nuBest salon and spa

new laser services @ nuBest!

2012-01-06T16:42:00.002-05:00

look -- and feel -- younger with our laser and light therapy treatments, including laser hair removal, skin tightening, sun damage and age spot removal and more. gentle and non-invasive, these treatments are safe for all skin types and deliver smooth, healthy and glowing skin. call 516.627.9444 to schedule your personal consultation today!

fall's hottest hair trend @ nuBest salon and spa!

2011-10-05T13:43:00.004-04:00

this fall's hottest hair trend is, quite literally, taking off with flying colors -- and is now available at nuBest salon and spa. colored hair extensions in variegated vivid hues are becoming increasingly popular among the fashion pack and the celebrity set. as well as being seen on a number of "dancing with the stars" contestants, singers katy perry and jordin sparks have recently been spotted with streaks of purple, blue, and fuchsia, while ashley olsen, lauren conrad, kate bosworth and rachel mcadams are among the trend's earliest adopters. on the fall runways, the look was executed at prabal gurung, fendi, theyskens' theory, yohji yamamoto and tracy reese. the trend shows no signs of slowing down for next season, as orange and rose gold streaks popped up at peter som's spring 2012 presentation last month at new york fashion week.

unlike the feather hair extension fad that became ubiquitous over the summer, which lend themselves to a specifically bohemian aesthetic, colored hair extensions are an easy way to add a little edge to your hair, regardless of your personal style. nuBest salon and spa currently offers extensions that are secured to the hair with a metal clamp, and can stay in for up to several months if you so choose. available in an array of eye-catching colors, from hot pink and turquoise to royal blue and violet, these extensions offer the best of both worlds; made from real hair, they can be washed, shampooed and styled as usual, and can be removed at your discretion, without the commitment of chemically altering your hair with temporary dyes. put a singular streak on one side of your part for a subtle shot of color, or layer several complementary colors to make a bolder statement.

what do you think of the colored hair extension trend? which color would you choose?

putting shellac to the test...

2011-08-26T11:15:00.005-04:00

for several months, nuBest has offered CND Shellac manicures and pedicures. this particular service is garnering rave reviews from industry insiders and beauty bloggers alike for its 14-day no-chip guarantee. the fact that shellac "goes on like polish, wears like gel, off in minutes" and boasts zero dry time (thanks to a UV lamp) is certainly intriguing, but does it really live up to the hype? as a self-proclaimed spaz who can barely leave the manicure station before smudging my polish, i took it upon myself to put shellac to the test, and see if it makes good on its lofty claims.

so, last week, i scheduled an appointment at the SPA @ nuBest for a shellac manicure. the first step in the manicure was the application of a base coat. next came the color coat; i selected two colors, called "romantique" and "beau," which my nail technician layered over one another, creating a neutral pale pink hue (given my history with messy manicures, it's become second nature for me to go with a barely-there polish). finally, the top coat was applied. i placed my hands in a UV lamp between each coat for no longer than a minute, and after the final round of the lamp, i was done. literally. i could walk right out of nuBest then and there with completely dry and enticingly shiny nails. i couldn't believe how easy and relatively quick the process was! i immediately reached for my keys in my purse and breathed a sigh of relief when my perfect manicure remained intact; a similar elation occurred when reaching for my car door and putting my seatbelt on when departing from the salon!

CND Shellac Romantique

CND Shellac Beau

a week later, i can happily report that my shellac manicure is every bit as shiny and smudge-free as it was on the day of its application. of course, the polish has grown out a little as my nails have grown (this is what CND calls a "line of demarcation") but the same thing would happen if i had gotten a typical polish manicure. i would wholeheartedly recommend this service to anyone who is constantly active and on the go, or to anyone who is manicure accident-prone (join the club).

would you try the shellac manicure? if you already have, what has your experience been like? tell us!

"Biggest Loser" Teammates @ nuBest

2011-06-24T14:21:00.003-04:00

Last week, Olivia Ward and her sister, Hannah Curlee (aka the Purple Team on Season 11 of NBC's
"The Biggest Loser") stopped by the salon for a day of beauty. During their stay, Olivia (the winner of the season!) and Hannah got their hair colored, cut and styled by Jamie Mazzei. What do you think of their new looks?

spring forward with a yellow manicure!

2011-05-17T11:55:00.004-04:00

one of the hottest nail trends for spring/summer 2011 is yellow nail polish. since the color itself is emblematic of sunny days and cheery dispositions, this trend hardly comes as a shock. and with several iterations to choose from, ranging from ultra-bright neons to marigold and virtually everything in between, there's a color for everyone. what do you make of this nail trend? have you caught yellow fever, or would you prefer to stick to one of spring's safer shades?

on a related note, we're pleased to announce that the SPA @ nuBest is now offering shellac manicures! this 14-day chip-free manicure is perfect for those of you who are constantly on the go. it's a hybrid nail treatment that goes on like polish, wears like gel, and comes off in minutes without damaging the natural nail!

royal wedding scoop : kate middleton's beauty look

2011-04-29T16:13:00.007-04:00

what were you doing this morning at 4am? if you're like us, you were waiting, with bated breath, in front of the telly as the royal wedding between prince william and kate middleton was about to commence! the bride was a vision in an elegant gown designed by sarah burton for alexander mcqueen. we have the scoop on kate's wedding day hair:

“The bride was styled by James Pryce supported by Richard Ward. The bridal party was styled by the Richard Ward team.

Catherine’s bridal look is called the ‘Demi-Chignon’ – an up-do style which combines a classic bridal look with a regal, couture finish. The focus of the style was Catherine’s unique and individual halo style tiara, set just back from the hairline, which determined the finished look.

Richard and James were extremely honoured and privileged to be involved with creating Catherine’s wedding look. The team were equally delighted to be working with the family and styling the bridal party on such a special day. The entire salon team feel extremely proud of their association with the Middleton family and would like to take this opportunity to thank them for continued loyalty and support over the years and wish their royal highnesses every happiness in their married life together.”

on her nails, kate wore essie's allure polish, a pale pink shade that perfectly complemented (but didn't upstage) her welsh gold wedding band.
what did you think of the royal wedding and kate middleton's bridal beauty look?

thank you to scissorboy for contributing to this story!

spotted: yigal azrouël @ nuBest!

2011-03-29T10:03:00.003-04:00

last friday, we had the pleasure of hosting MAJOR fashion designer yigal azrouël at nuBest. the designer, who showed his critically lauded fall 2011 collection at new york fashion week last month, stopped by our SPA for a massage, and could not have been nicer! (we also got an up-close look at the fall collection -- so beautiful and edgy yet every bit wearable!) here's a picture of yigal (center) with jamie mazzei and christian fleres.

the rise of "guybrows"

2011-03-16T13:30:00.005-04:00

according to a recent new york times article, there has been a proliferation in what NYC-based eyebrow stylist ramy gafni calls "guybrows" -- that is, a slight trimming and plucking of male clients' eyebrows. as gafni says, "i don't create an arch for men. you want to take the weight out of it and groom the brow, but you don't want it to look 'done.'"

this conservative yet style-conscious approach to men's grooming has accumulated several celebrity fans, including ryan seacrest and (swoon) david beckham. with brow gurus like anastasia have become almost as prominent as their famous clients, and brow bars becoming increasingly prevalent, we very well may be entering what the article calls "the time of the eyebrow." however, what makes this particularly newsworthy is the apparent spike in interest among the male population. clearly (and in some cases, thankfully), eyebrow shaping treatments are no longer female-specific, and any guy-specific stigmas associated with them -- who else remembers the dreadful "metrosexual" label? -- are slowly but surely diminishing.

although the article states that there are many grooming tools available on the market for do-it-yourself grooming, it also points out that it is best to leave it to the professionals; of course, we unequivocally concur. at nuBest, our male clients can have their arches plucked and trimmed to perfection at the make-up center. if preferred, we also offer the standard brow wax, as well as threading. all three are excellent options for achieving a subtle yet clean look in no less than a few minutes. indeed, the facility and ease of such treatments are hard to beat -- we recommend getting a quick arch adjustment after, say, a haircut or spa service. for more information about men's eyebrow grooming, call nuBest at 516.627.9444, or leave us a comment below!

the ultimate treatment for spring-ready skin

2011-02-22T10:26:00.004-05:00

although next fall's fashion collections are currently debuting on the runways, we would much rather turn our attention to the imminent spring season. although at times it can't seem further away, spring is almost upon us -- in preparing for the change in season, we feel that the best offense is a good defense. what better way to get your skin spring-ready than with a visit to the spa? today, we would like to introduce you to the number one tool in our skincare arsenal: the microdermabrasion facial.

now, we're sure that you've been following our winter skincare tips to a T, but sometimes, thicker moisturizer and gentle exfoliating just doesn't cut it. the microdermabrasion facial is, without a doubt, the ultimate spa treatment. just as its name suggests, the treatment begins with a microdermabrasion application, in which the skin is mechanically exfoliated so that the surface layer of dead skin cells is thoroughly removed. this procedure will leave your skin refreshed and renewed, not to mention more evenly toned. furthermore, microdermabrasion reduces the appearance of fine lines and any signs of hyperpigmentation or sun damage, and it allows for greater absorbency of moisture and smoother makeup application. most importantly, though, it creates a clean slate going into the spring, as it sloughs off your dry and dull winter skin.

the microdermabrasion is then followed by a full european facial, which includes an intensive cleansing, followed by a light exfoliation and gentle extractions (if necessary), and a hydrating mask. the treatment is then topped off with a massage of the face, neck and decolletage, for an all-over feeling of reinvigoration. we cannot express it enough -- there is no better way to put your best face forward this spring!

do you have any questions about this treatment? want to know more? leave us a comment and we'd be happy to help you!

quick tip : banish hat head!

