insights from adam
october 7, 2018
think pink, and blue and pumpkin
think pink, and blue and pumpkin … nothing says fall like pumpkin spice whether you order it (I don’t) or just talk about it.
another thing that heralds fall is NYC fashion week and this year It was fun to follow, including the catfights as well as the catwalks. some of the trends including haute denim and embellished looks. a great place to see various runway looks is catwalk italia
https://www.facebook.com/thecatwalkitalia/
denim is sure to resonate with most of us as we start dressing for the new season. most of us love the moody blue tones, from the faded to the indigo. it’s a universal mood lifting color and is flattering to all hair colors … blonde, brunette, auburn, and every shade in between. conversely, blue is also associated with seasonal or fluctuating mood swings. when you or someone you know or love is ‘feeling blue’, sometimes it is as simple as a need for personal pampering and downtime. a massage and facial or manicure and pedicure can be mood altering, especially during a change of seasons.
for team ab, pink always ushers in fall with october’s breast cancer awareness and our support of ann’s place. this year a facet we’d like to bring awareness to is the fact that men of all ages, just like women, get breast cancer too. while the male risk is much lower, it is 1 in every 833. breast cancer is supported by all things pink, but it is a blue issue too. (#pinkandbluetoo)
https://www.annsplace.org/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/breast-cancer-in-men/about/key-statistics.html
on a bright note, pink is a universally flattering color with perfect colors for all skin tones … a new pink hue in your lipstick or blush is an easy idea … but using a pop of pink can highlight your eyes or add shimmer to all over skin tone. the ab make up team is inspired with fall color. we are working with lori neapolitan, a nationally known make up developer, artist and trainer, who advises her clients to add a new shade to your go-to make up each season. this season‘s fun choices include shades of pumpkin, blue and pink.
fall is a fun season, so let’s express it with color and all the traditions that make it so special ... maybe i’ll see you at the pumpkin patch!
blue eyes … use blue eyeliner on the top of the lash line, softly smudging the outside corner. ab ultimate eyeliner in shiver ... 19
pink pops as a brow bone pop of color, blending it down onto the eye lid. ab pink champagne dual highlighter ... 28
pumpkin lovers … terracotta eye shadow may just be the right amount of festive, pair it with a copper lip for a fun fall edge. rms sunset beach swift eye shadow ... 22 ab satin lipstick bourbon street ... 22.50
at the ab nail bar
classic manicure ... 23
classic pedicure ... 55
a little balayage ... from 107
c+c natura bissé facial ... 200
hot stone massage ... 125
august 14, 2018
cut loose!
as much as we are all enjoying the remaining weeks of summer and cutting loose to enjoy the season to the max … most of us are already thinking ahead to fall looks.
a fresh hair cut is the number one seasonal beauty must for most women and right now there is plenty of inspiration with the shorter trend in styles …
https://www.wmagazine.com/story/bob-haircuts-2018-celebrities
many clients want to know whether they should consider a bob or a lob. ab creative director mary brunetti explains "both classic and trendy bobs clear the collarbone and typically have more face flattering layers. a lob is below the collar bone length with longer layering around the face".
or maybe you are ready to really cut loose, with a modern shag, which is simply a bob or a lob length with shag layering … which gives hair extra movement.
and what pairs well with the new haircut? re -thinking or brightening highlight placement or tone … perhaps considering balayage highlights to flatter a new haircut or fresh look. most of the new haircuts you see in looks in the link above are enhanced with subtle to not so subtle color dimension. dimensional color makes the movement of your haircut look all the more appealing and just right highlight placement works with the haircut to flatter your facial shape.
for fall, and year-round skin care, we are working closely with environ founder dr. des fernandes, a pioneer in the use of high potency vitamins and peptides to help counteract the harmful effects of the environment and its toll on aging skin. our new ionzyme df medi-skin treatment, launching in september, uses pulsed soundwaves to transport active vitamin molecules deep within the skin for immediate results with pore size, fine lines and overall brightening and firming of skin. this technology is quickly becoming a favorite among media elite, including grey’s anatomy’s ellen pompeo among others and is also featured at the canyon ranch spa.
this summer we celebrated with the entire ab team holding our first ever co-worker appreciation week … lots of food, fun and everyone taking the time to let teammates know how much they appreciate each other.
for me, it was all about gratitude for our wonderful community… our family, friends as well as the business i have put heart and soul into for all these years ... and to our growing body of loyal clients, a warm thank you. we are looking forward to your next visit and to the rest of summer.
cut loose and enjoy!
haircuts
haircut consultation with creative director, mary brunetti ... complimentary
women ... from 56
men ... from 46
student ... from 44
children ... from 44
hair color
ab balayage dimension for all hair types balayage consultation, complimentary
a little … from $100
more … from $150
a lot … from $200
skincare ionzyme df medi-skin treatment ... $245, and yes reservations can be made in advance of the september launch.
march 30, 2018
spring!
never more welcome than this year, especially after last week’s for’easter … our fourth round of stormy winter weather.
we can wave goodbye to all of the schedule changes, supply runs for the hunkering down, and the overall impact weather events have on us. while I am not as weather obsessed as some, the link below lists 4 weather mood personality types and it is more fun to check this than the latest forecast. i wish i was an “unfazed whatever”, but truth be told, like many of you, i am a “fair weather fan”.
https://www.elitedaily.com/p/how-the-weather-affects-your-mood-your-personality-according-to-a-new-study-6745419
spring is one of the most dynamic times of the year for us to crave new color, new haircuts, the latest beauty products and fresh looks … here’s our take on that, and some insider news …
hot off the press: mary brunetti, creative director to the adam broderick team for the last two years is now going to be bringing her expertise directly to clients in ct.
mary is known for fresh, current updates on classic styles with an eye to a slightly more edgy (or sexy!) look.
mary ‘s celebrity clients include the iconic debra messing, mariska hargitay, eva longoria, and carrie underwood. until now reservations for haircuts and styling with mary have been available at sally Hershberger salon in nyc. to find out more and reserve a haircut with mary, or a complimentary consultation, call our reservations specialists.
mary sums up spring haircare’s best tip … “think evolution not revolution … get a fresh haircut that updates your favorite look. freshly cut hair is easier to style and adds polish to your spring look and outlook.”
