Aurelio Salon Named in BE Magazine’s Top 100 Salons | Howell, NJ

Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ was ranked among the Top 100 Salons in America by BE Magazine — Beauty Entertainment, The Salon People Magazine. Out of thousands of salons nationwide, Aurelio Salon earned a place in BE Magazine’s prestigious HOT 100 Salons and Artists Rankings.

About BE Magazine

BE Magazine — Beauty Entertainment — is an industry publication that gives readers an insider’s look at beauty, entertainment, and salon culture. Each issue features editorials on rising stars, top beauty professionals, industry events, and pop culture happenings in the world of beauty. The HOT 100 Salons and Artists Rankings, which appear in every issue, highlight the most outstanding salons and artists across the country.

What This Recognition Means

Being named among the Top 100 Salons in America out of thousands of salons nationwide is a meaningful recognition of the quality of work, professionalism, and guest experience at Aurelio Salon & Spa. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team to the craft of hairdressing and to the guests who trust us with their hair.

Aurelio Salon Today: A Goldwell Platinum Salon

Since this recognition, Aurelio Salon & Spa has continued to grow. We are now a Goldwell Platinum Salon, hold a 4.9-star rating across 475+ Google reviews, and have been serving guests in Howell, NJ since 2006. Our team offers a full range of professional services including hair color, highlights, balayage, haircuts, curly hair services, hair extensions, waxing, and bridal styling.

Learn more about our services on our full salon menu, explore our new client deals, or read about our other Goldwell Titanium recognition and Industry Magazine feature.

Aurelio Salon & Spa is located at 2448 Highway 9, Howell, NJ 07731. Call 732-303-0052 to book your appointment.

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Chestnut Ombré Hair Color Transformation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Sometimes the most beautiful color changes are the subtle ones. This guest came to Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ with a natural level 4 base and wanted something that would brighten her up without a dramatic change — a warm, toasty chestnut ombré using Goldwell Colorance demi-permanent color.

Before

After

The Technique: Step-by-Step

The ombré application began with sectioning the hair into four quadrants. Working from the back, the stylist took 1-inch diagonal partings and teased each section at the root. The teasing is an important detail — the more tease applied at the root, the lower the ombré placement will fall, and it also creates a soft, blended transition rather than a harsh line of demarcation.

Using a board with foil placed underneath each section, the stylist applied the first Goldwell Colorance formula to the un-teased areas, starting heavily at the ends and feathering upward toward the tease. This process was repeated through alternating sections — leaving out every third section — to create a natural, dimensional blend through the mid-lengths and ends.

Moving to the front quadrants, a second Colorance formula was worked in and allowed to process. After processing, the hair was rinsed, shampooed, and towel dried. A Goldwell glaze was then applied starting at the ombré’d sections and distributed through the rest of the hair, allowed to process, then lightly rinsed and emulsified for a luminous, seamless finish.

Why Goldwell Colorance for Ombré

Goldwell Colorance is a demi-permanent color — meaning it contains no ammonia and deposits tone and shine without lifting the natural base. It is ideal for ombré work because it blends seamlessly into existing color, adds incredible shine, and washes out gradually over time rather than growing out with a hard line. For guests who want a beautiful ombré without a major commitment, Colorance is one of our most recommended options.

To learn more about our ombré and color services, visit our women’s hair coloring page or read our post on rooty ombré technique. Browse our stylist gallery for color inspiration or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a color consultation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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A Mother’s Day Salon Experience at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Every year, Aurelio Salon & Spa celebrates Mother’s Day by treating guests to a full salon experience — and every year it is one of our favorite days of the year. The Keep Calm & Pamper Mom event was created to give the mothers, grandmothers, and special women in our guests’ lives a day that felt genuinely luxurious from start to finish. Here is a look at what that experience includes — and how you can give someone you love that same feeling any time of year.

The Lather Lounge Experience

Every guest begins at the Lather Lounge — our signature 10-minute shampoo experience that has to be felt to be appreciated. Guests recline in our shampoo chairs while their stylist performs a scalp massage using warm water, professional shampoo, and essential oils applied directly to the scalp. A warm towel is draped over the face and a soothing eye mask is placed over the eyes. The combination of the scalp massage, the warmth, and the aromatherapy creates a genuinely relaxing, spa-like experience before any styling even begins.

Paraffin Hand Treatment and Massage

After the Lather Lounge, guests enjoy a paraffin wax hand treatment — a service with a long history of therapeutic use. The warm wax locks in moisture, leaving the hands feeling soft and supple. The treatment is paired with a hand and arm massage, which continues the sense of deep relaxation and care that defines the full experience.

Tension Tamer — Neck and Shoulder Massage

The massage experience continues with our Tension Tamer service — a targeted neck and shoulder massage designed to release the tension that most people carry without even realizing it. By the time the Tension Tamer is complete, guests are fully relaxed and ready for the styling portion of their visit.

