Hair by Liz P

When I first saw an uber gorgeous wedding updo created by this talented hair stylist, I was very curious who created the elegant style.  The bride shared her wedding day hair stylist along with raving about the amazing stylist.  Liz of Hair by Liz P works at Luxe Salon in Mankato and also offers on-site wedding day services.  Here is a short interview with the talented stylist.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Mankato, Minnesota and currently live in my wonderful hometown!  Shortly after high school, I attended the Aveda Institute for cosmetology in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

2. How long have you been a hair stylist?
I started off my career working in a very well-known salon in Mankato, and I have gone on to rent my own chair at an amazing salon, Luxe Salon!  I have now been doing hair for 6 years!

3. How did you start doing wedding and special event hair?
I began doing weddings and special events at my first salon, I was one of many that greatly enjoyed doing them!  I have continued to do so, and it is more and more fun everyday!

4. What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part about my job is meeting new people and making them feel beautiful everyday!  And most importantly, on their special day!  It is SO much fun.

5. On a wedding day, do you work out of a salon, on-location or both?  Do you travel outside of the Mankato area?
On a typical “wedding day”, we have the bridal party come to the salon, we have awesome decor, and a great location downtown, which is fun for the “pictures” aspect of the morning!  However, I also enjoy doing weddings on location if needed!  It’s always fun to get out of town!

6. When you’re not working in the beauty industry, what do you do in your free time?
When I am not busy doing hair, I spend my time with family and friends!  I also am a wellness coach to many.  A year ago, I took control over my health, and I now spend time helping others reaching their health goals as a Herbalife independent distributor.

7. What advice do you have for bride’s when choosing a wedding hairstyle?
When it comes to choosing a style for the big day, I highly suggest picking a few different styles and then booking a trial run.  This allows the bride to try different styles to see what they like best!  It also makes for a less stressful morning the day of!

8. What are popular looks right now?
The most popular styles I am seeing are the low, loose looking and slightly messy looks!  People seem to be going more simple these days!  Simple is often times better!

9. How does a bride go about booking with you?
When booking an appointment, you are able to contact me directly by phone, email or Facebook.  We do have a salon phone that they can call as well!

Be sure to check out the Hair by Liz P Facebook page for more photos with examples of her work!  And for those lucky enough to live near Mankato, she’s as talented at cuts, coloring and styling as she is at updos.

Photos: Spencer Combs Photography and Hair by Liz P

Once Wed Waterfall Braid Tutorial

Braids are all the rage right now.  And they can be seen anywhere from everyday to bridal hairstyles.  While surfing the net today, I ran across a great waterfall braid tutorial on Once Wed that explains how to create this versatile style.  For photos and step by step instructions, follow this link to Once Wed!

Photography: Our Labor of Love | Hair: Alison Brislin | Makeup: Kelly Shew

City Looks Salon and Spa

Like I mentioned earlier this week, The Wedding Extravaganza on January 5th in Rochester is quickly approaching.  This bridal show will have an array of wonderful exhibitors, including City Looks Salon and Spa.  Recently, I asked Jessica Huxsol, manager of City Looks, for her input on wedding hair and makeup trends, what to expect for the upcoming Wedding Extravaganza and details about the hair and makeup services City Looks offers for brides and brides-to-be.  Keep scrolling for the latest bridal beauty trends, inside tips and photos of bridal looks created by City Looks!

1. What are the latest bridal hair and makeup trends?
Hair Trends.  The latest trends in hair that we are currently seeing are braids, hair accessories and loose styled hair.  Loose curls, updos and cascading hair are all very popular for wedding hair in 2013.  Braids in many different forms from braids interwoven into curls throughout the updo to braid crowns.  Hair accessories of all forms are extremely popular.  We see the traditional things like flowers and tiaras all the time but what is really hot right now is vintage-inspired pieces such as a cage veil.
Makeup Trends.  For wedding makeup, we are seeing a comeback in lip color.  Reds are extremely popular right now, but for those who are not used to color we recommend something to brighten the face that still makes them feel like them.  We see a lot of the smokey eye look to help make the eyes pop.

2. What hair and makeup tips do you have for brides?
At City Looks we recommend doing a practice run of your hair and makeup at your salon of choice.  This way there are no surprises on your special day.  We suggest getting it done and then trying on your dress and having someone take your picture that way you can make sure it is the look you want.

3. What tips do you have for gorgeous skin on your wedding day?
Drink A LOT of water.  We recommend drinking more than 8 glasses of water a day and getting a facial 1-2 weeks prior to the big day.  If you can, see a skin care specialist to go over your skin care needs 1-2 months prior to the wedding day.

4. What is the best piece of beauty advice you have for brides-to-be?
Go with what feels right to you.  Choose your dress, hair and makeup by what you feel looks good.  We see many brides look to others for advice on how they look.  Then the day of the wedding they seem uncomfortable with their choice.  However you do your hair and makeup we feel is a reflection of you as a person and you want to still look like yourself.  Most brides just want to look a bit more polished.

5. What type of wedding day hair and makeup services does City Looks Salon and Spa offer?
City Looks offers many services for brides such as hair styles, color, cuts, deep conditioning treatments and makeup.

6. What type of pampering services do you offer for brides leading up to their wedding day?
Manicures and pedicures are very popular.  We offer shellac manicures, facials, body wraps and treatments, massages, waxing and spray tanning.  We are a popular location for bachelorette parties.  We have many groups that come in for pedicure parties, massages or to get dolled up with hair styles and makeup for their night on the town.

7. The Wedding Extravaganza is coming up soon. What can we expect at the upcoming Wedding Extravaganza? How is City Looks Salon and Spa involved in this event?
City Looks Salon and Spa will be doing the models’ hair and makeup for the fashion show.  The fashion show this year starts at 1pm so come and see what we can do or stop by our booth and talk to our salon representative.  She will be there answering wedding questions and giving out brochures of what we are all about.

Photos:  Olive Juice Studios