Getting ready for your next holiday party becomes fun again when you have a little help. Visit any of these salons with dress and jewels in tow and your hair, nails and face will soon be picture-perfect to match. Relax before the big event, and let these professionals give you a Cinderella makeover. You won’t be leaving the party at midnight though—not when you’re feeling like a million bucks.
Chicago’s first finishing salon, Goldplaited specializes in both hair and makeup for any event. Whether you want a luscious blowout or elegant updo, these ladies have you covered. Talented makeup artists will enhance your best features to match your dress too. Relax with friends over a glass of bubbly in the luxe lounge and don’t forget to spritz yourself with a touch of perfume from the vanity before heading out. 2803 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, 773-880-9180
- Make It Better readers can get a free airbrush foundation with full face makeup or a free deep conditioner with your blowout just by mentioning the magazine when booking. This offer is valid through March 2015, and cannot be combined with any other offers.
With a brand-new second salon at The Shops at Northbridge, this blowout bar is expanding from the Gold Coast to take over River North too. Blowouts here are set perfectly, so no worries about the harsh Chicago wind ruining your hair on the way to the party. The flagship Gold Coast location even has a lower level to rent out for groups. Whether it’s soft curls, sleek and shiny or a fancy braid, you’re sure to look picture perfect. 1 E. Huron St., Chicago, 312-280-2400; 520 N. Michigan Ave. Level 3, Chicago, 312-494-3389
Make It Better’s Best of 2014 winner for both the best hair color and best haircut can give you a whole new look for the holidays or glam you up for a big party. Along with stellar hair services, you can get custom facials, microdermabrasion and festive manicures. There are even makeup artists that specialize in full makeup applications, or “just eyes” makeovers for that sultry smoky eye. If all the pampering leaves you hungry, a hot chocolate bar with marshmallows, chocolate chips and crushed peppermint will warm you up. 840 Willow Road, Suite K, Northbrook, 847-272-1616
This Canadian salon is celebrating 25 years of gorgeous hairstyling by expanding to Chicago. With three just-opened locations, occupying former Michael Anthony Salon & Spas, this Aveda concept is taking the city by storm. Cut and color are specialties here, but you can also come for effortlessly chic blowouts and updos for holiday parties. From Dec. 10-24, you can receive service gift cards based on any product purchases made at the salon—up to $150 if you spend $300. 1001 W. North Ave., Chicago, 312-649-0707; 1637 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, 773-935-0707; 621-623 N. State St., Chicago, 312-253-0707
More than just a brow bar, this beauty boutique also has a hair salon and makeup bar to cover all your last minute primping needs. With hard-to-find brands like Lime Crime and Kré åt Beauty, you’re sure to have a unique look. The blowout bar uses exclusively Oribe and R+Co hair products for soft, shiny tresses. And their individual lash application is so natural, your friends will want to know what mascara you use. For the holidays, get a free brow tint or wax with any blowout package. 1359 N. Wells St., Chicago, 312-291-9750
For many of us, winter means we rarely see sunlight since the sun has already set by the time we leave work. The lack of vitamin D gives us a vampiric pallor, but that can be easily fixed with an airbrush tan. The customized spray tans at Leah Chavie’s skincare boutique are airbrushed by hand and free of any damaging UVA/UVB rays. Everyone will be asking you where you went on vacation to get such a natural, healthy glow. 2457 N. Halsted St., Chicago, 773-327-7051
This Aveda salon uses all-natural and organic products throughout and is truly full-service. Get your hair, nails and makeup all done in one place. With several talent levels, from rising to artistic, there’s somebody for every budget and even the junior stylists do a great job with warm, friendly service. Try the Caribbean manicure, including a heated seaweed masque, hand massage and citrusy lime and amyris moisturizer to escape to tropical islands if just for an hour. 1604 Sherman Ave., Evanston, 847-475-9300
