the beauty blog :: andre chreky :: the salon spa

Oprah Claus

I pick up her Book Club suggestions and am never disappointed. I subscribe to her Super Soul podcasts and am always inspired. So, when Oprah published her list of favorite holiday gift suggestions, I started highlighting like mad. If finding the “perfect present” is daunting for you, here are ten great ideas to get you started:

1. Goat's Milk Bar Soap Gift Boxes Originally $48 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH".
   beekman1802.com
2. La Chatelaine Deluxe Hand-Cream Set Originally $68, now 20% off with code "OPRAH".
   lachatelainebeauty.com
3. Echo Faux Fur Vests $89 each.
   echodesign.com
4. Un Billion Lacy Totes Originally $90 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH".
   ffcnewyork.com
5. Empowered by Maya J Bracelets $38 each.
   mayajnyc.com
6. Hilliards Chocolates Hanukkah Bark and Peppermint Bark Boxes $30 each.
   hilliardscandy.com
7. Truffle Snack Tin Originally $79, now 20% off with code "OPRAH".
   chelseamarketbaskets.com
8. Grow Your Own Christmas Tree Kit $45 each.
   www.urban-agriculture.net
9. Bindle Bottles Originally $39 each, now 20% off with code "OPRAH".
   bindlebottle.com
10. P.F. Candle Co. Terra Candles $42 each.
    pfcandleco.com

Put on Your Game Face

I’m typically not much of weekday party person. Eleven months of the year, I typically head home to a simple dinner enjoyed in my loungewear, chilling with Andre, a good book, or Netflix.

All that changes when December rolls around. Suddenly, I find myself closing up shop and heading to directly to happy hours, open houses, concerts, and pageants. It’s fun! But it can be a challenge to switch from “Work Serena” to “Wow Serena” without much time to refresh. A recent issue of Allure magazine had a great article on 5-Minute Makeup tips, which I’ve adapted for my own style. Play with these suggestions to ramp up your look from “desk” to “dinner party” in no time flat.

Cherry Lips Nothing beats a classic red lip to add sophistication and draw attention. Outline your lip with a red pencil and fill in with your favorite strongly-pigmented red. Then soften the look by lightly running a cotton swab along the edge of your mouth.

Bordeaux Lips If you are worried about red lipstick fading or smearing, you might be more comfortable with this idea. Choose a velvety garnet lipstick, add an inky licorice undertone, and you will create a deeper, longer-lasting alternative to classic red. Press the pigment into your lips with your finger so it has a stamped-on look and concentrate the color on the top lip.

Fake a Smoky Eye Smoky eyes are hard enough to create with a dozen products, endless time, and lots of cotton swabs. Try this hack: a smudgeable, (non-waterproof) eyeliner and a volumizing mascara. Starting at the inner corner of your eye, trace the pencil into the crease and along the bottom lash line, then smear with your finger until there's a smoky halo around the eye. Retrace the waterline and lash line with your liner, swipe on mascara and enjoy the smolder!

Silver Top Liner I love this quick party tip. Swipe a metallic silver eye pencil along the lash. line of your top lid. Skip the mascara and shadow for a shimmery minimalist look that whispers “winter.”

Colorful Under Liner If the icy, silver look is not for you, opt for a festive flash of color in a rich jewel tone along your lower waterline. Sweep the upper and lower lashes with a lengthening mascara before filling the waterline and your eyes will sparkle!

Luminous Skin A day spent indoors, staring at a computer screen, can leave your skin looking dull and sallow. Perk it up with liquid highlighter. Blend a tiny drop in a C shape around each eye, along the tops of your cheekbones, and below your brows for a healthy glow.

Rosy Cheeks Dab a creamy, rose blush on the centers of your cheeks, blending well. If you’re in a REAL hurry, blot some your blush on your lips with your fingers. The easiest pick-me-up known to woman!

Lords-a-Leaping, Look at these Specials!

