Babies & Beauty Routines

How does a woman’s beauty routine change after her first child is born?

The early morning is a curious time of day — a heavy sense of tired greats you as you wake, but slowly throughout the morning things become lighter, clearer, louder, busier, rushed. There are the usual things on the agenda: coffee, shower, breakfast, beauty routine, and be sure not to forget your keys as you run out the door.

Now, let’s add the needs of a newborn baby. What part of your routine stays, and what goes? If there’s ever a time a woman faces a complete overhaul of her beauty routine, it’s when her first baby is born.

Alison Egan, a local Chicago Montessori teacher and mother of a six-month-old baby boy, thought that all her experience with children would prepare her for her own child, but it didn’t: “I thought it would be easy since I would have one child compared to 20, but it wasn’t. I can’t hand Harry back. He’s all mine.”

We asked Alison to share with us what her beauty routine was before she had her son, Harry, and what her beauty routine was after he was born.

Alison explained: “My routine is a lot different now that it was before I had Harry. Before I was much more focused on my skin rather than make up — I spent a lot of time on cleansing and moisturizing, with minimal time spent on makeup. The makeup I wore was tinted moisturizer, some bronzer, and mascara. As for my hair, I spent much more time on it pre-Harry. I’d straighten it and style it frequently.”

It’s clear to see that Alison had much more time to primp and prep when the morning could be all about her, but after she became a mom, the mornings turned into messy buns and a bit of lipstick.

“After I had my son, concealer became my new best friend. And coffee. And usually sunglasses. I began to forget all the regular aspects of my beauty routine, especially the basics. I’d forget to put earrings in. Or mascara. Or my lipstick. Then of course, just as you put on a beautiful top, baby spits up.”

 

We were curious: Why did it change so much?

Alison explained, “getting ready is all about getting Harry ready. If I have an hour, I usually have to get him ready. 50 of those minutes are for him, and that’s it.”

With kids it’s always 80/20, but it’s okay because they need you and you need them. Having a child makes you a better person because it is no longer about you, it’s about caring and nurturing for another person. You become selfless. What once seemed routine or mundane becomes a special event. However, as GIT Mom would say, it’s just as important to take time out of your busy schedule to pamper yourself.

If you’re in need of a pampering session, Blowtique is available for all your needs.

New York Fashion Week: 2017 Spring Style Agenda

Here – we’ve made it easy for you. After a fabulous (and maybe disorienting) week of New York Fashion Week S/S 2017 blowing up our social media, the Blowtique team is here to break it down and give you the major trends on our personal style agenda.

UNDONE, LOW KEY ELABORATE

Down low, low key, however you want to put it, the way to make a statement this year is not to. The way to master this undone look is to pull together an unfinished twisted pony or knot with most of, but not all of, your hair. This is even simpler than the half-up top knot. Think of it as a half-down twist – it can be as uncomplicated, or complicated as you like.

 

 

Josie Natori (PC: IMAXTREE)

Charles Youssef (PC: GETTY)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know what you’re thinking – every time you try to pull together the undone look it turns out flat instead of elegant. Blowtique can help with this! Make an appointment with one of our master stylists and we’ll give you that casually elaborate appearance.

 

 

RAIN CRUMBLES INTO GLITTER

Yes, that is a Frank Ocean reference. It is now also a NYFW (S/S 2017) reference. We saw a lot of wet hair on the runway, and whether the goal was sexy sweaty or caught in the pouring rain, what stuck with us was the glittery shine of slicked back locks. Pair this with smudgy eye shadow or liner and you’ll be sure to make a statement.

 

 

Hood By Air (Photographed by Driely S)

ALTUZARRA (PC: IMAXTREE)

 

 

I know, I know, we love that effortless, wet hair don’t care look, but we don’t actually want to walk around with wet or sweaty hair, right? Make an appointment at Blowtique and we can give you that natural rebellious appearance with a touch of extravagance.

 

 

 

 

 

SURFER BOY BEAUTY

All beach, everything.

Alexander Wang (PC: GETTY)

Alexander Wang’s surfer babes blew us away with their perfectly natural and sun kissed makeup combined with shaggy beach blonde bobs. Blowtique can easily recreate these cool, piecey, deconstructed waves.

 

Alexander Wang (PC: IMAXTREE)

Alexander Wang (Photo: Yannis Vlamos / Indigital.tv)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Making an appointment with Blowtique is easier than dunking your head in salt water – trust me.

