August 24, 2012

A West Hollywood Rockstar Makeover!

By: Brittany Nicole La Hue

West Hollywood is home to many famous hairdressers, makeup artists and fashion designers that cater to the stars. But the best part is that you don’t have to be a celebrity to be pampered like one! Many pros have stores right in West Hollywood, in the Avenues of Art, Fashion and Design District.

Our West Hollywood Summer of Music Original Song Contest winner Kristy Hanson found this out firsthand when we took her on a rockstar makeover adventure! As part of Kristy’s grand prize package (that also included a 4-night stay at the Sunset Marquis Hotel & Villas, $1000, 2 VIP tickets to the Sunset Strip Music Festival, concert tickets and more), her song “Welcome Me Home (West Hollywood)” won her a full day of pampering from haircolorist Marco Pelusi, makeup artist Makeup Mandy and fashion designer Julia Gerard. Read about her whirlwind day and how you can get the star treatment too!

Kristy BEFORE her makeover!

Our first stop of the day was an appointment with Marco Pelusi, a leading haircut and color authority. Always warm and welcoming, Marco jumped right in with a consultation to see what Kristy was looking for. Since she had recently colored her hair, Marco opted to skip the dye and cut her hair shorter, adding layers for extra volume and movement.

After about an hour, Kristy’s hair was transformed and had lots of bounce!

Hair At Marco Pelusi

After a delicious lunch break at Cecconi’s, where for once we DIDN’T see a celebrity dining, it was back to the grind.

Makeup Mandy was up next. Founded by Amanda Jacobellis in 2005, Makeup Mandy is known for getting celebrities ready for the red carpet or the big premiere. She also takes appointments from us regular folk for services such as makeup, hairstyle, spray tanning, eyebrow design and airbrushing. Her products are also available for retail at the store. But Mandy is really known for creating LAshX, a luxury brand of eyelash extensions that also stimulate lash health and growth.

With so many services to choose from, Kristy opted for the full red carpet package, which includes makeup, party lashes and hairstyle. Kristy’s new hair curled beautifully in the hands of Makeup Mandy’s expert team. After an application of long and thick lashes, foundation and eye makeup, our winner was ready for a night on the town! The only thing missing was something new to show off.

After makeup and hairstyle at Makeup Mandy, with Mandy herself!

Heading into Julia Gerard’s new boutique is an experience. With a necklace-adorned tree, crystal “river” running on the ground and fountain, there’s plenty to see before you even begin to look at clothes. After trying on some slogan t-shirts and dresses from the Peace Gallery collection, it was time to hit up the jewelry. Julia’s necklaces all feature peace signs, and many of the beads are handmade, making them all unique purchases. In the end, Kristy decided on a clear peace sign necklace that could go with anything!

Picking out a new outfit at JGerard Design Studio & Peace Gallery

Once Kristy was completely transformed, it was time to take her new look out on the town (and surprise her husband) at the House of Blues Sunset Strip, where The Doors played a once-in-a-lifetime show to kick off the Sunset Strip Music Festival.

It was truly a rockstar day!

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Kristy will be showing off her new look at her debut performance at On the Rox September 12 at 8 pm.

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You can book your own rockstar makeover just like Kristy!

Marco Pelusi

636 North Robertson Boulevard Unit B
West Hollywood, CA
310.967.0999

Makeup Mandy

8533 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA
310.858.1970

JGerard Design Studio & Peace Gallery

8658 Melrose Avenue
West Hollywood, CA
310.657.3336

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