Last Minute Party Prep

Between work, holiday parties and all the other end-of-the-year obligations, it's nearly impossible to squeeze any pampering into your jampacked schedule. Luckily, these great at-home treatments get you looking glam & gorgeous...all without leaving your house (or apartment)!

Touch up on-the-go with this amazing Trish McEvoy Mobile Beauty Emergency kit. The all-in-one compact is portable, classic quilted pouch that doubles as an ingenious phone case with a sleek, hidden compartment containing Trish’s Mobile Beauty Emergency Card, a makeup palette of touch-up necessities and two tote-able applicator brushes. $68 at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and select Nordstrom stores.

Score bright, pearly whites in under an hour with Luster’s 1 Hour White kit! 1 Hour White is the only over-the-counter whitening product proven not to cause tooth sensitivity… go ahead and take an hour to whiten teeth 6 shades before heading out to the hottest soirees. $39.99 at CVS, Duane Reade Rite Aid, Walgreens nationwide.


Treat Stressed tresses to Keratin Complex’s Infusion Replenisher: Your hair will be manageable, smooth, sexy and easier to style…so you can give yourself the perfect blow out without the time and expense of heading to a salon! $40, keratincomplex.com

Awaiting Autumn

I don’t know about you, but after the insane heat wave in NYC this summer, I’m definitely ready for fall. And I’m also ready for some new autumn-themed products!

My first must-have find of the season—Warm Pumpkin Bread Body Scrub by Crater Lake Company. The scent is jaw-droppingly delicious; it’s exactly like its namesake! And when you use it, it gets even better—pure white cane sugar and pumpkin flakes combine to get rid of dead skin, leaving your body smooth, hydrated and smelling great. You’ll be counting the days until Thanksgiving!



To snag a jar of your own, visit available for $19.95 at craterlakecompany.com this fall.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Beautify Your Brows...for FREE!

If you're in the New York City area, you won't want to miss this special event: Eyebrow Intervention Day!

On Thursday June 17th, score a FREE shaping at the RAMY Makeup & Eyebrow Bar at select Duane Reade boutiques from 11AM - 7 PM. You can call ahead to set up your appointment or just walk in, but no matter what, you'll score the $30 appointment for FREE!

Ramy is a makeup and beauty pro to the stars--his clients have trend-setting Rihanna herself! Learn more about his amazing products via Ramy.com.

*Crystal Fenton

Braids and Carrie & Co. are Back!

Are you as excited as I am for the Sex and the City 2 movie ? I'm lucky enough to be sneaking a peek at a screening tonight, and even luckier, because last night I got the chance to attend the amazing Patricia Field's House of Field Eyewear, Swimwear and Beach Towels collection on the beautiful rooftop at 230 Fifth Avenue. The weather and tree-adorned setting were perfect for the funky bash, which was also Sex and the City themed! Naturally, I had to head backstage to check out the futuristic fishtail braids super stylist Rodney Cutler for Cutler/Redken was cooking up.

“The high fishtail braid is a fun evening looking and very wearable," says the pro. "We've seen so many buns up top and this is just taking it one step further."

Here's how you can rock the look:
*Prep hair with Redken align 12 protective straightening lotion and blow-dry with a medium brush.
*Next, gather into a high ponytail on the very top of the head, about three inches from the hair line and secure with an elastic.
*Wrap a small piece of hair around the elastic; secure with a bobby pin.
*Weave a fish-tail braid***down to the end of the hair; pin in upon itself right at the hairline.
*The look was finished with Redken vinyl glam 02 mega shine spray and Redken forceful 23 super strength finishing spray for extra strong hold.

***Create the perfect fishtail:

1) Split the hair to be braided into two equal sections

2) Pull a small strand of hair from the left section and add it to the right section

3) Then, pull a small strand of hair from the right section and add it to the left

4) That will create a small X

5) Repeat until all the hair is used

6) Secure with a clear plastic band

Photos: Charles Sykes for Redken
**Crystal Fenton

Best in Brows

I recently had the pleasure of meeting eyebrow and makeup expert Ramy, who I've been curious about for ages. Not only did the brow guru do an amazing job on my over-threaded arches, he was kind enough to share some of his must-have picks from his Ramy Beauty Therapy collection (see my blackberry-snapped pic above).