http://www.brunettihairandbeauty.com/about-mary/
time to lighten up … we are tester -friendly
our boutique has testers of everything, so come in and try everything! look for lighter textures in your serums and creams, and spf in both body and face products such as eminence neroli age corrective or signature stone crop hydrating mists 125 ml … 39.50
refine your warm day-wavier curlier easy styling looks now … this usually means new styling products and some expert tips from a stylist, so you can achieve the effortless look … despite the humidity.
oribe gold lust nourishing hair oil 3.4 fl. oz. … 56.50
think lighter texture in make-up and maybe even dare to go bare … ab tinted primer is our number one selling make up product, with many clients finding they can use it in place of a foundation for every day wear. and guess what? it’s not just for women. men love the gender free application that smooths imperfections and just makes their skin look better.
why wait till it’s bathing suit time? get glowing now … our ab private sunless tanning experience moisturizes your winter skin as well as lets you customize a healthy tan to the level desired.
spring is all about color and your easiest splash of trend is a new nail polish color … while many clients save the fashion colors for their pedicure, sandal season is around the corner … and we have over 200 fresh colors to choose from. our spring pick colors are:
opi gel color “shorts story”
opi gel color “you’re such a Budapest”
opi gel color “purple palazzo pants”
nothing feels better right now than shedding winter and welcoming spring … let’s enjoy it to the max!
spring beauty Rx
ab tinted primer, 42
ab private sunless tanning single session, 35
ab keratin lite blow dry, from 125
ab 3 pack of massage, 225
ab 5 minute face make up trial, complimentary
ab classic pedicure with the latest fashion colors, 55
ab double heel peel for extra callus smoothing, 10
balayage highlights, from 100
mary brunetti haircut at adam broderick, 225
february 5, 2018
flowers, chocolate and random acts of beauty
it’s that time of the year again … winter’s half done and nothing smells better than a vase of fresh flowers. with valentine’s day approaching, thoughts turn also to chocolate.
you won’t find my favorite women waiting around to see if someone will give them chocolate for valentines day … like you, they buy it for themselves when the mood hits along with the flowers. bless the woman who gets her own … channeling billie holiday’s grammy winning god bless the child.
random acts of beauty kindness to oneself are especially welcome as we try to stay warm in the second half of winter when our thoughts are all about spring. you do not have to be a gardener to break into a smile when you notice the crocus peeking up shades of green that our eyes are starved for.
random acts of beauty self-kindness can be as simple as trying on a new lipstick or taking the plunge and getting that short hair cut you really want WITH the balayage highlights in just the right places. another self-splurge might be a keratin smoothing treatment or a 3 pack of facials or massages.
taking the time to treat someone you know and love to these random acts of beauty kindness feels good too. for valentine’s day, or any day, just because. our ab gift card promotion sweetens the pot just a little bit too!
there is actually a web site devoted to random acts of kindness:
randomactsofkindness.org
my favorite random acts of kindness from the list of 50 you can see by checking out their website …
compliment the first three people you talk to today.
let someone go in front of you in line who only has a few items.
acknowledge someone in customer service who is especially kind. take an extra five minutes to tell their manager.
practice self-kindness and spend 30 minutes doing something you love today.
write your partner a list of things you love about them.
this year february 17th is random acts of kindness day … perfect timing to uplift spirits whether your random act is beauty kindness or one of the other great suggestions you’ll see on the website.
adam’s random acts of beauty list
keratin smoothing treatments, 125 to 350
haircut from, 46 to 95
balyage highlights, 100 to 250
Ab lipstick in 4 textures and 40 shades, 22.50 or two for 40
3 pack massage or facials … you deserve it
ab valentine’s day gift card … for every $175 gift card you purchase, get an additional $25 gift card
october 24, 2017
falling for fun
things are finally feeling like fall! somewhere between the mixed weather messages and the calendar, it’s time to say YES! the new season is here, and falling into some fashion and fun is just what we all seem to be in the mood for.
let’s face it, we all have our ‘should do and must do’lists, and it ‘s easy to find the news that adds stress to your day, but sometimes the antidote we all need is to relax and have fun.
to me, fall is the season with the most fashion influence and one of the times of the year when clients want to tweak their hair color, cut the ends of summer off their hair and think about what they need wardrobe wise. It’s the season of the thick magazines, and while they are mostly advertisements, you really do get a gestalt of the upcoming trends and season at hand by thumbing thru say, the newest editions of vogue. its full of inspiration, in fact, the September edition is a hefty 4.6 pounds of inspiration!
for most of us color is foremost in mind, the sun-bleached summer tresses suddenly are in want of deep conditioning and perhaps some more sophisticated highlights or lowlights. if you missed our recent blog on balayage hair coloring, click the link below to find out more.
http://www.adambroderick.com/aboutus/insights
thinking of what new fall items you covet is often about color too, and for many this takes the form of accessories. with so much red shown everywhere, you may have already decided on the shade of red you want to flaunt… picking up a sweater, handbag, shoes or whatever says fun to you. don’t forget lipstick as an easy alternative to incorporate your new favorite shade of red into your everyday wardrobe. we’ve recently relaunched a range of ab lipsticks with 4 textures to select from … satin, cream, luxury matte and ultra matte, and 24 shades of color where you are sure to find your match. and there’s a trade in deal to make them a steal!
fall color includes pink, so join us in commemorating breast cancer awareness month … proceeds from ab boutique sales in october support ann’s place! we are proud to be part of what they do.
here’s a look at my fun fall picks, much lighter than 4.6 pounds, and just in time for when you decide to join the fun.
“true beauty comes from within, but great hair and lipstick help” – adam Broderick … bring in your current lipstick and get $5 off any ab lipstick!
a little balayage to take your color from last season to this season, $100
kératase homelab is back and better than ever, 4 take home treatments, $98
olaplex added to your salon color formula seals the deal, protecting your hair and adding results you can feel and see … we guarantee you will notice the difference, $25
new! 5 natura bisse inhibit targeted treatment skin patches, for results right where you want them, $110.50
ab destress massage, 3 pack just $225, that’s $75 per massage, you know you need it
just in time for fun, complimentary pinot grigio and rosso at any salon or spa visit.
and don’t forget, halloween is the perfect opportunity for adults to get their fair share of whatever makes you smile.
