My Latest Go-To for Waves

Now that I have hair extensions I can no longer wear my hair straight because they're so long I'd look like Cousin It. Naturally, the hair is wavy and I normally embrace it, but occasionally I'll blow dry it and enhance the voluminous blow out with waves made by a curling iron.  As of late, I've been using a new styling tool that I have to tell you about –  the Remington T-Studio Pearl Ceramic Styling Wand $29.99. Instead of having a clamp this curling iron is just the wand.  I wrap a strand of my hair around it, hold for a second and just let it go.  It's quick and easy.  I learned (after half of my head was already curled) that if you use bigger sections of hair, the curls will come out bigger and look more like waves (which is what I was going for).  If you want tighter curls, use smaller sections of hair around the iron.  I like the no clamp style because I'm a fool with a curling iron and often get a clamp mark.

Speaking of being a clutz with a curling iron, this iron comes with a heat-proof glove so you can wear it on the hand that you're wrapping the hair around it with so you don't accidentally burn yourself.  I ignored the glove thinking I had it under wraps.  And I did.  I didn't burn my hand at all, but I did singe my neck!  Yes, I got a hickie from the curling iron, never fail.  I need a heat-proof scarf and possibly head band!  I'm the worst at doing my own hair.  I'll admit it!

J. Lo's Big Hair is A "Good Hit"

Have you seen J. Lo's video for her new single Good Hit yet?  Talk about wind blown hair! I got the behind the scenes scoop from her stylist, Oribe, on the shoot on how he created tons of va va va volume! "It's lots of hair, lots of volume and lots of wind so we went for a very full style that would hold up and turn the fans on,"  Oribe commented.  He used extensions and hair pieces to build her locks and help transform her look throughout the shoot.  His key styling product – Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray.  He spritzed it all over blow dried hair, concentrating on the roots and brushed it out to achieve more body.

Check out the video:

How To Video: Ballerina Inspired Updo's

Natalie Portman blew us away in  Black Swan, but it seems it's really the ballerina inspired updo that's taken Hollywood by storm. The ballerina look gave the Golden Globes red carpet a fresh, sophisticated look and will be a continuing trend throughout the winter and spring.

Stylist to the stars, Roy Teeluck, who's known for working with Bar Rafaeli and Olivia Palermo recently created a How-To Up-Do Video so that we can all get this glamorous looks at home.  Check it out:

Golden Globes: How To Get Lea Michele's Soft Chignon

Lea Michele opted for an ultra-feminine ruffled, one-shoulder Oscar de la Renta pale, pink gown last night at the Golden Globes and her loose chignon complimented the gown perfectly.  Stylist to the stars, Mark Townsend was able to take all of the credit. Lea arrived that morning with freshly washed hair and Townsend by applying Dove Nourishing Oil Care Serum to her wet hair to smooth any frizz and add shine.  After raking Dove Curl & Sculpt Defining Mousse through her damp hair he blow dried it in two inch sections with a round brush to create texture and volume. Once dry, he pulled the sides back into a low, messy bun at the nape of her neck and secured it with bobby pins.

As a finishing touch, Townsend carefully pulled some face framing pieces out and spritzed Dove Unscented Extra Hold Hairspray with Natural Movement.  "It gives it hold without looking frozen in time. It’s a soft, “up-ish” do that looks like it could fall down at any moment, but really it’s not going anywhere,” he commented.

Now You Can Have A "Stylist" At Your Fingertips, Literally

Wish you had a stylist at your finger tips daily?  Damn, I do.  I asked Mark Garrison a few weeks ago when he cut my friends hair for Pantene if he styles his girlfriend's hair every day.  At first I was jealous of her, to be dating a stylist, but after listening to his answer, I was super jealous!  He said no.  His reason – she wakes up with gorgeous, non-frizzy, smooth hair daily so he doesn't even need to touch it. Well, for those of us who don't wake up like that and are affected by everything from damage, the weather and just a simple bad hair day, there's hope  – yes, at your finger tips.  Brilliant Color and Beauty Today Local Hair Day Forecast just launched!  So what is it?  Put in your hair type and zip code and it gives you a styling tip based on the weather.  How's that for a weather man?