*Elixir Skin Conditioning Primer: It reduces redness, dryness and puffiness for smooth, super-soft skin.
*Perfect Brow Wand: The double-duty gel pen perfects your brows by pairing a brow filler on one end, with a highlighter on the opposite.
*Alive! Blush: This long-wearing blush brings your skin to life and can even be worn as a shadow.


Best of all, you can score FREE eyebrow shaping ($30 value) during the Ramy Eyebrow Bar Eyebrow Intervention Day on June 17th!!! If you're in the New York City area or plan to be that day, head to one of three Duane Reade LOOK boutiques to get your brows sculpted by a pro! Available locations include: Eighth Avenue, Between 16th & 17th Streets, 212-929-0650; 1350 Broadway at 35th Street, 212-695-6346; 51 West 51st Street at 6th Avenue, 212-582-8525.

**Crystal Fenton

Ali's Bachelorette Makeover!

It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I am a Reality TV addict...and I'm super excited for the new season of The Bachelorette with Ali Fedotowsky airing tonight on ABC. While perusing the internet this morning, I noticed Ali's hair looking incredible, so I headed straight to the source--the Gavert Atelier Salon--to get the scoop.

According the lovely folks over at the salon, Ali visited them not once, but twice (!), this past week! First, she headed over on Wednesday to receive a color treatment by Stuart Gavert along with a dry cut and style by Mika Fowler. Turns out, she was so pleased with her treatments, she opted to come back on Saturday to have Great Lengths extensions put in...she looks fabulous!

You can find the Gavert Atelier Salon in Beverly Hills, CA. Check out their website at gavertatelier.com or follow them on twitter @gavertatelier

**Crystal Fenton

Photos by Paul Andrew Dunker

Sweet Cream

Like a lot of people, I’m a sucker for good packaging, so it’s no surprise that Urban Rituelle’s Ginger Apple Butter Cream caught my eye; it comes in a pretty, ultra-girlie flowered box, complete with a ribbon handle. And in this case, you can totally judge a book by its cover—the butter cream inside is amazing too!

A mix of shea butter, jojoba and macadamia and avocado oils, it’s incredibly rich and moisturizing. But the best part is the scent—delicious green apple mixed with spicy ginger and sweet lily blossoms. It’s light, fresh and perfect for warm, sunny days!

Urban Rituelle Butter Cream retails for $20. To find out more, visit urbanrituelle.com.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Have a Skin-Safe Summer!

It may be raining in New York City this week, but summer’s still on the way! Prepare for tons of fun in the sun with the Grab-N-Go Skincare Kit from Smart Girls Who Surf.

Housed in an adorable, natural jute bag, the kit has everything you’ll need to keep your delicate skin and hair healthy: a 2-oz. bottle of Natural SPF 30+ sunscreen, a 2-oz. After Sun Soothing Lotion, a 2-oz. Care for Hair SPH 7 Sun Protector Leave-in Conditioner, two bars of natural glycerin Soap for Surfers (great for non-surfers too!), one SPF 15 sunscreen lip balm and a comb.

The water-resistant, travel-sized products are totally natural and chemical-free, so they’re a great eco-friendly choice. Even the bag is biodegradable! Plus, even though the kit is obviously beach-friendly, the products are must-haves anywhere, all year long. Pick one up for $24 at smartgirlswhosurf.com.

--Mackenzie Walton

Why Didn't I Think of That? Product Pick

How many times have you run across some amazing find that had you scratching your head, wondering why hadn't anyone thought of this before? This happens to me on a regular basis, and since I'm a sucker for both packaging and multi-tasking products, I knew I had to try the Shave Mate Diva 6 All-In-One immediately! This ingenious razor has SIX blades to ensure an even, smooth shave but best of all, it's already got shaving cream stored within the handle! This brilliant idea is perfect...and made my gym bag a little bit lighter! There's also a version for the guys in your life, the Titan(R). Visit shavemate.com to find out more.

**Crystal Fenton

Donate Hair, Help the Environment

As anyone with an oily scalp knows, hair is frustratingly good at trapping in the excess gunk. But right now, this is a major benefit to the environment

Woven into mats or stuffed into recycled nylons to create booms, donations of hair and fur clippings are being used to soak up excess oil from the recent Gulf Oil Spill. This method of cleaning up oil is safe, eco-friendly and startlingly effective. The video below shows a hair mat in action -- who knew something swept off the salon floor could be so helpful?



