With Christie Somers
Photography by Alisia Packard

When it comes to evening makeup for holiday festivities, you’re going to have to choose between your eyes and lips. Onlookers will only get lost in one or the other—both would be too much to handle. If your plan is to lure him with your bedroom eyes, here’s a how-to:

Eyes For You: First, brush a neutral color all over the lid, from the lashes to the brow. I like Mac Pure Pigment Vanilla (great for seriously any skin tone). Then, equipped with a nice and even neutral surface, pick any dark shadow and brush it onto the outside corners of your eyes. Keep the color heavy in the corners and lighter as you get to the center of the lid. Dark pink and plum shades will make green and blue eyes pop. But if you want to add even more drama, layer the dark color to deepen the contrast or use a gray or black shadow for the corners. Top it all off with a few coats of your favorite mascara. Mine is Bourjois Volume Glamour.

If you’ve decided to play up the eyes, keep your lips simple with a light pink or flesh-toned lipstick that’s not too shiny.

Lips For Kissin’: If you’re keeping lips at centerstage for that mistletoe moment, think color and think plenty. Find a dark red or pink shade that suits you. For lips that will stay ready and alluring all evening, steer away from the gloss—not only is it totally out, it smears and runs like crazy. Your best bet is to use a lip crayon or lipstick. Jane Iredale has some great hues for the holidays. You’ll get longevity and keep your lips looking perfectly kissable (and polished) at all times … or at least all evening.

If you’re going for luscious lips, be sure to keep your eye makeup minimal with a neutral shadow over the entire lid and, as always, a few coats of mascara to finish it off.

With Christie Somers
Photography by Alisia Packard

Of course, it’s the last minute. What to do with those messy tresses for the office party, the once-a-year high school re-hash, the fete with extended family? Don’t overthink it. Whether your hair is short and sassy or long and luscious, it’s easy to glam up your locks for holiday festivities. All you need: five minutes, a curling iron, a handful of bobby pins and, of course, hair spray. A few of my favorite hair accessories could never hurt, either.

Short ‘n Sweet: (Above) Grab your curling iron and wrap a few small sections of hair around the barrel of the iron. It usually works best if you wrap the curls away from your face from the mid-shaft through the ends, a la Farrah Fawcett or Joan Crawford. This trick actually works great on any length of hair.

Side Swept: (Above) If you would rather have your hair out of your way altogether, comb it into a low side ponytail. Once it’s pulled smooth, twist your hair into a bun on the base of your neck and pin. I like to do the bun a little low and off center to keep the look more modern and less ballerina.

Fauxhawk Fab: (Right) If your hair doesn’t cooperate with curls, grab your flat iron and straighten away. To give yourself a look that’s sleek and sexy, take a mohawk section of hair, back-comb at the roots, and smooth out the top and then pin. The sexy Elvis pompadour for the ladies is always killer.

Bejeweled: On a final note, hair accessories are all the rage and add some easy holiday dazzle. Jeweled headbands or decorated bobby pins will perfect your ensemble. Here are just a few of my favorites.

With Christie Somers

When it comes to a fresh face this fall, it’s all about matte and minimal. So put away your old gloss, bronzer and shimmer. Instead, dig up your mom’s lip stains, pencils, crayons and lipsticks. Think ’20s glam with a modern, sophisticated twist.

Say no to color when it comes to eyes and cheeks. This time around, you’ll want to keep your kisser at center stage by giving your skin a matte and neutral look with mineral makeup. I love the Bare Escentuals line. Or, if you’re like me and too lazy or simply not into face makeup, try lathering your skin with moisturizer and save the energy for your lips. To create the pouty, matte lips that we’re seeing all over fashion spreads like this sleek beauty from Allure Magazine, follow these simple steps:

1. Throw out the gloss. It’s so yesterday.
2. Find your favorite old lipstick, crayon, or pencil and go to town. My favorites are the Beautique Lip Crayons from Sally’s Beauty Supply. Seriously. They’re only $2 so you can afford multiple colors.
3. When choosing a color, my rule of thumb is neutral gold and pinks for day, and rich, vibrant reds to dress it up for night.
4. Did I mention red, red and little more red? It’s all about red lips. Just remember matte, not glossy.

