Tag Archives: Illusions

How to Balance your Facial-Shape with your Hairstyle

May 28, 2014Beauty, Confidence, Personal StyleClassic, Dramatic, Gamine, Hairstyles, Illusions, Img.ID, Ingenue, Natural, RomanticCatrina

Does your hairstyle draw others to the window of your soul? It should! If you want people to see you for who you really are, your image–hair and all–should bring their attention to your eyes. This is why the goal of any hairstyle should be to balance out any disproportions so that others can focus on your inner beauty.

Consider the pear-shaped face. The wide cheeks and a narrow forehead are disproportionate to each other and either of these features could easily become a focal point and steal the attention from the eyes. This is can be corrected (illusionaly) with bangs or a fullness above the ears. A style that is full below the ears, however, will only point to the cheeks and distract attention from the eyes.

If you have a pear-shaped face you could be any Image Identity except the Classic (unless Classic is your secondary Img.ID). Most women with this facial-shape are Gamines or Naturals, both of whom would rather not put a lot of effort into blowdrying, etc. If this is you, consider getting bangs since this is the easiest way to balance your features. Ingénues and Romantics should consider wispy fringes that cover the cheeks. Dramatics do well with an asymmetrical look.

A round face isn’t really disproportionate, but a hairstyle that is too long may make it appear very small. The best option for a round face is a short style ith fullness at the crown–except ones that are chin-length since this gives the illusion of a wide-face.

Ingénues and Romantics with a round face should consider unbalanced, wispy fringes. Gamines should choose a short-styles that are sharp and spunky. Naturals, tend to want long-hair, so I give these girls permission to break the short-hair-rule since usually wear it up in a pony tail anyway (this is another way to draw attention to the eyes on a round face). If this is you, just be sure you wear your pony high on your head.

Note: Dramatics and Classics do not have a round face unless this is their secondary Img.ID.

For hairstyle tips on the other four facial shapes be sure to visit my website and search “Hairstyles.” If you are wondering which Img.ID you are, please contact me, I would love to give you an image consultation! My rates are reasonable, I do group parties and I travel.

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Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

What 2 Wear Hair Tips

May 21, 2014Beauty, Personal Stylebeauty, Classic, Dramatic, Gamine, Hairstyles, Illusions, image, Img.ID, Ingenue, Natural, RomanticCatrina

As Memorial Day quickly approaches lots of women are ready for new summer hairstyles. For the past few Wednesdays my “What 2 Wear” tips have been about making good choices depending on your facial shape (and Img.ID of course!). So far we have gone over styles for the oval and square faces, but there are 7 shapes in all, so what if your face is:

Oblong

Your hairdresser knows that the goal of giving a new style to an oblong face is to give the illusion of more width. This can easily be done for most types of beauty (and this facial shape could be any Img.ID) by adding fullness in the crown and side areas, the only time creating this illusion is a real challenge is if you are determined to keep your hair long–especially if you want it one-length. It is especially hard to create volume if you don’t want to use product or blow-dry your hair, which is not unusual for Naturals or Gamines. If this is you, and you do not want to budge on the long, one-length thing, then just be sure to focus on makeup and accessory tricks that add width to you face (that’s a blog for another day).

Diamond

Any hairstyle on a diamond-shaped face should be designed to give the illusion of more width at the forehead and chin or of less width at the cheeks. Your hairdresser may suggest that your hair be mid-neck length and full at the chin or asymmetrical with no bangs swept to one side. Most women with this shaped face are Natural, Dramatic or Gamine. Naturals, I would not suggest going with the asymmetrical option since it is not a casual look, nor does it do well as a wash-n-wear. This side-style does do well on the other two Img.IDs as long as it is kept up.

Heart

The heart-shaped face is characteristic of the Romantic and the Ingénue, which are the two very feminine beauties. Both of these girls do well with wispy or curly hairstyles. In fact, they usually have very fine hair, which is often very curly or very straight. Because the heart-shaped face is wide at the forehead, your hairstylist knows to be careful not to create too much fullness at the crown. I would not recommend bangs, but ask your stylist. The length is the key factor in creating the illusion of more width at your narrow chin so be sure to take her advice on that as well. Mid-neck or chin-length are usually best, depending on how long your neck is.

