Makeover - December 2014
Story by Rachel Rucker
Photography by Beth Bouknight
Meet Eleni:
Makeovers are the perfect place for a fresh start and Eleni Kotellos is ready for both. Her recent move to Hilton Head from Virginia is the perfect example of her eagerness to start over. After her son graduated from high school, Eleni said she felt it was the right time to get back to doing more of what she loves, and giving herself some much-needed attention. A lover of nature and its beauty, Eleni has a distinctive ability to combine natural treasures, inspired by Japanese art of Oshibana, to create unique pieces of jewelry. Her jewelry line, FLOWERBLESSINGS, offers one-of-a-kind hand-pressed flower pendants, earrings, brooches and barrettes. While Eleni is very in touch with connecting her mind and spirit, we were happy to help her begin to reflect that beauty from the inside out.
The Fresh Approach:
Our day started at The Hair Designers in The Village at Wexford, where skilled stylist Rachel Love got to work on Eleni’s color. Eleni’s hair is naturally curly, on the frizzy side, and a dark dirty blond, with just a few strands of silver peeking through. With a little bit of persuading, Rachel convinced Eleni that she should see if redheads really do have more fun. As soon as she was colored and rinsed, the transformation was immediate. Eleni was definitely born to be red!
With a fresh color, Eleni was ready for Erika Warren to begin cutting. Although Eleni was initially hesitant with any amount of cut, Erika convinced her that a few inches off the whole and layers to frame her face would work wonders. With Eleni’s naturally curly texture, Erika used an Argan-infused serum to smooth down frizz and tame fly-aways. Erika went on to do the master of all blowouts and Eleni’s hair was transformed into chic and stylish.
Once the hair transformation was complete, Eleni was ready for Rachel to begin on her makeup. Armed with Aveda’s Beyond Minerals makeup, Rachel began mixing different shades of the Mineral Tinted Moisture Foundation with SPF 15, to create the perfect color to complement Eleni’s natural skin tone. Apparently, makeup is all in the mixing. Rachel combined the Aveda Linen and Honey shades of blush to give her the perfect rosy cheek, and used Peach Lights bronzer to give Eleni’s cheek more definition. Rachel went with a natural, fall palette for the eye shadow, which she said will last a lot longer with a base coat of concealer underneath. A little eyeliner, sweep of mascara and Eleni was well on her way to that fresh start.
Clothes Line:
Luciana Boutique had the perfect outfit to complement Eleni’s new look with style to spare. A pair of leather pull-on pants, custom-made by Luciana herself, and an Aztec-design sweater with a column-neck showcased Eleni’s new-and-improved self.
Book Your Own Style Takeover:
Hair and Makeup: Special thanks to highly experienced and talented stylists Rachel Love and Erika Warren at The Hair Designers in Suite F1 at the Village at Wexford, HHI. To schedule an appointment, please call 843.686.4247.
Clothing: Thanks also to Luciana Boutique, the No.1 stop shop for custom and ready-to-wear apparel on the island, for providing the perfect outfit and fabulous style tips. Luciana is at 37 New Orleans Road in Orleans Plaza, HHI. For more information, please call 843.684.5620.
Are You Next?
Do you want a makeover? Email an up-to-date picture and a little background information about yourself to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..