Here was my hair diagnosis for today:

High 57 F      Low    53 F

0% rain 83% humidity

Today's Hair Forecast

In humid weather, try using as few styling products as possible to avoid weighing down your hair. For a clean, fresh look, use a light volumizing spray to add lift to the roots, and leave the rest of your hair product-free.

*This is a sponsored post.

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show: Backstage Hair Secrets Video

Sam McKnight, lead hairstylist behind the 2010 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show described the look as "sexy, full, voluptuous, gorge, movable, touchable – dream girls with dream hair."  Yep, that pretty much sums up Bombshell waves! His secret: clip in extensions.  All of the girls besides two were wearing them (some glue in) to accentuate their hair and give them va-va-voom appeal. In the video below McKnight explains the look and converses with Alessandra as she impatiently begins to do her own!

Key products used were Very Sexy Hairspray (can be used on the bod too!) and Tousled Waves Enhancer.

The Best of NYFW: That's A Wrap!

Well NYFW has certainly come to an end, and so has my coverage.  Til' next season, allow me to leave you with some of the top beauty looks that all transulate from runway to real way.  The best part about these looks – you can try them all on in DailyMakeover's studio! Models at Vivenne Tam got a lived-in, slightly grungy style thanks to Cutler lead stylist Bok-Hee, who layered mousse on the ends of models' hair, then blew it dry and created "inconsistent waves" with a curling iron. Lots of kohl liner and textured foundation finished the look.

MAC lead makeup artist Val Garland at Cynthia Rowley was going for an innocent look, so she put the focus on the eyes with 20 coats of mascara on the bottom lashes to give models that ingenue appeal. A smudged red lip provided color, while metallic hair extensions were added to a sleek updo for a punk edge.

The hair and makeup at Charlotte Ronson was sweet meets street. Tresemme lead stylist Jeanie Syfu added subtle texture and a bit of curl to models' hair, then created tiny braids on each side. Instead of tying them off with elastics, she applied Tresemme Curl Activator to the ends of the braids and then clamped with a flat iron to secure.

While a few of the looks at Fashion Week were over-the-top and extravagant, the majority were much more low-key and wearable, like this effortlessly sexy one worn by models at Alexander Berardi. A volumized, side-swept low ponytail and naturally defined eye makeup created a casually chic air that was more real life than runway.

Post a comment below and let me know what's your fave look?

Expert Tips from Tibi's Backstage Dream Team

Ever since I can remember I have been in love with Tibi dresses. I could barely wait to cover backstage at Tibi’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection this season. Every fashionista knows their bright colors and patterns already make a fashion statement. To accompany the designs, stylist chose natural hair, makeup, and nails to keep the models looking glamorous, but allowing the clothes to take center stage. With expertise advice from the pros, you will soon be able to get the look of the runway in a few easy steps. The hair was clean and simple. The models all showed off their perfect ponytails with center parts, and by following these tips from Frank Rizzien of R Session Tools, and lead stylist Kevin Ryan you can get the look too. Start by having the perfect blow dry, the secret is not only brushing your hair, but combing all your hair as well. Make sure all the knots are removed so that the hair will flow. One of Rizzien’s favorite products to use then is Aveda’s Universal Styling Cream to seal in moisture. Also R Session Tools’ round large barrel brush provides easy access, which is 100% boar, has clear single nylon bristles, and a removable pick to section your hair. This will help create volume and bounce. Next, spritz L’Oreal Ellnett Satin Hairspray at the roots of your hair and flatiron straight.  Finally, tie your hair in a ponytail.

