When a television director shouts for a powder touchup on the news anchor sweating under bright camera lights, you may very well see Charlotte Phinney rushing onto the set.

Charlotte, owner of Charlotte & Co., specializes in hair and makeup for celebrities (her client list includes Diane Sawyer, James Taylor, local author Claire Cook, and President Barack Obama, to name a few) as well as anyone who needs to look like a celebrity for a day---especially brides.

Charlotte was recently named Best Bridal Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist by The Knot magazine. But this highly sought-after professional is not in L.A. or N.Y., rather her home base remains here on the south shore. Whether it’s a wedding, a performance, or a party, Charlotte will go on location--- from Boston to The Cape-- to get her client ready for the big event.

To provide the unique style each client needs, she always starts by listening. “Everyone has something that they don’t like when they look in the mirror,” she told South Shore Woman in an interview. “I find out what bothers them the most.” And, then, she fixes it. (It is amazing what a great hairstyle or the right color lipstick can do!)

Charlotte, who has been in this business since she first opened her Scituate salon in 1974, has seen fashion trends come and go. But there is one makeup mainstay, she says: Foundation. “A nice foundation evens out the skin tone.” And, a great lipstick or eye shadow (focus on one or the other) will finish the look, she adds.

Charlotte offers these types of everyday makeup tips on her Facebook page, and, if you become a fan, you can get free advice for your most pressing style problems by posting a question on the wall. Charlotte will not suggest high-priced products for everyday use, as we don’t all operate on a celebrity budget. And, we don’t have to.  Mabelline Great Lash in the pink in green tube, for example, is one of her favorite mascaras, she admits.

But when it comes time to beautify those brides, she reaches for the airbrush. An airbrush foundation sprays on light, smooth, and natural for a flawless face that will last all day. She has many brides opting for this service. But before the ‘big day’ Charlotte always suggests a trial run which takes place at Pipeline Salon in North Scituate.

Pipeline, voted the number one hair salon in Scituate and number three for the entire South Shore in the 2010 Wicked Local Reader’s Choice Awards, is owned by Tanya Zucker. Tanya--- an elite hair stylist who started as a receptionist at Charlotte’s salon when she was a teenager--- is often pitching in to help the Charlotte & Co., team.

That’s because Tanya and the talented Pipeline staff are on the cutting-edge of industry trends through continued education programs, and, as a result, always add extra finesse to the bride’s finished look.

Tanya, whose reputation reaches beyond these south shore borders and into Boston, has seen her share of celebrities in the Pipeline chairs as well!

“We are a full-service salon equal to what you’d find in Boston at a fraction of the cost,” Tanya says.

Together, Charlotte and Tanya are not just providing clients with a day of beauty, but they are dedicated to teaching people how to figure out what look works for them.

“The biggest mistake women make is not spending enough time on their hair and makeup,” Tanya says.

Of course, the two stylists agree that most multitasking women don’t have time each morning to turn themselves into a glamour girl, but, they say, finding that one thing that makes you look good, and feel good, will make a big difference in your day.

                                                                             Charlotte Phinney & Tanya Zucker

 A makeup tip from Charlotte:  Instead of covering the dark circles under your eyes, neutralize them by using a concealer with peach undertones. For more information, visit www.charlottephinney.com

Tanya’s product recommendation: Moroccan oil (to revive, strengthen and add shine to hair) Visit Tanya online at www.pipelinesalon.com or in person at 340 Gannett Rd., Scituate, MA

By Stephanie Neil

Stephanie Neil is a journalist. Her business, technology, and human interest stories have appeared in a variety of print and online newspapers and magazines including eWeek, Managing Automation, The Harvard Alumni Bulletin, Huggies Baby Network, South Shore Woman, and The Boston Globe.  She lives on the South Shore with her two kids, two cats, and a dog. Contact info: stephanieneil@comcast.net  or 781-378-1652. Follow her on Twitter @StephanieNeil

Comments(1):

1. Amazing Hair and Makeup

   Charolette is AMAZING. She was the hair and makeup artist for my wedding on March 26 and was incredible to work with. We met a few weeks before the wedding for a trial run, during which she worked with my mom and I to find our perfect look. She was professional, fun, and made the morning of my wedding relaxing. She took care of my bridal party of seven, and the girls looked great! My makeup and hair stayed all night, all the way to the the 3am after party! I just got the professional pictures back and could not believe how great she had all of us looking! I highly recommend Charolette! You will not be disappointed!

   Friday, May 13, 2011 erin