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/6-reasons-why-adults-should-celebrate-halloween
august 15, 2017
less is still more
we’ve all heard the adage less is more, and many of us have taken that to heart to refine our personal style, or even edit our possessions like personal coach marie condo advises.
this is something i took to heart when i started my career as a colorist in a fifth avenue salon in manhattan, as clients often asked me for advice about accessories or how to wear the latest fashion trends. some of us remember coco chanel’s timeless advice to look in the mirror before you leave the house, and then remove one item. great advice that stands today, but it doesn’t mean we all have to embrace a minimalistic style in everything … or forego coloring our hair in order to wear a more natural look.
in 1950 only 7% of women colored their hair, by 2015 it was 75% of women and still growing. hair color remains the number one accessory that most women wear every day, with over 88% of women surveyed feeling their hair color has a major influence on their confidence level. right now, there is a trend in hair color to create the most natural looking dimension whether you are blonde, brunette or you favor tones in gray, white or platinum. so while going back to your natural hair color is in vogue, it is often enhanced subtly to maximize the impact. you might say many women have removed the use of all over color and moved to more dimension on their natural base color. this is an example of how less is still more.
and that brings us to balayage hair coloring, which is what I really wanted to explain to you in this edition of my insights. pronounced ba-lie-azhe, it’s the art of hair painting first popularized in paris in the 1970s and is based on the french word for ‘swept away’. color placement looks natural, organic and effortless. at the time when most highlights in the USA were created with frosting techniques, french balayage was all the rage and as revolutionary as a new fashion silhouette by dior.
one of the benefits can be less demarcation on the regrowth, and today’s newest techniques include highlights that are more saturated at the ends, which results in the most natural, sun-lit nuance to your hair. think of it as your own hair color, only better.
balayage is often referred to as ‘bespoke’ hair coloring because is customized and designed just for you. balayage is also perfect for any hair length, including adding dimension to the shortest hair cuts … and yes we do it for men also! when it ‘s time for you to think about evolving your hair color, consultations are always complimentary at adam broderick.
many of our clients know that we have a big commitment to advanced education, working with the best in the industry in our own training studio, as well as a dynamic team of company educators. our hair team has recently participated in advanced training with the industry’s foremost experts on balayage to update techniques and bring you the latest in perfect-for-you hair color, so your most frequently worn accessory, your hair color, is your best accessory and one that you absolutely love to wear everyday.
ab balayage dimension for all hair types
balayage consultation, complimentary
a little … from $100
more … from $150
a lot … from $200
june 20, 2017
ab for men
if there is a man in your life, be they husbands, significant others, sons or brothers, it may not surprise you that men are one of the emerging markets within the beauty business with visits for services and products booming right now.
while the majority of our clients are female and we are a well-known destination for women and men seeking day spa, expert hair coloring and cuts as well as the best selection of beauty products in ct … many clients do not know we also offer expert barbering services.
one reason we are ahead of the pack with the men’s trend is that we have ample staff that are expert barbers. our men’s amenities include consultation, digital look book, hot towels and the detailing with beards and guybrows that provide men with a quality service that exceeds expectations.
knowing just a little bit about what men want, because it is what I want too, it’s just been natural for us to include men in our education, service and quality initiatives.
the trend is both national and global, with our friends across the pond in the united kingdom also experiencing the merger of barbering and salons. men can finally have some of what women take for granted … 7 days a week and extended service hours, availability of other grooming services and some good skin care advice. while much of motivation is the same for men and women … a desire to look good, the feeling that comes with being comfortable with themselves … men’s needs are different.
starting with frequency of hair cuts. like many men, i get my barber cut every two weeks and for many men there is facial hair grooming, necklines and even beard shape to consider. for frequent barber hair cuts, check out our new ab for men menu below, our barber hair cut refresh service is available now at a 50% savings.
the chicago tribune recently mentioned this trend, “hair salons are bastions of style, trends and beauty, and they aren't just for women anymore. yes, men still frequent the neighborhood barber shop, but more and more, men prefer to get their hair cut, styled and groomed where their wives, girlfriends and the women in their lives go. it's true, men are becoming more and more comfortable being a part of fashion and the trends.”
check out what’s happening in men’s styles here ...
https://www.google.com/search?q=barber+cut+hairstyles&client=safari&rls=en&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiTxNKh96vUAhXIVyYKHdlZBI4QsAQINQ&biw=1240&bih=674
men are also starting to see the sensibility in a skin care regime, not just after-shave and (hopefully) sun protection. maybe they have noticed their wife’s skin improvements or even started dipping into her products. whatever the reason, men are more confident now about asking about products, sampling them and using skin care to improve skin tone, discoloration or even help slow down the onset of crow’s feet.
right now we are launching a new men’s menu … ab for men to better communicate what we do offer men in addition to our expert barber cuts.
men no longer need to look for a red and white barber pole. we’ve got what they want at ab for men.
ab for men
hair cut, expert barber or styled hair cut $48 to $78
NEW! barber hair cut refresh within 3 weeks, 50% savings
hair line trim or beard trim, $20
beard design, $30
men’s express gray blending, $50
guybrow scissor grooming complimentary with hair cut
guybrow design, wax or tweeze from $28
men’s hand and foot grooming, from $23
deep tissue sports massage, from $120
complete men’s waxing services
skin care consultation, complimentary
march 21, 2017
safe sun!
just when you thought it was safe … to go out in the sun that is … we are all getting some extra education in just what works, and what doesn’t with sun protection.
let’s start with the old school and now outmoded term, sun block. it turns out that no topical barrier is enough to be called a “block”, so sun protection it is for safe sun.
this year, we have amped up our selection and ability to assist you with sun protection choices. first of all, we’ve come a long way since sun was identified as a culprit in wrinkles, general skin aging and skin cancers. remember the zinc oxide spread thickly on noses of those cute surfers with the reddened skin? zinc oxide is a very effective mineral barrier to protect from the sun, but it wasn’t too effective as something we wanted to wear on our exposed skin, before or after the skin was damaged from hours on a surfboard.
with today’s technology, sun protection products are still either mineral based filters, chemical filters, or hybrids of both technologies. chemical sun protection technology works by filtering the sun with non-mineral ingredients. some people can have skin irritation from the chemical filters, just want to avoid the ingredients like oxybenzone, or keep use of chemicals to a minimum level.
it is good to understand both, read labels and be able to try a tester of the product to choose one that you feel good about that has a texture and coverage that you feel good in too.
broad spectrum is important also, and here’s why … the sun’s rays are a combination of UVA (think long term aging rays) and UVB (think burning rays). UVA is always present, even on overcast days or indirect sun through windows. broad spectrum covers both UVA and UVB rays, which makes it a good choice.
click here for more information: http://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/sun-protection-tips-differences-between-physical-and-chemical-blocker
we have testers! after buying several over the years that i found hard to apply, or left an obvious look, i understood the challenges and wanted to make sure you could sample them in my boutiques.
today’s mineral sun protection products are made with nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide so the application is light years ahead of the thick white stuff of the past.
after you test sun protection products and have found one that you like the feel of, the next question is usually before or after my skin care products and makeup ? if you are using a primarily chemical filter product, then apply your sun protection first. if you are using a primarily mineral filter product, then you can apply it over your routine skin care, and reapply it just as easily.
check out the sun protection list below which shows you the products we sell, and at a glance everything you need to know about them … then come in and let us know which ones you would like to try on!
last but not least, i would be remiss in not sharing what else i have learned. apparently, i was not applying enough, or reapplying often enough to get the protection level noted on the label of the product. if you are applying frequently, then it is not so vital to have a protection level of 50, even 25 works great and cosmetically may be a better consistency and feel for you. clients are raving over the environ suncare spf 25 which also makes your skin look and feel great. come in and try some on soon.
here’s to safe sun!
and don’t forget our ab private sunless tanning option for a healthy glow anytime of the year … because who doesn’t love the healthy glow of a tan?! special offer for first time clients $45 for two sessions (a $70 value).
environ suncare for face and body spf 25 $37 physical
skinceuticals physical matte uv defense spf 30 $36 physical
skinceuticals physical uv defense broad spf 30 spf 30 $36 physical
skinceuticals sheer physical uv defense spf 50 $36 physical
skinceuticals physical fusion uv defense spf 50 $36 physical
skinceuticals sport uv defense spf 50 $41 chemical
clarins sunscreen for face wrinkle control cream spf 50+ $36.50 mineral/chemical combination
clarins sunscreen care oil spray spf 30 $37 mineral/chemical combination
clarins broad spectrum creme solaire spf 30 $37 mineral/chemical combination
kiehl’s spf 30 $55 chemical
kiehl’s powerful wrinkle reducing cream spf 30 $55 physical
kiehl’s ultra facial moisturizer spf 30 2.5 oz. $22 8.4 oz. $51 chemical
kiehl’s facial fuel spf 15 2.5 oz. $26 chemical
natura bissé oil free macro antioxidant sun protection spf 30 $66 chemical
natura bissé essential shock intense eye & lip cream spf 15 $66 chemical
natura bissé diamond white oil free brilliant protection spf 50 $107 chemical
obagi mineral sun shield sunscreen lotion spf 50 3 oz. $52 physical
january 10, 2017
happy new year!
no matter how much i enjoy the holiday season, if you are like me, you are always glad to ring in a new year. in the beauty business, the new year always seems to come with blogs and articles along the lines of self-improvement … topics about losing weight, quitting smoking, improving diet or making yourself over abound.
since only 8% of new year’s resolutions are kept, and most of us no longer make them, maybe it’s time to think about a different approach to “resolutions” and self-improvement.
one of the most out of the box, and effective, approaches to self-improvement, comes from stephen guise, author of mini habits. one of his approaches that really resonates for me is about how to be an imperfectionist, and free yourself of those vexing “shoulds” and unrealistic expectations you may be setting for yourself.
http://minihabits.com/new-how-to-be-an-imperfectionist/
i started thinking about how mini habits and dropping the quest for perfection could work within the scope of wellness and beauty services, products and advice that we offer at adam broderick salon & spa. some of the recent things I have heard from clients about their beauty habits and desires to improve them concern their skin care routines, maybe doing a cleanse, stretching and working on flexibility and exercising more often.
ask yourself, would finally doing a week-long cleanse program be better for me than just eating more fruits and vegetables several days a week for the rest of my life? notice I did not say eating more fruits and vegetables every day … mini habits are about doable, reasonable goals that you can actually achieve.
or maybe by now you know you are never going to be one of the 5 step skin care regime devotees (or the korean 10 step regimes!). so why not just get a facial every few months and do a deeper cleansing and mask once a week at home? surely a weekly facial cleanse and mask as a mini habit is healthier than fretting over what you are not doing every day! (and 3 cleansing facials a year is also a reasonable goal).
if you know you need to work on flexibility, but don’t take the step to stretch or talk to a trainer about what to do, get a massage instead. better yet, get 3 massages and experience the benefits of increased well-being and self acceptance along with an increased range of motion from professional massage.
you get the idea here, and you may enjoy reading more on the actual science of the brain and how some of these strategies really work versus the sweeping huge new year’s resolutions that we have all set in the past, yet failed with 92% of the time.
better yet, admit that you are not going to do a lot of self-improvement reading and just get the audio book version of stephen guises’s “smaller habits, bigger results”
https://www.amazon.com/Mini-Habits-Smaller-Bigger-Results/dp/B00JFHLUPI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1396523756&sr=1-1&keywords=mini+habits+audio
using new strategies, technology and products can help you take the mini steps that will lead to lasting satisfaction that is the true “new you” that we all aspire to.
here are a few of my favorites …
lumo posture coach and activity tracker ... http://www.lumobodytech.com
ab facial 3 pack … pay just $75 per one-hour facial (just $225)
ab massage 3 pack … pay just $75 per one-hour massage, regular price $100 (a total savings of $75)
Luzern labs force de vie nuit retinol night repair cream. 2 oz., $176
ab simpler …skip a step when you shampoo, save time and love your hair! 8.5 fl. oz., $26 ... http://www.adambroderick.com/abssproducts/new-
ab tinted primer … improves skin’s hydration … marine-derived collagen for skin smoothing 1.2 oz., $42
november 01, 2016
we’ve got news!
it’s official … we’ve revealed the new design at our southbury salon! it looks amazing! new features include shadowless lighting and a new design for the boutique. the overall impact is a similar look and feel to ridgefield. It’s lighter, brighter and beautifully appointed. we can’t wait to show it to you.
