New Year, New Stylers: The Style Team Takes On 9 Beauty Makeovers
Sometimes, you just need to shake things up. From ditching goatees to first-time hair coloring, this team of Stylers put their reflections in the hands of local professionals as they received head-to-toe makeovers. Now, they’re ringing in the new year as new versions of themselves. Let’s take a look.
Emily Peter
Associate Editor
Position: Associate Editor
My personal style is: Casual and simple. I love to experiment with chic and vintage styles though!
Holy grail beauty product: CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara
Most embarrassing style from the past: Etnies shoes with the overly padded tongue circa 2003—the ones you just slipped on and didn’t tie, even though they had laces.
Style icon: Mindy Kaling, because she’s always accentuating her natural beauty.
I feel the most attractive when: My outfit is completely pulled together. I tend to live in jeans, sweaters or sweatshirts, and Converse, so when I can build an outfit with a pattern or pop of color and accent it with jewelry and a fashionable shoe, I feel confident.
Why did you want a change? I was recently married and have nothing in the future stopping me from experimenting with my look. I’ve always been willing to color my hair, but I’ve never gone totally blonde.
What bothered you most about your old look? I was just bored with it.
What was your first impression of your new look? I was surprised! I think I can pull off blonde pretty well. I was impressed with the dimension of color, too—it wasn’t all the same color but had lighter and darker shades of blonde throughout.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? I love having a change, because hair will always grow back. I’m really digging my lighter hair with my natural brown eyebrows—I’ve always been a fan of that contrast.
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? Self-care is important. I tend to put it off because of time, but the two hours I spent with Noëlle were wonderful. It was enjoyable to have someone take care of me for a bit and give me a beautiful new version of myself.
Tara Mendanha
Deputy Editor
Position: Deputy Editor
My personal style is: Erratic—sometimes bold, sometimes understated
Holy grail beauty product: Rosewater toner
Most embarrassing style from the past: I feel like everything I did in my teens was embarrassing!
Style icon: Someone I know who has similar hair to mine, because she knows how to wear and flaunt it. It’s the confidence she exudes that captivates me; I hope to wear my own hair with confidence from now on.
I feel the most attractive when: I have clear skin (it’s been a challenge in my adulthood) and a good hair day. Bouncy, shiny, perfect curls make me happy.
Why did you want a change? I’ve looked pretty much the same for the past 33 years. I’ve never colored or treated my hair or done anything radical to my appearance. Post-baby, I wanted to feel like something other than a weary mom going through the motions. Having always struggled with my hair, I thought it would be nice to show it some love, since it’s only been pulled back as of late.
What was your first impression of your new look? “Wow! Color!” I love color in general.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? I’m going to do it again. And again.
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? It’s OK to put yourself first sometimes. I left the baby at home with my husband for four hours and just enjoyed the process—hardly ever thinking about what was going on at home. It was rejuvenating.
Makeovers by Theory Hair Studio
3300 Coach Lane, Suite B8, Cameron Park, 530-748-5279, facebook.com/theoryhair
Noëlle Pollastrini has a decade of hairstyling experience under her belt. She opened her salon, Theory Hair Studio, which specializes in current colors, extensions, and haircuts, in October 2018.
What makes your salon unique? I work very hard to gain the respect of my clients and create a space where they feel comfortable and like family. I strive to attend ongoing classes to create current styles and use the newest methods and techniques in the industry. I pride myself in allowing clients to receive excellent service and unmatched attention—all at an affordable cost.
What are your top hair care tips?
• Always, always, always use a thermal protectant.
• Make sure the products you use at home are keeping up the maintenance of the color and style you were given in the salon.
• Always get your trims!
What are your 3 favorite tools or products?
1. Moroccanoil Treatment Light
2. Davines This Is A Shimmering Mist
3. Davines Nounou Shampoo
What’s your style motto? No ego, just great hair.
What the makeovers entailed: Emily: I did a full weave on Emily using Redken Flash Lift with bonder, and then toned her hair. We did a slightly angled cut and added layers for volume and interest. Then, we styled her hair with a one-inch barrel wand before finishing it off with Davines This Is A Shimmering Mist.
Tara: I created a warmer look for Tara with foils around her face. She had virgin hair, so we didn’t want to introduce any lightener to it, since I would be able to lift it to the desired color with a higher volume developer. I cleaned up her A-line cut and added a different angle of layers on her to complement the color.
