Urban Romance: Backstage with Redken at Fashion Week

Redken Creative Consultant Guido shares the goods on one trend for spring found off the runways at Fashion Week. Up or down, the new romantic looks have a more defined shape, with a grittier, slightly disheveled feel.

It’s fitting that leatherwear house Loewe showed sleek, leather-look ponytails on the runway. Here's how Guido created the look:

LEATHER-LOOK PONYTAIL

• Step 1: Brush in hardwear 16 super strong gel and gather hair in a ponytail
• Step 2: Flat-iron sections to create a slick finish. For best results with your flat iron, mist on iron silk 07 ultra straightening spray to smooth and protect hair.

 

70's INSPIRED WAVES  
These 70s-inspired waves were seen at this year's Versace show. To get the look:

• Step 1: Start by shampooing and conditioning with All Soft. 
• Step 2: Blow-dry hair smooth, then curl with a medium-size curling iron to create soft bend.
• Step 3: Finger-comb, then apply a small amount of rewind 06 pliable styling paste to add soft separation.

The Bardot-esque updo seen at Lanvin was a playful reimagining of the classic topknot.

  

BARDOT-ESQUE UPDO

• Step 1: Start by creating a high ponytail, then backcomb the tail to add texture. 
• Step 2: Twirl it into a wide knot and secure with bobby-pins. 
• Step 3: Mist hair with quick dry 18 instant finishing spray, then layer on vinyl glam 02 mega shine spray to add polish.

NEW CLASSIC
A revolutionary French twist with height and texture worthy of Marie Antoinette as seen at Louis Vuitton

• Step 1: Apply a nickel-sized amount of thickening lotion 06 body builder to damp hair and blow-dry. 
• Step 2: Take 1-3 inch sections and curl hair using a curling iron. 
• Step 3: Once curls have cooled, backcomb the entire head. 
• Step 4: Gather hair in the back and twist to create a French twist and secure with bobby pins. 
• Step 5: Mist hair with forceful 23 super strength finishing spray for humidity resistence and all day control.

TOUSLED BRAID  
Get the tousled braid seen at Alexander Wang, which goes perfectly with the designer’s modern take on American sportswear.
Step 1: Apply full frame 07 protective volumizing mousse, rough dry and swoop hair over one eye.
Step 2: Braid hair, letting the braid fall over your shoulder, tie loosely with elastic band, and pull out pieces to soften the look.

Real Beauty: Updos that Last All Night

Taking inspiration from the Chanel Spring 2010 RTW runway, we explored some tried and true tips for how to create fabulous updos the pros say will last all night.

Swept Back
Create a mini-bouffant updo with side-swept bangs for a sophisticated look. Blow-dry hair and apply a volumizing spray like Frédéric Fekkai Instant Volume Spray. Pile hair high and pin under at the nape with a few bobby pins. Instead of pulling pieces down like a regular bouffant, dry your bangs to the side with a round brush. Mist a light coating of hairspray for extra hold.

Accessorize
Your updo woes can be fixed with the simple addition of a headband or beret to set your style. We love Salma Hayek's elegant band, which adds some definition to her swept back bun as well as holds hair in place.

Face-Framing
If you have difficulty getting your hair up, create a faux updo like Jessica Biel. Using bobby pins, pin hair back at the nape of your neck (a low ponytail minus the elastic). Take away the front section of your hair and, using a flatiron, angle it to dramatically frame your face. The key to making this style stick is to cross the bobby pins in an "X" fashion to keep them secure. This may be not a great style for a Friday out dancing with the girls, but it will look great for a cocktail or housewarming party.

Ballerina Bun
We bet that your feet will throw in the towel from too much dancing in your stilettos before this hairstyle will. Pile hair into a high ponytail and wrap it around a thick elastic for a bun that will go way past last call. Top off with a long-lasting hairspray like Kérastase Double Force Controle Ultime.

Braided
This boho-chic style made a comeback last season and isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Update your braid with an oversized bow like Thandie Newton, and braid slightly to the side, as opposed to straight back, for a twist on this sexy look.

