Bit By the Beauty Bug

Ask ten different people their thoughts on tipping salon/spa owners and you’ll get 10 different answers.   The Beauty Bug was recently put in this situation, and She admittedly was stumped. She asked around (spoke to a customer of an owner who doesn’t tip, but gives the owner a $150 cash as a Christmas present), Googled,  flipped a coin and consulted Her magic 8-ball only to finally made a spur of the moment, on the fly, game time decision. She tipped the owner. But, after doing so She needed clarification once and for all, so She  went straight to the sources. Should you be slipping the owners some extra cash on top of the fee for the service, or does the old school of thought that says you never tip an owner still apply? Here’s what the salon owners and magazine editors said…

The editors say…

“…as for the big question of whether or not to tip the owner of the salon or spa, that’s up to you. It’s  NOT necessary from an etiquette point of view, since the owner gets to keep what he’s paid (ie. doesn’t have to give a cut
to the salon/spa).” -Kristin Perrotta, Editorial Projects Director, Allure

“The old rule for tipping salon and spa owners is: Don’t tip them. This always felt a little weird to me, so I compensate by over-tipping any assistants, shampoo-ers, etc. Since there’s hardly a business on earth that hasn’t been affected by the economy, I now think it’s OK to tip owners it’s not like you’re going to insult them! Just be ready to re-pocket your tip if they refuse it, or better, simply hand it over to their assistant(s). You can’t go wrong tipping; I think it’s better luck than throwing money in fountains! Everybody wins with a good tip, no? -Jean Godfrey-June, Beauty Director, Lucky Magazine

Based on the feedback I’ve gotten from salon owners throughout my years as a beauty editor, it’s not customary to tip an owner if they provide your hair or spa service. You should however tip their assistant — if they have one — and if the assistant helps with holding foils, washes your hair or blow dries it. The amount of the tip can vary from at least $10 to the usual 15-20 percent you would tip your stylist. Depends on how generous you’re feeling and how hands-on the assistant is. If they have more than one assistant and both help out, you should tip them both.  -Kristen Giordani, Senior Beauty Editor, Totalbeauty.com

“I find myself tipping them more often than not because usually they were just a stylist or colorist before they owned the salon and we developed our relationship. If you’ve tipped in the past and now they are the owners, I would keep tipping. If you are unsure, ask at the front desk if the owner takes tips or not and follow their lead.  If it is a new salon for you and you see the owner, you don’t need to tip.  But honestly, when I ask at the front desk lately, I am finding more and more owners taking tips…” -Andrea Pomerantz Lustig, Columnist, Glamour Magazine

“Whether or not to tip a salon owner is a touchy subject. There’s really no clear “yes” or “no” answer. It’s at your discretion. Some owners may not accept them and others definitely do. If you are super happy with your service, you can leave a tip. In some cases, if the owner doesn’t accept gratuities, she will kindly distribute it to her assistants. When in doubt, discreetly ask the front desk about the salon’s tipping policy and then make your decision.”-Holly Carter, Beauty Editor, People Magazine

“If you’re lucky enough to snag a coveted appointment with the owner of a salon or spa, mind your beauty manners. The rumor about not tipping an owner is wrong, wrong, wrong. When asked directly, salon owners may suggest they don’t expect a tip, but trust me, they’d love one. When I first started as a beauty editor, I’d send an orchid with a note, but after 10 years of asking their assistants, I now know the real rule of thumb: cold hard cash. Think about it: The salon owner runs a business, so a generous tip goes a long way. Some pros may turn down a face-to-face tip hand-off, so leave 15%-20% of the service in a discreet envelope at the front desk. Plus, don’t forget to tip the assistants. They slave to make you look your best, too!” -Polly Blitzer, Editor-in-Chief, Beauty Blitz Media

The owners say…

“It is my belief that clients view tipping as a way to show appreciation. While I do think it’s not necessary to tip the spa/salon owner (and I tell my clients they do not need to give me a gratuity) many of them will insist. It’s a form of a gift and some clients just insist and so it’s good manners to accept it and be gracious. I think as a general rule, owners should discourage accepting gratuity.” -Renee Rouleau CEO, Renee Rouleau Skin Care Spas Dallas, TX.