For more information on how to donate, visit matteroftrust.org. Let your salons and groomers know!

-- Mackenzie Walton

Have a Damage-Free Swim

I grew up in southern California, and during summer, I was practically half fish; I’d spend all day in the pool if I could. As fun as it was, though, my swim time wreaked havoc on my hair—thanks to the chlorine, it was as dry as straw and full of split ends.

But these days, water babies (or their moms) don’t have to worry about damaged hair! The Swimmer’s Defense Shampoo & Body Wash and Conditioner from California Baby offer cleansing gentle enough for a child’s delicate hair, but strong enough to battle the effects of chlorine. That means no more chemical deposits, including the green tinge that copper sometimes leaves behind, leaving tresses softer and healthier. The Conditioner even contains natural sunscreens for added protection. Plus, these products are all-natural, contain no nut oils, gluten, soy, oat or dairy and work just as well for adults.

California Baby Swimmer’s Defense products retail for $11.49 each and can be found at californiababy.com or by calling 877-576-2825. They’re also available at select Whole Foods locations and natural food stores nationwide.



-- Mackenzie Walton

Score a Style Transformation...On Wheels!

NYC girls, you're in luck! Starting today, the 27th, until the 29th, you can transform your look from head to toe, thanks to the John Frieda Style On Site Tour.
The tour kicks off here in the big apple, then the team will be hitting the road and making style accessible to real women everywhere with a mobile salon! It's an 18-wheeler that has been gutted to become a salon with the works: styling stations and chairs, a receptionist, and even a waiting area!

Led by celebrity stylist Harry Josh (he's worked with Blake Lively, Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, Gisele Bundchen, Amanda Seyfried, Ellen Pompeo), the John Frieda expert team will provide complimentary 15-minute consultations and styling lessons.

Once you arrive on site, you'll schedule a 15-minute appointment on a first-come, first-served basis for a styling lesson with a top John Frieda stylist on your own specific hair issues and even walk away with a “hair prescription” from the stylist! Then, you can buy the recommended formulas on-site at a drugstore.com kiosk.

Next, hit up the BCBG mini boutique where the latest must-haves will be on display! Lon on to BCBG shopping kiosks and order the season's style essentials online with an exclusive John Frieda discount!

Can't make it? Don't fret! You can still get Harry Josh’s expertise at home. While on tour, he'll be giving women virtual transformations via Skype video sessions and select Skype sessions will also be posted on the John Frieda site, giving women everywhere access to Josh’s step-by-step tutorials.

**Crystal Fenton

Celebrate Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day! Head to an Origins store for this AMAZING deal: Just bring in a bottle of your current face wash (empty or full) to trade in for FREE! You'll get either a full-size Checks and Balances Frothy face wash ($18.50 retail value) or A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with White Tea ($20 retail value)!

Eco-Chic Clean-Up

The sad truth: Sometimes, I’m just too tired (or too lazy) to go through an in-depth cleansing routine before bed. But rather than go to sleep with my makeup on, ruining my skin and the pillowcase at the same time, I just have a quick clean-up with one of the Bear Naked Wipes from Josie Maran Cosmetics.

Now available in a travel-friendly mini-pack, Bear Naked Wipes To Go are soft, gentle and effective. A blend of aloe vera, chamomile, cucumber and Vitamin E easily cleans away makeup, soothing skin at the same time. Plus, the wipes are biodegradable, so you can use them without hurting the environment.

Best of all, a portion of the proceeds from Bear Naked Wipes is donated to the Natural Resource Defense Council’s Polar Bear SOS initiative, which is dedicated to helping save the polar bears and their habitats.

The mini-pack comes with 8 wipes and costs $6; purchase at Sephora stores or at Sephora.com.

-Mackenzie Walton

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother’s Day falls on May 9th this year. That's just around the corner! But there’s still time to get the important women in your life something special—here are a few of our suggestions.


The strikingly beautiful glycerine Heritage Soaps from Crabtree & Evelyn are handcrafted by 3rd generation soap makers in Switzerland, utilizing botanical extracts and over 10% glycerine. They work for all skin types and come in three gorgeous scents—chamomile, lime and blackcurrant. For an extra-special gift, get all three! They’re available for $7 each at crabtree-evelyn.com and at over 6,000 locations worldwide.