What’s better than a partridge in a pear tree? The 12 Days of Christmas savings at Andre Chreky. Throughout the month, we’re giving very merry discounts on some of our most popular services. It’s the perfect way for maids-a-milking, ladies dancing, and pipers piping to prep for holiday happenings!

12 Days of Christmas Specials
(with two Bonus Days, to boot!)

• December 5
  Retail Roundup – 20% off retail purchases
• December 6
  Single Process Color – $75
• December 7
  Signature Facial – $75
• December 10
  Haircuts – $50
• December 11
  Cellophane Treatment – $30
• December 12
  Waxing Services – 50% off
• December 13
  Highlights – $125
• December 14
  Regular Manicure – $15
• December 17
  Blow-dry – $30
• December 18
  Regular Pedicure – $35
• December 19, 20, 21, 22
  $100 gift cards for $80

 

Our Elves Deserve a Holiday

Andre Chreky bustles like Santa’s workshop during the holidays. To show the staff our appreciation, the salon will be closed Sunday, December 23 through Wednesday, December 26. We will reopen on Thursday, December 27…in plenty of time to work our magic for all your New Year’s celebrations. Happy Holidays!

Our No-Fade Fave

Few things are more disheartening than looking in your mirror to see that your rich, shimmery hair color is going-going-gone. Andre Chreky is delighted to announce the launch of a treatment that waves goodbye to “fade” and waves hello to color that lasts and lasts. Moroccanoil’s new ChromaTech in-salon/at-home treatment uses the most advanced technology to assure that the color you love lingers longer than you can imagine.

Start with in-salon ChromaTech
The color-extending regime starts in the salon with a 2-step add-on service. Before applying your normal color, your stylist treats your scalp with ChromaTech PRIME, which reduces skin sensitivity and encourages more uniform hair color. After your color has set, we apply a finishing infusion of ChromaTech POST, to seal in color and leave your hair softer and stronger.

Continue ChromaTech at home
Between color appointments, maintain your “freshly-colored-color” with Color Continue Shampoo and Conditioner. Follow with Protect & Prevent Spray to help prevent color fade and brassiness.

ChromaTech features all of the perks you’ve come to expect from Moroccanoil, enhanced with the company’s groundbreaking COLORLINK. Each of the products in the collection contain ArganID™, which uses the power of ionic attraction to deliver argan oil deep into the cortex of the hair, locking in pigment for maximum color retention.

Talk to your stylist about adding ChromaTech to your next color service. I think you’ll be thrilled with the results!

 

Photo credit: www.moroccanoilprofessionals.com

Tuesday/Good News Day

I’m a dyed-in-the-wool movie fanatic. And I enjoy my films the traditional way: in a movie theatre, sharing a big bucket of popcorn with Andre or a friend. In my mind, nothing beats the “Big Screen!” Alas, this has become an expensive hobby…but thanks to our team member Juju, I have discovered a secret that I’m happy to share with you: Ticket Tuesday!

Every Tuesday, Stubs members pay just $5.00 for AMC movie tickets. You read that right! It’s easy to join Stubs; simply log onto https://www.amctheatres.com/ticket-tuesday for more information.

Here are some of the upcoming releases Andre and I will be enjoying this holiday season:

Boy Erased: This movie has generated all kinds of awards-buzz. Starring Lucas Hedges and Nicole Kidman, the film is based on the book of the same name. It delves into the complicated and painful past of gay conversion therapy and a family tested by faith and humanity.

The Girl in the Spider’s Web: The latest installment in the Millennium series, Claire Foy (from The Crown) steps into the role of Lisbeth Salander, super hacker and abuse survivor who finds herself in an actual web of criminals and equally savvy spies.

Robin Hood: If you like action and adventure, this movie is for you! Robin Hood is played by Taron Egerton and stars Jamie Foxx as Little John.

A Private War: Based on the true story of Marie Colvin, one of the most celebrated war correspondents of our time, and renowned war photographer Paul Conroy. Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike co-stars with Jamie Dornan as the team that embarks on the most dangerous assignment of their lives in the besieged Syrian city of Homs.

