Prom Style: Tips and Tricks

Calling all Prom goers! Will you go classic black or white? Trendy lace? Purple reign or Royal blue? Or another color of the moment, Emerald? Once you’ve picked the dress, what to do with hair and makeup? Styling, as it is called, is as important as the dress you choose and how it fits you. It is about communicating your vision of yourself the way you want others to see you. It is very personal, unique and special. In addition to picking a flattering dress, here are some time honored tips we’ve collected:

1. Do you. You can never go wrong by staying true to yourself. So if you are like Bella Swan and heels aren’t your thing, go with those Chuck Taylors if they call to you. A big trend now that goes along with the Boho or Hippie Chic style beside the hi-lo hem (or shark bite) are flower crowns for hair — the Nordstrom Brass Plum Blog has some great tips on how to make your own. Bring it with you to your hair appointment and we will make sure it looks amazing and stays on! Also, chalk colored highlights are hot to compliment your dress color as well. Again, another trend that we can help you execute flawlessly!

2. Start with clean hair. There’s a dirty rumor (pun intended!) that day old hair is best for updos and styles. It just ins’t so says Mel B. Torres, stylist. “We can grit (dirty) up the hair with product!” she explains. “If the hair is oily, the curl or style won’t hold well or for very long. Plus everyone wants fresh clean hair for there special day!”

3. Get waxing done at least a few days before prom – especially if you plan to tan. Schedule waxing at 3-5 days out, says Todatiyah Morris, esthetician. Schedule tanning in the early evening and come wearing dark comfy clothing to tan (we recommend Level Three for the best and most even glow) and then hit the sheets for bed. Try not to shower the same day for darkest possible results. NOTE: Once tan is dry, it will not stain clothing or sheets.

Photo/janae limongelli

4. Nails can wait if … If you plan on getting gel or acrylic enhancements, you can schedule getting nails a few days out, but for natural polish, don’t go more than 24 hours before an event to keep chances of chipping to a minimum, advises nail technician Tammy Rosenberg. Nail Technician Melissa Paolo is offering a great deal on a full set of acrylic nails for just $40 (save $20) throughout the month of April when you book with her exclusively! Please mention this blog and get the details from our Front Desk at time of booking.

Luxe Bride: Lacey (and James) Mercer

A Villa Siena Wedding

We loved having Bride Lacey (now) Mercer in our salon with her skilled and friendly photographer Brianne Nichole and family. A gorgeous bride, Lacey knew from the start exactly what she wanted to look like and Stylist/Wedding Team member Patricia Delmar delivered a knockout look. As they say, pictures are worth 1,000 words and you can find some of the amazing photos below and the rest on Brianne Nichole’s Blog.

My Day at Luxe By Hannah Spehar

Note: Hannah, our beautiful, gracious Prom Contest Grand Prize Winner, wrote this lovely account of her time with us at Luxe that we wanted to share. We have asked her to work with us from time to time going forward as our Teen Correspondant and are very excited to have her join our team!

When I found out that I won the Luxe Salon Prom contest I was so overjoyed. They truly know how to make a girl feel like a PRINCESS! It started all on Thursday night I went to get my brows done and then a VersaSpa spray tan. Todatiyah Morris did my brows and I was so amazed by how exact she made them and how much time she took to make them look perfect she’s such a warm, nice woman. I will definitely go back to her, as I would trust no one else to do such a good job! I then got my spray tan, which is amazing because it helped me get rid of my super white skin without me looking orange. It made me perfectly brown!

I had a hard time sleeping that night, I was so excited for the next day. Friday at noon I arrived at Luxe once again and they swept me back to the nail room to Amanda Millanes. She’s amazing. First she helped me pick out the perfect colors for my dress and shoes and then she shaped and polished my nails, making them all look great. She was so friendly and sweet and did an amazing job!

Next it was my turn in the makeup chair. Molly Hutchins did my makeup and she is just so wonderful. When I got to see the finished results I was amazed, it blew me away. When she was all done with my makeup, it was my turn to get my hair done with Stormy Martin, who I had heard so many amazing things about. She got to work on my hair right away, doing her thing. It seemed so effortless for her, when I got to see it all done it was unbelievable!

All the staff at Luxe are so sweet and made me feel so welcome. I want to also give a special thanks to Deb Smith who does the salon’s contest and marketing. She was beyond amazing, and sweet. She worked so hard to get everything scheduled in time for my prom, making sure everything was perfect.