Being a mother is rewarding, but it can also be hard—sometimes, at the end of the day, you just need to relax with a drink and a long bath. Now you can combine the two with the Bourbon Bubbler Body Scrub from FarmHouse Fresh®. It combines coarse brown sugar, Kentucky whiskey, Vitamin E and rice bran oil to create a non-oily, non-sticky scrub with a super-sweet scent—gingersnap-pecan! Available for $32.50 at farmhousefreshgoods.com, or in fine gift shops, spas and resorts.


Give her the gift of grace—or rather, the Amazing Grace Mini Fragrance Set from Philosophy. It contains three mini products, all in the light, distinctly feminine Amazing Grace scent: shampoo, bath & shower gel, restorative hand cream and spray fragrance. Layer on the products, and skin will smell amazing and ultra-clean. Plus, since nothing in the set is over 4-oz., it’s perfect for travel! Visit philosophy.com to purchase for $35.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Support a Cause with Just One Click

Want to make a difference? It'll only take one minute and twenty-three seconds of your time.

Jergens® Skincare and The Skin Cancer Foundation have teamed up with actress Jane Krakowski (30 Rock) to create a video that explains how she gets her gorgeous, sun-kissed skin tone. The answer: Jergens® natural glow moisturizers, which give skin natural-looking color without harmful sun exposure.

Until August 31, Jergens® Skincare will donate $1 to The Skin Cancer Foundation (up to $20,000) each time the video is viewed. It's embedded below so you can watch it right away. So save your skin--and help others save theirs, too!



-- Mackenzie Walton

Get Your Beauty Rest!

I wake up every morning with soft, tangle-free strands and smooth, crease-free skin...yes, it's really true. So listen up ladies, because I'm about to reveal my snoozing secret!

Rest your pretty head on the Branché charmeuse case and you'll wake up looking just as gorgeous as the night before. The 100% premium silk pillowcase protects so-sensitive facial skin, prevents crease-induced wrinkles, smoothes the hair cuticle and reduces hair breakage, even including 18 amino acids and high copper content to restore elasticity and shine. They’re available in standard and king sizes in a number of gorgeous hues. Head over to branchebeautysleep.com to see them for yourself!

**Crystal Fenton

Lamas Beauty Events in NYC

If you live in the New York City area, you’re definitely in for a treat. This month, the natural, botanically rich products from Peter Lamas Beauty are debuting at Duane Reade stores. And to celebrate this event, two Manhattan locations are offering consults, freebies and a chance to meet Peter himself!

At each store, customers can receive individual hair consultations and a free sample from Lamas’ Chinese Herbs System (a $7.95 value) with purchase of a product. Plus, Peter—a celebrity hair and makeup artist who’s worked with everyone from Audrey Hepburn to Jacqueline Kennedy to Kate Winslet—will be there to discuss natural beauty products and how to incorporate them into your everyday routine.

WHEN & WHERE:

Thursday, April 29th
11 am to 2 pm; 5pm to 7pm
Duane Reade, Herald Square (151 W. 34th St.)

Friday, April 30th
11 am to 2 pm; 5pm to 7pm
Duane Reade, Rockefeller Center (51 W. 51st St.)

For more information on Peter and his products, visit lamasbeauty.com.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Come On, Get Happy

What makes me happy? The weather in New York City today, for one. Temperatures climbed well into the 80s, and for a West Coast native like me, that’s practically heaven!

Another thing that makes me happy: the Happiology line from Illume. These body products—all paraben-free and cruelty-free, with organic ingredients—come in three fresh, energetic scents that are designed to make you happy. Here are a few of my faves:


The Energizing Body Butter ($18) is thick and instantly moisturizing, and the Yuzu Mint scent gives it an invigorating touch. The crisp blend of fresh grapefruit, yuzu, eucalyptus, spearmint, peppermint and vanilla will perk up your senses!


Start the morning off with a positive note by using the Energizing Body Wash in Sunshower ($18). The bright, summery fragrance includes notes of sparkling bergamot, dewy moss and white lilies.


For a quick pick-me-up, keep a Rollerball Perfume ($16) in your purse. Dab the Bamboo & Agave scent on your neck and pulse points and enjoy a blend of blue bamboo, agave leaves, fig, lotus flower, Mexican lime, cucumber and natural lemon oil.

You can get all these products in any of the three fragrances at illumecandles.com.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Add Color to Your Life

These products have shades that make us smile!