Image via Allure Magazine “The Top 10 Fall Beauty Trends”

The deadline for the mini makeover with Christie Somers has come and gone. There were many a rescue-my-tresses plea, indeed, but only one gal can win. And according to random.org, that reader is Jenn who would, “I would love to sport a new look in this year’s Christmas cards.” Jenn, send an e-mail to ali (at) yourheartout.com with “doorprize winner” in the subject line and we’ll get the wheels turning. And congratulations!

And now we get a few tricks of the trade from the colorist herself:

By Christie Somers

It’s time to ditch the chunky, contrasty hi-lites and warm up your hair color for the colder months that lie ahead. So, make an appointment with your hairdresses ASAP for a remedy ready-made for fall.

For all you blondes out there, the summer sun has left your once-golden tresses solid white and lifeless. A great way to bring back soft contrast and brightness is to have your colorist add a few lo-lites in between your hi-lites. It’s best to keep the lo-lites slightly warmer and lighter than your natural color. This will make the hi-lites pop again. Then, for some killer shine, top it all off with a warm, golden glaze. (My favorite is the in-salon treatment from Redken Shades EQ.) These two simple tricks are a cinchy way to breathe some much-needed life back into your goldilocks.

Brunettes, if you spent any time in the sun last summer, you know how hard it is on your color—especially if you’re covering some grays. There’s an easy way to turn that orange into a rich, vibrant tone again. Have your colorist pull a semi-permanent color through your ends for 20 minutes. I’d stick with something neutral and darker than your natural color. At the end, put a clear glaze over the whole thing to add shine that will stand the test of time.

To the reds: Whether you were born with it or have an amazing colorist, at the end of the sunny months, you’re less of a red and rapidly approaching strawberry blonde. What’s left of your vibrant color is Faded City. Not to worry. You can add richness and restore red by pulling a semi-permanent red tone (formulated to match the red in your hair) from roots to ends for 20 minutes. Have your colorist follow up with a red glaze to add shine and give your color a boost in longevity.  Your eye-catching color will be back in no time.

Remember when we told you to never say never? Maybe you weren’t up for following our hair adventure advice. But lucky for you, there’s a round two to this blonde-or-brunette equation. After a short stint in the Golden State (where she treated many a goldi-locked gal), Christie Somers is back in Utah and at your service.

Prepped models for Fashion Week? Dolled up ladies for Good Housekeeping makeovers? Check and check. This NY-trained senior colorist has been there, done that.  And she’s worked on starlets like Rachel Ray and Naomi Watts, to boot.

And now your name can be added to her client list. Christie is available for appointments for cuts, colors, up-dos, the works. You’ll find her at Lunatic Fringe on Parley’s Way in Salt Lake City, and Metropolitan Salon on University Avenue in Provo, Utah.

{Nice ‘Do}

Christie Somers
Lunatic Fringe
2545 E. Parley’s Way, Salt Lake City
(801) 463-1967
and
Metropolitan Salon
230 N. University Avenue, Provo
(801) 374-3110
www.christiesomers.com

{Doorprize} Hold the phone. One of you is in for a nice, autumn style boost. Christie is giving out a complimentary cut and color to one YHO reader. Want to be the lucky one? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Tuesday, October 13.

Pull your bod out of the winter blues with the help of a brand new day spa that gives fresh meaning to the term “pretty in pink.” Within the walls of this rosy, 120-year-old cottage, you can get a pick-me-up with a customized massage or mini facial. And that’s just the beginning of the pamper list.

Aside from extensive therapeutic treatments, Bungalow 8 provides microdermabrasion, lash tints and more. At a grand opening on April 11, they’ll be carrying made-to-order Bella Lucce beauty products and they also house the Aromatherapy Capsule for ultra-exclusive spa treatments. After rinsing your Mediterranean wine-and-honey mask, you can also shop the cottage for gifts and goodies from local artisans. (Art for consignment now being accepted.)

Starting in June, you’ll be able to harness your chi and find your center at “Gratitude Yoga”—where several intimate classes will be offered by reservation on a weekly basis. Or, if you’re looking for a locale for your next gathering, look into reserving the cabin for your crew.

Stop by on or after April 11 for a massage plus 30-minute aromatherm steam for just $90 or treat mom to a Day of Decadence, which includes an aromatherm steam, one-hour massage, one-hour facial and gift for $160. (Offers expire May 9.)

Now that’s our kind of pick-me-up.

{Time Out}

Bungalow 8 Day Spa
Grand Opening April 11
12345 S. 900 East
Draper, Utah
www.bungalow8utah.com

You say you could never go blonde. You say Reese’s blunt bangs would never work for you. You say getting your hair done by the same stylist that handled Naomi Watts’ tresses is out of the question.

