Runway Trend to Try: Embellished Pony

Backstage during New York Fashion Week, we spotted the embellished ponytail, which proves that adding a little interest to a classic style makes it exciting.  Jeanie Syfu lead the Tresemme team at several shows this season and is the queen of the fancy pony.  Here's her advice on getting the look.

All you need is a strip of fabric.  Jeanie suggests adding a strip of leather to the base of your ponytail by wrapping it about 2" down from the base as seen at Carolina Herrera.  You can also create two small ponytails and secure with gold ribbon then tie the lengths into a knot on top of your ponytail at your nape which I created for Erin Fetherston.

Which style do you like better?

DIY Solutions to Winter Beauty Problems

Yes, we're still talking about winter... and it's March.  If you're still facing these winter beauty problems, it's time you get rid of them, because Spring is right around the corner! Here are five of the most common conundrums and easy DIY solutions.

Problem: Chapped Lips

Solution: Exfoliate then hydrate. Make your own lip scrub with brown sugar and olive oil and use it once a day before you apply your lip balm. If you use lip balm alone, you’re  protecting your lips, but not healing them.

Problem: Dry Skin

Solution: Start to embrace luke warm showers. While taking a hot, steamy shower is coveted in the wintertime, the hot water strips your skin of its natural oils and therefore, dries it out.

Problem: Itchy Scalp

Solution: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your shampoo. The oil has anti-inflamatory and moisturizing properties so it’s a great solution for soothing and ridding dandruff.

Problem: Frizzy Hair

Solution: Hair frizzes because it’s dehydrated and coconut oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft and deep condition.  If you have thick hair, mix 2 parts coconut oil with 1 part olive oil. For thinner hair, leave out the olive oil as it’ll be too heavy. Apply all over your hair, focus on the ends. Wrap it in a bun and leave on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse and shampoo as usual.

Problem: Peeling Cuticles & Brittle Nails

Solution: Warm Olive Oil mixed with a Vitamin E capsule in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Dip your fingers into it for about 20 seconds and massage the solution all over your nails and cuticles. Wipe the excess off with a paper towel. Heating the mixture will allow for better penetration and will help to moisturize and nourish your hands.

Behind the Look: Fiona Stiles

She works with some of Hollywood's leading ladies like Jennifer Garner, Nicole Richie and Jessica Alba, but in her spare time, she managed to launch a new beauty retail site, ShopReedClarke, which I find to have a well curated collection of tools, accessories and beauty needs.  Here, she fills us in on her inspirations and all time favorite beauty products.

What’s your beauty philosophy?

I try to make women look like the best version of themselves without feeling like they're hiding behind a bunch of makeup. I want every woman who's makeup I do to look in the mirror and feel amazing.

What inspires you?

Art, strong women, people on the street... I love to see how people interpret makeup trends and incorporate them into their daily routine. I love art books and of course I love fashion magazines... I can't help it, the fantasy of it all gets me every time.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why?

a. The beautyblender. I can't work without this product, and the imposters are sub-par and a total waste of money. It's a fantastic tool to add to your beauty arsenal.

b. Charlotte Tibury Film Star Bronze & Glow highlighting and cointour palette. So perfect and easy for creating a sculpted face. I didn't know I could live without it until I tried it.

c. White Diamond Lustre perfume. I don't wear a lot of makeup when I'm at work because frankly, it's not about me, it's about my client. That said, I won't leave the house without perfume because I feel like it completes my look. I love the warm floral and citrus scent, it just makes me a bit more glamorous. I have a little extra bottle that I carry around in my kit for when I feel like I need a pick-me-up.

d. Tom Ford mascara. It's lush and inky black and you can get some serious volume and definition with that mascara. And I love, love love lashes so a great mascara is mandatory.

e. Laura Mercier brushes. The shapes and quality of these brushes are amazing. Having the right tools for the job makes all the difference in the application of your makeup and her brushes are just perfect, especially the range of brushes for the eyes.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

I recently discovered a line called Rituel de Fille. They're products are 99% natural and the colors are just amazing. It's a small line, but I am crazy about everything they have. And the fact that their makeup has such great color pay off with such a short ingredient deck is really, really impressive.

