BYOB to Prevent Your Hair Color from Fading

Last week I sat in the chair of Kyle White at Oscar Blandi, a celebrity colorist who I recently worked with for New York Live.  As he was going through his tips for making hair color last longer (don't shampoo daily, use a thermal protector, etc), one really stood out – BYOB. No, not booze, brush.  Bring your own brush!   Allow me to explain. The number one problem people who color their hair face is fading.  As a brunette, I can tell you that the orangish shade my hair color turns is not flattering.  Orange isn't even a hair color!  Blondes fade to whitish, which is OK, because platinum blonde is still at least considered a hair color and red heads fade out to a coppery shade, which again, isn't ideal, but at least its in the same color family.  Therefore, if you're a brunette like me, sorry, we have it the worst.

Whenever you dry your hair at home make sure you're using a natural bristle brush.  Metal brushes are our hair's worst enemy.  It comes as no surprise that metal conducts heat, which is why when we use them, our blow outs come out so smooth and are done so quickly.  However, the heat also fades our hair color at a rapid pace while causing damage to our strands.

I visit blow out bars regularly and you know what?  They're all trained to use metal brushes, because they allow the stylist to get the quickest results and turn their chairs over. Whenever you go get your hair done or if you frequent a dry bar type of place like me, BYOB – bring your own brush. Yes, it will take the stylist twice as long to do your hair, but you they won't be frying it or sacrificing your color.  As Kyle said, "Think about that black shirt that fades each time you throw it into the dryer."

Keep Your Lipstick in Place, Lessons from A Pro

Since it's summer I've been sticking with wearing glosses or occasionally swiping a bright reddish-coral shade onto my pout, but it seems celebs are sticking with classic reds.  Emma Stone, Zoe Saldana and Taylor Swift are a few who can't get enough of the hue.  No matter what shade you're rocking, make sure it stays in place as the temps rise. Backstage during fashion week in February I spoke with Kabuki, the lead makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, and got an awesome tip on how to prevent your lip color from bleeding.

To create the lip look, first use liner to define the outer shape and apply lip balm only to the center of your lips.  This prevents your color from spreading.

Then, take a single tissue (I like to use Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong), touch it to your lip and put loose powder through it to set the pencil without changing the color.

Finally, apply your pigment in the center of the lip and thin it out as you get closer to the outer corner.

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

Solutions for Sensitive Skin

Last week I hosted a Twitter party answering all of your questions about sensitive skin and was shocked, but probably shouldn't have been, about how many of you tuned in and fired away with questions.  Sensitive skin affects millions in the US alone and according to the AAD, there are four distinct types — acne, rosacea, burning and stinging, and contact dermatitis (allergies and irritants), but they all share one thing, inflammation.  Here are  the answers to some of the most popular questions I was asked.

What's the best kind of moisturizer for sensitive skin?  What about if I have really dry skin?

While different skincare products will work best for different people, you all want to steer clear of irritants.  Check the ingredient list on your products for the following: fragrance, alcohol, dyes and colorants as well as sulfates and acids.  They're all knowns to be potential irritants to people with sensitive skin.  Try a product like Simple Protecting Light Moisturizer SPF 15,which is free of irritants, oil free and has the proper UVA/UVB protection you need.  Have dry skin?  Try POND'S Dry Skin Cream.

How often should I be exfoliating and what kind of exfoliant do you recommend?

Twice a week works, but make sure to choose an exfoliator that's gentle.  St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub, has a cult following and is under $10.

Is the word 'hypoallergenic' just a fluff word?  What does it mean?

It's not a fluff word and you definitely want to look for it on the packaging of your products.    Hypoallergenic means that the product is less likely to cause any sort of allergic reaction.  Research and development teams put formulations through rigorous testing before allowing them to use this claim.  For example, Dove's Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar is the #1 body bar and was recommended by dermatologists (great for sensitive skin), and the word hypoallergenic helped it receive that claim.

All of these sensitive skin products are available at Walgreens and they're running two offers right now.  Get involved.

• During the month of May, when you buy 2 Unilever sensitive skin products at Walgreens, you’ll receive 2,000 Balance Rewards points! Not a Balance Rewards member? Sign up for free here: bit.ly/WalgreensBalance
• When you head into your local Walgreens and pick up a Sensitive Skin brochure from the beauty counter, you can learn about all these great sensitive skin products as well as helpful tips for using them. Then, get up to $4 worth of coupons to save on all your favorite skin care solutions! 

*This post is sponsored by Lunchbox, 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.

Dear Jeannine... How Can I Melt Proof My Makeup?

Dear Jeannine, I live in a tropical area so I need to melt proof my makeup year round.  I've tried using cream based products instead of powders, but even they tend to get sticky and rub off.  What else should I do? Help!

