How-To: Artfully Undone Hair

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Effortless – artfully undone hair. As seen on models day-off, runway and editorial – artfully undone hair may look effortless, but actually takes a bit of work.

To get that – “just rolled out of bed look” – texture is key. Frizz and flyaways are welcomed (for a change). Use products that will matte the hair for dry texture.

To get artfully undone hair – follow these simple steps:

1. Apply Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam to damp hair and roughly blow-dry with fingers, scrunching hair as you dry.

2. Twist hair up into a bun to set it and mist with Powder Refresh 01 aerosol hair powder/dry shampoo for texture.

3. Take hair out of the bun, spray more Powder Refresh 01 for added texture and a matte finish.

 

How To: Crown Braid

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Crown braids are effortlessly cool and chic for an easy summer styling. The best thing about the crown braid is that it works amazingly well for different occasions as they are extremely versatile. From the catwalks to celebrity style,  braids add a unique touch to everyday wear.

One of the best “how-to” videos I have found is from Free People. Always on trend and going a step further, the artists at Free People go a step further by adding colored dye to the classic crown style. Check out this how-to video to create a crown braid look of your own.

Watch the video HERE.

Alterna Summer Hair RX

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Keep hair healthy and beautiful this summer with Alterna Summer Hair RX. This perscription strength line of products is enriched with antioxidants to protect from environmental damage while enhancing shine and vibrancy. The result is healthier-looking hair that remains protected, hydrated, and shiny all summer long.

ALTERNA Bamboo Beach Ocean Waves

This spray provides weightless volume, moisture lock, and a natural wavy texture to all hair types for that sexy, back-from-the-beach look. Formulated with Enzymetherapy® and Color Hold®, a proprietary technology that provides protection from color fade caused by UVA/UVB and visible light rays, including artificial light sources, to extend the life of your hair color and protect from future damage.

ALTERNA Bamboo Beach Sun Recovery Spray

Instantly revitalize sun-parched hair with this nourishing leave-in conditioner for naturally luscious locks. Deeply penetrates hair to infuse moisture, improve manageability, enhance shine and protect from future damage. Formulated with ColorHold technology for maximum color retention.

ALTERNA Bamboo Beach Mango Coconut Refreshing Dry Shampoo

Refresh hair between washing and save the water for the ocean with this silky, talc-free hair powder. Provides an exotic, fruity scent. Perfect tucked into a beach bag for on-the-go styling to create tousled texture.

Simply Amazing: Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream

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Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream is a lightweight, moisturizing formula that creates soft styles for a natural feel. It conditions, hydrates, fights frizz, adds definition, creates soft hold, tames fly-aways and refreshes day-old styles… Simply Amazing.

Ideal for overprocessed and dry hair, Hydrating Styling Cream can be used on both wet and dry hair. As thick and nourishing as it feels – it does not weigh the hair down, nor does it feel sticky or greasy. Hair is left incrediably soft and managable and 100% hydrated.

Like all Moroccanoil products, Hydrating Styling Cream smells incrediable and is perfect for the hot summer months. Using antioxidant-loaded Argan oil, Hydrating Styling Cream will protect hair from humidity and heat. Preserve summer hair with Moroccanoil Hydrating Styling Cream.

Hair Trend: Crimp

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Crimped hair is making an unexpected comeback this Spring/Summer. Often associated with the 80’s, the hairstyle has been spotted on both the runway and red-carpet.

Today’s crimped hairstyle is more about texture than style. Different widths and lengths are used to create volume and effect. The crimping technique offers massive volume that lasts.

For special occasions/Prom: Mix crimped hair with flat-ironed hair for a fresh hairstyle. Crimp hair and style into a top knot or bohemian updo, for a modern take on a classic.

Paul Mitchell wants to make sure you are prom-ready with Paul Mitchell Prom Survival Kits and the Limited Edition Express Ion Crimp. Find participating salons HERE.

Festival Beauty Essentials

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Festival First Aid Kit:

When running water isn’t available, cleansing wipes are something of a lifesaver during festival season. Use on both face and body when needed. Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes will fight bacteria and decongest the skin.

Cool-off with Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater. Spray anywhere at anytime to hydrate the skin, tone the skin, set makeup or for a quick refresh.

After prolonged sun exposure, skin needs more nourishment than ever. That is why I love Aveeno Protect + Hydrate. It feels like a body lotion but has high SPF.

Protecting your skin from the sun is more important than ever at festivals since shade is often hard to find – so is protecting your lips. Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment has SPF 36, feels great on the lips and looks super glossy.