Next Wednesday lets talk about the round and pear shaped faces.

If you missed my explanation of the various facial shapes and my tips for the oval or square faces, you can find them on my website. Click the topic “hairstyles”

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Finding a Hairstyle that Fits YOU featuring Chorlton Hairdresser

May 7, 2014Beauty, Confidence, Personal Stylebeauty, confidence, Hairstyles, Illusions, imageCatrina

This is a great time of year for a new hairstyle, but asking your hairstylist for suggestions might not be wise. Not unless they’re experts from https://yvonnehodgsonhair.co.uk, then you can definitely rely on them.

After many years behind the chair, creating styles to suits my clients’ desires, it became obvious to me that many women do not really know what they want–and if they do, their desires often contradict their personality. If they asked me, I would tell them what I learned in school.

Cosmetologists are educated on facial shape, we are taught to create hairstyles that balance the square, diamond, round, oblong, heart and triangular faces so that they give the illusion of the ideal facial shape: the oval. We understand the density and texture of a client’s hair and know if the style she wants is reasonable to keep up or not. Or goal is to sell the professional products and teach the tricks of the trade to each individual so that she can make her hair look just as good everyday as it did the day she came into the salon. The thing is, if we do not understand her personal preferences, lifestyle and personality, then we might suggest a style that does not allow her to feel confident because it isn’t “her.”

This is one of the reasons I choose to study the six different styles of beauty and become an image consultant. Women are never really comfortable with their hair (or makeup, clothing, accessories…) unless their style compliments who they are.

So what’s the secret to finding a new style this spring?

Over the next several Wednesdays I am going to break down the options for each facial shape and make suggestions for each clothing personality (Img.ID). In the mean time, start collecting different styles that you like–even if you are not sure you want to try it.

For now, here’s a teaser for the “ideal” (oval) facial shape.

Hair length: This facial shape has the most freedom to wear the length she wants well, but if she has a long neck, it is best to have length that falls at the middle of neck or to have angle/layers at the neck. I suggest checking these prices of clips from Great Clips hair salon for those who are looking for affordable and professional-quality services.

Hairstyle: almost any hairstyle will work for the oval face, but Bold, Exotic or Refined Beauties could try something sharp or asymmetrical to shake things up. Casual Beauties do best with simple styles (like wash and wear). Delicate and Glamorous Girls, do best with feminine, wispy or wavy styles.

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Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker who is using her 30 years in the beauty industry to help women understand their personal Image Identity (Img.ID) and overcome Image Issues that affect their Confidence. Her message is empowering women to BE and LET BE. You can now find her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

Well Dressed Beauty

October 23, 2012Beauty, Confidence, Life, Personal StyleClassic, Dramatic, Gamine, Illusions, image, Img.ID, Ingenue, Natural, Romantic, Supreme MakeOverCatrina

Christian Dior once said, “It’s not money that makes you well dressed, it’s understanding.” In today’s economy, this is good news! If you know your personal Img.ID you can save yourself a lot of money.

Every woman has figured out that what looks good on her girlfriends may not necessarily look good on her. Knowing the general guidelines for your image can keep you from making the common (and costly) mistake of purchasing clothing that never gets worn. The delicate girl may like bold colors and heavy fabrics, but they simply overpower her beauty, just as frills and lace on the strong, sporty girl make her look and feel awkward. Understanding these general rules before shopping can keep you from bringing home a wardrobe you love but never wear because it doesn’t feel like “you.”

So what makes you well dressed? Of course money helps, but it’s not necessarily the quality of clothing (although if you are a Classic or Romantic quality is important) that makes you well dressed. Generally speaking, each Img.ID should focus on only that which best accentuates her individuality. Like the lines on the roads, here are some simple rules to keep you on the path of confident, “well dressed,” beauty:

Classic: completed, coordinating outfits
Natural: texture; simplicity
Dramatic: accessories; fashion
Ingénue: light fabrics; youthfulness
Romantic: soft, flowing fabrics; femininity
Gamin: bold, contrasting color; clothing that holds its shape

I was asked recently if, by generalizing women, am I trying to put God in a box? I don’t think so; I think God designed us just as He did the flowers- in all shapes and sizes with all different kinds of needs. When we understand which type of woman we are, we know how to care for our beauty so that we can be well dressed. Thank God it’s not about money.