I feel so blessed to be chosen for this. I was so amazed with the finished results, the whole night I got so many compliments about how great I looked. I owe it all to Luxe Salon and Spa.

PHOTOS: Amanda Millanes in the aqua and grey stripe top did amazing nails; Molly Hutchins was the artist behind Hannah’s makeup; Todatiyah Morris (green and white stripes) was Hannah’s brow architect; and Stormy Martin’s (blue dress) beautiful beach-curled down do made it all come together.

Luxe Bride: Melissa (Burke) Brown

A Little Romance …

We at Luxe love nothing more than to see one of our cherished clients find the man of her dreams and get married! It makes us downright dewy eyed to be able to help a Bride look and feel her absolute best in her photos, as well as to her guests, on such an important day! That’s why when client Melissa Burke (now Brown!) came to Wedding Team Leader Danielle Arias Jones to plan her Bridal hair and makeup appointments for her wedding to Thomas Brown, Danielle was thrilled to assist! Melissa has gorgeous thick hair that was best shown off down to compliment her strapless gown and the romantic setting of her event. Luxe Makeup Artist, Christine Geranen, applied faux lashes to make Melissa’s baby blues pop even more, and chose to use shades of pink (Melissa’s favorite color!) to highlight her features and blend nicely with the various shades of roses chosen by her florist. The result? Breathtaking! Here are some more of the details and advice for the newly engaged and beautiful photos courtesy of OGrace Photograhy (602-881-3383 or info@ogracephotography.com):

Bride & Groom: Melissa & Thomas Brown

Wedding Date: Jan. 14th, 2012

Wedding Venue: Villa Siena, Gilbert, AZ

Bride’s Hair Products and Technique: Melissa’s Special Occasion Thermal Style was done by Danielle Arias Jones, Bridal Team Leader, who used Moroccan Oil and Bumble Products to achieve Melissa’s beautiful, relaxed spiral curls and teased crown. The style complimented her gown, as well as the romantic setting of her wedding.

Bride’s Makeup & Lashes Products: Christine Geranen, Makeup Artist, who used Luxe by Coastal Scents Makeup (available at Luxe Salon and Spa) and MAC Products.

Speical touches we loved: We loved the little touches that Melissa and Thomas chose: The Bling B on their cake, the photo booth and vintage-looking strips of photos for scrap booking, the black damask and hot pink theme was romantic, yet modern and perfectly suited the venue and event! We love that Pink is Melissa’ favorite!

Why did you choose the venue? “The setting is so romantic and beautiful that very little needed to be done to be ready for our event,” explains Melissa. Makes sense to us and we love the way they choose to use their resources, as we mentioned.

What advice do you have for other brides-to-be? “The best choice I made was to have professionals do my hair and makeup. Since we had a trial I knew exactly what what I would look like for the event and so I could really relax and enjoy my time instead of worrying about having to be ready. It was worth every penny!”

For more information on our Bridal Services or if you are a bride who wants to be featured on our blog, contact our Coordinator, Kristen Arias or her assistant Marni Rosenberg at 480-209-1659 or via email at info@luxesalonspaaz.com. Beginning shortly, you will be able to download a menu and information about our Wedding and Special Event Services from right here at this blog and on our site.

Madonna: Super Style for the Bowl

OK, she’s 53 and she still rocks a stadium. From her hot Givenchy boots, to the long lashes (we’ve been addicted ourselves), to the way her music seamlessly melds with the latest hits, many say it might have been the best Half Time ever. However, Madonna’s hair caused the biggest stir, with people even placing official bets on what color it would be for the show. Modern Salon gave her two thumbs up on her blonde style done regularly for major events by stylist to the stars Andy LeCompte, who charges (gasp!) $500 a haircut. With our women’s cuts starting at $45, a thermal style on our menu for an additional $15, and a lash application (without makeup $20, with $15), we can have you looking like a rock star on your budget.

But, in the meantime if you’d like to get Madonna’s look, start with Bumble and Bumble’s Prep to detangle and give hair texture and then spray Thickening Spray in the root for lift. A dab of heat-activated Bumble Straight Blow Dry or Moroccan Oil will keep away frizz and protect from heat and MO helps shorten dry time. When hair is dry, use a large barrel iron to crimp chunky sections of hair, setting each curl with
Moroccan Oil or Bumble hairspray. She’s been at it  three decades, so it is safe to say Madonna is still a hot style icon.

