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twenty-twenty:
adjective [twen-tee-twen-tee] keenly or acutely perceptive: an opinion based on twenty-twenty hindsight.

We crave different things at different times in our life. When we were young (foolish is implied) it was mandatory to have the best time of the whole calendar year on New Year’s Eve. We set out with gusto and often behaved badly in pursuit of the elusive ‘wildest night of our lives.’

Somewhere near middle age we switched to displaying our enviable prowess by swapping screaming from the rooftops for culinary displays of a discriminating palate. But the desire underneath remained the same: demonstrating our skillset for finding the best, having the best, and being the best.

But our third act commences with less need to impress others (and ourselves) and discovers a desire to stay in, find home and come to ground. Simple pleasures claim first place in our hearts as we transition into happy spectators – watching the younger generation carry the torch into the bacchanalian championships.

Which is not to say we’ve completely abandoned our quest to find, have and be … the most content. We congratulate ourselves on our long view. On recognizing what makes us happy rather than cultivating follies ordained as the ‘way you’re supposed to celebrate.’

And for this we proudly accept our award. The award of knowing we are, at long last, keenly or acutely perceptive in our worldview. We have twenty-twenty vision.

And for one whole year we will write ‘2020’ on checks or notes or the random affidavit and we will smile. Smile at the symbol of our great self-awareness.

2020. At long last.

“This above all, to thine own self be true.”
William Shakespeare

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”
Judy Garland

“It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves.”
Sir Edmund Hillary

“The wise man is one who, knows, what he does not know.”
Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

‘Twas the month that holds Christmas, so here at the store
There are baubles and bangles and goodies galore;
Gorgeous poinsettias are found in each aisle,
Plus jewelry and scarves to keep Grandma in style.
~ not Clement Clarke Moore

Skin Deep morphs into a Winter Wonderland each December. It’s like Santa’s workshop with pretty elves rushing around making everyone’s holiday dreams come true. And once you’ve located that perfect something for that special someone – we offer complimentary gift-wrapping.

And we do this because, well, candidly, because you have enough on your plate. We’ve put together a collection of gifts that is unrivaled – beautiful, practical, funny, delicious, innovative and occasionally silly. You’ll delight in discovering and selecting a treasure which will be cherished for years to come – and then we’ll festoon it with brightly colored tissue and ribbons.

And, when your to-do list starts to tamp down your festive nature, that’s the signal it’s time to visit our nurturing spa or salon. Time to relax with a rejuvenating facial, indulgent massage, gorgeous manicure or pedicure, fabulous hairstyle or some last minute waxing.

A little self-care is essential to feeling the warmth of the season. Start by being kind to yourself, and the next thing you know you’ll be enveloped with the generosity of spirit the holiday season is all about. Skin Deep has it in bushel baskets, all shiny and bright, and we can’t wait to share it with you.

“There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.”
Fred Rogers

“One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don’t clean it up too quickly.”
Andy Rooney

“Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime.”
Laura Ingalls Wilder

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?”
Bob Hope

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ― Marcel Proust

This fall Skin Deep won The Independent Best-Of Award for Best Place to Have a Facial and Best Massage Therapist. Plus we’re a Best Gift Shop finalist! And we’re pinching ourselves because we’ve chalked up Best Place to Have a Facial for 26 years running.

But if you think we’ve grown blasé about this accolade, think again. Every year our amazingly talented estheticians keep their eye on the prize, and not just the one The Independent hands out.

It’s the sheer joy of knowing we’ve made a difference in the life (and skin and sore muscles and gift selection) of our clients. That they’ve come away from their visit feeling revived and rejuvenated and, dare I say, a little more loved.

So during this month when the hearts of Americans turn to thankfulness – we want to say Thank You to all our customers who’ve made our efforts worthwhile. For every time we’ve heard you say: “This is my favorite store,” we thank you. For every story about how your skin improved, we thank you. And for every loopy smile on the faces of clients after their amazing massage treatment with Cindy, we thank you.

Not that our gratitude is a completely altruistic gesture. We’re aware that gratitude has been proven to have both physical and psychological benefits. So in the big picture we’re grateful to you for making us happier, increasing our sense of well-being, improving our self-esteem, improving our relationships by fostering compassion, and generally making us feel the lighter by being more optimistic. Because you provide this for us every single time we say: Thank You!

This year, in addition to our gratitude for mini-marshmallows and pecan streusel stuffed into sweet potatoes, we’re taking time out to be grateful for all of you. You truly are the flowers that make our garden grow.

And, as a token of our esteem, we’ve included the sweet potato recipe below. It’s yummy and you deserve it.

