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.

Let Believe Make Mother's Day Special

Mother's Day started in England in the 1600's when Mothering Day was declared by the Church as one Sunday when servants and other working class stiffs were allowed to take the day off and travel to their homes to visit Mum. Naturally, when The Puritans came to this country, they cancelled the day off as slothful (those people really knew how to wreck a good time...)

It was up to Julia Ward Howe (who wrote The Battle Hymn of The Republic) to resurrect Mother's Day in 1870 to put behind all mothers the horrors of The Civil War and to celebrate peace and motherhood. She tried to hijack the 4th of July as the day, but had to settle for July 2nd, when women in 18 cities came together to celebrate. The holiday stayed in July until around 1883 (when Julia stopped footing the bill for the celebration.

Mother's Day was resurrected again in 1908 by Anna Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia, who wanted mothers from both the Union and Confederacy to come together in friendship. When she died, her daughter lobbied the local church to host Mother's Day to honor her mother and gave out carnations (her mother's favorite) to all mothers in attendance-thus beginning the tradition of giving flowers to Mom on the day.

Soon Senator Elmer Burkett of Nebraska, proposed making Mother's Day a national holiday (his fellow senators shot the notion down even though 46 states were already holding Mother's Day services.) Anna Jarvis, Jr. quit her real job and made getting Mother's Day made into an official holiday her lifeswork and, in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed Mother's Day-the second Sunday in May--into law. By 1948, when Anna Jarvis died (mad that she hadn't been allowed to copyright the holiday's name) Mother's Day was being celebrated in 40 countries. It is celebrated a little differently (and at different times) wherever you go:

• In Mexico-The mother is usually treated to a song sung by her family, or a serenade by a hired band, followed by a family brunch.
• In Finland- Mom gets breakfast in bed.
• In the UK- violets are given and a Simnel Cake(a glazed fruitcake both baked and broiled, based on a folk tale) is served.
• In Yugoslavia -Mother's Day is celebrated by tying the mother up and not letting her go until she gives the family candy and treats. (She gets to tie the kids up on Children's Day soon after.)
• In Ethiopia-a feast is made with girls bringing butter, cheese, vegetables and spices, while the boys bring a bull or lamb. The mothers and daughters then ritually anoint themselves with butter on their faces and chests. They dance while the men sing songs and the celebration lasts three days.

Here in the USA, florists sell the most flowers for Mother's Day, restaurants claim it is the busiest day of the year and, according to Hallmark (who ought to know), 96% of American consumers buy something for the holiday.

We, at Believe, love Mother's Day! Some of us are mothers ourselves and all of us are happy to pay tribute to the women who gave us life or changed our life or helped us grow into women ourselves (yes, even our mother-in-laws.)

To help you celebrate, here are some suggestions for great gifts from Believe for Mother's Day:

• Zum Organic Goat's Milk Soaps has come up with a specially selected scent for the big day—Zesty Coriander and Lime
• 20% off on natural bristle hair brushes (offer to brush Mom's hair 100 times like in the old days.)
• 20% off on Believe soy candles
• 20% off on all jewelry, including Minh-thu Silk Paper Necklaces 
• Blow-dry gift cards (only $25)

Or buy Mom a Day of Beauty at Believe. 

How about a refreshing facial, a relaxing massage, a cut and color and a luscious manicure? Call us today to arrange Mom's special day. And if you are just flat out of time, run by and pick up a gift card--worth any amount you choose. It let's Mom pick her own special treat (and you still get credit for getting her a gift.)

To all mothers everywhere, the staff at Believe wishes you a wonderful day!

Extend Your Beauty at Believe

Have you been admiring those long flowing waves so popular in Hollywood right now? But you know that the growing out phase to get long hair will drive you crazy? Hair extensions may be the answer. Believe will weave their magic and voila—instant long and lovely hair that can last up to three months before you even need maintenance.

Hair extensions are lengths of either real or synthetic hair that are affixed close to the scalp. They match your own hair in color and texture and move naturally—making it hard for anyone to tell you have extensions. They add volume and can even add highlights or lowlights to add a little drama to your hair. Natural or human hair extensions are the type you want because they can be colored, set, curled or treated (synthetic hair may melt under a blow dryer.) Be sure to have an experienced stylist, like us at Believe, put in your extensions (stylists with no experience can damage and even break off your hair.) At Believe, we carefully test the strength of your hair and USE the right method of attachment to protect your own precious mane.

