{Makeovers} Beauty Bash makeovers big reveal

In September, we introduced you to our 2 fabulous makeover winners, FOFs Karen Hansen and Cathy Furengo. Both received transformations at the FOF Beauty Bash (Oct. 1 & 2) worth $3,500 including new clothes, new makeup, new hair and a color consultation. “Guru of hue” Jill Kirsh and hair genius Elline Surianello narrated their transformations live on stage.

Couldn’t make it to Beauty Bash? Below, see the fab before-and-after photos and read a breakdown of how the experts achieved their new and improved look.

FOF Karen Hansen

“I grew up in the no-makeup, jeans-and-t-shirt generation,” said Karen, a retired CPA who lives in South Carolina in the winter, and Brewster, N.Y., in the summer. “I’ve never been great at putting myself together.” Prior to her makeover, Karen told us her hair was “balding at the top” and she was “confused” about her personal style. “I feel 24, my body acts 80, and my birth certificate says 58,” said Karen, who also told us she hoped to look “younger” by her 59th birthday in November. Could a makeover help achieve that goal?

Her transformation broken down:

Hair: Hair expert Elline Surianello of LeMetric Hair Solutions addressed Karen’s thinning hair with one of her custom hair pieces. Prior to the makeover, Karen had light, reddish-blonde hair. Elline designed the hair piece in a deeper shade. “There is no better or faster way to change how you look than wearing the right hair in the right color,” says Elline. “Look how powerful this is.” Karen agreed. “I knew my hair was thin but didn’t realize the difference [fuller] hair makes. It’s fantastic. I feel like a new person.”

Colors: Once Karen had her new hair, “guru of hue” Jill Kirsh was able to recommend her most flattering shades. Jill’s color matching system is based on a simple concept: your most flattering shades are dictated by your hair color. “Your hair is what frames your face,” says Jill. She breaks us up into four categories, golden browns/red heads, deep brunettes, ash blondes/platinum/grey, warm blondes and has assigned a palette of colors to each group. Since Karen’s new hair falls under the “golden browns/redheads” category, she looks best in earth-tone colors such as camel, ivory, warm greens and browns, according to Jill. Jill did Karen’s makeup and picked an outfit for her in her new palette. “When you get your hair, clothing and makeup the right shades, everything is in sync,” said Jill.

Outfit: Jill chose clothing from the Soft Surroundings Fall 2011 collection in Karen’s most flattering shades. On Karen — Textured topper in camel ($89.95), Napa Necklace ($34.95), Straight leg destination pant in chocolate ($64.95), Del Tank in ivory ($39.95).

What did Karen think of her new look?
“The makeover has changed my life by giving me more confidence, especially now that my hair doesn’t look so thin,” says Karen. “I never thought I could get up in a room full of people like that. All the attention and compliments really made me feel good and upped my self esteem. I just wish I could have someone fix me up everyday!”

FOF Cathy Furegno

“I always dreamed of being a model” wrote in FOF Cathy Furegno, a secretary at a high school in Middletown, N.Y. “I raised 4 children, worked two jobs most of my life and just feel it is time to do something for myself.” Cathy said she doesn’t spend much money on her clothes and that “it would be really nice to be pampered for once.” The Beauty Bash makeover was Cathy’s chance to do just that.

Her transformation broken down:

Hair: “Cathy doesn’t have thinning hair but she may want to have fun with it without making a big commitment,” said Elline. She created a custom hair piece for Cathy in a darker, cooler hue (Cathy was a dark-redhead prior to the makeover.) The hair piece was also longer, which Elline said is a more modern look than her old style. “Look how much younger she looks with longer hair. You look hot…How do you feel?” asked Elline. “Hot,” said Cathy.

Colors: A new hair color for Cathy, means she needs to change up her colors, according to Jill Kirsh. “With the red gone, her hair is much cooler,” said Jill who said that Cathy now falls into the “deep brunette” group of Jill’s 4-category color system. Prior to the makeover, Cathy’s most flattering colors were the earth tones, but now, according to Jill, she looks best in gem tones such as emerald green, ruby red and sapphire blue. Her best neutrals are black and white. Jill did Cathy’s makeup and picked an outfit for her in these shades.