Greenbook: Another true story! This one tells the story of a working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist as he tours the 1960s American South. Starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali.

Widows: I can’t wait for this one! Academy Award-winning director Steve McQueen and bestselling author Gillian Flynn have created a modern-day thriller set against a backdrop of crime, passion and corruption. Starring Oscar winner, Viola Davis, "Widows" is the story of four women with nothing in common except a debt left behind by their dead husbands' criminal activities.

The Hunt for Red October? Nude November!

October marked a milestone for me. Not only did I attend my… gasp…35^th high school reunion, but I attended in the “nude.” Let me explain…

Who doesn’t want to look their best at their reunion? I enlisted the help of our talented Andre Chreky hair and makeup team and told them to have at it! Linda brightened my color with gorgeous blonde highlights. Andre gave an amazing, appropriately youthful cut. And Brigitte turned back the clock for me with understated but glamorous makeup. The biggest change? She scrapped my signature red lipstick in favor of a nude lip. It erased years from my face and I absolutely LOVE the change! Since then, I’ve been on the hunt for nude hues and I’ve spied these au-natural beauties:

1. Wet N Wild Megalast Lip Color in Bare it All #902: A doppelgänger for MAC’s Velvet Teddy, look for this budget-friendly alias at Walgreen and Target for under $2. (Never mind the packaging: no one else needs to see it…)
2. ELF Beautifully Bare Satin Lipstick in Touch of Pink: This neutral lip color has a hint of pink and is enhanced with Vitamin E and shea butter for moisture. Available in drugstores for $5.
3. Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Naturally Chic #25: This is my hands-down new favorite. The fact that it’s made in Italy makes it seem even more lux. It goes on smooth and is richly pigmented. I picked it up at Walmart for $5.
4. L’Oreal Colour Riche in Fairest Nude #800: Reminiscent of MAC’s Honey Love, this lipstick glides on like gloss. It’s a great everyday shade and sells for about $6.
5. Flower Beauty Petal Pout in Naked Blush: Who knew that actress Drew Barrymore made lipsticks? Find it online at Flower Beauty’s site, or head to Ulta or Walmart. Technically a matte lipstick, the blend is creamy and long lasting. Sells for about $6.
6. MAC Angel: Brigitte introduced me to this color for my high school reunion and is called a “frost.” (How’s that for a 35-year-throwback???)  It is a warm pink with a pearl finish, which can be toned down with a darker liner. It sells for $18.50.
7. MAC Brave: This is a satin lipstick was slipped into my makeup bag by my daughter Lillian. I love its deeper, darker pink hue for fall and winter. Retails for $18.50.
8. MAC Blankety: From MAC’s Amplified collection, this soft pink beige has an ultra-creamy formula with a smooth glide, bold color payoff, full coverage and a semi-lustrous finish. Sells for $18.50.
9. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Pillow Talk: Good luck finding this cult classic! Celebrities Emma Roberts, Salma Hayek, and Nicole Kidman swear by this rosy matte shade. It is the perfect “your lips but better hue” and a tube is sold every two minutes. Available – if you are lucky -- on Net-a-Porter’s website for $25 (when it is not sold out.)
10. YSL Rouge Volupte Shine #47 Beige Blouse: This was a splurge, but so worth it. It’s a soft beige with high shine and medium-coverage lipstick. I love that it conditions my lips. This is the most expensive lipstick on my list and is available at most department stores for $38.