 

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE: HIDDEN BRAIDS OR HAIR DRESSING

Make a statement by quietly revealing a secluded surprise or go full on party stopper with fanciful hair decor. Whichever one you choose, you’re sure to turn heads.

Jonathan Simkhai (PC: Getty)

 

 

 

Jonathan Simkhai‘s models were subtlety astonishing with woven braids hidden in very textured hair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rodarte had a very different take on hair dressing – by using excess strips of fabric from the dresses, master hairstylist Odile Gilbert created barrettes and reverse headbands to be worn on top of soft, silky hair.

RODARTE (PC: IMAXTREE)

 

You can look like you’ve just stepped onto a Fashion Week runway thanks to the Master Stylists and Master Colorists of Blowtique, a first-of-its-kind luxury blow-out salon along Chicago’s Magnificent Mile and in the Gold Coast neighborhood. With New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, and Milan Fashion Week in process, Master Stylists and Master Colorists from Europe bring their experience and skills to Blowtique to offer Chicago women this fall’s top hair trends.

Blowtique is the only blow out bar in Chicago that offers the full hair experience – cut, color, and styling. Our Blowtique team is dying to recreate these looks for you!

Disclaimer: We do not have any hair dressings for sale, but you are welcome to bring in your own and we will place and style as you wish.

 

#backtoschool Chic with GITMom

The Blowtique Team was ecstatic to welcome back one of our favorite clients, Eirene Heidelberger, for there is a shining charisma to her that refuses to be overlooked. Eirene is the founder, president, and CEO of GITMom, a company that empowers mothers to “Get It Together!” This service is momentous not only because Eirene positively affects the lives of so many families, but because Eirene knows that the most important thing for a mother to do is to put herself first.

Eirene in front of our beautiful Huron location.

In the spirit of Back to School week, we invited Eirene into Blowtique on Huron for an easy morning of blowouts and beauty talk.

Question: Take us through your daily beauty routine.

The process: Half way through the Half-Up Topknot with our Master Stylist Eimear

Eirene: My daily routine is focused on taking really good care of my skin with products my dermatologist recommends and I often joke that I live at her office. I rarely wear any make-up on a daily basis and believe in the bare face movement. I am 45 years old and have three young boys, I run a business and live in the city of Chicago, my life is filled with constant stressors, but I feel strongly about not skimping on the health of my skin and though it’s costly, it’s worth it because I feel confident when I am fresh faced. I save a lot of time by not applying makeup every day. Don’t get me wrong – I love getting dressed up and looking girly, but it takes A LOT of time to pull together a complete look so I choose my moments wisely when I’m going to commit to going through all of that work to make sure it’s justified.

Question: Do you have a go-to hairstyle? 

Eirene: I do! I love when my hair has volume, but not Texas height, and the ends are flippy and the style has movement without any hairspray. I love when my hair is soft and flirty. Plus, this look lends itself to an easy pony for a day, or even two, after a really great blow out.

Question: How do you take care of yourself when you’re completely mommed out? What’s most important to you (i.e. skin, hair, body, etc.)?

Eirene: I take care of my mental health and take a siesta. Putting myself in a time out in bed with any of The Real Housewives on TV and checking out for an hour by taking a quick cat nap does everything to change my bad mood and perspective into a more calm and carefree one. I put my phone and the to-do list aside and it’s just me and my remote until I’m recharged.

Question: Do you vary your look season to season? How does your routine change in the summer vs. winter?

Eirene: I just had my bangs cut from a side sweep to straight and blunt for a new look and I am loving it.

Question: What are a few of the season’s best hair trends?

Eirene: Right now I am loving big hair at the roots with lots of textured curls which any type of hair length can pull off and add interest to a person’s face and their personal style. Or, a classic deep side part with a slick pony gives any busy woman a chic pulled together look in minutes.

Question: Biggest beauty splurges?

Eirene: The skin treatments I get from my dermatologist to smooth my wrinkles and tighten my skin. Since I started regular medical facials and botox my skin is tighter and brighter and I look and feel refreshed.

Question: Whose hair do you envy?

Eirene: Blake Lively can do no wrong in my book because she always stays true to her all-American look of long hair with bouncy curls, yet styles them to fit her outfit and uses her hair as an extension of the clothes.

