Yes ladies, it's back! Low, high, and everything in between, we are seeing the ponytail come back on runways from Carolina Herrera, DKNY, and more!

KEY PRODUCT: SHINE SERUM

BED HEAD by TiGi Girl Toys Shine Serum
Warm a few drops of this in your palms and smooth through hair for the silkiest, shiniest locks you can possibly imagine!

$17 - Drugstores Nationwide

...and as per usual, I have had an INSANE week. Between running to meetings, photo shoots, and everything else in between, I haven't even had the time to put together an amazing week of blogging. Well I've got three days of Halloween Q&A for you starting today with a friend's reqest for tips on recreating the Marie Antionette look from the movie starring Kiersten Dunst. Even if this isn't your ideal costume, think outside the box and how you can use these techniques for your look!

HAIR
So impossible to get this kind of volume with your real hair, right? WRONG! While its going to take some work, your hair can look like this too!  Start by setting your hair into a loose curl with an iron or a set of curlers (use heat-set in your hair is particularly straight).  Then, what you want to do is attach a hair piece close to your natural color to the back of your head using a pin curl (twist hair with fingers until it becomes very tight then cross-pin with two bobby pins).  For best results use one thats like a ponytail with a clip already attached and form a bun with it.  This is where it gets tricky and time consuming.

With a lot of strong hold hairspray (I like BEAD HEAD Hard Head), start pulling up the pieces and pinning them around this "bun" that you have created, being careful to hide the pins.  You may want to get some help for the back pieces.  All the while ensure that you are using LOTS, and I mean LOTS of hairspray.  Once you have the up-do together, its a walk in the park.  You are going to want to spray the entire thing with white hairspray, even if you have blonde hair.  The best is KRYOLAN Color Spray in D20(white).  Since you have used so much spray, your hair is going to be very stiff, and it will be easy to pin the flower to the side (the lighter it is, the better it will stay for the evening).


$16 - Bed Head at Drugstores Nationwide


$8 - Kryolan at Alcone Company www.alconeco.com


MAKEUP
Your first instinct when shopping for makeup is to go straight for the clown white, and its actually best to NOT do this.  What you want to do is first start with a non-silicone primer.  (I suggest non silicone this time as you really want full coverage for this look, and silicone creates too thin of a layer)  Try the SMASHBOX Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light (it's water-based).  Then, using a makeup sponge, apply your foundation (MAKE UP FOR EVER Pan Stick Foundation in Ivory works great) in a patting motion, tapping the color onto your skin.  do not rub, as the coat may be too light.  Finish with a translucent powder.  No eye makeup is required here, but you are going to want to rosy cheek tint.  Using a large blush brush starting on the apples of the cheeks, sweep color back and away from the face to create that perfect blend.  Try BOBBI BROWN Blush in Apricot.  Last, focus on the lips first with a nude pencil to prevent bleeding, then using a lip brush, apply the lipstick carefully over the lips without extending past the edges.  MAKE UP FOR EVER's Rouge Artist Intense in #42 will give you that perfect shade with a hint of orange!


$36 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com


$30 - Make Up For Ever www.makeupforeverus.com


$22 - Bobbi Brown at Fine Department Stores Nationwide


$19 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

...and as per usual, I have had an INSANE week. Between running to meetings, photo shoots, and everything else in between, I haven't even had the time to put together an amazing week of blogging. Well I've got three days of Halloween Q&A for you starting today with a friend's reqest for tips on recreating the Marie Antionette look from the movie starring Kiersten Dunst. Even if this isn't your ideal costume, think outside the box and how you can use these techniques for your look!

HAIR
So impossible to get this kind of volume with your real hair, right? WRONG! While its going to take some work, your hair can look like this too!  Start by setting your hair into a loose curl with an iron or a set of curlers (use heat-set in your hair is particularly straight).  Then, what you want to do is attach a hair piece close to your natural color to the back of your head using a pin curl (twist hair with fingers until it becomes very tight then cross-pin with two bobby pins).  For best results use one thats like a ponytail with a clip already attached and form a bun with it.  This is where it gets tricky and time consuming.

