Helloooo Shine!

Sunshine on my shoulder makes me happy. And so does all the shine and sparkle going on in fashion right now. Sequins, metallics, sparkle- oh my! I am particularly enjoying the sequins and sparkle. I feel metalics, really, are always kinda "in", but the sparky-sequinness takes me back to my 10 year old self with my dance costume for performances. Holy sparkle!
I am recently the proud owner of ,what I've named, "TV tights". Basically they make your legs look like the moving, colorful, fuzzy, static from a TV not getting reception. Super huh!? Channel your inner 10 year old, it's doing wonders for me.

ANYwho. How does this pertain to hair and make-up? I will show you how.

Skin:
Go for a gold creme make-up to give your skin some lustre. There are also some cremes that are loaded with a warm iridescence. Can't find one easily? Try a gold lipgloss. Dewy shine!

Try a gold shadow just on the eye lid.

Hair:
Jazz up your color! Have your hairstylist try some golden ribbons in the hair either framing the face, or strategically placed around head. Pieces look thinner by the root, and wider towards the mod-bottom of strands.

Get your shine on with some shine spray, try Pureology Glossing Mist, it's lovely. For some shiney seperation, try Purology NanoWorks ShineLuxe.

Have fun!

Hair Accessories!

Helloooo!

Tonight, I will fill you all in on the great fun I am having lately with hair accessories! I want to encourage you ALL to take one or both of these of these ideas with you to try on.

Bobby Pins

Not just for discreet function in my book. Try criss crossing two bobby pins to pull back one side of a deep, side parted style. Another cute look is to use 3 pins in a row, parallel to each other. Use pins that contrasts with your hair type a bit. Have dark hair, try a gold pin! Or, my absolute fav find was some colored bobby pins. Magenta, blue, white- oh my! Try painting some pins you have with nail polish if you can't find them.

Headbands

Nothing new really, but embrace the trend! I am a fan of the larger headbands that Anthropologie has, among many others. From thin gold band varieties to large floppy ribbons, use headbands to polish a hair style, accent any outfit- formal or casual, or fix a bad hair day!

Color Gloss- for the hair!

Gooooood afternoon! I have a question for you all: who knows the beauty in a great color gloss for the hair? Some of you, one of you, none of you??!!

I shall explain! Think of a color gloss as a tinted piece of cellophane. It ADDS hue and shine. It's a top layer that deposits something only- does not have the power to remove what it goes on top of. This is what separates it from other hair color, and what makes it so gentle on the hair. A lot of glosses also contain protein and moisturizers to actually improve the condition of your hair- not bad!!

So when would one get a gloss? Well whenever! I will list some appropriate circumstances. "I want shine!", "I need a hair pick-me-up but don't want a big commitment!", "I want an easy change, not willing to sit in the salon for hours", "I want a subtle change", " I want color without a line of demarcation when it grows in", "My highlights are getting a little light for me.." "I would love to stop highlighting my hair, but this grow out phase is brutal!". See, there is a great need for this! I recently decided to give my color a boost by covering my red with blonde highlights with a great light copper. Now my hair has great shine, and is red/copper! AND it only processed for 15 minutes. I like it. No permanent color.

Something really fun to do with glosses aside from an all over would be to have your stylist foil in some sparkle. This can be done for grey blending, or just to jazz up a color. Picture, you: mousey brown natural color. Don't want to start something that you will have to spend lots of $ and time to keep up, but gee-you really wish your hair color was just a little more interesting. Me: "Hey Jane, you know we could always just add a few foils of really thin gold ribbons. Would catch the light beautifully, and just add enough sparkle. It's a sheer color, so it won't be super drastic, and it won't be lightening your hair- there will be no permanent color change, and it won't fade to something funky you'll need to cover up in the future, how does that sound?" You: "You're a genius!!"


In my salon we use Redken Shades EQ Conditioning Gloss. Beautiful color selection, and always leaves you with great shine!

Lashes!

I know you have all been hearing about them... Lash Extensions!

I think they are simply amazing, and am sporting a set myself! Procedure length: About 1 1/2 hours. Commitment time: About 3 weeks. Price: Anywhere from 150-650 a set. (I know, that's a big range) The higher end is what you call a rip-off ; )

I got my set done from a gal who was running a $50 off special, and I got mine for 150! And I will tell you what, she was wonderful. She moved here from LA, where she did nothing but lashes-full time. Gals really eat it up out there..

