Intern Review: Run, Don't Walk, Towards Hair Oil

As the seasons change from humid summer to crispy fall, so does my daily hair regimen. During the summer months, my hair is frizzy, huge, and downright gross. It takes four different products to weigh it down. The complete opposite is true for the colder seasons; my hair becomes dry and brittle... until Jeannine asked me to test Ojon's Restorative Hair Treatment, $19.50. The description had me hooked by boasting repairing damaged hair in just one treatment without parabens, but when I read in the directions to take the balm and rub between my palms to create an oil I wanted to abort the mission then and there. My hair is very fine and gets oily all on its own. I don't need products to add to the grease that forms within twenty four hours of shampooing. However, I couldn't resist the terrific, tropical smell and decided to try it out – at least for testing purposes.

I started by taking a very small amount (the box suggests 1/2 a teaspoon, but I used even less) and creating the oil. I then mentally crossed my fingers and ran the oil first through my ends, then the rest of my hair. After a couple minutes, I combed my hair to ensure it was thoroughly saturated. Despite my initial inhibitions, I was ecstatic with the results! My hair looked shinier and healthier than ever and I couldn't even feel the oil. The effect lasted throughout the day with no signs of greasiness. I have been using it every day since and my hair has never looked better!

Intern Review: The Perfect Mascara for Girls on the Go

If you're anything like me, you don't have thirty minutes every morning to devote to applying makeup and even less time to touch it up midday. However being the girly girl that I am, I find ways to make time, but I always forget to account for the extra time mascara takes. Let's get one thing straight, I have very short lashes. As in I can't even use an eyelash curler without curling my eyelid as well. So whenever I apply mascara, I have to apply at least three coats to make it look as though there is anything there. Of course with the three coats, comes the extra on the eyelids. My biggest pet peeve is a beautifully made up eye with mascara bits stuck on top of the eyeshadow. I've tried everything in the past from starting at the base of the eyelashes and wiggling the brush up to attempting to cover up the mess ups with more eyeshadow and nothing has worked. And I spent another fifteen minutes on my makeup.

Finally after testing several mascaras I found the perfect one! Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara. I have been a fan of Urban Decay for years (especially their Eyeshadow Primer Potion), but never tried their mascaras. I was intrigued by the curling mascara because of the brush. The brush is curved and shaped slightly like fake lashes. The formula boasts super conditioning ingredients such as glycoprotein for lash thickening, Moringa seeds for curling and Meadowfoam seed oil and she butter for moisturizing and smoothing.

At first I was wary of the mascara, assuming it would be just like every other one, but after testing it I was sold. It took a couple different techniques to learn how to use the mascara to the fullest, but I finally found the answer. Because the brush is shaped like the eyelashes it's coating, I simply hold the brush up to my eye and blink my eyelashes onto it. It covers the eyelashes without seeping onto the eyelid! Plus this technique ensures the ends of the lashes will get special attention making them appear longer than they are.

My favorite part about this mascara is that it literally takes one minute to perfectly apply. And it's long lasting so no touch ups needed!

Playboy Glam at The Blonds

  The Blonds are amazing designers known for their eccentricity. This year, the look was all about Playboy. The clothes were magnificently intricate beaded corsets and the nails even moreso.

The nails, by Kristina Estabrooks for CND, took over 100 hours of manual labor to make and it definitely paid off. There were nails of every imaginative design. Hand painted bows, Swarovski crystal made fishnet, 24k gold leaf foil, and my personal favorite; crushed glass atop silver polish. The crushed glass matched the geometric shapes on the corsets. They were insane and glittered so much more than the standard rhinestone."It's not nail art, but nail fashion," remarked Estabrooks. Totally agreed.

To keep the nails and clothes as the focal point, the makeup and hair accentuated the Playboy vixen vibe. The makeup, by Kobuki for MAC, was described as a futuristic sex kitten. Kobuki created a "false eyebrow" by using two different eyebrow pencils, "Lingering Brow Pencil" and duck power point pencil and brushing concealer through the real eyebrow hairs. Then using a darker pencil to cheat the outer arch of the brows. The real treat was the eye makeup. I fall in love immediately with anything resembling a cat eye or winged tip and this one was no exception. Kobuki made a lightning bolt out of the eyes with Black Fluidline Liner.  He made wings as usual, but then added an eyeliner flick on the bottom and the top. Stunning and so easy to recreate.  To finish the look, Kobuki contoured the face and added Woo Me Kissable Lip Color for a juicy, glossy finish.

The hair was huge and bombshell! Dennis Lanni for Bumble and Bumble wanted a Jessica Rabbit look for the models as they walked down the runway. He teased the hair and set it in big rollers. The rollers, secured with Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray, were left in for quite some time. After the rollers are taken out, the curls were brushed out. Dennis did not want ringlets in the hair. The overall effect was a cross between Priscilla Presley and Marilyn Monroe.

I've been loving the sixty looks that have been coming down the runway this season! The nails were fierce and I feel like I'm in desperate need for "nail fashion."