Spill your best beauty advice.

Stay out of the sun. At best, it ages you. At worst, it can kill you. Invest in a great sunscreen a good hat and stay in the shade.

Fill in the blank. Fiona Stiles is  ______.

BUSY!!!

The Best Organic Beauty Brands

Shopping for organic beauty buys isn't easy.  Labels are confusing and often times, we doubt the effectiveness of products sans chemicals and are left with the process of trial and error.  Here are five organic beauty brands that we can stand behind, because they promise quality and effectiveness.  Plus, they pride themselves in being ethical, honoring the environment and animals.

Suki Skincare

Made in Massachusetts, this skincare line is proves the power of nature.  We love the Concentrated Clarifying Toner and appreciate that the website and packaging include a description of the source used compared to it's counterpart, chemical ingredient.

Tata Harper

Manufactured in Vermont by Tata Harper, this organic beauty collection is thoughtfully curated.  "Beauty products should contribute to your health, not compromise it."  We love her Volumizing Lip & Cheek Tint and every single mask.

Rahua

Made with ingredients from the Amazon Rainforest, this haircare line screams organic luxury.  The elixir is like liquid gold for your hair.

Ilia

Understanding that our skin absorbs everything we put onto it, this cosmetic line will make your body rejoice.  The lipsticks are creamy and full of pigment.  PS: Do you know how much lipstick we eat per year?

Priti NYC

With a mission to " support organic farmers and to decrease the amount of chemicals poisoning the Earth- and it's inhabitants- one manicure at a time," Priti NYC has a wide range of shades.

Yes, You Need Primer

Primer is like the Secretary of State for makeup. You know it exists, but you're just not sure what it actually does or if you really need it. Truth is, primer is vital in maintaining a flawless look.  Hear me out.

Not only does primer help to seal in moisture and create a smooth surface for your makeup application, but it also helps to protect your skin from harmful free radicals.

There are a ton of great primers out there but I recently discovered Maybelline's FaceStudio Mast Prime Blur and Smooth Primer, and am loving it.  Other primers we're fans of are Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer (an oldie, but goodie) and MAC Prep + Prime Fix Finishing Mist, because they get the job done, while being super lightweight.

After just a couple days of using Maybelline's primer before putting on my makeup, my skin was silky smooth and glowing – Beyoncé glowing.  So yes, you need primer.

NYFW Trend Spotting: MAC's Texturized Eye Liner

Eye makeup can go one of two ways when it comes to the NYFW runways:  Natural and light ala Derek Lam SS2015, or at the opposite end of the spectrum – the eccentric and bold, such as Yadim’s neon eyeliner from Peter Som last season.  And while we love the natural beauty trend, bold makeup is just way more fun.  So what bold eye makeup trend have we spotted this season? Thanks to MAC, texturized eye liner.

Caviar Beads at Ohne Titel

Remember that caviar nail trend a few years ago? This technique was reincarnated by Kabuki for the Ohne Titel show on the models eyes. He mixed MAC’s pro Black Black and Pure White Chromacakes to create a custom grey color which he applied through the lower line of the eyebrow. Then, as an lower lid liner, he applied Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Quite Natural. Now, for the fun part. He glued on the caviar beads using none other than watered-down Elmer's glue due to it's easy removal.

Glitter at Tadashi Shoji

Another textured eyeliner look we saw was created by Pep Gay at Tadashi Shoji. He placed bright gold glitter along the top lash line using MAC Pro Gold Glitter, which he adhered using Duo Adhesive, which allowed him to repeat to gently build intensity.

Metallic at Zac Posen

Zac Posen's metallic eye was another intricate Kabuki creation. Beginning with a base, Bamboom Paint was applied all over the lid and crease. Then, each of the following were mixed with Prep + Prime Fix; MAC Pigments in either Copper Sparkle, Blue Brown, MAC Pro Silver, MAC Pro Gold and MAY Pro Heritage. This is what created the metallic cream that was applied all over the lid up to the crease.  To highlight, Copperplate eye shadow was blended through the outer corner of the eye. Finally, to define, Photogravure Technakohl liner was add to the lash line.