Why: Emily: We chose this color and style for Emily because she wanted to brighten up her hair and bring some shine back into it.
Tara: Since Tara’s texture is curly and coarse, I just finished it off with a curl cream and slightly diffused it. She wanted a low-maintenance color, and these warmer tones have a better grow out, being a demi-color.
Debra Linn
Associate Publisher
Position: Associate Publisher
My personal style is: Business casual and trendy (but age-appropriate)
Holy grail beauty product: M-61 Power Glow Peel from Blue Mercury
Most embarrassing style from the past: Shiny satin and everything from the ’80s
Style icon: Jennifer Aniston. I still love her hairdo from when she was Rachel on Friends.
I feel the most attractive when: I’m wearing skinny jeans, ankle boots with a high heel, my favorite top from Anthropologie, and I don’t have grey roots.
Why did you want a change? I wanted to try something new; this gave me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone.
What bothered you most about your old look? My hair has always been very curly, and in the past year, it randomly became straight. I don’t know how to style straight hair!
What was your first impression of your new look? I looked glamorous, which is really a different look for me, but I’m not sure that I can apply false eyelashes on my own.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? I learned some new makeup tricks and am learning a whole new way of styling my hair.
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? Trust your stylist! They have a vision of what will look best and it may be something you’ve never thought of. I also learned that even at my age, change is possible and usually a great boost to your self-confidence.
Makeover by Hoshall’s Salon & Spa
6608 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 4, Folsom, 916-987-1995, hoshalls.com
Hoshall’s, which opened in 1974, is a full-service salon and spa that nurtures top-notch customer service while providing exceptionally crafted current techniques delivered by a highly educated staff. Saul has been a hairstylist for 31 years and a part of Hoshall’s team for 17 years; Sara, an esthetician who has spent seven of her 10-year career at Hoshall’s, did the makeup.
What makes your salon unique? Hoshall’s is a team-based salon that is dedicated to empowering its staff so they can inspire the ones they serve.
What are your top hair care tips?
• Unless you have very curly hair, get the ends trimmed every 5-8 weeks.
• Don’t use excess heat. It causes stress, dryness, and breakage.
• Use a silk pillowcase.
Bonus: Sara’s top makeup tips:
• Less is more.
• Fill in your brows.
• Always use SPF.
What are your 3 favorite tools or products?
Sara’s favorite products:
1. Jan Marini Transformation Cream
2. Nude lipstick: MAC Honey Love
3. Anastasia gel pot
What’s your style motto? Remove the hair that doesn’t work, and you are left with the correct hairstyle.
What the makeover entailed: We added a shadow root and gave Debra a balayage (violet red near the scalp and auburn reds toward the end), then achieved a shag cut with textured ends using shears and a razor. We finished with a curling iron, R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse and Hoshall’s hair spray. For her makeup, we moisturized with Jan Marini Transformation Cream, and then used a MAC face primer, foundation, and powder. We topped that with Laura Mercier translucent powder.
Why: We wanted to add depth to the root area with a drop root shadow and bring a warm auburn highlight through the violet red to pull the two colors together. For the cut, we wanted to remove the heaviness from around the face at the top of her head by layering her hair and removing a little weight in some areas using a razor. For her makeup, we wanted to provide a soft look using complementary tones from her skin tone and hair color.
Sabrina Becker
Marketing and Sales Assistant
Position: Marketing and Sales Assistant
My personal style is: Looking like I’m a mom of two: black leggings and hair up
Holy grail beauty product: Rosewater toner or Himalayan salt egg
Most embarrassing style from the past: Every trend during middle school
I feel the most attractive when: I follow my skin care routine after a nice shower.
Why did you want a change? I was ready to step out of my comfort zone.
What bothered you most about your old look? My hair was in an awkward and dull stage.
What was your first impression of your new look? I thought that I looked like my aunt!
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? I have always wanted to go red at least once in my life, so I’m thankful I can say that I did it.
Makeover by Ciao Bella Salon
4615 Missouri Flat Road,Suite 3, Placerville, 530-626-4247, facebook.com/ciaobellasalonunderconstruction
One of the most beautiful salons in El Dorado County, Ciao Bella—owned by Jody Visconti, who purchased it with her husband three years ago—offers hair and nail services, along with special occasion makeup.
What makes your salon unique? Every stylist and manicurist has at least one decade of experience—others have over 30 years.
What are your top hair care tips?
• If you're willing to take the time to get your hair done, you should take care of it afterwards by buying the best products you can to maintain it.
