Curls and Glamour at Christo Fifth Avenue

Christo's 5th Ave, loft is THE place for gorgeous curls and Red Carpet makeup artistry.

Midtown: Located at 35 West 45th Street between 5th and 6th, Christo Fifth Avenue is hailed as the "Curl Whisperer" among celebrity A-listers. Why? Well one reason is their philosophy of working with and even more celebrating naturally curly hair while turning it into something quite stunning.

We were invited to attend the Ice Theatre of New York's 30th Anniversary Benefit Gala and made an appointment at Christo Fifth Avenue. We were personally greeted by the most gracious host, Irina, who catered to us during the day and served wine in the afternoon. Likewise Yashira ordered lunch for us and made sure we had plenty of ice water.

Christo 5th Avenue

The whole atmosphere is more like visiting a very comfortable but posh artist's loft. Open, spacious yet intimate at the same time. Beautiful natural lighting from the huge 45th street windows and ambient lighting complimented with multiple chandeliers and warm hardwood floors throughout the space.

Owner and Designer, Christo

In 2002, Christo opened this 5th Avenue studio to cater to his A-List and Royalty clientele. However, everyone here is treated like a celebrity. Christo believes that hair is the #1 Fashion accessory in your wardrobe.  He practices the art of PsychoHair-Therapy and educates others on the care and styling of curly hair which often needs special treatment. In response to that, Christo has his own line of specially formulated treatments and styling products under the label, Curlisto. Each system comes in a set specific for your hair type and styling preferences. See them online at Curlisto.com  

Christo Fifth Avenue offers makeup, hair and nail styling

Gina's makeup by Kelly-Senior Designer (L) & hair by Rosaura Miranda (R) 

Gina has long wavy hair and has only had a Keratin Treatment over the summer. Her stylist, took time to make some helpful recommendations on her specific hair texture needs while choosing a style she could replicate at home.

Nails by Silvia Pineiro - Esthetician - Nail Technician

As for me, I had Ray - Top Designer and Aveda Institute graduate, do both my hair and makeup for the evening Gala. I wanted lift and body so Ray set my hair on large rollers while I had my nails done by Silvia Pineiro. Silvia's manicure included a heavenly hand massage and exfoliation treatment.

Her station has a little quiet place to relax and put your feet up. Silvia did a very fresh looking French Manicure which made my nails look very elegant and polished.

Christo 5th Avenue Nail Technician-Esthetician Silvia Pineiro

I was surprised that Ray was accomplished in both hair and makeup but I also noticed other Christo designers namely Kelly sporting the same dual skills. This makes these stylists highly desirable for runway shows, movie sets and red carpet events as they are able to pinch hit from one discipline to another.

Ray did my makeup before styling my hair and used both Mac and Makeup Forever palettes. He also added some false eyelashes and lots of drama for the eyes. However how he did my brows was a pure revelation. Beautifully sculpted to frame my face. Lastly he styled my hair using a 3 inch iron and a touch of light hair spray to give it extra lift. The finished look was simply fabulous!

Hair and makeup artistry by Ray - Top Designer

So the experience was everything we would have expected from a top level 5th Avenue salon...and more. Highly accomplished professionals who have a passion for their art. Give them a call for an appointment at (212)997-8800.

Now, for the evening event. Here we are on the red carpet at the Ice Theatre of New York's Benefit Gala & Cocktail Party:

(L-R) Gina Miczak, Sarah Hughes, Dr.Tenley Albright, Dr. Marie J Miczak

Dr. M and Ice Show Star, Richard "Mr. Debonair" Dwyer

Jewelry c/o Kathy Hershelow - Sublime Beauty
Dr. M's dress by Nora Gardner, NYC
Salon services c/o Christo Fifth Avenue

Holiday Time! Laura Geller Baked Stackable Macaroons for Face & Eyes

Laura Geller Baked Stackable Macaroons 9 Piece Collection offers sparkle and glow for eyes & face.

Looking for the perfect holiday glamor gift? I've fallen for these sweet treats from QVC's Easy Gifts collection. Perfect to give or to get for yourself. Beautifully boxed for the holidays, Laura Geller's Baked formulas create a subtle luminescent finish for color that has depth and dimension, leaving skin radiant and healthy looking. Infused with centella asiatica and white tea extracts, these Baked Stackable Macaroons are handmade in Italy.

This Laura Geller Collection comes in this SWEET holiday gift box, all ready to place under the tree. See? Easy.

Laura Geller Baked Stackable Macaroons
This fab set contains three shades each of blush, highlighter, and eye shadow begin as swirls of liquid pigment that are baked on terra-cotta tiles for 24 hours and finished by hand in Italy. The result is a silky wash of long-wearing color that illuminates the skin.

So Here's What You Get in This 9 Piece Set!

• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Blush in Gingerbread
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Blush in Lychee Rose
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Blush in Cassis Violet
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Highlighter in Honey Lavender
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Highlighter in Toasted Coconut
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Highlighter in Dulce de Leche
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Eyeshadow in Orange Blossom
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Eyeshadow in Mocha Latte
• 0.06-oz Baked Brulee Eyeshadow in Chestnut

Laura Geller Baked Stackable Macaroons Collection allows you to mix and match, blending colors as you wish.

How I Use It:
Baked Brulee Eyeshadow-I use these eyeshadows dry for daytime wear as they are very subtle. My favorite color of the trio is the Orange Blossom which has a lovely shimmer that you can wear in full sun. Very sheer. 
Tip: If you want more intense color for a night out, DAMPEN your eyeshadow brush first and use these buildable pigments wet. They compliment each other perfectly so use all three!

Baked Brulee Eyeshadows. Each case has a little makeup half-moon mirror inside!

Baked Brulee Blush-This trio is highly pigmented, (especially the Lychee Rose), so a little goes a long way. The shimmer is very fine in all of the blushes and very easy to blend out.
Tip: Using a dry fan or blush brush, pick up a small amount of pigment and blow off the excess. Sweep upwards onto the apples of the cheeks and blend out well.

Baked Brulee Highlighter-Highlighter is one of my favorite beauty steps as it adds the finishing touch to your foundation. Laura Geller's toasty trio did not disappoint as these pigments are sheer and shimmery. So light and airy! The Toasted Coconut is gorgeous on bare skin.
Tip: Apply highlighter to the top of your cheekbones, nose, chin and the inner corner of the eyes yes. Still, don't forget about those collarbones and shoulders when wearing your Christmas Party & New Year's Eve gowns!

On the Holiday Set at QVC. Laura Geller's Baked Macaroons made my Lucky Gift Guide so check it out!

Laura Geller Makeup c/o QVC

Toscanella Leather Duffel Bag by Pierotucci of Italy