-R

Play the Qwiki: Keeping It Fresh

Everything You Need to Know About Sunscreen Including the New FDA Regulations

I'm completely obsessed with knowing everything there is to know about my skin, aging, sun damage and SPF.  My derm, Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz, can back me up on that as I'm constantly picking her brain and bugging her for more and more info.  My days basking the sunshine are over and I now understand everything there is to know about protection  – sun protection to ensure I don't age any quicker and never welcome skin cancer.  Of course, I had to share her knowledge with you, because it's beyond interesting and helpful. Incidental sun exposure received during everyday activities accounts for approximately 80% of an individual’s lifetime exposure," states Dr. Ilyse Lefkowicz.  "Therefore, I always recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis in order to help prevent skin cancer and aging."

When shopping for SPF you want to look for three things:

• Broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or greater
• Water resistance

Broad spectrum is super important (UVA and UVB coverage) because the different types of rays do different types of damage that can both lead to skin cancer.  UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots and can pass through window glass.  UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and are blocked by window glass.

"Because most people don’t apply sunscreen the way they are supposed to (most apply less than 1/4 of the amount they should, , I always advise my patients to use a higher SPF," Dr. Lefkowicz comments.  The proper dosage is about a shot glass full, or an ounce, to cover your entire body.

To break it down, Lefkowicz explains that SPF not only indicates how much longer protected skin can resist getting red than unprotected skin, but also what percentage of UV rays are screened.  An SPF 15 screens 93% of UV rays whereas an SPF 50 protects against 98% UV rays.  Her thoughts on an SPF 100?  Well, doubtful it can do much better than 50.

Beginning in 2013, you’ll see several changes to sunscreen labels required by the FDA.

• For a sunscreen to carry the claim that it can prevent skin cancer and sunburn, it must offer both: 1) broad-spectrum coverage 2) an SPF of 15 or higher.

• The FDA will ban companies from claiming that a sunscreen is “waterproof” or “sweat proof.” This is simply not possible. You’ll now see the term “water resistant.” The label also must state how long the water resistance lasts, either 40 or 80 minutes.

Dear Jeannine... How do you find a dermatologist and self tanner?

I can't even begin to tell you how many questions I receive daily from women and men (yes, men too) about beauty and grooming.  So many that it encouraged me to start a "Dear Jeannine" column.  They come in from all angles: Facebook messages, emails, Twitter DM's and even Linked In.  I'm honored and humbled and love answering them!  If you have a question, the best way to submit is to go through BeautySweetSpot's Facebook Fan page.  From now on I'll be answering them all and occasionally publish Q&A's on the site.  Here's the first one:

Hi Jeannine!

I just read your article about tanning beds and I have to admit, I not only love them, I have one. In my house. Yeah, I know. I might as well smoke a pack of cigarettes a day! BUT, I recently had a moment where I felt the desire to embrace my fairness! I have not gone in a month and am feeling exactly as you described. Ugly, fat and unattractive. I am fighting the urge to hop back in. I wanted to try a couple of things you mentioned - a dermatologist and a self tanner. How did you find a good dermatologist? What self tanner do you recommend?

Thanks in advance for sharing. Your articles are fun reads!

-L

Dear L,

Thanks for writing and for reading my Confessions of A Former Tanning Bed Addict post.  I had a feeling people would be able to relate to my experience.  First of all, I'm so proud of you for not tanning this month.  Not only is it unhealthy, but tanned skin isn't even attractive any longer... it's the glow you seek.  Get rid of that tanning bed asap (think of the new shoes you can purchase by selling it)!  Try St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse for body and Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads for Face (he has body ones too that are equally as awesome).

To find a dermatologist in your area, check the Academy of Dermatology's website.  You can also find free skin cancer screenings in your area there.  Hope this helps!

xo,

Jeannine

Sundress Season Calls for An Updated Workout Playlist

It hit me today.  It's almost sundress season!  March has crept up on me quicker than expected and with temperatures teasing at 60 degrees in NYC, I'm already flirting with Spring fashions.  So when I woke up this weekend to warm weather, the sun shining through my window and the date March 11th starring back at me on my iPhone I knew it was time... to hit the gym with all I've got.

Unlike most, the get in shape for the New Year thing doesn't work for me.  It takes ridding clothes to get me to really move.  The other thing that really helps is a killer playlist.  According to a Men's Health study, music helps you to block out any (good) pain in an exercise and by listening to music you love, you're  distracting yourself into pushing to your max without feeling tired.

I particually love running or doing any kind of cardio to house music.  I just think of dancing in the Hamptons all summer, which is definitely a distraction.  Then, I like toning and lifting to hip hop.  It feels more bad ass when I'm lifting weights.

Here's a sample of my club playlist:

We Found Love, Rihanna

Alright, Red Carpet

The Calling, Sebastian Ingrosso & Alesso

You Take Me Higher, Rogerseventytwo

Cry, Bingo Players

So Much Love, Fedde Le Grande

Every Teardrop is A Waterfall, Swedish House Mafia Remix

Raining, Kaskade

Release Me, Agnes & LMFAO

Where You Wanna Go, Mischa Daniels

Opera, Matts Mantra

I'm In Love, Alex Gaudino

Changes, Chris Lake

No More Tears, Lora

Fade Into Darkness, Avicii

Free Fallin', Zoe Badwi

I Will Be Here, DJ Tiesto

No Turning Back, Gui Boratto

I'm Not Alone, Calvin Harris

Eyes, Kaskade

(Note: There's a thousand mixes out there of these songs.  So find the one that suits you!)