To the Side
Keep your hair in check by following your natural hair part. This will help keep your updo together longer because your hair naturally falls that way. To get a style similar to Scarlett's, curl the ends of your hair with a curling iron and gather it into a low side ponytail with the front piece left out. Pin the curls around the ponytail and use a texturizing cream, like Sally Hershberger Wreck and Roll Texturizing Cream or Redken Rugged Texturizer, for added wave at the front of your face. Then, pin the piece back into the ponytail using bobby pins to create wave and volume.

Lopsided Bun
Add a twist to your bun by doing exactly that — twisting. Pile your hair high, and instead of wrapping it around an elastic, split the ponytail into two parts, twisting each into the base of the ponytail.

source: RealBeauty.com; images: Style, Elle, WireImage, RealBeauty.com

Fact or Fiction? Beauty Myths Decoded

Can items from your kitchen make a beauty mask? Can you increase gray hair growth by plucking gray hairs? Read on and see what Real Beauty has to say about these common beauty myths.

Myth: Avocados can make a great skin mask.
Fact. Sounds weird, but it works! Mash one ripe avocado and mix it with a little bit of lemon juice. Apply this mask to your face and neck for an over-the-counter toner/firmer.
 
 

Myth: The best place to apply perfume is on pulse points.
Fact. Applying perfume to pulse points is the best way to make your scent last all day. Fragrances react with heat, so spritz your perfume on your wrists or the back of your neck and you won't need to worry about re-applying.
 

Myth: Crossing your legs causes varicose veins.
Fiction. There are plenty of ways to potentially develop varicose veins, but none of them are related to crossing your legs (sigh of relief). Some examples of what could causes varicose veins include genetics, obesity, trauma to the skin, etc.
 
 

Myth: Matching eye shadow will make your eye color pop.
Fiction. Actually, contrasting your eye makeup with your eye color is what will really stand out. Here are a couple recommendations based on your eye color:

Green/Hazel: Plum, deep browns, and light golden hues
Blue: Smoky charcoals, chocolate, and bright berry tones
Brown: Soft pinks, natural beige, and shades of bronze

Myth: Teeth whiteners can damage tooth enamel.
Fact. Make sure you follow the directions line by line when using teeth whitening products. If these products are used improperly or too frequently, it can result in permanent damage to your teeth.
 
 

Myth: I pluck one gray hair, multiple gray hairs will grow back in it's place.
Fiction. This isn't true — which is good because some of us were starting to worry! While plucking gray hairs won't make more grow back in its place, it's not a good habit to get into since it can damage the root.
 
 

Myth: Consistently wearing dark nail polish can turn your nails a yellowish hue.
Fact. This was tough news to take since dark nail polish is definitely in this season, but not to worry — this yellowing is temporary, not harmful, and can also be avoided! Before painting your nails a deep dark hue, paint on a layer of clear base coat to protect your nails from any discoloration.
 
 

Myth: Sleeping on your back may prevent wrinkles.
Fact. After hearing this, we're never sleeping on our sides again! The American Academy of Dermatology says that sleeping in certain positions may result in "sleep lines." After time, these lines can turn into deep-set wrinkles, so flip over and get your shut-eye on your back.
 

Myth: Beauty products have an expiration date.
Fact. That's right — just like groceries, your beauty and hair products have a shelf life, too. The expiration date depends on the beauty product. Here are a couple common ones:

Mascara and Liquid Eye Liners: 3 months
Liquid Face Makeup, Cream Eye Shadow: 6 months
Powder Face Makeup, Powder Eye Shadows, Pencil Eye Liners, Lipstick, Lip gloss: 2 years

Myth: Cutting your hair will make hair grow faster.
Fiction. While we wish this one were true, it seems your hair will grow at its own pace (usually about half an inch per month) no matter how many trim-ups you take. Don't do away with trimming your hair altogether though, since it will look much healthier without the split ends!
 
 
Well, those are ten I found interesting and helpful.  And in case you're wondering about the cucumber image at top and whether or not the myth that they can reduce darkness and those puffy bags we loathe is true? Yes, they can ... Cold cucumber slices can restrict blood vessels which reduces swelling and puffiness. You can learn about 23 other beauty myths and many other articles to assist in your own beauty and fitness experiences by visitng Real Beauty.
 
source: RealBeauty

Photographer Josh Kessler Shares How to Look Good in Photographs

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel Weisz (photos by Joshua Kessler)

Celebrity photographer Josh Kessler has snapped portraits of Mischa Barton, Mandy Moore, Susan Lucci, Betsey Johnson, Tilda Swinton, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and the Jersey Shore cast, to name a few. He's also had his fair share of beauty experience, creating lookbooks for Nexxus salon haircare, sponsor of Bravo's popular hairstyling show, "Shear Genius."