But you would be incorrect. Why? Not only because saying such things is totally silly in a time when almost anything is possible (well, OK, maybe with the exception of that last one under regular circumstances) but also because now-Utahn Christie Somers is here to prove you wrong. On all accounts.

Having called NYC home for most of the last decade, Christie has worked behind-the-scenes at fashion shoots and Fashion Week, alike. She’s been quoted in beauty mags and worked on makeovers for the likes of Lucky and Good Housekeeping. While working as a senior colorist at NYC’s posh Cutler Salon for six years, she worked with such clients as Rachel Ray and Naomi Watts. And her signature Fifth Avenue blondes brought her a bit of fame, for good reason. Christie’s colors are rich and her styles natural and flattering. She’ll whip up a mean brunette, too.

And now she’s just around the corner—University Avenue, to be exact. Christie recently relocated to Utah and she’s available for appointments in both Provo and Salt Lake City. She’ll hook you up with cuts, colors, up-dos, the works. You’ll find her at such swanky retreats at Provo’s Metropolitan Salon on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, and Lunatic Fringe on Parley’s Way in Salt Lake City on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

As they say, never say never.

{How Do You ‘Do}

Christie Somers
Professional Stylist & Colorist
Metropolitan Salon
230 N. University Avenue, Provo
(801) 374-3110
www.metropolitansalon.com

Lunatic Fringe
2545 E. Parley’s Way, Salt Lake City
(801) 463-1967
www.lunaticfringesalon.com

{Doorprize} Yep, it’s true. One of you is in for a serious treat—and just in time for the holiday hoopla. Christie is giving out a complimentary cut and color to one YHO reader. Want to be the one in her chair? Leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Sunday, November 23.

Photography by Lacey Jane Pappas

Lately, the news has been a bit on the ugly side. If your vote isn’t enough to make things look better (but fingers crossed it is), why not try a different take on pretty?

Don’t be scared off by Got Beauty’s dairy-reminiscent name. Instead, cruise by this local salon-store combo for a quick beauty boost. You might not be able to fix Wall Street’s flyaway funds, but a Phytocitrus hair mask will make quick work of your flyaway curls. Or why not pick up some Du Wop Lip Venom for plumping up that pout of yours?

Multi-faceted for the multi-tasker, Got Beauty’s floor-to-ceiling shelves are lined with high-end hair products and beauty brands. Bumble & Bumble stands ready to solve your every woe, Du Wop is out in full effect (think eye color-specific eye shadows and aromatherapy blush), and lotions and potions from Blue Q sit tabletop—old and reliable Dirty Girl body lotion, anyone? And don’t forget to try your hand at OPI’s latest clever-named nail polishes.

Aside from the plethora of pick-me-ups, Got Beauty is also there for you if you’ve got gift shopping to do. From cheeky reads and Aunt Sadie candles to cute panties and semi-naughty what-have-yous, you’ll find something for your favorite office mate or your bride-to-be bestie. Don’t forget to dabble in the fairly-priced shoes or sassy selection of carry-alls from Melie Bianco and Hobo International. With sweet clutches and trendy totes, there’s something for every maintenance level.

And if you’re in the need of a last-minute costume, stop by to peruse what’s left of the Halloween selection. We spied a platinum mullet wig that’s calling your name. Unless a sexy Dorothy getup is more your thing. If nothing else, there’s always a lot of makeup to draw with, and countless kinds of false lashes. How’s that for good news?

{Get It, Got It}

Got Beauty
904 E. 2100 South
Salt Lake City, Utah
(801) 474-2090
www.gotbeauty.com

How many of you knew that one of Utah’s swankiest salons is hiding out in Lehi? Lucky for you, Studio Enizio is holding its grand opening tuh-day so you’re gonna be one of the first in-the-knowers. You can thank us later—after your first thermacut or eyelash extension.

Around here, the Studio Enizio team is best known for the pretty faces and cool ‘dos they create on-site at photo shoots, on the runways and at weddings. But this team of hair and makeup artists is ready to get back behind the chair, cutting and coloring, so you don’t have to be a model or bride-to-be to enjoy a one-on-one sesh.

Instead, all you have to need is a new hair style. Or color. Or eyebrow cleanup. Or to get your hands on truly hard-to-find products. Enizio is carrying new-to-the-States beauty products from IKOS, and soon, you can head to this beauty hideout to get your NARS on. Right now, you can head here for L’Oreal professional hair products and Karastase treatments.

