Overnight Beauty Perfection

September 21, 2017

On a daily basis, we are overwhelmed with beauty ads that claim to transform our every flaw into overnight perfection. The truth is, it is, and always will be a complete lie. Unless someone is truly a magician with undeniable superpowers, perfect hair and skin will never happen overnight. So how does one achieve beautiful hair and skin?

Here’s the big secret…

Great hair & skin is the result of consistency in care and the quality of ingredients in the products being used.

When it comes to ingredients I personally love to keep my products as natural as possible. What I mean by that is, the stuff has to work too so if it’s not 100% natural I’m not going to die. For haircare I choose Davines every time. Not only do they care about their impact on the environment but their ingredients are carefully selected to perform and are gentle at the same time. I have been really impressed by the new branch of their Natural Tech line, Renewing. A pea size amount of shampoo creates a rich lather and beautiful aroma to cleanse the hair from environmental stressors. This line was designed to slow down the aging process and create an optimal environment from scalp to ends for healthy hair. The conditioner is extremely light. I find it to be best for fine hair textures. The serum is the ultimate dose of nourishment for hair that feels dull, lifeless, and dry. Over a 4 week period using this system at least 2-3 times a week, you will notice shine, bounce, and overall strength.

With skincare, I am a little more selective with ingredients. Our skin is our largest organ and absorbs everything we slather on it. For years I’ve used Glo Beauty and dipped into Image skincare, which are both really great lines who pride themselves in scientific skincare technology, but then I met Trenna. Trenna is a salon client who introduced me to her line of 100% natural skincare products that actually work! The line is called E&M apothecary. I would simply describe this line as food for your skin.

Many skincare lines are abrasive and lead you to believe in the motto, “No pain no gain”. That saying is the furthest from the truth. Since our skin is on our bodies to protect our vital organs, we must treat it with respect. Using a line that is formulated to protect and rebuild the acid mantle of the skin will result in a hydrated youthful glow. You can’t beat the amount of good stuff packed in this highly concentrated formula. Her line is packaged in beautiful amber glass bottles, which protect the powerhouse ingredients inside from sunlight. Although results don’t happen overnight, these products will, however, give your skin an instant glow! No matter what lines you love, always give your skin and the brand a fair chance to perform. This means have a consistent regimen am and pm for at least 4-6 weeks.

Follow my blog for follow up posts on both Davines and E & M Apothecary products ❤

Fall 2017 Haircolor Trends

September 13, 2017

To me “trends” don’t really exist. Basically what happens every year is the following:

Summer= Brighter Lighter Fall=Richer Warmer

Winter= Darker Cooler Spring= Soft & Subtle Lighter

As a colorist what is most entertaining to me is the trending terminology behind color services. For instance “Babylights” has been a hot term over the past year or so. Babylights is simply another word for a very fine weave of hair done in a foil. This technique is super basic, adds shimmer, and is beautiful on everyone.

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With all the confusion with what I would call “Fancy words” for hair color treatments, your best bet is leaving it up to the pro. They will always guide you in the right direction for the season and your hair type. That is if you have a great one like myself 😉 By the way it’s pronounced BA-LAY-AGE not Biolage, which is a brand of haircare products. You’re welcome.

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On the left Color Melting On the right Dimensional Balayage

Personally, I like to keep booking options simple for my clients. I simply offer “All Over Color” or “Dimensional Color”. For those getting one single color all over, it’s simple to add a few hand painted pieces during the processing time if need be. For Highlights and beyond, Dimensional color is a great description for the unlimited possibilities.

SO WHAT SHOULD YOU ASK YOUR COLORIST FOR?

Since those hot-trending words will always be around, here’s what to ask for in the chair this season.

COLOR MELTING: Will give you a similar result to an “Ombre” but the depth of the color doesn’t go as far down the strand as the original look. I recommend keeping a connection of light around the face so the color placement melts out in a diagonal back fashion as opposed to a harsh horizontal line.

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ROOT SMUDGING: A great way for bright blondes to add a little bit of depth while still maintaining their beloved bright hue. Smudging the root creates a soft grow out and gives you that Victoria’s Secret feel.

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DIMENSIONAL BALAYAGE: Not only will your stylist paint bright ribbons of color, but will also melt darker lowlights in between the light. This is my favorite. It’s vibrant rich and has great potential for a high contrast look that is still very natural.

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Transitioning to Fall is simple. Replenish what Summer zapped from your hair. Have your stylist create a healthy, shiny, rich, hydrated, and seamless hair color that flatters your paler skin-tone and works great with your Fall wardrobe!

*If you’re in St Louis and need a new colorist, I would love to take care of you. I am ALWAYS accepting new clients. People reschedule, cancel, move to a different state, etc so there’s always a chance for you to get in at some point. To book with me click here 🙂

3 Simple Steps to Setting the Perfect Table

September 6, 2017

In my home, I love to create an inspiring atmosphere. I believe our surroundings directly affect our mood and behavior, therefore it’s important to adorn your space with things you enjoy! Here are my 3 Simple Steps to Setting the Perfect Table…

Linares_Home-30 ONE: CREATE A BEAUTIFUL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT

One of the most simple pleasures in life is, ” stopping to smell the roses”. I love going to local markets like Fields Foods or Flowers to the People. When you support local flower markets you can expect a longer lasting- vibrant bouquet. Add a bit of sugar and vinegar to your flower water. The sugar nourishes the plants, while the vinegar inhibits bacterial growth. This beautiful arrangement lasted 2 weeks!