I feel a very unusual sensation – if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude. –
Benjamin Disraeli

January’s about starting over just as February is associated with sweethearts and Cupid. But October, in spite of fall colors elbowing for the limelight, is all about … (scary, moaning sounds) … Halloween.

We can’t help it. From the moment we’re old enough to hold out a pillowcase and extort candy from strangers we’re smitten with the sensation of mischief and mayhem. Maybe we never soaped a window or egged a neighbor’s house, but we’ve done our best to scare the bejeebers out of pals whilst stuffing enough sweets down our gullet to produce a sugar coma.

Now we strive to be a pumpkin Picasso with each year’s take on the jack-o’-lantern. A tradition born in Ireland, with scary, candle-lit faces carved into turnips, beets and potatoes; until our ancestors crossed the pond and discovered pumpkins, a fruit native to America, and the ideal jack-o’-lantern.

And let us not overlook the apple’s place in Halloween traditions. Originally only unmarried people bobbed for apples, as it was believed the first person to take a bite was the next person to marry. Of course, it was also believed peeling an apple in front of a candle-lit mirror produced the image on one’s future spouse – but that curious custom has not stood the test of time.

At the Deep we have all the eerie, creepy and gorgeous gimcracks and gewgaws you’ll need to decorate hearth and home.

But, in keeping with apples and pumpkins, we also have a little something waiting once the Maleficent or Spiderman getup has been packed away. Let’s begin with the Glo Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub. This amazing skin polisher gently sloughs away dull surface cells with both physical and chemical exfoliation. No more Zombie, thank you very much. Just a brighter, softer complexion.

Then there’s the BioRepublic No More Years Eternal Radiance Mask. Here you’ll find the amazing power of Swiss Apple stem cell extract, along with marine collagen and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture and plump the skin. Mummies, be gone! This is an all-natural anti-aging treatment that is fragrance-free, not tested on animals and has no synthetic preservatives.

We may enjoy being frightened by ghouls, ghosts and goblins but once the makeup and masks come off – we’re ready for our Sleeping Beauty impersonation. And both pumpkin and apples can really do the trick. (Or should that be treat?)

Multitasking, by and large, has a pretty nasty rep. Studies show it can reduce our brain’s grey matter yielding more distraction and even causing memory problems. It’s blamed for increased stress, depression and social anxiety. All while making you less efficient.

But that’s not to say multitasking doesn’t have a place in our universe.

We love multitasking products. Where we once accepted a phone simply received or made phone calls, we now expect them to send written missives, connect us to social media, and take some pretty good pictures.

So how would you feel about a foundation that accomplishes 3 tasks at the same time? Jane Iredale’s NEW Beyond Matte Foundation has just landed at the Deep and it’s a primer, concealer and foundation in one lovely formulation.

This gorgeous new foundation offers a smooth matte finish (not dry!) with whatever amount of coverage you need. Beyond Matte’s clean botanical actives help hydrate, tone and smooth your skin for a luminous finish.

Linseed and Celery Seed extracts firm and tone your skin while Peptides minimize the appearance of shine. Tamarind Seed and Hyaluronic Acid help improve moisture and elasticity.

This is a game-changer. Jane Iredales’s Beyond Matte Foundation is a buildable, all-day coverage that is 100% vegan and (like ALL of Jane Iredale’s cosmetics) always cruelty-free.

When it comes to being productive we think it’s best to do one thing at a time; and do it very, very well. But we’re willing to make an exception in this case.

Because if a foundation has aspirations of being more? If it dreams of priming, concealing and evening out skin tone in one clean swoop? We salute it and its over achieving tendencies.

Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Foundation. Come in and let us color match you today.

“Viva” defined as “long live” from Spanish and Italian verbiage, brings back fond memories of our Santa Barbara Fiesta’s Old Spanish Days – and all the celebrations we enjoyed together.

For 5 days every August our community is immersed in performances and festivities celebrating our Spanish heritage. These includes mariachi bands, traditional dancing by all ages, one parade filled with equestrian spectacle and another peopled only by children.

Then there’s the food. So many choices, so many temptations. It’s the quintessential element we all love; for be it authentic or derivative, it’s always tasty.

The matriarch of the Hasche Familia – I’m referring to Skin Deep’s owners – was Evelyn. Evelyn epitomized the spirit of Fiesta. She dressed, danced, cheered and viva-ed her way through the first weekend in August – and was invited with all her children to ride on The Castillo Family float during the Fiesta Parade.

This year, as in the years that preceded it, we’re inspired by the legacy Evelyn left behind. Again we attempt to channel her glee whilst breaking cascarones over our compatriots’ heads, and often toasting her spirit with a delicious Margarita!

And following Evelyn’s example we strive to be ever welcoming and gracious to all those who cross the threshold at Skin Deep.