2011-01-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

as we've expressed before, we appreciate a good hair accessory every now and then; when it's this cold and snowy outside, a hat is a no-brainer. and with so many options to choose from -- knit caps, wide-brimmed chapeaus, fur trappers, and riding caps among them -- a hat is a great way to add a chic touch to an otherwise lacking winter ensemble. however, in the small event that you are forced to take off your topper, you may be faced with one of winter's most vexing woes: hat head, which can leave hair flat and extremely static.

static electricity stems from dryness. thus, your defense against hat head should start with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, which will lock in hair's natural moisture. avoid any shampoo that will strip your hair of its natural oils. in addition to this, try not to over-wash your hair, as this can cause dryness as well. instead of washing, say, every day, use a dry shampoo or a light moisturizing spray between washes to extend your blowout a day or two longer.

once your hair is washed and dry, finish styling by spraying a brush or comb with hairspray, and lightly running it through your hair. this will hold hair in place as well as reducing static. if you don't like the stiffness that is generally associated with using hairspray, try using a pomade. however, be careful not to use too much product, as this will cause unnecessary buildup.

do you have any tips that you swear by for combating hat head and static? tell us!

best of beauty : golden globes 2011

2011-01-19T15:14:00.004-05:00

it's that time of year again -- awards season! as usual, hollywood's leading ladies (and men!) put their best faces forward on the red carpet, with various results. while there was only one winner in each category, there were several winning looks throughout the evening. let's take a look at some of the standouts:

overall, we found that the best looks of the night belonged to those who took the path of textbook hollywood glamour. take, for instance, january jones' retro hair and red lips (which complemented her sultry versace gown) and anne hathaway's voluminous waves. mila kunis and emma stone, on the other hand, did updos the right way by keeping the hair simple and pairing it with clean (yet classic) makeup.

the less successful looks included olivia wilde and sandra bullock, whose blunt bangs detracted from their beautiful faces (and in olivia's case, mismatched her showstopping marchesa stunner). another miss was scarlett johansson -- while we liked her dress, her updo left much to be desired. it looked as if she stuck her head out of the window of her limo en route to the ceremony!

what were your favorite looks of the night? tell us!

holiday hair inspiration

2010-12-21T12:39:00.013-05:00

now that the holiday season is in full tilt (have you finished your shopping yet?), we are constantly searching for hair and makeup inspiration for our various gatherings amongst family and friends. what better way to get into the festive holiday spirit than to experiment with glamorous hair looks? here are a few looks from the runway and the red carpet that are currently on our wish list:

if conventional wisdom is any indication, 'tis the season for loose, romantic waves. the tried and tested look is a year-round staple, but many of our clients request it this time of year. we're all for the easy elegance of these wavy styles (natalie portman provides a lovely example). however, if you'd like to change things up, may we suggest experimenting with the polished ponytails and poufs that were among the defining looks of the fall/winter runway season? we are dying to emulate the classically chic high ponytail spotted at louis vuitton, as well as the bardot-inspired pouf at vera wang for added drama.

if wavy/textured styles aren't your thing, going sleek and straight is always an option. for inspiration, we look no further than the high priestess of straight styles: gwyneth paltrow. her trademark center-parted long locks are a perennial favorite, and we like how she paired the simple style with an unusual dark blue eyeliner.

of course, if you're feeling especially festive, you can adorn your hair with a gilded, jeweled or feathered hair accessory. each of these embellishments, be they headbands, combs, clips or barettes, are a youthful, fun and whimsical addition. furthermore, they can be used to accentuate virtually any hair style -- whether its curly, straight, long, short, up, down, or anything in between! while diane kruger and lauren conrad opted to embellish their low chignons with glittery headbands (with a few face-framing pieces pulled forward), elle fanning and jessica lowndes instead wore their hair down.

how will you be wearing your hair for the holidays? tell us!

seasonal skincare tips

2010-12-03T14:30:00.003-05:00

if the past few days are any indication, winter is making its presence known. unfortunately, the first victim of the season's blustery winds and chilly climes is the skin, which typically becomes dry, irritated, and sallow. we're now in the throes of the holiday season, when our social calendars fill up and we're bouncing from party to party, making it all the more necessary to get our skin glowing (ideally, like blake lively, pictured above). so, without further ado, here are some helpful tips for solving some of winter's most perplexing complexion problems:

the first step in your winter skincare regimen should be a gentle, cream-based cleanser. we swear by anything from the sonya dakar product line because they nourish the skin without stripping away moisture.

exfoliation is necessary, especially during the winter! after cleansing, use a gentle exfoliant, like dermalogica's daily microfoliant. although you may think that exfoliating will further irritate already dry skin, it is actually imperative to winter skincare. in addition to sloughing away dead skin, making the skin appear brighter and smoother, gently exfoliating allows for the skin to more readily absorb moisturizer.

speaking of moisturizer, it's wise to switch to a thicker one in the winter. lightweight moisturizers are ideal in the summer, when pores are more likely to clog up due to product overload. however, in the winter, a thicker moisturizer is a better defense against the wind and cold. you might want to get a tinted moisturizer, to add a hint of color to a pallid complexion.
don't forget your lips! we always make sure to throw a sonya dakar peppymint lip juice in our pocket or purse before we set out for the day. it's packed with essential oils and vitamin E, which keep our pouts looking perfect (you can find us under the mistletoe, thankyouverymuch)

what changes do you make to your winter skincare routine? are there any other tips that you swear by once the temperatures drop? tell us!

fall hair color : warm up

2010-10-26T14:26:00.004-04:00

although temperatures may be dropping, when it comes to coloring your hair this fall, the operative word is "warmth." to properly autumnize your hair, opt for deeper, richer tones. for instance, if you're a brunette, go for a deep chocolate hue. as a reference point, look to jessica biel, who just debuted a darker 'do for the season at an event in beverly hills last night (pictured at left).

blondes, on the other hand, should warm up with a caramel color, and should also avoid highlights, as they lend themselves more to a sun-streaked summer look. if you can't part with your highlights, make sure to keep your base color a shade darker, to give the hair a greater sense of dimension. finally, redheads should try a rich mahogany shade (and hold the highlights). as emphasized before on this very blog, going red is one of the biggest color trends for this season, so make a statement with a single-toned deep red hue.

do you change your hair color from season to season? are you thinking about trying a completely new color this fall? tell us by leaving a comment!

in the red

2010-10-19T12:08:00.003-04:00

with fall officially in full swing, we are on a quest for change. we've cleaned our closets (only to make room for our updated autumnal wardrobes) and broke out the seasonally appropriate home decorations, but this had left us longing for more..until we flipped through the pages of this month's glamour magazine and stumbled across an editorial with singer florence welch, of florence + the machine. not only do we love her music ("kiss with a fist" and "dog days are over" have been on heavy rotation on our iPod for quite some time now), but we are currently coveting her gorgeous, vibrant red dye job:

in addition to florence, many startlets have been rocking the red hue, including christina hendricks, kate mara, emma stone, and bryce dallas howard. in making the transition to becoming a redhead, one must make the necessary revisions to their beauty routine:

don't be afraid to try a red lip. in fact, if you keep the rest of your makeup palette relatively neutral, a red lip color (with a bluish undertone) are a nice complement for a fiery red head of hair. just be sure to steer clear of anything with orange or bright coral undertones, as these colors may clash or compete with the hair as a focal point.
when it comes to the eyes, stick with golds, taupes and browns. we also happen to love florence's smoky eye paired with a nude lip. also, don't overlook the importance of the eyebrows -- as a general rule, brows should be one shade darker at most. finally, choose a dark brown mascara instead of a pure, deep black.
keep your cheeks looking rosy with a soft peachy/coral or pink blush; the idea is to look ever so naturally flushed. if you usually use a bronzer, toss it out! the combination of bronzer and red hair can lead to a monochromatic look, which appears unnatural.

another thing to consider is your skin tone: if you have a fair complexion, you can get away with copper-inflected reds, while those with darker skin tones should opt for a richer mahogany shade. of course, you can always come to the nuBest color department for a consultation with one of our experts to find your ideal color!

are you bold enough to go red? if so, whose auburn locks are your source of hair inspiration? are there any other changes that you're making in your beauty routine this fall? tell us!

new york fashion week trend alert : color, color, color!

2010-09-21T22:33:00.010-04:00

whew! in the blink of an eye (perfectly shadowed, lined and masacara'd, natch), new york fashion week has come and gone. one of the biggest beauty trends that we've noticed is the return of color! after seeing fresh, makeup-free faces all over the fall runways, we are pleased to report that many designers embraced vivid vernal colors, especially on the eyes. here are some of the multi-chromatic looks that have us excited for spring:

emerald eyeshadow backstage at oscar de la renta

a pop of pink on the lips at diane von furstenberg

colored lids (with a matching streak in the hair's part) at l'wren scott

fluorescent lined eyes at derek lam

and our favorite hairstyle of the week (seen at proenza schouler): a low, messy side twist that evokes the look of a girl who fell asleep against a condensated window. so unique and interesting!

fall trend poll

2010-08-31T10:06:00.014-04:00

although we're still in the midst of this seemingly eternal heatwave, as we drive by the americana manhasset (a veritable shopping mecca, and our down-the-street neighbor) on our daily commute, we are met with window displays full of autumnal ensembles -- think long sleeves, cardigan sweaters, thick-knit tops and trousers. with the unrelenting oppressive heat beating down on us, we can hardly bring ourselves to start building our fall wardrobes. luckily, we can start to look ahead at the upcoming season's hair and makeup trends, for looks that give us a fall feeling, but won't make us melt! take a look at some of the biggest trends on the fall/winter runways, and weigh in with your favorites:

sleek, side-parted low buns, ponytails and chignons
(spotted at celine and balenciaga, among countless others)

teased ponytails and updos (also present at innumerable shows, including michael kors)

bangs (model abbey lee kershaw's fringe is our tonsorial inspiration, but the look was also spotted at lanvin and l.a.m.b.)

deep purple eyeshadow -- a continuation of the lavender and lilac shades that were popular for spring, but with a moodier feel befitting of the season (executed beautifully at carolina herrera)

wine-colored lips: again, a darker, moodier riff on the classic red lip. shown here at proenza schouler and missoni.

metallic nail polish (neutral greige shades and chanel's purple paradoxal polish are also a huge trend for fall, but we can't resist the hint of glitz that a metallic lacquer provides)

which beauty trend are you most looking forward to testing out this fall?
	slick, side-parted low buns
	teased ponytails and updos
	bangs
	deep purple eyeshadow
	wine-colored lips
	metallic nail polish

pollcode.com free polls

think we missed something? would you rather tell us your least favorite trends? want to learn more about the trends we picked? talk to us by leaving a comment!

paula garces @ nuBest!

