by William McAllister | Jun 30, 2016 | News, skin and body
All-American Beauty
Ring In July 4th In Style With These Patriotic Beauty Hacks
The Fourth of July is right around the corner – let the celebration begin! Between BBQs, pool parties and firework displays, there will be plenty of opportunities to show off your patriotic spirit by incorporating red, white, and blue into your beauty routine. Here’s a few of our favorite patriotic beauty looks to get festive for the Fourth without looking coming off cheesy.
With nail art continually growing in popularity, festive fingers are the go-to way to show off your patriotism this Independence Day. We love this modern, minimalistic take on Americana-inspired nails. Get the look by coating nails with an opaque white base coat and using an angled, thin nail brush to paint a diagonal row of blue stripes. Follow with an intersecting row of red stripes in the alternate direction and seal the deal with a protective top coat. If your nail art abilities are limited, opt for patriotic nail decals or visit one of our seasoned McAllister nail technicians to handle the job for you.
An All-American Classic Red Lip
There is nothing more iconic and all-american than a classic red lip. The key to successfully sporting a bold lip is to thoroughly prep your pout prior to application. Set the stage for a flawless look by removing dry, dead skin by gently buffing lips with a soft toothbrush or clean mascara wand. Follow up with a generous coat of ultra-hydrating balm to hydrate, as cracked and peeling lips will make your lipstick bleed and appear uneven.
To keep your color as vivid as possible throughout the day, dab a thin layer of foundation over the lips. Give your look staying power by applying a long-lasting liner to the entire lip as a first coat of color, and then using an angled brush to apply lipstick in short brush strokes. Finally, set your shade with a light dusting of pressed powder.
Pro Tip: Go with a red shade with blue undertones to instantly make teeth appear whiter.
Go Bold, or Go Home. Give Blue Eye Makeup A Go.
As seen all over the Spring/Summer runways, an electric blue eye is not only patriotic, it’s 100% en vogue. For a sleek, modern look, swap in a bright blue liquid liner for traditional black and use the bold hue to create a fierce, winged cat eye. Incorporate a shimmering copper shadow to make eyes pop and compliment your summer tan.
For a more subtle take on the trend, incorporate a bright blue accent to your traditional neutral shadow routine. Do eye makeup as usual and add a dusting of blue shadow to the lower lash line for an added, festive pop of color. Use a densely-bristled blending brush to diffuse shadow, making your blue more natural and less in-your-face.
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Jun 7, 2016 | News
Summer in South Beach
With another warm-weather weekend behind us and a full South Beach summer ahead, your skin may already be feeling the effects of the summer’s rays. While sunscreen is the proactive step we all know is a mid-day must, what is your plan for when your “sun kissed bronze” dreams turn into a painful and blotchy red sunburn nightmare? Don’t run to the drugstore and grab the old school Aloe Vera gel. This summer, the McAllister Spa team has several much more effective – and less sticky, “ooey-gooey” – sunburn solutions just for you.
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More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | May 22, 2016 | News
Baby, it’s HOT outside!
South Beach friends, it’s time to welcome summer back to South Florida. With sky-high temps combined with high humidity, June through September in SoFlo can easily wilt even the most avid beach bum. From your hair color and style to your skin, summer rays are going to stress your look! Try these “no sweat” tips for keeping your cool in the sweltering summer sun:
DO: Channel Your Inner Farrah Fawcett
As the 70’s revival surges ahead for summer, keep your cool in one of the decade’s super-cool tunic-like dresses or shifts. These free-flowing silhouettes tend to circulate more air than their form-fitting counterparts, making them a comfortable and stylish option for the season.
Local’s Tip: For the creme de la creme of pure vintage decadence, be sure to check out C. Madeleine’s, North Miami’s best kept secret. A favorite of stylish celebs including Miley Cyrus and Lenny Kravitz, the store boasts extravagant vintage finds from Chanel, Gaultier, YSL, Oscar De La Renta, Gucci, Prada, and more.
DO: Make the humidity work for you.
