The Beauty Bar Blog: CT Hair Styling, Bridal Makeup & So.Cap Fusion Extensions, CT Hair & Beauty Salon

Summer Wedding Preparation Starts Now

It’s hard to think about a summer wedding when the air is cold and snow still covers the ground. However, if you have planned your wedding for June, July or August now is the time to prepare for your hair and makeup styling. Summer is one of the busiest times of year for professional hair stylists and make-up artists and if you want to get the quality beauty styling you deserve for your summer wedding in Connecticut make your reservations now.

If you wait until the week before your wedding to look for a stylist don’t count on getting the best. In demand make-up artists and hair stylists in Connecticut book way in advance and if you want your wedding hair and make-up to be top-notch, start contacting stylists now. In two short months the summer wedding season will kick into gear and finding a stylist you can trust should be on top of your priority list.

Another good reason to start looking for stylists now is that you will want to consult with them about ideas you have. With more time between the styling and the day of the wedding you can see different looks and make decisions on coloring, length and styles without feeling rushed. Finding the right stylist isn’t easy so get started now to find the person who will make you look your best on your wedding day.

Who Lit up the Oscars?

Last night in Los Angeles was the 85^th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre and while many people were interested in finding out who would win Best Film (Argo) and Best Actress (Jennifer Lawrence) even more were tuned in for the red carpet fashion show. The Beauty Bar never misses an opportunity to lend our opinion on the latest styles and trends and here we present our winners for the best looking stars of the night.

Anne Hathaway – Attending the show for her role in Les Miserables, Hathaway was anything but miserable in her beautiful light pink Prada gown that fir her to a tee. Hathaway won the award for Best Supporting Actress but it was her, um, nipple display that caught the attention of the social media world who wasted no time in tweeting about Hathaway’s red carpet exposure. Clearly Hathaway wasn’t wearing a bra or breast petals causing her nipples to ever so slightly poke through the dress. Wardrobe malfunction or savvy PR move Hathaway got attention and an Oscar to boot.

George Clooney & Stacey Keibler – The ever-dashing Clooney and his current flame, former WWE diva Keibler, stepped out in classic fashion and brought back to golden days of Hollywood. Clooney rarely does wrong and his tailor-fit Armani tux was perfect while Keibler showed off her gorgeous frame in a custom gown from Naeem Khan.

Charlize Theron – White was all right for the 37-year-oold actress. The paparazzi couldn’t get enough of Theron in a pure white Christian Dior Haute Couture dress that was accessorized with Roger Vivier shoes and Harry Winston jewelry. Theron was on hand to present with Dustin Hoffman but the real news was her closely cropped hair-do that she described as a “freeing experience”.

Tips for Winter Skin Maintenance

It’s no secret that the cold air of winter can dry out skin. Women often dread the winter months due to the uncomfortable and unappealing effects it has on their skin. Another problem is that many of the skin care products that offer treatment for dry skin can cause allergic reactions which leads to itching, red splotches and coarse patches.

At The Beauty Bar we understand how hard it can be to get healthy looking and comfortable skin when the mercury drops so we offer some helpful tips that will allow you to brave the cold and dark days with radiant skin.

The cold temperatures create conditions that lead to dehydrated skin. Nothing will dry your skin faster than a lack of moisture and when the skin barrier, the top layer of skin that protects you from the elements, is dry and flaky it breaks down making it easier chemicals to penetrate and cause damage. Protecting this barrier is essential to keeping your skin hydrated. Though hot showers and baths are very tempting in the dark days of winter the hot water will further dehydrate your skin and dermatologists recommend using lukewarm water to prevent skin from drying out.

It’s also recommended that you use a moisturizing product within three minutes of bathing. Locking in hydration while the skin is still damp is crucial to preventing dry and flaky skin and you should look for moisturizing creams that hold water well. Eucerin, Curel and Aveeno are a few of the more popular moisturizing creams that will help your skin stay healthy in winter.

Lastly, try removing scented items from your beauty kits. Dermatologists say the top cause of allergies in skin care products is fragrance and if you have sensitive skin it is wise to steer clear of fragrance laced creams and moisturizers that can lead to allergic reactions and dry skin. Perfumes are usually synthetic and the chemicals used to create the pleasing fragrances can be damaging to your skin, especially in the cold winter months, so be careful about what you use to treat your skin.

For more tips on how to keep skin healthy and radiant contact the Beauty Bar

Watch for our Work

What snow storm? This week the exceptional hair styling and makeup skills of the Beauty Bar will be featured on two television shows, a wedding trend feature on NBC WVIT Channel 30 in Hartford and on a special segment of TLC that will include Jessica Watcke of Bliss Bridal in Cheshire. We’ve worked with Bliss Bridal on several occasions and are thrilled to have been called on again to beauty up the gals for their show focusing on wedding planning. Our bridal makeup is known throughout New England and the Tri-State area and now we get the chance to show local and national viewers what trends will be seen on brides this year.

On Wednesday, February 13^th our makeup specialists will be at the NBC-30 WVIT studio in Hartford for a special segment on new wedding trends. Hair and makeup are crucial to a bride’s wedding day look and we’ll be showing off some of our most creative work to give brides-to-be great ideas for the upcoming weddings.

Then on Valentine’s Day Jessica Watcke from Bliss Bridal in Cheshire will be featured on TLC for a show about new look bridal gowns for 2013. Jessica’s hair and makeup will be done by the Beauty Bar staff and we are proud to say this is the 4^th time Bliss Bridal has asked us to prepare them for their TV time. If you’re stuck inside because of the snow make sure to tune in to NBC-30 on the 13^th and TLC on the 14^th to see what hairstyles and makeup the Beauty Bar is capable of creating.

Grammy Fashion Winners

Last night at the 55^th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles plenty of stars walked away with awards for best songs and albums but only a handful had the honor of wowing on the red carpet. The Beauty Bar kept a close eye on the women who sauntered into the Staples Center looking out for stylish hair, creative makeup and head-turning fashion. Here are just a few of last night’s winners:

Katy Perry – Katy is catching a lot of flack this morning for her mint green Gucci dress that, um, bared a bit more than most were expecting but her 1960’s style ensemble inspired by Priscilla Presley surely kept the male audience glued to their TV sets for as many glimpses as possible. Instead of bashing Perry the Grammy’s should be thanking her since she undoubtedly kept more people watching. Just like the Super Bowl halftime show, you don’t really think men tuned in to hear Beyonce, do you?

Carrie Underwood – Not only can Underwood wow with her voice but her taste in fashion is just as powerful. Last night the former American Idol winner was chic and savvy in a beautiful black strapless gown from Roberto Cavalli and caught the attention of everyone with a stunning 381-carat diamond necklace (yes, that’s 381-carat). Underwood also took home the Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance.

Rihanna – While many are still wondering if Rihanna and Chris Brown are back together (they were happy and cozy last night) the Barbadian Bombshell made everyone forget about Brown when she stepped out in a custom-made red Alaia gown the featured a high neckline but still gave plenty of room for the singer to tastefully display her sexy side. Rihanna took home the Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for “We Found Love” and the rumor mill is spinning to determine if this a message about her and Brown.