Custom Blowout and Makeup

With guests relaxed and refreshed, the styling begins. Each guest receives a blowout customized to their hair type — whether that means a smooth, sleek finish, soft waves, or voluminous curls. The blowout is paired with a professional makeup application, with guests choosing from eye, lip, or full face makeup to complete their look for the day. The result is a guest who walks out looking and feeling entirely renewed.

Give the Gift of a Salon Experience

The best Mother’s Day gift is one that makes someone feel truly cared for. At Aurelio Salon & Spa, we offer salon gift cards in any denomination — the perfect way to give Mom, a grandmother, or anyone who deserves a treat the experience of a full salon visit on her schedule. Purchase a gift card at our online gift card store, or learn more about booking through our full salon menu. You can also read our Mother’s Day hair services guide for more ideas.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a Mother’s Day appointment or purchase a gift card at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

Purchase a Gift Card

Aurelio Salon & Spa is located at 2448 Highway 9, Howell, NJ 07731. Call 732-303-0052 to book a Mother’s Day appointment or purchase a gift card for someone special.

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Violet Ombré Hair Color Transformation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Korina came into Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ at a natural level 6 with some previously colored ends. She wanted an ombré — but not a typical one. After her consultation, the plan was set: a deeper, richer violet at the root melting into a brighter, more vibrant violet at the ends. It required a custom multi-step approach and a creative formula built specifically for her hair’s unique starting condition.

Step 1: Prepare the Ends

The existing color on the ends meant that before any fashion color could be applied, the ends needed to be addressed. The stylist applied Goldwell Oxycur Platin Lightening Powder to the ends to lift them to a level that would allow the vibrant Elumen color to show up cleanly and vividly. After lifting, a Goldwell Colorance glaze was applied to create an even, balanced canvas. Colorance is a demi-permanent color that not only deposits tone but also repairs the hair structure during the process — giving the hair a healthier foundation before the Elumen application. The hair was then treated with a Rich Repair 60-second conditioning treatment to restore softness and strength.

Step 2: Apply Elumen for the Violet Result

With the ends prepared and the hair conditioned, Goldwell Elumen was applied. Elumen is Goldwell’s first oxidant-free professional hair color — it contains no ammonia and no peroxide, which means it adds intense, vivid color without causing additional damage to the hair structure. The stylist painted Elumen randomly throughout the ends for dimension, then applied it from roots to mid-shaft for the deeper violet at the top. Because of Elumen’s unique formulation, the color at the root absorbed at a richer, deeper level than the previously lightened ends — creating the natural darker-to-brighter gradient Korina was looking for without any artificial delineation.

About This Technique

This transformation is a great example of what custom formula work looks like in practice. Rather than applying a single formula from root to end and hoping for the best, the stylist assessed each section of the hair individually and built a plan that accounted for the differences in color history, porosity, and desired result. The end result — a seamless, dimensional violet ombré — is the kind of outcome that is only possible with professional expertise and high-performance color products. To explore fashion color options, visit our women’s hair coloring page or browse our stylist gallery.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a fashion color consultation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Aurelio Salon Wins Local Goldwell Color Zoom Contest in Howell, NJ

We are proud to share that one of our stylists at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ won a local Goldwell Color Zoom contest with an exceptional multi-step blonde color transformation. The result — a beautifully dimensional, eye-catching blend of Goldwell color on a blonde base — showcased the technical skill and artistry that defines our color team.

About the Color Zoom Competition

Goldwell’s Color Zoom is one of the most prestigious hair color competitions in the professional industry. It challenges stylists to push the limits of their technical knowledge and creative vision using Goldwell’s professional color systems. Competing and placing in a Color Zoom contest is a meaningful recognition of a stylist’s expertise at the highest level of professional color work.

The Technique Behind the Winning Look

The transformation began with a guest who had existing level 7N regrowth and level 9G mid-lengths and ends over a natural level 5 base. Achieving the desired result required a precise, multi-step approach. The first step addressed the regrowth using Goldwell Oxycur Platin lightening powder. In step two, Goldwell Silk Lift High Performance Lightener was applied from the apex through the mid-brow and temples using a micro slice technique with color prisms woven throughout. Step three introduced Goldwell Elumen — the world’s first high-performance, oxidant-free hair color — applied using a micro weave technique with nearly forty foils placed throughout the head. The process was completed with a Goldwell Colorance Glaze — a non-ammonia color that guarantees outstanding shine and long-lasting, damage-free color.