• A great moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep your hair looking salon fresh.
What are your 3 favorite tools or products?
1. Davines Nounou Shampoo
2. Davines OI Oil
3. J Beverly Hills 5 in 1
What’s your style motto? You don't always have to stick to the current trends; wear what makes you feel beautiful.
What the makeover entailed: Sabrina came into our salon with natural dark brown hair and requested to have her hair tinted red. Our stylist, Megan, used Matrix Color Insider to achieve a beautiful bold red and styled her hair using Davines OI Oil. Sabrina requested white nails, which is a current trend, and manicurist Gina did a beautiful job. Lastly, stylist Stacy did special occasion makeup using Mac products.
Gary Zsigo
Art Director
Position: Art Director
My personal style is: I’m a jeans and T-shirt guy at heart, but I’ve been known to get a little bit fancy every now and then.
Holy grail beauty product: SPF 20 face lotion
Most embarrassing style from the past: Baggy jeans, silk dress shirts, and sweater vests
Style icon: James Dean—he kept it simple and hip.
I feel the most attractive when: I’m confident. It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing—just own it!
Why did you want a change? I thought maybe I would change my hairstyle a bit, but I stayed with the faux “mullhawk”—that’s a faux hawk but with a little bit of the “party” portion of a mullet mixed in.
What bothered you most about your old look? My beard was getting out of control.
What was your first impression of your new look? So fresh and so clean.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? It wasn’t as drastic of a “new look,” so I’m stoked to keep the look going!
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? It feels fantastic to treat yourself every now and then to a full grooming experience instead of just rushing through it every other day.
Ray Burgess
Graphic Designer
Position: Graphic Designer
My personal style is: Clean and presentable. For me, it’s more important to be the person in the room who’s easy to approach, not the most eye-catching.
Holy grail beauty product: Blind Barber 30 Proof Styling Cream
Most embarrassing style from the past: In high school, my clothing choices served as evidence toward the existence of time travel. During my sophomore year, I somehow got it in my head to rock a Fedora and pocket watch.
Style icon: I don’t really have one, unless the style of about 70% of all average American men counts.
I feel the most attractive when: I’ve just gotten my hair cut, in the time between leaving the barber and when the job is left to my untrained hands again the next day.
Why did you want a change? I believe that a healthy change every now and then keeps things interesting.
What bothered you most about your old look? I’d had my goatee for nearly four years, so it was time to change things up.
What was your first impression of your new look? It was different! I suddenly had a jawline again after many years of hiding it. For the entire day afterwards, I felt like a stranger was staring back at me in the mirror.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? I like it a lot. I used to have a pretty severe baby face when I first started growing out the goatee, so I was relieved to see that I look more my age now.
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? While I’m not the kind of guy to make a big hullabaloo about his looks, it never hurts to get treated to something nicer than just a safety razor and a comb every once in awhile.
Makeovers by Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys
195 Placerville Road, Suite 110, Folsom, 916-984-1111, hammerandnailsgrooming.com/locations.folsom-ca NOTE: Location coming soon to 1565 Eureka Road, Suite 7, Roseville
LV Lemus has been a barber for five years and delivers fresh fades and shaves at Hammer & Nails, which specializes in men’s cuts, shaves, hand and foot treatments, and waxing.
What makes your salon unique? We cater to our clients, providing an experience—not just a service.
What are your top hair care tips?
• Shampoo and condition every other day.
• Comb hair from scalp to ends.
• Avoid products containing alcohol.
What are your 3 favorite tools or products?
1. BaByliss cordless clipper, trimmer, and electric shaver
2. Straight razor
3. Leave-in conditioner
What’s your style motto? Details make a difference.
What the makeovers entailed: Ray: I gave him a medium skin fade with a spiked, textured look on top. I also performed a premium shave, which includes cleansing of the skin, face exfoliation, and a black mask that pulled out all of his blackheads.
Gary: I gave him a mohawk with a burst fade. He came in with two weeks’ worth of growth on his beard, and we decided to shave it completely down, which left his face nice and smooth.
Why: Ray: Ray has a fun personality, so the spiked, textured look fit him very well. We decided on a bald fade to add more dimension to the haircut. The premium shave that I performed left his skin soft and radiant.
Gary: We decided on the mohawk look for Gary, because he said he tried a similar look before and really liked it. I added the burst fade because it’s not a typical fade that you can just go in anywhere and ask for. It’s more common in the barber community, but if you’re going into a salon, they most likely wouldn’t know what it is. After shaving his beard growth, we knocked off five years of age!
