(Chelsea Update would like to thank Susan Gartner for the photos and information in this column in which she documents my makeover.)
To celebrate her 1-year anniversary on July 24, Publisher Lisa Allmendinger decided to do something brash and unexpected: a makeover. Not for the site, but for herself.
Her transformation destination was Salon Rushelle, which will be celebrating its 3-year anniversary on Aug. 17.
I met Lisa at the salon to shoot the customary “before” pictures in anticipation of the dramatic change that was about to occur.
Wanting to experience the full effect of the makeover, Lisa kept her promise and never looked in the mirror during the entire 3-hour process.
“Do what you have to do,” she said, grinning at stylist and transformation artist, Susan Frederick.
It felt like an episode lifted straight from the makeover reality TV show, “How Do I Look?”
I made myself comfortable in the chair next to Lisa so I wouldn’t miss a thing. While Susan and Lisa discussed a myriad of hair color possibilities, I enjoyed the salon’s infused water du jour (watermelon and rosemary).
It was fun to see Lisa taking a needed break from her Chelsea Update responsibilities to treat herself to this resort-like mini-spa minus the luxury prices and travel time.
As Susan brushed on the hair color (a warm, natural brown with sun-kissed highlights), she told us about her background.
“I’ve always been interested in hair and nails,” she said, foiling Lisa’s hair. “When I was little, I would pretend to cut my dad’s hair even though he was bald on top.”
Susan went through the Chelsea High School cosmetology program, which is part of the Washtenaw County Consortium. “A few days before I graduated high school,” said Susan, “I was licensed.”
The high school program paid off and Susan has been a stylist for 11 years.
After the coloring, Lisa was led to “The Wash House.”
“Everybody’s favorite phase of the process,” Susan explained. This is where Lisa was treated to a shampoo and pampering scalp massage.
Next was the makeup. I remember receiving a makeup makeover years ago that was much too theatrical and heavy-handed for my taste. What I really liked about this makeover was the way in which Susan kept the look very light and natural. You couldn’t tell that Lisa was wearing makeup. She simply looked rested and refreshed.
“A lot of people don’t know that just a little bit of product can make a big difference,” Susan said.
Still, the biggest change was the haircut. What a thrill to watch the transformation unfold as Susan assessed Lisa’s face shape, hair texture, and practical, on-the-go lifestyle.
She worked like a sculptor, cutting away the excess material to reveal the beauty underneath. She cut Lisa’s hair in a way that allowed the curls to do what they’re supposed to do — naturally.
The high point of the photo shoot was taking the pics of Lisa when she finally opened her eyes and looked in the mirror.
I’m so glad I was there to catch her genuine surprise, delight, and appreciation to Susan for a job well done. An unexpected bonus came when I scheduled an appointment for myself.
The Salon Rushelle crew also includes owners Christopher and Rushelle Spaulding, and stylists Kathryn Carroll and Nicole Chapman.
Make an appointment at Salon Rushelle for your own mini-spa makeover. You’ll feel like you just had a vacation without leaving town.
It’s located at 1170 S. Main St. Phone: 475-7775.
(Publisher’s Note: Since my makeover took, the new hair portion of the transformation has been wildly successful. I love it. It’s easy and fun. Thank you, Susan. The makeup part, well, let’s just say, I haven’t even tried to replicate that. Susan’s an expert; me, not so much. And truth be told, I don’t even have makeup at my house.)
this was fun to read!
Looks great!