Makeup was done by the one and only Bobbi Brown. "I love doing makeup for the clothes that I love," she remarked.  Her inspiration for this season was for it to be a “pretty season,” wanting every woman in the audience to want the look of the models. Bobbi created a radiant face that is finished in a natural way. One standout feature was the cheeks. By using Bobbi Brown’s Highlighter Pen in Pink all over the cheek instead of a highlighter creates a softer look. The eyes were magnificent; Bobbi Brown’s Long Wear Gel eyeliner was used in black ink, and her Kohl Eyeliner, a shadow liner in plum orchid was used depending on the model’s skin color and eye shape. Lots of mascara was used to give definition to the lashes. The lips had a nice natural lip color that was very settle.

Pattie Yankee lead Dashing Diva manicurists and she shared a few secrets to get the perfect manicure at home. The number one rule is always use nail polish remover first to remove natural oils. Then, use a base coat and apply two thin coats.  "You must finish with a good top coat," she strongly suggested.  Try Dashing Diva’s Debutante nail color that was used at this year’s show on both nails and toes.

Answer the question and see more pics after the jump....

If you could have a dream team of primpers who would they be?

Toni Francesc Pairs Green Dresses with Forest Inspired Beauty

“Urban Forest” was the theme backstage at Toni Francesc.  Lead makeup artist Jackie Mgido of Mehron cosmetics tied the makeup in this tough-meets-natural look by mixing earthy colors on the face with a pop of brightness at the eyes.  “Keep it natural and well-blended,” she advises, using a small brush to apply light cream foundation “only where needed.”  Jackie sought to promote healthy skin by creating a light glow; Mehron’s Celebra Foundation helps to achieve the look with ingredients like pomegranate and soothing aloe.  Plus, it’s oil free! On the eyes, Jackie uses cream eye shadow in bright yellows, blues, greens, and grays.  She especially recommends cream products in the winter, as dry eyelids take over.  Conveniently, cream shadow doesn’t need a base.  She notes that you can blend cream in nicely with just your fingertips.  Cream makeup translates to cheeks and lips as well; Jackie shows me a palette of saturated yet sheer multi-purpose hues that she uses on the cheeks solo and on the lips topped over foundation.

Hair at Toni was led by Nelson Cartaya of Salerm.  His team “re-created a forest in the models’ hair,” as Cartaya describes, through the intricate full-head braiding that conveyed a “purposely messy yet elegant” look.  The braids, some normal and others atypical, were haphazardly wrapped around the girls’ heads using bobby pins and rubber bands to fasten, creating an easy-going updo.  Products included Salerm Definition Nature hair spray and a bit of mousse, depending on the hair’s texture.  For every day, Cartaya says all you need for a casual look is a good haircut and some good products, sans the fuss.

Tons of Makeup at Costello Tagliapietra, But You'd Never Know

Back at Milk Studios today the scene was surprisingly calm and well organized for the Costello Tagliapietra show.  With 23 models coming from prior shows who needed to be molded into the Costello girl, stylists and artists were busy at work, but seemed anything but frantic. All of the girls wore high side buns directly above their left ears.  "It's a throwback," commented Nelson Vercher, the lead stylist from the Rita Hazan Salon.  "Back in the day ladies used to wear their hair like this when they wore hats."  He used Phytovolume Actif Maximizing Volume Spray to create texture, but then just a piece of elastic to secure the ponytail that he wrapped and tied, wrapped and tied about three times and cut the ends.  It's definitely not practical for the every day girl, but a sweet backstage trick.  After looping the hair around itself he secured with bobby pins and sprayed with L'Oreal Elnett Hair Spray.

The coolest thing about the look was the makeup.  The models fresh faces looked like they were barely wearing any at all, but of course they had tons on.  I learned a great trick from MAC makeup artist, Lisa Butler, about how to wear makeup while keeping your skin looking fresh and dewy.... When applying foundation place a blob on the top of your hand along with a blob of your daily moisturizer right next to it.  Use a big brush and begin applying your foundation.  Use light layers and when certain areas don't need as much coverage (maybe your forehead) mix in some moisturizer with your foundation to dilute it and keep your skin dewy.  On other areas (like your chin) that may need heavier coverage, go heavier with the foundation and don't mix in the moisturizer.  The key is to layer lightly.

