Caede Pungente-Sivunen was one of three applicants chosen for a makeover at our March INSPIRED 55+ Lifestyle Show, and she gave the experience a resounding thumbs up.
“I was very impressed with all the stylists,” says Caede. “The positivity and support were phenomenal!”
Caede was guided through the process and introduced to the products used by all the stylists, from clothing to hair, makeup, and even nails.
While each stylist nudged her toward a change, they also respected her lifestyle and comfort level with each adjustment.
“I had mentally prepared myself for a huge change, thinking drastic cut and colour. Hana [the hairstylist] was so respectful and experienced. It was obvious by the questions she was asking: What is your usual routine in the morning? What kind of products do you use? What kind of colour would you gravitate towards, and how much hair are you willing to have cut off?”
Caede admits she’s “pretty much a wash-and-go kinda gal.” “I don’t use any styling products except for a round brush and mini blow dryer to tame my cowlick bangs. Being a menopausal woman, I also like the option of being able to put my hair up. I said I was open to a change in colour and length, and that she was the expert! After all, our hair does grow back out.”
Hana chose a colour that Caede absolutely loved! “Ironically, I had been trying to create it over 15 years of home hennas to try and cover my grey.”
Hana also chose a style somewhat similar to a layered look Caede had in the past but added more layers and extended the depth of her bangs.
And the reviews?
“My dad, at 84 years, gave me a squeeze and said, ‘Keep the colour.’ A past roommate said, ‘You look 20 years younger.’ My 80-year-old Osteofit instructor said I look like a teenager. My neighbour told me twice how good my hair looks, and a friend who is very particular about her own look gave me the final stamp of approval, saying how natural the colour looks on me with my fair skin tone.”
Hana Akai of Akai Hair Salon opted for a hair colour called Shades EQ Color Gloss, applying a medium brown with a hint of red to create natural-looking highlights and a brilliant shine.
This demi-permanent solution promises gentle fading over 20 washes, ensuring a seamless transition without noticeable regrowth lines. The haircut was tailored to Caede’s curls, bringing her hair to shoulder length and incorporating layers to accentuate bounce and volume. Addressing thinness in her bangs, Hana added more hair for a fuller, more youthful look that celebrates Caede’s natural beauty while infusing her look with renewed vibrancy and dimension.
Our makeover stylist, Gina Lavertu, gave Caede a deep-cleansing facial with Nezza’s Naturals organic skincare focused on cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration. Her nails were coloured with OPI’s “What’s Your Poinsettia.”
For makeup, Gina used e.l.f.’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter in the shade Fair and e.l.f.’s Instant Lift Brow Pencil in Blonde to shape and define Caede’s eyebrows. A neutral-coloured eyeshadow was applied over the upper lid with a dab of blush in the outer crease. To make her eyes pop, Annabelle brown eyeliner was used on the upper lash line, with e.l.f.’s Volumizing Mascara in black added. For the cheeks, e.l.f.’s Camo Liquid Blush in Perfect Peach was used. Caede’s lips were lined with Annabelle’s Lip Liner in Buff and finished with e.l.f.’s Glow Reviver Lip Oil in the shade Rose Envy.
All the makeup used was supplied by INSPIRED Magazine, and each model took the products home with them.
Each model was also outfitted by Blue Sky Clothing Company. Our great thanks to Chris, manager of the Victoria store, and to Marilyn Cobban, owner of the company, for their great assistance and generosity.
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