With a lot of strong hold hairspray (I like BEAD HEAD Hard Head), start pulling up the pieces and pinning them around this "bun" that you have created, being careful to hide the pins.  You may want to get some help for the back pieces.  All the while ensure that you are using LOTS, and I mean LOTS of hairspray.  Once you have the up-do together, its a walk in the park.  You are going to want to spray the entire thing with white hairspray, even if you have blonde hair.  The best is KRYOLAN Color Spray in D20(white).  Since you have used so much spray, your hair is going to be very stiff, and it will be easy to pin the flower to the side (the lighter it is, the better it will stay for the evening).


$16 - Bed Head at Drugstores Nationwide


$8 - Kryolan at Alcone Company www.alconeco.com


MAKEUP
Your first instinct when shopping for makeup is to go straight for the clown white, and its actually best to NOT do this.  What you want to do is first start with a non-silicone primer.  (I suggest non silicone this time as you really want full coverage for this look, and silicone creates too thin of a layer)  Try the SMASHBOX Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light (it's water-based).  Then, using a makeup sponge, apply your foundation (MAKE UP FOR EVER Pan Stick Foundation in Ivory works great) in a patting motion, tapping the color onto your skin.  do not rub, as the coat may be too light.  Finish with a translucent powder.  No eye makeup is required here, but you are going to want to rosy cheek tint.  Using a large blush brush starting on the apples of the cheeks, sweep color back and away from the face to create that perfect blend.  Try BOBBI BROWN Blush in Apricot.  Last, focus on the lips first with a nude pencil to prevent bleeding, then using a lip brush, apply the lipstick carefully over the lips without extending past the edges.  MAKE UP FOR EVER's Rouge Artist Intense in #42 will give you that perfect shade with a hint of orange!


$36 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com


$30 - Make Up For Ever www.makeupforeverus.com


$22 - Bobbi Brown at Fine Department Stores Nationwide


$19 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

Just as the cosmetics and skincare companies use this time of year to release their hot new products, the hair care industry does the same....but do you really need the newest formula or hair serum or the latest ion technology flat iron? You just might.....

BED HEAD Urban Antidotes $25 Each - Professional salons only www.tigihaircare.com
Environmental factors such as pollution, sun, and free radicals can wreak havoc on your hair, so TiGi now offers a way to counteract nature! With three levels of damage control, along with sweet smell that's good enough to eat this new line is perfect for an urbanites needing softer, fuller hair!

VERDICT: NEED!
I have always been a huge fan of Bed Head products, and this one does not disappoint, especially if you have been damaging your hair all summer, and are now back to the polluted, chilly autumn air of the city!

NUHAIR Hair Regrowth System $50 - Folica www.folica.com
Supports follicular growth and blocks DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss, while nourishing the scalp.  Including a tablet taken orally as well as a topical serum.

VERDICT: WANT!
This product says you need to take for 3-4 months to see results, so $200 later you still could see nothing happening.  Over the counter hair regrowth potions are usually a scam, so save your money and try Propecia, the only FDA approved drug to treat hair loss.

ALTERNA Caviar Anti-Aging Experience $30 (Travel Set) - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com
This line of products contain Alterna's patented Age-Control Complex, Enzymetherapy, Color Hold, and Seasilk technologies which combine proteins, marine enzymes, and antioxidants to improve texture, shine, and color retention.

VERDICT: WANT!
These anti-aging haircare regimens are often a hoax, and buying the full size set will cost you a pretty penny.  My advice: if you want to try it out, definitely start with the travel set, and if you love it, invest in the full size products.

LIVING PROOF No Frizz Styling Cream $35 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com
Living Proof has been on the forefront of anti-frizz technology for over 30 years and they do not disappoint.  Addressing the two major causes of frizz: humidity and friction, this weightless cream coats hair with a protective environmental barrier.

VERDICT: NEED!
Though not technically a new product, this is the perfect way to protect your hair from the stress of city life (or wind/water) this fall.  Though the bottle seems small, a little goes a long way and this will last you all season.

