Beauty Tips

Congratulations to Marsha, Comment #4, winner of the Redbook subscription!

I may be heading into a rather controversial topic: Hairstyles! I encourage you to think of your hair as one of your best accessories. There is no better way to give yourself a “new lease on life” than creating a new hairstyle. If you have had the very same hairstyle for five years or more, it may be time for a new look. I have been talking to my own personal stylist for months to gather this information to share.

The buzz word for 2010 seems to be REINVENT. However, it’s not as easy as it looks on paper or in the photos. Where do you start? I actually like changing my hair. When I look back over the years of photos I sometimes cringe, but I do believe my hair was always fairly current for that era. I am dating myself here–I recall the hairstyle I had when curling irons first came out. I had just gone from having long hair for several years to a much shorter style. Hairstylists did not have the layering technique down. (This came later with Farrah Fawcett) Oh, it was not good. Then came the “bi-level” in the 80′s. (see wedding photo) I am quite sure that looking at photos of old hairstyles is one of the best ways to bring on laughter. Below is a representation of my hair styles the last 20 years.

I have been blessed with fine, thin hair. I have been attempting to grow it out for two years. Growing out for me is going from a shorter VERY layered haircut to one with much longer layers. It’s a painstakingly slow process for hair like mine as it damages easily and has to be cut frequently. I’ve tolerated many bad hair days. Do you ever wonder how some women can suddenly have long hair and never seem to go through a bad stage? (I’m not referring to Kate Gosselin and other celebrities with extensions!)

How do you go about changing your hairstyle?

1. Ask your hair stylist for suggestions to match your hair texture AND face shape. These are key factors in choosing a new style.

2. Look for photos in magazines and show your stylist

3. If you see a style you like start a conversation and find out where she goes. If your camera phone is handy, take a photo. She will be flattered.

4. If you are tired of long hair, do not make a drastic change if you want to go short. Go in stages. I’m NOT telling you to get your long hair cut. I realize the versatility it provides. Maybe cutting a few inches or adding layers will be all you need. I recently read that “collar bone length” is very flattering with most face shapes. Check out the virtual hairstyler. It should help you visualize a new you. If nothing else, it’s entertaining!

Hair Stylist Checklist

1. When you ask for a suggestion, is your stylist full of ideas or say that “you’re fine” with the style you’ve had for years. If it’s the latter, it’s a red flag to me. Great hair stylists want to help you change your look and are ready to take you through the stages of a grow out if necessary.

2. Is your hair stylist getting ongoing continuing education? Hair techniques and products are always changing. Make sure your stylist is current!

3. Try a new stylist. I KNOW THIS IS DIFFICULT. Hair stylists become like family–they know us very well! A fresh perspective can be helpful.

4. If your hair is fine/thin is the stylist suggesting all the right products? If your hair is thick, coarse or curly there are products for you too. Advances in hair products have been amazing over the years. If your stylist is not texturizing your thick hair on a regular basis, you need to ask or find someone else. Thick or curly hair can be managed! Ask the right questions. If you do not get answers, make a change.

COLOR

If you are not quite brave enough to try a new style, what about a few highlights? Getting the right color is tough and takes some trial and error. For years I did weaves. My hair got lighter and lighter and my stylist totally lost touch with my natural color. It took just as many years to find someone to listen to what I wanted and finally my hair is back to my natural color. Recently I read this suggestion: Bring your stylist photos of yourself as a child. This is the best way to match your natural color. If you don’t care about your natural color, or never liked it, then go for something new that complements your skin tone and eye color. Step out of that box, try something new and soon you’ll be showered with compliments!

Thanks to everyone who participated in my first Giveaway. Congratulations to Annette, winner of the pedicure from “Nails by Kimberly”!

I’m not much of a perfume person. There, I said it! I’m sure many women will find this very hard to believe. I don’t have any allergies or strong aversions to perfume. I love it when I smell a really nice fragance on someone else, but when it’s on me I feel like it is strong and overpowering.

Typically I like a perfume with a light and fresh scent. Unfortunately those type of perfumes seem to last about 5 minutes. The women behind the cosmetic counters have advised using it with the accompanying shower gel or lotion. That works–sometimes.

Perfume is a very personal thing. I don’t recommend giving it for a gift unless the request is specific. My husband has given up on perfume gifts for me. What he enjoys smelling and I enjoy wearing are two VERY different things. One year he guided my two boys to purchase perfume for my Christmas gift. They spent a great deal of time looking and smelling, but sadly the choice was just not me. I felt bad. I tried to wear it numerous times. The bottle had a unique shape; they would know if I exchanged it. My son noticed one time that not much was used…So goes my love/hate relationship with perfume.

I’ve learned to ask for small vial as a sample rather than purchase a whole bottle. (also very convenient for travel) Somehow, the way perfume smells on a small card can be very different than wearing it. After a while they all the smell the same in the store despite a whiff of coffee beans. This time of year the stores are happy to give out samples. Gift sets often include small bottles and the lotion/shower gel options. I love the small Versace bottle shown in the photo. As I explained my tastes to yet another sales person at Nordstrom, she suggested the brand new Bvlgari supposedly with a longer lasting formula. I liked it in the store. We’ll see how I do with this new scent. Do you have a favorite scent you buy again and again or do you try new fragrances as they come out? I would love to hear if you have a perfume dilemma.