we are also launching a new concept within the southbury salon called the ab style bar.
it's more than a blow dry bar, and I’d like to share how and why this came to be with you.
beauty and lifestyle continually evolve, and so do salons and services. as industry innovators, and we decided to open a style bar that took the simple blow dry bar concept to the next level, offering more service, more choices and a world class blow dry service.
a better blow dry starts with hair that is not over conditioned, and preferably rinsed with cool water. we use natural bristle brushes in all of our ab blow dry services, and service provider certification in our ab methods is part of our quality assurance.
after making the decision to open the ab style bar, our ongoing collaboration with federici brands seemed like a natural fit. they started their product company with the now iconic john frieda frizzease, and now the hot new brand color wow. we like the fact that color wow is a local, ct based company. the color wow products are a focal point in the ab style bar’s new blow dry service…it’s called the wow blow dry and the service is performed by selected service providers.
the wow blow dry features my own ab styling products, as well as the best innovation of color wow. we include a root cover up lesson for clients with color treated hair. if you’ve heard about the color wow kale cocktail for hair, the ab style bar is the place to try it!
of course, we demonstrate the root cover up application tips at both locations and you can find out more about color wow products in the boutique or from any of our talented stylists or colorists.
for many of us, taking care of our hair is a vital part of our personal care and self-image. whether a professional blow dry is a splurge for you or is part of your regular routine, research has found that 60% of us want fuller thicker hair. building hair health starts from the inside and certain nutrients for hair work from the inside to help each emerging hair be thicker and have better texture, and also encourage faster regrowth from each hair follicle. by the way, these nutrients impact the quality of your nails also. we have chosen viviscal (format as link) as a resource in this area and carry their products.
if you’re one of the 60%ers, stop by the ab boutique to find out more about viviscal, it's for both women and men.
women have, on average, over 100,000 hairs on their head…here’s to taking good care of each one of them and making the most of what we have!
don’t you just love the fall? it’s a welcome respite leading up to thanksgiving, holiday and the new year. enjoy the season to the fullest and we look forward to seeing you soon.
viviscal … 30 day supply, $50 … 90 day supply, $140
color wow root cover up … $34.50
color wow kale cocktail … $24
wow blow dry at the ab style bar, southbury … special introductory offers
the better single color service for more dimensional all over color … $100 - $135
august 30, 2016
random acts of beauty kindness ...
can you believe summer is already winding down and a fresh new season is beginning? as much as i love everything about summer, i am always looking forward to the fall season.
one of the things i notice clients doing as we go into the new season is making small changes with hair color and getting serious about hair treatments and problem solution beauty options. summer can be tough on skin, hair, nails and even feet. taking things in hand to undo damage or improve the status quo just feels right in september.
one way to look at this trend is that it is about random acts of beauty kindness … mostly for yourself, but beauty makes a great gift for teens, friends, family … or anyone on your list because everyone needs and loves a little more beauty.
when random acts of kindness took hold as a catch phrase to describe doing small, unexpected things for others, it was surprising how it stuck with me … and i now know i am not the only one. there is a whole website about kindness.
https://www.randomactsofkindness.org
it seems to me it’s a very timely concept. check out the link on the web site about the dalai lama and lady gaga’s presentation on kindness and how it can influence our world.
http://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2016/06/26/dalai-lama-lady-gaga-urge-kindness-indy/86247112/
just as charity sometimes begins at home, taking the time to give yourself some random acts of beauty kindness fits right into september’s mind set about fashion, style and the excitement of a new season. my list of random acts of beauty kindness (to give yourself or someone else) is below, and i am sure you can add some creative ideas of your own.
we’ve always felt that the fall Vogue, and now of course vogue.com is the premier go-to for a look at fall into holiday trends in hair, beauty and fashion.
personally, i love it when the trend ahead has already emerged, plus you can see where it is headed. you may not have an occasion or inclination for a beaded lace metallic dress cut all the way to there, but there are so many subtle ways metallics are a new neutral. brighter, shinier highlights may be your interpretation, or a fun clutch you can use day or night. for fall into holiday, our smokey shimmery eye make up looks may be your new go-to. you can stop by our boutiques anytime for a glimpse or lesson in how to use metallic make ups. for fall inspiration check out victoria beckham’s personal 5 minute face … video.vogue.com/.webloc, then come see us and we will personalize a 5 minute face perfect for your lifestyle and look … and send you home with an easy reminder chart.
whether your random beauty acts are for yourself, or a small gift to delight a friend (both are highly recommended) … we hope to see a lot of you this season!
here’s my list random acts of beauty kindness for you or a lucky someone else:
a pedicure for you, or a pedicure gift certificate for someone else … summer sandals have taken a toll and what’s nicer than an hour to sit and be pampered with your hands free for texting or reading?
amp up your skin care regime with some of the new and highly effective night repair products, we love
- environ focus hydrating serum $99
- environ c-quence cream $107
- natura bissé diamond extreme night dual treatment-diamond extreme oil $160
give or get for yourself a new facial cleansing product … fresh face, fresh season
- skinceuticals gentle cleanser $36
- clarins gentle foaming cleanser with cottonseed $26
- eminence coconut milk cleanser $37
get a new hair cut and a kérastase hair treatment to banish split ends and sun stressed hair
our personalized ab 5 minute face is always complimentary, so stop by and bring a friend for a glass of wine and a new take on easy beauty that you can live with take a break from daily shampooing and try our new betweener dry shampoo … adds volume and saves time. what’s kinder than that?
