Here we go…Our Five Favorite Things Today! In this month’s issue, we are sharing five of our own experts’ Favorite Things! It’s not unusual for the Joseph Michael’s team to talk about and share our “must-haves” behind the scenes; and I am more than happy to pass on our professional tips and tricks that keep our clients coming back for the good stuff!
Needless to say, our most favorite thing is the relationship we enjoy with our clients. Thanks to technology and industry R&D, many of us have our go-to favorite products and services, as well. Gearing up for our busy season, I asked some of my colleagues to tell me what rings their bells the most these days—whether it’s something new and revolutionary, or one of their reliable and classic standby products or services. Get ready to take notes! First, how we choose our “favorites”… What makes every salon and spa professional gush? In our business, it’s usually a combination of 3 things: 1. Increased quality of products that deliver as promised. 2. Continuing education and support for our evolving arts and science. 3. Tools and techniques that help us achieve your personal and customized goals each and every time you visit with us! Note: Just because something is new doesn’t mean we automatically love it or use it! The Joseph Michael’s team exercises care and caution before taking on new products and techniques in our determination to remain professionally responsible, in addition to staying abreast.
#1…Char’s Favorite
My favorite thing just happens to be a service that combines an old technique with a new product. Admiring the curls worn by the fairy princesses I saw in picture books growing up, I was disappointed with the frizzy and dried-out perms we were giving our clients in the 80’s. Today, I am thrilled to shout from the rooftops that the healthier American Wave by Arrojo produces a softer, “beachy” perm with a revolutionary solution that doesn’t even damage hair that’s tinted! Curls are back and bigger than ever, and the semi-permanent nature of them makes this my all-time favorite service to provide.
#2… Aquiles’ Favorite
Master Stylist, Aquiles Molina, has been doing hair for eons but hasn’t missed a beat in all his years of experience, evident by how amazing his clients look after spending time with this Chilean expert! The question is, can he still be “wowed” after all these years?…
“Thick hair is one of my specialties. From heavy to frizzy, I find joy knowing that when I am done my clients will be shaking their shiny new manes and smiling. My tools are high heat, hair oils and blow-out serums. Until now, medium to fine frizzy hair have presented a unique problem; how to create smooth, shiny hair without weighing it down. It’s here…Kérastase, by L’Oreal, to the rescue. Their new line is called Discipline and Spray Fluidissime is my new ‘wow’ product. It’s fantastic for smoothing and disciplining unmanageable hair, from thick and coarse to that fine and frizzy hair, with the promise of 72 hours of frizz-free protection (wow.) Spray Fluidissime has made a believer out of me and it will have you shaking your shiny, frizz-free tresses and smiling.”
#3…Jelena’s Favorite
Jelena knows a thing or two about your nails. She may want to tell you that she loves everything about her art, so we cornered her and made her choose just one….it was a lot easier than we thought it was going to be.
“The CND Shellac manicure (some call it the “no-chip” or gel manicure) has been my favorite for a while now. I just love, love and LOVE this miracle manicure. The best thing about it, that everybody is fascinated with, is being able to leave right after your service, without any possibility of smudging. Don’t you adore it?! The second best thing is an incredible shine that stays until you are ready to remove the manicure. We use heat when removing the shellac so it peels right off without scraping or hurting the nail. My favorite part of the Shellac, well, any manicure, is making simple designs that give a unique look to each of my clients. I say, ‘Be unique, be You!”
#4…Stacie’s Favorite
We’ve all heard that beauty is in the eye of beholder. But, let’s be honest, sometimes we need a little help bringing that beauty to a level that everyone can behold. Joseph Michael’s Make-up Artist (and Senior Stylist and Extensionist) Stacie Lynch Yarosz should be on your beauty speed dial.
“The best thing to compliment a great hairstyle is to have flawless, beautiful makeup! Picking the right colors and foundation can be difficult. Over the years I have been playing around with different foundations and techniques and fell in love with the Temptu Airbrush Makeup. Airbrush makeup can be amazing for perfect flawless skin for a wedding, a night out with the girls or just because you want to look and feel fabulous. But, like anything else, not all airbrush is created equal. I often hear people complain about their airbrush looking matte and caked. There are two types of airbrush foundation…water-based and silicone-based. Water-based airbrush foundations can look matte and caked-on, settling into areas (wrinkles) that are less flattering. The silicone-based, which is what I use with Temptu, is a customized, lightweight formula that gives you a fresh, dewy and flawless finish that will last all day! It can minimize skin imperfections while maintaining a beautifully natural look. It photographs the best and will last all day, even in humidity! When I say all day…I mean it. I used Temptu for my own wedding and it lasted from 9:00am to the next morning. Even the next day, I looked almost the same as when it was first done….well, at least my makeup did! I even chose it for an outdoor wedding party in Jamaica with 100% humidity. Everything melted except everyone’s makeup! Once the airbrush is set you can cry, sweat and dance your little heart out all day/night long! Finding Temptu Airbrush Makeup really took my makeup to the next level and I won’t work (or attend) an event without it!”
#5…Nicole’s Favorite
Finally, while a trip to the spa can be either preventative or pampering, esthetician Nicole combines both with her miracle touch and specialized technical ability. Her favorite thing? An everyday game-changer only someone with fine motor skills can provide…
“Imagine never having to use mascara again! Eyelash tinting will benefit people that are sensitive to make-up, people that are active in sports and people that just don’t have time to apply make-up daily. Using a vegetable dye, I can tint your lashes to make them darker and enhance the general appearance of your eyes. Eyebrow tinting also uses vegetable dye and will benefit people with very fair and almost non-existent brows. Both of these tints usually last between 6-8 weeks, depending on sun-exposure and cleansers. Safe with contact lenses, these are services everyone will love. Add a tinted moisturizer (with SPF, of course) and you are all set!” SO…when the dog barks, or the bee stings, or you’re feeling sad, you can simply remember our favorite things and then you won’t feel…so bad! Char Panico Muffitt, author and educator, is Joseph Michael’s Hair color & Texture Specialist. In addition to happily serving clientele, she is presenting her PERSONALITY POWER image seminar to groups all over Chicago. You can view her detailed bio, along with all of our amazing talent, here. 
Logo by Dan Paterno of Paterno Group