The nails were all buffed clean by Lancome.

Lea Michele's Emmy Hair How-To, "Undone Done"

One starlette stood out amongst the rest on Sunday night at the 62nd Primetime Emmy Awards, Glee's Lea Michele. Classic perfection.  Her navy, silk Oscar de la Renta gown complimented her figure, yet the ruffles at the bottom made it a red carpet stunner. With such an elegant look complimented by over 400 carats of Lorraine Schwarts mesh jewels, I was glad to see the birthday girl left her hair down.  Everything worked. “Lea wanted her hair to look touchable and super modern, and full hair with lots of volume and a bit of roughness was perfect against her flawless gown” said her stylist Mark Townsend.

Love the look?  Follow the step-by-step straight from Townsend himself.  Since Lea is in the middle of shooting Glee, she wasn't able to experiment with color, but Townsend added custom pieces into her hair for dimension.

Starting with clean, damp hair, he used Dove Body & Lift Volumizing Mousse and blow dried with a round brush for added lift.  Then, he used a 2" curling iron to give slight bend (not actually curl the hair) from the ends to the roots and clipped each section with a barrel clip for five minutes to allow them to cool.

To achieve the undone look, Townsend took the hair out of the clips and scrunched it with Dove Daily Moisture Therapy Replenishing Mist.  To finish, he spritzed a small, natural bristle eyebrow brush with hairspray and ran it through her bangs creating a center part.

Lea also carried around hairspray with the eyebrow brush in her clutch in case she need to touch up!

Teen Choice Awards: Lea Michele's Sex Kitten Hair

I can't get enough of Glee's Lea Michele lately and it seems like the rest of the world can't either.  Last night at the Teen Choice Awards, the bombshell looked more than fabulous in a short, sequin Naeem Khan dress paired with nude Fendi wedges and a Dior clutch, but what really caught my attention was her sex kitten hair.  The nominee's bodacious curls were done by Mark Townsend who gave me the step-by-step. “Lea and I often pull inspiration for her looks from a variety of fashion, beauty and Hollywood imagery.  But for the Teen Choice Awards, Lea was the inspiration," commented Townsend. "She’s young, modern, smart and sexy and her look really reflected that sensibility. It was a bold choice – we’ve never done this kind of super volume before, but it looked gorgeous."

To get Lea's look, start by evenly applying a volumizing mousse like Dove Body & Lift Volumizing Mousse and blow drying with a round brush.  Once dry..,. divide your hair into five sections (one top, two sides and two back) and curl one three-inch section at a time with a double barrel curling iron.  Try Baybliss Pro Double Curling Tong.

Once curled, warm up a frizz control cream in between the palms of your hands and rake it through your locks with your fingers.  I like Dove Frizz Control Therapy Taming Cream.  This will make your curls shiny and give them a beachy texture.  Finally, flip your head upside down and hit it with a finishing spray.

How To Get Cameron Diaz's Beach Waves

I've been watching E!'s special on Cameron Diaz over and over because each time I watch I pay attention to different parts and learn so much about her.  As a huge fan I'm always intrigued by what she's going to be staring in next or who she'll be wearing. For her recent British Vogue cover, Oribe gave her beachy waves that appear to be simple, but as any girl knows, they take some work.  He spoke with DailyMakeover.com about the look.  "The look had to be about relaxed glamour," commented Oribe. "The shoot was on a beach in Malibu, so it had to have that casual "Cameron" feeling, but yet be a little glam and certainly sexy."

To get her wavy look at home, spray Oribe Voluminista through the hair, then blow-dry using a Mason Pearson brush, or a round brush on the front sections. Use Dry Texturizing Spray at the roots for a sexy lift. Since Cameron's hair is fine, I spray this throughout the length of the hair in some sections to create sultry texture all over.