Top Halloween Makeup-Inspired Costumes for Women in 2014

GET 'ALL DOLLED UP' FOR HALLOWEEN 2014

As Halloween soon approaches, many of us are still left with the difficult decision of choosing a Halloween costume. There is always the option of the usual sexy cop, nurse & school girl. As well as, the new popular choice of Elsa, the Ice Queen from Disney's Frozen. These choices may be great for some, but they definitively lack in originality & imagination.

The best Halloween costume options for women in 2014 don't have to be a mass-produced product purchased from your local Halloween store. If you are looking for something a little bit more unique and one-of-a-kind, here are my 3 favorite Halloween makeup-inspired ideas that should help inspire you and spark some creativity.

1. THE BROKEN DOLL

With this Halloween costume idea you can make it as creepy and scary as you want. The cracked porcelain doll face is a must to complete this broken doll look. There are many different varieties of doll to choose from, you can be a Raggedy Ann doll, a marionette doll, a Barbie doll & even a paper doll, just to name a few. The possibilities are endless with this idea!

Halloween Doll by MAKE UP FOR EVER's Halloween Look 2013


Annabelle Doll - The Conjuring - Makeup Tutorial! by Pinkstylist (Charlie Short)


             

       

2. POP ART / COMIC BOOK CHARACTER

This one is by far my favorite! This Halloween makeup look was inspired by Roy Lichtenstein's pop art creations, such as Drowning Girl, M-Maybe Girl, and Ohhh...Alright...Girl comic book characters. This look requires the use of a vibrant and bold primary color palette, thick outlines and the Ben-Day dots, as if created in the printing process.

This visually striking makeup application calls for attention to detail along with careful planning and execution. PRO TIP: You will more than likely need to touch-up the makeup throughout the evening, so keep in mind the level of maintenance that comes along with this makeup. 

Another Halloween makeup look that I love is the Pop Art Zombie. The color choice of vibrant mint green along with contrasting hot pink really make this look pop!

       

                  

Pop Art Zombie

          

Pop Art Zombie

3. DAY OF THE DEAD / SUGAR SKULLS

This Halloween makeup choice allows for you to go as bold as you want or keep it a more minimal makeup application. You can use a white cream makeup all over or opt to just use a pale foundation color instead. If you want to play up your sugar skull makeup with color or keep to a white and black palette with the option of adding a deep red accent color.

If you are feeling a little apprehensive about the look, a good choice is to do only half of your face with the sugar skull makeup and finish the other half off with a beauty makeup application.

 

Need some more Halloween costume ideas and inspiration? 

Pinterest is a great source in helping you find and choose a great Halloween costume idea.

Need help with the makeup application? 

Check out YouTube for Halloween makeup tutorials. Pinkstylist (Charlie Short) is a great one to watch.

Whatever costume choice you make for Halloween this year, remember to have fun with it and make it your own!

Hair Extensions 101: Client’s guide to Hair Extensions

This guide will address & answer many common FAQ’s with Hair Extensions.

Are They Right For Me?
Sometimes a small change in appearance can make a big difference in how we look and feel about ourselves. Our hair is one of the easiest ways to make a dramatic or subtle difference in our style. Perhaps you have short hair and would like it to be longer without the years of waiting, or maybe your hair is flat & lifeless and you want to add volume & body in your hair.

Whether you're looking for short-term temporary use or for something more permanent, there are many options available. When it comes to choosing hair extensions and learning about hair extension maintenance, consult with a certified hair extension specialist to help you in selecting the right option for you.

What are Hair Extensions?
Hair extensions are lengths of real or synthetic hair that are attached to your hair in order to add length or volume. To be most effective, the extension is placed as close to the scalp as possible, and depending on the style of extension you choose, they can last for weeks or even months with proper hair extension maintenance.

Solid shades and blended/high-lighted hair options are available, so you can mix and match to achieve the natural look that suits you. Whether you want your hair to be fuller or longer, hair extensions typically vary from 14-22 inches long.

The highest quality hair for hair extensions is 100% human remy (remi) hair. Remy (remi) hair means that the cuticles are all in the same direction, resulting in smoother, more natural looking extensions that are easy to style and even color.

 Color Shade Ring

Q: What color, length and texture would you like your hair to be?
A: When get your extensions, consider the length, density (how much hair you want to add), volume (the distance the hair lifts from the scalp), texture, hair type/texture, and color/tone.

Extensions are available in variety of color shades, including multi-tonal shades to create highlights lowlights & funky fashion colors. The hair texture options are straight, wavy or curly.