2010-08-20T14:12:00.001-04:00

here's a twitpic from "the mun2 look" host PAULA GARCES after she got her hair & makeup done at nuBest. check out nuBest on the new season of "the mun2 look" TOMORROW at 4pm, only on mun2!

are you following nuBest on twitter? if not, what are you waiting for? http://twitter.com/nuBestsalon

cutting it close

2010-08-11T15:03:00.006-04:00

don't know if it's just a case of the heat getting to us (what's that, weather.com? another 90+ degree day?!), but some mornings we just want to give up when it comes to styling our long, layered hair. further fueling this desire to lose all the length is the recent crop of starlets who have gone for close-cropped styles. take emma watson for example, whose newly unveiled twiggy-meets-mia farrow pixie cut has us all but scrambling for the closest pair of shears:
word on the street is that she took the plunge to better her chances of snagging a role in the upcoming movie the girl with the dragon tattoo -- regardless of whether or not it's true, we think that emma pulls off the gamine style effortlessly. other stars who have gone short as of late include ginnifer goodwin, cate blanchett, michelle williams and 90210's jessica stroup, not to mention those who have been working the look long before it became so trendy, like halle berry. if the lengthy list of aforementioned names is any indication, super-short haircuts are almost universally flattering, no matter your age, hair color or face shape. in fact, the only thing that needs to be taken into consideration is your hair's natural texture; those of you with very thick, coarse hair might not want to try this look, as you'll run the risk of having hair that looks too bulky or heavy. if you're interested in a close-crop hairstyle, you may want to take heed of these expert tips:

very short styles are most compatible with oval face shapes (although, as already stated, the look can work with virtually any face shape).
if you have a heart-shaped face, avoid too much volume at the crown of your head. if you have a round face, the opposite applies; volume at the crown will add height and make your face appear narrower.
those of you with square faces would do well to add a slight, wispy bang and keep layers light and soft.
if you have any other concerns, talk about it with your stylist! they have the expertise to help you achieve the perfect pixie.

what do you think of emma watson's new cut? are you daring enough to go for a close-cropped style? tell us what you think!

congratulations to our client!

2010-08-04T15:07:00.002-04:00

we would like to congratulate nuBest client Dr. Eli Katus for being named as one of Newsday's top doctors. Dr. Katus, who is an extremely prominent name in the field of psychiatry, was selected as a top doctor by health care research group Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. after a rigorous and selective screening process to determine the very best medical professionals on long island. to learn more about the top doctors list, click here.

nuBest ♥ bethenny frankel

2010-08-04T14:37:00.006-04:00

yesterday, nuBest had the pleasure of doing the beautiful, funny and all-around awesome bethenny frankel's hair and makeup for last night's GLAAD manhattan event. (little known fact: bethenny was a nuBest client long before she was a "skinny girl" sensation and a real housewife of NYC!) in the photo above, she is walking the red carpet for the event with her hair done by karina and makeup by jessica. we absolutely adore bethenny and hope to see her again soon!

going gray with gaga (and kristen!)

2010-08-03T12:57:00.006-04:00

it's only the beginning of august, but covers from the september issues of our favorite magazines are slowly but surely being unveiled. since september magazines are historically the biggest and most highly anticipated issues of the year, they are an ideal forum for presenting the world's most famous faces and oftentimes serve as a litmus test for a publication's prominence. thus, it comes as little surprise that vanity fair selected none other than lady gaga for as their september cover girl. with this selection, though, comes the challenge of deciding what to dress her in -- the woman has done it all, from studded bras and latex dresses to impossibly high heel-less platforms and jeweled face masks. with all that in mind, we were quite curious to see what gaga ended up going with. without further ado, take a look:
apparently, she went with nothing at all, save for an elaborate choker and her long, gray hair -- the focal point of the cover. in fact, she takes it to a monochromatic level, pairing her gray tresses with silvery eyeshadow and a taupe-gray nail polish.

seeing gaga's vanity fair cover incited some serious deja vu, when we realized that vogue italia portayed a similar vision on its latest cover. the issue, in which famed photographer steven meisel shot '90s supermodel kristen mcmenamy, has us seeing double:

again, we see long, flowing (and shockingly ashen) locks. while lady gaga's hair is presumably a wig (she's long since been back to her signature short platinum 'do), 45-year-old kristen has been flaunting the silver fox look for a while, most notably and recently on the runway at calvin klein and in several top fashion magazine editorials.

clearly, gray hair is having a moment -- are you daring enough to embrace the look?

ombré hair : do or don't?

2010-07-28T16:41:00.008-04:00

when it comes to color, we've noticed a burgeoning trend on the rise: ombré hair. although we first spotted the look last fall on a select few early adopters, now that summer is in full swing, the ombré look is becoming more and more prevalent. what exactly is ombré, you may ask? in fashion, it is a fabric dyeing process that involves the gradation of color from light to dark. the same general rule applies to ombré hair, though in this case, hair color goes from dark (at the roots) to light (at the ends). when done correctly, it should appear as though you've neglected to touch up your roots for, like, 6 months..at least. confused? take a look at the famous faces who are experimenting with the look:

apparently, this look can be achieved by brunettes (see: rachel bilson, ashlee simpson) and blondes (i.e. lauren conrad) alike. we feel that actress rose byrne nailed the execution of the trend, as her hair's gradation is subtle yet still looks sophisticated and shiny, whereas simpson and model/muse/designer erin wasson just look somewhat ratty and unkempt -- unless that's what they were going for. all in all, we're torn on the ombré effect; what do you think?

celebrity hair transformations

2010-07-28T15:25:00.005-04:00

every so often, a celebrity will change up his or her hairstyle, to be met with various degrees of success. with clients coming in every day, armed with photos of those stars with the most covetable cuts for inspiration, we're always keeping an eye out for celeb hair transformations. lately, it seems that several celebrities have decided to experiment with different cuts, colors and styles. let's see how these new styles fare when compared with their predecessors:

over the weekend at comic con, scarlett johansson debuted her latest look -- a choppy, angled bob with the front slightly longer than the back. she styled the new cut in tousled waves. while we wonder what it'll look like with sleeker styling, we applaud scarjo's willingness to take risks with her hair (she's done it all, from pin-straight and dark brunette to platinum blonde and everything in between). this is a risk that certainly pays off, as the shorter length flatters her face.

while he is most infamous for his straggly, unwashed locks and seemingly permanent five o'clock shadow, twilight star robert pattinson proved that he cleans up quite well. on the set of his latest movie, water for elephants, he sported a clean-cut, properly brushed hairstyle and clean shaven face. although some of you twi-hards may prefer your edward in all of his disheveled glory, we definitely approve of this new look.

unfortunately, we are not exactly big fans of katie holmes' latest change-up. at a recent movie premiere, holmes was seen with a newly shorn side bang, with the rest of her hair in a shaggy, wavy style. we don't mind the waves (in fact, we adore the look on the left, where her languid waves remind us of when she was dawson's creek's girl next door), but her bangs are at an awkward length (too far above the brow to be styled to the side) and they simply look heavy.

"One thing is for sure...nuBest salon walks the walk, and talks the talk!"

2010-07-23T12:13:00.007-04:00

On Thursday (July 22nd 2010) I had the pleasure of escaping the scorching New York City heat and taking a quick trip out to Long Island to experience the hottest "one stop beauty shop" around: nuBest Salon.

The Manhasset hair/make up/spa hotspot caters to celebrities and fabulous people, so of course MJ had to see what all the hype was about.

I arrived for my 2pm appointment and got a quick wash and cut from Jamie before Christian applied the color essentials for achieving "blonde ambition." A few single processes and washes later, I was seamlessly back in Jamie's chair getting the final touches done to my new blonde locks.

One thing is for sure...nuBest salon walks the walk, and talks the talk!

Blonde Ambition: Achieved!

Positively,

Micah Jesse
"The Georgia Peach in the Big Apple!"

http://www.micahjesse.com/

quick tip : silly bandz as hair accessories?

2010-07-14T15:53:00.003-04:00

as virtually anyone from the age of 5 and up can tell you, the latest craze among kids are silly bandz -- or, for the uninitiated, rubber bands that come in a variety of colors and shapes, from animals to stars and dinosaurs (it's amazing what qualifies as a must-have item these days..). according to the new york times, they have recently caught on with adults and celebrities, and -- being the ahead-of-the-curve trendsetters that they are -- some of our staff members have been spotted with the telltale neon bands around their wrists.

in a moment of desperation, we noticed that silly bandz can also double up as a hair elastic in a pinch! in fact, their vibrant colors can even lend a hint of fun and whimsy to an otherwise mundane ponytail. so, once this fad fades into obscurity (which it inevitably will, if it hasn't already), instead of leaving your stray silly bandz strewn around the house, in the car, or wherever else, you may want to use it in your hair. don't have any on you? me either -- i'll be stealing mine from my little sister.

paris haute couture fashion week recap

2010-07-14T15:14:00.007-04:00

last week saw the return of haute couture fashion week, in the fashion capital of paris. known for being the arena where the world's most celebrated designers turn out their most creative, most beautiful and oftentimes most over-the-top creations. while some would argue that designs on display are out of touch with reality, it is undeniable that the couture shows deliver the glamour and excitement that makes fashion so very fascinating. here, we take a look at some of the hair and makeup looks that we can't wait to try out, as well as the looks that demanded a double (or triple!) take.

it was apparent that, much like the fall ready-to-wear collections, the fall couture collections were marked by a sense of dichotomy, especially when it came to the beauty looks. in one camp, there were the soft, ethereal hairstyles paired with a natural makeup palette, as spotted at valentino, as well as sleek blowouts with subtle yet smoldering eye makeup, seen at elie saab and armani prive. another favorite was chanel, where models walked the runway with slightly messy hair that we're dying to re-create and minimal makeup, save for an attention-grabbing red lip.

on the other hand, designers like john galliano for christian dior and jean-paul gaultier showed hair and makeup that was certainly in keeping with their reputations as envelope-pushing, theatrical and bombastic players in the industry. at dior, hair was styled up, up and away in a style that only galliano could have envisioned. gaultier sent his models down the catwalk with elaborate and similarly high-styled turbans -- some made of fabric, and others constructed with the models' hair! in stark contrast to the sleek, straight blowouts seen at other shows, fellow fashion renegade vivienne westwood favored a frizzy, crimped hairstyle complete with a middle part and eccentric blue eyeshadow.

what are your favorite looks from haute couture fashion week? do you like your couture traditionally extravagant, or do you think it should be more wearable?

nuBest's beach bag essentials

2010-07-14T14:25:00.008-04:00

this weekend, yours truly is headed to the hamptons! with friday approaching rapidly (and i'm still not packed -- gasp!) i've started to give some thought to what i'll be bringing with me when i hit the beach with my new FEED tote bag in tow (loving the colorful ikat fabric, and the fact that the bags were created in an effort to support UNICEF's initiatives to feed malnourished children in guatemala). without further ado, here's my little list of beach bag essentials:

1. sunblock. an obvious choice, especially for those of you who, like me, sizzle upon immediate contact with sunlight. i also make sure to pack a lip balm with SPF -- i swear by sonya dakar's peppymint lip juice, which features the added benefit of SPF 15 to keep lips from drying up or cracking.

2. hair elastics, bobby pins and a headscarf. these hair accessories are clutch, particularly on the beach. when my bangs tend to curl up in the sea-salty atmosphere, i pin them back with a few bobby pins, or put my hair up in an easy ponytail or bun. a printed headscarf is a fun way to keep my hair out of my face while still looking chic!