“It is generally perceived that the owner of the salon doesn’t get tipped; presumably because they are profiting from the salon. In theory that sounds good, but is generally not the case. A salon owner, unless he is ripping off his/her stylists, is generally working as hard as his staff to keep the salon afloat. Tipping is a show of appreciation to the person who did your hair, whether its $20 or $100, it is a personal choice.” – Dickey, Owner, Hair Rules Salon, New York

“…tipping an owner of the salon it is not expected but would be accepted.  The usual tip is 20% of the original service and is based on how you are taken care of by the staff, your experience and how happy you are leaving the salon. ” Joel Warren, co-owner of Warren-Tricomi Salons, New York, Los Angeles, Connecticut.

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Bobbi Brown’s Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick - This beachy collection has The Beauty Bug dreaming of fruity drinks with umbrellas, sand between Her toes, and sunblock. Though this is as close as She’ll be getting to the beach for now, The Beauty Bug will take it. It’s no secret that the Shimmer Bricks are what BB does best, and this new one leaves faces as fresh as spring tulips . Many have tried to duplicate these hand-made Italian bars-o-shimmer, but no one has quite captured the glow that Bobbi has. Pink Quartz is a gorgeous, luxe shade for every skin tone, and a must-have even if you own other bricks. $38, bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Kelly Van Gogh’s Wonderlust Illuminating Hair Tonic – Hair color illuminator, check. Leave-in conditioner, check. Detangler, check. Thermal protector, check.  This vitamin cocktail is a multi-tasking champion.  The wonder spray’s secret lie in its  key ingredients which include caviar proteins, amino acids and strengthening keratins, and its mica shine technology. Bring yourself back to the sixth grade science lab. You’ll remember that Mica is a mineral, and the actual word (“mica”) is thought to be derived from the Latin word micare, meaning “to glitter”, in reference to the brilliant appearance of this mineral. These tiny, dazzling flecks  which reveal themselves when you shake the bottle, revitalize dry, dull hair and protect it from environmental factors including pollution, heat and water damage. Spray it on damp hair and style as normal. The particles aren’t too teenage or flashy and the smell is divinely clean and fresh. $30 (4 oz), kellyvangogh.com

LOGICS Polisheen Gloss Balm – Pesky baby hairs and fly-aways – meet your newest adversary. This new balm helps The Beauty Bug define Her part and reduce frizz. She works it throughout Her layers for a piecey, yet polished look. Vitamin B5 conditions for a silky, smooth finish and ceramides help to strengthen.  And not to fret -  it doesn’t have that over-powering canned salon product smell…it’s light, non-sticky, and the perfect finishing touch! $22, logicshair.com

Rimmel London’s Max Volume Flash Mascara -  Go ahead and just try to take your eyes off that hot pink tube! This sizzling little number is the newest drug store delight that proves you don’t have to spend the big bucks on mascara to get great results.  The new super-sized brush curls and separates without clumping or flaking. The formula is light and doesn’t cake up or dry immediately.  One coat lengthens, two coats thicken and three plus coats yields drama. Review are mostly positive across the board, and there are even murmurs on MakeupAlley that this is the drugstore version of DiorShow! The Beauty Bug had added this mascara into Her rotation, and Her lashes are lush, dark and full! $7.19, chain drug stores and mass retailers nationwide

Disclosure: Press samples of the above products were provided to The Beauty Bug.

Check out this recent test that the TODAY Show did to determine which lash enhancer yielded the best results.