Q: What type of hair should I get for my hair extensions, human or synthetic? 

A: This is a most common question asked with hair extensions. The hair used with hair extensions is either 100% human hair, synthetic or mixed.

The below comparison should help you determine which type of hair is best for your extensions.

Hair Factors:   100% Human Remy Hair                                    Synthetic Hair

Duration:         1 year w/ care (approx.)                                      1-3 months

Styling:           Can be styled w/ heating tools, wider range        May melt when exposed to heat.
                        of styling versatility. Like natural hair,               Polymer synthetic hair is heat resistant
                        style can be affected by humidity.

Coloring:         Can be colored. Highlights can be added            Cannot be colored. Will cause damage

Appearance:     Natural look, blends well with own hair,           Blends well with own hair to create
                         reflects light the way natural hair would.           an undetectable look.

Maintenance:    Requires a bit more maintenance.                      Has “memory” and will hold its style.

Price:                More expensive                                                  Less expensive


HAIR EXTENSION APPLICATION METHODS:
Q: What types (application method) of hair extensions are right for me?
A: With the aid of an experienced & knowledgeable certified  hair extension specialist they can help you determine what method of extension or what style would be a good fit for you.

Q: How long do you plan on wearing hair extensions?
A: The hair extension method you choose is partly based on why you are wearing extensions. Are you planning on wearing extensions for a special occasion or for a long-term permanent use?

• For short-term wearers, it’s also important to know where you plan on wearing the extensions (humid island, sweaty night club, well-lit conference). 
• For long-term wearers, it’s important to know if you desire the convenience of leaving it in or prefer the option of taking it off more frequently. 

Q: Are you looking for the most convenient method of hair extension?
A: In most cases, the more intricate the process the more natural the extensions will look and feel, & the more they will cost.

Some clients simply look for greater ease and speed at which the extensions can be applied. Depending on the number of extensions, they can be applied between 1-4 hours.

Application method options explained: 

Tape-In
I-Link (Micro-Bead)
Fusion/Kertain Bond (Kera-Link)
Clip-In (Full-Head or Single)
**PLEASE NOTE: This information may NOT be true with every brand of hair extensions.



Tape-In:
This revolutionary method installs in as little as 45 minutes, so you’ll be looking fabulous in no time. And because it’s so speedy, it will save you precious time and money. The medical grade adhesive is designed for hair, so with proper care, tape won’t weaken until you’re ready to remove it with the help of our trusty Tape-In Bond Remover.

-Application time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
-May be reused up to 3 times
-Lasts 3 to 6 months with proper care


I-Tip:
Every strand of your hair will be enhanced with the 360 degree movement of I-Tip Extensions. You might not know what to do with your hair’s volume, length, and versatility. That’s okay. Wear it up or down, the beads are easy to hide--especially since they come in five fabulous colors. I-Tip installation is a snap! Microbeads are clamped to securely hold each hair extension strand in place.

That means your hair can be long and full without the worry of slippage. This amazing method has absolutely no chemicals, no glue, and no heat.

- May be reused up to 3 times
- Application time: 1 to 2 hours
- Lasts 3 to 6 months with proper care


Fusion/Kera-Link: (keratin-bond)
This tried-and-true technique involves connecting extensions to hair with keratin bonds. (Yes, that same keratin protein that your hair is made of!) Each extension strand comes pre-tipped, with the keratin bond ready to go. Each strand is individually attached for a 360 degree movement for ultimate styling potential.

- Application time: 2 to 3 hours
- May be reused up to 3 times (with Rebonds-3 colors)
- Lasts 2 to 4 months with proper care


Clip-In: (Full Head)
Sometimes you just don’t want to commit. I get it. With Clip-In extensions, you can have length and volume in minutes. And when you’re done, simply unclip and remove. You can install them yourself, or with the help of a stylist. Because they are so easy to put in and out, your look can change in an instant. Clip-Ins are made with the same quality 100% human hair as our other extensions, so they can be styled just like your own hair.

- Application time: 5 to 15 minutes
- Last 6 to 12 months with proper care


Clip-In: (Single)
Sometimes less is more. For that sexy streak of color and texture, a single Clip-In or two will do just the trick. Single strands are made of 100% human hair and can be styled just like your own hair. And since you can install them yourself, you’ll be feeling independent and bold in no time.

- Application time: 5 to 15 minutes
- Last 6 to 12 months with proper care

If you are interested in learning more about hair extensions, many certified hair extension specialists offer FREE consultations.