* The 100% vegetarian Hydrating Body Washes from Silky Cosmetics come in four great scents—Bliss, Sorbet, Charm and Sweet mint—that are sure to please, but their cheerful colors will also brighten up your shower. ($13 each, silkycos.com)


* The Natural Nail Lacquers from A Beautiful Life are 3 Free (no DBP, toluene or formaldehyde), non-toxic and soy-based, so they’re even safe for kids. But with bold shades like 80’s Pink, Rockstar and Big Red, everyone will love them. ($12 each, abeautifullife.com)


* Starting in May, you can give yourself a retro ’60s vibe with the Eye Colour Crayon Trios from Mirabella. The Moonbeam trio, featuring cool shades of Purple Haze, Bugaloo Blue and Limelight Green, and the warmer Sunshine trio, with Yellow Submarine, Hot Pants Pink and Clockwork Orange tones, will both give your eyes turn heads. ($29 each, mirabellabeauty.com for locations)

-- Mackenzie Walton

Travel-Ready Shampoo Picks

Already planning your summer vacation? Don’t forget to pack shampoo—just check out these mess-free, space-saving alternatives to traditional shampoo.


With Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk, you can clean your strands in a snap. Just spray onto hair, then brush out the powder—it’ll get rid of dirt and other buildup and boost volume, all without water. Now available in a super-convenient travel size, so you can tuck it in your carry-on without any trouble. Find it for $7.50 at beauty.com and skinstore.com.


Want a no-fuss, no-muss shampoo that won’t explode in your suitcase? Try the All Access Go Anywhere Shampoo Bar from TIGI’s Rockaholic line. You use it just like regular bar soap, only apply it to your hair—it cleans, conditions and even provides UV protection. Plus, the patchouli scent is amazing! Available for $9.95 at professional salons.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Shine On

The first time I heard about shine serum was when a stylist applied it after a cut. My hair looked so glossy that I assumed the serum was made of pure, concentrated magic—I insisted on going to the store immediately and buying some for myself.

The next day, I poured a quarter of the bottle into my hands, wiped them clumsily over the top of my head, and wondered why my hair didn’t look nearly as good as when the stylist did it.

Luckily, I’ve grown a little more savvy over the years, and in case you’re as new to shine as I was, here’s a tip: All you need are a few drops. In fact, more than two or three can be serious overkill, leaving your locks greasy and heavy-looking.

As an added bonus, this means that the bottle goes a long way—always a nice bonus! Products come in a wide range of prices; here are two of my faves, which also fight frizz!

Citré Shine® Shine Miracle™ Highly Laminating Anti-Frizz Serum was actually the first kind I ever tried, and once I figured it out, it really did the trick. With prices ranging from $3.99 (2-oz.) $5.99 (4-oz.), it’s totally affordable. Find it as drug, mass and food stores nationwide.



By locking in moisture, ENJOY Shine and Smooth keeps hair hydrated while blocking humidity, which causes frizz. It leaves hair incredibly soft and glossy, and it’s also good for your skin! You can get 4-oz. bottle for $17.95 or 10-oz. for $34.95, both at professional salons.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Steam Powered

I love products that let me multi-task, so when the Biore® Steam Activated Cleanser came my way, I couldn’t wait to try it!



It utilizes the pore-opening steam of the shower to make skin 55% cleaner, sweeping away impurities and detoxifying skin, leaving incredibly clean skin. So all you need to do is follow your normal shower routine and lather up! My favorite things about it: the cooling mint extract, which invigorates the senses, and the fact that it removes makeup gently and easily.

It’s $7.99 at select food, drug and mass merchant stores. Find one near you at biore.com.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Full Throttle

I have a confession: My long, thick waves are an illusion, courtesy of extensions. My true hair type is ultra-fine, so I am always on the hunt for the PERFECT thickening product...and now, thanks to yesterday's beauty experiment, I think my search may finally be over!

Living proof's product line, including the much-loved No Frizz hair care collection, was developed by a team of world class scientists, creating breakthrough technology that actually does what it claims...and who am I to argue with MIT-trained experts?

Here's how the Full Thickening Cream works: A patented MIT technology called Beta Amino Esters was used to create the building block for Beta Amino Ester-1, which mimics the look and feel of thicker hair by depositing a flexible and indestructible pattern of points that can't break or flake off. Translation: Your hair will look thicker and you'll actually feel as if you have more hair on your head!