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Catrina Welch is an image- and life-coach whose message is not as much “what not to wear” as it is, “Know Who You Are,” which is the title of her book of guidelines for your personal image identity. Catrina has also written a Bible study to help women overcome their image issues. It is titled Supreme MakeOver: a Rich and Refreshing Devotional Experience. Her other books include Footprints Through the Sand: a Consolidation of Life-altering stories about Loving and Loosing a Trisomy-18 Baby and Confident Beauty: Reflecting the One Who Made You with the Images in Your Mirror and Your Soul, which will be available soon.

If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

Illusions: Dressing the Neck

October 16, 2012Beauty, Confidence, Personal Styleclothing personality, fashion, Illusions, image, Img.ID, styleCatrina

Clothing lines create illusions. The choices we make with our attire will either bring balance to our image or draw attention to our disproportions. What you wear around your neck, whether it is your blouse line, hair style or your accessories, creates a frame around your face. Like fine art, the frame should compliment it’s goods it should not overpower it’s attraction.

If you have a long neck, short hair and v-neck shirts or long necklaces will only draw attention to it’s length, and become the focus of those looking at you. If you have a short neck, however, the same choices will open up your face and draw the attention upward to your face.

To determine if you neck is proportionate or not look into a mirror and with your pinky finger resting in the dip of your collarbone, point your fingers straight toward your neck. Your pointer finger should be just under your chin. If your fingers need to spread uncomfortably wide, then you have a long neck, if your fingers have no room to spread at all you have a short neck.

If your fingers do not spread wide, nor squish together to fit between your collarbone and your chin, then your neck is proportionate. You do not need to focus on these illusions, your Img.ID guidelines should determine what kind of hairstyles, collars, and accessories you should wear.

Here are some suggestions for the not-so-average neck:

Long Necks:

Best choices:

High collars, turtlenecks, cowl necks

Stand up collars

Accessorize with chokers, necklaces, ribbons, scarves

Medium to long hair with layers.

Side or zigzag part.

Poor choices:

Low necklines, especially v-necks

Short hair

Straight, center part

High up do’s with no fringes around the neck.

Short Necks:

Best choices:

Open collars, Shawl collars,

Square or V-necklines

Short hairstyles, especially when full at top

Poor choices:

Clutter around the neck

Any high-neck styles

Medium length hair that fringes the face

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If you are interested in getting these books or having Catrina come speak at your event, you can contact her at www.CatrinaWelch.com or on facebook.

Illusions: More Tummy Talk

October 9, 2012Beauty, Personal Stylefashion, Illusions, image, image assessment, Img.ID, styleCatrina

When you stood sideways in a mirror, was your silhouette widest at the waist? Then you have a rounded waist. Some of last week’s advice above may be very helpful to you, but let’s consider some more illusions that you may find liberating.

Some other factors to consider are undergarments. If the foundation is distorted, even a beautiful outfit will appear unsightly. If your bra or panties are too tight, it can cause your flesh to bulge, which only causes others to notice the extra weight. Subconsciously this says to them that you are trying to be a size that you are not.

I know this is a sensitive subject, in fact, I find it very hard to tell clients to their face, but you are quietly reading in the privacy of your own home, or perhaps on your phone at the spa, so let’s be open about it.

Keep in mind that you simply have an oval frame. It is likely that the first place you ever gain weight is your midriff and that you may never have had a thin waist. That is who you are, and that is okay, Barbie is not the only kind of beauty in this world! You can work with what you have; don’t give up on your whole image because you cannot get rid of your belly.

First of all, don’t let the size discourage you. The numbers on your outfits are only there to help you shop. Thank God you don’t have to sort through all those tiny sizes… think of how hard it would be to find modest clothes then! Women tend to be their own worst critic. Do not be. Others don’t really care about what size you are; why should you?

