Tuesday, July 30, 2013

This One's For the Birds

This ultra-modern updo's feathery finish gives an edgy yet ethereal quality that's perfect for trendy Summer events. But don't try this at home, because this kind of work is professional grade only. Come for your personalized Director consultation where we will find the perfect style specialist for you!


Monday, July 29, 2013

4 Great Summer 2013 Sun Screens

SPF is just one factor in choosing (and wearing) a sunscreen. How a sunblock smells, feels, and works with your makeup determines whether you'll actually rub it in. Here are creams to try this summer.




Aveeno:
A seriously hydrating sunscreen that helps coddle sun, chlorine and beach-dried skin, the formula is light despite the high SPF. Bonus: a light botanical fragrance.
$10.90




Kiehls:
What appears to be a creamy white lotion out of the bottle actually feels light as you apply it—surprising for SPF 50. It leaves skin smooth and dewy, plus it's packed with a handful of antioxidants (goji berry, vitamin E, and einkorn wheat) for additional anti-aging benefits.
$25.00




La-Roche:
The barely there, tinted mineral formula evens out minor imperfections on the face and body, and the superthin fluid is so delicate, you won't believe it's an SPF 50—with semimatte coverage, nonetheless.
$24.00




Skinceutic:

Fortified with a marine plankton derivative used to energize skin cells, this paraben-free formula increases skin's resistance to extreme environments (think dog days of summer...in the desert). The thin white cream is ideal for active types: It's water, sweat, and rub-off resistant.
$34.00

Recommended by Ozzie Morales at Luxelab, Editorial Stylist and Makeup Artist

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Bang It

This picture of Rooney Mara from Vogue shows how even a more aggressive cut can be beautiful if done well. The wide open, round fringe shows off her amazing cheekbones and large eyes. And the longer, bob inspired back balances her somewhat pointed chin and keeps the shape feminine. Bravo to her and her stylist for this artsy, yet flattering look that's perfect for heart-shaped faces.


Braided and Unbridled

1. Prep towel-dried hair with a volumizing Blow Dry Lotion like B&B Thickening Spray or Oribe Maximista. Rough-dry and made a deep side part. 

2. Section the hair into two parts: a front section going from the side part, over the crown and to the right ear, and a back section going from just behind the other ear to the nape of the neck.

3. Begin French braiding the front section of your hair, starting at the part and ending behind your right ear. Secure the first braid with an elastic, leaving the length out. Braid the second section the same way, adding the hair from the crown into the braid as you go. When you reach the base of the first braid, incorporate the length into the second braid and hide the end of the braid by pinning it into the base of the second braid.

4. Once your braids are secure, use your fingers and loosen them throughout to create a relaxed feeling. Add a few more pins for hold and set with a heavy dose of a Fine Mist Hairspray like Oribe’s Superfine Hairspray.



Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board

This classic one-length shape is made new again by the dramatic use of blonde variation from roots to ends. We love how this sleek, stylish cut can make even the roundest of faces look slimmer.
To achieve this look, prepare and protect the hair with Kerastase's Nectar Thermique, then remove the moisture with a paddle brush and blow-dryer. Then, simply finish with a flat iron and nourish the ends with a single pump of Elixir Ultime for a satiny smooth finish.



Shades of Steel Grey

We love how this unconventional color still looks beautiful as the deep regrowth fades into an icy blue grey and the combination with a traditional haircut makes this edgy look more accessible. This gradated color technique can also be utilized with a more seasonally specific color palette such as variations in subtle blonde and gold tones, says Color Educator Amanda Hoffhines.



Summer Fairy Floss

Amanda Hoffhines at luxelab, Color Educator, loves this fun summer color that while quite funky is still soft and pretty. The underwater-like movement of this shape is enhanced by fading from a deeper shade of lilac pastel to a lighter shade on the ends. Though it may be a bit edgy for all over color, adding a few of these lilac panels to your current color could liven up your summer 'do!


All Shook Up

We love how this picture of Elvis from the early 60's looks like it could be worn today. It can be made more modern by barbering the sides and leaving a loose disconnected pompadour on top. Using Oribe's Grandiose Mousse on wet hair at the roots for volume, and finishing with Oribe's Rough Luxury Soft Molding Paste to enhance loose and easy texture will put the finishing touches on a modern interpretation of a classic style.


Neo-Sassoon

We love this update of a classic Sassoon look that incorporates graduated weight in all the right places to make it look sleek, modern and sexy. To get this look use Kerastase's Volumactive Mousse before blow drying with a large Ibiza round brush for loose easy fullness and finish with Oribe's Fiber Groom.


