.)

At midnight on what will technically be Friday, August 23, we will tally the votes. The picture with the most likes will get 9 tickets put into our giant wine glass. The second place picture will get 8 tickets and so on through the person with the least amount of votes which will get 1 ticket. This can increase your odds of winning dramatically! And this is why it is so important to get your picture submitted as soon as possible!

Get to work ladies! And Uva fans, help these ladies win by voting for your favorite picture!

Good luck!

Thank you & Congratulations!

Thank you to the nine lovely ladies that are participating in our Uva Challenge on Instagram to win an Uva Glam Session!

The second step of the challenge will be announced shortly!

Find out how YOU can help one of these ladies win an Uva Glam Session!

Stay tuned!

Check out another Uva Challenge Instagram Submission!

We received another Uva Challenge submission on Instagram! Check out Darcy drinking her red wine!

Today's weather is going to be perfect for sitting outside with friends enjoying a great bottle of wine. And while you're doing that, take a picture and post it on Instagram with the caption Uva Challenge and tag @uvaspawineboutique for your chance to wine an Uva Glam Session for you or someone you know!

First Uva Instagram Challenge picture is in!

Our first Uva Challenge picture submission is in! Check out ms_vee's wine glass! My kinda girl!

While you're out today enjoying a glass of wine, make sure you snap a picture of yourself with your wine glass, post it on Instagram (please make sure you account isn't private so we can see the picture) with the caption Uva Challenge and tag @uvaspawineboutique.

Give ms_vee a run for the Uva Glam Session prize valued at $300!

Join our Instagram Challenge to win an Uva Glam Session valued at $300!

Uva's Instagram Challenge Info:

While you're drinking a glass of wine this weekend, don't forget to snap a picture of yourself and your wine glass and enter our Instagram Challenge to win an Uva Glam Session for you or someone you think deserves it!

Join us in our challenge! This includes a glass of wine, full makeup application by Traci, a photo session with Iris and high resolution files of 2 of your most beautiful pictures! This is valued at $300!

Since this is such a big prize, we decided to make it a bit more challenging... and fun! This challenge will go on for 3 weeks, and the winner will be announced on August 30! There will be 3 parts to this challenge, all needing to be done on Instagram. You must complete all 3 parts within the time frame given to be entered into a drawing to win the Uva Glam Session.

The first part of the challenge is to take a picture of yourself holding a glass of wine (see my image here). Post that on your Instagram account with the caption Uva Challenge and tag @uvaspawineboutique. Please make sure your Instagram account is not set to private. We will not be able to see your entry if it is private. You have until 5 pm on Thursday, August 15 to complete this first part of our challenge.

The second part of this challenge will be announced on Friday, August 16 so look out for that post here on our blog as well as on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Looking forward to seeing everyone's pictures! See ya on Instagram!

Have some fun with our Uva Instagram Challenge!

Uva's Instagram Challenge Info:

Join us in our challenge to win an Uva Glam Session! This includes a glass of wine, full makeup application by Traci, a photo session with Iris and high resolution files of 2 of your most beautiful pictures! This is valued at $300!

Since this is such a big prize, we decided to make it a bit more challenging... and fun! This challenge will go on for 3 weeks, starting today, and the winner will be announced on August 30! There will be 3 parts to this challenge, all needing to be done on Instagram. You must complete all 3 parts within the time frame given to be entered into a drawing to win the Uva Glam Session.

The first part of the challenge is to take a picture of yourself holding a glass of wine (see my image here and check out Instagram to see how it should be captioned). Post that on your Instagram account with the caption Uva Challenge and tag @uvaspawineboutique. You have until 5 pm on Thursday, August 15 to complete this first part of our challenge.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's pictures! See ya on Instagram!

New challenge this Friday with our Instagram Page!

This Friday, we're going to have some fun again! This time we're giving away an Uva Glam Session! This includes a glass of wine, full makeup application by Traci, a photo session with Iris and high resolution files of 2 of your most beautiful pictures (similar to the ones pictured here)! This is valued at $300!

We will announce what you have to do on Friday, but what I can tell you right now is that this will be an Instagram challenge! So if you don't have Instagram yet, download the free app right to your phone now! And once you have the app, follow Uva Spa & Wine Boutique at @uvaspawineboutique.

Are you going to be ready to participate on Friday?

WOTW (Wine of the Week): Girly Girl Riesling!

WOTW: Girly Girl Riesling, perfect for this time of year!

Her name is Sophie and this sophisticated lady is as sweet as can be. She has a fragrant, pretty nose filled with tropical aromas which subtly suggest of ripe peaches, fresh pineapple and pink grapefruit. She is delicate, yet expressive, and shows good acidity which is a nice compliment to the lingering rich fruit and clover honey flavors.

This is a really nice drinking wine on those warm summer nights. 

Stop by to pick up your bottle!

August 16 - Henna & Wine Tasting at our August Grape Escape!

Join us at our August Grape Escape where we will  be featuring Sumeyya Rehman of Henna Craze. Sumeyya is a professional henna artist with over 10 years of experience.

It will be a fun evening of henna designs, wine tasting and appetizers on August 16 from 6 to 9 pm. Call Traci at 708-669-7169 for reservations.