Goldwell Education at Aurelio Salon

Achievements like this reflect our team’s ongoing investment in professional education and Goldwell training. As a Goldwell Platinum Salon, Aurelio Salon & Spa is committed to staying at the forefront of professional color technique. Our stylists regularly attend Goldwell education events to expand their skills and bring the latest techniques to our guests. To learn more about our color services, visit our women’s hair coloring page, view our stylist gallery, or explore our full salon menu.

What Goldwell Color Zoom Means

Goldwell Color Zoom is not a local competition — it is a global event. Stylists compete at the local level, then regional winners advance to national competitions, with the top results recognized on an international stage. Winning at the local level means a stylist’s color work was judged by industry professionals to be among the best in the area — a meaningful distinction that reflects both technical skill and creative vision.

For our guests, a Color Zoom win is confirmation that the colorists at Aurelio Salon are not just proficient — they are operating at a competitive professional level that is recognized by Goldwell itself.

Our Awards and Recognition

The Goldwell Color Zoom win is one of several recognitions Aurelio Salon & Spa has received over the years. Our work and expertise have also been recognized through:

• BE Magazine Top 100 Salons in America
• Industry Magazine Top Salons feature
• Goldwell Titanium Status
• Daisy Rosania named Perfectress Stylist of the Month
• 19 features in national hair industry publications including Modern Salon, Estetica Magazine, Beauty Launchpad, Behind the Chair, and The Colorist Magazine

Aurelio Salon & Spa has maintained a 4.9-star rating across 475+ Google reviews since opening in Howell, NJ in 2006. We are a Goldwell Platinum Salon — the highest level of Goldwell partnership available to professional salons.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a color appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Treat Mom to a Salon Experience This Mother’s Day at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Mother’s Day is one of the best occasions to give the women in your life something they might not always do for themselves — a professional salon experience. Whether it’s a fresh haircut, a new color, a blowout, or a gift card she can use whenever she’s ready, a visit to Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ makes for a meaningful and lasting gift.

Gift Ideas for Mom at Aurelio Salon

Not sure what to give? Here are a few options that consistently make for great Mother’s Day gifts:

A Salon Gift Card — Available in any denomination, a gift card lets Mom choose the services she wants on her own schedule. Whether she has been thinking about a color refresh, a smoothing treatment, or just a cut and blowout, a gift card gives her the flexibility to pick what feels right. Purchase a gift card at our online gift card store or call us directly.

A Haircut and Blowout — A professional cut and blowout is a classic salon treat. If Mom has been putting off a trim or a reshape, this is a great opportunity to book her an appointment and let our stylists take care of it. Explore our women’s haircut and styling services to learn more.

A Color Service — From gray coverage and highlights to full color and gloss treatments, a professional color service is one of the most transformative gifts you can give. Visit our women’s hair coloring page for details on our color menu.

A Smoothing or Conditioning Treatment — For moms who deal with frizz or find their hair difficult to manage, a professional smoothing or deep conditioning treatment can make a real difference in their daily routine.

Book Mom’s Appointment Today

Mother’s Day appointments fill up quickly, especially in May. We recommend booking early to secure her preferred time and stylist. View our full salon menu for a complete list of services, or browse our stylist gallery for inspiration.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a Mother’s Day appointment or purchase a gift card at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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How to Achieve a Matte Skin Finish

Matte skin is one of those makeup looks that never fully goes out of fashion — it reads as polished, intentional, and refined, and it photographs beautifully. Whether you naturally lean toward a dewy finish or you have oily skin that tends to shine throughout the day, achieving a true matte result is very achievable with the right products and technique. Here are tips from the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

Start with the Right Moisturizer

The foundation of a long-lasting matte finish is an oil-free moisturizer with SPF. An oil-free formula provides the hydration the skin needs without adding any additional surface shine — keeping the base layer breathable and lightweight before makeup application. Look for a formula that includes SPF 30 or higher so you’re protecting the skin from UV damage at the same time. Apply it 10 to 15 minutes before makeup to allow it to fully absorb into the skin before you build on top of it.

Use a Mattifying Primer

A mattifying primer applied after moisturizer and before foundation creates a smooth, pore-minimizing surface that significantly reduces shine and extends how long your makeup stays in place. Primers with silica or kaolin clay are especially effective for oily and combination skin types — they absorb excess oil throughout the day rather than just at application. This step is particularly important in summer or humid weather when oily skin tends to break through makeup more quickly.

Choose the Right Foundation Formula

For a true matte finish, a mineral or powder foundation — or a liquid formula specifically labeled matte or oil-control — will deliver the best results. Dewy, luminous, or satin-finish foundations are designed to add glow, which works against a matte goal. Apply in thin, buildable layers rather than a single heavy application, which can look cakey and actually emphasize texture.

Set with a Translucent Powder

A light setting powder applied over your foundation and concealer locks everything in place and eliminates any remaining surface shine. For oily skin, a blotting paper kept in your bag is a quick mid-day touch-up tool that removes oil without disturbing the makeup underneath.

