THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, January 8, 1996 TAG: 9601060073
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Kim Wadsworth
LENGTH: Medium: 66 lines
When Belinda Ensley wished out loud that she could have a makeover like the ones she saw on television, she didn't know that her 11-year-old daughter, Clarissa, was listening.
And when young Clarissa recently found a notice in The Virginian-Pilot seeking worthy makeover subjects, she took matters into her own hands[.]
Clarissa wrote: "My mother gets frustrated at times because she wants a new look But doesn't want to cut her hair. She used to wear makeup, but know she is a plain Jane. I wish Santa could grant this wish for her."
Mom's response: 'My daughter did what?"
Belinda Ensley was given a full makeover at Anthony's & Company Hair Design in Norfolk. A case manager for the Prenatal-Postpartum Substance Abuse Program at the Center for New Life in Norfolk and a single mother of four., she admits that she'd always wanted a makeover. "I guess my wish struck with Clarissa, and she was determined to make it happen if she could," ensley said. Determination is something Belinda ensley know too well. raising Children. caring for her mother and struggling to get a degree became her main concerns.
``For so many years I neglected myself,'' Ensley said. ``I stopped wearing makeup and caring about my looks. But this was an amazing year. I got a job and a house. My whole personality changed and I was ready for a new image.''
Hair stylist Sharon Austin was the first to consult with Ensley.
``Immediately I noticed that her hair color was too red, overshadowing her perfect complexion,'' Austin said.
Giving her gold highlights and cutting her hair in an asymmetrical shaggy bob, Austin noted, ``I wanted to leave her hair long in some places, but I still wanted to bring out her strong facial structure.''
The result was a low-maintenance cut that gave Ensley, 41, a youthful appearance and a fresh approach to the next step, makeup.
The first step was to redefine Ensley's eyebrows. Bushy, thick brows overwhelmed her face; once we cleaned them up, Ensley's beautiful almond-shaped eyes became the focus.
We evened out Ensley's skin tone with foundation and powder, adding a bright highlighter and warm brown tones to the eyelids. Red lipstick was the finishing touch.
With the final step completed, a manicure by nail technician Libby Beecham, Ensley was ready to model fashions from Lili's of Ghent.
Ensley could hardly look in the mirror. ``I can't believe this is me,'' she said. ``I love my new look so much.''
And where would she first model this new look?
``Clarissa is waiting for me,'' she said without hesitation. ``And I know she's going to be happy.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Photo: Before photo]
[After photo by Christopher Reddick]
Photo by CHRISTOPHER REDDICK/ The Virginian-Pilot
Foundation and powder even out Belinda Ensley's skin tone.
by CNB