Yoga & Vino, More Than A Fun Night with The Girls

This past Sunday I was introduced to a workshop called Yoga & Vino at Katonah Yoga NYC that offered much more than something fun to do on a weekend with your girlfriends. Run by two incredibly talented and passionate people, the Founder of Ki-Power Vinyassa, Isauro Fernandez and Alex Elman of Alex Elman Wines, it's a journey through the senses that encourages people to savior the moment. About 20 of us (Alex Elman included) took part in Isauro Fernandez's one-hour Ki-Power Vinyassa class, which combines the breath concentration and flow of Vinyassa with the intensity of martial arts.  Being the fitness junkie that I am, I really enjoyed the constant movement, challenge and music (who plays Beyonce in yoga?).  We were constantly encouraged to surrender to our breath, which allows for concentration and living in the movement of the moment.

After the yoga class, mind cleared and senses heightened, we all ventured into a studio next door for wine tasting lead by Alex Elman, one of the most passionate and vibrant people I've ever met.  In her late 20's Alex lost her sight due to complications from diabetes, but after watching her in yoga class and talking with her about the wines she curates, sells and makes I realized this is a woman who isn't about to let that stand in her way.  Her manerisims are on point and her knowledge of wine and passion for living life to it's fullest is undeniable.  The wine tasting taught us to allow full sensual experiences to take over.

Isauro and Alex will be teaching more of these workshops around the country.  I'll tweet their whereabouts!

Check out the video of my experience through the Yoga & Wine Workshop and meet Isauro and Alex for yourself!

Get the Look: Amanda Seyfried, "In Time" Premiere

A few days ago Amanda Seyfried attended the premiere of her new movie, In Time, in LA donning a floral, drop waist Prabal Gurung dress from their Spring 2012 collection, her classic blow out and sultry eyes.  Love her makeup look?  Read on for the how to from her makeup artist Monika Blunder. "Amanda was wearing a very colorful dress with lots of purple and pink shading and I wanted her makeup to reflect some of the same color tones," states Blunder.  "I focused mainly on a strong eye and kept the lip minimal with just a hint of pink."

Amanda's smokey eye was created  with Cle de Peau Beaute's Limited Edition Cream Eye Color in Moon Light n Night Brown.  For depth, Blunder used Night Brown (the darker grey shadow) just on the outter corners of the eyes and added a bit of Moon Light (the sparkly cream shade) on the inner corners to open her eye up.  She then traced her inner top and bottom rims with black liner and smudged it out a bit under the eye.  Three coats of mascara completed the look.

Blunder then used Cle de Pea's Cheek Color Duo in Number 2.  The color was concentrated on her cheeks and highlighter right along her cheekbones for added sheen. To finish, Extra Rich Lipstick in T9 gave her the perfect hint of pink on her lips.

Make Your Hair Color Last

No matter what hue you're sporting, it sometimes seems nearly impossible to keep it vibrant during the summer months.  Celebrity stylist brad johns, who recently opened a new studio at the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa in Manhattan, gave me some great tips on how to preserve your hair color while laying out and frolicking in the sun. "Blondes usually get better in the summer because of the sun, but brunettes tend to get brassy," remarked brad.

If you're a brunette, the best way to protect your hair color is by covering it completely with a sun hat or scarf, however there are sprays made for hair with SPF in them.

Post sun, no matter what your hair color make sure you follow up with a good conditioner. Brad recommends Davines Nounou Repairing Hair Mask, $26.  If you're a blonde, rinse your locks with club soda after going in a chlorinated pool to prevent your hair from turning greenish.

Make Your Hair Color Last

Like many of you, I've been dying my hair for years, since about 7th grade to be exact.  A natural brunette, I've experimented with different tones of red, blonde highlights and even took my strands to an inky blue-black. Currently sporting a rich brunette hue, I don't think I'll ever go back to my lighter roots.  

Since hair color is only suposed to last about four to six weeks, coloring can get pretty pricey, not to mention drying!  I spoke with celebrity colorist, brad johns, of Red Door Spa in NYC to find out how to make your color last.  Check out his tips:

•  Go dirty.  Do not shampoo or wet your hair for 48 to 72 hours after coloring. This will allow your color to set in completely.
• Use the right products.  When shampooing, make sure you use specifically formulated shampoos and conditioners for color treated hair.
• Seal it in.  Use a silicone-based styling product that promises to seal in color after a wash.
• Revive.  Once a week use an at-home in-shower hair color glaze to keep the color fresh.  
• Be aware of the sun.  If you went darker, avoid the sun or protect your strands with an SPF so it doesn't turn brassy.  If you highlighted your hair, embrace the sun and allow it to naturally lighten your color.

Brad Johns recommends Davines products for color teated hair, but also recommends consulting with your stylists.