Vernon Hills woman receives free makeover in time for Mother's Day

LIBERTYVILLE – A mailer went out in Vernon Hills earlier this year asking women to apply for a free makeover in time for Mother's Day. The makeover was done courtesy of Bavaro Hair Spa and Amazing Cosmetics, both of Libertyville, according to a news release.

The contest is open once a year. This year's winner was busy financial advisor and mother of two, Chittu Arun of Vernon Hills. In March, Arun received a new hair style at the Hair Spa, 1322 S. Milwaukee Ave., and modeled makeup for the spring season from Amazing Cosmetics, 133 E. Cook Ave.

Arun, who had long, black hair for years, said she was ready for a change. She now sports a short cut and color-treated hair. The team applied natural-looking makeup to highlight her best features, the release stated.

"I never had my hair colored," Arun said. "It was the first time ever."

Gino Bavaro, spa owner, said Arun has "four to five" different textures of hair. He asked her to come to the spa before the cut so he could "evaluate her features and form a vision for her cut and color."

Using a new technique that allows a natural flow of color, called "cushion movement color," Bavaro treated Arun's hair with a cotton wrap rather than foil.

"It's much easier on the hair than the traditional foil process," Bavaro said. "The hair color is multi-dimensional and grows out without the streaking."

Bavaro said the color lasts up to three months. He selected a color for Arun that features three shades of black – smoke, metallic and chestnut, he said.

In addition to the cut and color, Arun had a facial makeover with Amazing Cosmetics.

"It was great too," Arun said. "You really can't tell you're wearing makeup."

Arun said she wanted to look "natural, but polished."

Kathy Brown of Amazing Cosmetics applied Arun's makeup using a bright-colored blush, "which is hot this spring," Brown said.

"I did use a little bit of bronzer to contour her cheeks and gave her a safe way to give her a sun-kissed look," Brown added.

The makeover is held once a year. Call Bavaro at 847-362-6262 or Brown at 847-680-5247 for more information.