Megan Wiskus-Lim
Editor-in-Chief
Position: Editor-in-Chief
My personal style is: Casual, comfortable, and colorful with a funky, feminine flair.
Holy grail beauty product: Besame Red Lipstick 1920 and CoverGirl Smoothers Concealer Stick
Most embarrassing style from the past: Zebra highlights and a mushroom/bowl cut
Style icon: Taylor Swift—her look is polished and pretty with just enough edginess, and her lip color is always on point.
I feel the most attractive when: I’m well-rested, have worked out, am fed but not full, and am wearing a new piece of clothing.
Why did you want a change? After having a baby in June, I’ve done zero self-care; the opportunity to get glammed up for a day sounded heavenly.
What bothered you most about your old look? My hair was overly bleached, badly damaged, and in dire need of some help.
What was your first impression of your new look? My hair felt a million times healthier, more natural looking, and appropriate for my age and life stage. Though the makeup and outfit were different from my day-to-day style, it was fun to switch it up and see the pros work their magic.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? It’s weird to not be platinum blonde anymore, but I’m officially a fan of having darker hair. It’s also easy to manage.
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? Invest in your hair—it’s not a time to cut corners. At Halo, they were super thorough in asking questions about my previous hair experiences and really listened to my concerns and what I wanted, ensuring I felt comfortable and confident in their abilities. The result was a relaxing, fun-filled day—and a new look that I love!
Debbie Newell-Juhos
Independent Sales Representative
Position: Independent Sales Representative
My personal style is: Fashion with a flair
Holy grail beauty product: Tiger's Eye Clay Soap
Most embarrassing style from the past: I was a hair model in a show and they gave me an awful perm and bob haircut.
Style icon: Amal Clooney, because she always looks fabulous in diamonds or denim.
I feel the most attractive when: I’m having a great hair day.
Why did you want a change? I wanted to be current for 2020, because it’s a new era.
What bothered you most about your old look? My hair needed some love, shaping, and a great new color.
What was your first impression of your new look? Wow! The makeup was over-the-top fabulous, and I fell in love with my hair again. It was so healthy. I loved the color and the high- and low-lights.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? It’s here to stay!
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? You have to be open to change if you want to stay current.
Makeovers by Halo Salon & Day Spa
1245 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Suite 100, Roseville, 916-782-8842, halosalondayspa.com
Halo Salon & Day Spa—owned by Alexis Reynolds, who has been a stylist for 20 years—specializes in color, specialty coloring (balayage, ombre, babylights), cuts, blowouts, styling, extensions, waxing, nails, and skin care/spa services.
What makes your salon unique? We are always continuing our education and staying up-to-date on the top trends. We also feel it’s important to give every guest an amazing experience.
What are your top hair care tips?
• At-home hair care is a must when you get your hair professionally colored; it’s important to take home the styling products used at the salon to help create the same look.
• If you use heat on your hair, it’s important to use a good heat protectant.
• Don’t wash your hair every day, as it can strip your color and natural oils; instead, use a dry shampoo in between washes.
What are your 3 favorite tools or products?
1. Pureology is my favorite! It has an anti-fade complex that keeps color from fading. Nano is another favorite; it restores the hair and makes it feel super soft.
4. Pureology Style + Care Smoothing Styler
5. Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo and Conditioner
What the makeovers entailed: Megan: We brightened her hairline with a few babylight foils of blonde, and then gave her depth using Redken’s Shades Eq gloss to lowlight and root her. We protected her hair with Olaplex, added into the hair color. For her cut, we gave her a fun “lob” (a long bob) with added texture. For the style, we gave her soft, beachy waves with a large curling iron and finished the look by spraying Pureology Wind Tossed Texture Finishing Spray. Then, we waxed her brows. For her makeup, we used the new Jane Iredale Beyond Matte Liquid Foundation and added some eyelashes and a pop of color to bring out her blue eyes. For her outfit, we put her in a fun cotton mid-length skirt from Terra Cottage in Roseville.
Debbie: We deepened her color while adding a mixture of balayage and hand-painted techniques to brighten her up. We decided a warmer caramel tone would look great with her skin, and for her cut, we just took a little bit off because she wanted to keep it longer. For her layers, we did a fun technique that gives a modern shag look that can be styled the way she was used to doing, with soft bangs in the front. After a voluminous blowout, we used Pureology large curling iron to give her soft curls and finished her look with Pureology Soft Finish Hairspray. For her makeup, we used the same foundation from Jane Iredale, eyelashes, and a mixture of browns and golds to create a soft, smoky eye. She also wore a top from Terra Cottage.