Here's a few methods of applying hair extensions:

Braids, Cornrows, Twists, Locks – Extensions are visible here—as in the braid—but they blend into the overall hairstyle.

Weaves – Little braids hold the extensions against the scalp (like tiny cornrows) except the braids are hidden. If the extensions are poorly applied, tension and uneven weight (like wet hair from swimming) can not only loosen the weave, but break your natural hair.

Bonding – Latex plugs hold the extensions and are glued to your own hair for short-term use. Though this method is less expensive (because it is faster), oil and heat have to be used to dissolve the bonding agent when you want the extensions out—which is messy, time consuming and can pull your own hair out if not carefully done.

Metal Tubing – Much like the latex plug, this method uses a metal tube clamped over the real hair. Be careful of the weight here if your hair is fine.

Heat-Shrink Tubing - This doesn't harm natural hair, but may not last as long as other methods. Washing can loosen the tubes.

Adhesive-Based Fusion – This is the best method and the one used at Believe. Professional grade adhesives that can withstand both heat and chemical treatments are used and our professionals can remove the extensions using an adhesive remover that reduces the bonding agent to powder (instead of using messy oil and heat).

Here's some dos and don't for your new extensions:

• Do grow your hair to 3-5 inches so the extensions won't look unnatural.
• Do use recommended aftercare products like Chromastics, Aestelance or the So.Cap. wet line for your hair extensions.
• Don't shampoo
 your hair for two days. The bonds needs time to set completely.

• Do brush your hair gently to remove tangles before washing.
• Don't scrub your scalp or shampoo your hair upside down.
• Don't shampoo your hair more than twice a day.
• Don't neglect your real hair—be gentle and keep your own hair healthy.
• Don't keep them in too long. After a few months, your extensions will be worn out from the washing, drying and styling and your real hair growth will make the extensions look like Britney Spears' on a bad day. Replace the before they draw the wrong kind of attention to your head.

 Long, strong, beautiful hair can be yours—whenever you'd like. Make an appointment with us at Believe and start the transformation.

Help Believe Give Back

When I named my salon, it wasn't by accident. In order to get started in my business, I not only had to believe in myself, but lots of other good folks had to believe in me to--and so they have. The community has warmly welcomed and supported me and my staff. In return, we believe we should give back to our community. One of the ways we do this is by supporting charities and lending our hands in any way we can. In this lull, before the lazy days of summer are upon us, we'd like to draw your attention to two of our favorite causes and ask your help:

About Autism

Autism is a developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today.

The prevalence of autism had risen to 1 in every 110 births in the United States and almost 1 in 70 boys. 1.5 million Americans are living with the effects of autism spectrum disorder. Currently, the Autism Society estimates that the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million, and that the United States is facing almost $90 billion annually in costs for autism.

Know the Signs: Early Identification Can Change Lives

Autism is treatable. Children do not "outgrow" autism, but studies show that early diagnosis and intervention lead to significantly improved outcomes.

Here are some signs to look for in the children in your life:

Lack of or delay in spoken language

Repetitive use of language and/or motor mannerisms (e.g., hand-flapping, twirling

objects)

Little or no eye contact

Lack of interest in peer relationships

Lack of spontaneous or make-believe play

Persistent fixation on parts of objects

You can make a difference:

Contact your representatives on the state and federal level and ask them to "Vote 4 Autism." For more information about this legislation and to take action to support it, visit www.vote4autism.org. Click here for more information: http://www.autism-society.org

We at Believe are giving away turquoise hair extensions throughout the month of April for every $10 donated to fight Autism. Check with us for details.

Locks of Love

Also, on August 20, Believe is hosting a Lock For Love hair-cutting event. All layers of hair to be donated must be 10 inches or more in length so get growing (hair really does grow faster in warmer weather) and register with us to get shorn for this worthy charity. Everybody is welcome, but you do need to make an appointment to get your hair cut for this worthy organization.

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada (under age 21) suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. They meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. 

Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses they provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers. The hairpieces form a vacuum on the child's head so no glue or tape is required and they can't be pulled off by classmates. Kids can shower, play sports, even swim knowing their hairpiece won't come off. These prostheses and are given free of charge (or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.) Each one requires 6-10 donated ponytails and there are special requirements for donating that make it best if the hair is cut by a professional stylist (like us at Believe!)

A Solution for Short Term Hair Loss

Where kids experience short term hair loss, usually due to chemotherapy treatments, they require a more immediate answer to their needs. These recipients receive a synthetic hairpiece in lieu of a prosthesis. These synthetic hairpieces are made especially for children and can be provided quickly and worn during re-growth. Learn more at Locks of Love by visiting http://www.locksoflove.org/

Two great causes and two ways for us at Believe to give back to the community which has given us so much. Together we believe we can make a difference and with your help, it's a certainty.

Thanks for your support,

Lisa Koebbe Bevan

Owner, Believe Beauty Lounge

A Short History of Perfume and A Big Announcement

The word perfume is is derived from the Latin, "per fumus", meaning "through smokewhich makes sense as the first perfume was incense. The ancients soaked fragrant woods and resins in water and oil and rubbed it all over themselves. Priests used it in Biblical times (and still do). The frankincense and myrrh presented to Baby Jesus were actually perfumes and reserved for kings and high holy men.

But the smell of their fellow men got the best of them and it was the Egyptians who eventually commanded all citizens to perfume themselves once a week. Soon they discovered that soaking their skin in fragrant oil not only helped fight off the dryness that living in a desert brought about, but it was pleasurable too.

The Romans agreed and conducted lots of their business it the baths. One room was called the "unctuarium" with pots of fragrant oils, and essences. Romans got in the habit of perfuming themselves three times a day. Pet dogs and horses were also perfumed and at feasts, birds were released from their cages to dispense perfume from their wings--a latter-day air freshener. Cleopatra, knew the power of scent. Her arrival to meet Mark Anthony was announced by clouds of perfume before her barge came into view and she greeted him on a ship with perfumed sails. Arabs developed the process of extracting oils from flowers by means of distillation. Avicenna, an Arabian doctor who was also a chemist, first experimented with the rose. Rose water, a delicate scent, immediately became popular.

Catherine de Medici brought her own perfumer, Rene le Florentin from Italy, with her when she ruled France. His laboratory was connected with her apartments by a secret passageway, so that none of his formulas could be stolen en route.

Perfume got very popular during the seventeenth century with perfumed gloves all the rage in France. When Louis XV came to the throne in the 18th century, his court was called "the perfumed court" and he demanded a different fragrance for his apartment everyday. Scents were applied to clothing, fans and furniture. Perfume substituted for soap and water as bathing wasn't considered safe.

Napoleon had two quarts of violet cologne were delivered to him each week, and used sixty bottles of double extract of jasmine every month. His wife, Josephine, was so partial to musk that sixty years after her death the scent still lingered in her boudoir. Perfume reached its peak in England during the reigns of Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. All public places were scented during Queen Elizabeth's rule, since she could not tolerate bad smells. It was said that the sharpness of her nose was equal led only to the slyness of her tongue.

Perfume underwent a profound change in the nineteenth century. Modern chemistry laid the foundations of perfumery as we know it today. At the turn of the century, perfume was a single-flower fragrance. Rose, violet, lilac, and lily of the valley were in high demand. Floral bouquet scents were introduced toward the end of the first decade and compounds were found to aid in binding fragrances together. Later, abstract fragrances which had no relation to the single floral or bouquet group were introduced.

The 1930's saw the arrival of the leather family of fragrances, and florals also became quite popular with the emergence of Worth's Je Reviens (1932), Caron's Fleurs de Rocaille (1933) and Jean Patou's Joy (1935). With French perfumery at it's peak in the 1950's, other designers such as Christian Dior, Jacques Fath, Nina Ricci, and Pierre Balmain started creating their own scents.

Today's fragrances are crafted by perfumers trained in the aesthetic traditions of the Renaissance. but with modern twists. Believe is thrilled to announce we are now carrying CB Perfumes by Christopher Brosius, one of the most innovative perfumers of the 21st century.