Betsey Johnson's Backstage Beauty Bonanza

I had been told earlier by Jeannine that backstage at Betsey Johnson was one big party and I was not disappointed.   The day finally came for me to cover her show and I was ecstatic! There were colorful signs everywhere made by the designer herself, champagne flowed and mini cupcakes by Baked By Melissa were abundant. Models and makeup artists alike were almost too busy dancing to the bumping music to get ready for the show. Somehow they managed. Sarah Lucero was the lead on makeup for Stila Cosmetics and the watchword for the show was "glam" (sexy and bombshell were also thrown around). The skin was kept very simple using Stila's Perfect + Correct, Brighten + Correct, and Sheer Pressed Powder. The cheeks were contoured with Stila's Sun Bronzing Powder to create some vavavavoom! The eyes were kept fairly simple with a bold, black cat eye (which stayed put thanks to Stila's Prime Pot and Smudge Pot in black) and loooong jet black lashes. (Sarah's tip for those at home is to apply the mascara and then make the cat eye.)

The main focus of the look were the lips; a bright, glossy, neon pink made with "giggle" luxe lip gloss. The finished product was definitely bold without being too much.

The hair, by Peter Gray for Cutler Redken Salon, was based off of Jerry Hall and Betsey's theme for the evening; "tits and ass". To make the hair as curvy as the motif, Peter used Redken's Number 12 Versatile Working Spray and curled 3/4 of the head all over. The curls were held with pins and sprayed again (I felt the top of the curls, there was a lot of shelac there). The other side of the head was a deep, sleek side part that went all the way from the front of the head to the back of the ear. After the curls were set, using Redken number 7 full frame protective volumizing mousse, the curls were brushed out into gorgeous waves. The finished look was as opulent as the collection.

The most intricate part of the show was definitely Nonie Creme, of Butter Londons nails. They were insane! Nonie said her inspiration came from Betsey's let loose and rock on attitude. The nails were a reverse half moon. She started by painting the nails with Union Jack Black and filing the tips to points. Then putting on a "stair step holographic glitter tip" (If you're confused, don't worry so was I. The stair step bit means that the fake nail sat above the real nail so it was on two different planes). Then, "Of course since it's Betsey," said Nonie. There was a diamante applique on each of the nails at the curve. The most interesting part of the already amazing and innovative manicure were the pinkies. Each pinky was pierced with a baby black safety pin. The safety pin was unbelievably cool and has made me stop biting my nails so I can grow them long enough to get them! Nonie's at home tip for this crazy manicure is to lay all of the fake nails on the table and paint them before you apply them. That way you can put nail polish everywhere and not worry about messing up your manicure.

Betsey's backstage party was amazing and I never wanted to leave. When I finally did, rocking a pink, glittery hair extension that smelled like Betsey's new fragrance, "Too Too", I danced around my room in my favorite Betsey dress listening to '80's music. A perfect ending to a perfect day.

Betsey keeping it cool with her own hair extension!

Backstage Erin Fetherston Was A Wonderland

Though a product of the '90's, I've always loved the style of the sixties. The voluminous hair, the bright colors, and all of the eye makeup! When I stepped backstage at Erin Fetherston, I knew I had walked into a personal fairytale land. Esther Langham for Alterna on Beauty.com created four hair looks to complement Erin's Spring/Summer collection; a french twist, low side ponytail, low middle ponytail, and braided top knot.

All of these styles started with creating volume by backcombing the hair and spraying with Alterna's Bamboo Volume Uplifting Root Blast. Then it was tousled to give it a natural feel. To help style, Esther used Alterna's Bamboo Volume Weightless Whipped Mousse. Each look was finished with Alterna's Bamboo Smooth Anti- Humidity Hair Spray.

Though each look was beautiful, the one I know I will be copying is the ponytail. Start by backcombing the hair and creating a two inch center part. Secure the ponytail at the nape of the neck and wrap a section of hair around the elastic. In minutes you've got the perfect Sharon Tate style hair.

The nails by Nonie Creme of Butter London were super special. Nonie and Erin collaborated to create a custom color for the collection. They blended "Tea with the Queen" and "Pink Ribbon" to create a subdued and simple manicure.

The make up by James Kaliardos for MAC was absolutely stunning. Mia Farrow inspired, the look was youthful and whimsical. The skin was left bare except for Match Master Foundation and Peach blush on the cheeks. The eyes and the lips stole the show with their dramatic finishes. The eyes, like the nail polish, were custom made for Erin's show. The false lashes were cut on the ends and longer in the center (Like Mia Farrow's haircut in Rosemary's Baby for the eyes!). The lashes were then coated in many layers of Opulash Black Mascara. For the shadow and liner, James used Blacktrack as a base with Carbon on top to create a very dark look. To highlight and make the eyes bigger, he put SuperSlick in silver under the eyes and smudged Luna in the corners. To really emphasize the fun, bright style, James finished with lipstick in either Flamingo (light pink), orange, or dark pink.