I have been seeing the extensions on more and more of my brides, and actresses/musicians I work on, so I just had to learn more about the process, and what it's really like to have them one. Naturally, as a make-up artist, it was research. Heehee.

The lashes are attached individually with an adhesive. You are to take special care for 48 hours, and then just stay away from waterproof eye products after that. I've swam and showered plenty, and they are still hanging on. Now, they do "shed" and become not quite as full over the 3 or so weeks, so to maintain them you need to go in for refills which are generally about half the cost of the original set.
While you have them, there is no need for mascara, lash curling, or really even liner! Eyes look open and awake as soon as you rise. This, is where it's at.

For Austinites, I will refer you to Keri @ www.BigSexyLashes.com

Lash on!!

A different kind of post

I am greatly inspired to write about the power of women tonight.

It is no secret that having a social life is part of a healthy, balanced life. Our own social life. But most importantly, from a woman's standpoint, one with inspiring and strong women. We may have partners that "complete us", or we may not, but there is no doubt in my mind that having some wonderful women to surround yourself by as often as you can is just as valuable-. I have a quote on my computer that reads, "Think like a woman. It's a tremendous advantage because men can't do it." Nice, huh? I'm not getting feminist on the conversation.. but ladies, am I right? Or am I right.

I'm holding a ladies night at my house tomorrow night and am just delighted! There will be about 10 of us, and most of the women have never met each other. I think it will be good for all of us, really good for all of us. Great women, drinks, make-up, fantastic skincare, girl time therapy!

If you have great women in your life, embrace them often and make the time. There is enough time in the day. If you don't, try joining some groups. Make a group. Be open and remember- you can't wait for someone (a friend, family member..) to act, you must do it yourself. Make the effort if you want something to happen, like a friendship. We have the power to really inspire each other. To support and motivate, and encourage each other to be who we want to be. To DO.

Are you feeling robbed from my post tonight? OK, here is your beauty tip. Try something different. Cut bangs, get layers, try a color gloss, use bronzer, get eyelash extensions, temporary hair extensions, go red, wear an eyeshadow that isn't neutral. Play with your look and have fun. You would be surprised how a little change can feel reviving, rejuvenating, and possibly like a re-invention.

XO

Fall Make-up Trends!

Greetings! How I love to be writing about anything "Fall" at this moment! I am so ready.

I am especially excited about fall's make-up trends. We are seeing more color, and a little more drama! I want to post a fashion report that I re-read today, that is so spot on with what I am feeling and seeing on the horizon..I just couldn't have said it better! The author is Gary Jones, who works in product development and PR for Beauti Control.

It’s All About the Eyes:
Fall 2009 colors for eye shadows are said to be nude, taupe and light gray and rich earthy tones that appear to have come right from the forest.

Dramatic eyes will be rich graduations of purple. Look for mysterious shades of this regal shade to play up the eyes and add intense drama.

Metallic can be worn alone for a fashionable fall/winter look.

Eyeliner will be dark and more dramatic to balance the heavy emphasis on the eyelids.

Black eyeliner will return along with dark shades of brown, purple and smoky grey.

Eyebrows will be heavier so put away the tweezers and opt for a more natural eyebrow look and use a clear wax for the perfect grooming tool. Remember, a heavier brow can also make you look younger, so letting those hairs come back in serves two purposes.

Cat-eye makeup is going to be modified in 2009. The cat-eye for 2009 is about making a horizontal line without the upswing at the tail.


Doesn't this sound like so much fun!! Well it looks amazing on the runway that's for sure. And it's my pleasure to help you take runway to everyday.

Foundation:
When it comes to foundation, sheer and natural is in. Mineral makeup will continue to be hot and skin that’s been gently exfoliated and moisturized to give a healthy glow will add to the look for winter. Take care of your skin and exfoliate on a regular basis to get the flawlessly natural look that will be so popular this season.
Remember; emphasize either the eyes or the lips, not both. Leave the rest of your face neutral, with just a light application of foundation.

I just love this advice and agree 100%. You can't use any amount of foundation to change dull skin into true healthy looking skin. Take good care with quality maintenance products used regularly, and specialty products to treat any issues. And exfoliate!

Wonderful words Gary!

