“I see a lot of influencers posting about using less foils for maximum impact, but there is still a time and place for lots of foils.  Guests who want full coverage blonde with minimum contrast simply need more foils,” explains Blake Reed Evans, Sam Villa Ambassador and owner of Shear Art Salon (Tampa, FL) @blakereedevans. 

“The key to this look is paper thin slices. The thinner slice you take, the higher lift you will get to achieve maximum brightness. I also used predominantly vertical lines across the part and horizontal foils on the side to increase coverage. I did a few diagonals around the face to follow the hairline, “explains Evans.

• Color: Redken Flash Lift Power 9 and 30 Volume 1:1.5. Gloss: Shades EQ Bonder Inside Clear.
• Do not leave more than 1/8” between foils. The less foils, the more contrast.
• Style: Blow dry hair and use the Sam Villa Signature Series Professional Curling Iron 1”  on the color treated setting. A color-treated setting is KEY after a blonding service because hair is fragile.  This setting (392°) is great because anything over 400° can actually remove haircolor molecules from the hair.

To learn more from Sam Villa and Team, check out FREE weekly Facebook Live classes and 10-minute YouTube tutorials.  The complete catalogue of customizable education for salons, shows and events, including Thrive On, is available here.

Sam Villa is Co-founder and Chief Creative Officer of the Sam Villa Company (Allvus, LLC), a leading education and styling tool company for the professional hair industry. He is also Global Artistic Ambassador for Redken 5^th Avenue, a L’Oreal brand. Villa is the 2021 NAHA Educator of the Year, Hair Awards USA Hall of Fame Inductee, 2021 AHP Icon Stylist Influencer of the Year, 2020 International Hairdressing Awards ‘International Hair Influencer of the Year,’ the 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Intercoiffure America/Canada Member, Behind the Chair Stylist Choice Award Winner for Favorite Platform Artist and Educator (2012, 2011 and 2007) and Favorite Overall Educator of the Year (2015). His inspiring education and innovative ergonomic styling tools can be experienced on samvilla.com. The Sam Villa brand brings free digital education to everyone including hot tips and techniques, as well as access to livestreamed educational events. The company also offers professional tools for consumers so they can achieve salon-quality results at home with minimum effort.

Facebook: @SamVillaPros; Instagram: @SamVillaHair;  YouTube: @SamVillaHair;

Twitter:@SamVillaPro; Pinterest: @SamVillaHair.

Sigma Beauty launches its newest collaboration with Disney inspired by their beloved classic, Alice in Wonderland.

Sigma Beauty is launching their newest line of fairytale-inspired cosmetics for the fall season. Inspired by your favorite characters, songs, and moments from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland, this collection launches a mesmerizing new eyeshadow palette, enchanting pressed-powder cheek duo, limited-edition 5-piece brush set, and luxurious lip duo featuring a brand new, ultra-hydrating lip cream formula.

“We are thrilled to launch another collection with Disney!” said Dr. Simone Xavier, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Sigma. “Our first collaboration with Disney was our Cinderella Collection, and our take on it was mature and nostalgic, chic and elevated. For Alice in Wonderland, I wanted to visit this dreamlike world. The curiosity to follow the White Rabbit, the sensation of falling into the unknown, the surprise of encountering surrealist elements and characters, the joy of interacting with out-of-the-ordinary scenarios – everything about Alice in Wonderland is exciting and new. The collection is designed to embody the dreams depicted in the original movie, with every aspect following Alice’s journey. The packaging and limited-edition brush finishes are inspired by Alice’s fall down the rabbit hole, imprints on each eyeshadow feature the characters who inspired the hues. The cheek duo is inspired by Alice’s first meeting with the Queen of Hearts and designed to perfectly compliment the vibrant eyeshadow palette with cool-toned highlight and blush. This Disney Alice in Wonderland Collection is daring, colorful, and a playground for makeup lovers. I hope it entices our clients to dream and dare, and use their imagination to be whoever they want to be.”

The Disney Alice in Wonderland Eyeshadow Palette, Cheek Duo, and Lip Duo are cruelty-free, gluten-free, lactose-free, and a part of Sigma’s Clean Beauty Program, meaning they’re completely free of harsh chemicals and made with the clean, safe ingredients you and your skin love.

The Disney Alice in Wonderland Eyeshadow Palette retails for $59, the Cheek Duo and Lip Duo each retail for $35, and the Brush Set retails for $120. Find them all at www.SigmaBeauty.com

SkinCeuticals, the #1 Medical Skincare Brand¹, announces the launch of Phyto Corrective Essence Mist, making their first debut in the essence category. The new, hydrating botanical essence mist is the latest addition to the SkinCeuticals Phyto portfolio of products, which is currently comprised of recently launched Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, Phyto Corrective Gel, and Phyto Corrective Masque.

