Becoming Bridal: A Timeline of Recommendations to have You Ready for Your Wedding Day.

Congratulations on your engagement and upcoming wedding ceremony!  This is a special time of preparation full of joy, dreaming, decisions, and planning. You probably have a whole Pinterest board with ideas for your hair and makeup! We would like to help you with some of the details you may not be thinking of with this suggested timeline to help keep you on track. Tap on the blog title above to read on!

3-6+ MONTHS OUT:

ESTABLISH THE LOOK

• After you choose your dress and overall wedding theme, research styles of hair and makeup you would like for your wedding day.

• Start talking about your look with your stylist or researching to find a stylist if you don’t already have one.  Your stylist will be able to make recommendations about what you will need to be thinking about to achieve your desired look.

GET HEALTH CONSCIOUS

• Increase your daily water intake.

• Incorporating exercise will not only have you looking your best, but will also boost serotonin and help you cope with planning stressors.
• Do you take vitamins? If not, now is the time to start! We recommend taking a multivitamin, biotin, Skin Omegas and Skin Complete by Jane Iredale.

• Start teeth whitening now if needed.

HAIR

• Is your desired wedding day hair color lighter or darker than it is currently?  Now is the time to start working that direction!
• Are you wanting longer hair for engagement photos, bridal photos, showers and wedding day?  There are options for every budget:
  • Socap keratin bonded or Hot Heads tape-in extensions are our more permanent methods of all natural hair that will last you 4-6 months and cost anywhere from $300-$1500.
  • We also have more temporary options for daily wear with Socap clip-in extensions and Hot Heads The Band, both custom ordered to match your hair color and desired length.  These styles range from $350-$600, and include tips for how you can put them in.
  • Looking for a way to just boost your own hair growth? Davines Energizing and Regenesis products stimulate your scalp and aid in growth. Talk to your stylist about what is best for you!
• Need to get your hair in better condition?  Time to invest in conditioning treatments and salon quality products for optimum health and shine.  Davines NaturalTech products have a treatment line for every hair and scalp ailment.

SKIN & BODY CARE

• Start by getting a facial and talk to your esthetician about a home skin care regimen with professional facials every 4-6 weeks. Our brand, Comfort Zone, has a line for every skin type all with anti-aging results.

• Let’s talk eyelashes. Every woman wants longer, fuller eyelashes on her wedding day. Decide if you would like to have eyelash extensions, use a lash growth serum like RevitaLash, or just wear an eyelash strip during your engagement and wedding festivities.
  • RevitaLash Advanced Serum is $150 and lasts for approx 6 months!  You will start to see longer, fuller lashes within 6-8 weeks.
  • We recommend Xtreme Lash Extensions (available at Crown) if you are looking to wear individual extensions. A full set is $250 and you will need to get them filled ($1 per minute, usually $40-60) every 2-3 weeks.

• Never underestimate the power of properly shaped, full eyebrows. If your brows have been over tweezed or waxed, there is hope! RevitaBrow Advanced Serum ($150) will have new brow hairs growing back in within 8 weeks. We recommend putting your brows in rehab and not touching them at all during this time. No tweezing or waxing!  After 8 weeks, come in and see one of our brow artists so they can give you the perfect shape! Then maintain your look with a brow appointment every 4-6 weeks with no at-home tweezing!
• Body and bikini waxing. Now is the time to start a regular regimen of 4-6 weeks, if you do not regularly do them. Waxing those areas becomes less painful and irritating each time you do them, plus you need to know now if your skin will have adverse reactions. You would hate to get your first bikini wax the week of your wedding and be uncomfortable on your honeymoon!
  • Day of waxing tip: take some pain relievers about 30 minutes before your appointment.

4-6 WEEKS OUT:

HAIR & MAKEUP

• Schedule a trial run for your hair and makeup.  Trials are highly recommended to ensure the perfect interpretation of your desired wedding day look.
  • Do not flat iron your hair before a trial run, especially if your goal is loose, soft curls.
  • Let the stylist know about any hair accessories, veils, or considerations that you plan to have.
  • Take pictures you can save to look at on the wedding day.

• Finalize needed services for you and your wedding party so appropriate time and number of stylists can be scheduled on your wedding day.  Will you be doing services at the salon or on-location?  Keep in mind a stylist can always go onsite for a travel fee!

• Wearing hair extensions for the wedding day? We recommend wearing them for at least a month before so you have time to adjust to your new hair.  Our hair extensions last 4-5 months so you could also get them to wear throughout your entire engagement, and replace them with a new set 1 month before the wedding day.

SKIN AND BODY

• Do not make any changes to your birth control, skincare program, laundry detergent, etc. because you do not know how your skin will react!
• Keep maintaining your facial, brow, and lash regimen!

