Ever wondered how those gorgeous models get that fabulous sun kissed beach blonde hair?  Balayage is a hair colouring technique thought to be originally from Paris in the 1970’s.  The word ‘Balayage’ is French for ‘sweep’, a reference to the way this technique is performed.  It is designed to create very natural-looking highlights which grow out without developing a noticeable and obvious root, like a normal colour or full head of mesh.

Apparently many stars and models use Balayage, and the good news is a lot of urban salons, such as Peter Mark, now offer this service.  We were told when hair is coloured with the Balayage process, the highlights are painted on with a special fan brush by hand in a sweeping motion which moves from the base to the tip of the hair, but never up to the root.  The result is said to give a sun kissed, natural look.  You can choose more or less highlights, depending on the result you are after. It is not only suitable for blondes, but can also be used on brunettes or red heads – let us know if you have tried this out, is it too good to be true?

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Theme: Over sized bow headbands

Oversized and attention grabbing, bows in 2010 come in many styles and forms.  They can be cutesy or pretty, without a doubt – but there’s also room for attitude and quirkiness too.  Marc by Marc Jacobs, Luella, and Temperley all sported bows on their Spring 2010 runways.

Bows…. let’s just say they’re the more time-tested and socially acceptable cousin of bunny ears, a trend that took the fashion world by storm in 2009.  So, currently in 2010 fashion trends, are bows the accessory that will outlive the bunny?!

To work this trend look for bows or scarves that tie around the head also think fabrics like silks, leathers, knits or even bold prints if you dare.  Check out below for some inspiration.

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Well.. well.. well.. have we spotted a great pick for today.  Fancy having your hair blow dried ala Cheryl Cole (sorry, Tweedy) followed by a make-up artist working her magic?  It’s one of those things we all want to do for a night out and either time or budget don’t permit.  Well, we can take care of the budget on this one, the time factor you will have to look after yourself.

We just came across boardsdeals.ie and gave a serious squeal of delight to find Dylan Bradshaw offering a blow dry and make-up for only €45!  Three things -

1. Hello – don’t you love the idea of having your hair done at Dylan Bradshaw

2. Who doesn’t dream of having their make-up done by a pro for a big night out

3. You can have both for only €45 – God, recessions can be great things!

Check it out here for yourselves, I’m already in the pot so see you there

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John Frieda have been updating us weekly with hair trend reports for Spring/Summer 2010, which they noted from the runways at London Fashion Week.  This week think of Gossip Girl Blake Lively who is this seasons IT girl for desired looks sporting tousled locks, move over Jen!  Here’s what the experts had to say on recreating this look yourself…

Unstructured curls – are big news – loose and natural, random textures – an ‘undone’ look.  This curly look is soft and moves away from the very overdone Hollywood curled look – Spring/Summer is relaxed and about lazy days and warm weather, not the glamorous siren look of the Christmas party season.

Wash your hair using volumizing products.  Next prepare washed hair with a curling spray/product for the desired look.  Then, blast dry the hair to get rid of the heavy wet, followed by tossing the head upside down to achieve the loose curled look.  Follow this by diffusing the hair in sections using the diffuser application on your hair dryer.  If necessary use a tongs to create further loose curls, adding a thickening hairspray so that the hair holds its shape.

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John Frieda had front row seats at all the major catwalks this season and have been bringing us a ‘how to’ on the latest trends from the world of hair.  Today’s lesson is on bobs!

Bobs are in again for Spring/Summer 2010, looser and longer with a fluid bottom and not so bluntly cut – think more of a ‘grown out’ bob then Danni Minogue’s sharp cut of Autumn/Winter 2009.

How to:

To create the look, prepare your hair by washing choosing the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair type.  It’s also a good idea to choose from a range suitable to different hair colours to get the most from your locks.  Next, apply a small amount of frizz ease or smoothing gel onto soaking wet hair, then using a natural bristle round brush blow–dry hair into a smooth straight finish, leaving some natural bounce and texture in the hair.  Give a small spritz of hair spray with a flexible hold for help with holding the style in place.

All hair styles are moving away from anything with too much work, the look is glowy and natural and hair extensions are a definite no!  Gemma Arterton, Bond girl below, showed us how to work this trend at a recent movie premiere.

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BT2 are great at introducing us to new concepts but this one has to be one of the best yet!  There’s nothing worse than spending what seems like the entire day at a salon when all you want is a quick blow dry before heading out – enter dry styling!  What a great idea, ‘hair styling for the girl on the go’.