Keep Lips and Eyes Balanced

A matte skin finish works beautifully with either a bold lip or a defined eye — but rarely both at the same time without the look feeling heavy. Pick one focal point and keep the rest of the face soft and clean for a result that looks modern and intentional.

For professional makeup services including bridal, event, and special occasion applications, visit our bridal and special occasion page or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a makeup appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Kerasilk Keratin Smoothing Treatment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

For guests dealing with unruly, frizzy, or difficult-to-manage hair, the Kerasilk keratin smoothing treatment by Goldwell is one of the most effective in-salon services available. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our certified Kerasilk specialists offer this customizable treatment to help guests achieve softer, smoother, more manageable hair that lasts.

What Is the Kerasilk Treatment?

Kerasilk is a luxury keratin-based smoothing service developed by Goldwell. Unlike some smoothing treatments, Kerasilk is formaldehyde-free and uses keratin, silk proteins, and glyoxylic acid to penetrate the hair and create a matrix of new keratin bonds. The result is hair that is noticeably softer, smoother, and easier to style — without the use of harsh chemicals. Results typically last up to five months.

What Makes Kerasilk Different?

One of the most distinctive aspects of Kerasilk is that it is fully customizable. Your stylist can adjust the formula based on your hair type and the amount of smoothing you want. Guests who love their natural curl or wave can keep it — the treatment can be formulated to simply reduce frizz and add softness without eliminating curl pattern entirely. For guests who want a straighter, sleeker result, the formula can be adjusted for that outcome as well. No two Kerasilk treatments are exactly the same.

Who Is Kerasilk For?

Kerasilk is an excellent option for guests with frizzy, coarse, wavy, or curly hair who want to reduce daily styling time, manage humidity-related frizz, or simply enjoy softer and healthier-feeling hair. It is also a great option before a big event — a wedding, vacation, or any occasion where you want your hair to look and behave its best for an extended period. Because the treatment is formaldehyde-free, it is a safer choice for guests who have concerns about traditional keratin treatments.

What to Expect

The Kerasilk treatment is performed in-salon by a certified specialist. The process involves cleansing the hair, applying the treatment, processing time, and then blow-drying and flat-ironing to seal the treatment into the hair. Your stylist will walk you through aftercare instructions to help you get the most out of your results — including product recommendations to maintain the smoothness and extend the life of the treatment.

To learn more or book a Kerasilk consultation, contact Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ. You can also browse our women’s hair color services, our curly hair services, and our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to schedule your Kerasilk appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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Everyday Makeup Tips for a Confident, Polished Look

A great makeup look doesn’t have to be complicated — it just needs to be done in the right order with the right technique. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our makeup team works with guests on everything from bridal and event makeup to quick everyday tips that make a real difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide to a clean, confident, everyday look that works across ages, skin tones, and skill levels.

Step 1: Create Your Base

Start with a clean, moisturized face. A lightweight concealer applied before foundation helps smooth any visible imperfections and brighten the under-eye area. For dark circles, a concealer with a slightly yellow undertone neutralizes the blue-purple tones most effectively. Apply it in a triangular shape under the eye — from the inner corner downward toward the cheek — rather than only directly under the lash line. This creates a more natural, blended result that doesn’t look like a patch.

Step 2: Prime Your Eyes

An eye primer applied to the lid before eyeshadow is one of the most underused steps in a makeup routine — and one of the most impactful. It prevents creasing, intensifies eyeshadow color, and significantly extends how long the eye makeup lasts throughout the day. If you don’t have a dedicated eye primer, a thin layer of concealer on the lid achieves a similar result.

Step 3: Build the Eye

Apply the lightest eyeshadow shade underneath the brow bone and in the inner corner of the eye — this highlights and opens up the eye. Blend your main lid color across the moveable lid. Moving into the crease with a slightly deeper shade — starting from the center and fanning outward — adds depth and definition. Work the brush toward the eye when blending the crease for the most seamless result.

Line the upper lash line with a thin liner brush and a dark liner — a fine line close to the lashes gives the illusion of fuller, denser lashes without looking heavy. For a more dramatic look, extend the liner slightly upward at the outer corner as a subtle wing.

Step 4: Lashes and Lips

Apply mascara in a wiggle motion from root to tip — this coats each lash evenly and prevents clumping. Allow the first coat to dry before applying a second for more volume. For the lips, a liner in a complementary tone defines the shape and extends wear. A sheer or satin lipstick worn over liner gives a polished, finished result that lasts throughout the day.

For professional makeup services for weddings, special occasions, or a makeup lesson, visit our bridal and special occasion services page or view our full salon menu.

Call 732-303-0052 to book a makeup appointment at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

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