Shampoo and Conditioner

Healthy and great looking hair absolutely starts with a high quality shampoo and conditioner that is made for your hair type. Prepping the canvas, if you will. If you want your hair to behave, you simply must give it what it needs. That may be clean moisture, protein, more intense moisture with some natural oils- you get it.

First identify what your hair IS, and then figure out what it NEEDS.

Your hair could be:
Color treated, highlighted, chemically treated(in other ways that color), dry, coarse, fine, curly, AND any combination of those traits and more.

If your hair is being colored, you simply MUST wash it with a color safe shampoo, I recommend Redken Color Extend. What separated these shampoos from the rest is that they have milder cleansers that are created to keep your color, not fade it. Redken's product in particular will also impart nourishing ingredients that help strengthen chemically treated hair, and also help protect it from environmental aggressors, including the sun.
Now, with a line like Redken, one can mix and match very easily to customize a S and C package.
Just because you are protecting your color with Color Extend, does not mean you must use the conditioner as well if your hair has greater needs. Say your hair has highlights in the color, or is weak from over processing. You will want to follow with Redken Extreme Conditioner to add in the protein needed to repair stressed hair. If your hair is a bit coarser, or just very dry, I suggest Redken All Soft for lovely results. You get it? Yes, you do.

When dealing with color treated hair, the shampoo is the MOST important to prevent fading.

Also, if your hair has special needs, treatments work wonders. At home treatments can cost you from $1-5 per treatment, if you buy the whole bottle or package of individual treatments. That is not bad!!

And lastly, do not ever use hotel shampoo, unless it's a darn nice hotel: )

Summer changing your make-up?

Instead of the summer heat melting your face.. fight back with an oil absorbing foundation.


It's very hard to avoid make-up meltage when it's 100 degrees outside.. but there are some things that you can do if you want to stay fresh.


Switch your foundation to a powder, or a mattifying liquid. ColorScience makes some really great powder foundations, that actually give coverage! If you know my make-up taste, you will understand that it means a lot for me to like powders as foundations, and this is the second I'm reviewing!! I was/am just very turned off by the mineral make-up boom. There was a lot of misuse, a lot of dry looking faces, and just too much hype for me. Now that things have settled, I've gotten over my disbelief, and companies have been constantly improving their formulas, I can come out with my little love for powder : )

Next up is the liquid wonder I've promised. I've seen this product as well, stand up to hours of wear, and heat. Make-up Forever's Mat Velvet+ is the one you've got to get to know. It goes on beautifully, covers wonderfully, and is buildable. I use this on almost all of my brides for looks that last. I use it on myself as well in the summer, and for events when I don't want any breakdown in my make-up. Live it, learn it, love it!! You can check it out at Sephora.

A few other little tips for keeping your make-up, use eyelid primer. Even if you aren't going to wear shadow, it will block the oils from building up on your lids, which can also mess with your liner or mascara. Urban Decay and Too Faced Shadow primers are hands down the best.

Don't be scared to carry a touch up compact with you as well if you aren't into switching foundations.

Happy Summer Lovin!!

And the award goes to...

Sunday night wrapped up Austin Fashion Week with the Fashion Award Show complete with Red Carpet for nominees and an awesome after party. Yours truly made the red carpet with a nomination in the Best Hair Stylist category. I did not take home the golden boot, but am still on a little high after being chosen as a nominee. That in itself is a great honor.

To check out some Fashion Week photos, my friend Jake Holt was the house photographer for the night and his pics can be viewed here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/smirchfa/3740193359/in/set-72157621752818004

I will say, as no one including myself new what to really expect from this week, it was pretty darn impressive. People really cam together, with an interest to not just be seen, but to meet one another and share their passions and interest in the industry. I have always been one who is not threatened by other artists, but wants to embrace hat we have in common. There is plenty of work to go around, it's much more fun to be friends and compare notes!

I really look forward to next year. May it be bigger, and better!!

Product Reviews!

Make-up testing!! Yay!!

Yesterday I did some new-kinda new product testing, and I have 2 items to brag about.

First up, Benefits brand spanking new, "Hello Flawless!". Yes Benefit has cute names for their adorable packaging, but this is a brand that also delivers more often than not. From the moment I touched this powder I knew it was a winner based on how finly milled it is. It goes on smooth, looks awesome, offers buildable coverage, AND has spf 15. Woo hoo! Why is this so special? Because many companies try to make this product, but none succeed in the "looking and feeling amazing" catagory.