Best Bet: Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum

Moisturizer is my number one desert island product.  Hands down.  Curious about what yours would be, I tweeted out the question and received responses like: mascara, lip balm and yes, moisturizer!  So some of us are on the same page.  Of course, when you walk into the drugstore, you're faced with the mega moisturizer shelf of promises and luckily for you, it's my job to test them all out so you don't have to waste a single penny. My latest post-shower obsession works to moisturize and heal even the roughest skin.  Seriously.

There's nothing more disappointing than a "moisturizer" that sits on top of your skin or maybe even worse, one that smells like old-lady perfume.  Seriously?  As you can imagine, I've been putting quite a few brands to the test this winter and found one I really love and am sticking with – Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum.

Yes, a body serum.  Instead of temporarily soothing and moisturizing my skin, it actually corrects the problem by healing any cracked areas (like my feet, ew, I know) and ensuring that the rest of my skin remains hydrated and protected.  A triple threat for sure.  With a combination of ingredients that help to heal the skin by penetrating to the deepest layers to replenish lipids and Vaseline Jelly to help to prevent any moisture loss, this one's a winner.

The new Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum is available in Deep Repair, Radiance Restore and Advanced Healing at drugstores for $8.49.

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

Jennifer Hudson's Springy Oscars Makeup

Jennifer Hudson's makeup was almost as impactful as her tribute performance last night.  One word to describe her look: Flawless.  I spoke with her makeup artist, Shannon Pezzetta, to find out the exact products she used to create that gorgeous smokey eye and customized lip shade, because you know you want them.

Skin

Of course her makeup prep began with a mini facial.  As it should!  Shannon Pezzetta massaged Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum onto her face to create radiance and followed up with the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream to hydrate the skin and create a base for makeup.  She then used Lancome foundation as a base and highlighted her cheekbones with Cargo Blush in Laguna. Then topped it off with a dusting of Bronzing Powder in Golden by MAC.

Eyes

Using a mix of eye shadows from Stila's In The Garden Palette, Pazzetta created a smokey dark in brown eye with a hint of gold on the lid.

Lips

Of course, her lip look would be customized.  I don't expect anything less for J. Hud! Pazzetta  custom created a peachy, orange color by blending Inglot #401 with Nars Audacious Lipstick in Juliette.

Anna Kendrick's Smokey Eye Secret

Anna Kendrick was one of the first to arrive on the Oscar red carpet and I thought she looked stunning.  "I wanted to create a look that had a presence, but wasn't overpowering and wouldn't compete with the dress," her makeup artist, Vanessa Scali remarked.  Her intense eye makeup was the focal point and the secret?  It took two liners to complete.  Here's exactly how to get her eye makeup.From the lash line to the crease and underneath the lower lashes, Scali blended Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Smolder it into the skin well so that the edges would be soft . Then, she used Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Glisten on the brow bone and a touch in the center of the eyelid.

She then used two eyeliners to pull off the crispness of the look.  First, she lined Kendrick's top lash line and outer corners of the lower lashes as well as the water line with Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eyeliner in Black Violet. Followed by Sunkissed Pearls Gel Eye Liner in Deep Sea Pearl smudged into the lash line. "This makes saturates the black at the base of the lashes. It isn’t a hard line­­--just rich and dark."

A few coats of black mascara on the top lashes, with one, soft coat on the bottom finished the look.

The Exact Lipstick Used on Margot Robbie

Those lips!  Oscars presenter, Margot Robbie stunned in a black Saint Laurent dress paired with fiery orange-red lips. "We were inspired by old Hollywood glamour and wanted to make a statement," says makeup artist Tyron Machhausen, who spills the exact color she's wearing.  Because, you know you want it.

Tyron Macchausen highlighted the actresses cheeks and kept her eyes clean, focusing on liner and mascara.  His secret weapon? Hourglass Panoramic Long Wear Lip Pencil in Raven topped by Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Raven.  The liner and lipstick combo allowed for those lips to take the spotlight.

Dakota Johnson's Oscar Worthy Pony Details

Dakota Johnson's pony was everything on the Oscar red carpet.  Why can't ours look like that every day?  Inspired by her bangs, Mark Townsend, created a fresh, youthful ponytail.  Here's the scoop on how to get her look.

