Retrodiva's Beauty Bar

Product Review: Korres Lip Butter

2009-11-21T22:26:00.000-05:00

There is a special place in my heart for Korres Lip Butter. It was one of the few things I could reach when I was close to death in my hotel room in New York City with just me and the H1N1 virus. Because nothing will dry out your lips faster than a 104 fever, let me tell you beauties.

I didn't realize until later that it actually has a nice light pink color that makes even sickly pale lips look almost normal. And the moisture is like a dream. Now I keep a pot both in my purse and on my nightstand for the long winter nights ahead.

Korres Lip Butter, $9 at ULTA Beauty.

Do You Know Who AnnaLynn McCord Is? Me Either, But Her Hair!

2009-11-21T00:39:00.000-05:00

Apparently she's from the new 90210, which I haven't caught. But those curls! Love!

I'm told that her on-set stylist, Dyana Aives is using Big Curls Curl Defining Creme by Samy. It works by amplifies curls by adding volume, texture and shine and is specially formulated to define, separate and extend curls.

The good news is that it's easy to find - you can pick yours up at Walgreens, Rite Aid, and CVS locations here in the US, and Canadians can grab it at Shopper's Drug Mart stores.

Product Review: Mario Badescu's Silver Powder

2009-11-17T19:42:00.000-05:00

My skin has been in crisis lately. I'm not sure exactly what is going on, but it's been a real mess lately. I've been pulling out all the stops to get it back under control.

Enter Mario Badescu's Silver Powder. I swear, I can't find a single product in this entire line that doesn't do exactly what it claims and in some cases, even more. The powder works by breaking down the oil trapped in your pores. Used once or twice a week, you should notice less clogged pores.

To use, just dip a cotton ball in a touch of water, just enough to make one side damp. Then use the damp side of the cotton to pick up a good amount of the powder and press it into the oily areas on your face. Usually this is the t-zone area on most people - forehead, nose and chin. However, if you're like me and you're oily everywhere, then use it freely. Let it set for 10 minutes, then remove it with a toner or astringent. I personally use Special Cleansing Lotion C, but use what you have.

You can purchase the entire Mario Badescu line at MarioBadescu.com. It's also available at Fred Segal Beauty in Los Angeles, Henri Bendel in New York City, select Nordstrom and other specialty shops nationwide. Locally, the Norfolk Nordstrom and the Virginia Beach Ulta carries the line.

Holiday Gift Ideas: Three Offerings from Benefit

2009-11-16T11:06:00.000-05:00

How anyone will be able to pass this one up, I do not know:

Say hello to celebutante, your personal stylist makeup kit. This portable kit includes everything you could possibly need to glow: High Beam highlighterL Benetint, the rose-tinted lip and cheek stain; Dallas, an outdoorsy glow/bronzer; Lip Gloss in I'm With the Band; Full Finish Lipstick in Lady's Choice; Full Finish Lipstick in No Competition; Velvet Eyeshadow in Leggy AND Dandy Brandy; a fluff shadow/talent brush; and a step by step guide to getting the celebutante look.

celebutante, $34 at benefit.com

glitz, glam, and gloss is glam new shades in convenient double wand tubes. Shades include Friends in High Places (sparkling raspberry), Kiss You (clear fuschia), Almost Famous (copper penny), Zone Out (golden nude), I'm With the Band (golden pink shimmer), and Fresh Squeezed (pink grapefruit).

glitz, glam, and gloss, $26 at benefit.com

glam idol has billed itself as a "best of" set. Inside a cute little clutch, you get "That Gal" brightening face primer, California Kissin' smile brightening lip shine, and Posietint, the poppy-pink tinted lip and cheek stain.

glam idol, $60 at benefit.com

Holiday Gift Ideas: Smashbox Wish for the Perfect Palette

2009-11-15T22:44:00.001-05:00

If someone gave me this, I'd probably fall over with joy. Exclusive to Ulta, this 96 shade palette by Smashbox is at the top of my holiday wish list. The Wish for the Perfect Palette contains 64 eye shadows, eight cream eye liners, six brow tech powders, one brow wax, eight lip glosses, two blushes, one complexion brightener, one bronzer, one highlighter, and four mini brushes: shadow, liner, brow, and lip. Of course, it's limited edition, and it also comes with a look book. The most amazing thing about it? It's $59.

Yes, you read that right. $59.

With every Wish purchase, $1 will be donated to the Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit that grants the wish of life to sick and injured children by providing care and investing in life-saving research.

If you need another reason to grab this one, there is the fact that you get Free Shipping over $50 and Free Samples with every order!

I probably won't wait around for Santa to bring me this one. It's just too good of a deal.

Holiday Collections: NARS

2009-11-14T10:39:00.000-05:00

A gorgeous, sultry look created by makeup artist Diane Kendal for NARS. Let's take a look at the products she used.

For the face:

apply NARS Concealer as needed to cover any imperfections
apply NARS Sheer Matte Foundation all over for a smooth finish
contour cheeks with NARS Cap Vert Multiple Bronzer and NARS Deep Throat Blush
highlight the cheekbones, under the eyebrow, and top of the lip with NARS Copacabana Multiple.