Christopher describes scent as life itself, "Scent is the record of your own special life it's your experience. My mission is to capture that experience. I bottle it so you can have it, use it and love it whenever you wish,he says. "I can give you scent experiences you never dreamed possible. I create perfumes as unique and individual as those who wear them. And I use a great many scents never before thought of as perfume But I know these are just the scents that really hit us where we live they-- the ones we remember and love. To me, this is what the art of perfume is all about.”

Please stop by Believe to experience these life-changing scents and find the one that is as unique as you are. We look forward to helping you discover that perfect scent. 

Eyebrows: Creating The Perfect Frame

We've been watching a lot of Elizabeth Taylor movies lately--a salute to the recently deceased movie queen who was often called "the most beautiful woman in the world". Though she was most famous for her gorgeous violet eyes, we noticed that in her Academy Award-winning performance in “Butterfield 8,” it wasn't just her eyes that were stunning --it was her eyebrows. They framed those amethyst orbs perfectly and it got us to thinking about eyebrow shaping and products that help keep our wild brows in great form.

Shaping Up: Your brows should not only frame your eyes, but flatter your facial shape, and balance your features. Consulting an expert the first time is always a good thing. Come on into Believe and we'll make sure you get the best brows of your life. But if you must do it yourself, here's how to determine the perfect shape for you:

• Remove all your makeup. Pull your hair gently back (use a headband for short hair) and look in a well-lit mirror.
• Hold a ruler vertically in front of your face, so it is lined up touching the outermost point of your nose and the inside of your eye. This line shows where your eyebrow should start. Mark the spot with a lip pencil and then repeat for the other eye.

Next, angle the ruler so it lines up with the outermost edge of your nose and the outermost edge of the iris of your eye. (Be sure you are looking straight ahead and that your head is positioned straight ahead, too.) Wherever the line intersects your eyebrow is where the peak of your eyebrow arch should begin at the top border of the eyebrow. Mark that spot with your lip pencil. Repeat for the other eye.
• Now angle the straight edge further so that it touches the outermost edge of your nose and also passes along the outermost edge of your eye (not your eyelashes). This tells you where the eyebrow should end. Mark this point with your pencil. Repeat with the other eye.

Now that you have the shape, determine if you want thick or thin brows. Take into consideration the shape of your face. Thick eyebrows go best with strong features and thick hair (think Salma Hayek) and delicate features (like Halle Berry) usually call for thinner brows. (On the other hand, Brooke Shields became famous for her bushy brows, so it really is a matter of choice.) Some shapes can help correct facial shapes, too. Emphasize the arch if you have a round face, to draw attention away from the width.

If your face is long, flatter brows (less arch) empathize the horizontal planes of your face, making up for it's length.

Getting Rid Of Hair: Take it easy! It takes 64 days to regrow eyebrow hair—so less is more no matter which method you choose. Never shave your eyebrows...stubble is impossible to get rid of and looks terrible. Waxing, one of the services we offer at Believe, is quick and easy (and some say the hair eventually grows back lighter and finer.)

Tweezing is the choice of most people—at least between professional visits. Before you start tweezing, though, use a lip pencil (easier to see) to heavily draw on the shape you want. Adjust it with makeup remover as you go along. Tweeze any hairs that fall outside the line of the brow. Next, brush the brows straight up with a brow brush (we sell great ones at Believe) or old toothbrush. Any hairs that are too long should be trimmed with small scissors. (Tweezing long brow hairs can result in gaps in the eyebrow.)

Coloring/Filling In: Dame Elizabeth Taylor liked to extend her brows (making her eyes look farther apart) by using a real lead pencil, but new products make such extreme methods unnecessary... And while we are on the subject of extreme—don't dye your eyebrows! The chemicals can drip in your eye and blind you. Come into Believe and we will tint your brows with vegetable dye at the same time as we do your hair. You won't have to worry about matching the shade and we do it safely. Also be careful if you choose to get permanent eyebrows tattooed on (like Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson.) Pick your operator carefully—there is no going back if there is a mistake. Also the use of eyebrow pencils—the standard way to fill in brows since the 1940s—is out. They can produce a greasy, hardened look (Joan Crawford anyone?) and draw the wrong kind of attention to the brow.

