Beauty School Directory Blog

Archive for February, 2008

Jillian’s Destiny – Winning at Bryant Park

Posted on: February 28th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

by Tracy Benbrook

Last night, on Project Runway, I learned that Jillian is not just an amazing designer. She is the future. She is destiny. And she’s possibly going to kill anybody who gets in her way.

Let me be frank. I love Jillian’s designs. She is just – she is just so fantastic. I didn’t realize it at first. She snuck up on me. So quiet that I didn’t even notice her and I couldn’t tell her voice apart from Victoria and then one day, a couple of weeks ago, I realized out of the blue– she’s my favorite designer. She’s the one who every week I’m like – “Wow. That is gorgeous. That is wearable. That is fashion.”

Unlike the rest of the designers, the only thing predictable about Jillian is that you had no idea what to expect – except that you’d barely see her until the end.

Then, last night, we got a chance to see a hint of her final collection. And – in true Jillian fashion – we only got a hint. The look of a jacket that was intricate and beautiful I loved it immediately. Glimpses of a few other pieces on hangers against the wall.

Her air of mystery was still intact. Who is Jillian? What is she going to do? I still had no idea what to expect on the runway, even after Tim’s collection tour!

Until that final set of interviews. Until we met her mother. Until we found out that Jillian is the child of prophecy, destined to be famous.

And you know what? When she looked straight at the camera in her final interview – her voice soft and sweet, her mouth firm and her eyes like lasers – and vowed to make it. Well. I knew right then and there that there isn’t any other alternative. This world belongs to Jillian and even though I still have no idea what she’s going to show, I do know one thing.

The Runway belongs to her. And Jillian Lewis is going to win Fashion Week. Because it’s fate.

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Leave Rami Alone!

Posted on: February 28th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory No Comments

by Jenni Zammit 

Week after week, Rami Kashou showed himself to be a master of draping, and got pummeled by Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum for being too predictable.

The criticisms were unwarranted, unfair and hypocritical.

Each of this season’s top 3 designers (Rami, Christian Siriano and Jillian Lewis) were just as predictable. No matter what challenge the designers were assigned, the following three looks would walk down the runway:

Rami: Greek-goddess style draping
Christian: Black puffy-sleeved jacket, ivory ruffled blouse, black skinny pants
Jillian: Long coat, high collar, weird stitching

So why are they always picking on Rami? LEAVE RAMI ALONE! The guy’s already made a business of doing what he does best, and I don’t think his choices on the show were any more predictable than the choices of the other top 2 designers.

And for Kors and Garcia to criticize his draped garment after the last challenge (the designers were let loose in a museum, told to choose a piece of art that inspired them as designers) … COME ON!

Can you blame him? Putting Rami in a room full of Greek and Roman statues and asking him not to be inspired by the draping is like putting Augustus Gloop in a room full of chocolate and asking him to eat some celery. You know what’s going to happen.

Even after producing beautiful, body-friendly garment week after week, (okay, okay … except for that week with the WWE divas), Rami still had to compete for his spot in the top three.

While Chris March is cute, sweet, bubbly and creative … I would much rather have Rami’s fantasy gown “enhance” my hips a bit than have human hair hanging onto my thighs. *shudder*.

After winning this season’s first Project Runway challenge, Rami declared “I think that I set the bar for this competition.” Rami, I think you’re right. I can’t wait to see your entire Joan d’Arc collection walk the runway next week … and I’m not complaining about another night of his biceps, either … he can “drape” those around me any time he wants.

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What’s the newest meaning of “fierce”? Christian Siriano.

Posted on: February 28th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

by Cara Howard 

Is it just me, or do other people agree that Christian’s picture needs to go right next to the word “fierce” in the dictionary? As an avid watcher of Project Runway (I’ve never missed an episode since its premiere), I am convinced that Christian will represent the show as the Season 4 winner.

Beyond being the fan favorite, our little Christian has some real fashion staying power in his corner. I mean, are we really surprised? When he was in England, he studied fashion alongside Vivienne Westwood. THE Vivienne Westwood. If that doesn’t strike up lifelong inspiration, I don’t know what does.