Secondly, buy the size that fits. If your clothes don’t fit properly, you may be more apt to be thinking about yourself because they are either uncomfortable, or you may feel self-conscious. In either case, you discomfort, will not only tend to keep your mind on yourself, but it may make others uncomfortable around you.

Once you purchase clothing that fits correctly, you may not think of what size it is again, but you will be more apt to wear it because it’s comfortable- physically and emotionally. Physically because the garment won’t be cutting off circulation; emotionally because when your outfit isn’t bulging anywhere, others look into your eyes!

Best choices

Thick belts same color as garment

Garments with pleats and pressed creases

Garments with high waistline

Garments with dropped waistline

Loose, long blouses and jackets, vests

Straight, one-piece dresses with high accessory as focal point

One piece, one color bathing suits

Poor choices:

Thin belts

Contrasting colors at the waistline

Blouses ending at the waist

Full gathered skirts

Illusions: Tummy Talk

October 2, 2012Beauty, Confidence, Personal Styleclothing personality, fashion, Illusions, image, Img.ID, style, weightCatrina

Did you know that if you take the measurements of the Barbie doll and scaled them to life-size, she would be over 6 feet tall, weigh around 100 pounds, and have figure measurements of 38-18-38?

As little girls we are taught that the hourglass figure is most feminine. This subliminal (and often explicit!) message was first ushered in by the Victorian era and remained the ideally desired female form for more than 120 years, until it was supplanted by the “Twiggy” look of the 1960s…

Well those days are gone! “Hourglass” and “twiggy” figures are no longer average! In fact, the average American waistline has been, and certainly still is, expanding. Federal health surveys show that over the past four decades, the mean waist for women has grown from 28 inches to 33.5 inches. And yet our little girls still play with Barbie dolls and dream of having her figure when they grow up. While the innate desire to be beautiful is certainly acceptable, the standards set before us can lead us into unhealthy self-contempt.

Nearly all women feel they have a figure problem; however the greatest problem is our unrealistic expectations. Funny how we long to have a figure like Barbie and feel what we have is so disproportionate, yet in reality she is the one disfigured, considering if you or I were her height with an 18-inch waist and 38-inch bust & hip we would be considered a freak.

As women of various types of beauty, we need not be so hard on ourselves. God created each of us to be unique, who are we to consider any of our characteristics a flaw?

Most of the things we do not like about our figure can be disguised with a few wardrobe illusions. In my next several blogs I will be sharing some of the “tricks of the trade” with you. My desire is that you will learn something that you can do that will ease your mind about your imperfection so that you can be confident with who you are.

First Let’s Talk Tummy

A real tummy challenge is only when your belly protrudes beyond your bust line. Stand sideways in a mirror. Is your silhouette widest at the waist? If not, you may simply have a thick waist. If you have a thick waist, most likely you have a wide rib cage and your body frame is a sturdy one. Do not be so hard on yourself, if you do not focus on it, others will not either.

Often people with this challenge consider it easiest to hide their tummy under baggy shirts or they try and create a waist with belts and layers. These tricks, like many fashion choices, seem like they would help but instead they actually draw attention to the issue. Hiding the waist can be confusing and frustrating; it is not that the thicker waist cannot wear a belt, or layers, it is simply that she needs to wear them differently.

The idea is to disguise the thicker waist so that it does not become the focal point of your image. Here are some tricks that will work:

Best choices:

Thick belts same color as garment

Garments with pleats and pressed creases

Garments with high waistline

Garments with dropped waistline

Blousing above or below a belt.

Loose, long blouses and jackets, vests

Straight shirts or jackets, open over darker shirt.

Straight, one piece dresses with high accessory as focal point

One piece, one color bathing suits

Poor choices:

Thin belts

Contrasting colors at the waistline (horizontally)

Blouses ending at the waist

Another important factor to remember: your clothing size is not important; very few friends will ever see your shirt tag, but every stranger who meets you will know if what you are wearing fits you correctly or not.