Makeup artist Caitlin Callahan's tip to try the look at home (which I did as soon as I got back to my apartment) was to do the smoky eye in just one color as opposed to the tri-color most of us are used to. Make sure the lashes are curled and use extra mascara in the center. Most importantly, don't shy away from the bright lip! Erin showed us that it IS possible to do a smoky eye with a lipstick that isn't nude!

^Even Erin had her makeup done like the models!

Helmut Lang Creates A Head Banging Party

As soon as I stepped into Pier 57 for the Helmut Lang show, I knew I was in for a treat. The studio looks like an abandoned warehouse and Helmut Lang took full advantage of it. There was loud music blaring before any of the guests walked in to set the tone for the day. The hair and makeup played right into the very cool atmosphere. The makeup look was thought up by Lisa Butler and executed by Cory Bishop, both from Temptu. Their watchwords were "sporty chic."  The duo wanted to create a face forward aggressive girl with attitude. To make the brow and eyes strong, they airbrushed the girls from the eyebrow (blonde) to the eyelid (brown).

They finished the eyes with black, waterproof mascara. To keep up with the active feel, they kept the face and lips dewy with sunset glow on the cheeks and a hydrating lip balm in VIP.

Paul Hanlon, the adorable hair genius for TIGI, wanted to invent a look for the girl who had spent the whole night headbanging at a concert. Definitely a little bit sweaty and greasy with plenty of spunk. The finished product was an unkempt, deconstructed knot. He began by spraying the whole head with TIGI Session Series' Salt Spray to take out the softness. Then, section by section, he ran Session Series' Styling Cream through the hair (an entire bottle per girl!). The hair was then fingercombed back into a messy ponytail. From there it was split into two big sections and tied like a shoelace. Right before the girls step foot on the runway, they got sprayed with Session Series' shine spray.

Definitely a fun look to try, especially on humid days when my hair won't do anything right. Word to the wise; to avoid looking dirty instead of cool, skip the styling cream and use mousse instead. It creates the same look without being too greasy.

Bohemian Sophistication Backstage at Jill Stuart

Jill Stuart is known for her girly, youthful clothes and this season is no exception. The overall look was described as "bohemian sophistication" by Lead Makeup Artist, Diane Kendal for MAC. She wanted to add to the softness of the clothes by creating a simple, yet sexy face for the girls. Using some Jill Stuart products and some MAC products, Diane began by keeping the skin matte except for a pink/peach blush to give it a warm glow. She played up the eyes by smudging black kohl on the inside of the lid. To keep the kohl from being too harsh, she used black cream liner to soften and MAC brown grease paint to contour. The lips were kept simple, yet colorful without competing with the eyes. First, foundation was applied to them and then a hint of MAC's eye pigment powder in pink and orange. This look is so easy to recreate and perfect for going out to dinner! Just be careful not to overdue it on the lips or you'll end up looking more Bozo than beautiful.

To play up the easy, flirty look, Odile Gilbert for Kerastase created a hairstyle that screamed Spring. She started by parting the hair in a deep side part and scrunching the with Kerastase Lotion Densitive using a blowdryer to create texturized waves. To execute a coy, innocent feel, she created the illusion of bangs. (It looks way more difficult than it is, just bring hair to the front, twist to the side and hold with bobby pins.)

To make the style really stand out, every girl had a braid under the hair that popped out on the runway. The hair was held in place with Kerastase's double force hairspray.

I loved this look because it is so simple to do at home, and works on every hair type. Even those with painfully thin hair can make it work by using Kerastase's Mousse Volume Active.

Tough Girls Wear Floral at Cynthia Rowley

Cynthia Rowley’s Spring/Summer collection was filled with colorful, floral pieces. To balance out the femininity and poufy dresses, the hair and makeup went in the opposite direction. “Tough” was one word that Lottie, lead makeup artist from Makeup Forever, used to describe the look. Despite the fact that the girls are wearing these clothes, they’re not to be messed with. While it seemed like the models weren’t wearing a lot of makeup, their faces were full of contoured shadow with the appropriate amount of shading. Lottie began with Makeup Forever’s Invisible Cover Foundation and contoured the cheeks with eye shadow in #76 and #98 (instead of using bronzer or face powder like you’d expect) to give the skin a flawless look. The key to the look however, was to create a shadow beneath the eyebrows. She used eye shadow #17 and #98 depending on the model’s skin tone. Their lips and lids were left bare with just a hint of lip balm.

Shon, the lead hair stylist, thought this girl should have a beautiful wave in her hair, but look natural with a “sweaty” front. He started by curling each model’s hair with a triple barrel curling iron in various sizes. To hold the waves, he combed them through and sprayed with Amika’s 2 in 1 Styling Agent. He then took the hair into sections and used Amika’s Curl Defining Cream to create the “greasy” effect. To soften the look and make it seem natural, he finished by finger combing the hair. Though everyone else at Fashion Week had the sweaty hair naturally, Shon’s tip to remake the hairstyle without looking like a hot mess is to use the Curl Defining Cream starting at the top of the head at the hairline as opposed to the front. The show was beautiful and the hair and makeup added an edge to the zig zag floral prints coming down the runway.