You will never win the fight against Mother Nature. Instead of battling the humidity, make it work for you by embracing your inner boho beach babe and letting those curls coil, baby! Work a texturizing cream through damp locks before bed and pull hair back into a french braid overnight. Remove braid, spritz strands with a sea salt spray, and quickly scrunch hair for an easy-breezy style that only gets more voluminous with the humidity. To pull this look off, our hair stylist, Yulia Tyan, recommends either Kevin Murphy’s Hair Resort Spray or Curling Balm by KMS California. Hello, South Beach!
DON’T: Flip Flops…. Ever!
Aside from the occasional shuffle between chaise lounge and swimming pool, there is simply no reason to be sporting flip flops around town on a day to day basis – we’re talking to you too, men! Luckily for everyone, Summer 2016 will see the return of the uber-comfortable slide sandal. Sport the slide with anything from swimwear to brunch attire. And prepare to show off those perfect feet with a Classic manicure & pedicure using rare earth salts, packed with essential minerals, and paired with your favorite therapeutic-grade essential oil. This is Miami Beach’s healthiest mani and pedi ever!
DON’T: Forget Sun Protection
A floppy, wide-brimmed hat, oversized cat-eye sunnies and a 50+ SPF are essential for shielding your sensitive skin and eyes from Miami’s extra-harsh UV rays. Dermalogica’s “Protection 50 Sport” is great to generously apply before you hit the beach and their “After Sun Repair” is an amazing skin-calming product when your skin is kissed a little too (painfully) much by Miami’s sun. And if you are looking for a little Apres-Sun therapy, you have to book a Dermalogica “Apres-Sun facial” with our resident Dermalogica Expert Plus, Nafsika Karavasili!
Local’s Tip: Conveniently located on Lincoln Road, Zara boasts a wide array of inexpensive hats and eyewear. Buy a few pieces and mix and match to create infinite (sun-safe) looks.
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Apr 20, 2016 | News
Mother’s Day is Around the Corner…May 8th!
Mother’s Day is upon us – have you planned anything special for the woman in your life? If not, no worries! We’ve put together the Ultimate Miami Beach Mother’s Day Spa itinerary to take the guesswork out of the equation, starting with several of our best salon services coupled with a few amazing spa treatments.
Mother’s Day Starts at McAllister Spa This Year
For all the days spent taking care of others, Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to treat mom to a day of “taking care of” herself. McAllister Spa is offering an assortment of salon and spa packages perfect for the loved one in your life:
Mother’s Mini Retreat, $84
Get mom glammed up for a day full of Mother’s Day Spa fun with the ultimate trio of treatments. This package features McAllister’s classic manicure and pedicure and a blowout in our StyleLab, Miami’s best blow-dry bar alternative. (2.5 hours)
Mama’s Meltaway Massage, $148
For the mom in need of some serious me-time, Mama’s Meltaway package is the play. Mom start off by enjoying McAllister’s 75-minute signature aromatherapy massage, a personalized sensory journey, featuring powerful essential oil blends to leave mom energized and refreshed or at peace and balanced. After her massage, she’ll receive a blowout in our StyleLab and be out in no time to enjoy the rest of your heart-fully crafted day. (2.0 hours)
The Hot Mama, $214
Super moms deserve the best of the best. Treat mom to The Hot Mama which combines two of our most popular treatments. The day kicks off with a Skinceuticals Vitamin Sea Facial, a 60-minute treatment able to hyper-focus on specific skin concerns, including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, redness, acne and skin sensitivity, specifically using marine-derived ingredients. Up next is the Ultimate mani/pedi combo, in which McAllister’s seasoned nail technicians will treat mom to a gentle exfoliation using Ambito No Moshio, some of the world’s rarest sea salts from Japan and her choice of exclusive essential oils. The treatment finishes with a relaxing massage of the forearms, hands, calves, and feet, a lavender paraffin treatment, and callus removal. (3.0 hours)
…And Gift Cards Are Always Available
If after reading the gift ideas listed here, you are thinking “I have NO idea what my mom would do in a spa or salon!” – not to fear, you can always pick up a gift card packed with whatever denomination you choose and she can carefully select the perfect combination of services and retail products.
