Returning students, moms get free makeovers at Wheeling library

Just days before the new school year was set to begin, 13-year-old Rebecca Falkiner explored a new hairstyle.

"I'm getting an updo," she said. "I like when it's up on top with curls hanging."

Falkiner, of Wheeling, was one of about 30 teenage and preteen girls and their mothers who stopped by the Indian Trails Library in Wheeling last week for a makeover courtesy of The Experience Spa and Salon, a year-old Wheeling business.

As stylist Ewa Baranska divided her thick, shoulder-length blonde hair into sections, Falkiner said she is looking for a glamorous style for her role as a bridesmaid in her uncle's January wedding.

Less than an hour later, Falkiner rose from her chair, looking stunning with an updo created with a high ponytail and streams of cascading curls. She beamed.

Meanwhile, her 7-year-old sister, Elena, had eye shadow, blush and lip gloss applied, all with a subtle touch.

Their mother, Jeanne, said Elena is too young for makeup, but the experience helps teach her how to apply makeup correctly, when the time comes.

"They've got to know how to do it the right way," she said.

Three older girls, all high-schoolers, said they expect that hair and makeup styles this year will be all about comfort and ease.

"It's more like stylish, but comfortable. It's, like, be comfortable but look nice," said Lisa Hickman, 16, of Wheeling.

"Quick and easy is always the way to go," chimed in her friend, Kelli Luecht, 15, of Wheeling.

Their friend from Palatine, Anna Erstad, 16, agreed.

"You don't want to do too much because you have to go to school," Erstad said. "I like the natural look."

Later, all three huddled with stylist Sharie Steininger in another corner of the room. Steininger tied Hickman's long, straight hair into a ponytail, wrapping it with a braid of her hair.

Then Steininger wet down Erstad's dirty blond, layered locks and scrunched her hair by hand, producing a fluffy, voluminous but natural-looking style.

Luecht's long layers were ironed flat and straight.

All three seemed pleased with the results.

"Hair is your greatest accessory," said Steininger. "We really see your hair and makeup as being your No. 1 accessory. Perfect is a great word, but we don't have to strive for perfection. We're all beautiful in our own way."

Hot looks for fall

The hot looks this fall season, according to stylist Sharie Steininger and nail technician Sheryl Goldberg, include:

• Wavy hair and more natural-looking hairstyles. "It's time for the curly-headed girls to embrace their curls," said Steininger.

• Street makeup, featuring vibrant eye shadows and colors and glossy lips or a combination of top lid eyeliner, muted eye shadows and bold lip color

• Nail colors in purples, wines and browns; shorter-length nail enhancements