Everlasting Love

If you’re looking for a gift that will win you everlasting appreciation, look to Moroccanoil. The company’s Everlasting Holiday Gift Sets have arrived, and let me tell you, they’re super special. Each limited-edition set comes with three products in a keepsake turquoise blue tin, perfect for storing hair accessories…or love letters! Take your pick:

• Everlasting Color Set - Contains Color Continue Shampoo (8.5 oz) and Color Continue Conditioner (8.5 oz) to restore hair’s health to better retain color, and Color Continue Protect and Prevent Spray (1.7 oz) to protect against color fade and help prevent brassiness.
• Everlasting Repair Set - Contains Moisture Repair Shampoo (8.5 oz) and Moisture Repair Conditioner (8.5 oz) to gently cleanse and detangle hair and promote manageability, and Restorative Hair Mask (2.53 oz), a 7-minute revitalizing treatment for hair that needs help ASAP.
• Everlasting Hydration Set: Contains Hydrating Shampoo (8.5 oz) and Hydrating Conditioner (8.5 oz) that infuse hair with hydration, and Moroccanoil Treatment (0.85 oz) an argan-infused styling and finishing product.

You’ll find all three gift sets in the retail section at Andre Chreky. But them in November for just $35 ($70 value). One per customer, please.

Get Social with Sarah

One of the most exciting aspects of our business is watching our clients evolve over time. It’s even more rewarding when their professional growth leads them in our direction!

Our newest collaboration is with a long-term client, Sarah; we’ve been cutting her hair for over 15 years (her mom is a client, too). Sarah recently earned her Bachelor’s of Communications from Ohio State University Communications, where she handled social media for her Delta Gamma sorority. Sarah is now working part-time at the salon, expanding our social media presence. We love her fun aesthetic, which highlights our staff’s artistry and gives our audience a behind-the-scenes snapshot of life at Andre Chreky salon spa. Follow us at @andrechreky on Instagram!

Our Gratitude Attitude

November – the 11^th month of the year – finds us brimming with gratitude. Our blessings are too numerous to count! As our way of saying thank you, we’re offering 11 salon spa specials at prices that reflect our deep appreciation. Stop by any time this month and take advantage of any and all of these “giving thanks” prices. Appointments strongly suggested! (PS: the salon will be closed on Thursday, November 22^nd)

• $150 Bridal Hair and Makeup Trial (regular price, $200)
• $75 Airbrush or Regular Makeup Application (regular price, $100)
• $75 Up-do (regular price, $100)
• $60 Signature Facial (regular price, $90)
• $35 Pedicure (regular price, $55)
• $20 Manicure (regular price, $25)
• $40 Clear or Color Cellophane Treatment (regular price, $60-$80)
• $75 Single Process Color (regular price, $100)
• $150 Highlights (regular price, $170)
• $25 Color Extend Treatment (regular price, $35)
• $20 Brow Threading/Waxing/Design (regular price, $30)

 

And Don’t Forget

November 7 – Last year’s New Year’s resolution: “don’t wait ‘til the last minute!” Make good on that promise by stocking up on stocking stuffers from our retail department. Save 20% when you shop at the salon today.

November 28 – Andre Chreky Gift Cards are perfect for those “almost forgot!” gift-giving challenges. Don’t be caught empty-handed. Stock up today and save 10% on each card you buy.

No More Fright Wigs

As cooler weather approaches so do some truly hair-raising grooming problems. Dry air, static electricity, and the dreaded “hat head” makes it hard to keep your tresses looking glossy and smooth. Andre has a tip: shelve your conditioner and reach for hair mask instead.

Many of our clients already enjoy the benefits of weekly hair masks, but Andre points out that in winter weather most of us can benefit from a mask after each shampoo. He also reminds us that during this time of year we should be shampooing our hair no more than three times a week – less is better!

Curious about the difference between a mask and a conditioner? Andre explains that masks have a greater number and heavier concentration of nurturing ingredients, including butters, oils, and silicones. He suggests concentrating on the ends of your hair and avoiding, as much as possible, your roots. Also, use a light touch and be sure to rinse extra well; too much mask product can build up quickly, weighing down your hair.

Masks are a great substitute for conditioners if your hair is coarse, thick, curly, or long. When should you not use a mask? If your hair is fine, thin, or super short you should probably stick with a lightweight conditioner, used sparingly.

You can find a wide selection of hair masks in our retail section at the salon. Best of all, our hair masks are sale priced at just $25 throughout the month of October. Stock up!