The Beauty Bug sports dark nails all year round – even on Her wedding day (much to Her Grandmother’s chagrin.) The latest polish to coat Her tips is shu uemura’s égérie nail enamel in PA010. Part of their glam-rock Spring 2010 collection, this chic, intense black infused with sparkles dazzles on Her nails.  The glitter is subtle and smooth and not thick in the least. The photos above (the first in artificial light, the second in natural light) show Her nails after two coats of polish. A bit punky, a  lot stylish, and very sharp, the polish appears charcoal gray in some lights, and a solid black in others.

shu uemura nail enamel is available on shuuemura.com and in shu uemura boutiques and counters for $18.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

This lip gloss warrants a dramatic unveiling from behind red curtains. It warrants a hand model…. a drum roll.

Check Hourglass’s new Prodigy Hydrating Lip Gloss.

Possibly the only gloss that can be described as sexy, this hot little number is the latest from a brand where style and substance always coexist. In your palm it feels weightless – like a tiny remote clicker or a key fob, and on your lips it feels silky and smooth.

But let’s forget about the chic, sleek packaging for a minute because like your mother always told you, it’s what’s inside that really matters, and that does not disappoint either. The paraben-sulfate-phthalate-fragrance free formula is packed with hydrating Vitamin E, brilliant shine, and superior color. The smaller applicator felt a bit awkward and uneven on The Beauty Bug’s full lips, but the awkwardness quickly faded after the first couple applications. Available in six water-resistant shades, these flat-tubed fancies are both functional and sophisticated…and The Beauty Bug needs one in every color!

The only con about the gloss? Unless you’re using it, it lies hidden in your purse or pocket where no one can see.  What a shame.

Hourglass Prodigy Hydrating Lip Glosses are currently available at Barney’s and will be available at Sephora on February 18th for $26.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

From left to right…

1) Lancome’s Ô My Rose Collection – A collection marked by coral-peach and teal hues, the Pop’n Cheeks Gentle and Lasting Blush promises to be the star product and the centerpiece of the collection.

2) Chanel’s Les Impressions Collection – This spring season Chanel goes neutral and classic  with a stunning collection filled with pinks, beiges, warm browns and khakis designed to enhance a woman’s natural beauty. Choice products include the  Radiant Glow Highlighting Powder pictured above, Rouge Allure Lipstick in Insouciante and Le Vernis Nail Colour in Particulière.

3) NARS – When asked to describe the collection, François Nars, Founder and Creative Director of NARS Cosmetics said, “It’s very sophisticated and bourgeois in a Parisian ‘16th Arrondissement’ way.”  It features soft, sexy shades and pops of colors. Try Ophelia Gloss (strawberry nectar) for that perfect spring pout, and Cruising Lipstick (a nude pink)

4) Stila Dust to Diamonds Collection – Add sparkle to lids, lashes and lips with Stila’s latest. Eyes glisten and reflect with jewel shadows, lips twinkle being slicked with Stila’s Exclusive Gem Complex (which contains diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, moonstone, rose quartz, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, amber, garnet, mother of pearl, and opal) and lashes gleam with mascara swirled with genuine diamond powder.

5) Bobbi Brown’s Cabana Corals Collection – This Spring collection comes with a hint of summer, inspired by cabanas and beachy corals.  Sport fresh new pinks on lips and cheeks with bright, cheerful glosses and a new Shimmer Brick in Nectar Shimmer.

6) shu uemura’s egerie’s collection -  shu goes beyond the borders of seasonal makeup with their 130th collection where audacious meets elegant. Kakuyasu Uchiide, shu’s artistic director, says “I want every woman to created their own spin on my glam-rock image; they can play with this collection like enjoying their favorite music,  like they are about to jump on stage and shine in the spotlight. ” With the collection comes several new products including the limited edition Eye Shimmer Duos and Satin Radiant Sticks.

7) Smashbox Heartbreaker Collection Pop-art inspired boxes and flirty colors make up this collection which features Smashbox’s first ever fragrance.  The Beauty Bug’s picks include the pinwheel-inspired Heartbreaker Fusion Soft Lights and the Heartbreaker Lip Shine.