Another Benefit must have, Hoola Bronzing powder. It won't turn you anything but tan.

Second rave, Tarte Lock & Roll Creaseless Eye Shadow Duo. When I first tried this a couple months back, I went for the boldest colors and thought, now this is fun! It's a double sided wand, one side a cream color that really does dry and lock into position(which is the true accomplishment of the product), the second end is a roller ball that dispenses a coordinating powder. The powder intensifies the cream, and adds more shimmer. The fun colors are exactly that, but recently I tried the more natural shades. Very lovely! Definitly could be a day to day staple, with the option to bump it up with the powder. Rosegold and Sandstone are lovely for a more natural look to brighten the eye, and smooth the lid. Patina is a beautiful fun choice, that really isn't too crazy.

Austin Fashion Week

Did you know that Austin is holding it's first Fashion Week this year? It's on July 13th-19th! Astin Fashion Week is featuring Photographers, Models, Hairstylists, Make-up artists, boutiques, and designers. There will be tons of related events all week long, and Fashion Awards at the end. With tons of huge sponsors and participants, it's guarenteed to be a hit. Check out the details here:

http://www.fashionweekaustin.com/

Yours truly will absolutely be hosting an event during the madness, come check out the shop and enjoy a drink on Wednesday July 15th! :

http://afw09.sched.org/event/f34d392105517a67573367fb450193a1

I am so excited about this week, and the prep to lead up to it. Anything that connects the fashion and beauty industry, and is a reason to get out and have fun is great in my book. Hopefully this is the first annual of many to come, with greater interest and event caliber every year. Come on Austin Fashion Week!

And who was the brains behind this all? Well I can't be certain of the whole brainstorming process, but Rare Magazines Matt Swinney seems to be doing a great job of leading the way. Way to go Matt!

Hairspray

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Ahhh hairspray. Some are afraid, and others know the true power, and diverse beauties, of the power in the can. Don't be scared people, hairspray most likely has a way to make your hairy life easier.

The volumizing, light holding type: This hairspray really doesn't offer much hold, but what it does best is dirties hair up, adding the slightest(build able) amount of grab, if you will. When hairs are fine, too soft, too slippery, seeming to blend into one form instead of showing off those fine ass layers you've had cut in... enter a lightly grippy, volumizing, flexible hairspray. The goal is to disperse evenly, commonly done by shaking hair upside down and spraying all over, thus creating a large cloud-do not inhale rapidly. I repeat, do not huff your hairspray.

Also, this spray works great before backcombing.

One to definitely try, training wheels or not, Redken Workforce 09 Volumizing Hairspray.

The "I want this style to stay" spray: This spray is for those who have a. given themselves a nice up do, b. given or gotten a great blow dry and want to keep the shape all day, c. stubborn bangs, or d. a desire to always "finish" a hairstyle. This higher holding hairspray can take your hair through day or night, give lasting volume, and sometimes even weather proofing. Spray in light puffs in areas desiring control. Two great sprays, Redken Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray, and White Sands Infinity Finish Spray(can brush through!). Both are humidity resistant!

The "You best not be movin" spray: Shellac, plaster, helmet head..haha. This spray has many nicknames, for it does all these things when applied with a heavy hand. This spray is what you want when you really just don't want the hair to move. I recommend for use in up dos that have to last hours+. Build able hold, so start light applying in small bursts. One to try, White Sands Stuck Up Mega Hold Hairspray.

Summer hair care, are you dry??

After hearing my clients and friends telling me of there dry hair woes many times in the past 2 weeks, I realized this topic should be addressed, especially for these Texas folks!

Summer weather, along with the increase in outdoor and water activities, makes for dry and dull hair.

I have my own trusted tips and combined them with Pureology's rescue advice for some powerful words. Read on, and do as instructed if you want results. I promise and cross my heart it will work!!

-Perform deep repair treatments once or twice a week to protect and repair sun-damaged hair.

-Heading to the beach or the pool? Don't rinse out your conditioner all of the way. Leave conditioner in hair for maximum protection and extra moisturizing benefits.

-Thoroughly wet your hair before getting into the water at the pool or beach. This will help avoid absorption of pool or ocean water. For even more protection, spray your hair with a product offering UVA/UVB protection.