Treat yourself to some extra zzzzzs … sleep is a potent beauty and well being enhancer… whether it’s a late afternoon nap once in a while or a lazy morning lie-in you deserve it!
don’t forget your pooch or kitty, help us support ROAR and treat your pet to our new barker shampoo
june 21, 2016
catch a wave ...
waves are both timeless and timely… and summer time is definitely time to catch a wave.
whether beach, river, or lake … waves are one of the most relaxing ways to unwind and experience summer. even a few hours on the water, or a meal at a waterside café, it’s relaxation that is hard to beat.
sound waves are interesting also and are one explanation of how music can be both therapeutic and relaxing. below is a link to an article that i found interesting. click on the link and find out more about sound waves and why you feel music or why music can feel so good.
http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/physics-sound-waves-feel-music/
beauty wise, there is a lot going on with waves. we have the latest in anti aging skin care devices set up for you to demo in our boutiques … a simple explanation is sonic waves deliver stimulation to boost collagen when used on a regular basis. but that is just the beginning of the intersection of waves and beauty.
let’s face it, wavy looks with all lengths of hair are here to stay for many women. we’ve just launched a new service, modern beach wave. new technology makes processing easy and new ways to form the waves allow you to have long lasting, easy to style waves. ask for a consultation to find out more if you want easy waves that last.
for keratin lovers that want the hair improvement that comes from infusing the hair with keratin, we now have two choices! our new techniques allow you to have a softer, wavier result or the smoother sleeker result that keratin is known for.
wavy looks are sexy and timeless, but do not have to look retro. new technology for long lasting waves, and salon take home products give a wide range of options for simple ready-to-wear hair that reduces your styling time and allows you to express your style in a variety of ways.
so, catch a wave this summer and enjoy the beautiful season!
catch a wave at ab:
bumble & umble curl conditioning mousse
ab hair care—wavier curlier
kérastase-discipline
nu face trinity facial toning device
tria age defying laser
modern beach wave
keratin
may 24, 2016
texture is buzzier than ever in fashion, hair and makeup ...
this started me thinking about texture in a broader context and i took some time to think about what texture means in life.
some of the words that come to mind for me are actually synonyms for texture … balance, sense, nature, quality and flexibility.
the idea of a well-textured life resonates with most of us, which must reflect why texture is driving so much fun in the fashion and beauty world.
for me, texture in life is enjoying the diversity of my friends and the balance of my life in new york city and connecticut.
in hair, texture is key for having the diversity of options that work with your lifestyle. being able to wear your hair wavy or straight, or having looks you feel good about that require no styling. there have never been more options for controlling or creating texture in your hair; some of those are listed at the bottom. keratin is actually now used to produce gorgeous semi-permanent waves in your hair, or the smooth straight texture that is ever popular.
the term permanent wave evokes an image of days gone by, but now the technology has evolved and we have gorgeous results with our modern beach wave service.
the array of texture in the fashion photos from the met gala is just fantastic, if you have not seen them, take a look or look again
http://www.vogue.com/tag/event/met-gala/
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/03/fashion/what-is-the-met-gala-and-who-gets-to-go.html?_r=0
http://www.popsugar.com/fashion/Met-Gala-Red-Carpet-Dresses-2016-41122178#photo-41122178
i loved the high tech fabric in a natural flesh tone that beyoncé wore, and the mix of metallic, lace, bright color really showcased that today it is all about texture. also worth mentioning is the texture of no pants, ripped jeans, short dresses and long gowns that were worn … almost like anything goes … and it worked.
accessories are an easy way to add texture to your personal style. bright colored fun jewelry, scarves … rose gold or silver for just the right touch of metallic.
make up uses texture in new ways now too, and just a touch of them can update your look without screaming “fashion victim”… new lipstick technology coming soon to ab make up … lip toxyl x3 attracts moisture to the lips for a plumper texture without the stinging sensation of lip plumpers you may have tried in the past. just a flick of metallic shadow under the eye with ab baked split shadow in ardor is a quick update.
why not celebrate the texture in our lives and appreciate the differences in each other… as well as use new technology to bring a little bit more texture, flexibility and balance into our beauty life?
feel the texture …
lip toxyl x3 lip plumper $22
ab baked split shadow in ardor $25
kérastase l’incroyable blowdry $40
keratin modern beach wave $300 to $325
jenny bird edie hoops $65
ab betweener $29
april 19, 2016
celebrate all the mothers in your life ...
like you, there’s more than one mother in my universe, and mother’s day gives me an opportunity to think about all of them, as well as memories of my own mom.
to start with, as a large employer in the area, a very high percentage of our co-workers are not just female, but many of them are mothers. i love seeing their kids when they stop by the salon with them, and I have seen many of them grow from infants to teens through the years.
we honor mother’s day at the salons with lunch for the all the co-workers, and of course it’s a busy day with many moms being treated by their families or just splurging on a fresh new hair style or color before meeting their families for brunch or dinner.
personally, i take a moment to make sure i thank my sister, and my nephew’s wife who is mother to 2 young ones, and now of course, my mother and sister in laws.
that brings me to what i think mothers really want on their special day, and it’s not anything material. the gift that brings the most satisfaction is the gift of time, and more specifically, a meal with the family, just sitting around the table laughing, talking and hearing the family stories one more time.
when i think back on mother’s day with my mom, these are the memories that are the most poignant. our tradition now is to cook for some of the mothers in our lives. enjoying friends and family at the table celebrating the bountiful spring season, is as good as it gets for all of us.
of course, we all like to surprise mom with a little something … so she can spend some time just for herself.
Our extra way to say thanks mom! $25 reward with every $175 gift card purchase april 24 through may 8, 2016
let her choose from luxe spa treatments like natura bissé facials, color gel manicures, ab private sunless tanning, fresh new hair color and style.
march 9, 2016
new is fun
when i decided to go into the beauty business, part of my inspiration was my love of working with women, and just how much fun the beauty business is. i loved coloring hair and keeping up with technology … being part of turning a client’s blah day to a great day was something I enjoyed … and the client’s smiles made me realize we were both having fun.
flash forward … it's 2016, and beauty is more fun than ever. technology is an even bigger part of the fun and I love seeing clients play and test products in our boutique or getting make up tips to go with their fresh hair color or style.
it’s easier than ever to educate yourself or research what is the latest and sounds perfect for you. whether you are creating a DIY beauty party at home for you and your besties, or splurging on some spa time with your daughter or husband, technology has made it all more personalized and fun. here are some of my favorite new and fun ways to explore beauty …
thinking about new hair color? before you come in to have a professional consultation download a fun (free!) app on your smart phone called hair color booth. clilck here from your mobile device for the free hair color app:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hair-color-booth-free/id449512733?mt=8
you can upload a selfie, and play with different colors, including fun party colors, face framing highlights, or total make overs.
btw there are a lot of apps that let you try new styles and even see the difference a bright lip or dramatic eye might make to your everyday look. It’s a fun way to spend some time when you are relaxing or suffering one of the airport delays we all deal with.