3. a before-sun hair spray. much like your skin, it's crucial to protect your hair from the sun's rays. i absolutely love kerastase's micro-voile protecteur spray because its super-lightweight formula prevents buildup, while providing just enough strength to defend against UV damage. i apply it to my hair -- damp or dry -- before heading out.

4. a water botte (or two!) because you gotta remember to keep hydrated during a long day in the sun.

5. a pair of sunglasses. again, kind of a given. i'll be wearing my chloe 2145s. :)

6. other miscellany, including some good reading material (along with the latest issues of vogue, w and elle, i'll be reading how did you get this number by sloane crosley), my trusty ipod (stocked with my favorite songs from sleigh bells, the black keys and yeasayer, among many others), and a camera.

what do you bring with you when you hit the sand? is there anything you'd add to this list? tell me in the comments section!

get the look : marion cotillard

2010-07-13T12:18:00.003-04:00

with an unrelenting heatwave in effect, and with few foreseeable signs of its cessation, it has become increasingly difficult for us to conjure up the motivation to look our best with each sweltering summer day. however, there are those like marion cotillard whose effortless beauty inspires us to reconsider our lackadaisical tendencies. at the premiere for her latest movie, inception, the actress (and this month's vogue cover girl) showed up with covetable waves and a fresh, natural makeup palette:

one of the keys to this look is the center part in marion's hair, which, especially with wavy styles, allows for a laid-back bohemian effect. part wet hair down the middle with a comb or, for a less precise look, with your finger. if your hair is naturally wavy or curly, simply tousle your hair by flipping it over and scrunching it, and you're pretty much good to go. on the other hand, if your hair is straight, you can set your wet hair into a loose braid before gently blowdrying with a diffuser. to add further definition to your waves, use a large-barrel curling iron and curl the pieces of hair that frame your face in different directions to make the style less contrived. we also happen to think that her hair's just-above-shoulder length and subtle highlights are perfect for summer!

marion's makeup is a prime example of the less-is-more approach to beauty that we can't seem to emphasize enough on the blog. all it takes is a shimmery gold eye shadow, a couple of coats of mascara, a rosy pink blush and a fuchsia lip gloss. just add a colorful printed dress and pile on the accessories, and voila! a fail-safe, no-stress summer beauty look.

celebrity hair transformations

2010-06-30T15:35:00.004-04:00

at the new york premiere of eclipse, the latest installment of the twilight series, kristen stewart debuted her latest experimentation in color, an auburn shade. she made the change for her upcoming role in on the road, based on the jack kerouac novel. here, she incorporates a trendy summer braid, while leaving several face-framing pieces loose for an undone look.

ever the hair chameleon, victoria beckham is the latest star to go long, once again returning to hair extensions. here, she sports slightly longer than shoulder-length waves, marking a departure from her usual bob.

speaking of extensions, it is the general consensus that naomi campbell is most likely losing her hair due to the stress of her signature center-parted and loooong style, which is achieved with the help of extensions. while the famous model shot a campaign for designer dennis basso, a major bald spot was accidentally -- and shockingly -- revealed. experts note that longtime use of extensions, which are usually set in place by tightly braiding the natural hair, may lead to hair breakage or loss.

"project prom" winner @ nuBest!

2010-06-25T15:49:00.003-04:00

check out this article from today's newsday -- "project prom" winner caitlyn warshauer stopped by the salon yesterday to get her hair and makeup done for her prom. pictured above is caitlyn -- in the dress chosen by newsday readers -- and her date and longtime friend justin flynn. congratulations, caitlyn!

jamie mazzei in hamptons magazine

2010-06-22T14:23:00.004-04:00

nuBest's jamie mazzei is featured in the latest issue of hamptons magazine. check out his q&a above (click to enlarge), and be sure to pick up a copy!

celebrating 37 years!

2010-06-18T14:54:00.004-04:00

june 19th is a momentous day for us at the salon. tomorrow marks nuBest's 37th anniversary, as well as the birthday of nuBest's owner, Michael Mazzei. we would like to thank all of our clients for your generous support -- we couldn't do it without you, and we are so grateful!

have a great weekend, and if you have an appointment tomorrow, you are in for a treat: passed hor d'oeuvres and light refreshments will be served all day!

summer survival guide : part 2

2010-06-16T14:55:00.007-04:00

from the looks of the weather forecasts for the rest of the week, it looks like things are going to be heating up! what better time, then, to continue with the second installment of our summer survival guide (for those of you who missed it, part 1 can be found here). today, we shift our attention from hair to makeup. during the summertime, the sudden change in temperature will usually incite a reactionary change in our daily makeup routines. in order to beat the heat (and to avoid any melting maquillage), nuBest makeup artist Anna Naso has a few helpful pointers:

1. although it's important to protect yourself against the sun all year round, it's especially imperative to set up with spf on these sweltering summer days. Anna recommends dermalogica's super sensitive faceblock. this chemical-free sunblock is spf 30, and is comprised of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which will make skin impervious to the sun's harsh UVA and UVB rays. furthermore, the formula is infused with soothing lavender and green tea, which makes it an ideal option for those of you who are prone to irritation from other sunblocks on the market.

2. primer is key! Anna has already extolled sonya dakar's pore minimizer as her go-to primer. primer should be applied after moisturizer, but before any foundation or concealer.

3. ditch the heavy-duty foundation. no matter the outdoor activity, the last thing you want to worry about is your thick, dense foundation slipping and sliding off your face. when the warm weather picks up, it's best to switch to a lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer. at the nuBest makeup center, we offer our very own mineral sheer tint (pictured below). this particular product, armed with spf 20, goes on smoothly and provides you with sufficient coverage, yet it doesn't seep into your pores when challenged by the humidity and heat.

4. this one's a bit of a no-brainer: switch to waterproof mascara. whether you're swimming laps in the pool or taking a dip in the ocean, waterproof mascara is the only way to make a splash without sacrificing your commitment to beauty. because, let's face it, having smudgy black streaks running down your face is never a good look!

5. keep the number of items in your summer makeup bag to a minimum. go for multi-functional makeup (i.e. a cream blush that doubles up as a highlighter, or a lip stain that can be dabbed on the cheeks to create a flushed, rosy complexion). when it comes to the summer, a less-is-more attitude is always preferred; the same rule applies to your beauty routine. on a related note, you should opt for cream or gel blush and eyeshadow, as opposed to their powder counterparts, because their texture and consistency allows for less smudging and caking.

what changes will you be making to your daily beauty routine this summer? are there any other tips/products that you swear by? let us know what you think, and keep your eyes peeled for the next part in our summer survival guide series!

a closer look...

2010-06-15T15:31:00.008-04:00

here are some close-up shots taken of the models before their unveiling at the nassau county museum of art's museum ball:

stylists glen and natalya hard at work!

nuBest @ the nassau county museum of art's museum ball

2010-06-15T14:34:00.008-04:00

last friday, the nassau county museum of art held its annual museum ball at oheka castle in huntington (the very first time the museum has chosen an off-site venue for the elegant evening!). the theme of this year's ball, a perennial fixture on the north shore social calendar, was once upon a time, and the event was, quite fittingly, out of a fairy tale.

one of the highlights of the evening was a fashion show featuring garments created -- and modeled -- by local design students. nuBest salon and spa provided the hair and makeup looks for the models. in keeping with the fantastical and whimsical theme (and the gatsby-esque backdrop provided by the magnificent castle), the hair and makeup was dramatic, with 1920s-inspired finger waves and smoky grey eyeshadow, complete with a deep aubergine lip.

photo credit: newsday.com

mk & a, in living color

2010-06-11T13:55:00.003-04:00

if you haven't already picked up on this, mary-kate and ashley olsen are pretty popular around these parts. we definitely count ourselves among the legion of olsen fans who pore over the prolific pair's fashion lines (plural!), business ventures and most importantly, their oft-imitated street style. thus, we were slightly taken aback when we stumbled across this photo of the girls in NYC:

image courtesy of PopsugarUK

while we already know that ashley has previously demonstrated a proclivity for colorful streaks, this takes things to an entirely new level. the garish colors (pink for MK, yellow for ash) lead us to believe that this is a very temporary look -- perhaps for a costume party? in any case, we can't imagine that even their most devoted followers will embrace this look!

best of beauty : cfda awards 2010

2010-06-08T15:43:00.008-04:00

last night, the cfda awards were held at lincoln center in NYC. the event, touted as the oscars of the fashion industry, celebrated the year's best in womenswear, menswear and accesory design, and honored several of the fashion world's most influential incons, including michael kors and iman. because the designers and their creations were at the forefront of the evening's festivities, the attendees' hair and makeup looks accordingly took a backseat to the clothes.

most -- including gwyneth paltrow, sarah jessica parker, and alexis bledel -- opted for clean, swept-back updos and ponytails, paired with a natural, understated makeup palette (save for a few red lips, as evidenced by amanda hearst, devon aoki, and rachel weisz). others, such as jessica stam and kate mara, played with plaits and braided sections of their hair..very au courant. beyond that, though, there was little experimentation. here are a few photos from the event:

for us, though, the highlight of the ceremony went beyond the frivolity of hair, makeup and glamorous gowns; we were taken aback by the moving tribute to the late alexander mcqueen.

get summer-ready skin @ nuBest

2010-06-08T11:33:00.004-04:00

ahh, summer -- the time of year when a less-is-more approach is the rule of thumb, especially with regards to your daily beauty routine. who wants to deal with heavy foundation and face creams in the sweltering summer heat? it's time to put your best face forward and get your skin summer-ready; this is where the SPA @ nuBest comes in!

to kick off the season, enjoy 15% off* when you book a 60-minute european facial or a 60-minute swedish massage .

please mention this blog post when making your appointment. to schedule your appointment, call 516.627.9444.

* cannot be combined with any other discounts or specials.
offer expires June 13, 2010.

father's day reminder!

2010-06-08T11:30:00.001-04:00

father's day is june 20th -- if you still need gift ideas for dear old dad, take a look at our father's day spa packages (shown below), or customize your own for a truly personal touch! please call 516.627.9444 for more information.

summer survival guide : part 1

2010-06-02T14:41:00.010-04:00

after a lovely long memorial day weekend, we are so ready for summer to start. yet with all of the joys that the season brings -- new clothes! longer days! weekends in the hamptons! barbeques with friends! -- unfortunately come several stresses (environmental or otherwise) that threaten our tresses -- namely, sunlight, chlorine and salt water. in order to properly care for your hair during the summer months, there are certain tips and tricks that we swear by. today, nuBest owner and creative director Jamie Mazzei dispenses his wisdom and lets us in on his summer hair survival secrets:

1. if you're going to invest in one hair care product during the summer, it should be a hair mask. masks can be applied as frequently as you see fit (though, as a general rule, once a week should be sufficient). we offer several variations of hair masks at the salon, from brands ranging from kerastase to redken. any of our staff members should be able to help you find exactly what you need!