“For the Oscars I wanted her hair to reflect her personality and style, and the Saint Laurent gown she chose to wear was very vibrant," comments Mark Townsend.  "We decided her hair should be off the dress, but not necessarily up, so I went for a young, cool ponytail. She has the most amazing fringe so we kept them down with some face framing layers to keep the style modern and perfectly imperfect."

To create the look, I started by adding a few drops of Dove Youthful Vitality Silk Crème to her damp hair and blow dried with a Mason Pearson brush.

For texture and grip, I liberally sprayed Dove Refresh+Care Invigorating Dry Shampoo throughout her hair, then gathered it just above the occipital bone, securing with a tight elastic.

The key to dressing up a ponytail is in the details, so I pulled a small amount of hair from the ponytail, wrapped it around the base to hide the elastic, and secured with bobby pins.

To create additional texture I sprayed Sally Hershberger Glam Waves Spray in my hands and raked it through the ponytail.

I finished by spraying Dove Style+Care Extra Hold Hairspray to add shine and keep her hair in place all night.

How to Wear the Pantone Color of the Year: Marsala

Marsala, the Pantone color of the year, can be incorporated into your beauty look in so many ways. The best part? It's universally flattering! Check out the video below for my favorite ways to wear the color of the year.  Bonus: I'm giving away everything I feature!  

Behind the Look: Melanie Inglessis

Meet Melanie Inglessis, one of most in demand makeup artists in Hollywood. Working with A-listers like Rosamund Pike, Kate Hudson, Olivia Wilde, Lea Michele and Cameron Diaz, she's been swamped during awards season.  Here' she gives us a peek into her makeup kit and dishes how to get a mini face lift.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately.

Working on the most exciting project right now but it's secret! Hit me back in July!

What’s your beauty philosophy?

Confidence is beauty.

What are the top five must-haves in your kit and why? 

1. Talika eye patches! They're the best in the business and are re-usable up to three times! It tightens the under eye skin, helps with puffiness and dark circles.

2. Organic Pharmacy Rose Water  You can apply this all day long to rehydrate the skin.  On the plane, on a hot day!

3. A peachy blusher to add to any make up. It's freshen up the look.  Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Dolline is the best blusher for everyone.

4. A good concealer!  Cle de Peau concealer is the best!

5. Chanel Bronze Universal is a great product for a very natural sun kiss glow.

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive? Giorgio Armani Lip lacquer are pretty amazing, because the color and intensity is very strong.  Also, Orlane Anti Aging Oxygenation System is just AMAZING!

Spill your best beauty advice. Inner beauty is as important as outer beauty!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? A little highlighter on the inner corner, the brow bones and outer corner of the eye ( in an upward movement) will make you look like you go a mini lift!!

Backstage DKNY: A Conceptual Look

We’re back in the NYFW swing of things. Backstage at DKNY we talked to some of our favorite beauty veterans and got the scoop on the conceptual beauty look they created. From the cobweby hat-hair created by Eugene Soueliman to Yadim's quirky graphic eye. See how they created these memorable runway looks.

Textured Cobweby Hat Hair

“We’re doing a hairstyle that’s as if a hat has been on it and it’s squished down," explains lead Wella hairstylist, Souleiman. And the key to getting this sans hat? Tension, which he created by French braiding two sections of hair beginning behind the ear and bring it down the back of the hairline. Then, using the small end of the back of a comb, he pulled out a thin layer on both sides along the center part, brushed them until full of static, giving the cobweb texture. After spraying them with dry spray, the static hair hung as a veil over the sleeked down flat hair. To keep it pressed down while backstage, the girls wore bandanas while finishing up backstage.

Quirky DIY-Looking Graphic Eye 

“When I talked to the team they said they wanted something quirky and eccentric,” Maybelline lead make artist Yadim explains. Well, he nailed it with the imperfect non-straight line around the eye replicating a shape found on the fabric on a piece in the collection. “It was a bit of a flower print but you wouldn’t really know it because it’s so abstract,” he explained.