Outfit: Jill chose clothing from Toula’s Fall 2011 collection in Cathy’s most flattering neutrals — black, white and silver.  On Cathy — Tweed jacket with nailhead trim ($760), Basic knit pant ($310)

What did Cathy think of her new look?
“This makeover made me realize you don’t have to be 20 or 30 to look your best,” says Cathy. “We all need a little boost and self-confidence like this, in our lives. Oh, and in addition to the makeover, I made a new friend… Karen (fellow makeover winner), she is a very nice woman.”

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0 Responses to “{Makeovers} Beauty Bash makeovers big reveal”

  1. LeMetric says:

    The LeMetric hair pieces we donated are just that-custom pieces, they were measured, colored, cut and created specially for them. We did try a wig oon Cathy to show the different options for someone who wanted something fun, less pricey, and less of a commitment. Our pieces are more for someone who is seeking a long LIFESTYLE commitment.

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  2. Zee says:

    I thought you said this was an alternative to wearing a wig. Perhaps I am missing something but these are wigs aren’t they? I did not see any difference between your product and a wig. Please explain how your product is not a wig.
    The ladies both looked great , the makeovers were very nice on both of them.

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  3. VJ says:

    Judith, I’m not sure why you say the Karen would not wear a hairpiece day-to-day. My hair has turned into a dry frizz ball. Nothing I do changes that. Rogaine didn’t help me. However, about a couple of month’s ago I discovered wigs. Not just any wig. Raquel Welsh wigs. They are wonderful. Lightweight and basically wash, shake and hang to dry. I have worn one everyday since and don’t intend to stop.

    The ladies look wonderful. But I also wonder about the choice of shoes.

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  4. Annemarie623 says:

    Wow! I am impressed! The models look fantastic! I would love to see a followup feature on these ladies in a few months.

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  5. Nannaof2 says:

    How fun! Ladies you look wonderful! Wish I could have been there! Enjoy!

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  6. Tricia Douglas says:

    Wow! I’m so very impressed with the stylists and fashion advisors. I had to do a double-take. Great job everyone!

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    • Marie says:

      Hello, this is a very nice blog. Although i don’t get everything of what your saniyg, i still enjoyed reading it. Perhaps you will write something more on this subject in the future?

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  7. Mamavalveeta03 says:

    What a difference! Ladies, you both seem to be exuding tons of confidence afterward, and that is what a makeover should do for you! Especially love the change in hairstyles/color for each of you. Congrats!!

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  8. Judith Marshall says:

    While Karen’s hair looks fabulous, but trust me, she isn’t going to wear a hairpiece day-to-day. My hair began thinning a couple of years ago and my dermatologist suggested trying Rogaine (the men’s liquid version). It worked. My hair is fuller than ever.

    Cathy’s hairpiece looks too ashy and drab in the picture and her shoes look like crocs! I’m sure they’re not, but a pointy low-heel would make all the difference. Can’t believe that outfit cost over $1,000. Looks pretty dowdy.

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  9. ZB says:

    Huh? Both women are great on their own. Okay, they may be feeling less than FOF but they’re also individuals. Their makeovers? Really… Is every plus-size woman of a certain length now Kathy Bates? I mean, channeling Harry’s Law? The FOF plus-size women needs definition, clothing should be better proportioned and pants more tailored (straight leg slacks are not for everyone). Love the scarf, but needs to be in proportion with our model.

    The other FOF…sigh…also needs more definition. Hairpiece showed better in top photo than in comparison set-up–lots of fun, gives her a playful look that I love. Pantsuit? Boring. She would look far better, more polished in a high-end knockoff than something out dated.

    But all is not lost–their cosmetics / hair colors are great! (I’d prefer a bit more sparkle for the FOF with dark tresses, but could be the photo.) The plus FOF’s hairpiece is truly fab–great color that works beautifully with her skin tone.

    Didn’t see any bling–FOFs Love Bling! Hoping there was bling and it was fab!

    FOFs are just that–Fabulous–hence we need a combination of drama-sparkle-conservative-oohbabyooh to keep our spirits high (and our partners…panting!).

    Can’t wait to see the next makeover!

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  10. cl says:

    They look great and loved this article!

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  11. MH WILLIAMS says:

    It is a shame that the photos of these two wonderful gals are so unflattering. Get some correct lighting please.

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