What Do Your Brows Say?

Not too long ago, Oprah talked about a Yale University of Medicine study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery which found that even small nuances in a woman’s eyebrow shape conveyed emotions that she herself did not feel (at least in that moment). These emotions included fear, anger or even sadness. What are your brows saying about you? At Luxe our Estheticians recommend a professional shaping at least every two of months if you are a DIYer to keep your plucking in check. After all, who knows what kind of message you may be sending to colleagues, dates or even your family without even realizing it! Our brow waxing services start at just $20.

Luxe Bridal Program Expanded!

Newly engaged? Celebrating an anniversary! CONGRATULATIONS on this special time in your life! With the Bridal Coordinator and Wedding Team at Luxe, you can rest assured that no matter what kind of Bride you are and what kind of celebration you’ve chosen, we will make sure every detail is exactly right!

With a combined 15 years of experience, our professionals are experts in hair extensions, updos, make up and lash application, French and glitter Shellac and much more! We meet with you to review our services, schedule trial appointments, and pamper you and your family, attendants and even your groom! Our salon was specifically decorated with darker colors and plenty of flat screens so that men as well as women would feel comfortable.  Perfect for the Bride and Groom seeking affordable luxury in a friendly, but professional atmosphere.

With our new Bridal Program, Brides can feel confident that they have found the right professionals! Every Bride will receive:

• A detailed consultation with our Bridal Team Coordinator;
• A copy of the Arizona Wedding Magazine’s Resource Guide featuring a 48-page wedding planner and lists of vendors from all over Phoenix;

• Bridal Buxe (in-store cash) to be used after your Honeymoon for a return visit;

• Time in our Relaxation Room with overstuffed massage chair to help you relax and collect your thoughts on your special day;

• Professionals working with you who are experienced with Wedding Day and print photography shoots, so they will prepare you to look your best in front of the camera as well as in person,

• Your dedicated wedding coordinator who will set up refreshments or a light meal for your Bridal Party.

• A special Bridal pricing program that offers discounts for multiple people and services, but doesn’t require you to pay for services you don’t want.

We would love to talk with you about your plans for your special day and will cover your event right here on our Bridal Blog! To send us a picture please email to luxesalonpr@yahoo.com and include your names (bride and groom or engagement couple), wedding or engagement date, location and any other details that made it special, as well as a contact phone number and email so we can reach you if have questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Behind the Scenes: Photo Shoot

We are busy little elves behind the scenes making the world more beautiful one client at a time during this holiday season! Today we actually got it all on “film” with fabulous photog Joe Utley whose photo journalist style suited our gorgeous models perfectly! Can’t wait until you all can see the results of our day long shoot. A special thanks to ALL of our models and a special thanks to Miss Arizona, Jennifer Sedler, for taking time to come be one of them!

Fall Arrival: Eyelashes and Updos

The Today Show declared braids hot during this very cool season (see video at http://thelook.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/10/10/8251040-the-braid-is-back-learn-how-to-get-the-look-for-less), so it wasn’t a surprise that they have been popping up everywhere — check out our salon window, courtesy of Bumble and Bumble before your next appointment!  Real Simple Magazine declares the multi-braid bun (left) to be one of the hottest updos of the holiday season, along with hair feathers, which we have seen get more and more popular over the summer season. Now in jewel tones, they make dramatic statements as part of holiday updos or attached strategically to long, flowing ponytails.
For moms or busy women on the go, braids mean an easy, affordable way to look great in no time. Lack the skills to do it yourself? We can can help you find your braided style on short notice (most of the time) and starting at $25. Give us a call and we will work our magic to get your braid the same day when possible.

If it’s longer lashes you are after, another favorite of the Real Simple editors, you have come to the right place! We have a few ways, depending on your budget, to help you bat those pretties and get great Christmas gifts! For a quick, inexpensive solution, a Luxe makeup artist will apply the more temporary strip eyelashes for $15. For a more permanent solution to thicker, longer lashes, but one that may take a bit more time, Luxe offers LiLash, which retails for $84 at Luxe for a three month supply. This amazing retail product is brushed on and works by fortifying and conditioning lash follicles with its unique purified eyelash serum. Ask us about LiBrow also, which has done the same for women in search of thicker, fuller, sexier brows. Most women are making an investment  in lash extensions, which bring immediate full lash beauty to eyes! Each single eye lash is artfully applied by one of our specially trained estheticians for a look that lasts three months. Choices, choices!