Makeover - March 2016

Meet Gabi: Gabi Tapia moved with her family from Guadalajara, Mexico to Hilton Head Island when she was 3 years old. She is now 17 and a senior at Hilton Head High School. About ten years ago, her neighbor Amy, who then worked at Pink Magazine, took Gabi with her to a Pink Partini.  

Fast forward to January 2016: Gabi was working at her part-time job as a cashier at Harris Teeter.  Elizabeth Millen, publisher of Pink, just happened to get into her checkout line. Gabi had been talking to another store employee about how much she disliked her hair. She has been experimenting with different hair colors since she was in middle school. She even once dyed her hair purple! Although she initially liked the red color that she dyed her hair six months ago, it was looking less and less attractive as it began to grow out and expose her brown roots. Elizabeth overheard the conversation and invited Gabi to be the candidate for the March makeover. Gabi remembered Elizabeth from the Partini years ago, and excitedly accepted her invitation.

Step One: We met Gabi and her sister Fernanda at Island Girl in the Coligny Plaza. Tiffany Weaver, the store manager, selected several outfits for her to choose from.  Gabi was quickly drawn to a colorful, split, double-sleeve print dress by Glam. She then chose beige low-cut fringe boots by Matisse, which are a popular trend for spring. Next, accessories of a jade beaded necklace with gold chain, gold earrings and bracelets by Lenny and Eva were selected.

Step Two: The next afternoon Gabi arrived at the Westin Resort’s Heavenly Spa with her mother Viviana and her younger sister Andrea. We were welcomed by Spa Manager Terra Orndorff, who escorted us to the salon where Gene Hall (we love Gene!), cosmetologist extraordinaire, would begin to work his magic. Gene consulted Gabi about what color direction she would prefer. She decided to go darker, closer to her natural color. They both decided to add some dark blonde highlights. The first step in the process was to apply a Goldwell dark brown formula on her roots; next came the blonde foils. Once the color had time to process, Gabi was escorted to the shampoo room, where she was treated to a relaxing scalp massage with Moroccan Oil Repair shampoo and conditioner in a deluxe reclining chair. The last step was the cut with multiple long layers and side swooping bangs. Then the blow dry with a giant round brush finished off her flattering new hairstyle.

Step Three: At the makeup counter, Gene displayed his genius, utilizing Jane Iredale makeup and an assortment of brushes. He started with a mineral powder base, then a caramel foundation, brushed on softly, then a sheer honey blush, finishing with a Sunbeam bronze all over her face. To accent her eyes, Gene used a highlighter under her eyes, an upper eyelid shadow primer and finished with Blue Hour eye shadow and Violet eyes. He next chose a rose color lip liner and Sugar Plum lipgloss to complement her dress. The final touch was an application black onyx mascara to her beautiful long lashes.

Grand Finale: Now it was time to put it all together. Gabi went into the dressing room with her outfit from Island Girl and emerged as a stunningly beautiful, young woman. She greatly enjoyed the photo shoot, with expert posing tips from veteran photographer T.R. Love.
Gabi will be graduating from high school soon. Although her plans are not yet decided, she is contemplating college to study art. She loves everything that has to do with art. Your future is calling
you, Gabi.  Everything is possible.

Special Thanks To:
Island Girl: Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach, HHI, (843)686-6000. Cheryl Klippel, owner; Tiffany Weaver, manager – for the trendy fashions and selection assistance.  Be sure to stop in to see their unique selection of dresses, shoes, scarves, jewelry and accessories for spring—Waxing Poetic, Jack Rogers, Spartina 449, Hobo and more.  Log onto www.islandgirlhhi.com. Gift certificates are available.
MENTION PINK  MAGAZINE AND RECEIVE A 25% DISCOUNT ON ONE ITEM.

The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Heavenly Spa: Port Royal Plantation, 2 Grasslawn Avenue, HHI, 843 681-1019.  Terra Orndorff, Director of Heavenly Spa; Gene Hall, Cosmetologist, for Gabi’s haircut, color and makeup.  Now is a great time to book your own makeover! The Spa offers an extensive menu of services to help you look your best for spring. They offer face and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, along with full hair salon services.  Check out the entire menu at www.westinhiltonheadspa.com. Gift Certificates are available.
MENTION PINK MAGAZINE AND RECEIVE A 20% DISCOUNT ON ALL SPA SERVICES!

Want to nominate your friend for a makeover? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. a picture.