Interested in how he created this squiggly graphic eye? He drew the lines using Maybelline Master Precise and Master Graphic, meeting the top and bottom on the outside corner. "You can't make a mistake because it's done purposefully." To get the lines this perfectly imperfect, smear them out with a makeup wipe and then go around and cleaned it up with a dry Q-tip. It still will leave the squiggly effect without initially creating it on purpose.

"The Fast Pass" Mani 

Keeping with the conceptual, DIY theme, lead Essie manicurist Michel Saunders gave each model what she called "The Fast Pass," manicure. It's simply one swipe of nude-colored polish called "All Eyes On Nudes" down the center of the nail. Also looking as if the model quickyldid it herself. "Leaving a little bit of the sides out to show that it's ok to be imperfect," explains Saunders.

Beauty Gadgets Worth Buying

You can't beat a trip to the dermatologist's office for a laser treatment to help even out your skins tone and texture or perhaps the dentist's office for a professional whitening, but even if you start there, upkeep is a must.  Whether used in conjunction with professional treatments or alone, the latest crop of beauty gadgets are impressive and worth the money.

Go Smile Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System, $129 at Ulta

You're never fully dressed without a smile. A beautiful (white) smile can really make a person. We are obsessed with this whitening system for so many reasons. It's one of those products that you forget that you're using. It whitens your teeth while you're brushing meaning no extra time is needed for the perfect smile. Plus, it has a built in timer, so when two minutes is up the brush automatically shuts off. You won't be able to stop showing off your pearly whites!

Silk n' Face FX, $149 at Silkn.com

Laser treatments are an essential for beautiful skin but they can be very costly and very time-consuming. This is a great at-home treatment plan that you can do every night before bed. It uses red light therapy to minimize wrinkles, crows feet, fine lines, and even discoloration. It's such an easy product to use but has seriously amazing results that make you look and feel young again, and who doesn't want that?

InStyler Max, $89.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond

Now, we're sure you've seen this on TV and thought it's just another annoying infomercial but don't knock this product until you try it! It's the perfect all-in-one tool for those who aren't professional stylists (so most people). With this one product, you can straighten, curl, and wave hair. The best part? No matter which style you create, it'll look like you just came from the salon!

StriVectinLABS Facial Toner, $199 at Nordstrom

This is another great product for achieving perfect skin. (And who doesn't love perfect skin?)  You can do it from the convenience of your own home. This facial toner uses small doses of electrical current to stimulate your facial muscles to help skin feel firmer, toned, and lifted.

Spending money is never fun, but if you're going to do it, it might as well be on some innovative and useful products!

How To: Perfect Your Brows

Eyebrows can be confusing. Between thick, thin, dark, and light; it can sometimes be hard to figure out what works best for you. It's no surprise, however, that perfect brows are the trick to taking over the world (hello, Amal Clooney). So what's the secret to perfect eyebrows? We interviewed brow guru, Anastasia Soare, celebrity brow expert and founder of Anastasia of Beverly Hills, to find out.

"You were born with the brow that’s right for you," explains Anastasia. Work with that thickness to hone the arch and tweeze unruly brow hairs outside of your brow area in the direction of hair growth to sculpt and shape the correct brow." So, no matter who you are, perfect brows are attainable!  Just work with what your momma gave ya.

"I recommend tweezing at home as needed, because it is more precise than other methods." It's no wonder Anastasia's favorite tools include stencils and a good pair of tweezers. Of course we all have a handy pair of tweezers, but have you ever thought about using stencils?  So smart!  Once shaped, she recommends, "Layering powder, pencil, and gel will give you a multidimensional brow that looks natural and polished."

Eyebrows are truly one of the hidden secrets to a beautiful face. The prettiest celebs have the best brows. Fact. Need more proof?

Enough said.

Embarrassing Beauty Disaster Solutions

Note: This post is inspired by Valentine's Day, but the lessons learned will help you in life. Here are quick and easy solutions for your most embarrassing beauty disasters.  You know, that pimple that pops up right before you're meeting a new fling for drinks, dreaded self tanning streaks, ingrown hairs (yes, even down there) and more.  