8) Dior’s Boudoir Collection – Lace up in Dior’s newest collection, inspired by fancy femme’s from the 1920’s. Dainty and subtle, yet sensual and alluring, the intricate, detailed compacts that house the illuminating lace-effect powder will be hard for any beauty junkie to resist. The Beauty Bug loves the Dior Addict Gloss Reflect in Beige Veil, and of course, the sleek, ultra-feminine lace finishing powder.

The Beauty’s Big quest to smell like a citrus fruit continues…

It’s just impossible not to be attracted to the refreshing yet zesty, clean yet tangy smell of a lemon or a lime.

First, She tried and loved L’Occitane’s Honey and Lemon Eau de Toilette spray, and now She’s equally loving CO Bigelow’s Winter Lemon. The heart of the collection, the Winter Lemon Eau de Toilette spray is one of those products that makes winter a bit more bearable.

The fragrance combines sparkling, bright lemon notes, velvet winter fig, sweet
black currant and warm, sensual undertones of musk, rose and
sandalwood. It has a light, cool, airy aroma – it’s almost as if you can smell the crisp chill – but warms up thanks to its sweet undertones. Wearing it, She feels like a freshly made drink from Her new Penguin Water Carbonator – and that’s really all She’s ever wanted in life …

Housed in simple, classic bottle, the scent is subdued and mellow. It’s as familiar and cozy as your old favorite sweater or pair of slippers – yet comes alive on skin and sparkles with freshness – like newly fallen snow.

The Winter Lemon scent is also avilable in 2-in-1 Honey Bath & Shower Foam, Ultra-Soft Body Butter, and Ultra-Soft Body Lotion.

Those who may be a bit too late in the season for Winter Lemon, be sure to check out CO Bigelow’s Lemon collection, which is a staple at Bath and Body Works.

CO Bigelow’s Winter Lemon Collection is available in Bath & Body Works Stores, and online at COBigelow.com.  The Eau de Toilette Spray is available for $29.50.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

When it comes to mascara, there’s no denying that Dior has the Midas touch. DiorShow, golden. DiorShow Iconic, golden. DiorShow Extase, housed in a golden case – but more silver or bronze.

The Beauty Bug has been testing this mascara for about a week now. Let’s just cut to the chase; She’s not completely writing it off, but She’s certainly not urging you to run to Sephora and spend $28 on it either.

Extase is the red-headed step child in the Dior mascara family. Its elder sister mascaras are more user-friendly, with better formulas and better wands.  Extase’s spiral-like tiered brush was inspired by the “tiered” couture dresses created by the House of Dior, but it’s this unique feature that is the product’s downfall. The wand picks up and deposits too much product, resulting in clumping. The formula is also somewhat thick and dries relatively fast, so if you’re a fan of multiple coats and layering, be sure to work quickly! To solve this problem, The Beauty Bug rolled the wand in some tissue before applying to rid it of any access product.

The mascara lengthens well, but doesn’t thicken or volumize adequately.

While some do like Extase and claim it’s done wonders for their lashes, the overall consensus is pretty universal. Comments from women that purchased the product include “not worth it”, that it “weighed down lashes”, and several ended up returning it.  Some are layering it with other Dior mascaras (which makes for one very expensive mascara, $55) and others are keeping tissues handy as The Beauty Bug suggested, but not many are loving it.

Dior Extase Mascara is available exclusively at Sephora for $28.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug.

6:01 - Just tuned on E!’s red carpet coverage – is Giuliana wearing tin foil? Ryan comments that her dress blinds him and refers to it as the “balloon boy” dress. She appears to be shedding glitter.

6:04 - The camera quickly pans to Jane Adams from the TV show “Hung”. She’s not wearing a bra. Lovely.

6:07 – The Beauty Bug mistakes Jennifer Morrison for Kirsten Dunst.  Dead ringer.