Linares_Home-25 TWO: SET YOUR TABLE WITH SOMETHING SPECIAL

When my grandmother passed away I inherited a few of her things. These two gold candle holders were hers and I absolutely adore them! She was one classy lady with great taste. I love having an heirloom around when making new memories with friends and family. It’s very full circle.

Linares_Home-23 THREE: HAVE BALANCE

I love vivid colors however it’s important to maintain the right balance between colors and textures. My boyfriend surprised me with this cool table cloth. Clearly, he has great taste so lucky me. Ha! Since the table cloth has color and texture I wanted my plates to be simple. I’m a huge fan of white and gold. To bring out the blue in the cloth I added aqua blue wine cups, because who says you can only drink wine out of one type of glass?

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A great table should always be cheerful, warm, and inviting. Keep these three tips in mind when having your next dinner party or even if you’re dining alone 🙂

Now go set the table!

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Is Your Hair Dehydrated?

July 28, 2017

Summer is in full swing which means, so is the sun. Your hair takes a beating between pool chemicals, more frequent shampooing, and sun worshiping. If you highlight or color your hair this time of year can trash all that beautiful work your stylist spent countless hours on. Fear not, there are ways to rehydrate, protect, and heal those poor strands. Here’s a list of my favorite products and services for quenching your hair’s thirst.

O&M DETOX Shampoo

Do you ever leave the pool feeling like your hair magically transformed into hay? If so this Shampoo will change your life! Detox removes product build up, chlorine, and stubborn oils. My favorite thing about this product is the invigorating peppermint oil. Your scalp feels clean, cool, and refreshed. Unlike most clarifying shampoos, Detox leaves your hair nourished, hydrated, and soft.

G L O S S it up!

Glaze, toner, gloss, are all the same. Keeping your strands glossed every 4-6 weeks protects your hair from heat styling and the sun. It also is a great way to reduce brassiness and revive the shine and saturation of your color.

EVO FABULOSO Platinum

Don’t have time for a gloss? Revive your blonde and kick brass at home with EVO’s FABULOSO Platinum deep conditioner. The bottle says to leave on for 3 mins however, I always suggest my clients leave this brass killer on for a minimum of 10. Your highlights will be bright and hydrated.

OI oil

Unlike Argan Oils, this is a super lightweight holy-grail of shine and softness. OI is good for all hair types. Davines Oi oil contains Roucou oil which is light yet powerful. I recommend using this on your ends every night before bed. This bottle can last at least 6 months when used properly. For the average head of hair less than the size of a pea is more than enough. Oi has healing properties and can be used on wet or dry hair. You will wonder how you ever lived without this. Did I mention it smells amazing?

NOU NOU Mask

Every woman should have a deep conditioner to use at least 1-2 times per week. I prefer to deep condition after I have used my Detox clarifying shampoo. It makes the most sense to do a “deep” cleanse before a “deep” conditioning. NOU NOU mask not only hydrates the hair but it also strengthens weak over worked strands.

OLAPLEX

If you haven’t heard of Olaplex you are being deprived of something truly amazing. Olaplex was the first of its kind in the beauty industry. This take home is the 3rd step after your stylist performs steps 1 & 2 during your color service. This is not a conditioner. This is a bond multiplier which has been designed to prevent breakage during your color service. Basically, it’s an insurance policy for your hair’s health. Use #3 weekly on clean damp hair to maintain the added strength.

P.S. All of these goodies can be found at my salon Thirteenth and Washington in downtown St. Louis 🙂

Is your Hair too Hot too Handle?

March 7, 2017

We all love the option of having the best of both worlds. From beachy waves to smooth sleek strands, any style is possible with the right hot tool. Hot tools make our hair look amazing but too much of anything can be bad. Right? Too much heat overtime can leave our hair dull, lifeless, and damaged. Yuck! Heat protectants are not an option they are a must. I mean unless you’re cool with jacked up hair. You’re not? That’s what I thought. Here are a few of my favorite products for guarding your hair from the heat demon…

Davines Melu Shield $36

Whether you’re blasting the blow dryer or smoothing strands with a flat iron, this nourishing spray defends against thermal damage and is perfect for all hair types. Enriched with lentil seeds and panthenol, it repairs strands, enhances shine, & adds much-needed moisture. Plus, the multi-benefit formula even cuts down blow drying time.

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Cutler Protectant Treatment $24

A weightless spray for all hair types that moisturizes while it adds a barrier of protection between heat and hair. This weightless styling spray contains heat-activated polymers that will detangle, protect and treat hair from styling and sun damage. The multi-active polymers, panthenol and avocado oil deliver manageability and shine.

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Mizani Therasmooth Smooth Guard $34

Lightweight, leave-in thermal protecting serum for natural hair. Buffers against heat styling damage and facilitates the use of heat tools by providing extra glide for easier manageability. The advance C3 Smoothing Complex with cationic polymers is designed to shield and polish while hair is being smoothed.

You’re beautiful hair deserves to live a long healthy life. Treat it and pamper it by investing in great products and tools. We get few chances when it comes to retaining the health of our hair. If you get to a point where you have trashed your hair, your only option is to cut it off and start over. No amount of Olaplex can work that type of miracle!

If you are a flat iron lover check out this amazing in depth study my friends at Reviews.com conducted. They tested 132 different flat irons and picked the top 3 so you don’t have to waste time searching!

Pretty awesome if you ask me!