Pink Hairdressing launched the concept today at BT2 Dundrum and Blanchardstown by opening Ireland’s first dry style bar.  Apparently they have a full range of services listed on their bar menu including four on trend styles; modern sleek, bouncy waves, glamour braids or classic curls.  Styling is expected to take no more than 20mins and prices range from €15 – €30 depending on hair length – yipee!  Let us know if you have tried it.  We will be testing this concept out and reporting back, all in the name of work of course!

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Seeing as we are in the midst of a recession we thought why not cheer you up each week with a spot of bargain hunting!  You can just sit back and relax, let us do the hunting and hopefully we’ll uncover some gems along the way.  If you know of any special offers that may be of interest let us know or post them in the comments box below.

We are going to be on the look out for anything from fashion, beauty, hair care, cosmetics, spas/salons, weekend breaks, dining… blah blah blah – you get the message.  So watch out for our weekly Bargain Bin post for up to date special offers.  As Mother’s Day is just over a week away it features a lot so that should take the hard work out of planning what to do for yours!

This week we  have a variety of lovelies to kick start us.

Cosmetics

Boots key offers until 23rd March:

Sanctuary – free Sanctuary Me time spa treats worth €15 when you spend €15 or more on Sanctuary Spa.

No7 gift with purchase worth €45 when you spend €30 or more on No7 – includes extreme length mascara, Mini P&P I, Mini Time Resisting Day cream, mini P&P eye cream for men, mini age defence cleansing balm, high shine lip gloss and mini eye shadow.

Saving of €15 on skincare (Roc,L’Oreal,Olay..), up to half price on Fragrance (Cerruti Femme,Davidoff Cool Water, Ghost..).

Save 1/3 on selected Extracts range and Soap & Glory range.

Visit Lancôme at Brown Thomas from Monday 15th February to Sunday 7th March to receive a complimentary gift. The ‘weekend away’ gift is worth €95 when you purchase 2 or more products one to be skincare.  Great if you are buying for Mother’s Day.

One hundred benefit lipsticks to be won every day on www.flake.ie.

Nosh

The 5 star Heritage Hotel in Killenard, Co. Laois are offering Afternoon Tea Buffet in their Ballroom which will take place on Sunday 14th March with first sitting at 2pm & second sitting at 3.45pm, serving sumptous delights & relaxing melodies from our resident pianist. Rates from €15.00 per person.

Pampering

At The Buff Day Spa, March Midweek Madness Spa Package! For only €75 you get: 30 Minute Stressbusting Back Massage, Dermalogica Buff Express Facial, Dermalogica Skin Rescue Kit (Worth €30), €20 Spa Voucher to use for your next visit to the Spa

Fashion

ASOS.com has reduced their delivery rates to Ireland. As of March 2nd, Standard Delivery to Ireland is only €2.99.

In Whitewater Shopping Centre Newbridge, The Debenhams new season spectacular is on from 3rd-6th March, with up to 25% off throughout the store and 10% off beauty and fragrance.

Newbridge Silverware in Newbridge Co. Kildare have been having a massive sale for the past week, with €70 off certain necklaces and massive discounts off other items.

www.meghanfabulous.com 30% off sale on sale items this week. Also, international shipping is free for orders over $150.

30% off these gorgeous little clutch bags, perfect for Spring/Summer! Also offering Buy one Get one Free on all gift sets which are perfect for Mothers Day! www.riomoda.com

Styletonic.ie offering free next day delivery for any orders over €100.

20% off at Coast for 2 days only.

Hair Care

For a limited time the Peter Mark Style Club Salon on South William Street, Dublin, are offering 20% off all salon services – www.styleclub.ie. 20% off all cut & colours nationwide all week.

www.hqhair.com are having an end of season sale with up to 50% off selected products such as Hairdo by Jessica Simpson & Ken Paves. 23 Inch Wavy Clip-In Extensions, were £69 now £34.50.

Getaways

Brook Lodge & Wells Spa.  €50 per person B&B or €80 per person B&B plus dinner.  Book a treatment at the spa and get one FREE!

Entertainment

Newbridge Greyhound Stauium are offering a 4 course meal, admission and racecard for €27.50 per person on Friday night, 5th March only. The same package cost €45 per person last year so this is a great reduction.

Celebrate with House of Fraser in Dundrum on Thursday 4th March and join their Alice in Wonderland themed birthday celebrations and enjoy many in store specials and events including meeting Graham Knuttel and Ken Boylan and champagne receptions…

Events

GLOW magazine has teamed up with EBS Building Society to bring the ladies of Ireland the ‘GLOW Feel Good Days’ roadshow.  There will be 800 goodie bags up for grabs at each event filled with beauty and skincare products.  There will also be 150 VIP goodie bags at each event for those who pre-register online for a Financial Health Check with the EBS.  FREE hair and beauty makeovers at each event.  For nationwide venue information see www.feelgooddays.ie.

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