From seeing the footage of his line in last night’s show and photos from the upcoming runway finale, I think Christian is our clear winner. Sure, Tim Gunn told him some of his stuff bordered on costume-y. But I don’t think it’s costume. I think it’s couture. And I LOVE IT!!

Seriously… The only other promising young designer on Project Runway has been Daniel Vosovic. And even though I really liked him, he just wasn’t that fashion-forward. My favorite all-time contestant has been Jay McCarroll. Since episode 1, season 1. Now Christian is giving him a run for his money, in my book. I just know that the judges continue to emphasize how important it is to have a “point of view.” I haven’t felt a strong “point of view” from a contest on the show except for Jay. Until we met Christian.

Christian has a keen eye, a cosmetology background (he got his start in the Bubbles salon at the tender age of 13, if you didn’t know!), and picture-perfect execution. His hair and makeup decisions perfectly match his creations. They. Are. Flawless!

Simply put: Christian Siriano doesn’t make his clothes because they’re pretty – he makes them because they’re inspired. And that’s what cutting-edge fashion and design is all about. And THAT is why he should be the clear winner.

So, I’ll be sitting in front of my TV next week, anxiously awaiting the verdict. I just hope the judges agree with me (and apparently a lot of other fans out there) that Christian should be the designer to take home the prize.

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May the best designer win

Posted on: February 28th, 2008 by Shana No Comments

Some friends and I have a friendly turf battle going on over Season 4 of Project Runway over who should be the winner. I’ll be posting their reasons why each of their favorites should win. Let us know who you think deserves to win!

Where do I stand? I just miss Chris….

Hair extensions video

Posted on: February 26th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory 2 Comments

You can easily add volume to your hair by using clip in extension. They are a quick, temporary way to get long hair.

Get the Flash Player to see this player.

 

Ever considered going to beauty school or cosmetology school? Search for nearby cosmetology schools and beauty schools now. Stop delaying! Start your beauty career!

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6 questions to ask when choosing a beauty school

Posted on: February 21st, 2008 by Shana 3 Comments

The other day, I had a student ask me what to look for when visiting a school. Below are some of the suggestions I gave her. Is there anything that I missed? What do you think makes a beauty school a good fit for a student?

I highly recommend visiting as many schools as you can, even if you don’t think you want to go there. After you visit a campus or two, you’ll start to notice differences.

When you visit, be prepared with questions. You’ll be able to get a feel for the place by how the person answers them. If they are straight-forward and offer additional information, they will likely do the same with your education.

Some questions to consider -

  • What accreditations does the school have?
    To be accredited, a school must pass qualifications of the accrediting organ. You can learn more about accreditations. The schools will be able to tell you who has accredited them.
  • What financial aid is available, and what are your payment options?
    Finances can be an especially good way to evaluate the school’s focus on students. You don’t want them to blow off these questions. This is a commitment, and you need to be sure that you can handle it.
  • What techniques that you will be taught? How does the school stay on the edge of fashion?
    Beauty trends change quickly. While there is a basic skill set that every cosmetology student needs, you need to be sure you will learn about new techniques and products as well. You can learn about different curriculums.
  • Will you be able to work with a variety of clients?
    Schools will have you cut real client’s hair. You want to make sure that you will get experience with a variety of people. You don’t want to cut all middle aged men’s hair, or you won’t get a well-rounded education. Conversely, you don’t just want to do only funky, fashion-forward hair. Any good stylist needs a well-rounded skill set.
  • What audience do you want to serve professionally?
    Your education needs will be different depending upon what your professional goals are. Make sure to ask questions about the area you are most interested in. For example, if you plan to serve an African-American community, you want to make sure you will get in-depth instruction in that area. Additionally, if you want a wide variety, make sure they have programs you are interested in.
  • What are the other students like?
    By talking to students, you’ll be able to get a sense of how happy they are and how the school serves them. You can learn just as much from other students as the formal instruction.

 

Ever considered going to beauty school or cosmetology school? Search for nearby cosmetology schools and beauty schools now. Stop delaying! Start your beauty career!

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How to get “mascara commercial” lashes – (Hint: It’s not with mascara!)

Posted on: February 18th, 2008 by Shana 4 Comments

Have you ever seen a mascara ad and been so jealous of the model’s long, thick, luscious lashes that you immediately picked up a tube of the over-priced, neon-packaged wonder that would make your lashes look like hers?

