
Pro Beauty Pulse: A Monthly View of Industry Confidence
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
It was all about classic beauty at the 2011 Oscars. Red lips, arched eyebrows and lined eyes took center stage on the red carpet Sunday night.











It was all about classic beauty at the 2011 Oscars. Red lips, arched eyebrows and lined eyes took center stage on the red carpet Sunday night.
Co-host Anne Hathaway looked divine in red lips, heavy black eyeliner (almost on the verge of too much) and soft waves. Miss Anne stood out from the other red-lipped attendees by applying tiny sparkles to her eyes.
Sandra Bullock was class personified as she entered the Kodak Theater in a classic undo, defined brows – and of course, red lips. She added rosy cheeks to make the look her own. Definitely one of my favorites faces of the evening.
Another standout was Helen Mirren in a gunmetal gown and red lips. Her arched brows and silver smokey eyes were the perfect compliment to her grey hair. Love her.
I usually don’t recommend red lips on gals of color, but newly thin Jennifer Hudson proved me wrong. She rocked a red gown and matching red lips. Bravo for teaching an old dog like me a new trick Miss Dream Girl.
Rounding off the red-lipped parade was co-host James Franco in Marilyn/Madonna drag. The eyeliner was a bit much, but he did look flawless in red lips. Plus, his shoulders were to die for. Can I get an Amen?
Ladies bucking the red lip trend were Gwyneth Paltrow and Halle Barry. Both Academy Award winners had the JLo glow with shimmering skin, pale lips, smokey eyes and amazing eyebrows. Both looked sexy and young.
My worst look of the night award goes to Sharon Stone. Way too much eyeliner paired with red lips and a hideous beehive hairdo, made her look like Jersey housewife. Sharon will always be a star in my book, but this year she did not shine.
A close second for the most horrific look of the evening goes to Best Supporting Actress winner Melissa Leo. I loved her in The Fighter, but her ugly lace dress was not a knockout. Plus, her makeup looked like she had it done at the Walgreen’s counter.
Another makeup misstep was Reese Witherspoon. Poor Reese tried to look grown up and sophisticated in 1960’s lined eyes and nude mouth, but she just couldn’t pull it off. Kudos for trying, but classic makeup is always best for Reese.
Blue Valentine’s Michelle Williams looked ghostly in a pale gown and matching pale makeup. I mean, would it have hurt this valentine to put a dash of blusher on before leaving the house. But I did love her pixie haircut.
And as much as I adore Best Actress Natalie Portman, her makeup made her look like she was going to the office. In a plum gown, the brownish lips just didn’t work – nor did the attempt at smokey eyes. Better luck next time dear swan.

The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.

This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.

In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.

The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.

Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!

Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.

Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.

Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.

Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.

The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.

CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.

Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.

The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.

The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.

Aura Salonware is proud to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients. This first-time scholarship in partnership with the Professional Beauty Association awarded three different scholarships to support beauty professionals at every point in their professional journey.