Charlotte salon says, 'There's an app for that'

I occasionally worry that I've become overly-reliant on smart technology. (Usually after I can't remember something important or easy, such as my husband's phone number.)

But then I'll use Taxi Magic, or check the weather, hit up mobile banking, or call up a recipe from Pinterest and all I'm left thinking is how easy that was.

KM and Company Salon knows what I'm talking about.

The South End salon is scheduled to launch its own app today, which will allow customers to request and confirm appointments, see the menu of services, the photo gallery with before and after pictures, buy and send gift cards, get driving directions and more.

Available free for iPhone and Android, the app has been developed by Web Cloud apps.

Salon owner and stylist Karla Kuhlmann anticipates the app making things easier both for the customer, as well as staff.

"I think the greatest benefit to our salon guests will be the ability to contact the salon whenever they want, even when we are closed, basically, 24/7," Kuhlmann said.

"We can also send an 'App Kick' when we have a special offer or a last minute savings."

The idea was seeded after reading a trade industry article about salon-specific apps, Kuhlmann said, and she eventually was put in touch with a developer. It took just over three months to get to this point, she said.

"The more I thought about it, and about conversations I’ve had with our guests about 'meaning to call' the salon to make an appointment or something else, it just made sense," she said.

Kuhlmann said one of her favorite aspects of the app from the business side is the alert feature.

"We can target all or specific guests (and notify them) of something, like their stylist is sick. Or, like recently, the salon closing because of bad weather."

KM & Company has been around nearly a decade, and Kuhlmann said being one of the first in town (if not the first) to have a salon-specific app will take her "service-based business into the digital age."

She expects it won't be long before other local beauty businesses launch their own apps as well.

"The cost wasn’t cheap, but I was expecting it to be much more expensive. I think this might just catch on if the salon is willing to invest in their future."

That 'J. Crew model' glow

You either love J. Crew or you really don't.

My cousins trend towards the love side, and they both look great in those print skirts, bright, preppy sweaters and seemingly endless layers. (It probably helps that they're waif thin, too.)

If it didn't take an act of congress to get me to tuck a shirt in, I'd probably wear more of their clothing, especially if it were a bit closer to my price range.

Me + this look = not going to happen

Regardless of your feelings on their apparel, J. Crew models are apparently renowned for their fresh-faced, natural looks.

 

I hadn't ever really given them much thought (beyond cursing their baby giraffe thighs) but the beauty world went nuts last week when the clothing line's stylists revealed their secret weapon.

The dewy (yet not greasy) glow comes courtesy of RMS Beauty. The organic makeup line's Living Luminizer and Lip2Cheek tint are credited for the models' "lit from within" look.

Lip2Cheek tint in Demure ($36)

RMS Beauty's Living  Luminizer ( $38)

Prices vary depending where you're buying from, but J. Crew is also selling both items.

Byrdie has a tip for those who want a faux-glow without spending money (assuming you already have it in your toolkit): Use the same light-colored eye shadow that you use on your brow bone as a highlighter.



Will have to test that theory, though I suspect the shadow finish - matte vs. pearl, etc. - would make a difference. (And I'd assume that either way, the lighter the hand, the better.)

Happy weekend, stay dry!

Busy beauty CLT

As everyone keeps their fingers crossed for warmer weather, lots of spring beauty-related events are popping up around Charlotte.

On Thursday, the local Aveda Institute is hosting its "All About You" customer appreciation event from 6-8 p.m.

Freebies include stress fix hand massages, chakra balancing head and neck massages, mini facials and more, including product and service discounts.

There are also about a billion ways to enter to win a $50 Aveda gift card, especially through their Facebook page. Want to go? 1520 South Blvd.

Also starting Thursday is Woo Skincare and Cosmetic's two-day Natura Bissé  event. Call ahead reservations are a must ( 704-333-0443) but there are still a few spots left.

Appointments will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature "Time Rescue," an anti-aging treatment based on a deep facial cure that helps purify and nurture skin. A complimentary facial ($200 value) with Natura Bissé's aesthetician is included and a gift (valued at $370) comes with a Natura Bissé purchase.

