Jennifer Costanzo, a frazzled mom of four boys under the age of 6, had originally scheduled her makeover for Wednesday, January 31, but when three of her little tikes fell ill - with ear infections, allergies, and pneumonia - she had to reschedule.
Luckily, Floral Park resident Costanzo got a second chance on Wednesday, February 7 to indulge in a day of luxury as part of The Queens Courier/Makeover Contest in conjunction with Christie & Co. Salon
“I don’t have time to do my hair or makeup everyday in the morning, and I haven’t had a pedicure in years,” Costanzo said. “It was a nice treat to be pampered.”
At Christie’s, Costanzo’s hair was darkened to a deep red hue, highlighted with soft streaks by colorist Tricia Ritchie and specially cut to flatter her face by stylist Lisa Bartfeld. Alla Akilova gave Costanzo a manicure and pedicure, and make-up artist Lisa Pietrocola applied bright makeup and shimmery, sexy lip color.
“I love it; I love the color, the cut. The manicure came out great,” Costanzo said, waving her polished digits and adding that she was excited to show the makeover to her husband, Gary. “I’m very happy that my mom wrote in for me.”
Costanzo’s mother, Connie Dowd, had written to The Queens Courier, asking for the half day of beauty to help her daughter take time for herself.
In addition to having to keep a handle on the four boys - Francis, 5, Salvatore, 3, Vincent, 2, and Joseph, 1 - Constanzo must medicate Joseph three times per day to control his RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), a virus that often leads to other serious lung illnesses like pneumonia and bronchitis.
“Luckily we caught it when he was a baby,” Costanzo said. “But he is always getting sick and it’s very easy to pass it on.”
The key to controlling the virus and taking care of her family, Costanzo said, is patience.
“You learn patience,” she said. “I’m still learning everyday.”