• Try out spray tanning now if you plan to get one before the wedding so you can make sure you like the color and see how long it lasts on your skin.  Our Norvell airbrush spray tan lasts 5-7 days depending on each person’s skin moisturization and the use of the recommended products.
  • Always come in with clean, exfoliated skin for your spray tan.  Avoid using lotion before your appointment, and shave your legs for better even application.
  • Be prepared to wait at least 8, but recommended 12 hours to shower. The tanning solution will darker over time so don’t be alarmed when you look in the mirror later!
  • Ensure your spray tan lasts as long as possible by keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized after your initial shower.

WEDDING WEEK

• Get your facial, massage, body waxing, lash fill, and brow shape early in the week to induce some relaxation before your guests start to get in town. This will allow time to remedy anything necessary and heal any minor irritation.
• Schedule your hair appointment 3-5 days before the wedding day.  It takes 72 hours for the cuticle to close after color and it looks best after day 3!  This will also allow time to adjust anything to your color or cut if needed.
• Plan ahead and talk with your bridal party to see if you are doing nails together or before the group is together for the wedding weekend.
• We recommend a spray tan 2 days before your big weekend.  Exfoliate and come in with clean skin free of all moisturizers and loose fitting clothing.  Allow the tan to develop for 7-24 hours and then shower with recommended pH balanced soap. Moisturize your skin regularly to maintain your tan and for even exfoliation to avoid patchy spots as it fades.
• Avoid high sodium foods and drinks!  Sodium holds 50 times its weight in water so you could shed an extra couple pounds of water weight.

WEDDING DAY

• Avoid wearing clothing or bras with tight straps to prevent red lines on your back and shoulders

• Get plenty of sleep the night before and drink lots of water!
• Don’t forget to eat something with protein that won’t cause bloating.

• Don’t be afraid to speak up if there is anything you want to adjust with your hair and makeup. It can always be taken down or wiped off and this is YOUR special day!!!

And lastly, HAVE FUN! Enjoy this day and the people you share it with.

Join us in the fight against women's cancer next week!

Crown Beauty Bar and RevitaLash are having a beauty event to raise money for donations for our local cancer support house. A portion of all sales will go to this non-profit so come out for a great cause and enjoy giveaways, free makeup consults, free lash consults, champagne and a free gift with every purchase!

Let's go Beyond Beauty and get in this fight against breast cancer this Tuesday, Oct. 10th from 1pm to 7pm. We can't wait to see you!

EVERYTHING you need to know about a Lash Lift!

What is a Lash Lift?

It's a lifting technique designed to give you longer-looking lashes without the need for lash extensions. It will look as if you used a really good eyelash curler, only this lift lasts for 8 to 10 weeks! To top off the treatment, I'll apply a black lash tint which really makes your lashes look more prominent. The procedure takes about 45 to 60 mins to complete. It really is an easy way to instantly brighten and open up the eye area!

Why would I get this over lash extensions?

Lash extensions and lash lifts are 2 totally different animals. Lifts do not add any additional lashes. We will simply be curling your natural lashes. If you lack the fullness you desire, the extensions are definitely the route you should go. If it simply comes down to wanting length and more curl, try the lash lift, a tint and a few months of our RevitaLash serum and see what you think. You will be thrilled with the results! And the best part is, you can do still get a lash lift while wearing lash extensions!

How do I need to prep for the treatment?

PLEASE ARRIVE TO YOUR APPOINTMENT COMPLETELY FREE OF EYE MAKE UP!  If you wear contacts, they must be removed. 

What are the post treatment instructions?

Pretty simple: Don't get your lashes wet or apply anything at all to them for 24 hours.

Can I book this on the same day as a facial?

Absolutely!

Is there any maintenance?

None at all! You don't have to do anything special with your lashes in between lifts. 

Can I still wear mascara?

Of course! After waiting 24 hours, you'll just achieve a more dramatic effect when mascara is applied to your curled lashes.

Have you been trained in this service?

Our eyelash techs are trained in the Australian Elleebana Lash Lift.  

Will this damage my eyelashes?

No. The lifting solutions are only applied to the new growth area of the lashes, down towards the base and up a bit. Never to the ends of the lashes.

Are some lashes resistant to the curl?

It's very difficult and sometimes not possible to sustain the curl with lashes that have a strong cowlick or slanted growth pattern. Also, growth patterns due to plastic surgery in the eye area are often not able to be corrected. Give the treatment a shot once, and let's see how your lashes hold the curl.

Is it painful?

No. At first, when applying the shields to the eyelids, it may feel a bit strange. But, for the most part, it's very relaxing! You just kick back and relax :)

I use RevitaLash®. Can I get this treatment?

Yes. Some of the most dramatic results I've achieved have been from those using RevitaLash® because their lashes are already so long.