Want to go? 2900A Selwyn Ave.

If Woo's Natura Bissé  event is already full, Jeffre Scott Apothecary will be holding an LED light facial event with Natura Bissé  brand rep Stephanie Trigg April 8-10.

Speaking of Jeffre Scott, they've also got an event planned for Friday and Saturday, but this go round, the local store is featuring Felicia Roman, national makeup artist for Kevyn Aucoin Cosmetics. (Advance reservations are also a must for Jeffre Scott events, made by calling 704-339-0010, locations vary.)

The late Aucoin - makeup artist, photographer and author - has been heralded as the grandfather of makeup, creating some pretty incredible transformations, particularly turning modern celebs into old Hollywood royalty.

Believe it or not, that's Calista Flockhart on the left, as Audrey Hepburn, and Gwyneth Paltrow on the right, styled as James Dean. 

(Seriously: look what he did to Courtney Love - whom I'll always love and adore - and you have to admit the man was a genius.)

Have an upcoming beauty/style event? Email the details to htrenda@charlotteobserver.com. (At least two weeks in advance, when possible.)

Nail it this weekend

Nothing says "Happy Weekend" quite like a mani/pedi. Even if you're doing it yourself, taking the time for something fancy is definitely a mood booster.

P.S.: Purewow has put together yet another fantastic and quick "how to" video. This time? DIY mani.



Now come the colors...

Feeling festive? Polyvore rounded up some great green and glitter polishes for your shopping pleasure...

Refinery29 shares some of their faves in this slideshow. 

Surprise: seasonal emphasis on pastels and sparkles. 

(Bummer there's no link to the lemon yellow.)

Meanwhile, on the local front, Scoop Charlotte and Kisten Hunter of Polish Pauper put together a few finds likely to get the Queen City buzzing. (Added bonus: Scoop has a handy calendar of St. Patty's Day events AND sales.)

Not sure what you're in the mood for? 

Take Makeup.com's "Nail Art Personality" quiz for some inspiration.

And should your weekend of shopping and St. Pat's celebrations put a few dings in your new paint job, it's PureWow to the rescue again with how to do the easiest removal ever. (Even glitter.)



Enjoy your weekend!

Hot scissors hit Charlotte

So have you heard about this “hot scissor haircut” method?

It started gaining attention in the U.S. toward the end of 2013, mainly in NYC, but has apparently been wildly popular in Europe and Russia for ages.

Essentially, a pair of scissors are plugged in and heated (to between 230 and 338 degrees, depending on your hair type) and are supposed to be the silver bullet for split ends.

In theory, the heat seals the end of each hair, helping to retain moisture and manage split ends, as well as keep styles looking fresh longer.

To read the Jaguar TC Thermocut page, they describe it not as a haircut, but a wellness treatment:

"Fine hair will be given more volume, split hair will become healthy and more resistant, permed hair will be given more elasticity, dull, brittle hair will be regenerated, every type of hair will be easier to style."

A segment that aired in October on the "Today" show is partially credited with having brought one of the first pairs of hot scissors to Charlotte, said Zahava Thornton, co-owner of Poza Salon in Myers Park.

Thornton learned about and researched the growing trend online, she said, and clients began mentioning the "Today" show segment. So several weeks ago, Poza invested in a set of the $1,400 scissors, patented as the Thermocut system by Jaguar (not the car company) and made in Solingen, Germany.

So far, Thornton is loving the results. “Everyone's always looking for a split end cure.”

What many people don't realize is that a hair is fibrous, like a strand of yarn or ribbon, she said. “Ends unravel and with heat, sun exposure, from your flat iron ... (the damage) works its way up.

“So once an end is split, it’s probably split at least an inch up … This kind of cauterizes the ends.”

Thornton uses hot scissors on Racheal Haywood's hair.

Styling with hot scissors is ideal for several types: those who are growing their hair out, those who want to keep hair healthy without losing length, those maintaining the Ombre (two-tone color) look and those who want a very pronounced edge, such as China Doll bangs, Thornton said.