But back to that haircut. Apart from stylish cuts, Enizio will be offering exclusives like thermal cutting (done with heated shears to prevent breakage—great for those of us needing to grow out our bobs). And aside from cuts and colors, Enizio services include airbrush makeup and custom extensions.

And did you see how pretty this space is? The elegant-meets-modern atmosphere is fit for the pages of a magazine. You never know—after leaving Studio Enizio, you might feel a little more comfortable getting your own pic in a glossy, too.

{Studio Time}

Studio Enizio
3300 N. Running Creek Way
Lehi, Utah
(801) 341-5041
www.enizio.com

{Doorprize} One of you is going to get pampered. So raise your hands high (or simply leave a comment)! Studio Enizio wants to treat one YHO reader to a deluxe hair treatment and blow-out style, complete with makeup application. Did someone say makeover plus hair massage? If you want to win, leave just one comment on this post before midnight on Friday, October 24.

Maybe you’re a step ahead of us and SkincareRX.com is already your one-stop shop for keeping your skin dewy and glowing in this drier-than-dry air. After all, the site gets shout-outs from popular beauty blogs and makeup message boards, and offers a bevy of coupon code handouts.

But aside from these perks, when you shop SkinCareRX you’ll also get feel-good rewards for shopping locally. That’s right, SkinCareRX is based at 700 West and 1055 South in Lake City. If the free priority shipping on items over $49 isn’t quick enough to remedy your latest skin funk, your Utah zip code gives you license to get your paws on must-have products, fast.

Head to headquarters for Murad Spot Treatment, DDF Glycolic Toner, Vitamin C Serum or DDF Silky Serum. Despite the scary names, these products are proof that skin can get back to sexy. Or, head to sister store Anne-Michele Apothica, located downtown at the Gateway. This swanky outlet carries goodies from Frederic Fekkai, Ted Gibson and Smashbox, to get you started….

Bonus: SkincareRX.com is have a 20% off storewide sale this autumn. Coupon code “AUTUMN20″ will hook you up at checkout. Afterall, saving money always imparts an extra glow.

{Later, Alligator}

SkinCare RX
700 W. 1055 S., Salt Lake City
Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
(801) 463-2840 or 1-877-682-3553

Anne-Michele Apothica
171 S. Rio Grande Street Ste. B, Salt Lake City
Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
(801) 746-7444
www.skincarerx.com

There’s nothing like a round two when it comes to a good makeover. And we all know that with any makeover, a new hairstyle is a must. Since back-to-school is just around the corner (boo!) and you no longer have a legit excuse to go back-to-school shopping (double boo!), why not give yourself a reasonable “back-to-school” haircut?

We already told you all about Sarah Cowan. Now look what’s she’s handing out to YHO readers:

• On your first visit, you’ll get a cut and color for just $80

• On your second visit, you’ll get a cut and color for just $90

• On your third visit, you’ll get both for $100

• and if you bring in a referral, she’ll throw in a free facial wax

So why not take advantage? Just print out this coupon and take it in to Sarah at Haven Salon in Provo.

{Do the ‘Do:}

Sarah Cowan, Stylist
Haven Salon
359 W. 100 South
Provo, Utah
(801) 379-0540

{Doorprize} Haven, err, heaven, is knocking on your door. Sarah wants to give one ultra-lucky Your Heart Out reader a complimentary cut and color, on her. Been dying to cut those locks or dabble in a dye-job? Now’s your chance. Leave one comment on this post before Friday, July 25 at midnight. Thanks, Sarah!

Take the Cake: Head to Springville for something sweet. Best known for his still-life paintings of bakery window delicacies like cakes and ice cream, in an exhibit called “70 Years of Painting” Wayne Thiebaud also shows recent beach scenes and cityscapes. You gotta see it before July 29. More info here.

Sunshine at Midnight: See “Eternal Sunshine” like you never have before when it takes center stage as the midnight movie at The Tower on Friday and Saturday nights. Err, mornings. Details here.

Blue Steel: Photographer Christopher Chris Dunker set out to document Utah County’s Geneva Steel prior to its demolition. Story-telling and maybe even sad, “Dismantling Geneva Steel” at the BYU Museum of Art sheds light on the perceived eyesore. Learn more here.