KERATIN COMPLEX KeraStyler 1" Flat Iron $100 - Folica www.folica.com
Boasts variable temperature control and dual-voltage capability with a titanium plate for luster and shine.

VERDICT: WANT!
Stay away from flat irons at all costs, they destroy your hair.  If you must get curly hair straight, try using a round brush and a blow dryer, which does far less damage to your hair!

...just take care of it, otherwise your hair will look more like Britney's bad extensions than Heidi's hot highlights! Color, heat, and styling products all dry out your hair, so if you aren't careful, colored hair can end up looking dull and lifeless, but this can all be avoided!

1. KEEP UP WITH CUTS! Every 4-6 Weeks to eliminate split ends.

2. WASH HAIR SPARINGLY! 3 times per week at the max, and use a shampoo and conditioner designed for color treated hair. Even if you aren't washing, condition your hair every time you shower!

BROWN HAIR: BED HEAD Brunette Goddess Shampoo and Conditioner. With its sweet fragrance, this system smells good enough to eat, but don't. Leaves hair soft and manageable, with great shine due to its protein delivery system.

$20 Each - Drugstores Nationwide

RED HAIR: JOHN FRIEDA Radiant Red Shampoo and Conditioner actually brightens red tones, and is also a great way to add red overtones to brown hair for that auburn effect - a great look for this fall!

$6 Each - Drugstores Nationwide

BLONDE HAIR: The trickiest of all hair colors.  Blonde hair can go brassy, and it can go green.  The best way to avoid this is to using a purple toning shampoo, which keeps blondes platinum.  CLAIROL Shimmer Lights is a wonderful, affordable way to keep blonde bright.

$10 Each - Amazon.com

3. CONDITION IT! In addition to your daily conditioning treatment, you should use a deep conditioning treatment once a week and a hot oil treatment once a month to reduce damage to the cuticle caused by drying and styling.  REDKEN Color Extend Rich Recovery is great for once a week, while VO5 Hot Oil Treatment is good for a monthly usage.

$15 - Redken Salons

$6 - Drugstores Nationwide

4. AVOID HEAT LIKE THE PLAGUE! Heat from blow drying, curling, and flat ironing causes breakage and damage to the cuticle.  If you MUST blow dry, use an IONIC dryer, which dries hair 60% faster than a traditional blow dryer.

5. GLAZE IT!  Using a leave-in glaze will lock in moisture and provide all day shine.  FEKKAI Salon Glaze is AMAZING and nobody with colored hair should be without it!

$28 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

6. AVOID IT....chlorine and sun...which dry out colored hair.

7. REVIVE IT! Use a temporary color wash in between colorings to keep your color looking fresh.  This will also save you money at the salon as well as saving your hair from heavy peroxide treatments!

This week's theme: HAIR! Often neglected in the world of cosmetics and beauty, a great head of hair can make of break your look, and therefore must not be ignored!!!

Today's topic: SHORT HAIR.
Short hair typically requires much less maintenance than long hair, but steps to keep your hair looking fresh still must be taken!

1. GET IT CUT!!! Short hairstyles tend to grow out faster than long ones, so getting your hair cut every 3-4 weeks will keep your cut looking fresh and eliminate split ends.

2. COLOR.  Obviously utilized by many longer styles, color is a great way to add dimension to short haircuts with highlights and/or lowlights. Make sure that you get these done with a professional, as at home coloring kits can leave brassy deposits in your hair causing irreparable damage.

3. CONDITION.  Okay, so you just shampoo'd your hair and next thing you do is condition, right? WRONG.  With short hair styles, using conditioner after every wash will make hair more difficult to manage and style.  Using a good quality conditioner twice a week for 15 minutes will be all you need.  Rinsing hair with lemon juice after conditioning will leave hair with extra shine. I like BIOINFUSIONS Olive Oil Deep Conditioning Treatment for bi-weekly use.