Angles and Asymmetry

Luxelab stylist Lauren Sill did a fabulous cut on another stylist Amanda Hoffhines, the shattered asymmetrical bob has a disconnected nape and was highlighted with the new L'Oreal Inoa Ultrablonde series.


Tatted and Well Groomed

A modern twist to a classic madmen style! Get the same look by styling the top with Extreme Urushi by Shu Uemura for a strong shiny hold.


Messing With Your Head

The perfect messy bed head! Try spritzing the new Spray de Porte from the Kerastase luxury styling line that will be released in two weeks. Spray on damp hair and scrunch for touchable, build-able texture.


Rock, Razor, Scissors

We love this Chrissie Hynde inspired look that's modernized by razor cutting heavy texture at the ends and disconnecting a short panel at the fringe.

To get this look use Bumble and Bumble's Full Form Mousse at the roots for lift and amp it up with Oribe's Dry Texture Spray to get that rock star finish.



Hair Razor-ing

We love Tilda Swinton's ice blonde disconnected pixie. It's a modern mix of clean and messy, try getting this height in short hair with volumemaker powder from Shu Uemura.

Amazing Grace, Jones That Is

Even our students produce amazing work! Take a look at the Grace Jones inspired cut Luxelab assistant Mark Edwards did on his fabulous model Guetch. Mark used a combination of scissor over comb and free hand cutting techniques to give shape and toned using an AOC technique.
Great work Mark!



Big and Beautiful

Big is beautiful! We love this sexy, long look because it takes boho chic and makes it a little cooler. Very long layers are cut into the hair using a razor to break the ends apart, giving her hair the ability to have structure and volume while still looking loose and soft. Begin styling with Kerastase's Mousse Bouffante and squeeze in wave with a diffuser then refine the wave with a large barrel curling iron. Finish by pumping up volume with Kerastase's Powder Bluff aerosol spray.


Friday, July 26, 2013

Spellbound

Summer is winding down but we're still holding out for one more desert escape, the newest look book from Spell and the Gypsy Collective is only fueling our desire! Australian model of the moment Bambi Northwood Blyth is perfectly captivating as a raw desert dweller with an impressive collection of clothes and jewelry. Her signature brows and makeup-less face are the ideal accessory to the bohemian inspired collection.We may be getting ready for fall but Bambi has got us holding on tight to the last few rays of sunshine this summer. 
















Thursday, July 25, 2013

Wild Heart

Luxelab stylist Ozzie Morales worked with Wasteland once again, this time on their vintage collection look book, and the results are breathtaking! The shoot took place in Topanga Cyn and model Sophie Miller was perfectly in character for the landmark's dreamy setting. Her undone waves were the ideal compliment to the vintage clothes which included Jean Paul Gaultier and Roberto Cavalli. The full look book can be viewed below, keep checking back in to see more of Ozzie's work with Wasteland!








Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Welcome Alexander Maud!

Luxelab would like to welcome Alexander Maud to our Santa Monica salon! Alexander recently joined us from Boston. He's already made a splash by styling hair for the FCI Fashion Show and lighting up Montana Ave with amazing cuts and colors. Alexander gets "...a lot of inspiration from fashion...", and he "...loves to create something different everyday...". We couldn't agree more.
 Welcome to the luxelab family, Alexander! We can't wait to see what the future brings. Look below for some of the hair from the FCI show.









Saturday, July 20, 2013

Luxelab Envokes a Midsummer Night of Outi Art and Magic!

This past Thursday Montana Ave hosted its annual Art Walk and Music Festival, luxelab invited artist Outi Harma to showcase and collaborate on the wonderland our Project Cordinator, Phillip Manz and Project Art Director Beth Montgomery, dreamt up. It was a midsummers night dream with live models looking as if they stepped off the artists canvas. The hair, fashion and the artist's work is on view till August 18th, on display are original and reproductions printed on canvas ranging in price from $200 - $2000. Special thanks to Couturier Craig Wcislo for creating the beautiful outfits, makeup artist Ozzie Morales for adding the finishing touch to our looks and our live models Phayvanh Nguyen and Mark Schexnayder, lets not forget our little door diva, Miss Bella Bleu and all the luxe elves that hand stitched and painted this experience for a night full of magic.
Artist Outi painting our mannequins

Couturier Craig adding the finishing touches











Door Diva Bella Bleu!


Project Art Director Beth Montgomery



Artist Outi with owners Jason and David and Project Art Director Beth 

Packed!

Ugis and Alexander


The artist Outi Harma with luxelab models