Self Tanning Streaks “Since self-tanners dye the skin the best way to remove any streaks is by sloughing off any dead skin cells. You can create a great DIY at home natural remedy with two simple ingredients, Lemon and Sugar. In a bowl squeeze 3 lemons and add 2 table spoons of sugar, creating a paste. Work the paste in circular motions until all steaks are removed. Wash off any excess. Your skin tone will not only be even but also baby soft.“ - Natalie Soto-Carlisle, Global Educator for jane iredale

Ingrown Hairs “Prevention is better than the cure – throw away the razor, and switch to waxing with an all natural, elastic wax applied by professionals to ensure you won’t get an ingrown hair.  Not only is the wax beneficial for your skin, and ouchless when it removes hair, the highly trained waxers apply an individual cold pack, this closes the pores to prevent bacteria from entering, which is the main cause of ingrown hairs.

However, if you are looking for a cure at the last minute, exfoliate with a gentle scrub as exfoliating will remove dead skin cells and release that ingrown hair, allowing your skin to return to its clean unblemished self.” – Noemi Grupenmager, CEO and Founder of Uni K Wax Centers

Pimples “Put Aspirin on a pimple (liquid from a liquid el or crushed up aspirin with water). Aspirin is a common household medicine. Almost all acne treatments on the market contain the ingredient, salicylic acid, which is also found in aspirin. Salicylic acid works to clean pores, exfoliate, and remove dead skin cells. As an acne treatment, aspirin is a safe and pretty effective method. However, it may take up to 24 hours to see results.

Put eye drops on pimples. Eye drops contain agents that constrict blood vessels which can reduce inflammation and redness in eyes. For this reason, it is possible to use eye drops on pimples in an effort to soothe swelling and irritation. It is key to find eye drops that specifically advertise “redness relief”.

For breakouts, look for products with benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil, salicylic acid, sulfur, or mandelic acid in them, all of which work to kill bacteria, clear up oil, and getting rid of dead skin cells.” - Dr. Ariel Ostad, NYC dermatologist

Cold Sores “As soon as you feel a cold store coming on, apply ice directly to the sore. It will bring down the swelling and ease the pain temporarily. If you use this tactic early enough in the game — at the first sign of tingling — you may end up with a smaller sore than you otherwise would have.

For a cold sore, use an over-the-counter medication like Abreva. OTCs like this are most effective if you take them as soon as you feel the telltale tingle of an oncoming cold sore.” – Dr. Ariel Ostad, NYC dermatologist

Grammys: Red Carpet Ready

Last night was #amazing.  Did you watch the Grammys?  Between Kristen Wig in a leotard, Katy Perry's lavender lob, and Beyonce's angelic performance, it was a fun show and I'm so thankful to have been in on the action.  If you were following my social channels, you'll know that I was completely obsessed with my hair.  One of the highlights was collaborating with Herbal Essences Celebrity Stylist, Charles Baker Strahan, on a look that perfectly complimented my Donna Karan gown.

"I was initially inspired by the movement and softness of the drapery in your dress," my stylist, Charles Baker Strahan.  With a bit of lift in my crown, my signature side swept bangs and articulate movement in the back, it was perfect.

Dress: c/o Donna Karan Shoes: Steve Madden Clutch: House of Harlow Earrings: Stella & Dot

Did you happen to catch my Herbal Essences promo during E!'s Live from the Red Carpet?  Tune into Fashion Police tonight on E! to catch another one! This one has footage from the red carpet!

Red Carpet Prep, I'm Heading to the Grammys

Who's excited to watch the Grammys?  I'm pumped!  I'll be reporting live from the red carpet and the show thanks to Herbal Essences!  (So make sure you're following me on Twitter, Insta and SnapChat - for exclusive behind the scenes pics.)  During the day, I'll be filming commercials for Herbal Essences that will be broadcasted on E! before and after the show.  About what?  Well, read on.  Oh and PS: Which dress should I wear?

On Grammy day, I'll be in LA priming for the red carpet at the Herbal Essences Suite with E! Host, Ali Fedotowsky, my blogger BFF, Sydne Summer and Vine comedian, Brittany Furlan.