Look instantly glowing while protecting and treating the skin with Boscia BB Cream Bronze. This one-step wonder creates a lustrous, flawless finish as it hydrates, firms, and soothes the skin. It contains broad-spectrum SPF 27 PA++ and helps diminish the appearance of pores, fine lines, and uneven skin tone while providing long-wearing, natural coverage that conceals imperfections. Boscia’s BB Cream Bronze creates a sun-kissed complexion with just a hint of shimmer.

Continuing the rant on sun protection – ColoreScience Sunforgettable Mineral Sunscreen Brush is my go-to powder. Cream sunscreen is impossible to reapply all-day – especially when wearing makeup. Use the built-in brush to apply as needed with no caking, residue and/or irritation.

Pack products that are finger-friendly – like cream blush/lip pots and eyeshadows. Festivals are a great time to experiment with color. Stila Convertable Color in Sweet Pea is the perfect pop of color for both cheeks and lips. It creates a dewy complexion and pouty lips. Find cream eyeshadows that are long-lasting and won’t crease. I love Jouer Creme Eyeshadow in Chiffon. It creates the most amazing shine on the eye that almost looks wet and stays-put all day. This is also a great product to have handy because it moonlights as a highlighter.

Though I loathe waterproof mascara – it is a must in situations like these. YSL Singulier Nuit Blanche is a great mascara and not too impossible to take-off. It will not run or smudge and the brush is amazing.

No festival beauty guide would be complete without a highly-effective and much-loved Dry Shampoo. Serge Normant Meta Revive Dry Shampoo not only does a great job to rid your hair of oils – but is an amazing styling product. It will give your hair extra volume without feeling sticky or stiff. Speaking of sticky – don’t be the smelly kid in the group and pack your Secret Clinical Strength Deodorant.

Have fun – Be safe – Stay hydrated!

Festival Accessories: Free People

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Nobody can get you festival-ready like Free People. The uber-boho brand exemplifies true festival style.

Try stomping around the fairground in rugged ombre leather boots, decking out your arms in bangles, or trying-out some bohemian headgear.

No need to scour the web with this one-stop-shop. Here are a few of my favorite festival accessories from Free People:

Keaton Sunglasses: $18.00

Zig Zag Banded Panama: $38.00

Printed Widebands: $18.00

Dipped Phoenix Boot: $398.00

Avery Sandal: $85.00

Alex Convertable Backpack: $258.00

Hard Bangle Set: $28.00

La Luna Ring: $113.00

Marisa Haskell Leather Fringe Breastplate: $188.00

Hair Healer: Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream

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Living Proof was created with a simple ambition – challenge conventional wisdom to solve the toughest beauty problems. Made up of an alchemy of brilliant scientists and industry veterans, Living Proof invent and patent new molecules that change how the hair behaves.

Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream is a moisture-rich cream that can be used on both wet and dry hair. Formulated with OFPMA, a patented molecule that creates an exquisitely thin, weightless shield around each hair strand. This shield repairs damaged cuticles and protects from further damage and breakage so hair has time to heal. The Targeted Repair Cream replaces lost ceramides to restructure, strengthen and seal the protective outer layer of the hair, preventing up to 93% of new split ends.

The perfect cream to use on damp hair as a styling product and/or dry hair to smooth fly-aways while hydrating the hair. The Targeted Repair Cream instantly adds shine to the hair, smoothes cuticles and repairs split ends while providing all-day UV protection. Thus, creating silky, smooth and healthy-looking hair. This all-in-one product can replace your leave-in treatment, styling cream and finishing cream.

After using this product for two weeks, I can honestly say my hair looks and feels healthier. Transform dry or damaged hair back to it’s optimal health with Living Proof Restore Targeted Repair Cream.

How To: Headscarf

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Headscarves have been a staple in fashion for decades, and it’s easy to see why. They protect hair, cover a variety of styling sins, look chic and are a great alternative to a hat.

One can create numerous styles with a single scarf: turban, bohemian, retro, rocker. Find your favorite look and add some flavor to your next ensemble.

Tying a headscarf requires practice and patience – it never seems to go right the first time. Follow these great diagrams to find your favorite style:

• Headband Style – A simple style that can look sweet or bold. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Roll scarf from long edge of triangle end towards the tip of the triangle so it becomes a long thick rectangular band. Flip hair upside and place center of band at forehead. Tie a square knot under hair at the top of the neck. Pull long edges of scarf from back of neck to hang in front. Vary the thickness and placement of the band for different looks.
• Retro Style – A glamorous style paired with big sunglasses. Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Place center of long edge of triangle just above hairline. Cross the ends of the scarf under chin. Bring ends around to back of neck loosely and tie together.
• Bohemian Style – Channel your inner-gypsy and pair with big voluminous beach hair.  Fold square diagonally into a triangle. Place center of long edge of triangle at middle of forehead. Bring edges of triangle around to back tightly and tie.