2. since "summer" is oftentimes synonymous with humidity, which consequently brings the word "frizz" to mind. in order to combat the climate, Jamie advises growing your layers out long -- especially if you have thick, curly hair. this is because choppy, short and/or heavily layered styles are far more susceptible to frizzing up in the midst of muggy weather.

3. while longer layers are an ally in the fight against frizz, Jamie also notes that it's best to go with the elements (as opposed to against them) and embrace your hair's natural texture instead of putting it through the stress of constant blowdrying and straightening. scrunch it up if you're at the beach (as the salty atmosphere is conducive to creating a perfectly undone waviness), or put it up it in a casual ponytail or messy topknot and you're good to go -- no tools necessary!

4. if you're planning a beach day, you may want to slick wet hair back with conditioner -- leave-in or otherwise -- before heading out. the conditioner will protect your hair from the especially intense heat, sun and wind that beat down on you after several hours spent in the sand.

5. when all else fails, cover it up! braids, scarves, swim caps and hats are all excellent options. a summer hat will shield you from the sun's damaging rays and the harsh chlorine found in swimming pools, while also being on-trend (you'll really know it's summer when the ubiquitous fedora, the perennial favorite among the celeb set, will be making its triumphant return). panama hats, straw hats and the aforementioned fedora are all viable options. we also happen to love the scarf/braid hybrid look sported by karlie kloss in the summer ad campaign for hermes, shown below -- while it's tough to beat an hermes scarf, any scarf will do. how's that for summer hair inspiration?

do you make any adjustments to your hair routine when the seasons change? what are you going to do with your hair this summer?

this is only the first part of our summer hair survival guide -- there's much more to come, so keep an eye out for more tips from our experts!!

celebrity hair transformations

2010-06-01T12:07:00.007-04:00

every so often, a celebrity will change up his or her hairstyle, to be met with various degrees of success. with clients coming in every day, armed with photos of those stars with the most covetable cuts for inspiration, we're always keeping an eye out for celeb hair transformations. lately, it seems that several starlets have decided to experiment with different cuts, colors and styles. let's see how these new styles fare when compared with their predecessors:

after trying out different updos and wearing her hair out of her face, victoria beckham is back to her signature bob style. this time, however, she opts for a softer, wavy look, as opposed to the more severe and perfectly straightened "pob" (posh bob, obvs) that we've come to expect from her.

sienna miller has developed a reputation for being both cutting edge and capricious when it comes to changing her hair -- her looks have run the gamut from long, languid and bohemian to her close cropped, edie sedgwick-inspired pixie. recently, though, she debuted her latest look: eyebrow-grazing fringe! we absolutely love this look on her, and we think it looks especially great when paired with an easy ponytail.

speaking of capricious...after brief stints as a redhead and brunette, lindsay lohan is back to blonde. last week, just days after showing off her darker 'do in cannes (accessorized with a chanel headband, natch), she was spotted in LA with freshly bleached tresses. although we prefer lindsay as a redhead, we will admit that this particular change is a positive one.

lastly, we have cynthia nixon, seen at the london premiere of sex and the city 2, sporting much longer locks than we're used to (most likely with a little help from extensions). while we think this is a nice departure for cynthia, over the past years, we've gotten accustomed to her signature miranda hobbes bob. perhaps it's just a case of conflating the actress and the character that she plays, but we simply like her better with shorter hair.

what do you think of these celebrity hair transformations? do you agree with our takes? tell us how you feel in the comments section!

nuBest @ the UJA spring 2010 event

2010-05-28T16:35:00.007-04:00

on may 26, nuBest was behind the scenes at the UJA spring 2010 event, where hair stylists dawn and glen, and makeup artists anna and sherry, were on hand to create the beauty look for the event's michael kors fashion presentation. the look was kept classic -- the hair was styled in a low, sleek ponytail (with a slight side part), secured in place with a rubberband with a piece of hair wrapped around it for an extra-polished effect. although the clothing on display was from the upcoming fall/winter season, the models' makeup was appropriate for all seasons, with a sun-kissed glow, rosy cheeks and a glossy pink lip. here are some pictures in the moments before the models hit the catwalk:

for more pictures from backstage, and for an all-access look at what's going on at nuBest, check out our twitter page and become a fan on facebook!

congratulations to our client!

2010-05-28T15:10:00.003-04:00

we would like to congratulate longtime nuBest client, author Anthony Scaramucci, on the release of his book, Goodbye Gordon Gekko: How to Find Your Fortune Without Losing Your Soul. the book, which teaches us "how to live a more productive life by putting a profitable lifestyle ahead of profits," is currently ranked on Amazon.com's bestseller list, and is available for purchase in-stores and online!

best of beauty : amfAR gala 2010

2010-05-25T11:40:00.007-04:00

last week, the cannes film festival took france by storm. every year, the most prominent names in the film industry flock to the glitzy event; needless to say, the sartorial stakes are always high! some a-listers in attendance certainly brought their a-games this time around, particularly at the amfAR's cinema against AIDS benefit gala, which was held at france's hotel du cap last thursday. here are our top five hair and beauty looks of the evening:

camilla belle's sleek, center-parted low bun, precisely lined eyes and fuchsia lips

no lipstick, no liner, no problem for model dree hemingway, who stuck to a minimalist makeup pallette

for those of you with short hair (or who are considering taking the plunge), look no further than michelle williams, who debuted a lighter, slightly grown-out pixie style that we love

diane kruger sports a loose, low-slung chignon accented with a feathered hair accessory

marion cotillard perfectly executes classic hollywood glamour with an effortless updo, shimmery eyeshadow and the requisite red lips

reminder : "project prom" vote!

2010-05-25T11:04:00.004-04:00

have you voted for your favorite dress in newsday's "project prom" feature? if not, it's not too late!

nuBest was enlisted as the "glam squad" for the annual feature -- click here to see how beautiful Caitlin looks and vote for your favorite dress! if you haven't voted yet, act fast -- you have until June 4th.

we are also proud to announce that nuBest will be providing Caitlin with hair styling and makeup application services on the day of her prom! we are so excited to be a part of this special day.

nuBest in newsday's "project prom"

2010-05-19T14:25:00.002-04:00

nuBest salon and spa is featured in today's issue of newsday, in an annual feature called "project prom." this year's project prom winner is 18-year-old caitlin warshauer from lake ronkonkoma, a senior at sachem high school north and private first class in the army national guard. as this year's winner, caitlin was treated to a day of prom dress shopping (according to the article, she tried on a whopping 60+ dresses!) and a makeover from nuBest's own dawn o'neill and anna naso. click here to see a video of caitlin getting glam with the nuBest team. while she was able to narrow it down to four potential dress contenders, the ultimate choice is left to the public! check out a gallery of the final four looks, and vote for your favorite by clicking here.

our lips are sealed when it comes to our pick, but we want to know what you think! which dress is your favorite? tell us in the comments section!

rainy day hair tips

2010-05-18T14:30:00.007-04:00

the month of may is in full swing -- college grads are celebrating (or are they panicking?), backyard gourmands are waiting with bated breath in anticipation of the upcoming memorial day weekend barbeques, and the weather is supposed to be warming up. you can imagine our dismay, then, when we woke up this morning only to be met with gray skies, wet ground, and the incomprehensible combination of humidity and chilliness in the atmosphere. on these days, we're tempted to throw in the towel and throw on a hat..but you, our style-savvy readers, are far better than that! so, without further ado, here are some of our rainy day hair styling tips:

our favorite option happens to be one of spring's most popular trends: the side-braid. we've covered this look on the blog before, but it's simply too good to exclude. first seen on the runways at alexander wang, the plaited look has popped up everywhere, from the pages of vogue and elle to the red carpet, as modeled by rachel mcadams and amanda seyfried. the ingeniousness of this particular look lies in its simplicity and imperfection -- in fact, the messier the braid, the more on-trend you probably are!

another fail-safe look is the ponytail. whether you wear it high, low, slicked back, loose, center or side-parted, the ponytail is a versatile option that will keep your hair out of your face while neutralizing the threat posed by frizz. here's a high, polished and wavy ponytail in action, as seen at louis vuitton:

if you're feeling casual, you might want to try a topknot, or a high bun. this was another winning runway look, seen at lanvin and fendi. to re-create the look, simply gather your hair as high up as possible and secure it into a ponytail. next, twist the ponytail and loosely wind it around, setting it in place with pins. again, when it comes to this look, the messier the better, so feel free to play up your hair's natural texture by keeping the hair loose and unkempt.

for those of you with bangs, we would suggest either trying a headband (or several!) or twisting the frontmost sections back. the latter style is favored by the city's whitney port. to get the look, create a center part. on each side, take a piece of hair just above the temples (about 1 inch thick, where your bangs are), twist it away from your face and pull back. secure the hair with bobby pins or barettes. this particular look can be done on anyone, no matter the length of the hair.

full disclosure: we settled on a high, messy ponytail with fringe today. what hair styles do you save for rainy days? do you have any other tips and tricks? impart your wisdom in the comments section!

nuBest supports matter of trust

2010-05-11T12:46:00.004-04:00

in a rare instance where seeing the words “hair” and “oil” in the same sentence does not elicit a frantic response, world-renowned beauty destination nuBest salon and spa has announced that it will be donating hair clippings to matter of trust, a nonprofit organization that uses the clippings to create mats and booms that soak up the refuse from the recent gulf coast oil spill. the innovative san francisco-based charity follows the logic that, since hair is one of the most effective natural materials for absorbing oil, hair-filled booms and mats are an environmentally conscious (not to mention cost-efficient) way to eliminate the waste from oil slicks.

as a prominent name in the beauty industry with a longstanding history of philanthropic outreach, it is easy to see why nuBest’s owner, michael mazzei, would get involved with this hair-raising cause. “i see protecting and beautifying the environment as a central aspect of my personal mission,” says mazzei, “so it was an obvious decision to contribute whatever we can to matter of trust.” for more information regarding nuBest salon and spa’s involvement with matter of trust, please contact richard piana (richard@nubestsalon.com) or gianna froccaro (gianna@nubestsalon.com).

best of beauty : met costume institute gala 2010

2010-05-05T16:14:00.009-04:00

this past monday marked one of the biggest, most glamorous events in the fashion industry: the metropolitan museum of art's annual costume institute gala. heralded as the "east coast oscars," the CIG is where fashion's most prominent names -- as well as hollywood's leading actresses, the top models of the moment, magazine editors, and the countless others who keep the industry afloat -- gather to celebrate a style-centric exhibition on display at the met. this year, the exhibition is entitled american woman: fashioning a national identity, dedicated entirely to the trajectory of american style throughout history.

while the general consensus holds that the evening's attendees erred on the side of caution and played it safe with their sartorial choices (for those wondering, our picks for best-dressed included diane kruger, marion cotillard, naomi watts, anne hathaway, and lauren santo domingo), we were generally pleased with the hair and makeup looks. let's take a look at some of our favorites:

diane kruger's minimalistic center-parted low bun (the perfect complement to her calvin klein gown)

emma watson's textured, beachy waves

gisele's high, slicked back ponytail (a look also favored by blake lively)

mila kunis' unfussy updo and lilac eyeshadow

nicole richie's long-layered, voluminous bohemian waves and signature fringe

what do you think of our picks? was there anyone else who stood out to you? leave your opinions in the comments section!

nuBest @ the guild of st. francis hospital spring luncheon

2010-05-04T16:12:00.011-04:00

earlier today, nuBest was on the scene at the guild of st. francis hospital's annual spring luncheon and fashion show. held at the beautiful crest hollow country club, the event raised funds for the guild, which specializes in cardiac care. after a lovely lunch, the hundreds of guests in attendance were treated to a fashion show featuring designs from brooks brothers, salvatore ferragamo and st. john, presented by americana manhasset. nuBest was backstage, creating hairstyles for the models. in keeping with the clean, elegant styles on display, the models' hair was kept simple yet sophisticated, pulled back in low ponytails. here are some of our pictures from backstage:

for more pictures, check out our facebook page!

adrienne bailon @ nuBest!