Phyto Corrective Essence Mist features the beloved phyto botanical blend in a hydrating, easy-to-layer mist. Ideal for daily use with or without makeup, it serves as the perfect light, hydrating finish to a skincare routine. The soothing formula is also highly effective in reducing the look of redness immediately and following professional treatments and procedures, in line with the brand’s longstanding integrated skincare approach of creating products that pair well with in-office procedures.

Formulated as a touchless mist, this essence hydrates and soothes skin, reduces visible redness all while strengthening skin’s barrier. It boasts SkinCeuticals signature phyto botanical blend, which works to soothe and calm skin. A 6.2% blend of hyaluronic acid and glycerin aid in hydration and retention of water in the skin.

A thorough dossier of clinical testing was completed to demonstrate the efficacy of Phyto Corrective Essence Mist, revealing that it:

• Strengthens skin’s barrier²
• Immediately reduces visible redness by 31%³
• Immediately increases hydration by 69%⁴
• Increases hydration by 35% after 8 hours⁴
• Clinically tested to be safe and effective post non-ablative fractional laser ⁵

“The launch of Phyto Corrective Essence Mist joins our lineup of efficacious corrective and brightening solutions and is an entirely new format for us,” explains Amy Sloan, Head of SkinCeuticals U.S. “The launch was highly requested by our skincare professional partners. We delivered on gold standard science and innovation in an easy-to-use mist that can be used at-home or in combination with clinical procedures in-office.”

“This new product is revolutionary for strengthening skin’s barrier, increasing hydration, and limiting redness, which is particularly key post-procedure,” remarks SkinCeuticals Partner Physician, Dr. Rachel Reyes-Bergan. “I use with my patients following laser treatments and they notice an immediate difference in visibly reduced redness. It fits seamlessly into my practice.”

Use the paraben-, alcohol-, gluten-, and silicone-free mist in the morning following an antioxidant serum or in the evening prior to a corrective serum. Reapplication throughout the day either with or without makeup will provide instant and lasting hydration. Mist on skin post-laser and following aesthetic treatments for visible redness reduction and soothing benefits. Visit skinceuticals.com/find-skincare-professional to locate a practice near you.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Essence Mist is available for $67 at partner skincare professionals nationwide near you (find yours skinceuticals.com/locate) as well as SkinCeuticals.com.

SkinCeuticals®, the #1 medical skincare brand in the U.S. and leader in antioxidant technology, founded in Dallas, TX in 1997, discovers, develops, and delivers an advanced line of scientifically backed cosmeceutical treatments. SkinCeuticals® products have been shown to dramatically improve skin health by protecting skin from environmental damage and visibly improving skin clarity, tone, and texture to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. SkinCeuticals® is available in over 6,000 physician offices nationwide, with over 100 of those dermatologists and plastic surgeons exclusively selling SkinCeuticals® through their flagship program and SkinCeuticals SkinLab™ destinations which specifically emphasize the SkinCeuticals integrated skincare approach — combining clinical skincare with in-office treatments. For more information, visit the brand on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or at www.SkinCeuticals.com.

Sunny Skin is an Australian skincare line designed for skin health by a real facialist for optimal cellular function through high quality topical skin nutrition. The line is now available in the US! https://sunnyskin.com/

The Sunny Skin Super Sun SPF 50 Mini is a great take-along sunscreen to stash in your purse as a reminder to apply sunscreen all year round!

https://sunnyskin.com/products/super-sun-spf50-mini

The Sunny Skin line of products is free of chemical UV filters, fragrance, silicones, irritating ingredients & parabens. The products contain Zinc oxide (not only provides broad spectrum UV protection but is also known for healing properties), Tomato Fruit Extract (contributes antioxidant protection and also contains a naturally glowing carotenoid diffusing redness & enhancing a healthy glow), Jojoba Seed Oil (powerful antioxidants and vitamins), Squalane (oil soluble antioxidant with natural moisturizing properties), Castor Oil (known for hydrating, soothing, detoxifying properties), Candelila Wax (vegan, plant-based wax that functions as a barrier to avoid moisture loss), Vitamin E (powerful antioxidant that supports the skin).

Available at: https://sunnyskin.com/

The female founded and led company introduces the biggest brand launch to date, personalizing microcurrent with new ergonomically designed, app-connected devices that deliver an aesthetician to your fingertips for customized lifting treatments.

VISTA, Calif., Aug. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — NuFACE^®, global pioneers in clinically-proven, award-winning, and best-selling microcurrent skincare since 2005, today announces the launch of their FDA-cleared devices, Mini+ and Trinity+. Additionally, the brand releases their innovative Bluetooth-enabled NuFACE^® App to easily connect the devices and unlock exclusive advanced treatments targeting different layers of the skin, from skin’s surface all the way down to the muscle, where topical skincare can’t go to deliver both immediate and long-term results at home.