Fresh Fragrance: ManeTeeze Hair Perfume

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Hair perfumes, refreshers and mists are currently trending in the beauty world. Fragrance houses and hair aficionados are unveiling product left and right.

Hair perfumes are designed to give your flowing tresses the alluring aroma of your favorite perfume. Hair is a great fragrance diffuser as it holds the scent for longer periods – due to the oils in the hair and the heat of the scalp.

These days women are washing their hair less and less. Hair can absorb the smell of surrounding food or smoke and even sweat post-workout. To freshen-up any unwanted scent reach for ManeTeeze Hair Perfume. Available in three different aromas, these sweet smelling hair perfumes contain a high concentration of fragrance, but more gentle for the hair than traditional perfumes. Eau de parfum and toilette contain a high alcohol content that can be very drying on the hair. ManeTeeze Hair Perfumes lasts for up to 12 hours and create soft, shiny and delicious-smelling hair.

• Black Widow – a foggy, luxurious, enchanting scent filled with undertones of dark amber
• Haut Mess – a luscious mix of chocolate, caramel and dessert like scents that engulf the hair.
• Social Butterfly – sweet, soft vanilla infused luxury that matches a busy, bubbly life.

Spring Scent: Leonor Greyl PARIS ‘Masque Fleurs de Jasmin’ Nourishing Hair Mask

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Need a fix for dry and dull winter hair? Try a nourishing mask that creates shine, manageability and leaves hair smelling of Spring.

Leonor Greyl PARIS ‘Masque Fleurs de Jasmin’ Nourishing Hair Mask restores dry, stressed strands and will bring hair back to life. This creamy hair mask is enriched with amino acids, jasmine flower water and palm oil to condition and restore moisture, botanical oils to increase flexibility, and proteins to strengthen and enhance radiance. 

This intensely nourishing mask repairs tresses and instantly leaves hair silky and shiny. The mask feels extremely luxurious and has an amazing floral scent that fills the shower with refreshing jasmine flower. The perfect prep for Spring.

Mix a small amount of this mask with your favorite styling product to retain the floral scent all-day-long.

Dazzling Duo: Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine

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Philip B.’s revolutionary duo, Oud Royal Forever Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, is designed to help infuse more life into dull, dry, and limp locks. It’s MegaBounce technology uses nano molecules which are small enough to actually penetrate the hair and moisturize each strand from the inside out. After a single use, hair is bouncier, smoother, sleeker, and shinier.

Agarwood Oil, also known as Oud oil, Aloeswood oil, and many other names depending on location, is an extremely rare and precious natural oil obtained from several species of Agarwood trees. It originates in North Eastern India, Bhutan and parts of South East Asia. Agarwood has a very long history of medicinal use, as a valuable component of incense, and aromatic oil. The fragrance is complex, deep and woodsy, and is highly prized as an incense in Japan and as an oil in the Middle East.

INSTANT, DRAMATIC RESULTS:

• An intensive hydrating complex treated with high-vapor energy – a new, patent-pending technology that breaks botanical oils into molecules tiny enough to sink deep inside the hair shaft.
• Time-released botanical delivery system (made with natural Safflower Oleosomes) for major volume and a lustrous shine that goes on and on.
• L-Amino Acids revive parched strands & tame frizz without weight.
• Sweet Blue Lupine Peptides for superior color protection.
• Pure Oud Essence for a rich, warm, sweet-woody scent.
• Sulfate-free shampoo cleansing base with a rich luxurious lather for gentle and effective cleaning.
• Safe for color-treated or straightened hair. 

Philip B. Oud Royal Forever Shine shampoo and conditioner create a luxurious and aromatic shower experience. The formula looks like liquid gold and reflects in the hair creating a luminous shine. The shampoo is sulphate and sodium chloride free which is highly recommended for colored and/or damaged hair. It does not lather like most shampoos but leaves hair exceptionally clean. Just one use will make a remarkable difference in the overall look and feel of your hair. Literally just wash, condition, rinse and style. No other products needed. You will be left with bouncier, glossier and voluminous hair that lasts for days.

How To: Heatless Styling

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Overexposing your hair to heat styling takes a big toll on the health of your hair. It dries out the hair cuticle and exacerbates breakage. Hot tools are great for quick-drying and quick-styling. If you are a hot tools addict, try taking one/two days-off per week to let hair air-dry naturally and/or try this heatless styling technique. Your hair will thank you later.