-After swimming in the pool or ocean, shampoo hair with Purify Shampoo® to clarify hair of colour-damaging chemicals and salt. (Any clarifying shampoo will work, theirs IS lovely however)

-Minimize breakage and gently detangle by using a detangling/conditioning product and combing with a wide-tooth comb.

-Try to cut down on blow drying time. Let hair dry naturally a few days per week to preserve moisture levels. Use a leave in conditioner alone, or in addition to other products.

-To fight frizzies, you should always (and should anyways) put something in your hair before you blowdry. (cream styler, leave in repair, light gel, etc)

-Hair dries out in the summer so be sure to have your hair trimmed every 6-8 weeks and schedule a professional Summer Hair Revitalizer Treatment with your stylist to help prevent split ends.

Pureology Purify Shampoo- Zero Sulfates, Purifying Blend of Witch Hazel, Baking Soda, and Tea Tree Oil. Purifying shampoos are definitely a must to have in the cabinet. They remove chlorine, product build-up, mineral deposit build-up(found in our water), and pollution leaving hair CLEAN and shiny, the way it should be.

Purology Essential Repair, Instant Repair- A wonderful leave in conditioner that is lightweight, and formulated with color protecting power. Great for everyday use, and a must for the hot months.

Masques to try out: Pureology Hydrate Hydracure(moisture and protect), Redken All Soft Heavy Cream(awesome moisture), Redken Color Extend Sun After Sun Mask(revitalizing moisture and sun damage repair).

Is SPF a given? Yet??

A question and a statement really. As it's over 100 outside, it's certainly on my brain. We know unprotected sun exposure causes skin cancer and premature skin aging, right? Are we all using protection on at least our faces everyday??
Of all I've tried in my years, 2 great wearing and performing suggestions for every day use:

Face- Beauti Control Cell Block C am, (featured in beauty magazines time and time again) packs SPF 20, three forms of Vitamin C(brightening and repairing), multi-amino acid complex(enhances skins natural DNA repair rate), and antioxidants such as white tea extract(help diminish harmful environmental aggressors), into one oil free formula. http://shop.beauticontrol.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10551&productId=62401&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=38276&top_category=

Body-Lubriderm Daily Moisure with SPF 15. Feels just like Lubriderm Moisturizer, with the added bonus of protection. http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=16954&catid=10394

The birth of Hair and the Skinny

What better day for the birth of my darling new beauty bog than on a sweltering hot Monday? None better, I presume. This blog it either way overdue, or just in time.. This blog has been created to give advice on products, techniques, styles,really all things hair, skin, and make-up, but most importantly to decode mumbo jumbo and speak civilian language. Why does my skin need antioxidants?

I do choose to speak of my blogs as if they were my children. They are born little ones with little to show, and bloom into a wealth of experiences, knowledge, adventure, interactions, and well, beauty products.

Her parents will help shape her life with all of their guidance and expertise, but ultimately it is the way of life and love, that one can never predict the outcome.

The Hair and the Skinny, born from Jen Hoover, is the product of 8+ years in the professional hair and make-up industry, 1 handmade clay "china" doll at age 9, 26 years of experimentation and a desire to make and create, 15 fine years of education, yoga loving, an eye for visually pleasing creations, and the love to type while drinking hot tea in the morning.

Just a little more about myself to gain your trust.. I have worked in 6 salons, and currently own my own shop, Pearl Hair and Make-up Studio in Austin TX( http://www.pearlaustin.com/)
I have trained with a Master Colorist in LA, done hair and/or make-up for Seventh Generation, Disney, Spin, Fuel TV, Cosmopolitan, Blender, and more, learned from many famous hair and make-up artists, worked for 4 cosmetic lines, done hair for Victoria's Secret Annual Fashion Show, am excellent with hair color corrections, can paint with a steady hand, worked for a Top Hair and Make-up Agency in LA, did my girlfriends hair for our high school dances and introduced them to plucking eyebrows by age 14, developed an education system in a salon I worked at for 25 stylists, give make-up lessons that change lives, have been blonde, brunette, red, black, and everything in between, studied Fine Art, did over 40 weddings in Austin in last year, I can accuratly draw anything I see with the naked eye, have keyed two feature films, AND I'm going to stop there. I've never tooted my own horn so much to anyone ... but I had to let you know the potential of this Spawn you are dealing with. Thanks for listening, I never intend to write this much again unless thoroughly entertaining.