The success for The Circle Salon just won’t stop!  We would love to congratulate our stylists Steven Fitzpatrick (National Color Educator for Davines), Sarah Evenson (National Well Being Educator for Davines), and Moe Stenson (National Educator for Eufora).  All three of our amazing stylists were awarded this past week by Professional Salon Concepts as stand-outs in the Midwestern Region of the U.S.  Steven took home the Top Educator of the Year Award, while Sarah took home the Spirit Award and Moe took home the Above and Beyond Award.  We couldn’t be prouder of these three!

So far, 2012 has started off with a BANG! for the Chicago-based Circle Salon.  Not only has the salon garnered top honors on a national and worldwide level, but we are just about to celebrate our 3-year anniversary! The Circle Salon was recently published in the book Eco Salon by EsteticaDesign as one of the top 20 international salons dedicated to eco-friendly design and functionality.

This January, the stylists headed to Miami for the World Wide Hair Tour.  Not only did the crew leave feeling inspired and awed by all of the events and lessons they attended, but The Circle Salon walked away with the international award for Premier Eco-Salon Design for 2012.

Aside from all the accolades The Circle Salon has received this year, none of this would mean anything if it was not for the support, love, and patronage of our clientele.  These awards are just as much yours as they are ours.  Hands down, we have the best guests in the world, and we look forward to spending many more years ahead with you!

Love,

The Circle Salon

Make that Christmas gift shimmer with recycled aluminum foil.

•  Give gift wrapping a little shimmer with a common household product - aluminum foil!  Not only is it unexpected, but gives off a great holiday vibe.  If you want to give it a little more dimension, try crinkling it first.  To secure it, try pairing it with some out-doorsy pine cones, branches, twine or recycled ribbon. The recipient of your gift might be more impressed with the actual wrapping than what is inside the box (Gaiam Life)!  If aluminum foil isn’t really your style, you can always try old maps, newspaper, children’s drawings or colorful magazine pages.

• Another creative idea is making the actual gift part of the wrapping decor.  For example, if you are giving someone a scarf, make it the bow to the gift.  If your present is more theme-oriented, say gardening supplies, put all the tools and seeds within a watering canister.  If you’re more of an arts & crafts kind of person, look into making your own wrapping out of cloth and ribbon.  Surround the gift with the cloth of your choice, and tie it off with a fancy ribbon.  That’s always one great way to recycle some of the arts & crafts scraps you might have laying around.

Try the Japanese art of Furoshiki to wrap up your next gift!

• One last idea that we are IN LOVE WITH comes from blogger Marie Anakee’s website GaveThat.com.   She uses the Japanese art of Furoshiki (fabric folding) to wrap up gifts.  You can use anything from recycled vintage napkins, ribbons and flowers to wrap the most beautiful (and simple) presents.  Click on her link above to view the proper way to Furoshiki!

We hope everyone enjoys the season and has a safe, yet happy, holiday!  Remember to call The Circle Salon for all your holiday hair needs!

· The Circle Salon · 2135 W. Division St · (773) 715-1026 · www.thecirclesalon.com ·

Gift Giving

Look for gifts that are durable, recyclable, made from natural components or purchased from local vendors.  If you are looking for something a little more unconventional, you can always opt to make a donation to an organization of the recipient’s choice, plant a tree in their name, or channel your inner-artist and make them a homemade gift.  Nothing says ‘i love you’ like a jar of jam or a cozy scarf!

Fashion for a bomb-free world

At the website TreeHugger, you can find amazing eco-friendly gifts for everyone from the Foodie and the DIY’er to the Techie and Fashionista. For the Fashion Maven, why not purchase a gift card to Rent The Runway?  Its a great way to find a fabulous last-minute outfit, and have the chance to wear designer duds before you send them back!  Feel like being a bit of a philanthropist?  Purchase these bangle bracelets from Article 22.  They are made from repurposed Vietnam scrap metal by artisans in Laos, AND for each bangle sold, three square meters of land will be cleared from unexploded bombs.

WeWood watches look amazing and help the planet

If you’re looking to add a little more green back into the world, consider purchasing one of these watches from WeWood.  They are made from industrial wood scraps and are nothing short of stunning.  For every watch purchased through WeWood the company plants a new tree.

Stay tuned next week when we give you some great eco-friendly tips on decorating a gift wrapping for the season!

• The Circle Salon • 2135 W. Division St, Chicago, IL 60622 • www.the circlesalon.com • (773) 715-1026 •

  •  10/10 Pre-booking Promotion – If you pre-book in November & December for your appointment in  January & February, you can receive $10.00 off for each appointment booked.

•  Grab one of our Davines Momo, Melu or NouNou Holiday Bundles and instantly save 20% off the  purchase price!

