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

What to look for in 2013 Hairstyles

2012 saw plenty of women’s hairstyles on display and whether you opted for a short pixie cut or decided to use hair extensions for long layers there were no shortage of hair trends to try. Elle magazine voted the pixie as the most requested hairstyle of 2012 with long layers and the bob cut coming in a close second and third. Bangs made a bit of a comeback during the year with Zooey Deschanel and Demi Lovato sporting fresh bangs and color was again a big trend as many women tried to achieve the golden-blonde hue Jennifer Aniston is famous for. Now that 2013 has begun the watch is on the see what styles break out of the gate and set the trend.

Many hairstylists are predicting 2013 will be the year of wearable looks that don’t require a team of stylists following you to keep your hair in place. Twists and knots may be very popular this year due to its simplicity and easy maintenance. By blow drying your hair straight and creating a clean center part you can then secure your hair in a firm ponytail and wrap the tail into any number of knotted looks that are chic and smart.

Last spring the ‘wet hair’ style achieved sudden popularity and the slick look is coming back. Unlike the drenched looks of 2012, the 2013 versions of wet hair are less sleek and feature dry parts that create graphic center and side parts. Waves and twists are great options for styling wet hair and expect to see a number of takes on this recurring trend.

Another trend you can spot early on this year is a natural look that features tousled hair left loose and flowing. Some women will spend a small fortune for a style that doesn’t really look like a style at all. However, the casual look actually does require professional styling that includes volumizing foam and aerosol hair powder.

For more tips on emerging hairstyles for 2013 make an appointment at The Beauty Bar

Now Offering NovaLash Extensions

The Beauty Bar is excited to announce that we now offer NovaLash eyelash extensions. Regarded among beauty experts as the healthiest professional eyelash extension system, NovaLash offers a wide variety of stunning colors, textures and sizes of eyelash extensions that can give you the eyelash look you want. From subtle and natural to exotic and glamorous NovaLash extensions cover every color and texture so you can achieve any number of looks for casual and formal occasions.

Founded in 2004 by biologist and cosmetic chemist Sophy Merszei, NovaLash is now available in thousands of salons and spas across the United States and in over 40 countries worldwide. The Beauty Bar is proud to offer its clientele NovaLash extensions including the Platinum Bond adhesive that has been shown to be 4 times as effective as the leading competitor when it comes to strength, durability, pigmentation, texture and curl. Stylish women who want to enhance a new look will definitely appreciate the safe, beautiful and flawless eyelash extensions available from NovaLash.

Applying eyelash extensions is a skill that requires a highly technical and meticulous process. At the Beauty Bar our makeup artists are trained to perform the NovaLash extension procedure using the most efficient and effective application techniques. Since NovaLash extensions are individual, synthetic extensions singularly bonded to each natural lash the procedure is highly advanced and should only be performed by beauticians who have been trained to safely perform the application. To learn more about NovaLash eyelash extensions and to set up an appointment contact the Beauty Bar today.

New Year’s Eve Makeup Tips

If your New Year’s Eve plan involves staying out late to party you’ll need to heed some makeup tips to prevent smudging, smearing and streaking. Though it’s cold outside most of the places you’ll be that night will probably be crowded meaning a lot of humidity and these are not ideal conditions for mascara, blush and lipstick. We’ve come up with a few makeup tips to give you long lasting protection when you’re dancing the night away.

First off, try using airbrush makeup rather than traditional makeup. Airbrush makeup provides full and even coverage, uses a 1/3 less product that traditional makeup and produces a natural look that will last. Longevity is the key with makeup on a night like New Year’s Eve and with airbrush makeup you can party with confidence knowing your makeup is on to stay.

With traditional makeup you’re susceptible to the heat and humidity of a crowded bar or lounge making your makeup run and streak. Since you may be hopping around a few parties you’ll want makeup that doesn’t need re-touching and with airbrush makeup you get a flawless finish that holds up.

Be careful with bronzers. Winter is well known for pale skin and if you use a bronzer from the store you may end up with an orange glow that is unnatural and looks awful in photos. Don’t spend New Year’s Eve hiding from cameras try spray tanning a week before the big night and see if that won’t produce a natural looking shade that won’t be over-the-top.

Get your Holiday Hair Right

If you plan on attending any holiday parties this season it’s important to be in season and style with your hair. Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are celebrated events and should your presence be requested for a private party, formal dinner or ceremony make sure you have the right hair style to look your best. From wearing it down and short hairstyles to going long and wavy and casual updos you have a number of options when it comes to holiday hairstyles and with a few tips you can step out this season feeling confident and glamorous.

The Casual Look

If this season is more of a laid back party-with-the-friends type of vibe be casual with your hairstyle. If there are no formal engagements on the calendar it’s time to relax and you want a look that is easy to maintain and still great for photos. If your hair is naturally thick and gorgeous try wearing it down this year. There’s no point in hiding great curl and waves so be free with your hair during the holiday party scene. You can always touch up a casual look with the right earrings and makeup to bring out certain features of your hair, be it the length, texture or color.

Using Color

Hair coloring isn’t an exact science. Color solutions available in stores can come out entirely different from what you expected and while this is a crisis hair situation it’s even more severe during the robust holiday social season. Coloring your hair the day before a company cocktail party or the morning of a Christmas dinner can be daring if the product you use isn’t right for your hair. You should always test color in advance to know which hair product brand and color works best for your hair.

Wedding Preparation: Eyebrows

At the Beauty Bar we want you to look your absolute best when the day of your wedding arrives so we offer some helpful tips for bridal hair and makeup that will make a big difference. This week we focus on the eyebrows and provide some tips for eyebrow shaping that will create luxuriously groomed arches any bride will die for. Some women have naturally full eyebrows that can be easily shaped by a trained makeup artist but there are many women who lack thickness and for them we offer some tips on shaping that will add depth and fill in any gaps.

When shaping eyebrows it is important to take a long, realistic look at your face. Longing for something that isn’t there won’t help you any so it’s best to accept the face you have and then work on shaping your brows to fit your particular angles and curves. Aligning the front of your brow with the upper bridge of your nose is the first step. Before plucking your eyebrows fill each in with a slanted pencil and use a spoolie brush to get lift and volume. Now that you have full eyebrows to work with you can remove unwanted follicles with a tweezers. Step back from the mirror periodically to get a big picture look at your shaping.

When using a pencil to fill in brows try to avoid sticks that are too waxy since this can lead to dark and heavy brows that may stick and clump. Also be careful about trimming since the more you trim the harsher new brows will grow in and if you notice any hairs that are obviously longer than any others snip those carefully. Aim to have the tops of the brow arches to be at the same point and always comb brows at an upward angle, in the direction of the brow. For outstanding eyebrow shaping prior to your Connecticut wedding, contact the expert stylists at the Beauty Bar in Southington, CT.