Fiesta will eventually fade into another sunset of summer – but we’ll continue to smile remembering her high spirits, her consistent delight in simple pleasures … as we pluck the last bits of confetti from our hair.

Our eyes are great communicators. Wide eyes indicate fear, squinting telegraphs anger or disgust, and the classic dreamy eye speaks volumes in the language of love. Which is why we can’t understate the value of taking care of your eyes.

Many of us think if we’re using a daily moisturizer and a richer night cream – we’re at the top of our skincare game. But that leaves out a precious component: Eye Cream.

Some ask, “Can I use my regular moisturizer around my eyes?” But there are no oil glands in the skin around our eyes, and the skin in this area is 10% thinner than the rest of our face. Eye creams are created for this sensitive area and when used regularly can smooth fine lines, diminish dark circles and even relieve puffiness.

The molecular structure of an eye cream formulation is different than other creams – allowing for efficient penetration and absorption of critical nutrients and peptides. If one uses a facial cream around the eyes – it’s not properly absorbed and can actually “drag” the skin down…rather than lifting, toning, and properly plumping fine lines.

One such treasure is Yon-Ka’s Phyto Contour, which boasts 93% natural ingredients in a specific formula to liven up tired eye contours. Its magic powers are due to a high concentration of rosemary, which decongests the eye area by stimulating circulation and flushing out toxins.

Both a daytime and a nighttime eye cream is the most effective combination. Daytimes call for something lighter (hopefully with an SPF) to blend in quickly, but at night you need something richer, more nourishing, that will take its time penetrating your delicate eye tissue.

Just remember: never tug or pull at that tender skin. Gently tap in cream with your finger and allow it to absorb. Following the line of the socket – along the bone all the way up to the brow – is the best way to avoid getting any cream in the actual eye.

Of course you can cheat. You can supercharge your routine by adding the latest FDA approved micro-current device from NuFACE. The NuFACE FIX gives your eyes an extra lift in just 3 minutes a day. NuFACE FIX dramatically reduces fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing dark circles.

In fact, the numbers are striking. 92% saw firmer eye tissue instantly, and 95% said their eyes immediately looked less puffy. Don’t you deserve this kind of advantage?

Eye cream and NuFACE FIX are the final steps that pay big dividends. People look at our face when we enter a room, but they look into our eyes when conversation begins. Why not take out a little insurance – to be certain we’re offering them a beautiful view.

The sun has always been worshiped. Not just the commonplace devotion of boomers slathered in baby oil (Oh, the 70s!) – or even the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. I’m talking zealots like the Incas, Mayans and Aztecs; a happy trio who believed the sun stayed aloft only because they performed human sacrifices.

Leading us to respond either: ‘Thank You’ or ‘Ewwwww.’

The sun is a force to be reckoned with – both on its merits and detriments. In the plus column the sun increases levels of serotonin in the brain – ah, that happy feeling – and it often improves our sleep. Plus its #1 claim to fame is producing Vitamin D, thereby insuring strong bones.

But the list of the sun’s negative attributes must start with: skin cancer. Just five serious sunburns increase your chances of developing melanoma by 80%! And unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light can damage the retina and be a factor in cataract development.

Plus the significant increase in wrinkles and the appearance of dry, leathery skin since UV light damages both collagen and elastin.

So, let’s review how to both respect the sun and our health:

• Apply a sunscreen of at least 20 SPF, broad spectrum to protect from both UVA and UVB rays, year-round. (American Academy of Dermatology recommends a 30 SPF)
• Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, and then reapply every two hours, even when it’s cloudy.
• Avoid sunscreens and sunblocks that include pest repellent – those chemicals can be dangerous to your skin and health.
• Avoid the sun when it’s the strongest, typically 11am to 3pm.
• Avoid tanning beds, they offer double doses of damage.
• Wear protective clothing, including sunglasses with UV protective lenses and a broad-brimmed hat whenever you’re in the sun for an extended period of time.
• Seek shade when possible.
• Remember: Sunburn = skin damage!

The Deep offers plenty of options, depending on your skin type, to keep you safe and ready to enjoy the warm rays of summer. Because the rallying cry: Safety First! is definitely our mantra.

