Myanmar Girl

 Glamour girls: 3 Shape readers get gorgeous—just in time for the holidays

nothing makes Shape editors happier than giving the gift of a great makeover. So when we heard from three neonatal nurses at Manhattan's Mount Sinai Hospital who needed a beauty boost, we couldn't think of a more deserving trio. Stressful days and nights of caring for premature babies and newborns had taken its toll. Luckily, Santa arrived not a moment too soon: These nurses were treated to new hairstyles at New York City's Pierre Michel Salon, plus they learned quick-and-easy makeup tips that they can do at home.

anna guzman, 27

"My hair is thick and naturally wavy. It takes over an hour to blow-dry,
so I shampoo and style at night. Last January I got a straightening
treatment to help cut down on maintenance. I've never tried color, but
I'd like to."
I need a lock that's foolproof but stylish.

THE BIG SNIP After adding long layers around her face, Style Director Steven Dillon snipped Anna's hair to the new "it" length, just below her collarbone.

STYLE TIPS For subtle waves, apply a dime-size drop of nourishing leave-in treatment such as Phyto-7 ($24; phyto.com) to damp hair, then mist in a spray for texture. Try Bumble and bumble Surf Spray ($18; 800-7-BUMBLE). Use a diffuser to scrunch hair. "Focus on the back of your head; otherwise hair will get poofy," warns Dillon. Once hair is dry, curl random chunks with a large-barreled iron.

COLOR UPDATE Colorist Giselle placed golden highlights throughout Anna's hair to play up her gorgeous, olive skin tone. "There are light streaks underneath, so you'll be able to see them even if she wears a ponytail," Giselle adds.

MAKEUP MUSTS Anna's flawless skin needs little makeup. To enhance it, makeup artist Kim Tse used Hydro-Liquid Compact Foundation in Deep Ochre ($27), which has a sheer finish. She then used the Luminizing Powder Brush in Bronze Shimmer ($45) along the forehead, cheeks and bridge of the nose. To bring the look together, Tse swiped on Petal Pink Lip Gloss ($20).

kristy cho, 28

"My hair is very damaged; I've been chemically straightening it, but
it's growing out. I also battle flyaways. I'd like a look with more
style, but need something that can easily be pinned up for
practicality."
I'm a wash--and--wear kind of girl.
THE BIG SNIP Dillon lopped off more than 7 inches of dry, damaged hair and created an inverted-wedge bob. "This means hair is subtly shorter in the back, giving a more-of-the-moment style," Dillon explains, adding that this is a good length for all hair textures as it adds movement.

STYLE TIPS Kristy's hair can be worn straight and sleek or air-dried for a more natural style. For pin-straight locks, blow-dry while using a medium-size round brush, then use a straightening iron on 1-inch sections. For keeping flyaways at bay, use a cream-based, nonsticky frizz-fighter like TRESemme Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Creme ($4; at drugstores).

COLOR UPDATE Giselle worked caramel highlights throughout to break up the density of Kristy's naturally dark-brown hair. "The warmer streaks will bring out the tawny tones in her skin," notes Giselle. In two to three months, Kristy can touch up regrowth with Clairol Nice 'N Easy Root Touch-Up Kit for dark-brown hair ($7; at drugstores). To keep hair healthy, Giselle recommends a moisturizing shampoo for color-treated hair. One super sudser: Kerastase Bain Miroir ($29; 877-748-8357).

MAKEUP MUSTS To brighten Kristy's eyes, Tse dusted Accentuating Color in ShimmerShell ($20) under the brow and created depth using Enchanted Bronze Shadow ($20) in the crease. Then Tse added definition to the lash line with a powder rather than a harsh pencil. One to try: Nutmeg Accentuating Powder ($20).

abby loeb, 23

"I work the night shift (7 p.m. to 7 a.m.), and I don't have time to
primp. My normal routine: After showering, I pull my damp hair into a
ponytail and apply concealer and a sheer lip gloss. The last time I had
my hair trimmed was in March."
I'm excited to try something new!

THE BIG SNIP "Abby's long hair overpowers her tiny frame," says Dillon, who snipped off more than 3 inches and removed bulk by adding long layers throughout.

STYLE TIPS Layers easily fall into place so minimal styling is necessary. A pea-size drop of a leave-in finishing product distributed throughout adds texture and sheen. Our pick: John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Shock leave-on perfecting glosser ($5.50; at drugstores).
COLOR UPDATE A darker, richer tone looks sophisticated for winter and enhances Abby's olive complexion and deep-brown eyes. It also brings Abby back to her natural hue. Giselle applied golden-brown semipermanent color. "The hydrating color conceals her roots and adds depth," explains Giselle.

MAKEUP MUST she suggests using the ring finger to "tap" a concealer onto the dark areas below Abby's eyes. "The warmth from your finger makes it more pliable," explains Tse. To further enhance Abby's eyes, Tse used Hydro-Powder Eye Shadow in Tiger Eye ($21) on the lids, with Accentuating Color in Enchanted Bronze ($20) in the crease. A swipe of Advanced Volume Mascara ($20) adds oomph.

All makeover makeup by Shiseido The Makeup. For more information: (800) 7-BEAUTY.

KATHY MILLER KRAMER is a writer in New York City who encourages makeover candidates to cut their hair--even though she's afraid to cut hers.


RELATED ARTICLE: 6 quick holiday makeup tips

CAN'T BOOK A COMPLETE MAKEOVER?

TRY ONE OR ALL OF THESE PRO TIPS TO ENHANCE YOUR SEASONAL STYLE.

Be eye-catching Add shimmery metallic tones to your eyes. Try using beige just beneath the brow, add depth to the crease with purple and line the top and bottom with a pewter or gunmetal tone. Blend for a sexy, finished look. One perfect palette: Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad in Plum Seduction ($25; clinique.com).

Go for the faux Enhance volume or length to a ponytail with Hair U Wear's Layered Flip Pin-up ($22; bellahair.com), which clips to the base of a pony. Don't worry about a phony-looking tail; the piece is layered and multitonal to look natural. It's available in 12 shades.

Adorn your do Instead of wearing glitzy jewelry, try different hair accessories. For a modern look, secure a jeweled hairpin or flower just behind the top of the ear.