2010-04-30T15:02:00.005-04:00

this afternoon, we were treated to a visit from actress and singer adrienne bailon, who stopped by for spa & beauty services! we absolutely loved having her at nuBest -- she was so sweet and complimentary, calling nuBest "a beauty mecca" and marveling at our hard-at-work staff! she was also gracious enough to pose for pictures with owners michael and jamie mazzei:

the city : spring makeup from whitney eve

2010-04-28T16:05:00.004-04:00

did any of you watch the city last night? we did! one of the central events taking place in this season's premiere was whitney's make-or-break fashion show, which debuted last september at new york fashion week. while we personally feel that her collection left a little to be desired, there's no doubt that the hair and makeup look was right on-trend for the spring season. take a look at one of the models who walked in the whitney eve show:

first and foremost, note the pretty coral lip -- a recent staple, as evidenced by the collections from several other prominent designers. seeing as whitney wisely chose to focus centrally on the lips, the rest of the makeup is minimal and fresh. there's a touch of shimmery gold shadow on the lids, as well as a warm peachy-pink blush on the apples of the cheeks...and little else. this is a perfect no-fuss spring look that can easily be tried on your own.

we also covet the models' easy ponytails, with were tightly pulled back in the front, only to unfurl with loose, touchable waves. with temperatures rising in the near future, this off-the-face hairstyle provides a great way to beat the heat while still looking chic.

is this a look that you would like to replicate? would you wear any of the pieces from whitney's spring collection? how does olivia palermo get her hair to look so perfect all the time?! leave your answers (or your unanswered questions) below!

nuBest ♥ worship luxury

2010-04-23T16:00:00.005-04:00

in honor of yesterday's earth day festivities, we were delighted to receive a beautiful floral arrangement from our dear friends at Worship Luxury. founded by Deborah Hunter, a decorated and multi-talented visionary whose talents range from event planning to interior design and landscapes, Worship Luxury "is focused on giving clients fabulous, sexy flowers, unforgettable events, lush landscapes, unique interiors and custom accessories." to learn more about Worship Luxury, please visit http://www.worshipluxury.com/. in the meantime, though, take a look at a couple of their most swoon-worthy arrangements:

nuBest @ UJA-federation of new york's michael kors pop-up event

2010-04-23T15:32:00.002-04:00

yesterday, april 22, nuBest participated in the UJA-federation of new york's spring pop-up event, featuring michael kors' spring 2010 ready-to-wear collection. held at Cindy Matte's lovely home in syosset, guests were treated with exclusive access to michael kors' latest fashions, accessories and jewelry, with twenty percent of the pre-tax sales benefiting the UJA-federation. nuBest makeup artist Anna Naso was also on hand to give the philanthropic patrons makeup touch-ups and faux eyelash applications, which were very popular among the many ladies in attendance!

we would like to thank Nicole Mancini, Felicia Solomon and Cindy Matte, and congratulate them on an extremely successful and fun afternoon! photos to come...

brenda perruzza trunk show @ lorelei

2010-04-16T14:50:00.004-04:00

please join us on saturday, april 17, from 10am - 5pm at the lorelei boutique @ nuBest for a trunk show featuring the work of jewelry designer brenda perruzza.

brenda perruzza is a new york-based jewelry designer, offering a unique collection of exquisite vintage-inspired jewelry and bridal accessories for peruzzi originale inc. brenda's collections are sold in over 70 stores nationwide and worn by numerous celebrities, including gwen stefani, richard tyler, paris hilton, melania trump, snoop dogg, linkin park, lil kim, lenny kravitz and more.

the designer is inspired by vintage pieces from the 1950s-1970s, like chanel buttons, vintage chain, halston findings and old handmade murano glass and swarovski crystal. having earned a reputation for her cutting-edge style and elegance, brenda's new lines are anticipated worldwide, from london to hawaii and south africa.

for more information about the trunk show, please call 516.365.1900. click here to visit lorelei boutique's website.

today's style spotting

2010-04-14T16:20:00.006-04:00

being located in manhasset, new york, on the world-famous miracle mile often has its perks. indeed, those who come to nuBest are some of the most fashionable people around! so, whenever we are inspired by our style-savvy clients, we will showcase their trendy items on the blog.

today, client Lisa Santos stopped by the salon, and she came with some beautiful baubles in tow. check out her pearl and turquoise necklace:

in keeping with the pearl/turquoise motif, she also wore this statement-making ring (note the hint of turquoise on her bracelet, too!):

there's no better time than spring to experiment with color -- conveniently, turquoise was listed as one of Pantone's top ten colors for spring 2010. if you're not sure how to work the color into your ensemble or beauty routine, we would suggest following Lisa's lead and piling on the turquoise jewelry!

what do you think of today's style spotting? are you going to integrate turquoise (whether it's eyeliner, a handbag, or a necklace) into your spring repertoire? how so?

feathered hair accessories: do or don't?

2010-04-13T16:39:00.007-04:00

maybe we're just on an avian kick, but we can't help but notice a high-flying hair trend: feather hair accessories. by now, you surely know that headbands are another spring hair staple; however, for those who fear that basic headbands are too polished and prim, we can assure that feathers are a more creative, bohemian way to give your hair an added touch of style.

we last saw this look executed by mary-kate olsen at the premiere of broadway's lend me a tenor. here, she secured the feathers on one side of her head, creating a sense of asymmetry and imperfection. her tousled waves further emphasize the insouciant look.

earlier this year, we also saw emily blunt model some pretty plumage at the wolfman premiere. unlike MK, emily shows how to execute a feathered accessory in a more elegant way. she uses a feather hairpiece to accentuate an otherwise understated low chignon.

how do you feel about feathered hair accessories? are they super fly, or are they for the birds? make your voice heard and leave us a comment!

you're invited!

2010-04-13T11:18:00.006-04:00

on tuesday, may 4, from 1-5pm, the SPA @ nuBest will be holding its sonya dakar spring skin bar event! our spa estheticians and a sonya dakar educator will be on hand to analyze your skin and give you the do's and don'ts of skincare. enjoy a 30-minute mini fitness facial (includes cleansing, exfoliation, mask and hydration). reserve your appointment with a $25 deposit, which can be used towards the purchase of any sonya dakar products. you will also receive a special gift for attending the event. call 516.627.1010 to schedule your appointment (please ask for anita or ilona).

spotlight : xen-tan sunless tanner

2010-04-06T15:35:00.008-04:00

the subject of today's spolight is a product that is newly in stock at nuBest, just in time for spring -- xen-tan sunless tanner. this fragrant, fast-acting lotion is your best bet for an even, natural-looking and healthy bronze.

when it comes to self-tanner, there are certain fundamental principles that one must follow; the golden rules for a golden glow, if you will. here are some of those rules, courtesy of makeup expert anna naso:

1. before doing anything, you should prep your skin by gently exfoliating both your face and body, in order to ensure a smooth surface prior to application. it is better to exfoliate a day or two in advance as opposed to immediately before applying the self-tanner.

** if you need a good exfoliant for the body, anna recommends using sonya dakar triple action vita-foliant, with ingredients such as walnut shell, crushed bamboo and flax seed. for the face, she recommends dermalogica skin prep scrub, made with granulated corn cob meal.

2. cleanse and moisturize the skin, paying close attention to the elbows, knees and ankles, which tend to absorb more of the self-tanner, resulting in discoloration and unevenness.

3. apply the self-tanner evenly, in order to prevent streaks. remember to use sparingly on the elbows, knees and ankles!

4. immediately after applying, be sure to wash the palms of your hands to completely remove any excess self-tanner and to prevent staining of the hands.

xen-tan sunless tanner (for both face and body) is available at the nuBest makeup counter. for more information, call 516.627.9444. questions about xen-tan or self-tanners in general? leave us a comment and we'll try our best to answer!

spring trend poll!

2010-04-06T12:51:00.020-04:00

after a beautiful sun-soaked weekend, we can safely say that the spring season is upon us. as a result, we're ready to change our hair and beauty routines accordingly; bright pink and coral lip colors have supplanted the deep, ruddier reds of months past, and we're swapping out our kohl black eye pencil for pastel purples and blues. here's our round-up of the top spring trends:

two (or three!) toned eyeshadow, as seen at tibi

monochromatic hair -- say goodbye to highlights and embrace one strikingly singular shade, be it platinum, noir or titian red

side braids, here at alexander wang

thick, voluminous hair (time to give your flatiron a much-needed rest)

neutral nail polish, with chanel's "particuliere" leading the pack

punchy pink lips (which have already earned our praise)

purple eyeshadow (ditto.)

attention new mommies-to-be...

2010-04-06T11:50:00.003-04:00

on monday, april 12, from 12:00pm-5:00pm, nuBest salon and spa will be hosting a casting for an exciting new documentary series that follows the lives of first-time expectant mothers and their husbands/partners. please check our facebook fan page for details about the show and the audition process. hope to see you there!

happy holidays!

2010-04-02T17:01:00.001-04:00

happy holidays to all of our clients! enjoy the beautiful spring weather this weekend!

2010-04-02T16:34:00.010-04:00

with Easter upon us, we've been reminiscing about how we used to get dressed up in our sunday best to celebrate. one thing that comes to mind is the easter bonnet. just for fun, we thought we'd leave you off with two modern, grown-up and fashion-forward iterations of this childhood staple.

we'd also be remiss if we didn't include a more recent trend -- the next wave of Easter bonnets, if you will -- dating back to last spring at louis vuitton: bunny ears!

nuBest's spring window display!