•  Purchase a gift certificate for $75.00+  and receive a complimentary Basic Make Up Lesson ($75.00  value)

•  Purchase a heat styling tool and receive a complimentary Basic Blowout Lesson ($75.00 value)

Buy one of our great holiday specials for someone else or yourself!  If you have questions or would like to book an appointment for the holidays, please contact us at (773) 715-1026.

•  The Circle Salon • 2135 W. Division St • (773) 715-1026 • www.thecirclesalon.com •

Green Envee provides natural and organic skin care products

The Circle Salon is proud to offer a new line of natural skin care products from Green Envee Organics!

Green Envee Organics is the brainchild of cousins Tim and Bob from Marshfield, WI.  What started out as a personal affair, creating an organic soap for Tim’s daughter who suffers from extremely dry skin, turned into a passion for providing safe, natural, and organic skin care.  In addition to Green Envee using only natural and organic ingredients, they also provide a positive impact on 10 other global communities who harvest, cultivate, and process some of their natural ingredients.

To learn more about Green Envee’s nourishing product line, philanthropy and mission, take a look at their website.  Or, stop on by The Circle Salon to purchase some of their organic body lotions, scrubs, and washes!  Remember, with those holidays around the corner, they can always make a great stocking-stuffer!

· The Circle Salon · 2135 W. Division St. · 773-715-1026 · www.thecirclesalon.com ·

glo·minerals use powerful pharmaceutical-grade antioxidants and natural, high-pigment minerals.

We know you all have been asking for it, and it’s finally here!  The Circle Salon is now offering an amazing line of makeup called glo·minerals.  Not only does glo·minerals offer exceptional coverage, and high-quality ingredients, but it is safe for all skin types.

glo·minerals maintains the highest standard for product performance and is at the forefront of the cosmetic industry.  This makeup is talc-free, non-comedogenic, free from perfumes and chemical dyes, and is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types.  If you have any questions or would like to set up a makeup consultation, give us a call at 773-715-1026 or just stop on by!

· The Circle Salon · 2135 W. Division St. · 773-715-1026 · www.thecirclesalon.com ·

Whoever said, “Eyes are the window to the soul” was definitely on to something! Having the right eye makeup can set the tone for the rest of your look.  You can never go wrong with a classic smokey eye, but here are some ways to freshen up the look.  Try experimenting with purple hues or gem tones.  If you want to go with something a little more under-stated, try this technique: Rim the eye with a black liner and then apply a great charcoal shadow over the lid, finishing into the eye crease.  Then, take a copper hue and dust over the lid to add a hint of shimmer.  If you want to add more POP, sweep some silver around the eyes to achieve a great Mod look.

If you feel like turning up the dial on your eye makeup, opt for a two-toned look.  One of my favorite eye combinations, utilizes a soft sea-green shade on the top lid paired with and a sharp gun-metal gray across the bottom lash line.  If you have been itching to try some truly bold colors, but are a little hesitant on the end result, try this little trick.  Apply your bold hue, but layer a lighter or neutral tone over the top of that shade.  This is a great way to gradually introduce the color! The more comfortable you get, the less of the lighter shade you need to apply.

Add some length with a few false lashes

The next part of the eyes we need to play up are the lashes.  We all know how much of an impact mascara can make on your eyes, so try a few of these techniques.  Long and lean lashes are an easy way to achieve a glamorous, yet subtle look.  Try investing in a lengthening mascara or if you want to take it one step further, add a few false lashes into the mix.  A few strategically placed lashes can take your look from drab to fab!  I recommend skipping the eye liner with this look because it could be a little too heavy. If you want to go with a full and voluminous look, apply multiple coats of mascara.  The key is to add the additional coats before the previous coat sets.  This will keep you from creating that scary, spider-lash mess.

Try a romantic burgundy lip for the fall

Pucker up because it’s time to move onto that kisser!  This season, lips are getting dressed up and ready for action, with red being a staple color.  If fire-engine red isn’t really your thing, try a cherry-stained pout with a bit of gloss over the top.  This look commands authority but gives a hint of playfulness at the same time.  If you want to go with a more romantic red, try a semi-gloss in a red velvet or dark burgundy.  Just remember, if you are opting for a bold lip, make sure you understate your eyes with a pale shadow.  It’s always best to pick one dominant feature on your face to play up, more than that can get a little too gaudy.  If your not ready for the red bandwagon, you can always go with various floral shades of pink, peach or coral in a matte finish.

Well ladies and gents, we hope you enjoyed The Circle Salon’s Fall-bulous hair, style and makeup series!  If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with our amazing stylists, we are only a phone call away.  If you can’t get enough of us, stay tuned for our other weekly posts, special promotions and events.