hair extensions … (yes there’s an app for that too!) ... have become a lot more versatile and affordable. we are just launching rpzl pony tail and clip in panel extensions … the highest quality virgin remy hair with shades to match your hair in stock in both of our boutiques … surprisingly user friendly. click here for rpzl selfie app:
http://www.rpzl.com/rpzl-in-an-instant/
have you heard about micro-channeling to improve your skin care penetration? come in for a complimentary demo, or reserve a facial service and lesson that set you up for success with the micro channeling tool and a fresh, clean hydrated face. once you see how easy it can be to get more performance from your skin care products, you won’t look back.
next up … east meets west with one of the most innovative trends to impact skin care that we have seen. sheet masks allow you to simply cleanse your face and then apply a one piece, user friendly fabric mask on your face. the fabric is saturated with an array of prescriptive ingredients to treat and benefit your skin.
wear one when you are on the phone, when you first lie down at night or any time you want. i confess to having tried these in the privacy of my home … and they are effective and fun.
I hope to see you in the boutique soon, checking out what’s new…
new is fun at ab …
rpzl hair extensions
lash extensions
micro-channel roller tools
an amazing selection of sheet masks for every skin
facial fitness in the palm of your hand with (coming soon … nu face, tria and pao facial fitness)
body renewal treatment
k masks for hair by kérastase
ab makeup palettes
ab private sunless tanning
january 26, 2016
simply beautiful
2016 is underway and i am wondering if you are like me, always glad to start a new year? like many of you, I no longer make new year’s resolutions … but it is the time of the year to think about what works, as well as what you would like to change.
so whether it is taking some advice from the de-cluttering guru marie kondo and her life-changing magic or rethinking your beauty routines to make them easier and get more results, it is a time of the year for introspection and change. follow the below link to read the full article by marie kondo for some inspiration where you might need it the most … in your closet.
http://on.wsj.com/1BBbzDh
"pursue ultimate simplicity," is one of marie’s notable quotes and there are many areas of life where this resonates for me. one trend i do notice in speaking to so many clients about their lifestyle is the desire to simplify and de-clutter their beauty-style.
start with a list of the features and strengths about your beauty-style that are the strongest … examples: clear skin, good brows, thick hair, white teeth or good posture.
then list the beauty-style areas that you would like to improve … examples: posture, thicker eyebrows, age spots on hands, versatility of your hair cut, reducing styling time or working on fine lines under the eyes.
now it is time to attack your beauty product assortment and review each item and see if it supports one of your strong areas or need-to-improve areas. if not, it may be a product to eliminate. as you go through this exercise you will probably realize that de-cluttering in this area can also be life changing. you will also notice that you have gaps, and will want to make your beauty shopping list aimed at products that enhance and maintain your strong areas as well as ones that target the areas you want to improve. while you do this, you’ll start thinking about your services, in particular, facials, nails and hair. ss there a treatment such as keratin that would save you blow dry visits or styling time? is it time to review your color or haircut and what works along with any evolution you have in mind?
and that brings us to make up. funny as most women have a bag, cabinet or drawer stuffed with make up, but it may have been a while since you took the time for yourself to have some application techniques and a color palette shown to you by a make up specialist.
fewer products in your cabinet, but ones targeted to exactly who you are right now, will increase your frequency using them and probably increase the results you see from them. make some ‘me time’ early this year, just for yourself to do this and see if your color palette or make up choices are right for you this season.
one of the changes in the evolution of beauty products in our cabinets is the number of products that multi task or are actually hybrids that can be used for at least two different results. Using your products as fully as possible helps keep the clutter down and is very effective as a beauty-style. Here are some of our favorite ones …
use a dab of your favorite rinse out hair conditioner as a serum on the ends of your hair to fight frizzies and fly-aways.
use your facial sun block and your brightening or anti-oxidant skin serum and cream on the back of your hands whenever you apply them.
use dry shampoo not just for quick in between cleansing of the hair, but also for a fast volume boost for clean hair.
try a private ab sunless tanning session … not just to boost winter blues with some flattering color, but to moisturize your skin all over and fight dry winter itchies. BTW, a massage is excellent for this also, avoid an immediate shower after a massage at the ab spa and let that moisture soak in to your skin longer.
we all have our favorite multi task products and beauty-style tips… some of our favorites are listed below, and we would love to hear yours, if you can take the time to e mail them to us at [email protected] .
here's to your beautiful new year!
ab betweener (dry shampoo, volume enhancer)
clarins beauty balm (cold weather skin moisturizer)
ab serums (moisture and anti-aging benefits)
ab tinted primer (sun block and light foundation)
ab wavier curlier (moisture and curl enhancement)
ab simpler (shampoo and conditioner)
october 7, 2015
confession time …
don’t call me OCD, but I am definitely what you might call a neatnik. like many, i function better in a neat environment and just feel better when the car is clean and I am caught up on e-mail! so it’s no surprise that i feel the same way about our salons and spas. it feels great to now have completed a stem-to-stern remodel at the ridgefield location.
my vision was an amenity-rich, tech-savvy space with beautiful lighting, as well as visually pleasing aspirational comfort. we have been, and continue to be on a mission to provide high quality beauty services by in-demand stylists in an elegant, well designed setting. commitment to your experience includes a new tablet check-in system, strategically located charging stations, high speed wi-fi, a digital video wall, and of course our complimentary amenities such as freshly brewed starbucks coffee, and wine.
some things I am hearing from clients at ridgefield recently include: noise reduction is significant both in the salon itself, and in the spa due to new floating flooring and the relocation of one of the high traffic hallways.
lighting is not only better, it is more accurate for co-workers and is greener with a lighter energy footprint.
the most common compliment is the comfort of 3 new shampoo lounges with reclined chaises and the sense of privacy that the salon design provides.
it’s time to celebrate! we are kicking things off with a month of special offerings just in time for the transition to fall. you’ll find irresistible gift-with-purchase offerings, a range of product sampling along with some timely new services available right in the boutique, like our new ab boutique brow tweeze or ab brow tint service that require no reservation.