2010-04-02T15:42:00.007-04:00

it's a beautiful friday in new york! now that the sun is shining, we are excited to unveil our new window display for the spring season. this spring, nuBest's owner Michael Mazzei was inspired by one of the quintessential springtime symbols: tropical birds with vibrant plumage. drawing upon this inspiration, nuBest's windows are decorated with high-flying feathered (and faux -- rest assured!) creatures perched on branches and in cages.

here's the view from inside the salon:

you may even find them in a few unexpected places!

what do you think of our spring window display? leave us your comments below!

catwalk to real walk

2010-03-30T14:03:00.009-04:00

as the proverb goes, "when it rains, it pours." well, over the past few days it was pouring (again!) on the east coast and we are OVER IT. as a welcome distraction from this seemingly unending streak of dreary days, we've decided to have a bit of fun with today's catwalk to real walk. feeling a little ambitious, we took inspiration from yves saint laurent's spring/summer 2010 fashion show. at this show, ysl creative director stefano pilati sent his models out with some interesting hair accessories:

each model's head was adorned with 10 to 15 plastic headbands. (on a side note: when we see these spiky headbands, we're immediately taken back to elementary school..but if ysl is bringing 'em back, we're willing to give it a second chance!) the assorted black, gold and silver headbands, layered upon one another, created a visually striking effect when seen on the runway. for an everyday look, though, it might come across as too avant-garde. thus, we tried to create a runway-inspired look that can be worn on a day-to-day basis, and we enlisted our very own stylist karina to test it out on stylist's assistant helen. here are the results:

in her interpretation, karina used three headbands (as opposed to the 10-15 used at ysl) in a dark brown color, as the black and metallic headbands lend themselves to a more dramatic look that may be best suited for an unique evening look. karina pulled helen's hair back into a high, messy bun before setting the headbands in place. if you're feeling experimental, you can use a few more headbands and pile them onto each other, which is essentially what hairstylist julian d'Ys did at ysl.

anna naso created helen's makeup look, and she chose to inject a bit of color by implementing coral lips and eyes. coral and orange are going to be huge colors for spring (they popped up at prada and giambattista valli, among others), with the former being the more toned-down of the two, making it ideal for a daytime look.

what do you think of today's transformation? do you think you can rock the layered headband look? how would you incorporate coral or orange into your makeup routine? let us know what you think by leaving us a comment!

spotlight : spa pedicure

2010-03-26T13:55:00.007-04:00

with spring almost here (or is it? it's getting harder to tell with each day), we have shifted our attention to those body parts that are oft-ignored in the cold, dark winter months -- particularly, our feet! as the temperature rises, our open-toed sandals, wedges and flip-flops are dusted off (or, as is often the case, newly purchased!) and perched on our shelves, waiting to be worn. before making your debut, though, you might want to consider this week's service spotlight: the spa pedicure. far beyond the basic pedi, the nuBest spa pedicure is a perfect remedy for winter-weary feet and toes. it includes:

- prepping with nuBest's very own grapefruit exfoliating scrub, infused with natural essential oils, to gently remove keratinized dead skin cells

- soothing and relaxing hour-long foot massage with a generous application of an intensive moisturizing butter cream

- immersion of the feet in warm paraffin, which coats the skin and allows for instant hydration and softer, smoother skin

- polish application

we love our blog readers, and encourage your feedback and comments, so we've included a little incentive for you: if you come in for a spa pedicure this week (ending saturday, april 3), and mention this blog post, you will receive a complimentary gift! to schedule an appointment for a spa pedicure, call the SPA @ nuBest at 516.627.9444.

tip of the day : for your eyes only

2010-03-24T15:17:00.012-04:00

today's tip focuses on the eyes, and how you can truly accentuate the color of your eyes by using the correct eye shadow. according to our makeup expert anna naso, there are specific eye shadow shades that complement and correspond with certain eye colors. here's how she breaks it down:

green eyes to create a truer green eye color, you can use purple shades, ranging from violet and lilac to the deeper burgundy and plum.

brown eyes those of you with brown eyes have a bit more freedom when it comes to choosing the perfect eyeshadow; however, anna suggests using cool gunmetal grays and silvers to offset the warmth of a dark brown eye (if you have a lighter brown or hazel eye, try a lavender or teal shadow instead).

blue eyes if you want to bring out your true blues, use copper or vibrant yellow eye shadows. these shades will emphasize the gold ring that often surrounds the pupils of those with baby blues.

still need help finding that perfect shade? stop by the nuBest make-up center and one of our makeup artists would be happy to point you in the right direction!

photo courtesy of Allure magazine

catwalk to real walk

2010-03-23T14:24:00.011-04:00

a few posts back, we named fuchsia lips as one of the budding spring trends. yet upon further analysis of the spring runways, it appears that some designers were thinking pink elsewhere -- specifically, on the eyes. not to be confused with the significantly less chic conjunctivitis, pink eyeshadow popped up at several shows during new york fashion week (specfically at tuleh, ports 1961, cynthia rowley and tibi, pictured below).

we would certainly suggest this particular look to anyone who's willing to experiment with color, but in a slightly more subtle way than, say, the much more bold and brazen fuchsia lip. the beauty lies in the idea that any shade of pink will fit the bill -- be it a pale pink or, like at tibi, a shock of magenta. as an added benefit, this trend will apparently carry into next fall, as evidenced by yves saint laurent's fall/winter show, where models walked the runway with hot pink shadow and a contrasting navy blue liner:

here is our interpretation of the YSL look (which is appropriate for spring or fall), executed by anna naso, with stylist's assistant elly modeling the look:

this is a relatively literal interpretation of the original runway look, so there isn't much to explain in terms of technique. anna used a bright pink shadow to cover the entire eyelid, and applied a navy blue liner along the upper lash line. she finished with a pair of faux lashes, courtesy of the nuBest lash bar -- big lashes, exaggerated by either false lashes or lots and lots of mascara, are essential. add a bit of blush and gloss, and you're good to go.

also note elly's au courant side braid. the braid is another surefire trend for spring, so for those of you who can't discern between a french braid and a fishtail, we would definitely advise perfecting your plaiting skills in time for spring!

what do you think of today's look? would you rather wear pink lipstick or pink eyeshadow (or neither)? do you have any questions for our hair and beauty experts? leave us a comment and we'd be happy to help!

orfeh and andy karl @ nuBest!

2010-03-23T10:27:00.005-04:00

like many of you, we love a good celebrity sighting, and yesterday, we got one when broadway stars -- and real-life couple! -- orfeh and andy karl stopped by the salon! orfeh and andy treated themselves to a day of pampering at the SPA @ nuBest. in between their massages and facials, they kindly posed for a couple of photos:

spotlight : logics DNA color treatments

2010-03-19T14:39:00.006-04:00

we realize that it's been quite a while since our last service spotlight -- to make it up to you, dear readers, we would like to let you in on a SPECIAL OFFER pertaining to today's featured service: logics DNA color treatments. the entire line of logics color DNA haircare products are essential for those of you who get your hair colored; each product works to preserve the hair's tone and shine, while protecting hair against damage and fading brought on by the sun's UV rays, repeated use of harsh thermal styling tools, and other environmental stresses.

the two color treatments that we have chosen to spotlight are the resurfacing treatment and the laminating topcoat.

the resurfacing treatment strengthens and moisturizes the hair, while smoothing the cuticle with vitamin b and ceramide.

the laminating topcoat, on the other hand, is intensely conditioning and restorative, and it aims to seal in color and add shine.

so, here's the special offer that you've been waiting for: from sunday, march 28 to saturday, april 3, come to nuBest salon and spa for a color service and receive a complimentary logics color DNA treatment (choosing from one of the above treatments). all you need to do is mention this blog post when calling to schedule your appointment.

we hope to see you in the salon soon!

just asking...

2010-03-18T10:54:00.003-04:00

do any of you read/subscribe to the amazing and informative who what wear blog? if you don't, what are you waiting for?! every morning, we clamor for our daily dose of fashion, hair and beauty trends straight from the runways, how these trends are interpreted by the fashion world's tastemakers and street style bloggers and tips on how to achieve those expertly insouciant model-off-duty looks.

if you do, you would see that today's blog entry proclaims, "the color du jour is bold and bright fuchsia!"

don't say we didn't tell you first. ;)

happy st. patrick's day!

2010-03-17T16:38:00.003-04:00

we wish all of our readers and clients a happy st. patrick's day! in honor of the day's festivities, might we suggest getting a manicure with nuBest's SINFUL green nail polish? it's a perfect way to get into the spirit without sacrificing your style (because, let's face it: head-to-toe green? usually not a good look!)

catwalk to real walk

2010-03-17T15:45:00.007-04:00

if you're in new york, you already know that it is absolutely beautiful outside today! after what seemed like a loooong winter, that alternated between blizzards and downpours, it seems that spring has finally sprung! in celebration of the newly balmy conditions, we are turning our attention to the lips for today's catwalk to real walk. on the runway at marc by marc jacobs, models were decked out in vibrantly colored and patterned clothes with a subversive punk-rock feel, all topped off with a big, bright bow adorning their frizzy ponytails -- and their makeup was accordingly vivid. in this case, the focus was on the lips, which were painted a bold fuchsia hue. this look was almost immediately embraced by those working the red carpet, as evidenced by ashley greene of the twilight series of movies. pictured below are ms. greene and her runway inspiration:

following this lead, we decided to give the fuchsia lip a test run at the nuBest make-up center. using our salon coordinator, maria, as our model for the day, here are the results (makeup done by anna naso):

for those of you who consider yourselves makeup neophytes, fear not, because this look is relatively simple to re-create. all it takes is a bright pink lipstick (which, if you don't have, you can purchase at the nuBest make-up center). at the marc by marc jacobs show, a matte lipstick was used, while it appears that ashley greene opted for something with a little more shine; although we went with the runway look as our true inspiration and chose to go matte, either a matte or a glossy shade is right on trend. in keeping with our inspiration, anna kept the rest of maria's makeup understated and clean. she simply lined the upper lash line with a black liner (creating a cat-eye effect at the outer corners -- another prominent spring trend!), highlighted the inner corners of the eyes with a white pencil to truly open the eyes, and used a shimmery highlighting powder on her cheekbones to accentuate maria's flawless skin and bone structure.

what do you think of today's look? would you incorporate a fuchsia lip into your beauty routine? if you have any questions for our make-up experts, or if you want to weigh in with your opinion, leave us a comment -- we'd love to hear what you think!

