Let Believe Help Make Prom Perfect

Whooosh...Hear that sound? That is the school year flying by and, before you know it, Prom Night is upon us. No matter how long ago we graduated high school, Prom is one event we've never forgotten and the whole staff at Believe wants to help you make your own magical night one you will remember forever, too.

Here's some tips we've found to help make it a perfect prom night:

• Stop dieting now. It's too late to lose significant weight and it is time to pick out your dress. If you want it to fit on prom night, accept your body as it is (you are beautiful, you know) and pick a dress that flatters your figure as it is. Buy Spanx to make things smoother underneath, but extreme dieting will just make your skin dry and flaky, your hair dull and your energy low.
• Having gotten the dress, it is time to get the shoes and start wearing them for a longer period each day. You don't want to be breaking in new shoes on the dance floor. Give Insolia Inserts a try. They fit right in your heels and shift the weight off the ball of your foot--saving all kinds of pain. (You still might want to stash a pair of fold up ballet flats in your purse, just in case.) If you find your feet swelling, return the shoes and get a half size larger than you usually wear. Also (an old model's trick) drinking water that has been boiled with fresh parsley, then strained, is a safe way to get rid of extra water that causes bloating.
• Once you've got the dress and shoes, have your mom or friend take a photo of you and bring it to us at Believe. We can help plan hair and makeup that will perfectly complement your look. You should also make an appointment with us as soon as you can, so we can do your hair and makeup for the big night.
• You might want to glitz up your look with sparkling hair extensions (we'll put them in for you) or braided ribbons or (you do only get to go to one prom in your life)how about a tiara? If Kate Middleton can do it, why not you? Just bring your ornaments to us at Believe and we will work them into the perfect hairstyle.
• Get a Believe facial to start out with a clean slate for your makeup--but schedule the facial a few days before the prom. Give your new skin a chance to settle in--makeup will look better and last longer.
• Stock up on some blotting papers to slip in your purse to take the shine off before all the photos you'll be taking. And, on the subject of photos, be sure to empty your PDA of all photos before you leave. You'll need all the memory space you can get to capture your friend's dazzling ensembles. Even guys clean up great for prom.
• This is a night for waterproof mascara! Not only will you work up a sweat dancing, but emotions may get the best of you. You'll be moving on in your life soon--college, travel, joining the military--and the realization that your high school days are drawing to a close might bring a tear or two. Pack a few lacy hankies in that purse of yours.
• If you need the perfect jewelry to complete your look, check out our collection at Believe. Each piece we carry is designed by an artist, not mass-produced. The last thing you want to look like at prom, is like everybody else.

Our last piece of advice, but an important one...

• Pose graciously for the ten million photos your Mom and Dad want to take of you before you leave. It will only take a few minutes and means a lot to them now (and will mean a lot to you later.) Thank them for the time and money spent, give them a kiss, and then...

Head out to have an awesome Prom Night.

Perfect Gifts For Everyone On Your List!

Chanukah is almost over and Christmas is coming right up! If you've seen the full-to-bursting parking lots at the Mall or waited way too long to speak to Customer Service when your internet shopping went awry, you know that time is flying. 

If you are sick of the crowds, out of ideas, and wish you could wave a magic wand and have all your shopping behind you, we at Believe (doing double duty as fairy godmothers) can grant that wish. (Consider it our little gift to you.) 

Here are our picks for Perfect Gifts For Everyone On Your List: 

Your Mom: Is your mom always complaining about falling in love with a shade of lipstick only to find to it has been discontinued? No more. At Believe's Custom Makeup Bar,  our makeup artist, Sam (tempted away from Lancombe, et al) will create the perfect shade (or replicate the shade from that last little bit left in the tube) right in front of you...and we'll keep it on file forever. No more discontinued lipstick blues or any other "discontinued" blues...ALL makeup can be duplicated.  She's guaranteed to love it.

Teenager Girl: Is she all vegan and organic? We have nail polish with no formaldehyde. Not only is it better for her, its better for the planet. Or how about a Young Person Acne Facial?  Let her face the future bump-free and with more confidence.

