Helen Stromme has lived in Beijing for over four years and doesn’t have much time for herself. A Norwegian native, her children Kim (18) and Miriam (3) keep her busy when she isn’t counseling patients at her psychotherapy practice, 2baware. "I spend 15 minutes getting ready in the morning. That includes a shower," says Helen. Despite her busy schedule, this mom has recently taken on pro bono work at the Phoenix Cancer Centre outside of Beijing. There, she helps six Norwegian families deal with the emotional stress of cancer treatment. "One patient is a little girl just 5 years old. It’s so sad." Helen’s idea of relaxing is having a good gym workout. "That’s my nice thing for me," she says. beijingkids thought it was time for Helen to take an afternoon off with a pampering session at Toni&Guy, Hilton. In the capable hands of bubbly UK hairstylist Scarlet and resident makeup artist Simon, Helen was treated to a splash of color and fun. To top off a perfect day, Helen received a RMB 700 voucher from The Meridian – a blissfully tranquil Chinese therapy spa.
Toni&Guy, Hilton
International and English-speaking stylists offer professional hairstyling and treatments.
Daily 10am-9pm. 1/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (6461 8368) 朝阳区朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号希尔顿酒店大堂1层
The Meridian
Traditional Chinese health and spa services supported by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.
Daily 10am-11pm. 9-10-A, Si’de Park, Fangyuan Xilu.
Dongsihuan, Chaoyang District (8546 7010) 朝阳区东四环芳园西路四得公园9-10-A
Get The Look:
1 To achieve a more feminine look, Scarlet thinned out some of the chunky layers and added more texture around the crown of the head. The look was finished with a flash of hot pink in Helen’s bangs, and Label M Matte Paste for extra hold.
2 After a color consultation, hairstylist Scarlet decided to even out the tone of Helen’s blonde hair to better compliment her skin tone. She added more gold pastel tones, and gave Helen’s hair some texture by adding diagonal slices of ultra light pale blonde. Scarlet also used a "glossy" color to change the texture of Helen’s hair from matte to silky.
3 Resident makeup artist Simon got to work creating a glamorous evening look. Using moisturizer as a base, he applied Mac Full Coverage foundation and secured it with loose powder. A slightly darker shade of foundation was then used to accent the contours of Helen’s face. For a bronzed look, Simon used both Bobbi Brown Nude Palate and Giorgio Armani Ochra Mediterranean Palate eye shadows. Bobbi Brown liquid eyeliner and Givenchy mascara was generously applied for extra vamp. For a natural flush, Bobbi Brown Pink Shimmer compact was used on Helen’s check bones. Simon finished the look off with a combination of Christian Dior Lychee Rose lip gloss and lipstick.