i want to personally thank our amazing staff and each client who gave gracious encouragement during the salon make over … it means a lot and helped us keep the end vision in mind during the process …
ab boutique brow tweeze, $18 (reservation not required)
june 2, 2015
you've come a long way baby …
for once, i am not speaking to the women ... i am talking to the guys and the guys in your life. men’s grooming has come a long way since the term metro sexual was coined. now we hear about manscaping our brows, guybrows to frame our face and 5 minute street-smart hair.
there’s a lot of noise out there about men’s grooming and men’s products, and that’s because we are interested and most men spend a little more time on grooming than our dads did.
grooming rituals for men and women are largely about looking and feeling our best, at any age, and being comfortable in our own skin. in some cases those rituals are based on wanting to look more youthful and healthier. one example is teeth whitening. teeth without stains look younger and give an appearance that is more healthful and vibrant. true for both men and women. teeth whitening products or treatments have boomed in the last 15 years, and now many of us consider them part of our “ necessary maintenance”
many of the grooming rituals that men discuss at the gym are definitely gender free, but some are not. waxing the back and chest…aka manscaping is something that women rarely have to deal with. many men with very hairy torsos find that they are more comfortable removing some of the excess hair. it is now a service performed in the spa often. at home options are just like women use, razors or depilatory products.
today’s job market is more competitive than ever, and many guys feel that blending gray hair and daily skin care boost their confidence in the workplace, something women discovered long ago.
gender free grooming habits include the occasional facial , use of brighteners to help combat age related blotching on the face, and good moisturizers to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. and let’s not forget sunblock ... men and women’s best anti–aging habit.
it ‘s really about being comfortable in your own skin ... and exercising is part of that for most of us. one of the most common benefits of exercise is mental ... not just heart health. Exercise increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that can moderate the brain’s response to stress and promotes a more optimistic outlook on life.
optimism in outlook is now credited with many health benefits, according to health.harvard.edu.
actual life span, blood pressure…even susceptibility to viral infections. Check out this link for more information on how optimism is measured and some of the long term study benefits that are now being quantified. http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/optimism-and-your-health.
just in time for father’s day we’ve got the hottest west coast men’s trend … baxter of california gift sets. for great men’s grooming tips, check out their website: http://www.baxterofcalifornia.com/
what makes men and women look good, also makes them feel good … being comfortable in your own skin, basic grooming habits and an optimistic attitude and outlook … happy looks good on everybody.
make your guy smile with a baxter of california gift set or …
kiehl’s energizing facial fuel spf 15: • a vitamin-enriched and energizing non-oily facial moisturizer • 4.2 oz $36
kiehl’s ultimate brushless shave cream - blue eagle an unscented shave cream formulated with aloe for sensitive skin • 8 oz --$17
bumble grooming cream 5 oz $31 not so perfect, lived in texture really can come easily with this styling moisturizer, which gives natural separation, subtle hold, and a soft, smooth low-glow satin finish.
ab holder: 3.5 oz $28 • a texturizing pomade that lets you put control and shine at your finger tips
ab better body clinic … three gifts are better than one … three months of massage, a one hour luxe spa treatment each month for three months … this father’s day’s best value for just $225
april 28, 2015
seeking the simpler life …
i love the idea of simplifying just about everything in my life. do you? schedules, routines, regimes … as well as clutter of all kinds.
i like simple menus, easy summer days with no agenda and spending more quality time with friends and family. when it comes to beauty, clients frequently ask me about how to simplify beauty routines and regimes. i am also in a position to listen to many women tell me what is working for them and this usually includes multi-performance products that reduce the number of products you need. essentials such as a haircut that looks great without, or with, a blow dry or time consuming styling are key.
men and women love multi-performance products that can replace several others. two-in-one, even three-in-one products are here to stay. here is one of the more creative ones that I have heard, use a dab of hair conditioner as a shaving gel in the shower. one less product to clutter the shower and some added moisture to the legs.
this time of year when thoughts turn to a summer glow, many women find that using facial self tanner on a regular basis allows them to use a lighter foundation or tinted moisturizer. and speaking of tans, the 5 minutes it takes to have a private sunless tanning session with our new state of the art system, available at both the ridgefield and southbury salon & spa gives days of glow and helps minimize imperfections.
we all make it though the day multi-tasking one way or another… but there is a point where focus and quality beat quantity on what gets accomplished. when i find myself going over the edge in trying to do too many things at once, i realize quality is lost. slowing down and doing fewer things better is part of simplifying life.
“speed is the modern, natural high,” says psychiatrist edward hallowell, MD, director of the hallowell center for cognitive and emotional health in Sudbury, ma. but he insists that true multitasking is a myth. we may feel we’re doing two -- or more -- things at once, but it’s an illusion. instead, we’re quickly switching our focus back and forth. that’s because the cerebral cortex can pay attention to only one thing at a time,” says hallowell. “what people really do is shift their attention from one task to the next in rapid succession. that reduces the quality of the work on any one task, because you’re ignoring it for milliseconds at a time.”
the best advice i ever received is one i share now with clients all the time … to keep it simple and just forget about your least favorite skill, personality trait or image issue, and focus on your strongest qualities. invest some time in basics, and minimize some of the time you spend multi-tasking to opt for more quality. beauty wise, don't scrimp on the services and products that give you daily freedom, but look for your own beauty shortcuts to free your own personal style … that’s an easy way to a beautifully happy simpler life!
adams favorite multi-performance products
1. oribe root touch up concealer works as a dry shampoo, texturizer and has uv protection
2. nars multiple blush use dry for sheer coverage or wet for more vibrant color
3. pure blends shampoos cleanse hair and adds a boost of color
4. ab tinted primer spf 20, hydrates skin, and performs as a light foundation
march 31, 2015
beauty sleep
are you like me, wondering if an increased urge to sleep during those last days of winter has any benefit? i have not exactly been hibernating ... life is just too busy for that, but the long nights and chilly temperatures definitely have me prioritizing sleep. the term beauty sleep comes to mind, because let’s face it, all of us look and feel better when we are well rested.
"your skin, and your whole body, go into repair mode when you sleep," says doris j. day, who wrote the book forget the facelift. while you sleep, your skin renews itself. new skin cells grow and replace older cells. "it's repairing and restoring and rebalancing," day says.
here is a link that is interesting to me: www.sleepdex.org/beautysleep.htm. here’s some of what I found interesting … and it certainly reduced my guilt about pull the covers up and hitting the snooze button.
”