While one cut with hot scissors will provide improvement, those who use hot scissors five or six times will see the most benefit, Thornton said, as pre-existing damage is cut away.

An internet search of “hot scissor haircut, Charlotte N.C.” (and a number of variations) doesn’t turn up much, not even Poza Salon. The initial investment cost and relative newness of hot scissors has likely kept them off the local radar, Thornton said.

So because “hot scissors” are still a bit of a local rarity, you can expect to shell out money and time.

While no special training is needed, the heat element requires a stylist to slow down and hold the sheers differently to avoid burning themselves, Thornton said. (In all our Web trolling and research, we didn’t find any serious safety warnings, for stylist or client.)

Regularly, a haircut would take about 45 minutes, but a hot scissors appointment is allotted 1 1/2 hour.

At Poza, women’s haircuts range from $45-$105, and for the hot scissors method, an additional $50 is tacked on for the extra time needed. But so far, clients haven’t balked at the price, Thornton said. “The reaction has been to the difference you can feel at the ends.”

But as word of mouth spreads and the trend starts taking hold in Charlotte, more local salons will likely invest, especially with summer – months of sun, swimming and elemental damage – approaching, Thornton said.

Racheal Haywood after her hot scissor haircut on Tuesday

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Jeffre Scott + Goldfaden MD = reader giveaways

There’s a special panache that comes with being the one and only.

And starting next week, Charlotte’s Jeffre Scott Apothecary will be the first and only store in the Carolinas to offer products from the Goldfaden MD skincare line.

Scott’s Providence Road store has specialized in elite skincare and cosmetics since it opened in 2006. Prior to owning his shop in Charlotte, Scott’s resume included being a national makeup artist for Chanel and a career in NYC that ranged from buying for Barney’s New York to starting his own retail product management firm.

Jeffre Scott Apothecary will be the first store in the Carolinas to offer Goldfaden skincare.

Needless to say, Scott has stringent criteria for the specialty items that stock his shelves. “We don’t have a lot, but what we have works.”

Goldfaden MD’s tag line of “Physician Strength, Naturally Inspired” hints at a number of attributes: Paraben- and petro-chemical free, 100 -percent vegetarian with no animal testing, hypo-allergenic, etc.
The big selling point: It’s the first natural skincare line (developed by a dermatologist) with physician strength results, according to brand officials. Products retail from $35 to $115.

Since hitting the market in October 2012, Goldfaden MD’s products have been named as faves by a range of magazines, from Self and Harper’s Bazaar UK to Real Simple and Marie Claire.

A lot of promotional material comes through the newsroom, but Scott receives even more product pitches from possible beauty vendors. So I asked Scott what made him want to offer Florida-based Goldfaden products at his store.

“My philosophy is about taking time to find a fit for (the Charlotte) market,” he said. Any potential products that pique his interest must also get a thumbs-up from his staffers and a few trusted clients, he said.

Goldfaden reps also know their core skincare customers: women who are 30-plus, naturally -focused, interested in natural ingredients (but don’t want to compromise efficacy levels or potency), who also want rapid, if not immediate, results.

“She’s the affluent mom who eats healthy, exercises, is fashion/beauty/brand conscious and wants to use products that are both effective and that she feels good about using,” brand reps said.

Scott prides himself on providing customers with an experience: No high-pressure sales tactics, plenty of education about possible products and readily available samples. “So they can walk away and feel confident in their purchase,” he said. “We’ve built that trust with the customer … and (value) cultivating a long-term customer rather than an immediate sale.”

After nearly a year of talks with the company and test runs by some of Scott’s most trusted, Goldfaden MD got rave reviews and the green light for his store.

 “It’s almost like a spa/doctor treatment at home … It’s results-driven,” Scott said, noting locals gave it five stars for component integrity and simplicity.

And Goldfaden reps felt Scott was a perfect fit for their first foray into the Carolinas. “We love Jeffre … It is a luxury niche, knowledgeable apothecary focusing on education and client service.”

It’s one thing for a business owner to talk up their newest product in a sales pitch and entirely another to be so confident you’re offering some for free. Sounds like giveaway time...