NEED:

❖ Duckbill Clips

❖ Spray Bottle for water

❖ Hairspray

Optional: Sea Salt Spray

HOW TO:

❖ Start with 2nd day hair.

❖ Grab a section of your hair. The larger the section the looser the wave.

❖ Wrap section of hair around two to three fingers and roll towards the scalp. Pin hair with small duckbill clips (bobby pins will leave a crease).

❖ Wrap the hair in the direction you want the curl to fall. Inward curls, outward curls or ‘S’ -shaped curls – alternating between both.

❖ When you have pin-curled the entire head. Spray water to dampen the curls – do not soak.

Fun Fact: In the 20’s pin-curls were also called “spit curls” because they used to spit on them instead of spraying water.

❖ Let your hair completely dry. If you want to do this at night and sleep on your curls, wrap a scarf around your head to prevent fall-out and frizz.

❖ Take out all the clips – carefully.

❖ Finger brush the curls and adjust.

❖ Spray with hairspray.

Options:

◆ Focus on where you pin the curls. I like to pin them just above the ear, leaving 2-3 inches from the top of my head.

◆ Try different methods of wrapping your hair to create a variety looks. For a simple wavy look – take extra big sections. For a more bohemian look – twist the hair and then pin-curl. For more texture – use a combination of water and sea salt spray.

Glow-T 2012: Best in Beauty

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Happy New Year! As 2013 begins, I want to recap on my favorite beauty products of 2012. These are items that I constantly reach for and will continue to use in the new year. From skincare to cosmetics, here are Glow-T’s Best of 2012Beauty Products:

Best BB Cream: Dior Hydra Life BB Cream

Best Cleansing Balm: REN No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm

Best Nail Polish: HIPPxRGB Nail Foundations

Best Skin Brand: Alpha-H

Best Minerals: PRIORI CoffeeBerry Perfecting Minerals

Best Lip Product: Yves Saint Laurent’s Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres

Best Moisturizer: Dr. Jart+ Renewalist Melting Cream

Best Tinted Moisturizers: Jouer Luminizing and Matte Moisture Tint

Best Facial Mist: Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water

Best Eye Product: Kevyn Aucoin Loose Shimmer Shadows

Best Hair Product: Kérastase Grand Crus Oils 

Best Dry Shampoo: Kenra Dry Shampoo

How To: Old Hollywood Hair

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Femme fatale Veronica Lake is best known for her classic and iconic hairstyle. The definition of old hollywood glamour, this look has been reinvented and updated throughout the years. Today this look is a bit more polished and modern, but the style remains the same. Recreate this classic and feminine hairstyle with a few easy steps:

NEED/RECOMMEND:

Curling Wand or Iron – Remington T-Studio London Edition Curling Wand

Clips – Hot Tools Metal Clips

Boar Bristle Brush – Denman D82L Boar Bristle Grooming Brush

Hairspray – Kenra Hairspray 25

Shine Serum – Kérastase Elixir Ultime Moringa Immortal

HOW TO:

♦ Start with clean, dry hair. A good blow-out will help add some volume.

♦ Create a side part. Attempt a drastic side-part for more drama.

♦ Starting just above the ear, curl hair in small, even sections – all in one direction – away from the face.

♦ After curling a single section, hold the curl – wrap around two fingers – then pin. Repeat.

♦ Once the curls have cooled, take pins out and brush hair with a boar bristle brush to loosen the curls.

♦ Spritz some hair spray on the brush, and continue brushing until all the waves fall together perfectly.

♦ Add some shine serum

Optional: Add a beautiful clip or bobby pins on one side accentuate the side-part.

Last Minute Gift Ideas

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When scouring for some last-minute gift inspiration, have a plan and conquer. Great gifts are within reach at your local grocery store and/or convenient store. The gift card options are enormous. From beauty and fashion to restaurants and events – gift giving has never been so easy.

Electronics are also a cinch to purchase and make a major statement. Look for Apple Vending Machines at your local department store or shopping mall. It’s as easy as purchasing a soda.

Beauty tools are a necessity for both men and women. During the holidays they are available in great sets like the ghd Style and Finish Kit that features the ghd Gold Series 1″ styler and Natural Bristle Oval Brush wrapped-up tight in a sweet satin pouch.

For men: the new Remington Black Diamond Rotary Shaver is the must-have for gadget guys and style conscious men who demand the very best. The Black Diamond Technology allows the Rotary and foil Shavers to effortlessly across the contours of the face resulting in a close, clean shave with less redness and irritation. Make your man smooth all year round.

