Summer Makeup Trends: How to Wear Blue Tones

Blue eyeshadow has a complicated reputation — but when it’s worn the right way, it is one of the freshest and most modern summer makeup directions available. The secret is in how you use it and what you pair it with. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our makeup team created a summer blue look that proves the color can be both wearable and contemporary.

The Key: Neutralize Everything Else

The reason blue eye makeup sometimes reads as dated is that it is paired with other strong colors that compete with it — a hot pink lip, a heavy blush, a dramatic contour. The modern approach does the opposite: use blue as the single pop of color and let everything else be neutral or peachy. A nude or blush lip, a soft bronzer for warmth at the cheeks, and a light concealer-based base keep the face clean and let the blue do exactly what it should — stand out.

How to Apply Blue for a Modern Effect

Rather than packing an opaque blue across the entire lid — which creates the heavy, retro effect most people associate with blue shadow — apply it as an accent. A wash of a lighter blue or periwinkle on the lid, a deeper navy or cobalt on the lower lash line, or a precise line of blue liner at the upper lash line are all approaches that introduce the color in a controlled, intentional way. The goal is a hint of blue that catches the light and draws attention to the eye without overwhelming the face.

Works on Most Eye Colors

Blue tones are remarkably flattering across a range of eye colors. On brown eyes, navy and cobalt create a striking contrast that makes dark irises appear richer and more vibrant. On blue or grey eyes, a softer periwinkle or sky blue tone creates a harmonious, monochromatic effect. On green or hazel eyes, a teal or blue-green liner adds dimension by bringing out the green in the iris. The exact shade of blue that works best will vary based on your eye color and skin tone — a consultation with our makeup team can help you find the right direction.

For professional summer makeup services, bridal applications, or special occasion styling, 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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Aurelio Salon & Spa Awarded Goldwell Titanium Status in Howell, NJ

Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ was honored with Goldwell Titanium Salon status — one of the highest distinctions available to salons in the Goldwell professional network. Out of more than 20,000 salons nationwide that carry Goldwell, Aurelio Salon was recognized as one of only 63 Titanium Salons in the country.

The recognition was communicated in a letter from the President & General Manager of KAO USA, the parent company of Goldwell. The award reflects the salon’s sustained commitment to professional excellence, ongoing education, and the quality of work produced by the Aurelio Salon team.

“It is an honor to receive this award. Our commitment to constant and never-ending improvement in the hairdressing industry is our highest priority. It is through the commitment of our employees and the outstanding hair that they continuously produce that has allowed us to achieve this benchmark. I am passionate and committed to our industry and its ongoing success.” — Daisy Rosania, Senior Director, Aurelio Salon

What Goldwell Titanium Status Means

Goldwell’s salon classification system recognizes salons based on their professional standards, volume of Goldwell color services, and ongoing investment in education and training. Titanium status represents the top tier of that recognition — reserved for salons that consistently demonstrate excellence across all areas of their business. Being among only 63 Titanium Salons in a network of over 20,000 is a meaningful distinction.

Aurelio Salon Today: A Goldwell Platinum Salon

Since receiving Titanium status, Aurelio Salon & Spa has continued to grow and has since been recognized as a Goldwell Platinum Salon — maintaining our position as one of New Jersey’s premier Goldwell color destinations. Our team receives ongoing Goldwell education and training, and we offer the full range of Goldwell professional color services including highlights, balayage, gray coverage, fashion color, double process blonde, and more.

To learn more about our color services, visit our women’s hair coloring page or our full salon menu. New guests can also check out our new client deals.

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

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Learn more about our team’s credentials and services: Women’s Hair Coloring | Women’s Haircuts | Curly Hair Services | Hair Extensions

Read about our other recognitions: BE Magazine Top 100 Salons |  Industry Magazine Top Salons

Sandy Bronze Hair Color Transformation at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

This guest came into Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ with a natural level 6 base and some older highlights that had lost their brightness. Her goal was simple — she wanted her color freshened up and brightened. After a consultation, the stylist proposed a sandy bronze result that would give her the lift she was looking for while adding warmth and dimension throughout.