I applied it exactly according to the instructions, working in the palm of my hands and spreading throughout clean, damp, detangled hair from above the roots to the ends. Use a wide-tooth comb to ensure even coverage and blow-dry in sections. If you're anything like me, you hair will definitely feel fabulously full afterwards!

**Crystal Fenton

Just Desserts

Looking for a zero-calorie treat? These body products are some of my faves—and they all smell sugary-sweet. They’ll make your skin smell great, but try not to sneak a taste!


Whoopie! Whipped white velvet shea butter body crème from FarmHouse Fresh is a super-rich moisturizer that smells exactly like buttercream frosting! The yummy scent lingers throughout the day. (farmhousefreshgoods.com, $30)


It’s still snowy in NYC, but you can get ready for spring by banishing dry winter spring. LaLicious Sugar Soufflé Scrub in the Brown Sugar & Vanilla scent keeps skin healthy and smelling great. (lalicious.com, $34)


Chocolate Milk Body Wash & Bubble Bath from Philip B smells uncannily like its namesake, but thanks to ingredients like aloe, cocoa butter, oat proteins and wheat amino acids, it’s much better for you! ($35, philipb.com)

-- Mackenzie Walton

Enter to WIN Sultra Styling Tools!

We've got 4 FAB styling irons to give away from SULTRA! The Laser Straight & Smooth Iron is an amazing new tool you can use for sleek, perfectly polished strands. It boasts ceramic technology, rapid heat-up, auto shut-off and the iron's body is made from lightweight, heat-deflecting DuPont Rynite. We have one of each: Matte Black, Floral Deco, Leopard Finish, and Zebra finish. Shoot us an email at celebrityhairstylesmag@gmail.com for you chance to win!

Spring Makeup You Can Wear NOW!

It's the middle of February and even a cold weather lover like myself feels like this Winter is dragging...it just snowed *again* in New York yesterday! In need of a little beauty pick-me-up, I asked Molly R. Stern, COVERGIRL celebrity makeup artist, for a preview of spring lip trends. Good news: You can wear the look right now.

"For Spring, I'm loving the coral lip trend because it adds a bright pop of color to your beauty routine," says Stern.

Here's how to wear it with success:
First, use a stain. The makeup pro likes COVERGIRL Outlast Lipstain.
Next, top with gloss for a high dose of shine. Try COVERGIRL ShineBlast Lip Gloss.

"When wearing a coral lip, I recommend keeping the rest of your makeup neutral so your bold lips are the focus of your face."
**Crystal Fenton

In with a Bang!

Fall Fashion week has begun, and if the Cynthia Steffe show is any indication, this season, fringe is IN!

Bumble and bumble's team of stylists, led by Rolando Beauchamp, created a version of bangs on all the models, mainly using clip-in pieces that he custom-cut to work with their individual, natural hair. "Our inspiration was the late '60s girl in London and Paris, strolling the street in a little jacket with slightly teased hair and fringe," says Beauchamp. To get the look, the team used Bumble and bumble products, including hair powder, prep and styling lotion. From full and blunt to softly sideswept, it was all about the bang!

Backstage Pass: Take a peek at Fashion Week!

Despite the snow, Fall 2010 Fashion Week kicks off today here in New York...and we've got you covered for behind-the-scenes beauty tips and previews. I just returned from the pre-show scene at Vena Cava, where the hair and nails were filled with plenty of perfect-for-fall color.

Stylist Ted Gibson and his team used products from his namesake haircare line, including build it blow drying agent and tame it shine lotion, along with clip-in hair extensions, to create amazingly textured, uber-lengthy ponytails paired with a clean center part and smoothness around the crown. Plus, each pony boasts shock of pink, purple, blue or green color.

Nonie Smith of butter london and the ladies behind the Vena Cava collection create and name a custom-mixed nail color for the show. This season, 'Marrow' is a unique combination of a deep wine base mixed with purple and black, then topped with white pigments for sediment like finish.

Stay tuned to see more beauty previews from the runway, both here and in our magazines!