Maybe sun celebrations (sacrifices included) should be left in the past? Or in the hands of the music industry. Because even the briefest peek into modern music shows us sun references are robust across a huge swath of genres. Don’t feel compelled to read them all – but this short list does make a case that sun worship is still thriving.
Ain’t no Sunshine (when she’s gone) – Bill Withers
Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In – 5th Dimension
Automatically Sunshine – The Supremes
Behind the Sun – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Black Hole Sun – Soundgarden
Black Sun – Death Cab for Cutie
Blame It on the Sun – Phil Collins
Blister in the Sun – Violent Femmes
California Sun – The Ramones
Captain Sunshine – Neil Diamond
Chasing the Sun – Sara Bareilles
Closer to the Sun – Heart
Cold Day in the Sun – Foo Fighters
Don’t Be Sad ‘cause Your Sun is Down – James Taylor
Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Cryin’ – Ray Charles; and Etta James
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me – Elton John
Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen) – Baz Luhrmann
Every Time the Sun Comes Up – Sharon VanEtten
Fat Old Sun – Pink Floyd
Fly Into the Sun – Lou Reed
Follow the Sun – Del Shannon
Hard Sun – Eddie Vedder
Hello Sunshine – Bruce Springsteen
Here Comes the Sun – George Harrison
Holidays in The Sun – Sex Pistols
House of the Rising Sun – The Animals (but originally a folk song)
I got the Sun in the Mornin’ (and the Moon at Night) – Irving Berlin
I’ll Follow the Sun – John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Into the Sun – The Parlor Mob
Invisible Sun – The Police
Island in the Sun – Weezer; and Ringo Starr
Just Another Sundown – Toby Keith

This time last year we were caught up in the Royal Wedding frenzy. Meghan Markle, a most extraordinary commoner, was about to marry the very comely Prince Charming – oops, Prince Harry attended by all manner of pomp and circumstance.

This year – sound the trumpets! – we were transfixed as the Royal Couple gave birth to a baby boy who will grow into the lofty title: Earl of Dumbarton. The former Ms. Markle (now Duchess of Sussex, thank you very much) and elated husband Harry are over the bloody moon at their new arrival.

And isn’t spring the perfect season for hearts and hopes to ascend? Didn’t Mother Nature just put on a dazzling display – a super bloom which could be seen from space? Is not the whole world conspiring to make us feel a little spring fever?

Of course, we’d like access to Mother Nature’s plentiful paint box or a Duchess’s trousseau. So we may compete with the beaming royal family or fields of poppies splashing across the plains. We want our best face forward while making the leap into the sweet, heady madness of May.

So … what surefire way can the Deep insure spring’s arrival on your lovely countenance? Ah! I’m so very glad you asked!
 
This month two of our most dramatic facial treatments are on special and one of them is just what you need to produce a very personal super bloom. Once again, your timing is perfect.

First, there’s the IMAGE O2 Flash Lift, which is all about renewal at a cellular level. You’ll experience an enzymatic peel that energizes, purifies, brightens and plumps the skin – rolling away surface cells and illuminating your epidermis within minutes.

Or there’s the Yon-Ka Excellence Rejuvenating Stem Cell Facial – our most indulgent, luxurious treatment combining Aromatherapy and a patented Stem Cell Masque to firm, tone, plump fine lines/wrinkles and leave your skin glowing.

Trust me, either way … radiance is within your reach.

(If only the Duchess of Sussex would send us her mailing address – we’d mail a gift package
of beautiful Babo products to soothe both Mother and baby’s skin.
With some of Melissa and Doug’s adorable stuffed animals.
Not sure why her location is such a state secret. Geesh!)

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus recently raised eyebrows by announcing: “I hate that word [anti-aging]! It should be something positive, like pro-aging.”

The term anti-aging (yes – we use it quite a lot to describe the finest products in the world) is really about looking our best. We refuse to disappear or accept being marginalized simply because we’ve chalked up a few decades.

Many of the women we most admire embrace their age.

Emma Thompson said: “I think your 60s, if you are well, are the most fantastic decade … the most powerful patch of your life, the youth of old age as it were. I’d say it’s the best bit ever.”

The stunning Jane Fonda declared she feels younger and happier now than she’s ever been, “I was old at 20. I was ancient at 30. I’m so much younger now.”

It’s self-care that’s important. Seeing as our skin is our largest organ – it’s only common sense to take care of it. And using the best ingredients for maturing skin means we can be stunning at any age.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus believes in drinking plenty of water, wearing sunscreen (ALWAYS!) and washing off your makeup every single night.

Catherine Zeta-Jones said moisturizer is key to her youthful look. “I was under the impression that if you put on too much moisturizer, your makeup wouldn’t stay on. That is a complete fallacy.”

Halle Berry advocates using a Vitamin C Serum before applying moisturizer.

Demi Moore believes “If you focus on good skin care, you really won’t need a lot of makeup.”

And Meryl Streep – the perennial beauty who sets the gold standard for every age – is enthusiastic about natural facials with microcurrent. (Which we happen to offer at the Deep – I’m just saying.)

So don’t go quietly into that good night. Eat well, exercise often, and use the best products to maintain and enhance the rare gem that is you. This age, this minute, right now.

“And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!” – Audrey Hepburn