The Process

The first step was painting brighter, lighter pieces throughout the hair using a professional lightener. This hair-painting technique — rather than traditional foil highlights — creates a softer, more blended result that mimics the way natural light hits the hair. By selectively placing lighter sections, the stylist was able to create dimension and brightness without a heavy or uniform highlight pattern.

In between the painted pieces, Goldwell TopChic permanent color was applied to freshen up the base color and add warmth and depth through the mid-lengths and root area. TopChic is one of Goldwell’s most versatile professional color lines, offering rich, vibrant results with exceptional gray coverage and long-lasting tone.

The finishing step was a Goldwell Colorance glaze applied over the entire result. Colorance is a demi-permanent formula that adds extraordinary shine, refines the tone, and — uniquely — also repairs the hair structure during the color process. The combination of the Colorance glaze over the lightened and colored sections produced the warm, luminous sandy bronze finish the guest was looking for.

About This Technique

The combination of hair painting for brightness, a permanent color for depth and base refinement, and a demi-permanent glaze for tone and shine is one of the most effective multi-step approaches for guests who want a natural, dimensional result. It is particularly well-suited for guests who have existing color that has grown out or faded and want a refreshed look without starting from scratch. Ask your colorist at your next visit whether this approach is right for your hair.

To explore more color options, visit our women’s hair coloring page, browse our stylist gallery, 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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How to Adjust Your Hair Care Routine with the Seasons

Just as your wardrobe changes with the seasons, so should your hair care routine. The conditions your hair faces in summer — sun exposure, humidity, salt water, and chlorine — are dramatically different from what it faces in winter, when cold air, indoor heat, and reduced moisture levels take over. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists recommend adjusting your shampoo, conditioner, and treatment routine as the seasons change to keep your hair and scalp in the best possible condition year-round.

Why Seasonal Hair Care Matters

Your hair’s pH plays a bigger role in its health than most people realize. The healthy pH of hair falls between 4.5 and 5.5 — slightly acidic, which keeps the cuticle sealed, smooth, and resistant to damage. Salt water, chlorine, permanent color, and bleach all push the hair’s pH toward alkaline, which opens the cuticle and leaves the hair vulnerable to moisture loss, frizz, and breakage. Adjusting your product rotation to include ingredients that help restore and maintain the hair’s natural pH — such as citric acid or tartaric acid — is one of the most effective ways to keep hair healthy through summer’s more aggressive conditions.

Summer: Protect, Hydrate, and Defend Color

In summer, the priorities are UV protection, moisture, and pH balance. A professional shampoo that contains natural UV filters — such as octinoxate or peppermint extract — helps shield color from sun-related fading. A hydrating shampoo and conditioner replenishes moisture lost to salt water and heat. If you swim frequently in chlorinated pools, incorporating a clarifying shampoo once a week removes chemical buildup before it accumulates and causes damage. After any extended time in the sun or water, a leave-in conditioner applied before the hair dries helps prevent the brittle, rough texture that comes from unprotected exposure.

Fall and Winter: Repair, Nourish, and Moisturize

As the weather cools and indoor heat cranks up, the focus shifts to repair and deep hydration. This is the season to incorporate a weekly deep conditioning treatment, switch to a more nourishing shampoo and conditioner, and reduce the frequency of heat styling where possible. Color-treated hair tends to look its dullest in late fall — a professional in-salon gloss or conditioning treatment in October or November can restore vibrancy and shine heading into the holiday season. Ask your stylist at your next appointment about which treatment is the right fit for your hair type and current condition.

Rotating Products Is Simple

Seasonal product rotation does not have to be complicated. The simplest approach is to have two shampoos in the shower — one for your primary hair type or concern, and a secondary formula that addresses the current season’s biggest challenge. Alternate between them based on how your hair is feeling from week to week. Your stylist can walk you through specific recommendations at any appointment. View our full salon menu for treatment options, or visit our women’s hair coloring page and styling services page to learn more about what we offer.