The Circle Salon • 2135 W. Division St • (773) 715-1026 • www.thecirclesalon.com

“Due to fall’s wind, cooler temps, and lack of moisture in the air, skin is likely to become more sensitive, dry, tight, itchy and irritated.  Here are my top ten ways to keep your skin fresh, moisturized and vibrant this upcoming season. ”

1. Always wash your face with lukewarm water!  Hot water can strip your skin of the extra moisture it needs to remain hydrated in colder weather.
2. Consider switching your face wash to something more gentle.  As the weather becomes arid, it causes the skin to produces less sweat and oil.  It’s essential to leave a small amount of natural oil on the skin because it acts as a barrier against the elements.
3. Exfoliate!  Dead skin cells trap oil and dirt under the surface of the skin causing pimples and unevenness.  Exfoliating once a week helps promote new skin development, better circulation, and allows moisture to be absorbed more effectively.
4. SPF is a year round necessity.  Even though it may seem like the summer is over and the sun is gone, the UV rays are still lurking around every corner.  The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF of at least 15, anything over that index is even better.
5. Always remove your make up before bed.  Keeping make up on overnight can clog pores and cause acne because it prevents the pores from breathing.
6. Hydration is key.  It may seem minor, but people drink less water during the fall and winter because of the cooler weather.  However, water is a natural detox, helping the skin maintain hydration and elasticity.
7. Watch what you consume.  A healthy diet can lead to a healthy appearance.  Did you know 10% of what you eat is released through your skin?  Something to think about with all those holiday parties approaching!
8. A daily routine will help cut down on the time it takes to properly care for your skin.  It takes roughly 66 days to make a habit, so start now!
9. Find ways to de-stress.  Take time out for yourself.  Stress causes imbalances internally and externally and can do a number on your skin.  Try a relaxing bath or mediate, what ever helps you find your inner peace.
10. Splurge and go for a facial!  A licensed esthetician can help customize a skin care regime and get you on the right track for your home care needs.

Now that our skin is prepped for the eminent cooler climate, join us next week as Moe Stenson gives us some tips for fall’s hot make up shades.  If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment at The Circle Salon, please visit our website or contact us at 773-715-1026.

“Sometimes we feel like we just can’t win when it comes to taming our curls year round in Chicago.  Winter winds affect the appearance and health of our curls, just as much as the humidity in summer.”  When it comes to winter, the cold, dry-air can strip the moisture right out of our already thirst-craving tresses. 

Davine's Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo & Conditioner

First, let’s take a look at what you’re keeping in the shower.  Right next to your body wash and shaving cream, there should be a bottle of Davine’s Love Curl Enhancing Shampoo and Conditioner.  The natural olive and pistachio oils in this line have high anti-aging properties to keep curls bouncy, soft and shiny during the dull winter months.  Another tool you should incorporate (at least once a week) into your curly haircare regime is a deep conditioning treatment.  The Davine’s NouNou Pak is chalk-full of olive butter and Omega-6 essentials.  This combination provides the effective moisturizing and emollient action your hair needs when up against bitter winds.

 After you’ve lathered and conditioned, it’s time to consider (or re-consider) how you are styling those curls.  “When towel-drying your hair, it is important to use a towel that is water absorbant because this helps keep the outer hair cutical smooth as opposed to frizzy.”  The more you muss and fuss with your curls, the more frizz you will create. 

Give your curls fullness and bounce with MoMo Serum

Choosing the correct styling products is also paramount when battling cold weather.  The same products you use on your hair in the summer might not work for your hair in the winter.  Most summer products are anti-humectants and are used to block humidity.  In the winter, aim to use products that are more creamy and oily in texture because they will lock in moisture.  The perfect cocktail combination for thirsty winter curls is a dab of  Davine’s Momo Curl Serum mixed with Oi/Oil.  The Momo Serum helps enhance the shape of the curls without weighing the hair down.  Plus, the curl will dry soft and delicately as opposed to the dreaded “crunchy curl” of the 1990′s.  The Oi/Oil is a beautifying serum that is anti-frizz, deposits extra moisture, and considerably lessens drying time – who doesn’t love that!  If possible, use a diffuser attachment that connects to the end of your hair dryer. 

Last but not least, maintenance! Don’t neglect your cuts and trims during this cold weather.  Trimming off the dead, split ends is important because it’s what keeps the curl alive and healthy.  It’s recommended that curly-headed girls should set their hair maintanence schudules for every 8 to 10 weeks.

Stay tuned next week when stylist Tiffany Javior gives us the low down on prepping our faces for the climate change.   

For more information about The Circle Salon, Davine’s products or to book an appointment with Terra Therapos, please feel free to visit us on our webpage!