Yeah, me too. So there I sat, inches from my reflection. I whisked the wand over my pale, sparse lashes. Hmm … My lashes were darker, but still pretty sparse. Maybe I just need another coat! Uhh, no. Now it looked like 6 tarantula legs were extending from each of my eyelids.

How do those mascara commercial girls do it!?!? Well, beside the fact that thick lashes generally aren’t the only sign indicating that they won the genetic lottery; they’ve got a little secret. And it’s not the mascara they’re peddling.

Fake eyelashes. And they’re not the only ones. Brides, pageant queens and every red-carpet going actress in Hollywood wear natural-looking fake lashes to enhance their eyes. There are even rumors that a certain up-and-coming male star wears falsies to make his eyes “pop” (cough*highschoolmusical*cough).

The above video is a Kate Moss mascara ad that is getting in trouble for false advertising. Sure… they might be fake, but the “London Look” looks great.

But how do you go about applying fake eyelashes in a way that makes you look more “mascara commercial” and less “RuPaul?”

Until recently, the only affordable fake eyelashes were extremely difficult to master. Sold in strips of shiny black plastic, these false lashes were too long for most human eyelids, too stiff to attach with any ease, too heavy to stay on through an entire evening, and just too … well, fake.

Ladies with lash envy, meet lash clumps. They might not sound glamorous, but lash clumps are the easiest way to get thick, full lashes. Made by a variety of cosmetics companies (many makeup artists swear by shu uemura lashes), lash clumps are knotted clusters of individual lashes that can be applied in different quantities, depending on your desired glamour factor. Best part? Once they’re on, you might not even need mascara!

Subtle sophistication in 6 easy steps

  1. Begin with a clean surface by taking off all your makeup.

  2. Check the length of your fake lashes. If they’re too long to follow the natural line of your own lashes, trim them down with sharp scissors (BEFORE they’re glued on!).

  3. Apply a very thin line of adhesive in the spot where you will place the lashes.

  4. Using a toothpick or tweezers, place lash clumps on the outside corners of your upper eyelids.

  5. Adjust them with a toothpick or tweezers.

  6. Decide whether one lash clump per eye is enough to achieve the model-esque lashes you’re going for. Try not to exceed 2 or 3 per eye.

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Minimum maintenance short cut

Posted on: February 14th, 2008 by Beauty Schools Directory 1 Comment

If you have an interest in cosmetology, here is an example of how to create a short cut. A haircut like this can be fun and low-maintenance on a confident woman.

Our model for this cut is Shana. Shana has thick, beautiful hair that is already cut to about chin-length. She loves the low-maintenance style of her short cut, and is ready to take her style to the next level by going even shorter.

 

Before the hair cut

Before

 Short hair style after

After

(more…)

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Coffee lovers rejoice!

Posted on: February 6th, 2008 by Shana 1 Comment

There’s another reason to fly by Starbuck’s (as though deliciousness wasn’t
enough….) - caffeine is good for your skin!

Caffeines’ s ability to restrict blood vessels makes it a key ingredient in topical products that estheticians use to help with rosacea and facial flushing. Technically, drinking the caffeine doesn’t have quite the same effect, but I figure I spill enough coffee on myself that I should have Halle Barry’s complextion soon enough!

Making the world a prettier place

Posted on: February 4th, 2008 by Shana 3 Comments

The best thing about running a site that helps people find a cosmetology school is helping people make their dreams a reality. By helping people go to school, we’re giving people a road to a new life, but it’s up to them to take it.

Imagine how thrilled we were to learn about Kiva.org. This website works with microlending organizations in poor nations to help people who normally couldn’t apply for credit get loans to start or expand their businesses. The loans give them an opportunity to improve their lives, but rely on the hardwork of the entrepreneurs to make it a reality.

We feel that they are kindred spirits, so we’re pitching in to help. We’ve found some entrepreneurs who are working on their own beauty businesses and helped fund their efforts. Check out all our sponsored businesses. Or lend to your own.

The best part of the site is that it isn’t charity, it’s a loan. That means that the person will pay it back, and we can then loan it to another person! 

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