We are so honored to have Michele and Dena, owners and hair and makeup gurus of Lasting LUXE, take over the ADP blog for this week’s “Friendor Friday!” They have been giving our clients the “glam treatment” for quite some time now; get to know them and their business!
How long have you been doing hair and make-up, and how did you get started?
Michele: 6 ½ years professionally
Dena : I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 22 years this October! I began in a salon and Day spa (Gould’s) in Bartlett Tennessee right out of school. I’m a third-generation stylist!
Where is Lasting LUXE located? Any offices outside of Tampa?
We have salon spaces in St Petersburg and South Tampa but the majority of our services are done on location to better serve our clients.
Do you offer a trial run/ consultation for brides?
Yes! We highly recommend a trial run prior to the wedding day. This helps us get to know our clients hair and helps things run even smoother on their wedding day!
What kind of makeup do you use? Is airbrush an option?
The majority of our makeup is MAC Cosmetics but we also have other favorites mixed in! Airbrush is always an option!
Can you cover tattoos, tan lines, rosacea, acne, birthmarks, etc?
Yes!! We offer cover-up services for brides and bridal parties.
What three makeup items should no woman leave home without?
Michele: Hm, definitely lipstick and mascara…
Dena: Lip balm, mascara, and tweezers!
Tips for making makeup last throughout the day?
Michele: Blotting wipes! And keep your hands off your face the best you can!
Dena: I love a good spritz of mist and fix by make up forever/or anything along those lines!
Favorite beauty product?
Michele : Benefit Hoola Bronzer and MAC’s Soft & Gentle Highlight are two of my favorites!
Any favorite hair/make-up trends?
Michele: We love all of the soft & romantic updo’s we have seen lately.. a lot of texture and nothing stiff.
Dena: I love when our brides go with a softer, natural look for both hair and make up. Soft beach waves for hair with a dramatic but romantic eye is a definite favorite of mine!
The secret to beautiful, strong, shiny hair?
Healthy diet and lifestyle…and deep condition your hair 2 times a week. Also, try a demi glaze treatment the next time you are the salon! We do offer this service at our salon in St Petersburg!
Any skin/hair care no-no’s? Tell us some things we should never do!
Don’t go to bed with your makeup on! And keep a close eye on your flat iron settings.. all too often clients have the heat on way to high for their hair type. Also never, ever do anything extreme too close to your wedding date! Plan your fresh trim and color 5 to 7 days out, same with your facial, or having your eyebrows waxed or threaded.
If you weren’t in your current career, what else could you see yourself doing?
Michele – when it came to choosing my career I was between doing what I always wanted to do –Cosmetology OR the complete opposite – Accounting.
Dena: I would love to be a librarian. Seriously. There are a few places on earth that bring as much peace and serenity. I have nothing against technology, but it will never replace the feel and smell of holding a good book between your hands.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun? Tell us who YOU are!
Michele : I love to craft!! I find myself taking on way to many projects at a time but I absolutely love it! It’s the creative in me I guess!
Dena: Outside of work -my family and I love spending time together and exploring! This summer, we loaded up the car and went in search of every spring, or swimming hole -between Tampa and North Georgia. We even found a hidden waterfall, way off the beaten path. Memory making is a constant goal, & finding beauty in the mundane!!
Favorite part about your job?
Michele – Meeting new clients & visiting new sites all the time! Also building relationships with fellow vendors!
Dena: My favorite part of my job is, above all, being included in my brides joy and celebration! It is both an honor and a humbling experience to be even a small part of such a joyous occasion. To this day I still (always!) tear up when the veil goes on, or the last flower is pinned into place.