Scott provided two new, full-sized Goldfaden MD products: “Bright Eyes” dark circle radiance concentrate ($52 value) and “Wake Up Call” overnight regenerative facial treatment ($80 value).

Want to win?

Before Monday, send me an email with "Goldfaden" in the subject line. Please include which product you'd like to win, the Goldfaden MD attribute you're most excited about, your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number.

Just remember: If you win, you've got to report back with your results. (Bonus point to those who chronicle through photos.)

Want even more?

Jeffre Scott Apothecary will host a two-day event March 14-15 with Lauren Wolk Goldfaden - daughter-in-law of brand founder Dr. Goldfaden - and Lisa Goldfaden, Dr. Goldfaden's daughter.

This will be one of the first events in the store's spring beauty event calendar, featuring a variety of brand creators and experts nearly every weekend from March 8-April 24.

All events have limited availability and require a $75 RSVP (to be applied towards any purchase.) Details and to register: 704-339-0010; sheila@jeffrescott.com.

Fan-tastic playoff style

Charlotte residents, Panthers fans and the broken-hearts seeking vindication for Green Bay know Sunday needs no more hype; we’re excited enough on our own.

Steve Smith being well enough to play, Ric Flair acting a fool and the busy social schedule leading up to the game (FAN Friday, three-day pep rally at Epicentre, the Observer tailgate) I think you'd be hard pressed to find someone feeling less than festive.

Fan fashion will undoubtedly reach new levels this week, so whether it's a jersey or jewelry, eyeliner or full-blown body paint, I want to see what you wear to support the Panthers.

Gentlemen, this includes you.

Got pics of your favorite look from a previous Panthers tailgate? Photos of someone in your office embodying team spirit on FAN Friday? Whatever suits your style for tackling San Fran on game day, send me pictures  and I'll post them online before kickoff.

Michelle Wright lives more than two hours outside Charlotte, but a self-professed "monster" fan, she helped simplify the Panthers to-do list in a letter of encouragement she sent the team earlier this week:

"NFC South Champs? Done.. To do: Beat the 49ers."

Living so close to Raleigh, Wright said there are times when she's been the only person at the sports bar in Panther's gear. She owns a range of team paraphernalia, from snuggies and santa hats, to flasks and jewelry. Come Sunday, she'll be wearing her #89 Steve Smith jersey with black-and-teal sneakers.

But if sports gear isn't your thing...

I usually wouldn't encourage anyone to get lost in the black hole that is Polyvore. (It's a seemingly-innocent time suck that nearly rivals Pinterest, and you later realize you've been down the rabbit hole for hours.)

But in less than 10 minutes, I found a few examples of how easy it can be (for any age and apparently, weather scenario) to get your style right for Sunday.

Keep in mind: If you're headed to the stadium, you won't be able to bring the majority of the handbags after the security measures implemented this season. (Safety before style though, non?)

Switch out those snowflakes for the visage of Sir Purr and we're in business.

Or, keep it simple and follow one of the team's fave hashtags:

Need some beauty ideas?

Urban Decay has a Panther-ific eyeliner called Deep End, available locally at Sephora, among other retailers.

I was not previously familiar with the blog Makeup by Candie, but she gives a (moderately entertaining) YouTube tutorial on achieving "Carolina Panther" eyes, using mainly MAC cosmetics.

If you don't need much guidance on product selection or application technique, Charlotte-based makeup artist Lisa Her has a fast-paced video on Carolina-inspired "Catty Eyes."

For a Fan-tastic mani/pedi, it made sense to consult a CLT-centered source for the best colors in the Carolinas. Pistol Polish founder and creator L.T. Niosi Brady made a few playoff picks from her color lineup, available locally at The Boulevard at South End, or online at Pistol Polish.

"Run the World"

"'Big Bang' is perfect for Panther nail art "

"Pay Day"

Also in the Queen City, Alli - with The Daily Varnish - shows off a Pantherific "Fanicure" using Covergirl colors.

But no matter what you decide to wear on Sunday, have fun, be safe and go Panthers.