At Believe we offer GIELLA custom blended makeup products, including two that are magic for the brows:

Brow Powder-A cream-to-powder formula that fills in and defines brows naturally and is intended to compliment hair color. It's applied with a brush and comes in shades of Blonde, Light Ash, Taupe, Auburn and Brunette.

Brow Tint- A lightweight tints and gel for brows. It is a convenient way to cover gray hairs, set unruly brows, and change the tone of brows to match your hair. It's also a great quick-fix to cover gray in hair or men's beards or mustaches and comes in Blonde, Brown Suede, Sphinx (an auburn tone) and Taupe.

Now that Spring is finally here, you'll be showing off more of that beautiful face. Let us at Believe help make your brows the perfect frame for a lovely picture.

Looking Good In Photos

With Spring having (finally) made an appearance, what might be called "The Celebration Season" is upon us. First Communions, Confirmations, Graduations, Passover, Easter, Baptisms and Christenings--all events to be marked with some good wishes and lots of photo opportunities. The pictures taken now will last a lifetime (or several lifetimes now that family photos are being saved in digital archives) and if you want your great-great granddaughter to think you were gorgeous, here's a few tricks to help make those of us not naturally photogenic look our memorable best:

Stand Up Straight: Your mother was right. Don't slouch. Breathe normally, push your shoulders back, then relax them. You will look healthier and in a group setting you'll come out looking better than the your droopy cousin.

Put Down The Plaid: As the weather warms up, we want to break out the bright floral or printed fabrics but, while strong color can be good in a photo, patterns can overwhelm you. Horizontal stripes make you look wider and closely-spaced stripes can create weird effects (and tend to run together when printed.) Solid and neutral colors work best, though watch out for red, black or white—they present too much contrast in digital photography.

Improve On Nature: Hide those dark under-eye circles, annoying zits, and any skin redness with makeup. Come on into Believe and we'll do a makeup consultation with you, featuring our incredible GIELLA custom blended cosmetics, before the big day. Or make an appointment to stop by early in the morning and we'll do all your makeup for you. For now, here's some makeup-for-photo tips:  keep blotting papers and a soft brush with a little loose powder on hand for last minute touch-ups on-site and, if the day is warm, run a little antiperspirant over your forehead and upper lip to avoid sweating. 

Get The Red Out: Use eye drops to clear the red from the whites of your eyes. Staring at a light source (not the sun) for a few minutes before the photo will shrink your pupils and reduce the chance of red eye. (A professional photographer or even an amateur with access to Photoshop software will take care of this problem in the final product anyway.)

Haircut Time:  Come into Believe for a haircut a few days before the occasion for a cut and color, giving your new “do” time to settle in before the big event. We'll not only give you a cut that will flatter the shape of your face and a color that will play well in a photo, but suggest some products like AEstelance's Butter or Keratin products like Ricci and Latte to keep down the frizz on a humid day, Agadir Moroccan Mousse or AEstelance's Volume (sans alcohol) to pump up the volume so your hair doesn't go flat, and White Tea Embrace hairspray to keep from looking wild and windblown.

When to Blink:  Halfway through a count of three (if the photographer gives you one) is the answer, so that your eyes won’t be mid-blink for the shot. 


Work The Angles:  Known as the model's pose, stand so your body is 3/4s towards the camera and put one foot in front of the other, with one shoulder closer to the camera than the other. Turn your head slightly to the side and look straight ahead—you’ll look like your are looking straight at the camera. Look slightly above the camera when the picture is taken (unless the photographer is at a lower level—then you'll have to look directly forward or it will look like your eyes are closed.) Lean slightly towards the camera to improve facial definition and minimize the look of wrinkles and flabby skin. Oh and your “good side” is usually the side where your hair parts.

How 'Bout That Double Chin? Everybody's nemesis can be hidden by tilting your head up slightly and position yourself so that the camera is a little above or at your eye level. Or put a hand under your chin like you are resting your head in your hand (keep your thumb side out of the camera’s view) and don't put any real weight on your hand—you'll smush your skin and make things worse. Lastly, put your tongue up on the roof of your mouth. (Our makeup expert at Believe can also help you cheat a little with shading makeup for under your chin and to narrow your nose and slim your cheeks. Cheaper than liposuction and your secret it safe with us.)