Kessler met with a few editors on the heels of the "Shear Genius" headshot challenge episode, offering up his expertise in snapping flattering portraits. Below, his tips shared with Marissa Gold of StyleList.
 
If you have a long face:
"The direction of the light can change the shape of a person's face. If the light is coming from above the camera, it will make the face appear fuller," suggests Kessler.

If you have a wide or round face:
"To slim out a rounder face, use light coming from the side and slightly above."

If you think you look heavy on camera:
"A wide angle lens will make a person appear heavier, and a telephoto lens will have a slimming effect," Kessler says. Telephoto it is!

If you want smooth-looking skin:
"The closer and larger the light source is, the softer and more flattering the light will be," says Kessler. And avoid red backgrounds: "Very few people look good on a red background -- it brings out the redness in skin."

If you have dark circles:
"Use the flash -- even in daylight. If you're shooting in mid-day sun from above, the flash will fill in under the eyes. Also, try using a white or silver reflector card to bounce light back to the face, removing any shadows under the eyes," says Kessler.

If you're on the pale side:
"A warming filter such as an 81A placed on the camera lens (or added later in Photoshop) will give any skin type a healthy glow."

If you want to shoot outdoors:
"Try shooting in the shade on sunny days, and embrace the beautiful soft light of an overcast day. The clouds diffuse the sun, making it a larger and softer light source," says Kessler. Another trick? "Shoot during the magic hour: either one hour after sunrise or one hour before sunset -- lighting is ideal then to give a gorgeous glow to your skin."

If you want to look natural:
Many times posing for photos, especially a portrait, can look forced and stiff. "The most important thing is to feel comfortable and relaxed," says Kessler. He suggests striking up a conversation with your photographer so that you have the same easygoing facial expressions you normally do, and feel at east in the situation.

And a few additional beauty and fashion tips from Kevin Mancuso, celebrity stylist and Nexxus Creative Director:

• Get a trim a week within a week of the shoot so your hair looks healthy.
• Make sure your roots are touched-up, as they can stick out in photos, even black and white.
• Drape hair in front of your shoulders to help elongate the face and make you look thinner -- tightly pulled-back hair can look harsh and unapproachable.
• Pick clothing that works with your hairstyle -- big collars will look busy if you wear your hair down, and low-cut shirts won't work well with an up-do. It's all about balance, so stick to a simple crew or v-neck.

 
source: StyleList, article by Marissa Gold
photo images: Joshua Kessler

Redken for Yves Saint Laurent Fall RTW 2010 - It's All in the Details!

Religious symbolism for Yves Saint Laurent, Paris, Fall 2010?  Designer Stefano Pilati says no, however the black capes, the willowy head coverings, the gold chain pendants, all seemed to whisper something feeling a bit "nunlike".  Of course also present were garments nothing close to frocks Sister Mary Theresa would have hanging in the closet.  How about sheer black blouses showing boobies as an example.  Still, this collection is all about the detail ... and I'm loving that pink lip! (note to self: find out more about the beauty look ... yep)




Inspired by the refined, modern, elegant and bourgeois French woman, Redken Creative Consultant Guido created a stylized, sophisticated chignon with lacquered look around the front hair line. “At Yves Saint Laurent, we took a classic chignon and modernized it for this house; the key was using Redken hardwear 16 super strong gel along the hairline to give it that lacquered effect.” -Guido, Redken Creative Consultant

Products:

Redken hardwear 16 super strong gel

Redken forceful 23 super strength finishing spray

Create the look:

Pull hair into low ponytail, keeping the sides smooth

Wrap the hair in upon itself to create a flat chignon

Secure with pins and forceful 23 super strength finishing spray to hold

Along the front portion of the hairline, apply hardwear 16 super strong gel from the hairline to about 3 inches back

Finish with forceful 23 to create a very sophisticated, lacquered style

 

source/images: redken, style.com