Tomorrow!: Well, actually, not ’til Tuesday. But on the 8th, the gal that’s arguably everyone’s favorite redhead sings her heart out with Broadway’s “Annie” at Kingsbury Hall. Tickets and info here.

Don’t forget about sales and parties at Kinder Winkel and Kaleidoscope Boutique. And did you hear that Vuitton-owned Sephora is coming? Well, it’s a distribution center (plus 500 new jobs for Utah), but here’s to hoping a retail store will follow … and not just the kind that hides out in Riverdale’s JC Penney.

Spotted: A stack of adorable, colorful, mini ice bags by Gal Pal

Good For: Your aching back, or your friend’s aching back

Where: Two Dancing Cats (1586 E. 3900 South, Salt Lake City)

How Much: $14 a pop

Seventh South’s “Nailed” calls itself a “hands and feet boutique.” One part shop and one part spa, not only can you get your hands and feet on an “ultimate” mani-pedi, but you can treat them to slippers to slide into, stationery to be written on, purses to be clutched, potions and lotions to be lathered, etc.

We guess it goes without saying that you don’t have to be in need of a glycolic mask or nail refill to step inside this city respite. Next time we’re browsing for a thoughtful gift, Nailed might be at the top of our to-visit list. With Valentine-sy notecards from Paper Source (site we love), and pretty afternoon teas and Fig & Olive bath products by Mor, as well as nice bar soaps, fancy velvet slippers, pearl studs and bracelets, a little rack of pink-and-red unmentionables, urban-inspired handbags and hats, this boutique-in-a-house proves it’s more than just a dayspa.

A dayspa nonetheless, Nailed offers services like mani/pedis, express facials, waxing, eyelash tinting and more at fairly reasonable prices. You can see a full list of services here.

{See For Yourself}

Nailed! Boutique
875 E. 700 South, Salt Lake City
(801) 532-NAIL
www.nailedboutique.com

Wow, ladies. This one was rough. It’s never been so difficult to keep things honest and stick to our plan of selecting winners via Random.org. Some of you built amazing cases for yourselves and should consider taking up careers in the courtroom … if you haven’t already.

But the winner, chosen entirely—even painfully—at random, is (drumroll, please) Heather F. Congratulations, lady! Remember: The rest of you can get $20 off when you book a cut and color with Sarah Cowan … just tell her YHO sent you.

Heather, we hope you’re up for before-and-after photos, cause we’re going to want to see them! We’ll be contacting you via e-mail soon.

Thanks again, Sarah!

Yes, holiday season has officially arrived. Just ask your calendar: he’ll tell you about the office party tomorrow night, festivities with half of the in-laws on Wednesday, dinner with the other in-laws the Wednesday after, the friends’ party next weekend … and don’t even get us started on New Year’s.

It’s safe to say that the holidays are the time of the year when you not only need a great outfit or two, but also a great hairdo. That’s where our girl Sarah Cowan comes in. From updos to loosely-curling locks to great color to of-the-moment cuts, Sarah’s always been the stylist that makes us like the way we look. When she took off to New York, we seriously considered entering hibernation for a year.

To our relief, Sarah recently made a comeback to Utah County, and we crawled back out of our caves. She’s located at Haven Salon in Provo. She does cuts ($50), color (starting at $65), as well as men’s cuts ($25). The above photos represent some of her most recent styles. And in a little chat we had last week, Sarah decided she’d like to gift YHO readers with $20 off when you book a cut and color with her. Hurrah! But wait, it gets better….

{Doorprize:} Your Heart Out and Sarah want to treat just one super-lucky reader with our first-ever mini makeover. The winner of this giveaway will get a free cut AND color, on the house. (Can you believe it?) To get your real, live session with Sarah, leave just one comment on this post by 10 p.m. on Monday, December 17. She’ll probably offer up some advice on that holiday outfit you’re in need of, too.

{Do the ‘Do:}

Sarah Cowan, Stylist
Haven Salon
359 W. 100 South, Provo
(801) 379-0540
YHO readers get $20 off when you book a cut & color

Here’s a question we get time and time again. If we knew the answer to this one, we’re sure we would be happier, healthier, more relaxed … and probably equipped with perpetually glowing and silky-smooth skin.

Heidi wrote in looking for a good spa. (Aren’t we all?) She’s not necessarily looking for the area’s best deep tissue massage or mani-pedi. Rather, she just wants to treat a friend to a nice day at a nice spa where she can choose from a myriad of self-pampering options and be treated well.

So let’s make that friend happy. Any input, anyone?