Smile And Relax: Don't hold your breath and don’t clench your teeth and don't say “cheese” no matter what the photographer says. Try a relaxed closed mouth smile or an open mouthed smile with the lower lip relaxed and down (you might have to practice) and make sure your smile reaches your eyes. If you have to pose all day, you might try a trick taken from the Miss America pageant—Vaseline on your teeth to help your lips slide smoothly for hours of smiles. Best of all, think happy thoughts. Your state of mind will shine through into the photo.

Remember to make your makeup ad hair appointments with us at Believe early—particularly at this time of year—and we will do our part to help make sure you'll be looking your very best for your special (and memorable) occasion.

Red Carpet Ready Hair

Were you glued to your TV for the Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys and Oscars? With Hollywood's award season just past, you may be itching to swap your ho-hum hair for some high-wattage glamour. Every star needs an entourage...Why not make the team here at Believe your own personal stylists and come in for a fabulous cut and color for spring? 

Till then, here are some celebrity hair tricks and hints we can use in the salon and some that you can try at home to create your own kind of superstar hair:

Check Your Toolbox: Make sure your brushes are clean (run one of our complimentary brush cleaner tools through the bristles to remove hair and give your brushes a weekly soak in hypoallergenic soap and ammonia, then rinse thoroughly and air dry on towels) and of the right type--a mixture of nylon and boar bristles is the choice of many celebrity stylists. Nylon untangles the hair and boar brushes smooth hair out, giving you Anne Hathaway shine and letting your hair partially dry naturally before brushing helps eliminate breakage. Also make sure your drier, curling and straightening irons, and electric rollers are still giving out heat at the proper temperature. Old appliances sometimes overheat and harm hair. Pay attention to your tools and the result will be shiny, healthy hair.

Try Some Waves: True, Believe does offer the greatest Keratin straightening system in the world, but why not change it up a bit for Spring and try out some waves? (They work for all the Kardashian sisters.) Bend over and blow dry your hair in sections, using a round brush and pulling from the nape of your neck. Spritz some hairspray to hold. Then take a one and quarter inch curling iron to bend the hair out. Now sit up, flipping your hair over and roughing it up for that "I just got out of bed look" and finish with some shaping serum like Chromastics Repair Light or Extreme. Want to see how it's done? Come into Believe and we will make your a tousled headed beauty in no time.

Everything is not as it appears: Not all the actresses are born with gleaming, flowing tresses (ever wondered how they can go from short hair on one red carpet to long waves the next time they appear in public? J. Lo's tress length seems to change daily.) Most now fill out and lengthen sparse or short hair with extensions, bonded to their natural hair. At Believe we will blend in the extensions so carefully, no one will know it's not your own gorgeous mane (Unless, of course, you choose to help out with one of our charity events where we give you fake fun colored extensions like Dandelion Yellow or Crayon Red in exchange for a donation.) Or, if you can't quite commit to the longer length, you can get clip-ons for temporary length. The trick to using clip-ons is color-blending for a natural look and parting your hair where it naturally recedes. Then tease one-inch sections where the clips are, let you natural hair fall over to hide where they are attached, and style from there. Extensions or clip-ons—either way it's Voila! Instant Reese Witherspoon.

Hooray For Natural Texture: Whether you are a woman of color or born with naturally kinky hair, why not take a page from the Beatles lyrics and let it be, let it be? Quit straightening and relaxing your hair (Queen Latifah recently did) and see how you like au natural styling. This type of style requires maintaining your waves, curls, and natural style with a fabulous cut and moisture-enriched salon treatments, like Oil Complex or Agadir's Moroccan Moisture Masque that we offer at Believe. Also, remember, there really is no need to shampoo hair daily. It dries your hair shafts out and makes your natural texture look frizzy and frazzled. Try a weekly at- home protein mask for your hair, too. Be sure to comb the conditioning treatment all the way to the end of each strand for full coverage.

Bangs Are A Blast: Sandra Bullock gave them a go this season and as every woman with beautiful eyes knows, bangs frame your face and draw attention to your eyes like nothing else can. Let the team at Believe cut them for your the first time to get the proper shape, but then, if you find that the warmer weather is making your hair grow faster (yes, it does) and you have to trim them at home, here's how: Make sure your hair is dry. Only cut from the iris of your eye to the other iris of your eye (else you'll be cutting into your hairline, making your next visit with us for a real haircut more complicated) and cut the bangs vertically, not horizontally. You'll get a flirty fringe and keep your favorite Believe hair stylist from going crazy next time you come in for a full cut.