After the Spa Day, where to brunch on Miami Beach?
Mother’s Day simply wouldn’t be Mother’s Day without an A+ brunch. Impress mom with one of these festive feasts:
Matador Terrace at the Miami Beach Edition
For the mom who appreciates a good view, the beautiful outdoor Matador Terrace will host Mother’s Day brunch from 11am to 4pm with a seasonal selection, including huevos rancheros, poached eggs with roasted mushrooms, coconut pancakes with grapefruit and lavender maple syrup, and crunchy Mexican-spiced French toast with apples – to name just a few.
Seagrape at Thompson Miami Beach
For the cocktail aficionado, Chef Michelle Bernstein has crafted a special Mother’s Day cocktail, pink bubbles, made with Absolut Elyx, cranberry juice, fresh lime, simple syrup, and Veuve Cliquot rosé and garnished with a fresh mint leaf.
Tongue & Cheek
An entire weekend celebration, Tongue & Cheek’s Mother’s Day brunch is the perfect choice for the low-key mama on the hunt for elevated comfort food. In addition to FREE mimosas and coffee, the Cheek will offer brunch items like fried chicken ‘n’ cheddar waffles, lemon ricotta pancakes, and Key West pink shrimp ‘n’ grits.
…Or Perhaps Finish the Day with Family!
At the end of the day, quality time with her children is all mom really wants. Here’s a few suggestions for family-fun the whole crew can enjoy:
Sundown Beach Picnic
Cap off the perfect Mother’s Day with an evening, sundown picnic. Bring an assortment of your favorite sweets, a family-sized beach blanket and a fully-charged iPhone for sunset selfies.
Try Something New
South Florida boasts endless opportunities for outdoor play. Take mom to experience a new adventure together. Whether it’s airboating through the Everglades, sea kayaking through Biscayne Bay, or finally biking the MacArthur causeway, today’s the day!
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Mar 24, 2016 | hair, News
Cop Their Cut This Spring Season at Miami Beach’s Best Hair Salon
From the runways to the red carpets and from the offices to the spring break beaches, the Spring 2016 hair scene is awash with new cuts and styles, including a few revamped versions of classic favorites. Pulling inspiration from a few of our favorite style superstars, McAllister’s seasoned stylists predict the four “must-have hair cuts” of the spring season. Which is your favorite? Tell us in the comments below!
Fierce Fringe
Looking to freshen up your style for spring around South Beach? Bangs are the quickest way to instantly revamp your look with minimal effort. A welcomed evolution from the mod, blunt bangs of yesteryear, this season’s fierce fringe features styles that skim the eyelashes, framing the face and accentuating your fabulous cheekbones. Fiercey fringe lends itself to a “grown-out” feel and should seamlessly blend into long, textured layers. For a universally flattering look, try a bang that’s shorter at the centermost part, and gradually gets longer toward the temples. Not ready to commit to full-on fringe? Try a clip-in pair to test drive the look before taking the leap of faith.
Textured Bangs
Curly girls, rejoice – textured fringe is in! While textured fringe is a sexy way to embrace your natural hair and add an instant “cool girl” element to your look, it’s important that you talk to your stylist here at McAllister, voted one of Miami’s “Best Curly Haircut Salons,” about wearing your bangs naturally before making the cut so he or she can manipulate strands in a way that will be flattering for your face shape. For curly girls especially, this can mean not cutting hair like an actual bang section at all.
Single-Length Bob
Short hair is having a major moment in 2016, with a cheekbone-grazing crop weighing in as the “It Girl” cut of the season. The versatile style can be worn on a multitude of textures. A blunt bob styled sleek and stick straight reads modern and high-style, while a natural wavy texture offers a nod to the romantic, beachy styles seen gracing the Spring/Summer 2016 runways. The key to crushing this cut is making sure ends are in tip top shape. Keep strands healthy with a routine trim (every eight weeks is recommended) and a weekly deep conditioning mask. We recommend KEVIN.MURPHY HYDRATE-ME.MASQUE (available in-salon), which contains Kakadu Plum, Seaweed and vitamin-charged treatment capsules, which explode on contact to deliver hydration and moisture. To use, simply apply treatment to freshly washed hair, massage into hair below the ear, leave for 5-10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. Or if you prefer to leave the treatments to the pros, book a customized hair conditioning treatment with one of our New Talents in the StyleLab (also recently voted Miami Beach’s best blow dry bar experience).