Teenage Boy: Long hair is making a comeback, but that in-between stage (when it's growing out) is a mess. Buy him a Cut and Style to keep it in shape (and sexy) while it is getting longer. Do you really think Robert Pattinson got that tousled look from nature? 

Grandmother: Is she tired of looking her age?  Send her in for a custom color by Chromastics. Permanent and Demi-Permanent colors are based on pure tones.  Countless colors can be achieved and due to a soy and hydrolyzed wheat protein base, the product actually helps repair her hair, no matter how long (or how badly) she's been coloring it.

Husband:  It is about time that he discovers the joys of facials. Not only will the rubbing of aromatherapy oils and moisturizing creams surely become one of his favorite activities, but it will help erase tension (and wrinkles) from his rugged face. Don't just buy him a gift card--Make an appointment for him with our brilliant aesthetician, Jackie, for an Age-Defying Facial. Afterwards, make a night of it. How about a candlelit diner after at the nearby Iron Horse Grille for just the two of you? (Be sure to tell him he looks even more handsome than usual.)

Little Kids:  We love them and make it fun for them to get their hair cut. We promise to listen and let them tell us what they want (with mom's permission, of course) and since all little kids love to act like big kids, they'll have a blast. (Yes, everyone gets a celebratory lollipop-even the parents.)  We also have a sulfate-free haircare line especially for children, Circle of Friends, with fun scents like raspberry, banana, orange, blueberry and root beer.

In-Laws: They might actually agree their son or daughter didn't do so badly after all, marrying you--if you get them one of our fabulous massages. Whether it's a relaxing Swedish, full of wonderful oils and soothing strokes, or a Deep Tissue Massage, that will help ease the pain of those older bones, this gift is sure to be a hit with even the crankiest of in-laws. (And you'll be a hit, too.)

Co-workers: They are always tough to shop for, we know. How to get them something nice, but not too personal and, if your office engages in blind gift exchanges, what's a good one-size- fits-all gift to get? We recommend body butters like Aestalance--great for everybody's static-y hair (or bald scalp) and other dry bits.

Stocking Stuffers: The ZUM family of products make great stocking stuffers--give ZUM Organic Goat Milk Soap (in your choice of fragrances),  ZUM Mini Hand-Creams for everyone to carry in their briefcase or car, and ZKISS Organic Shea Butter Lip Treat  is welcome during these cold, drying months.

YOU: Let's not forget the most important person here. Instead of all those broken resolutions, make a real change in 2011. Consult with Lisa, Believe's owner (and one of the few Master Stylists around)  for the perfect new style and color or really do it up for that New Year's party and get So. Cap. Hair Extensions to instantly turn your workaday short hair into long and flowing locks. Extensions are not just for Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan, you know. YOU are a star, too. Here's to shining brightly in the new year.

Wishing you the Best Every Day of the Year,

Lisa & The Team At Believe Beauty Lounge

Tips for beating holiday stress

Where did the time go? Wasn't it just Labor Day yesterday? It seems like that to us at Believe, but the holidays are upon us...Chanukah has begun, Christmas is hard on its heels, and then the new year beckons. Between now and then, it's rushing, shopping, parties, guests, family, and, of course, food, food and more food.

   All this celebrating is not only fun--but stressful. So...here's some tips to keep you beautiful and balanced through this hectic season and on into the new year:

*Get some sleep: You really don't have to stay up till midnight to get it all done. Take a page for the book of the older ladies you know--they do their shopping and wrapping w-a-a-y before the holidays (ok, make that a note to self for next year), but you can do a little each day now, instead of waiting till the last minute and thinking you will get it all done then. If you get to stay at home, nap! JFK ran the country on 10- minute power naps (though we prefer an hour after lunch). If you have little ones, curl up with them. You'll all be better able to cope.

*Drink more water than usual: Going in and out of heated spaces dries you up and good moist skin and hair begin on the inside. (Also, remember alcohol dehydrates you. Stick to a glass of festive champagne--it will help with the calorie count, too.)