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

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Rooty Ombre Hair Color at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

The rooty ombre is one of the most wearable and low-maintenance color techniques available. By intentionally blending a deeper, natural-looking root with a seamless gradient to lighter mid-lengths and ends, the rooty ombre creates a soft, dimensional effect that grows out beautifully — making it an ideal choice for guests who want great color without frequent touch-up visits. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our colorists are skilled in the rooty ombre technique and can customize it to work with any existing hair color.

Client Transformation: Rooty Ombre Process

In this transformation, the guest came in with level 6 hair and existing level 7 and 8 highlights, with a natural base of level 5. Her goal was a rooty ombre in the level 8–9 range with minimal upkeep going forward.

The process began similarly to a standard root touch-up, with the color fanned dramatically down into the mid-shaft to create the seamless blend that defines a rooty ombre. After combing through the hair to ensure even distribution, the stylist used a board technique to weave out the sections to be lightened, painting lightener onto the hair using a V technique. The leftover root color was then feathered directly into the lightener to prevent any harsh lines or visible demarcation.

After processing, the hair was shampooed with a professional color fade-stop shampoo to lock in the tone. The final step involved toning with two separate formulas — one applied to the mid-shaft and a second applied to the ends — to achieve a smooth, natural-looking gradient across the full length of the hair.

Why Rooty Ombre Is a Great Low-Maintenance Option

Because the rooty ombre intentionally incorporates depth at the root, new growth blends in naturally rather than creating an obvious line of demarcation. This means guests can typically go longer between appointments without their color looking grown out or unkempt. It’s an excellent option for guests with busy schedules, those who are growing out their color, or anyone who prefers a more natural, lived-in aesthetic.

To learn more about ombre and other gradient color techniques, visit our women’s hair coloring page. 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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Spring Makeup Looks and Trends at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ

Spring is one of the most exciting seasons for makeup. After the deeper, heavier looks that tend to dominate winter, spring calls for lighter skin finishes, softer lip colors, and pops of color that feel fresh and playful rather than dramatic. At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our team stays current on seasonal makeup trends so we can help guests find looks that complement their new spring hair color and style.

Light, Natural Skin for Spring

A recurring theme in spring makeup is a lighter, more natural-looking base. Rather than full-coverage foundation, a lightweight mineral tint or tinted moisturizer allows the skin to look fresh and breathable. A sheer concealer to balance tone, a light dusting of pressed powder for a natural matte finish, and a soft blush to add warmth and dimension to the cheekbones creates a base that reads polished without feeling heavy. This kind of skin prep also lets a bolder eye or lip take center stage without the overall look becoming too intense.

The Spring Eye: Plum, Pink, and Navy

Spring lends itself to two distinct eye approaches. The first is soft and romantic — light pink and blush tones on the lid, blended for a wash of warmth, paired with a natural lip. The second is a bolder statement — deep plum or navy eyeshadow applied for a jewel-toned impact, softened with a nude or light pink lip to keep the look balanced. Both directions work well and the choice typically comes down to personal preference, skin tone, and the occasion.

Lips: Soft and Fresh

Spring lips tend to move away from the dark berry and burgundy shades of fall and winter and toward softer pinks, nudes, and corals. A lip liner in a complementary tone applied before lipstick helps define the shape and extend wear. For a finished look, a sheer gloss over lipstick adds dimension and a fresh, youthful effect.

Makeup and Styling Services at Aurelio Salon

Aurelio Salon & Spa offers makeup services for special occasions and bridal events. Visit our bridal and wedding services page to learn about our full day-of styling and makeup options. You can also explore our women’s hair color services to pair a fresh spring look with updated color, or browse our stylist gallery for inspiration.

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

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How to Style a Textured Lob at Home

The long bob — or lob — is one of the most consistently popular haircuts because it works for almost every face shape, hair type, and lifestyle. But one of the most common complaints from lob wearers is that the style falls flat quickly, especially on one-length cuts without much layering. The key to a great textured lob is a layered approach to both products and tools — here’s how to do it from the team at Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ.

Step 1: Start in the Shower

The foundation of a textured lob starts with the right shampoo and conditioner. A volumizing or texture-building shampoo adds natural grit and body from the start. For conditioner, choose a lightweight formula and apply only from the mid-shaft to the ends — keeping conditioner off the roots prevents the root area from going flat before you even start styling.