Question: What’s a style you’d love to try at Blowtique?

Eirene: I would love to try a topknot. I am not good at “hair tricks” and would love to learn how to re-create this fun look by myself.

Eirene’s Before & After

 

 

 

Shampoo Shape-Up: What You’re Doing Wrong!

 

It all starts with the wash. From the most basic of blowouts to more complex styles, it is agreed by many that the basis begins at the basin — with your shampoo, that is! While technique, product usage and overall effort are extremely important to a lasting style, there are many myths and misconceptions about hair care as far as shampoo goes… and we’re here to help you wash all of them away!

Hair Don’t: “Any Shampoo Will Do”

Hair Do: Find what works for you! It is a common misconception that your hair can get “used to” whatever products you are using and cease to perform, but that’s far from correct! If you find a product that makes your locks luscious, stick with it! According to Blowtique stylist Jordan Mcleod, “You need to make sure that you’re using the right products for your hair. If not, it can be more easily weighed down”. Find your formula and stick with it! For oily hair, he recommends Oribe’s Signature Shampoo, seeing as it is sulfate and paraben-free! As far as dry hair goes, he suggests something with a little more of a hydration level (did someone say Oribe’s Shampoo for Moisture and Control?).

 

Hair Don’t: Skipping the Conditioner

Hair Do: Fearful of being weighed down? Nothing can stop you, beautiful! If you think that conditioner is too much for your tresses, just modify the application! We suggest applying condition from the mid-shaft to ends. Little tip? Comb it through to ensure even distribution! Plus, your hair will be knot-free before the style! Efficiency is the name of the game, ladies! Product we suggest? Oribe’s Gold Lust Conditioner. “The Gold Lust is repairing, good for all types of hair, yet it’s not too heavy for everyday use,” says McLeod.

Basically, do what works for you! Care for your hair and treat it with love!

XO, Blowtique.

Don’t forget to connect with us! We’re on Twitter and Instagram @blowtiquesalon, as well as Facebook!

 

Top Hair Trends of Spring 2015

Here are your Top 5 hair styles of Spring 2015!

This look is perfect for nearly any occasion and looks even more chic the next day.

“According to Rhona Kane, Creative Director at Blowtique, it’s all about the boho waves this spring. At Blowtique, Rhona creates this sexy, natural style using just a blowdryer and a round brush. A few spritzes of Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray will set the waves.”

Make a statement this season with a single braid…or multiple!

“Kane also predicts messy braids as a huge spring trend. The best part of this trend is that it doesn’t have to look perfect. Once your hair is secured into a braid, pull the braid gently apart with your hands so it looks “undone.”

This “out of the water” look adds a shade of edge while still keeping it classy!

To duplicate this look, add an even layer of hair-spray or a lite layer of gel– comb hair away from face.

The sleek, big bun never stops giving!!

Change up this look by wrapping a braid around the base of the bun!

An abundance of creative, attention grabbing hair garnishes have been spotted all over runways this spring season.

When getting a blow-out this spring, request this ultra-glam style!

All of these styles are available at both Blowtique locations.

Don’t forget, all blow-outs this Spring are $35! To book an appointment with us, email us at bookings@blowtique.com

Share Beauty Resolutions with Harper’s Bazaar’s Editors, Oribe & Blowtique

It’s never too late for a new year resolution…

We like that this Harper’s Bazaar editor, Kerry Pieri, has big things on her mind.

For ‘all the way volume’, look no further than Oribe’s Magnificent Volume Shampoo/Conditioner and, of course, our go-to oooomph spray, Volumista!

Blowtique is always so proud to be an Oribe exclusive salon.

We see BIG things in your future, do you?!

Blowtique XOXO

A Tutorial from Blowtique by Street Style: Caught on Campus©

Last week, the lovely Alexandra Moresco from Street Style: Caught on Campus© stopped by Blowtique for a “quick fix for salon looking-hair” tutorial with our Creative Director, Rhona.

Running out the door on the way to a meeting?  Last minute date?  Don’t have time to book in to Blowtique? Don’t worry, this helpful tutorial will ensure you look great in no time!

http://www.streetstylechi.com/2013/01/a-tutorial-with-blowtique.html

Enjoy and thanks to Alexandra Moresco and Street Style: Caught on Campus© for sharing!

Much Love –

Blowtique