Boasting technology aligned with the bio-hacking movement, the new NuFACE^® Mini+ and Trinity+ devices were developed over the last four years to expand the current range and mark the brand’s biggest tech advancement in 11 years. With the combination of patented NuFACE^® Ionized Skincare Activators and Boosters, this next phase of innovation will continue to emphasize its holistic approach to microcurrent skincare with a tech-forward approach to client customization.

“Taking our top two best sellers to the next level is a major milestone. I cannot wait to share new Mini+ and Trinity+ devices along with our innovative app, offering customizable treatments targeted to the specific and changing needs of our clients,” said Tera Peterson, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of NuFACE^®. “The clinically proven results truly speak for themselves, and I’m honored to spread the power of microcurrent with the world.”

Meet the NuFACE^® App: a free, on-demand, virtual aesthetician at your fingertips, to guide personalized, smart microcurrent skincare regimens by centralizing clients’ microcurrent journeys in one place. The app walks clients through their NuFACE^® routine step-by-step from start to finish, and aids in customizing their routine for maximized results. Paired via Bluetooth with your Mini+ or Trinity+ devices, the app will unlock 3-Depth Microcurrent Technology. These app-exclusive outputs allow clients to recreate a professional treatment at home, tailoring the microcurrent to reach different layers of skin and muscle. The ‘Skin-Tightening Mode’ helps blur fine lines and wrinkles. The ‘Instant-Lift Mode’ helps to instantly tone, lift, and contour. The ‘Pro-Toning Mode’ allows deep toning down to the muscle for longer-term results. Further, the App allows clients to track progress immediately and overtime with before and after photos Selfie Tracker, with daily reminders to stay on track as well as access to professional step-by-step tutorials tailored to your skin goals.

Exclusively with the Trinity+ device, reach new microcurrent heights with the first-ever ‘Boost’ button. Just as an aesthetician does during a professional microcurrent facial, the new boost feature allows clients to power on 25% more microcurrent where you want it most, like hard to treat 11’s or smile lines, so every treatment becomes tailored to what your skin needs in the area you want.

Inspired by Southern California sunsets, the new Mini+ is available in three new colors: Sandy Rose, Violet Dusk, and Midnight Black – allowing clients to choose based on their personal style. With the same FDA-cleared microcurrent power NuFACE^® lovers already trust, the Mini+ takes your lift to new heights. The petite, powerful device for on-the-go lifting or as your favorite carry-on companion. Plus, with a water-resistant feature, slips by the sink are no longer a worry.

NuFACE^®‘s iconic Trinity device will be more sleek and powerful than ever. The Trinity+ provides the ultimate, elevated skin care experience designed with patent-pending nickel free spheres, ergonomic hand-feel and shape, water-resistant, magnetic attachments, and inductive charging. Switch from full face microcurrent, eye and lip attachment or LED red light therapy with an intuitive, magnetic snap.

“The success of NuFACE^® has spanned over 17 years and this year will be the culmination of new technology, a new brand campaign, new headquarters, and new partnerships. NuFACE^® is the leading device company in the United States with over 24% retail sales growth year-to-date,” said Jessica Hanson, Chief Executive Officer of NuFACE^®. “I am truly honored to lead our team of ambassadors and skincare experts, alongside our founders, to achieve a new level in the journey of the NuFACE^® brand.”

The US launch of Mini+ in Sandy Rose ($245 MSRP) drops 8/1 for a limited 24-hour early release on NuFACE.com with all three new colorways launching 8/10 on NuFACE.com. It will roll out globally to partners such as Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Amazon, QVC and authorized Spas throughout the fall.

Trinity+ ($395 MSRP) will be available in September with Trinity+ (attachments including Effective Lip & Eye and The Wrinkle Reducer red light therapy) available in early Fall. Trinity+ will launch globally in early 2023.

Founded in 2005 by aesthetician Carol Cole and her daughters, Tera Peterson (also an aesthetician) and Kim Morales, NuFACE^® is the global leader in at-home microcurrent beauty devices. Using its flagship microcurrent technology, the award-winning products are clinically shown to help tone, firm and reduce the look of wrinkles, providing both visibly instant results and cumulative benefits. NuFACE^® is an omni-channel business with its products distributed across the professional, prestige and specialty retail, direct-to-consumer, eCommerce, home shopping and international channels—including to premium retailers such Sephora, Nordstrom, Ulta, Neiman Marcus, SpaceNK, Revolve, and many more; to top spas and medical offices; and to the large and rapidly growing beauty markets of China and Korea. With category defining products, an authentic professional heritage, highly visible and clinically shown results, and endorsements from skin care professionals, NuFACE^® has gained a strong following among celebrity clientele, influencers, and a growing base of loyal, passionate clients.