*Crystal Fenton

Follow Your Nose

Like lots of people, I’m a sucker for a nice scent. When I comb the haircare aisles of my favorite stores, it’s imperative that I sniff each and every potential purchase before I consider taking it up to the cashier. But luckily, there are tons of great-smelling options! Here are a few of my current faves:



* Russian Amber Imperial Shampoo from Philip B. The warm scent has a slight hint of musk and is definitely as rich as its name. It lingers throughout the next day, but it's super-subtle and not overpowering. ($18-$140, philipb.com)



* Seanik Solid Shampoo Bar from LUSH. When you need a quick, convenient shampoo, give this a whirl. Its fragrance—a mix of mimosa, orange blossom absolute and jasmine—will make you think of long days by the sea. ($9.95, lush.com)



* Smiley All-in-One Washing Treatment from Arthes. It’ll definitely make you smile! This body wash/shampoo combo brings to mind summer and sunshine, thanks to a mix of orange, cocoa, praline, musk and other uplifting scents. ($35, beautyexclusive.com)

-- Mackenzie Walton

Why Are Styling Product Labels So Confusing?
Why aren’t hair styling products clearer when it comes to instructions? It’s bad enough that you have to scan the small type on the bottle, without glasses (hey, don't those marketing folks realize you’ve just left the shower?) to find your own language. I understand that most of these gels, mousses, cremes and pomades are distributed worldwide, but some are a muddle of type all scrunched together, making it super-hard to decipher.

Once you find what you’re looking for, the confusion persists because it's tough to figure out exactly how much you're supposed to be using. Here is a random sampling of what’s written on the products in my home stash, which mostly contains frizz-minimizers and smoothing serums:

Anti-Frizz Cream: A few dabs
Blow-dry pomade: Apply sparingly
Styling treatment: A small amount

Some don’t indicate amount at all and just say: Apply to damp hair.

I was pretty pleased when I discovered a couple of products that were more specific; one instructed me to apply a quarter-sized amount, the other a dime. Still, shouldn’t they indicate which length hair they’re referring to? My hair is short, so should the quarter be more like a dime and the dime, a pea?

My best advice—which is unfortunately also somewhat vague—is that less is more. You can always add more while you’re styling, but you can’t go back and remove what’s already there.

What do you think—do you often have problems using styling products because of unclear directions?

Mary Greenberg

TGIF: Friday Favorite

Friday is the big weekend kickoff (especially with Superbowl Sunday in two days!) and in honor of the big day, here's a great product that'll have you looking gorgeous all weekend long.

I'm all about multi-tasking (who isn't?) so I was super-excited to test-drive per-fékt skin perfection gel. Enriched with antioxidants, it adds an invisible 'second skin' with just a touch of color, for an airbrushed, flawless finish. Always the skeptic, I wasn't sure I could forgo my usual routine of primer, tinted moisturizer and foundation but with a celebrity following including Victoria Beckham, Reese Witherspoon, Paris & Nicky Hilton, Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Ripa, to name a few, I gave it a shot...with fantastic results!

This works so amazingly well that I was astonished how great my skin looked...not to mention how smooth it felt. Best of all, it comes in five sheer shades--including one clear with no color--and works for all skin types. You can say goodbye to fine lines, mega pores, and redness. It includes Vitamins A & E to repair and protect skin damage locks in moisture, and is free of petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances, dyes, wax, parabens, mineral oils, talc, phthalates and water. You can find Per-fékt Beauty products at select Sephora stores or perfektbeauty.com.
*Crystal Fenton

Help Haiti...and Heal Your Hair

Through this Saturday, visit Rare by Ruth Roche/Pureology Salon in New York City, and you can help Haiti, all while giving your mane a major boost.

A $25 donation gets you a 15-minute Pureology Hydrating Scalp Massage, an amazing conditioning treatment that restores hydration to your hair and helps lock in color. Conveniently, you can add this service to an existing appointment or book it as a standalone service. You'll even get a complimentary mini bottle of Pureology EssentialRepair ColourMax or EssentialRepair InstantRepair during your visit!

Best of all 100% of donations go to Global Green USA's efforts to rebuild Haiti. Call 212-343-9133 to make an appointment.

-- Mackenzie Walton

Dreaming of Spring

Yesterday, groundhog Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow, which means six more weeks of winter! But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on spring by trying on some bright, beautiful hair accessories. Right now, we’re loving the cheery, floral-inspired headbands from True Birds. They almost make us forget that it snowed today in New York!




Visit truebirds.com to see more designs, or check out your nearest Nordstrom store.

--Mackenzie Walton