Make the world your own personal red carpet and please stop by Believe – here all our customers are superstars!

GIELLA Keep Your Cuticles In Tip Top Shape

This week, we are delighted to welcome a guest blogger and a leading light in the world of beauty--the founder of GIELLA Custom Blend Cosmetics herself...Giella Poblocki. Giella will be hosting several blogs during the year since we carry her fabulous products here at Believe) where they are always a customer favorite.

Here's a little bit about Giella herself and then let her introduce you to a new product that takes care of an old problem which crops up this time of year...dry cuticles:

After graduating with high honors from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, Giella began her career in the fashion and beauty business.  

“My experience is quite varied – make-up artist, fashion stylist, personal shopper, image consultant, retail manager, cosmetic product developer  – all of which helped prepare me for my current position where I use a combination of all those skills,”  she says.

Giella has gained a loyal following of clients by hosting seminars and providing private lessons to teach people how to adapt new colors, trends, and products to their lifestyle. Giella is dedicated to completely satisfying a woman’s beauty needs. As a color, makeup, and beauty advisor, she looks at each individual objectively, recognizing that each woman is uniquely different. She does not propose to limit a customer’s choices, but rather to aid her in creating customized palettes and products based on her personal traits. 

Giella also does not believe in animal testing and all of her products are cruelty-free. She stands behind her products as being the finest in quality, texture and shade selections.  All GIELLA products are non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and allergy-free. Giella is also an active member of the National Association for Female Executives and has completed her Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.

Beauty and brains--a winning combination--and she put those smarts to work when she developed GIELLA’s Custom Blend Cuticle Clicks. 

Let Giella herself introduce the product:

You know one of the basic rules for achieving and maintaining a healthy nail begins with a well cared for cuticle, however you don’t tend to them as you should. Every visit to the manicurist begins with her scolding you about your ragged cuticles. But now you can hush her up and have gorgeous nails with GIELLA’s NEW Custom Cuticle Clicks, a portable cuticle oil pen that can be customized to keep your cuticles soft and smooth and your nails healthy and strong.

GIELLA’s Custom Blend Cuticle Clicks are slim wands with a brush-tip applicator that you can have filled with your own personal cuticle oil blend depending on your nail care needs. With a simple “click” or turn of the wand’s rotating handle, a smooth flow of oil is dispersed through the brush, letting you paint it onto your nail and the surrounding cuticle. This will allow for a moisturized cuticle and a healthy nail bed.

Choose from four cuticle oil varieties that can be mixed and matched or used on their own:

·        Kukui Oil – A Hawaiian plant oil that is high in essential fatty acids that aid in maintaining healthy skin. It is light and non-greasy and is easily absorbed by the skin. This tropical oil is great for strengthening the bond between the upper and lower nail plates, producing a healthy, flexible nail.

·        Avocado Oil – An intensive healing and skin nourishing oil that contains vitamins A, D, E and K. This oil deeply penetrates the skin’s surface and is great for softening seriously dry cuticles and nails.

·        Grapeseed Oil – A lightweight, silky moisturizer that is easily absorbed into the skin and contains a high value of essential fatty acids that aid in maintaining healthy skin. This oil is a great choice for those with nut allergies.

·        Tea Tree Oil – An antibacterial oil that is good for treating nail fungus.

Just as slim as a tube of mascara, easy to use, and with no messy spills to worry about, GIELLA’s Custom Cuticle Clicks will easily fit into your makeup case, allowing you to care for your cuticles whenever the mood hits you.

Thanks to Giella for informing us all about this great new product. All of us at Believe are always happy to let our customers know about Giella's wonderful line and to offer solutions to real life problems (like winter-dry cuticles). Stop by and try GIELLA's Custom Cuticle Clicks today.

Lashing Out (In A Good Way)

Batting your eyes has long been a woman's prerogative (too bad hiding the rest of your face behind a fan while you flutter went out of style. Perhaps we should resurrect that flirtatious move?) The come-hither power of a well-directed glance has shone from behind belly dancer's veils for centuries, and glancing down demurely has as much power today as it did during Jane Austen's time. Nowadays a woman's eyes get put to other uses, too. Your mother was right when she told you to look people right in the eyes during a conversation, and a direct glance is as important as a firm handshake during business dealings. 