*Hair needs moisture, too: Wash with a moisture giving shampoo and conditioner, then lock in that vital moisture by using a dab of organic butter worked through your hair. Try Aestelance Butter, made from basil, rosemary, sandalwood and all-natural ingredients (It smells wonderful and stands up to the constant on-off action of your cute wool hat.) Another trick to try--rub your hairbrushes with a dryer sheet every now and again. It helps with that static electricity problem. 

*Take off that cape: You aren't really Wonder Woman. Delegate! Your husband can wrap gifts, kids can load the dishwasher, and you don't have to volunteer to organize the gift exchange at work. Stress is hard on you (and is no good for your looks, either.)

*Not only your lips chap: You should always keep a good lip balm, like ZUM KISS, with you and use it often, but don't forget your cheeks, chin, elbows and knees. Winter winds get to the first two and keeping everything else covered constantly rubs and causes rough skin. Try thicker body butters like Zum Body, made with aloe vera, red clover, and essential oils.

*Make one more list: On top of the gift, wish, and to-do lists you are lugging around, make a gratitude list of all the blessings in your life. It is sure to give you the gift of perspective.

*Help others: Make sure to remember to save time and go online to donate to your local food pantry or pet shelter. Then, when you are kicking yourself for losing patience at your kids or spouse, you can remember you are not an evil witch--just over-worked.

*Give yourself more time: Start an hour earlier in the morning. Meditate for 20 minutes to start the day and take one item off your to-do list and move it to another day. You'll actually gain time by not being so frantic.

*Eat a good breakfast: Even if you don't the rest of the year, you need proteins and carbs (always yummy) since you are revving your engine higher now.

*Take a breath break: At around 2 or 3 pm when that slump hits (you know the one), stop everything and breathe deeply--in through your nose and out through your mouth--deeply enough to make your abdomen lift three times. Do a couple of neck rolls, rub your temples as though you are having a facial, and, if your doctor agrees, you might want to start taking a vitamin B tablet for a complex/protein boost.

*Think of those hidden hands and feet: Gloves and socks keep us warm, but wreck havoc with our skin and nails. Keep tea tree oil to rub on those toenails (to prevent fungus growth) and be sure to rub cream in your cuticles to keep them from cracking. We use Zum Rub, a shea butter moisturizer. Naturally, the skin of both hands and feet need extra moisture too. Make sure to run moisturizer all over immediately after a shower (before your skin dries) and remember to keep that shower on the cooler side. Hot water is drying. Keep cream to rub in your hands throughout the day (Zum Minis are great for your purse or briefcase.)

Pre-sleep stress busters: Consider giving up caffeine for the duration.  Explore the wonderful world of herbal teas (visit Annie's Remedies.com to learn the time-tested qualities of each). A cup before bed, a warm bath (throwing a few of the same herbs in some cheesecloth and then in the tub is restful, too) and lavender oil (a dot under your nose and one between and just above your eyebrows) can lead to more restful sleep and sweeter dreams (Maybe you'll actually have some visions of sugarplums dancing in your head!) Try all of these for over-excited little ones too.

*Relatives can be pains in the ***: We know, but you've only got one family --and as our mother's said, you can do anything for a little while--even put up with your mother or mean Aunt Sadie. You can steer the conversation in another direction or leave the room (no, that doesn't mean stomp out). Remember, you don't have to go to every fight you are invited to, life is short, and it is the holidays. Enjoy yourself.

*Treat yourself to an early gift: Have a facial (or even a Vitamin C or Pumpkin Peel Treatment to banish dry flakes) get a massage (cold muscles are stiff muscles and our therapist has magic fingers), stop by Believe for a cup of tea or espresso and a little shopping while you're at it. We've got a holiday special skin treatment Tapas menu--Pick two services for $100.) Buy a scalp/hair treatment for him and some of the world's greatest organic baby products for Junior. (Ask us how you can earn a gift card for yourself too!)

   From our family here at Believe to your family, we wish you happy (and stress-free) next few weeks and hope to see you soon.