Balayage Sandwich
Hairstylist extraordinaire Larisa Love (@larisadoll) has clients raving over her balayage sandwich technique, which was inspired by three different techniques combined into one, creating a “sandwich” effect. Start by grabbing a 1-inch thick diagonal back slice; the top of the sliced section is a balayage technique. The middle of the sliced section is a color melt technique and the bottom of the sliced section is the low lights. “Be sure to separate each technique with foils, mesh or Saran wrap,” Love explains. “This look creates the most fluid, luscious blend with tons of dimension.” With this low-maintenance technique, clients can go 6 months to a year between appointments if they desire. —K.K.
Rich Manicures
Images Luxury Nail Lounge in Orange County, California has unveiled three new services that offer the utmost in decadence: Haute Couture, Gold Rush by Models Own, and Glitz & Glamicure. These signature manicures feature the world’s most expensive lacquers and real diamond designs applied by a personal jeweler. Services include skin-softening mineral baths, massages, champagne and a Luxury Facial. Prices range between $500 and $25,000. —K.K.
Absolute Beauty
Legendary couturier Azzedine Alaïa—synonymous with “body consciousness” for his famous designs that sculpted and enhanced the curves of the female form and credited with discovering the ’80s supermodel phenomenon of Stephanie Seymour, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Yasmin LeBon and Veronika Webb—has created his very first fragrance. Called Alaïa Paris, the eau de parfum imparts a fresh and floral impression with airy notes, pink pepper, freesia and peony with a touch of musk. According to the designer, “It does not reflect any particular era, but emotions from every era. It does not resonate with any one season, because it lives in all seasons.” —M.S.
The Power of Habit
This is an important book that can help you transform your business, your community and your life.—M.D.
Cosmic Colors
Astrologer Rose Theodora has collaborated with Enamel Diction Nail Enamel Studio in Los Angeles to create a personalized nail design specific to a client’s astrological chart. The Colorastrology menu offers a horoscope-inspired nail experience and a personalized astrological reading that reveals which colors will build confidence, enhance moods and create positivity. Virgos should wear red to fuel passion, while a dark blue shade is perfect for Libras to connect with their feelings. —LB.
Glam On-the-Go
Often referred to as the “Uber” of beauty, GLAMSQUAD is an on-demand, app-based beauty provider that delivers professional, affordable hair and makeup services in Los Angeles, Miami and New York (nail service is currently offered in New York City only) to your home, office, hotel—the sky is the limit. Giovanni Vaccaro, former senior stylist at Frederic Fekkai, serves as the creative director. In addition to offering personalized, one-on-one consultations and a range of signature looks, all stylists and makeup artists are expertly trained and undergo extensive education to further advance their skills. “What sets us apart is we offer education, training and vetting each stylist and makeup artist, expanding on what they already know,” said lead stylist Eric McEwen. “We make sure to give all of our clients the VIP treatment they deserve.” GLAMSQUAD plans to extend its services to other major cities in the near future. —K.K.
Tabatha Takes Over Matrix
Celebrity hairstylist Tabatha Coffey of Bravo TV’s Tabatha Takes Over will be hosting Matrix Destination, a three-day educational event in Orlando, Florida. Participants will gain firsthand knowledge about the salon business through an interactive program, where Coffey will lead inspirational and business-focused classes. The event runs from January 23 to January 25, 2016 with an anticipated audience of 2,000 beauty professionals. To register, visit mymatrixfamily.com.—K.K.
Bare Naked
The secret to no-makeup makeup isn’t about going barefaced. It’s about creating the illusion of flawlessness. Zoya has applied this theory to nails and launched the Naked Manicure collection, which creates an instant cosmetic improvement while providing long-term benefits. The collection is made up of nine skin tone-complementing perfectors and treatments that, when layered, create the look of beautifully natural nails.—Maureen Sheen, Senior editor
Arch De Triomphe
In the 1980s model Brooke Shields was lauded for them and now supermodel and it girl Cara Delevingne has women thinking twice before they reach for the tweezers. Bold and thick eyebrows are back in. From New York to Los Angeles eyebrow extensions are becoming a regular service in salons and spas. “I work with women all over the world and the majority of my clientele is 35 and over,” says Linda Howard, an eyebrow artist at Townhouse Spa in New York City. Since the eyes set the tone for the entire face, thicker and more defined brows give a more youthful appearance, which is why Howard has added eyebrow extensions to her arsenal of beauty techniques. “Finding small things that make a big difference is what counts,” she says.—L.B.
Luxe Lashes
When it comes to lashes that last, clients head to Makeup Mandy, a chic West Hollywood salon owned by celebrity makeup artist Mandy Jacobellis. Her secret to red-carpet ready looks is The LAshX Method, a technique of lash extension application that provides rich, glamorous eyelashes for six to eight weeks at a time. “Our adhesive and lashes are super soft and flexible so that lashes can move with the hair without putting tension on lashes,” said Jacobellis. “We also make sure our clients are well-educated in aftercare because you can do the best lashes in the world but without it, lashes won’t last.” In addition to lash application, the salon also features the full line of LAshX products, providing the ultimate in lash care. —K.K.
