We talked to the salon’s expert staff to get the latest in beauty tips for fall.
1. Hot hair
Looking to spruce up your locks for the cooler months? Say farewell to your summer highlights. Designer Lorann Thompson said foils are out and a hair-painting technique called balayage is in. Balayage creates a softer, more natural look, which Thompson says is one of fall’s biggest trends.
Another hair color technique to try is ombre, which is “painting highlights through the hair and lightening the ends,” Thompson explained. “That was the biggest request from Modern Salon.”
As far as cuts and styles go, softness and subtlety are key here, too. Thompson suggested, “a bob that’s long and wavy on the sides and shorter in the back. We’re doing a lot of short hairstyles — a geometric look, but we soften the edges down. You get the strength of a shorter haircut, but we go in and demolish it on the ends.” Demolishing the cut isn’t as scary as it sounds. It simply softens the edges to ease out choppiness.
For longer hair, Thompson said, “Straight hair is out. Put your flatiron away. Try a waviness in the hair for everyday.” She recommended making 1- to 1½-inch candlestick curls in the hair, alternating the direction with each one to help the hair intertwine.
2. Nice nails
The season of dry hands and ragged nails is approaching, so if you’ve been considering manicures, fall is a good time to try it. Wondering what to get?
“The most popular color trend I’ve noticed for fall is lots of neutral shades on nails,” said Samantha Schuh, who coordinates publicity for the salon as well as working as a spa professional. Neutral shades include colors such as grays and beiges. Ask your manicurist what would work best with your skin tone.
Like hairstyles, the trend is toward a subtler look. Simple, elegant nails are in; elaborate nail wraps are on their way out. “Matte nails are still in, but nail art is not as big this year,” said Ms. Schuh. “If nail art is used, it is a lot more subtle than it’s been in previous years.”
The less fussy approach also translates to nail shapes. “Short nails are back in, and I haven’t been seeing the super long nails as much,” Ms. Schuh said. Because of the smell and chemicals involved, Michael’s doesn’t offer acrylic nails. Meanwhile acrylics are also fading from popularity in favor of long-lasting and less strong-smelling gel manicures.
3. Marvelous makeup
It’s a good idea to shake up your makeup routine once in a while, especially when the seasons change. Branch out and try a new eye shadow or different lipstick- the best thing about trying new makeup is that it’s not permanent.
“The big color this season is Pantone dried herb,” said makeup artist Jill Luttrell. Pantone is a corporation that sets color trends yearly. “It’s a sage or camo green color.” Another fall color she suggested trying is purple.
If you’re trying those shades as eye shadows, “Smoky eyes are still in, but blended out,” Luttrell said. “Remember to blend, blend, blend.”
Those earthy neutrals are a major trend this fall, but one area they’re not in style for is the lips. Gone are the nude lip shades. Red lips are in. “They’re not revolutionary,” Luttrell said. “But they are back.”
For cheek color, “Contouring is out,” said Luttrell. “Try a warm peach or rosy cheek. It’s fresher, like you’ve been out in the cold.” This is another signal that fall looks have moved into more natural territory.
Speaking of natural, don’t pluck those brows! “Full has been in, and it’s still carrying over,” Luttrell said. She said that even beyond full brows, a bushier look is becoming popular with brow gels used to thicken them up.
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