"May 2026 whispers of new beginnings — longer days, blooming flowers, and the gentle reminder that growth often happens quietly. Take this month to nurture yourself with the same care you give others. Let your beauty, confidence, and joy unfold naturally, just like the flowers in spring." |
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GUIDE TO CLEANING NATURAL MAKEUP BRUSHES
We all love our makeup brushes, but how often do we actually clean them? If you’re guilty of skipping this step, you’re not alone. However, regular cleaning is essential for both your skin’s health and the longevity of your brushes.
Dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, dead skin cells, old makeup residue, and oil — especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Over time, this buildup can cause breakouts, irritation, and even make your brushes shed or become stiff.
Here’s a simple, effective routine to keep your natural bristle brushes clean and in top condition:
Quick Daily/Between-Use Cleaning
1. Wipe away excess product – Gently swipe the brush across a clean microfiber towel to remove leftover makeup.
2. Spot clean with a brush spray – Use a non-rinse brush cleanser (ideally one with food-grade alcohol). This quickly sanitizes the bristles and keeps them soft without a full wash.
3. Let it air dry for a few minutes before your next use.
Deep Cleaning (Every 1–2 Months)
1. Wet the bristles carefully – Hold the brush under lukewarm water with the bristles pointing downward. Avoid getting water near the metal ferrule (the part that connects the bristles to the handle), as it can loosen the glue and ruin the brush.
2. Clean with gentle brush shampoo – Add a few drops of mild brush cleanser or baby shampoo into your palm. Swirl the wet bristles in your hand until the water runs clear and no more pigment comes out.
3. Rinse thoroughly – Continue rinsing under lukewarm water (bristles down) while gently squeezing the bristles with your fingers to remove all soap and residue.
4. Remove excess water – Gently squeeze the bristles from base to tip. Reshape them and place the brush in a brush guard to help it keep its original shape while drying.
5. Dry properly – Lay the brush flat or hang it bristles-down overnight. Never stand brushes upright to dry, as water can seep into the handle and damage it.
Pro Tip: Clean your most-used brushes (foundation, concealer, and powder brushes) more frequently — every 1–2 weeks if you wear makeup daily.
Taking just a few minutes to care for your brushes will keep them performing beautifully and protect your skin from irritation and breakouts. Clean brushes = better makeup application and healthier skin!
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Shrimp Scampi Risotto
INGREDIENTS:
3 tbsp. butter
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup Arborio rice (Risotto)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups dry white wine
1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add onion and cook until soft, 5 to 6 minutes. Then add 1 clove garlic and cook, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add rice and stir until combined, then season with salt.
2. In batches, begin adding broth, 1/2 cup at a time, making sure broth is fully absorbed before adding the next batch. Once broth is gone, add 1 cup of wine and simmer, stirring occasionally until fully absorbed.
3. Meanwhile, cook shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Add remaining garlic, lemon juice, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes and stir for 2 minutes. Add shrimp and season with salt. Cook shrimp until pink, 3 to 4 minutes, then add remaining 1/2 cup wine. Bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp mixture and Parmesan cheese to risotto and stir until combined and creamy.
5. Add fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Serves: 4.
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A Heartfelt Note to Every Mom
Dear Mom,
Thank you for all the love, strength, and quiet sacrifices you give every single day.
You’ve cheered us on, wiped our tears, and held everything together with grace and courage. Today, we simply want you to know — you are deeply loved and truly appreciated.
This Mother’s Day, we hope you feel celebrated, cherished, and a little spoiled. You deserve every bit of it.
Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at the salon.
With love and gratitude,
Your Salon Family |
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MOTHER’S DAY PAMPERING IDEAS
Because Mom Deserves to Feel Extra Special...
This Mother’s Day, skip the ordinary gifts and give her something she’ll truly remember — time, relaxation, and a little luxury. Here are some heartfelt ways to spoil her:
Breakfast in Bed with a Touch of Movie Magic
Channel old Hollywood charm and surprise her with breakfast in bed. Order her favorite meal from a local restaurant, add fresh coffee or tea, and pair it with a feel-good movie. It’s simple, thoughtful, and instantly relaxing.
Flowers Everywhere
Don’t settle for one bouquet. This year, fill her home with fresh flowers — one beautiful arrangement in every room. The colors and fragrance will brighten her entire day and make her feel truly celebrated.
A Spa Day to Remember
Treat Mom to a full spa experience. Give her a gift certificate and offer to drive her there and back. Even better? Book a treatment for yourself too and turn it into a mother-daughter spa day she’ll never forget.
Salon Glow-Up
Surprise her with a gift certificate for a fresh haircut and color, or a relaxing mani-pedi. The real gift? Going with her. Sharing the experience creates memories far more meaningful than any object.
Luxury Bath & Body Products
Pamper her with high-quality bath and body products. Look for beautifully packaged spa gift sets, or choose items tailored to her needs — rich body balm for dry skin, anti-aging moisturizers, or fragrant foot and hand scrubs. She’ll love feeling soft, radiant, and cared for.
A Box of Fine Chocolates
Because some classics never go out of style. A beautiful box of good chocolate is always a welcome treat. This Mother’s Day, focus less on “things” and more on making her feel loved, relaxed, and appreciated. She’s earned every bit of pampering.
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MAY EVENTS
May 1 – May Day / International Workers’ Day
May 2 – Kentucky Derby Day (Mint Juleps anyone!?)
May 4 – Star Wars Day (“May the Fourth be with you!”)
May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
May 5 – National Teacher’s Day (Tuesday of the first full week of May)
May 8 – VE Day (Victory in Europe Day, WWII)
May 10 – Mother’s Day (Second Sunday)
May 10 – Lilac Sunday (Second Sunday in May)
May 16 – Armed Forces Day (Third Saturday)
May 18 – Victoria Day (Canada)
May 25 – Memorial Day (Last Monday) |
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FINANCIAL CORNER
True financial success has very little to do with how smart or wealthy you are.
It has everything to do with financial literacy — knowing how to make your money work for you instead of against you.
Even highly intelligent and successful people can make poor money decisions. If you’re like most Americans, you probably spend more than you save. The good news? You can change that starting today with a little discipline and a clear plan.
Here are 5 practical steps to help you build stronger saving habits in 2026:
1. Separate Needs from Wants
Before every purchase, pause and ask yourself: “Do I really need this, or do I just want it?” Honest answers are the foundation of better financial decisions.
2. Set Clear Boundaries
Define your spending guidelines and actually stick to them. Having firm parameters makes it much easier to stay in control.
3. Track Every Dollar
Start monitoring where your money is really going. You may be surprised how much leaks away in areas you never noticed. Once you see the patterns, small, realistic cutbacks become much easier.
4. Protect Your Own Security First
It’s generous to help others, but never at the expense of your own financial stability. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to cosigning loans or lending money if it puts you at risk.
5. Master Delayed Gratification
Not every dollar needs to be spent today. Learn to invest today’s money toward tomorrow’s dreams — whether that’s buying a home, building your retirement, or saving cash for a vacation you can truly afford.
Financial freedom isn’t about making more money — it’s about making smarter choices with the money you already have. Start small. Stay consistent. Your future self will thank you.
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Please feel free to share our Newsletter with your Friends, Family, and Co-Workers! We are always happy to take on new clients!
Jim Ostrosky Salon
780 Montgomery Hwy
Suite 108 - Salon # 105
Vestavia Hills, AL 35216
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