The Polished Lob
While the lob is no newcomer to the style scene, this year’s variety offers a completely new take on a classic cut. For spring, textured, tousled waves are taking a hike, making way for an upgraded style, which can only be described as polished, sleek and super sexy. The new lob, defined by its long layers and blunt edges, offers all the sexiness of traditional long hair with an added modern, cool-girl twist. The key to killing the polished lob is maintaining high-shine strands. After styling, lightly mist locks with a finishing spray, like Kevin Murphy’s Shimmer Shine (available in-salon), to instantly enhance shine, and illuminate your hair color.
Ready to Make the Cut?
That new women’s haircut is a click away – so if you’re ready to change it up with a haircut that will take you from Spring Break straight through the season, Miami Beach style, just follow these simple instructions. Request an appointment online here or schedule a live stream consultation here. To see additional information relating to the best haircuts found anywhere in Miami, check out our spa menu here.
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
by William McAllister | Sep 11, 2015 | News
Beauty isn’t Literal
For those of you that haven’t checked out our Instagram recently, you are missing out on something really special. Each day, we are now featuring 5 different client experiences at McAllister Spa. The next image posted might be a “before-and-after” of a client’s hair color correction using Goldwell & Olaplex by one of our popular hair stylists. …Or it may be an incredible Gelish! gel polish manicure and pedicure by one of our talented nail technicians.
Tomorrow’s first image may be of a beautiful blowout by one of our up-and-coming New Talent stylists in our blowdry bar concept – the StyleLab – using Kevin.Murphy’s new Killer.Curls product. …Or the post may feature the latest eyebrows threaded to perfection by one of Miami’s best eyebrow and eyelash experts.
So many of our regular clients are surprised at the wide variety of high-quality spa and salon services offered at McAllister Spa. And so many of you may visit for one service or another, but may be missing out on your new favorite hair stylist, esthetician or nail technician. And by liking us on Instagram, you’ll begin to see the incredible work of some of Miami’s best beauty professionals. Who knows…maybe you’ll realize with all the high-quality services we provide, there’s no reason to go anywhere else for all your beauty needs.
So head on over to Instagram when you have a moment and show your support for your favorite McAllister Spa team members by following us now @mcallisterspa. Liberal use of the “Like” heart is definitely encouraged and comments are always appreciated!
As an added incentive, we may even start using one of those 5 posts every now and again to create an exclusive offer for our Instagram followers. Who knows…that first exclusive offer may have even posted right now…as you are reading this email perhaps? =)
Because A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words
We also rethought our online menu recently and suddenly had the epiphany that clients shouldn’t be forced to merely trust the words printed on our website, which just describe in WORDS the beauty services we provide and the looks we create. Beauty is, after all, a visual experience.
Out of that thought came a new feature that we are pretty proud of, and after months and months of work, we are excited to introduce a visual service menu. From now on, when you are contemplating a new haircut, highlights, hair extensions or a different kind of nail service like Minx, traditional sculpted gel nails or Vinylux polish, first stop in and check out our latest work for many of the services offered at McAllister Spa.
From these shared experiences, you will not only SEE our recent work, you may fall in love with the work of one of our team members and find the beauty professional you have been searching for since forever.
…Just another way McAllister is redefining the beauty experience!
More than a decade ago, William McAllister hatched an idea to disrupt the beauty salon industry in Miami Beach. He contemplated what salons once were in years gone by. He yearned to recapture their unique contributions to both personal beauty & community. In the past 10 years, he’s forever changed the industry, and according to him, he’s just getting started! He draws from a unique background – encompassing everything from neurophysiology, business to firefighting- and built South Beach’s busiest & most reviewed beauty concept in South Florida.