A regular ponytail just isn’t going to cut it for some…but a sleek braided longer than long tail?  YES!  “This look is not only accessible, it a great protective style for those with fragile textures.  And it can be elevated by sleeking it out, sub sectioning it for longevity and refining the hairline,” explains Jada Jenkins, Sam Villa Ambassador, Mizani Artist and L’amour de Rose Salon Owner @jadajenkinsco.   Jenkins demonstrates how to achieve the look in just 10 minutes here.

Sleek Braided Ponytail with Extensions

• Apply a heat protectant and smooth hair with a Sam Villa Signature Series Sleekr Professional Straightening Iron.

• Create three sections – side, back and side – and leave face framing whisps out.  Sub sectioning helps smooth hair, make the ponytail last longer and prevents it from getting too tight.  Apply edge control around hairline and base.

• Use a tail comb to make a clean part and comb through hair to remove bumps and lumps.  Secure back section into a ponytail.  Switch to a Sam Villa Artist Series Polishing Paddle Brush (nylon and boar bristles) to polish one side and then secure it to the back ponytail with an elastic.  Repeat on other side.

• Finish with spray and freeze by applying low heat from a Sam Villa Artist Series Professional Blow Dryer to area.

• Use Sleekr to add bend to face framing pieces for a softer hairline.

• Add long extensions (with elastics fastened midway on the strands) by looping through the elastic on the back ponytail.  Leave sub section of attached hair out, place on top of head for later.

• Create a traditional three-strand plait, weaving extensions and natural hair together.  If ends of natural hair stick out, tuck them under the extensions.  For a longer length, add more extensions while braiding by hooking and splitting a section on pointer finger and adding to braid.  Finish braiding until desired length. Borrow hair from longer lengths to make the ends even.

• Take two pieces of hair from either side of the end of the braid and tie them in a knot wrap around and tie another knot to lock in the braid.  Add hot water to seal further.

• Take top section that was set aside and spray generously with hairspray.  Smooth with a paddle brush and wrap around the base of ponytail (around elastic), spraying hair spray every couple of wraps for extra hold.  Tuck ends in with a tail comb, spray again and freeze by applying low heat from a blow dryer to the area.  No pins needed!

• Embellish with accessories affixed on pins.

I Am Coco: The Life of Coco Chanel by Isabel Pin

This portrait of a fiercely independent creative thinker is filled with whimsical pictures and informative texts to depict the entire arc of Coco’s life and career, from schoolgirl rebel to haute couture icon.

Young Gabrielle came from a poor family, was orphaned at age 12, and learned to sew in a convent school. She worked as a seamstress and sang in cabarets, where she was given the nickname Coco. This story—and the remarkable career that followed—is exuberantly told in Isabel Pin’s simple yet detailed illustrations. Young readers will learn about Coco’s beginnings as a hat designer, and how her earliest creations presaged the concept of sportswear. They’ll learn about her iconic designs—the little black dress, the impeccable suit, the squared-off perfume bottle, and the acclaimed logo. And they will learn how a freethinking young artist who freed women from the corsets and extravagant ornamentations of the early 20th century grew into a ferociously ambitious designer who staged her own comeback at the age of 70. Whether they are interested in the history of fashion, or looking for encouragement to pursue their own dreams, young readers will find this entertaining biography both fascinating and inspiring.

Hair: From Moptops to Mohicans, Afros to Cornrows by Katja Spitzer

This delightfully informative and reaffirming celebration of hair through the ages not only explores the most outrageous hairstyles from across history, but also shows how hair is an important and powerful means of cultural expression no matter what your sex, age, or race.

During the Rococo period, wealthy women tucked shells, necklaces, fruit, and flowers into their hair, which was styled into towers that reached as high as three feet over their heads. In 1970s London, young, disfranchised “punks” made themselves feel powerful by drawing on the 2,000-year-old Native American practice of shaving their heads except for a narrow strip from forehead to neck. These are just a couple of many fascinating moments of hair history whimsically illustrated in this book. Katja Spitzer’s colorful illustrations are presented in double-page spreads that offer an engaging description of a hair trend or style and its cultural and historic significance. Readers will learn why hair braiders in West Africa can spend an entire day working on one client; and how Black Americans signaled their opposition to racist laws and practices by not styling their naturally frizzy hair. Filled with important history and giggle-inducing facts, this wide-ranging book crosses cultures and oceans to offer an important lesson about self-expression that will encourage readers of all ages to let down their hair, and to let others do the same.