With that special event or important portrait scheduled, (or just for fun), why not explore a new look from the shoulders up? Whether it's a stylish 'do, rejuvenated skin, luscious lashes and updated makeup for that big occasion or simply putting on the glam in the company of the girls, salons in the Richmond area have beauty covered
Manager Kristine Gill at Salon Vivace (3426 W. Cary St., 565-9000 or salonvivace.com ) in Carytown suggests beginning a new look with the fresh foundation of a deep-cleansing facial. Refine the shape of eyebrows with a waxing, and then morph to a fresh hairstyle and makeup application to complete the look. Facials start at $75 (the 30-minute express facial is less expensive), eyebrow waxing begins at $16, a shampoo and finish costs $32 and up, and makeup application begins at $40.
Aura Spa & Salon inside the Hilton Richmond in Short Pump (12042 W. Broad St., 622-6000 or aurarichmond.com ) caters not only to hotel guests and conference attendees but also to the local community. Mini services provide for a relaxing break between meetings or during lunch hour, spa director Mary Pilch says.
The salon's menu of services has not forgotten teenagers. "They love to get glammed up, get their hair done like their favorite stars," Pilch adds. Services include the Glamour Girl, in which a stylist transforms the teen's look in 30 minutes for $35, and 60-minute teen facials that include skin-care education for $90.
Adults may opt for a professional makeup application ($40 for 30 minutes) and hair or skin services. Aura Spa memberships, for $79 a month, come with a cleansing facial or Swedish massage each month as well as discounts on spa treatments and salon services, and same-day pool and fitness center access. "Memberships allow customers to try a massage or facial and keep up the regimen," Pilch says.
Lavish Apothecary ( 5806 Grove Ave. in March, 716-0187 or lavishapothecary.com ) sells skin-care products and cosmetics. About once a month, it holds evening events featuring private makeup lessons, skin-care consultations and facials for small groups. "We provide a nibble and wine or champagne for a two-hour event," says Elizabeth McGill of the boutique's sales staff. "There's no per-head fee associated with group events. We give our time and hope they make purchases in our store."
Hair and color define Wyldology (7015-B Staples Mill Road, 515-9303 or wyldology.com ). "Color is a big thing now" in hair, says salon manager Amy Pinilis. Softer, lighter tones such as auburn and golden blonde are the trend, she says. "However they want to change their look, whether it's a cut from long hair to a short bob, our stylists can do that and give them a new outlook and confidence." A cut and style starts at $45; color at $70.
Lash extensions, tinting and volumizing dips enhance the windows to the soul. At Le Visage Makeup Boutique (3007 W. Cary St., 342-5867 or levisagestudio.com ), Xtreme Lashes Eyelash Extensions run in 60-, 80- and 100-count varieties to add length, lift and density for a natural to dramatic look. Specialists attach individual synthetic strands to the customer's own lashes with a special adhesive.
Arielle Dickerson, a product consultant at the salon, says the treatments can last up to three months with refills. The initial application can take up to two-and-a-half hours and cost $250 or more, with refills requiring about an hour and involving an additional charge. "It's our most popular service," Dickerson says. "The only day we don't do them is Sundays."
A few area salons offer LashDip, a semi-permanent mascara-like coating. Dickerson says the new process lasts about six weeks and is gaining in popularity. In about an hour, upper and lower lashes can be treated. The $125 cost includes one relashing that can extend the benefit for several months. "Some of our customers get the Xtreme Lash on the top and LashDip on the bottom," she says. Other eye-enhancing options include lash tinting and strip lashes for an evening's wear.
If you want to look your best for a photo shoot, get the star treatment through airbrushed makeup applied by Joy Pfister of Faces by Joy (studio near Virginia Center Commons in Hanover County, 869-8007 or facesbyjoy.com ). "Airbrush is fantastic for photography. It gives you younger, flawless skin, goes on seamlessly and is water resistant. It's perfect for HD [high-definition]." Some customers have been so taken by airbrush makeup that they've bought their own applicators and had Pfister select the colors that come with the purchase.
Don't forget your camera.