Celebrity Stylist, Charles Strahan Baker, will be using the new Herbal Essences Wild Naturals collection on each of us during our red carpet prep.  Have you heard about the new collection yet?  Each shampoo smells divine!  There are three shampoo and conditioner pairings– Rejuvenating, Illuminating and Detoxifying– plus, stylers that go with each.  Made with cassia (an Ayurvedic herb), the products help to strengthen and restore your hair by protecting it from damage and breakage in its most vulnerable state, when it’s wet.  Perfect for red carpet prep.

Want to check out my journey to the red carpet?  Make sure you're watching E!'s Live from the Red Carpet before the show on Sunday and then Fashion Police on Monday to catch the commercials.

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

Behind the Look: Charles Baker Strahan

Besides coifing celebs and models like Leighton Meester, Kathy Griffin,  Lauren Conrad, Lily Aldridge and Molly Sims, I've also had the privilege of having my hair done by Charles Baker Strahan, Celebrity Hairstylist for Herbal Essences.  He's one of the most genuine people in the biz and truly, I mean truly, knows his craft.  His beauty philosophy is so well thought out, it might make you think twice about your hair the next time you leave the house.

Describe the most exciting project you’ve worked on lately. There are so many varied experiences that I have had and that I am truly grateful for. From being the celebrity stylist for Herbal Essences, to being on the E! Series "Scouted" and other on-camera experiences, and even the transformational color/cutting work I get to do in the salon - it's all so exciting.

My current highlight is working with Kathy Griffin on set for the E! Fashion Police.  We have had a relationship for over four years now, which is hard to believe how fast time flies, but our relationship has evolved and she gives me a lot of freedom to change her color and cut and style her hair in so many different ways. The show gives me the license to kill and I'm determined to make her hair different every episode!

What’s your beauty philosophy? Beauty and truth are constantly evolving. The greater the relationship I have with my clients and the more that I know them and their "essence,” the easier it is for me to open up their esthetic and show them how the physical expression of beauty is the truth of the moment they are in.

I love showing people how far they can stretch themselves and how varied they can be in that expression. Beauty and your physicality are your unspoken ways of telling the world around you who you are and how you would like to be received. Be intentional in your choices but open to the possibilities of how you can change. Being fluid with your identity lends to being graceful and that is truly beautiful in any situation.

1. What are your top five must-haves in your kit and why?  Herbal Essences Naked Volumizing Soufflé – it is an ultra-light and flexible mousse ideal as a base product to do just about anything
2. Herbal Essences Wild Naturals Illuminating Dry Oil – helps to restore taxed and tired follicles needing shine and softness
3. Boar bristle round brushes - they polish the cuticle and create shape that allows hair to have life and movement which is essential
4. GHD Air Blowdryer - the tri-zone technology provides even heat that reshapes the hair but doesn't "cook" it. So, if you straighten the hair you can go back and add curl after
5. Marcel Irons Hot Tools – you can be more dexterous with them – I can do almost anything with these

Have you discovered any new products lately that you find impressive?

The things most important to me and impressive are the ones that have been around forever. However, I do love it when they take a product and update it, like dry shampoo. Dry shampoo has changed SO many people’s “hair life” in the last few years!

Spill your best beauty advice. The thing I tell EVERYONE is not to try too hard. If you have a look that you are going for, use it as inspiration but leave room for the unexpected. Watch how your hair is responding to what you are doing without judgment and you might suddenly find that what's happening is better than what you were initially going for.

Also, my favorite aha moment is when someone was caught in the rain or they are running late and don't have time to “do” their hair so their hair has the chance to just do its thing and ends up looking great. Be easier on yourself - chances are you'll learn to embrace your uniqueness instead of lamenting why you don't look like someone else. You're always going to be you!

What’s the one tip or trick that you think all women should know? If you just took a hot shower and turned your bathroom into a tropical rain forest, don’t try and style your hair in that environment!

Put your product in your hair while it's still wet. Use the water in the hair to give you an even distribution and wring out the excess moisture before letting it dry. If you are spending most of your effort blow drying really wet hair with a round brush, you are mostly just wearing yourself out. Let the product do its thing and this will likely cut your styling time in half.

It’s also important to remember heat changes the shape of hair and coolness sets it in. So when heat styling, let your hair cool in order to lock in your style.

Keep up with Charles Baker Strahan on Twitter and Instagram.