For the luxe lady in your life – check out the Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight Kit. This limited edition assortment features the best of Kevyn Aucoin Beauty: The Celestial Powder in Candlelight, Limited edition Eye Shadow Set in Palette #8, The Precision Liquid Liner and Signature votive candle. She will be glowing all year.

Who doesn’t love candles – a decadent candle is a wonderfully thoughtful gift. The Diptique Votive Candle Trio is a great option, featuring three of their best-selling scents.

Lastly, there is nothing better than new pajamas. The perfect gift for both men and women – no one will ever be disappointed. My favorite are the J.Crew Vintage Pajama Set. Simple, classic and last forever.

When last minute shopping, don’t wonder around aimlessly browsing for gifts. Make the experience quick and easy with a plan. Godspeed!

Beauty Gifts: Stocking Stuffers

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This year I have picked my favorite stocking stuffers that will bring a Christmas Day full of cheer. From the best makeup sponge – ever – perfectly packaged as a sweet treat to luxurious purse-friendly perfumes delicately decorated in metallic gold. It is all about the small gifts with big payoff.

Fill their hearts and stockings with these small treasures:

Lancome ~ Eye Lash Curler Set: $36.00

Willa Skincare ~ Smile Butter: $19.00

Jane Tran ~ Polka Dot Bobby Pin Box: $15.00

Burberry ~ Lip Glow Natural Lip Gloss Set: $65.00

TOCCA ~ Perfumo Veloce – Cleopatra: $48.00

NARS ~ Travel Brush Set: $75.00

beautyblender ~ Candy Cane Holiday Treat: $49.95

Fresh ~ Sugar Perfection Duo: $22.50

Holy Grail: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Moringa Immortel

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From morraccan and macadamia to maracuja and marula, beauty oils have become very popular in the formulations of skincare and haircare products. New to the mix… Moringa Oil. Touted as the next big beauty oil, Moringa oil comes from the seeds of the Moringa oleifera tree, also known as the “Tree of Life.” Grown in the Himalayas, Moringa oil has been used for it’s many antioxidants and skin and hair rejuvenating properties.

Kérastase Grand Crus Oils are a range of fragrance-infused, custom-made oils for your specific hair needs. Formulated with the nourishing properties of cult favorite – Elixir Ultime, the Grand Crus Oils focus on specific hair types and conditions: Thé Impérial (pink-for color-treated hair), Moringa Immortel (green-for damaged hair) and Rose Millénaire (lavender-for fine hair).

Use the Grand Crus Oils as a pre-shampoo treatment for dry and coarse hair, as a prep before blow drying to protect, defrizz and add shine, as a styling serum to smooth out flyaways and dry ends, or pre-color treatment.

My favorite and holy grail product is the Immortal Moringa. Formulated with antioxidant-rich Moringa extract, vitamins A& C, calcium, iron and magnesium, this elixir nourishes dry and damaged hair. The lightweight oil leaves hair smooth, shiny and smells divine – woodsy and citrusy.

Steller Styler: ghd Gloss Collection Limited Edition

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ghd, the global leader in professional hairstyling, introduces their new limited edition Gloss Collection. Available in two colors, red gloss or black gloss, the collection arrives just in time for the holidays.

Achieve a multitude of looks from gorgeous party curls to a sleek frizz-free straight style. This collection features ghd’s bestselling Classic 1″ Styler dressed in a gloss finish. It boasts breakthrough technologies such as an auto sleep mode, universal voltage and a signature rounded barrel. Styling plates are contoured with a high-gloss finish to glide through the hair effortlessly, while providing extra shine.

Available exclusively at ULTA, the Gloss is the best iron I have used. From curls, flicks and waves to sleek and straight style, this styler does it all. Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver, creating new hairstyles have never been so easy.

 

Gentle Giant: Tangle Teezer

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The Tangle Teezer is an innovative detangling brush, ideal for all hair types, wet and dry. What I thought might be a gimmick turned out to be the item I reach for most. This hand-held brush runs through hair effortlessly, transforming tangled hair into stress-free, style-able hair.

Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably into the palm of the hand, the Tangle Teezer’s key feature is the inclusion of individual teeth designed to glide through hair and break-down knots and tangles instantly. As a result, preventing less breakage and damage to the hair.

The Tangle Teezer is ideal for all hair types, even children. Works great on wet or dry hair and is perfect for weaves and extensions. Comes in a compact, handbag-size, bright colors and designs.

Give knots the brush-off with the Tangle Teezer.