today's style spotting

2010-03-16T13:50:00.006-04:00

over the weekend, new york (and much of the northeast) was hit with a wet and wild storm that left trees falling, umbrellas breaking and electricity disappearing in its wake. despite the downpour, our devoted clients braved the conditions and still turned up for their appointments -- and many of them did so while staying fashionable! in honor of the stormy weekend, here's a style spotting that shows us just how to take on spring's showers with style:

upon seeing them, we absolutely fell in love with these hunter wellington boots. since their inception (and their endorsement from the british royal family), hunter boots are synonymous with the holy grail of rainboots, with celebrity fans including ashley olsen, gwyneth paltrow and kate moss, among countless others. what sets this pair apart from the typical tall welly, though, is the unique snake-embossed rubber. it's a fashion-forward touch on a tried and true classic, and it lends a hint of style to an otherwise dreary day. our client paired the beautiful boots with an easy ensemble of skinny jeans, a long black cardi, a fitted white v-neck tee and a classic trenchcoat.

what do you think of today's style spotting? would you wear these boots? if so, how would you wear them? leave us your answers in the comments section!

get the look : lady gaga and beyonce in "telephone"

2010-03-12T16:02:00.012-05:00

yesterday marked the premiere of lady gaga's latest video masterpiece, "telephone" featuring beyonce knowles. clocking in at just under 10 minutes, the video is the second part in a series beginning with gaga's previous video for "paparazzi" (also directed by jonas akerlund). while "telephone" was undeniably visually stunning and vivid, it's seemingly interminable run time, the heavy reliance on product placement (anyone else craving diet coke or wonder bread?), and beyonce's simultaneously over-the-top and subpar acting skills are all somewhat difficult to get past. however, this is not to say that "telephone" didn't have its fair share of swoon-worthy moments.

one thing that caught our eye was beyonce's makeup in the roadside diner scene:

the use of bright colors to accentuate the eyes is one of the major trends for this spring. we saw it on the spring runways; it was used to excellent effect at the L.A.M.B. show, where the models' makeup was kept minimal with the exception of a swipe of neon pink or fluorescent yellow eyeliner. when we saw beyonce's adaptation of the look, we were met with a funny feeling of déjà vu, because just a few days prior to the release of the video, our own anna naso experimented with a similar look, using stylist's assistant monica as her model:

if you overlook the grainy quality of the photo (oh, the ramifications of working with a camera phone!), you can see that anna had used a pale yellow shadow on monica's lids. she also used a gel liner along the upper lash line, flicking it slightly upward upon reaching the outer corner of the eye to create a winged effect -- just like B! anna decided to keep the rest of monica's makeup pared down, to keep the focus on the colorful eye. you can probably guess that we won't be re-creating beyonce's patriotic manicure or bettie page bangs any time soon.

the idea of experimenting with color on the eyes is a huge trend for fall, so what do you think? would you give yellow eyeshadow a try? or is this a look that only gaga and beyonce can pull off?

** ON A RELATED NOTE ** check out this month's cosmopolitan magazine with cover girl lady gaga wearing rouge faux lashes, available at nuBest! to get the look, visit the lash bar at the nuBest make-up center.

paris fashion week recap

2010-03-10T13:24:00.007-05:00

as of now, we say au revoir to paris fashion week (seriously -- we just closed out of the miu miu livestream), thus wrapping up a long, loaded month of next fall's fashions. while we have our favorites from each major city, it goes without saying that paris is where the fashion industry's biggest names show their stuff. let's take a look at some of the beauty trends that caught our attention:

say what you will about hannah macgibbon (and the direction that chloe has gone in since her appointment as creative director), but the hair and makeup at chloe is always spot-on. we covet the models' full, bouncy hair and gunmetal-shadowed eyes.

check out the lashes at giambattista valli! if you're feeling inspired by this look, you should swing by the nuBest lash bar and one of our makeup artists can re-create it for you.

return of the red lip at givenchy! this time, we have a cherry-red iteration paired with a similarly reddish-hued eye.

black eyes, black bob, all black everything..at lanvin. j'adore!

best of beauty : oscars updos

2010-03-09T12:27:00.014-05:00

to be completely honest, we weren't blown away by this year's oscars. both the ceremony itself and the gowns worn by the attendees left much to be desired. although we were less than impressed with the evening's sartorial selection, we did pick up on one big beauty trend that we've previously covered: the updo! mere days ago, we sang the praises of the updo and pegged it as one of spring's most sought-after looks. if the red carpet is any indication, the updo trend has officially taken off! let's take a look back at some of the updos that we loved, and others that, to say the least, fell flat.

jennifer lopez's tousled bun was refreshing and sophisticated. this is one instance where the pieces in the front that appear to have been pulled out add an element of texture and romanticism. nicole richie's ballerina bun is a classic look, and was a perfect complement to her reem acra dress, which had a low back.

we're not gonna lie -- we feel that mo'nique has relied heavily on the updo while making the rounds at the awards shows this year. yet the added touch of the white flower took her oscars updo to the next level. without a doubt, it's clean, polished and elegant. kristen stewart's braided chignon brought back memories of the hair at rodarte's fall 2009 fashion show -- a very good thing.

our least favorite look of the night was sarah jessica parker. whereas jennifer lopez's wayward pieces of hair created a soft, tousled look, the heaviness and severity of SJP's updo is distracting, and her flyaways just look frizzy. unfortunately, it seems as if she was simply a casualty of the night's humid, hazy hollywood weather.

what did you think of the oscars fashion/hair/makeup? who are your picks for best and worst beauty looks? leave us your comments below!

follow nuBest salon and spa on bloglovin'!

2010-03-06T16:45:00.001-05:00

we are pleased to announce that you can now follow nuBest salon and spa on bloglovin'. we absolutely cannot live without bloglovin' at the salon because it provides us with a neat and organized place to find all of our favorite blogs (hi garance, le fashion, and jak & jil!)

what are you waiting for? Follow my blog with bloglovin

or, if you'd like, you can click the icon located to the right, in the sidebar!

spotted : paula garces

2010-03-05T16:46:00.006-05:00

check out this picture of "the mun2 look" host paula garces with taboo from the black eyed peas in new york city (paula's hair and makeup done by nuBest salon and spa). taboo recently created a limited edition sneaker line called Taboo X, and paula was one of the lucky few to snag a pair!

catwalk to real walk

2010-03-05T15:06:00.006-05:00

for today's "catwalk to real walk," we looked to tom ford's spring eyewear ad campaign -- starring model carolyn murphy and actor nicholas hoult -- as our source of inspiration. in the ad, murphy sports a serious cat/smoky eye hybrid (and little else, but that's neither here nor there when it comes to the provocative mr. ford):

meee-ow! we loved the drama of the widely-drawn and hyper-extended eye liner, as well as the smoldering shadow, which adds a touch of sultriness. so, we decided to test the look out on our very own heidi. check out the end-product...

on heidi, our makeup artist jessica applied a gray shadow to the eyelids, ending just past the crease. she then used a black kohl eye pencil to thickly line the upper and lower lash lines. next, she took a gel eye liner and applied it to the upper lash line, layered on top of the kohl liner, and extended it outward and up, creating the dramatic cat-eye effect. to top it all off, jessica added a gloss over the gray shadow for a sexy sheen similar to the tom ford ad, and a coat of black mascara. she kept heidi's cheeks and lips a bit more subdued, in order to keep the eyes as the central focus of the look.

all of the products used can be found at nuBest's make-up center. if you have any questions, or if you have a suggestion for a future "catwalk to real walk" feature, let us know by leaving a comment!

what's up?

2010-03-05T13:37:00.011-05:00

after scouring style.com for images from fashion shows in new york, london, paris and milan, we would like to pose a familiar question to you, dear readers: what's up? to answer our own question, we must point out that on the runway, hair is, for the most part, up! indeed, whether it's a loose chignon (spotted at dolce & gabbana), a messy sideswept bun (at alberta ferretti), or a pulled-back twist (a la donna karan), many designers have recently opted for updos. although some of its more severe iterations are best reserved for the runway, we feel that the updo is an excellent -- and often overlooked -- option for a daytime look. here, we have stylist pasqua modeling a beautiful twisted style, created by updo expert mervat:

to achieve this particular style, mervat took pasqua's already-wavy hair and parted it to the side before sweeping it up into a loose, low ponytail and twisting it. next, she twisted the ponytail upward and against the scalp, securing it in place with bobby pins. the final result is a sideswept twisted updo with the ends of the hair in loose waves or curls.

keep in mind that any updo style is rather difficult to execute on oneself, but an imperfect updo can often create a romantic and insouciant look, making you right on-trend!

any questions? want to schedule an appointment? call 516.627.9444 or leave us a comment below!

the nuBest lash bar

2010-03-03T14:04:00.009-05:00

new to nuBest salon and spa is the nuBest lash bar, located at our make-up center. for those of you who fuss with eyelash curlers and have tried nearly every mascara on the market to pump up your lashes with little success, we are pleased to present you with some relief! come to the nuBest lash bar and select a pair of faux lashes that will deliver a dose of glamour. our makeup experts will help you pick out the perfect lashes, whether they're for your day-to-day look or for a posh party. available as individual lashes or strip lashes (for a more dramatic look), nuBest's faux lashes blend seamlessly with your natural lashes and are comfortable enough for everyday use.

to put our lashes to the test, we enlisted our lovely salon coordinator, Lisa. here, she models the "Britney" lashes (each set of lashes is named for the great beauty icons of the world, from Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn to Gwen Stefani and even Lady Gaga):

now let's take a closer look at Lisa's lovely lashes:

gorgeous! so, what are you waiting for? this is one rare instance where we would implore you to LASH OUT... but please, don't pull a Naomi! for more information about the nuBest lash bar, call 516.627.9444.

did you know...

2010-03-02T13:56:00.005-05:00

...in addition to this blog, you can find nuBest salon and spa on Facebook and Twitter?

to become a fan of nuBest on Facebook, you can visit our Fan Page. on this page, you can find information about the salon (ie. hours of operation, promotions, special events). as an added incentive, if you suggest a friend to our Fan Page, you can receive "nuBest Bucks" that can be used toward your next salon or spa service!

we also have a Twitter page, where we continuously update you with the goings-on in the salon on a minute-to-minute basis. we usually hold contests for our Twitter followers (for example, our 1,000th follower will receive a gift bag filled with hair and beauty essentials).

as always, we would love to hear your feedback, so if you have any comments or if you want to learn more about nuBest, feel free to reach out to us -- whether it's a comment on the blog, a Facebook wall post, or a quick tweet, we're listening!

which beauty trend are you most looking forward to testing out this spring?
	multi-colored eyeshadow
	monochromatic hair color
	side braids
	thick, voluminous hair
	neutral nail polish
	purple eyeshadow

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