CARLTON HAIR HYDE PARK: YOUR BEAUTY ONE-STOP

Speciality retail outlets are great. You know what I mean: bakeries, burger-only restaurants & nail salons. But a really organised one-stop-shop is what busy women are after. And that is exactly what you’ll get at Carlton Hair Hyde Park these days. Grey hair? Sorted. Chipped nail polish? Sorted. Bushy brows? Sorted. In need of some make-up tips or a new look? Sorted. Craving a cuppa? Sorted.

Let me explain: during my last visit to Carlton, I arrived before 9am & I was out of there before 12. Looking (& feeling) like new.

Professional make-up artist David John, me & master stylist David Gillson — My ‘after look’ with professional make-up artist David-John & master hair stylist David Gillson.

I had a bit of time to spare, but you don’t even need three hours. Honestly, these guys can make you feel like new in two hours or less – depending on what you need. You can do a quick brow threading, have a blow out & off you go. Or you can sit back with your cappuccino & have a full transformation – hair, make-up, nails, brows. All this while paging through their amazing selection of international glossy mags.

I am lucky enough to have partnered with Carlton for my hair service (hence the logo on the right), but I can quite honestly say that I will happily spend my hard earned cash on any of the other services at Carlton too.

David-John in action (just check out my bling alice band – made me giggle so much).

This includes the brand new makeup range & service offered by David-John. When I was offered a make-up application, I was nervous. I could see the dollars in front of me. Plus, I didn’t want to sit there & listen to things that I already knew. Much to my surprise I had a good laugh & got great tips.

Worlds No1 Mascara Black 01 Pic2 — Mascara – for amazing volume.

The range of makeup, called Makeover, is also very affordable (with concealer at about R150, mascaras R150 & eye shadows at R95). David-John explained that Makeover was chosen because it is a high-end professional range but at affordable prices. The idea is also that clientele will not feel like they have to purchase additional expensive products over & above their hair service.

Skin Foundation No 10 Pic5 — Full coverage foundation.

David-John also explained how he uses each product in various ways. For instance, the bronzer doubles up as an eye shadow.

Eye Shadows and Blush Group — Real multi-taskers: eye shadows can be added to lip colours too.

MakeOver Make-up at CARLTON (6) — A completely different look to what I would usually wear.

David-John is so thorough & fabulous. He even goes through the trouble of compiling & giving a take-home book that explains each step. That way you are not confused when you try to do the same at home.