Step 2: Product Application on Damp Hair

On towel-dried damp hair, start with a lightweight detangling product at the mid-lengths and ends to add light conditioning without weight. Follow with a volumizing root spray or root lift product applied directly at the roots — this builds volume from the base rather than from the surface. A flexible heat protectant sprayed through the mid-shaft and ends adds thermal protection and a slight hold that helps the style maintain its shape during blow-drying.

Step 3: Blow Dry for Shape

Using a round brush, blow-dry the hair in sections starting at the nape. For the lob, focus on creating movement and lift rather than a perfectly straight result — slight bends and curves in the hair as it dries create the natural, textured feel that makes this cut look its best. Direct the airflow downward along the hair shaft to smooth the cuticle and add shine, and finish each section with a cool shot of air to set the shape.

Step 4: Curl for Texture

After the blowout, use a 1-inch curling wand to add texture through the mid-lengths and ends. The goal is not perfectly uniform curls — it is movement. Wrap different-sized sections in different directions, and leave the very ends uncurled for a more modern, undone result. Once all sections are curled, run your fingers through the hair to break up the curls into soft, lived-in waves.

Step 5: Finish with a Matte Texture Product

A professional dry wax or matte texture product worked through the fingers and pressed lightly through the ends and mid-lengths adds separation, definition, and a finished look without shine or heaviness. This is the step that makes the style look intentionally textured rather than just unstyled — a small amount goes a long way.

For more styling tips or to book a lob haircut consultation, visit our women’s cut and styling page or browse our stylist gallery for lob inspiration. View our full salon menu for all available services.

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

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Hair Color Questions & Answers | Aurelio Salon Howell NJ

At Aurelio Salon & Spa in Howell, NJ, our stylists answer hair color questions every day. Here are some of the most common questions we hear from guests about maintaining and caring for their color at home.

What Shampoo Should I Use to Maintain My Hair Color?

After any color service, use a shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for color-treated hair. Color-safe formulas contain ingredients that slow color fade and help preserve your results between salon visits. For blonde hair, a violet-toned shampoo helps neutralize brassiness and keeps blonde tones cool and bright. Goldwell Blonde & Highlights shampoo and conditioner are excellent options for keeping lightened hair healthy, shiny, and true to tone.

Why Does My Blonde Hair Turn Yellow Between Visits?

Blonde hair can develop warm, yellow, or brassy tones between salon visits for several reasons. When hair is lightened, underlying orange and yellow pigments are naturally exposed. Stylists typically apply a toner after lightening to neutralize these tones, but toners are demi-permanent and fade over time — usually within four to six weeks. Hard water, chlorine, sun exposure, and environmental factors can also contribute to brassiness. A violet shampoo used regularly at home can help extend the life of your toner between appointments.

How Can I Make My Hair Color Last Longer?

A few simple habits can significantly extend the life of your hair color. Wash hair less frequently, use cool or lukewarm water instead of hot, apply a color-safe conditioner every wash, protect hair from sun exposure with a UV-protectant product, and avoid chlorine when possible. Scheduling regular gloss or toning services at the salon also helps refresh your color between full color appointments.

How Often Should I Come In for Color?

The frequency of color appointments depends on the type of color service, your natural hair color, and how quickly your hair grows. Root touch-ups are typically recommended every four to six weeks. Balayage and highlight services can often go eight to twelve weeks between appointments depending on your desired look and maintenance goals. Your stylist can recommend a schedule that works for your hair and lifestyle.

What Hair Color Products Does Aurelio Salon Use?

Aurelio Salon & Spa uses Goldwell professional hair color exclusively. Goldwell is a Goldwell Platinum Salon, which means our stylists receive advanced training and access to the latest Goldwell color techniques and products. Goldwell color delivers rich, long-lasting results with excellent condition and shine.

Learn more about our women’s hair coloring services or men’s hair color and grey blending.

Book a Color Consultation at Aurelio Salon

Aurelio Salon & Spa is located at 2448 Highway 9, Howell, NJ 07731. Call 732-303-0052 to schedule a color consultation or book online.

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