I have downward-pointing lashes, will this be a good treatment for me?

Heck yes! Anyone with these types of pesky lashes will love the lash lift! Post treatment, your lashes will all be evenly dispersed and lifted.

How long does the effect last?

Depending on the length and quality of your natural lashes, the lift can last for 8 to 12 weeks.

I have very very short lashes. Am I able to still do this procedure?

Most of the time, yes. Though it can be challenging if the lashes aren't even long enough to bring up and back on to the shield. But again, start with our RevitaLash regimen for a few weeks then come in for your lift and tint and see what you think.

I have glaucoma, can I have this procedure?

If ever in doubt, always consult with your physician.

I've recently had blepharoplasty surgery, can I have this procedure?

You need to wait at least 1 year from your surgery. It has been my experience with clients who have had this surgery that there is an increased sensitivity in the eye area for quite a while. You need to give yourself that time to heal first. After that, you can consult with your physician to be sure.

I've recently had lasik surgery, can I have this procedure?

Yes, but you need to wait at least 6 months. As always, when in doubt, please consult with your physician.

Who is this procedure NOT good for?

Chronic dry eye, conjunctivitis, damaged lashes or lashes with gaps (this treatment may make the gaps more noticeable), active eye infections of any kind, trichotillomania (habitual pulling out of lashes), recent chemo treatments (you will need to wait at least a year from your last treatment. When in doubt, always consult with your physician.)

So why should I choose your Elleebana brand?

• Allows for perfect positioning of eyelashes on the silicon rod, giving you better results
• It is the most comfortable for clients
• Makes natural eyelashes appear longer without the use of eyelash extensions
• Allows for straightening or lifting of eyelashes
• Superior formulation with conditioning and nourishing
• Fast processing formulation, and formaldehyde-free
• Minimal after care required! Swim, shower and play with no fuss!
• Suitable for short or long eyelashes

EYELASH EXTENSIONS 101: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Lashes are serious business. There's not many services you can do in a couple hours that enhance your look quite as much as lash extensions. In today's video, Hannah takes you through the entire eyelash extension process and hopefully answers all your questions about our most popular cosmetic service at Crown Beauty Bar.

Eyelashes In A Day

A lot of women are turning to eyelash extensions to not only enhance the lashes they have but save them some time and makeup when getting ready in the morning. Today we turn to adorable, crafty mommy blogger, Mary Larsen's experience with Novalash. Below is her review:

My eyelashes are stubby, stick straight out, and aren't really pretty. For fancy events, or if I'm going on television, I usually glue on a strip of fake lashes - which are perfectly curled, dark, and oh so feminine.

The problem is, now that I have a toddler running around my household, I don't have time to get ready in the morning, none the less carefully curl, mascara, and then glue fake lashes on with a steady hand. I'm too busy chasing around my cat (whom I'm convinced is a ninja escape artist) or making sure Itty Bitty doesn't go all Godzilla on all of our lamps.

But just because I'm a busy mom doesn't mean I shouldn't feel pretty, right?

So what are NovaLash Eyelash Extensions?
They are lash extensions that are worn daily - you don't have to take them off each night. Each synthetic lash is bonded onto a single natural lash. You don't have an awkward strip, and even close up - people wouldn't be able ot tell the difference. It honestly looks like your natural lash.

How Long Do NovaLashes Last?
When applied by a certified stylist, NovaLash extensions can be worn all year with minimal monthly maintenance - it's recommended that you visit your lash professional at least every four weeks. Think about it this way - your eye lashes naturally shed and fall off, and when they do, your NovaLashes fall off with them.

Are Lash Extensions Harmful?
This was super important for me to know. I had worn nail extensions for a year or so in my late twenties, and they actually did some pretty bad damage to my nails. I was worried that lash extensions might do the same. 

The technician (in addition to the research I did online) assured me that when applied properly, NovaLash extensions will not do any harm to my natural lashes. The reason is because of the application technique, when the techbonds the NovaLash to a single natural lash. 

Since I will not be removing the NovaLashes, and I will just allow them to fall off naturally with the lash that they  are bonded to, I will not be damaging my own lashes in the process.

Can I Wear Makeup?
From the pictures I saw online, it looked like I wouldn't ever have to worry about wearing mascara while my NovaLashes are on. I am allowed to wear all sorts of makeup, and Denise told me that I could wear water-soluble (not waterproof) mascara if I really wanted to, but it really wouldn't be needed.

Care For NovaLashes:
The tech also told me that I would need to keep my new lashes conditioned to help extend their life. There is special NovaLash conditioning/cleansing pads, or I could even use baby oil.  I she also recommended that I use a lash wand or comb to make sure the lashes were free of tangled.

To book your appointment with one of our eyelash techs, click here. To read more of Mary's blog, visit tallmomtinybaby.com.