$10 - Drugstores Nationwide

4. STYLE. Nowadays, there are so many products out there specifically designed for short hair.  It is best to start with a lightweight hair texturizer such as BED HEAD Mastermind, which offers texture, hold, and shine without looking greasy.  Place a small amount in palm of hand, rub hands together, and work through damp hair. After hair is dry, style with a fingers, and set into place with a lightweight hold spray like FEKKAI Sheer Hold Hairspray.  Less is more with short hair, otherwise your hair will look stiff and greasy.

$15 - Drugstores Nationwide

$21 - Target Stores www.target.com

We all know men are hairy, but in an effort to keep this blog family friendly, I am focusing hair on the head, which is often neglected by most men. Caring for your hair is just as important for men as it is women, and there are a few rules to follow to ensure that your hair is fully of shine, body, and style.

1. PAT DRY: Rubbing with a towel can break fragile wet hair, and even pull the hair follicles out! This process can take longer, but you will notice a difference in a few weeks time. Also, blow-drying is extremely damaging to hair, so only blow dry if you must and use a thermo-care styling product beforehand.

2. COOL OFF: Scalding hot water may feel great in the shower, but it strips the hair of too much natural oil and leaved hair more succeptable to damage.

3. AVOID CHEMICALS: Chemical treatments such as relaxing or coloring strip the follicle and leave hair dry and brittle. If you must do these, only do with a professional hair stylist.

4. SHAMPOO/CONDITION: Use those of good quality and it will really make a difference in the appearance and texture of your hair. Inexpensive products can add wax and other harmful chemicals to your hair. REDKEN FOR MEN makes a great shampoo/conditioner called Go Clean.


$12-$26 Ricky's NYC www.rickysnyc.com

5. TOOLS: Do not ever brush wet hair, and if you must comb, use a wide toothed comb to work out tangles gently.

6. STAY HEALTHY: Follow instructions on vitamin intake I suggested last week. What is good for your skin is good for your hair!

7. AVOID HATS

8. GET IT CUT: Every 6 weeks to keep ends healthy and your style fresh.

STYLE...KNOW YOUR HAIR!
There are hundreds, if not thousands of styling products available, and several designed especially for men. If your hair is dry/curly/long/etc you should use products specific for you. As with all products, a little goes a long way!

CREAM
Great for dry hair, but greasiness can result.

GEL
Use only for serious hold. Be careful though, because too much and your hair will look wet all day long. I personally don't ever like using gel. It flakes too easily, and you should never be referred to as "helmet head." There are enough good pomade and wax products out there.

HAIRSPRAY
Most men are afraid of this, but it is an essential tool for setting your style. After you style with gel, paste, etc set your style with a light spray to hold in place. Hairspray is also great for adding texture and volume into the hair. My favorite spray is GOT2B Glued. Warning: This spray is industrial, and a little goes a VERY long way. Spray from 8-12" away from head.

$7 Major Drugstores Nationwide

MOUSSE
Is light and fluffy and great for a natural hold if you have medium length hair. Mousse tends to flake if you use too much so use it sparingly.

POMADE
A favorite of most men, it comes in all shapes and sizes, matte and shine. Use a small amount and warm up in hands before running through wet or dry hair. I like to run it through wet hair, then restyle and fix with spray for a naural looking hold. Use a small amount or hair can look greasy. BED HEAD FOR MEN makes a great product called MATTE SEPARATION WORKABLE WAX that can hold almost any style.

$15 Major Drugstores Nationwide

WAX
The heaviest and driest of all styling products, but is GREAT for styling short hair. AMERICAN CREW makes the absolute best with its Fiber putty.

$13 Major Drugstores Nationwide

SO YOUR HAIR IS THINNING...
There is very little that can be done about hair loss unless you want to get hair transplant surgury or start using rogaine...or so I thought. Then I discovered an amazing collection of products from FREDERICK FEKKAI. More is a series of shampoo, conditioner, and treatment which when used for a period of time, actually regrows hair!

$100 - Sephora Stores www.sephora.com

SO YOUR HAIR IS GOING GREY...
I just discovered this wonderful product from REDKEN FOR MEN. It's called Color Camo and it covered up grey hair dramatically in only ten minutes!

$14 - Ricky's NYC www.rickysnyc.com