Not everyone looks better blonde -- after 20 years of having a blonde identity, Kim can attest that she's having more fun and looking more gorgeous than ever as a brunette.
Hair: Colorist, Adam Scheib, at the Sally Hershberger Salon in Los Angeles takes Kim's hair darker because he thinks the shade will flatter her complexion and bring out her green eyes. Then, hairstylist Leland Ferrell cuts several inches off her ends because she has great hair for a bob -- it's fine with a little curl. He also adds fuller bangs for a more versatile style.
Makeup: American Idol lead makeup artist Mezhgan brings Kim's green eyes alive by using light colors like pearl and taupe. She fills in her brows, evens out her complexion with a combination of primer and foundation and sweeps peach blush on her cheeks. Concealer further brightens her eyes and pink gloss tops off the look.
See the full makeover story, which includes all the steps, expert tips and product suggestions.
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The Frumpy-to-Fab Hair Makeover
She may not have been born with it -- but, bumping up the red volume of Jennifer's hair really gives her both an outer and inner glow.
Hair: Jason Backe, expert colorist at the Ted Gibson salon, says to let your skin tone be your guide when it comes to hair color. So, Jennifer's hint of natural strawberry gives him the green light to turn her into a true redhead.
Makeup: Makeup artist Tina Turnbow thinks the right makeup is key to making a hair color look natural. She uses golden-orange eyeshadow (tones found in Jennifer's new hair color and in her eye color), a shimmery peach blush and becoming pinky-peach gloss.
See the full makeover story, which includes all the steps, expert tips and product suggestions.
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The Very Sexy Makeover
Me-ow, a sultry new hairstyle and makeup look does wonders for this schoolteacher.
Hair: Jose Muniz, master colorist at the Ted Gibson Salon, gives Liz's yellow hair much-needed dimension with a dark blonde base and cool blonde highlights. Next, hair guru, Ted Gibson, layers Liz's thin hair and creates sexy, side-swept bangs.
Makeup: Turnbow creates a navy smoky eye for Liz and pairs it with a non-competitive pearly sheer gloss for a perfect-for-evening look that isn't over-the-top.
See the full makeover story, which includes all the steps, expert tips and product suggestions.
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The Fabulous Hair Makeover
Getting rid of style-less mom hair, makes Rachel's look stylish, yet still super manageable.
Hair: Luke O'Connor, co-owner of the Lukaro salon in Beverly Hills, Calif. gives Rachel a Katie Holmes-inspired pixie (remember that cut?) by cutting gradual layers in the back for movement and long bangs in front -- the wash-and-wear haircut is perfect for this busy mom. To boot, her boring blonde-ish color is given a bit of strawberry blonde spice.
Makeup: The no-makeup makeup look was employed here compliments of famed makeup artist Taylor Babaian. But, as you can see, a bit of mascara and gloss makes this a pretty, everyday look for Rachel's hectic lifestyle.
See the full makeover story, which includes all the steps, expert tips and product suggestions.
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The Super Pretty Hair and Makeup Makeover
The shorter, auburn-colored style is a refreshing change from Elizabeth's same ol' high school hairstyle.
Hair: Backe chooses a dark eggplant hair color to make Elizabeth's blue eyes pop. Then, Gibson cuts a chic angled bob with longer layers in front, which is flattering since it lengthens her neck and frames her face.
Makeup: Turnbow evens out Elizabeth's complexion with a light tinted moisturizer and lines her eyes with a subtle, olive pencil. She pairs her bold new hair with a bold red lip for added wow factor.
See the full makeover story, which includes all the steps, expert tips and product suggestions.
There's something so satisfying about seeing before and after makeover photos juxtaposed. Whether it is celebrities or real women, there's a wow factor about seeing what subtle or profound hair and makeup adjustments can do for someone's outer and inner glow. And for those of us who are on the perpetual self-improvement quest, these makeover photos make us ask ourselves, "Am I in need of a makeover too?"
As you flip through this gallery, you'll get the CliffsNotes of how each makeover was accomplished and find out which hair and makeup gurus were responsible for these transformations. But, if you want to get the full scoop on a particular story, we've added an easy access link, so that you can see all the steps, expert tips and product suggestions. Who knows, you might find that one of these real women's stories inspires you to try a new haircut, color or style, and perhaps a different makeup look as well. And by all means, feel free to steal any of these makeover secrets and make them your own.
To help with your potential makeover, here is some advice on the best (and worst) hair and makeup for your unique face shape: