DIY Beauty Refresh: No Salon Needed

Why spend hundreds of dollars at the salon or spa on your beauty regimen when you can do it yourself and save?  Well, DIY to a certain extent.  Here are some of our favorite beauty buys that'll keep you looking fresh this spring.

Hair: Refreshing your color at a hair salon with a gloss can run you about $80. At home, try John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for only $11.99 at drugstore.com. Available in six shades, the glosses refresh and liven up your hair color even matching the tone. Just apply it in the shower after you shampoo and let it sit for 3-5 minutes before rinsing.

Nails: Fan of gel manicures? They can run you upwards of $40 a pop at the salon. Instead, try Sensationail at home. The starter kit is $59.99 and then you’re set. It includes the LED lamp and everything you need to get a chip free manicure for up to 2 weeks over and over again.

Smile: Professional teeth whitening can cost about $500! At home, try the new GoSmile Sonic Blue Whitening System for a professional whitening each time you brush thanks to the LED light paired with vibrations that polish your teeth.

Now, how's that for a spring beauty refresh?

Behind the Scenes: John Frieda Beach Blonde Party

One part of my job that I love is taking you behind the scenes into the beauty industry so as a new feature, I'm brining the camera with me to some of the hottest events I attend. Want to see what it's really like to be a beauty influencer? Tune into BeautySweetSpot TV.  First up, John Frieda's Beach Blonde launch party with Lauren Conrad, Lo Bosworth, AnnaSophia Robb and more.

The Easiest Way to Boost Your Hair Color

How great do you feel after getting your hair color done?  Refreshed and renewed, dying my hair a richer shade of brown always adds an extra bounce to my step.   In between color appointments, I have a recipe for radiance that keeps the shade and tone in check.  Want to make your hair color look fresh for longer?  Here's the easiest way to give it a boost – no salon needed.

I start by using Catwalk by Tigi Fashionista Brunette Shampoo & Conditioner daily.  They help to reduce any brassy, reddish tones that come out after a few weeks and keep my color intense and hair shiny by depositing a bit of color each time.  There's also a set of shampoo and conditioner for blondes that deposit violet hues onto the hair to keep it vibrant.  But sorry redheads and everyone else, that's as far as the collection extends for now.

Then, once a week I use John Frieda Color Refreshing Gloss for Cool Brunettes, which is an in-shower gloss-like treatment.  I mentioned on my Instagram recently, that this is one drugstore product I actually buy when I run out.  As a beauty blogger, I'm fortunate enough to not have to purchase products that often.  But when I get hooked, I get hooked.  While I'm a huge fan of getting professional glosses in-between colors, this gets the job done, too.  No salon visit required.  Like the shampoo and conditioner, it deposits color at a more intense level to counteract brassiness and keep your shade rich.  Once a week I leave it on my damp, clean hair for about five minutes and rinse.  This collection is available for brunettes, blondes and redheads, and also comes in warm and cool tones, so you can get the perfect match.

Don't dye your hair?  Lucky b*tch.  You can still use these products to enhance your hair color or try using a clear gloss like Rita Hazan's Ultimate Shine Gloss, just to boost your shine game.

John Frieda Broadens Frizz Ease Serum Collection

A good hair day sets the tone for the day, which is precisely why I have blowouts booked every Saturday and Sunday morning throughout April in case one of those days is my surprise bridal shower.  Obvi, I don't want to risk it as I'm not very savvy with a round brush.  Remember when John Frieda first came out with Frizz Ease and it saved your life? Well, now they have new forms of the genius frizz tamer that'll help you have a good hair day, everyday.

With the proper use of the right products, good hair days aren't hard to come by as long as you know how to blow out your hair.  The two new additions are – Expert Finish for dry hair and Extra Strength that has added proteins in it for weak or damaged hair.  When using, remember a little bit goes a long way and apply a dollop onto damp hair.

They also began a campaign called "Never Pull Back."  Think beyond the ponytail... a bad hair days as we know, can set you back in life!  Also, check out this clever video.  I didn't get it at first, but the end made me say "Ahhh!"

*This is a sponsored post by John Frieda, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Boost Your Color with John Frieda's New Glosses

John Frieda's Brilliant Brunette Color Glaze has been a staple in my shower for at least the past five years.  As a brunette who likes to deepen her color every few months, I live for glosses in between dye jobs.  Not only do they help enrichen my color once it begins to fade, but they also keep my hair shiny.  That's why when I heard that the brand was launching new and improved at-home glosses I jumped at the chance to test them out. Here's why you should, too.

The version I'm used to using was sort of like a one-size-fits-all.  If you had brown hair, you used the Brilliant Brunette Color Glaze.  While it worked to coat my strands by depositing a temporary medium brown shade, it had a warmth to it that brought out reddish undertones in my hair. Let's face it, after a dye job oxidizes, reddish undertones look better than washed out hair color.  I was satisfied... until my next dye job.

Now, the updated glosses mimic their in-salon treatments and are customized to suit your hair color and tone.  I use the Colour Refreshing Gloss for cool brunettes in between dyes and it enriches my color just a bit while canceling out the redness so I'm able to keep my hair color in check in between dye appointments.  Plus, it has all of the shine benefits.  These new glosses come in six different shades: warm and cool versions for brunettes, blondes and red heads.

Find John Frieda Colour Refreshing Gloss for $12.99 at drugstores.

*This is a sponsored post by John Frieda, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Oscar Beauty Must-Haves: What the Pros Used

After being glued to red carpet coverage and speaking with publicists, makeup artists and hairstylists all day yesterday, I am beyond over the Oscars!  Truth.  However, there's so much to talk about.  Here's a round up of some of the beauty loot the pros used on celebs like Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Hudson, Adele and more before they hit the carpet.  Believe it or not, a lot of it is from the drugstore!

For an added shine boost, Jennifer Hudson's stylist, Kiyah Wright used Clairol Professional Jazzing in Coffee Bean, let it sit for five minutes and washed it out before shampooing.

To enhance her spray tan (which she got the day before the Oscars) Salma Hayek's makeup artist, Jo Strettell, applied St. Tropez Gradual Tan Plus Firming Body Lotion to her body before she hit the red carpet.

To mimic her soft pink dress, Anne Hathaway's manicurist, Tom Bachik, first used L'Oréal Paris’ new limited-editionVersailles Romance Colour Riche Nail Collection (coming out in March) called "The Palace Life."  Then added a personal touch by painting her grandmother's initials on her ring fingers.

To get just the right amount of smolder, Stacy Keibler's makeup artist, Matthew VanLeeuwen glided and smudged Elizabeth Arden's Beautiful Color Smoky Eyes Pencil in Smoky across her lids.

To straighten her hair without it falling flat, Kerry Washington's stylist, Takisha Sturdivant-Drew used Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse on her damp strands before blowdrying.

To leave a little bit of sheen on her skin, Jenna Dewan-Tatum's makeup artist, Kayleen McAdams, used Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil on her body.

To ensure bounciness in Adele's bouffant, her stylist Michael Ashton finished her look John Frieda Luxurious Volume All-Day Hold Hairspray.

For a lasting style with texture, Jennifer Aniston's stylist, Chris McMillan, used Living Proof's Prime Style Extender, which also allowed for touchable hair.

To protect her hair and extensions from the heat of the curling iron, Jessica Chastain's stylist, Renato Campora, spritzed it with Vidal Sassoon Pro Series Heat Protectant & Shine Spray.

On her lashes, Charlize Theron's makeup artist, Pati Dubroff, used Diorshow Mascara in #090 Catwalk Black.

Zac Posen Backstage Beauty Report: Deconstructed Chignons with Aubergine Lips & Tips

There's nothing classier and more New York than attending a Zac Posen fashion show.  It was the first show I've ever attended in my six plus year career in beauty and the one show I'll never miss covering backstage beauty.  This season, the show was held at the Palace Hotel's Terrace Room.  Picture crystal chandeliers lining the runway, intricate paintings on the backstage ceiling, mirrors lining the walls and famous models like Crystal Renn.  Artists from John Frieda, MAC and Essie created a look that a complete contradiction from last year. "There's a lot of construction in the clothes so we wanted to make sure the hair was relaxed," explained Luigi Murenu, John Frieda's Global Creative Consultant. "We wanted to create an art deco, 2013 chignon with volume and personality."

Before drying or in some cases, on dry hair he combed John Frieda Luxurious Volume, Volume Building Mousse through the hair to build up the hairs texture and bring it to life.  Once dry, the team began crimping the top of the hair in a "clap, clap, clap" way so the iron didn't leave an imprint on the hair, but just made it look "as if they had more hair."  Keeping volume on the top, he flattened out and tightened the sides, sealing them with a serum, and secured a ponytail at the nape of the neck.  Separating the pony into two sections, he twisted them around each other and pinned it up into a deconstructed chignon.  The key pieces were two side fly aways that were purposely pulled out and crimped to give the look a sense of lightness.

Kabuki, the lead makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, was inspired by the snow falling outside during the makeup trial and explained how the makeup was "minimal and snowy in the eye, but brought back into the jewel colors of the collection by doing a rich, burgundy stained lip."

The skin was highlighted and eyes were soft, but the lip was special.  "The look needed a moment of a strong moment, which brings out the dellicatecy of the eye," Kabuki stated.  To create the lip look, he first used Vino Lip Liner to define the outer shape and applied lip balm only to the center of the lips.  This prevents the color from spreading.  Then, taking a single tissue, he touched it to the lip and put loose powder through it to set the pencil without changing the color.  Finally, he applied Lip Mix in Burgundy to the center of the lip and thinned it out as it got closer to the outer corner.  "This way, you don't have to worry about color bleeding or running, but you still have the dense coverage in the middle," he concluded.

"When you put a dark lip with a dark nail it keeps it really dramatic and gives it a bit of an edge," comments an Essie manicurist.  The shade used was Carri On, which is their darkest aubergine.

Top Models, Rich Girl Hair and Mega Lashes Backstage at Zac Posen

This season I'm only covering a few shows, my favorites.  Being my favorite designer, I jumped at the opporunity to go backstage to Zac Posen again this year as some of my career highlights have been with him including my first fashion show and a private meet and greet with the designer himself at his show room (see post).  Unbelievable.  And I'll tell you, no one knows 'rich girl hair' like him.  Here's my experience this year, through photos.

Some of the models hair was colored prior to the show with John Frieda's Precision Foam Hair Color to pump up or down their color for added shine.  "Rich girl hair is all about texture, solid color shine," remarked Harry Josh, John Frieda colorist.  "It creates an expensive look."

Inspired by lounge singer, Lena Horne, the look represented a strong, yet delicate socialite.

Top models walked in the show including Coco Rocha, Naomi Campbell and Karolina Kurkova.

Essie used shades ranging in depth to match all of the models skin tones to elongate the hands. Shades used: Glamour Purse, Brooch the Subject, A Crewed Interest and Not Just A Pretty Face.

"Because we're working with various skintones, we wanted to do something equally flattering to everyone, so we went with a strong lash look by using two pairs of lashes intergrated on each girl," commented Kabuki, the lead makeup artist from MAC cosmetics."

Back to School Must Haves from My Intern, Who's Really Going Back to School

My roommate Julia and I know from personal experience that when in a college mind-set we do not spend our money the smartest ways possible. We're only 19 we'd rather spend on dinner before we're sure that we've used every last drop of toothpaste.  From our experience, stocking up on the essentials before going back to school can help, this way you're not pushing your personal hygiene to the bottom of your priorities list towards the end of the semester when money runs low.  Here are some back to school rules and must haves that are worth stocking up on, no BS. Wipe away the evidence with facial wipes.

You have ten minutes until class all the way on the other side of campus.  If you just jump out of bed and go, everyone will see your smudged mascara and eyeliner and wonder why you wore so much makeup to stay in and finish The Sound and the Fury.  Good news is, it only takes about thirty seconds to wipe makeup off your face before bed.  Besides not looking like a stay out, you're skin will thank you.  Our must haves? Neutrogena's Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes in Pink Grapefruit, $5.97 at Walmart.

Avoid monthly salon visits with at-home solutions.

Along with toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner is another item that I am sure to squeeze every last drop out of.  Around two bottles can last you the entire semester. Not only do I stock up on these at the beginning of the semester to save money, but having the right products also saves me money at the salon.  I like John Frieda's Go Blonder Shampoo and Conditioner, $6.49 each.  They keep my color vibrant throughout the semester.  Don't worry, they're not biased towards just blonds either.  They have Brilliant Brunette shampoo and conditioner that brings out natural highlights and creates shine with a high-gloss finish.  It never hurts to have a fresh salon look through the semester without stepping foot in one.

Preserve your blow out, thanks dry shampoo!

Dry shampoo is new to me this year when I became more in-the-know of beauty products, but now that I've experienced it, it's going to be a must have for me this upcoming semester. My thin hair can look greasy throughout a long day, and this product can prevent that worn down look.  It also adds lift and texture for restyling, which is a great way to keep a fresh look through classes, coffees, campus errands and even into the next day.  The best part, Suave's Dry Shampoo is only $2.60 at Target.

Keep facial hair in control by investing in good tweezers.

Ok, so you don't need more then one of these but tweezers keep you from avoiding the monthly eyebrow waxes or threading sessions.  All you need to do is keep up with your eyebrows and tweeze them when you start to see hairs that don't belong through the semester. Then, when your home, you can go and get them cleaned up and reshaped. Although they are on the pricier end, Mac's Slanted Tweezers, $33 are my favorite and the easiest to use.

Avoid bad breath, because you never know... with minty gloss.

We all know that guy in class with the bad breath all too well. We also know that kid who is smacking their gum through your entire final exam.  There's a simpler, classier way to keep fresh breath.  Try a mint lip blam or gloss.  C.O. Bigelow has lip glosses that freshens breath. They have flavors that range from Vanilla Mint to Mango Mimosa and you can get them on their website for $7.50. I suggest buying a few of these, because they will go fast and when you run out you won't think it's that important to get new ones, but it is.

Expert Tips on How to Get the Perfect Blowout

Earlier this month I attended a press dinner to celebrate the launch of John Frieda's new products with Celebrity Stylist, Harry Josh at 632 Below in NYC.  I was really excited to see Harry Josh, because him and I go way back, as he was one of the first celebrity stylists to blowout my hair six years ago (and it hasn't looked better since).  At the time, he was working a ton with Lindsay Lohan and was going to do her hair immediately after mine in the suite next door at the Hotel Gansevoort.  These days, his clients include Ashley Olsen, Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow and Amanda Seyfried to name a few.  Here are his tips on how to get the perfect blowout. “Taking the time to do it correcting may be an extra ten minutes, but you’ll have gorgeous hair at least 24 hours. It’s not worth rushing it," Josh states.

Step One: Prep

Take note of your hairs weakness and apply a styling product onto clean, damp hair prior to blowing it out.  Since my hair is super fine and flat, it needs help in the volume category so I like using a root lifter, specifically L'Oreal EverStyle Volume Lifting Spray.  If you have frizzy hair, John Frieda has their ever-so-fab Frizz Ease and if that was too heavy for you, they just launched Sheer Solution Lightweight Frizz Control, which may be your new BFF.  I'm also insane about using heat protectant sprays to help prevent damage and just started using their Full Repair Style Revival, which protects, but also aids in the styling process.

Step Two: Submiss it with Heat

Using a boar bristle brush for sleekness, take your hair in 1 to 1 1/2 inch sections and blow dry.  Make sure to keep your blow dryer pointed down at your roots and follow the brush to the ends.  "Don’t rush, you’ll spend just as much time going back over your hair if you don’t blow it out carefully from the start, and you’ll be styling the same pieces over and over again , which is prime time for breakage," Josh explains.

Step Three: Add Finishing Touches

Depending on your hair type, apply a small amount of the appropriate styling products to finish off your 'do.  You may use a tiny bit of serum to finish the smoothing process, but since my hair is so fine I like using a shine spray.  My favorite of the moment is Redken 02 Shine Flash, because it's really light weight, yet it does smooth down any frizzies.

John Frieda Offers Free Natasha Bedingfield Concert

Watch out brunettes and red heads! John Frieda has formed a Sheer Blonde Entourage to prove that blondes have more fun by throwing various events across the country exclusively for blondes.  Being a brunette, I have to disagree with him, and will follow his challenge closely.  I would never trade in my dark brown hair! His first event kicks off tomorrow night in NYC (brunettes and all other hair colors are welcome) with a Natasha Bedingfield concert. Check out www.ForBlondesOnly.com for deets about all of his festivities and if you want to attend tomorrow night's show you can also call (732) 887.7214 for free tickets!

The Deets:

Date: Thursday, May 18th

Time: 6-9 pm

Place: Highline Ballroom, 431 W. 16th St. NYC