6:17 - Lisa Edelstein from “House” appears to be wearing OPI’s Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees on her nails, but her makeup needs a but more pop.

6:21 - Glee’s Jane Lynch looks …odd in her mustard colored dress. The Beauty Bug refuses to believe that she’s really not a gym teacher.

6:29 - From one pale girl to another – Elizabeth Moss,  you’re too pale to be wearing baby blue.

6:33 - Neil Patrick Harris remarks, “It’s really not who’s dressed well, but who has the biggest umbrella.”

6:36 - Mad Men’s Christrina Hendrick’s is rocking a mean red lip (She’s known to wear NARS’ Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square and Forbidden Red). No comment on the arm pit cleavage.

6:44 - Diane Krueger is the worst dressed thus far. A pink pepto diaster that’s reminiscent of Little Bo Peep. And here comes Patricia Arquette. There may be a tie.

6:50 – Vera Farmiga’s hair is a bit too prom-ish. Not loving the ringlets – but love the dress.

6:52 – January Jones’ dress is more interesting than her. Need proof? Watch her SNL episode. Do love her red lip though. It’s CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Paris, which launches in March.

6:59 - Marion Cotillard’s dress is confusing The Beauty Bug. Is that her black strapless bra that is exposed?

7:17 -  Ryan refers to Mariah’s  recent drunken acceptance speeches as “colorful.” In other news,  her globes are taking over the world. It’s amazing that someone with that much cleavage can still look manly.

7:18 -  Anna Kendrick looks like she used the spare garland from her Christmas tree to make her dress.

7:40 – Mark Wahlberg tells Guiliana to tell her mother he said hello.

7:46 - Giuliana is interviewing Anna Kendrick and asking her nothing about her, and everything about George Clooney. How tacky.

8:06 - Nicole Kidman  – add her to the list of those not wearing a bra.

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While shopping in Macy’s a few months ago, The Beauty Bug made a quick stop at the Lancome counter to check out their new Oscillation Powerfoundation – a micro-vibrating mineral foundation (She’s not a fan, but that’s another post for another time).  Also interested in the new foundation was an older woman who just couldn’t believe her eyes. “What will they think of next?”,  she asked as she shook her head and walked away.

L’Oreal’s True Match Roller, to answer her question. Yes, a mini paint roller that applies foundation.

Gimmick? Maybe. But, The Beauty Bug is just going to come out and say it – She likes it because it’s….fun.  And simple. The creamy, smooth formulation and the buildability factor aren’t half bad either. With this product, L’Oreal combines a novelty applicator with a solid, matte,  foundation, and it works.

A few things to about the roller..

• Before going to purchase, make sure you know what color family you belong and about the undertones in your skin (warm vs cool). The display will help guide you by asking what color jewelry looks best on you, but for a quick refresher course, refer to the second paragraph here.
• Yes, it’s silly and it’s probably not the best choice if you apply your makeup in public, or on the subway while you’re going to work, but… the roller contraption just makes sense.
• Have tissues handy when you’re using it. They will help you roll off any access product and clean the roller.
• Don’t worry, the roller doesn’t leave any streaks or striations.
• Contrary to the claims, the roller isn’t bendy, but it is semi-flexible and you can maneuver it into the crevices around your nose.
• The roller is a great tool for those who suffer from “my face is darker than my neck” syndrome.
• It’s easy and quick! For those that have shied away from liquid or cream foundation due to fear of properly blending it, this is a welcome, affordable segway.
• The foundation and the roller yield seamless, smooth, beautiful coverage.
• It lasts throughout the work day.
• No, it’s not the best drugstore foundation, but all things considered (the unique, easy application experience paired with the better-than-average foundation) it’s a pretty good option.

Thanks, L’Oreal for adding some fun and enjoyment to The Beauty Bug’s morning makeup routine.

L’Oreal’s True Match Roller is available at CVS for $13.99.

Disclosure: A press sample was provided to The Beauty Bug by CVS.