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Makeover Marvel:Beth Schmidt
By Cristy Gylfphe
From the April 2006
Issue of Applaud Magazine
As owner Charlene guided her to the black upholstered chair and fitted a plastic apron around her neck, Beth quietly voiced her apprehensions about the shortness of her cut. Both she and her husband love her long hair. Charlene gave a kind smile and assured her that nothing would be done that Beth didn’t want, and the first step would be to give her hair a basic color all over, then add highlights for warmth. Charlene went on to describe that the goal is for natural-looking color. There are various shades that can be used, from 1-10, and the aim is to find the color that is most compatible with a client’s skin tone and eye color. Beth was given a rich chestnut basic color, and then auburn highlights were chosen to bring out warmth.
Charlene is known as a color expert, and loves doing new stuff. She goes to various clinics on hair color, and even travels to other salons to teach! She explained that the big difference between the hair color that you receive in a salon, versus that which you do yourself at home. For example, L’Oreal makes hair color to three specifications, that which you find at a grocery store, the products that are sold at beauty supply outlets, and those that are used in professional salons. Naturally, those used in salons are superior, and give the best results.
While her locks were being coated with what looked like thin purple paint, Beth had plenty of time to chat. She just had a baby, Isabelle, and admitted that the last time she did anything special for herself was having acrylic nails put on for her wedding. She and Robb have eight children between the two of them, and Beth has recently become a grandmother too! Needless to say, Charlene considered all of these factors when choosing a candidate for her makeover. Various clients suggested friends or family members they knew who deserved a makeover. Beth was chosen because of her willingness to have some noticeable changes made and because she deserved it. Beth has little time for herself with a new baby and such a large family! Beth was most concerned with having her gray hairs covered. They seemed to be the only visible clue that Beth could possibly be a grandmother!
When the color was finally applied, rinsed out and Beth’s tresses were blow dried, the change was evident immediately. Her hair was silky and glossy, with subtle but brilliant highlights that flashed as she moved her head. Beth was excited that the gray was completely gone. The new color added warmth and luminosity to her smiling face. Before the cut, however, make-up artist Kathleen Robbins arrived to transform Beth’s face.
Kathleen works with Motives make-up, and can even custom blend foundation to perfectly match a person’s skin tone. She states that concealing is one of the most important steps in make-up application. Concealer hides blemishes and brightens dark areas. As she spoke, Kathleen applied a concealer around Beth’s eyes and to any imperfections she found. The main benefit that Kathleen sees in using concealer and foundation is that older clients with sun
damage and environmental damage get a more polished, youthful appearance. It gives the skin a healthy glowing base, a canvas for the color to go on.
Eyebrows are one of the most important features on the face. Kathleen encourages women to keep them cleaned up and tidy by tweezing or waxing. It is important to balance the face, which is why eyebrows play such an essential part. Use an eyebrow pencil to fill in any gaps. As Kathleen works, Beth’s eyebrows become dark, expressive, sweeping, elegant arches that frame her eyes.
With just the foundation and eyebrows done, Beth could step outside and look great. But Kathleen continues, as she is going for an evening look. She applies blush in a circular motion, using a lighter color below the cheekbones and a darker one above. She then applies a lighter shadow below the brow bone to bring out the eyes, and then uses pinks and violets to brighten the whole area. The then uses mauve in the crease of the eye. Black eyeliner and mascara
finishes the dramatic look. Mascara works to open the eye. Kathleen recommends that even if you’re too rushed for eyeliner – do apply mascara. Finally, Kathleen closes a dark lipstick because it is an evening look, Beth had a dark hair color, and because she has a beautifully shaped mouth. Light lip colors make the lips look bigger, and dark colors look better on fuller lips. Kathleen also mentioned that high intensity lip colors are hot right now.
Hair color and make-up finished, Bath makes her way back over to the chair for the cut. Charlene cuts Beth’s hair herself. She decides to go for long layers, with an angle on the face with lots of texturizing. She doesn’t take much length off as Beth wants to keep it, she agrees to cut a mere 4 inches. Charlene says that adding texture and lightness to the ends of the hair adds more fullness. The cut finished, Charlene blow dries the hair and straightens it to bring out the gloss. The final product is striking. Beth is polished, with full shimmering hair, dramatic eyes, a luscious pout, and flawless complexion. I swear, she looks about 5 inches taller, and her smile is brilliant.
The final touch was provided by Marie Flaherty of Weekenders. She provided a stylish new 3 piece outfit.
In fact, Beth can’t stop smiling. “The make-up is good. The hair shocked me the most. I’m really happy with the hair. The gray is gone. I feel better.” Beth claims that her hair is the biggest difference because it feels lighter. She was worried the highlights would be too dramatic, but it is nice. “It feels good.” Observing this transformation take place was amazing. Beth walked in a delightful mother with a good deal of natural beauty, and finished as a woman exuding confidence, charisma and charm. She looked like she belonged on the red carpet at that very moment! And no one could have described it better than Beth herself, “I felt frumpy when I walked in. Recovering from my pregnancy too tired to make myself up.” She gives a bright smile as she catches her reflection in the mirror, “I feel more like myself.”