So if eyes are the windows of the soul, consider the lashes are the silk draperies and care for them accordingly. True, genetics plays a part in eyelash length and just like the hair on your head, eyelash hair gets more sparse as we get older, but there are some things you can do to get the longest, most luscious lashes possible:

Take it easy on them: If you find yourself rubbing or scratching your eyelids--especially at the time of year when all the plants are releasing pollen-- invest in hypo-allergenic eye drops and an over-the-counter antihistamine to fight hay fever. Wash your face with cold water (lashes too) when you come in from outside, particularly on a windy day. That will wash any stray pollen out of your lashes, before it irritates your eyes. If your allergic reactions get worse, see your doctor. (Remember allergies can develop anytime.)

Keep things clean: Never go to bed with mascara, eyeshadow, or eyeliner on. Always remove every speck with a gentle (hypoallergenic is good here, too) eye makeup remover. Believe carries a wonderful one by GIELLA.  Disposal pads or cotton squares are better than cotton balls (which leave little fibers behind). Replace your eyeshadow, liner, and mascara every 2-3 months. Bacteria breeds in old makeup and can lead to eye inflammation and possible infection. Every month or so, give your eyes their own spa treatment. Hold a clean hot washcloth over your eyes (reheating several times with hot water as the washcloth cools) and then scrubbing along the lash line with one of the PCA cleansers sold at Believe. This opens the glands along the eyelid which get clogged with dirt and oil, giving the lash follicles the best chance to grow.

Speaking of oil--Just like all the rest of your hair, your lashes need moisturizing, too (they have just survived a long, dry winter). After cleansing at night, use an eyelash brush (available in any drugstore) to coat your lashes with olive or almond oil (no perfumed oils here) or plain old petroleum jelly. Let the oil soak in overnight and your lashes will be moist, shiny, and stronger by morning.

What goes in, comes out: Drinking enough water (take a sports bottle with you wherever you go) not only keeps your skin hydrated, but your lashes, too. Taking your vitamins, eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, and making sure your diet includes fish oils helps your lashes grow healthy--and healthy lashes break less. What you put in your body shows on the outside. Playwright Oscar Wilde wasn't kidding when he said our faces are our autobiographies.

False eyelashes: From individual lash extensions to full-out black fringes and Swarovski eye crystals, false eyelashes are all the rage. If you must channel one of the Kardashian sisters, be sure to follow the package directions and remove all the glue carefully (and as quickly as possible). Leftover residue can harm your real lashes.

Growing eyelashes with pharmaceutical serums: True, some users grow long, thick lashes from using one of the serums now available like LATISSE®. Other users report permanent eyelash discolorations, scaling, redness, irritation, and even eyelash loss! We recommend talking over using any of these products with your ophthalmologist or eye care professional before deciding whether to give any of them a try. Also, do your own homework. Research on-line consumer reports, reviews, and advice from users. Be smart and get informed.

Eyelash Tinting: We are thrilled to be able to offer this service now at Believe. You can kiss your mascara goodbye with eyelash tinting. Vegetable-based dye (black, brown, blue, gray or a combo to suit your complexion) is used to make your pale lashes dark and bold. A patch test is performed to make sure you have no allergies. When that is done, upper and lower lashes both are painted (this takes about 15 minutes), then the dye sets (penetrating for about five minutes). When the dye is washed away--voila! Darker lashes! The color lasts for 3-5 weeks and means you'll have glamorous eyes around the clock. If you have light lashes or an active lifestyle (swimming or tennis anyone?) or barely enough time to swipe lipstick on in the morning--lash tinting is perfect for you. Best of all, it is safe (yes, even for contact lense wearers.) After getting your lashes tinted, you'll be batting your eyes with the best of them—with no streaks, smears, or raccoon eyes. Give Shannon a call to set up an appointment or ask about lash tinting at your next hair appointment. Everyone can use a little more (positive) drama in their life.

Here's looking at you, kid --and your lush new lashes,

Lisa (owner of Believe)