Why: Megan: We gave her a rooted look, because she’s a new mom and when the color grows out she won’t feel like she needs to get her hair done as often as she did before (when she was super blonde). We wanted to add the darker lowlights to give her depth and dimension, and we used a cool toner to knock out some of the brassiness that she had going on in her hair.
Debbie: She felt her hair was dry and damaged, so we deepened her base color and added caramel-toned highlights to complement her olive skin tone.
Sidney Dorris
Sales and Marketing Administrator
Position: Sales and Marketing Administrator
My personal style is: Simple and comfortable, but still trendy
Holy grail beauty product: L’Oreal True Match Foundation
Most embarrassing style from the past: Neon-colored skinny jeans
Style icon: Ariana Grande or Rihanna. They both have the ability to make simple clothing pieces like a sweatshirt look stylish and super cute.
I feel the most attractive when: My hair and makeup are both done, and I have a cute outfit on.
Why did you want a change? I wanted to start 2020 off by taking a risk and living life; and I’d never dyed my hair before.
What bothered you most about your old look? I wanted to look more mature.
What was your first impression of your new look? I absolutely loved it; it was everything and more of what I wanted.
Now that you’ve gotten used to it, what do you think? I want more, especially when I see it in the sunlight. Even though it was a very subtle change, it was the push I needed to set this year off right!
What’s the biggest thing that you’re taking away from the experience? I should try to be more of a risk-taker. I typically am scared of taking risks and overthink everything. This is the first time I let go and trusted someone outside of myself when it came to my physical appearance.
Makeover by Lisa Harter Hair and Make-up Artist
111 W Main Street, Grass Valley, 530-559-7292, lisamharter.com
Lisa Harter is an on-location, independent hair and makeup artist who specializes in wedding and photo shoot hair and makeup. For this makeover, she worked out of Bang! Hair Salon.
What makes you unique? My natural aesthetic. Most brides don’t want heavy makeup; they want to look like themselves (but better!) on their wedding day, and they come to me because that’s what I do. My brides don’t all look the same and there aren’t dramatic “before and afters” where you can’t believe it’s the same person. My brides look like themselves—just a more glam or polished version.
What are your top hair care tips?
• Don’t wash your hair every day! Most people do this, which strips the hair of its natural oils. Try to go two to four days between washes.
• If you aren’t washing every day, you’ll also be able to go longer between heat styling your hair. Use heat tools as little as possible to promote health and growth.
• Have fun with your hair! Whether that’s changing up the cut or color, or just learning different ways to style. Braids and hair accessories are very in-the-moment and easy ways to change up your look.
What are your 3 favorite products or tools?
1. An airbrush machine for applying foundation
2. ghd flat iron
3. One-inch curling iron
What is your style motto? Your hair and makeup should work for you by accentuating your unique beauty and putting emphasis on your best features—not covering up or changing you.
What the makeover entailed: I used a custom color mix of Pravana’s permanent vivid line to achieve Sidney’s desire for a subtle burgundy/plum ombré. For her makeup, we went with a slightly more glam look than she would typically wear for a weekday. I used airbrush foundation to even out her complexion and added some contouring highlight and blush. For her eyes, I used dark browns and blacks to add depth and a pop of glittery champagne pink to her lid before finishing with winged liner and false lashes. Then, I defined her brows and added a custom mix for her lip color. After rinsing out her hair color, I gave her a trim and used a 1.25-inch curling iron to give her a modern, soft wave. Then I used Kenra Professional Platinum Dry Texture Spray 6 to give her some grit and texture to add to that modern look.
Why: Based on our consultation, I chose a subtle plum tone that shows up a lot when the light hits it but is much more understated when indoors, which is what Sidney preferred. We also wanted to avoid using bleach on her naturally dark hair, but her natural base was a beautiful tone already that really complemented the plum. She won’t need to touch up her base every four-to-six weeks, so it’s very low-maintenance. I trimmed the ends off her hair, because she wanted to keep her length, and styled it smooth with modern waves. For her makeup, I wanted to do something glam and sexy, so I chose tones that would go with the plum tones in her hair. She has amazing skin and features, so we just emphasized those!
By Luna Anona