#KeepPounding

Holiday giveaways

Less than two weeks till Christmas. What the what?

I had big plans of parceling out reader give-aways throughout the month to help everyone feel festive. But clearly, my time management skills are lacking and we'll have to improvise instead.

Basically, there's a drawer full of swag from a number of companies and it all needs a good home. (If you want to re-gift, I won't tell.) So read on for an unofficial and unexpected gift guide, brought to you courtesy of my random desk drawer.

For the feminine:

L'Occitane en Provence makes incredible hand cream. Years ago I found myself in NYC in January with chapped, cracked, miserably stiff claws where there should have been hands. I'd packed a tube of the "Shea Butter" hand cream that Santa brought, but I had yet to try. I nearly cried it was so lovely.

It's the only product of L'Occitane's that I've used, but I'll vouch it's worth every penny. 

So what does it mean for you? Free stuff that's probably amazing. 

There's a full size tin of "Rose Tenderness" ultra rich body cream, which is apparently "exceptionally concentrated" with 25 percent shea butter. It's my impression this is a limited edition fragrance, and while the product itself is sealed, when you open the tin you catch a waft of something dreamy.

Also for giving, we've got a squeezy-tube of the limited edition "Jasmin Passion" lip balm. I have no idea what it smells like or how well it works, but I suspect it's likely legit.

For the techie/minimalist:

Pursecase was seen on ABC's Shark Tank and is touted as being a "stylish and elegant" way of carrying an iPhone, cash and compact mirror without wrestling around inside the depths of our beloved "Mary Poppins" handbags.

Available for iPhone 4/4S and iPhone 5, Pursecase comes in a variety of solid colors (including a neon yellow that glows in the dark), has a chain handle and front clasp that bear resemblance to an iconic line of quilted hand bags. 

These cases run about $30 on the official website and a coworker gave one a whirl for a few days. She felt her phone and cards were secure and said she would likely buy one for herself. ("Definitely, if I was still clubbing.") 

Pursecase has been mentioned in the Los Angeles Times, Glamour, Lucky and Real Simple, among others. 

For those who like to go hands-free, Pursecase also offers a cross-body chain strap addition for $8 that's currently sold out on the website.

Want one? We've got a hot pink iPhone 4 Pursecase for to give away.



For the nostalgic:

Personal reflection is essential for mental well-being and this delivers in a non-painful way. The 90's gave us so many treasures, and "The 1990s Coloring Book" is an entirely entertaining reminder of things forgotten not-so-long ago. 

Giga-pets. The song (and ensuing fashion statement) "Rico Suave." AOL.  The phrase "If the glove don't fit, you must acquit."

Solid gold.

Inside you'll find a quirky mix of pop culture, outdated technology and activities such as 'Design your own Trapper Keeper."

For $10, this could make you the most popular gift-giver of the year. It's available online in a number of places and physically at Barnes and Noble, Urban Outfitters and others.

Totally.

For those with curly/natural hair, I've got multiple items for you.

Cantu has provided four, full-sized shea butter products from their new line. I wish I could say I've tried and loved these products, but my hair couldn't be straighter and these would be wasted on me.

But here's how Cantu describes what we've got to give away:

Shea butter coconut curling cream- heals dry, damaged hair while providing moisture and strength. Also defines, conditions and adds manageability to curls. Can be used on damp or dry hair. 

Shea butter daily oil moisturizer- helps prevent breakage, tangling and frizz; restores moisture to dry or damaged hair and scalp; provides silky texture with lasting shine.

Leave in conditioning repair cream- stops and mends breakage and is formulated for severely damaged, dry or coarse hair. Can be used for daily styling or overnight as an intensive leave-in treatment. It supposedly promotes strong, long and healthy hair when used daily.

Shea butter for natural hair deep treatment masque- moisturizes and repairs "extremely dry, damaged hair" that's brittle, and there are several ways to use this masque, depending on the level of damage already done.

See something you liked? 

Email me by 5 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 with "Giveaway" in the subject line and a note about what you'd like to have turn up in the mail. (Please include your phone number and mailing address.) We'll announce winners and start shipping on Friday.