On the eyes:

apply NARS Brumes Duo Eyeshadow (brown side) over the entire upper lid.
layered NARS Euridice Duo Eyeshadow (purple side) on top
on the inner eye, apply NARS Taiga Duo Eyeshadow (white side) and blend outward. NARS Brumes Duo Eyeshadow (the dark side) was used to line the lower lash line.
NARS Nuits Blanches Eyeliner Stylo was used to line the top and bottom lash lines.
curl lashes with the NARS Eyelash Curler and apply two coats of NARS Larger Than Life Mascara.
The brows were drawn using NARS Ipanema Eyebrow Pencil.

And the lips:

Apply NARS Mitzi Lipstick.

Sally Hershberger Talks Tips and Trends for Fall

2009-11-13T13:44:00.001-05:00

Bored with your summer style? Sally Hershberger says that it's time to rehab that summer hair. Here are a few trend ideas to get you thinking.

Short and layered is big for fall this year. Anything from pixie cuts to shoulder length bobs with layering around the face. It can be styled sleek, sexy and messy, or even over the top like this mohawk/pixie combination.

In case you've missed it, the 80s are all over the place this season. One length bobs are back in a big way, especially with modern layering. This is a versatile, sexy, and easy style to maintain and is a great transition if you're moving from one style to another.

Need some post-summer styling secrets? No problem. Sally's got you covered.

Pull out your blowdryers and turn loose, undone, beachy waves into sexy, textured style. Sally recommends using her SHAGG line, the first line designed specifically for layered hair, which will provide looks like the two above with lift and movement along with texture.

Bring back the shine and make dry hair look healthy and supple again and gives any style a sleek finish.

Spend a little time after the summer nourishing your hair with restorative products such as Sally's SHAGG Rocks Liquid Gel which moisturizes damaged strands.

The SHAGG line is found at Target and HSN.com.

Exclusive Discount on Hazel & Harlow

2009-11-12T18:57:00.000-05:00

Head on over to the Closet to get an exclusive 30% discount at Hazel and Harlow!

Holiday Collections: YSL Beauty Knocks It Out of the Park, So to Speak

2009-11-12T08:45:00.000-05:00

Smokey eyes? Check. Vibrant red lips? Check. Everything Retrodiva would love in a collection? Check.

Start with the Teint Resist Long Wear Transfer Resistant Foundation. Then use the Touche Eclat Radiant Touch highlighter that everyone raves about on the upper cheekbones, bow of the lip, and directly under the eyebrows. Then sweep on the limited edition Mini Touche Blush in Sparkling Beige.

On the eyes, line with Dessin Du Regard Haute Tenue in Intense Black. Then sweep Astral Brown from the Ombres Duolumieres #1 duo eye shadow on the lid and highlight up to the brow with Heavenly Beige. Use Volume Effet Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara in #1, High Density Black on the lashes. Personally, I use three coats.

On the lips, use the new Fard A Levres Rouge Pur Pure Lipstick in #150, Sublime Red.

Absolutely gorgeous, and perfect for that holiday party where you will drink too many cosmos.

Holiday Ideas from Flirt!

2009-11-11T19:43:00.001-05:00

I don't know about anyone else, but shopping for beauty around the holidays is my favorite. They always put out the most glamorous limited edition items around that time, and maybe I just like the glitz of it all. But I seem to purchase more for myself around this time of year than I do for anyone else. Although most of my girls will tell you that they can always count on makeup from me. I'm always trying to get everyone around me to try bright new colors.

Anyhoo, Kohl's recently sent me a sampling of some things they have put out for the holidays, and I noticed that they were currently on sale at the website. I have no idea if they are on sale at the stores, but it's worth checking out. Here are some of their recommendations for the beauty-lover on your gift list:

Flirt! Lip Wishes Gift Set, $14.99, on sale for $13.99. Includes the top three best selling Squeeze Me Shiny Lip Glosses: Radical Raspberry, Pink Champagne, and Zippy Ginger in a keepsake ornament.

Limited Edition Flirt! Essential Brush Set, $14.99 on sale for $13.99. Four essential cheek, face, and eye brushes for a really great price.

Flirt! Nail Wishes Nail Polish Gift Set, $14.99, on sale for $13.99. Six shades that make a great stocking stuffer or Secret Santa gift.

Flirt! Fragrance Gift Set, $35.00, on sale for $29.75. A fun fragrance collection that includes mini versions of Flirtatious, Glamourazzi, and Flowerrific.

Estee Lauder Signs World Renowned Makeup Artist Tom Pecheux

2009-11-11T10:40:00.000-05:00

This is very exciting news for the Estee Lauder brand! They have signed Tom Pecheux as Creative Makeup Director. He will be creating the vision of future makeup collections and showcasing his point of view.

"We are incredibly excited to partner with Tom Pecheux," said Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Global Brand President, Estée Lauder. “Tom will add a new energy, style and fashion edge to Estée Lauder makeup. His intuitive sense of color and expertise in global beauty trends will help us redefine modern color in a bold new way.”

You will see collections with Tom Pecheux's distinctive mark beginning in Spring, 2010.

You can see a fantastic collection of his work at models.com.

For the Men Fridays: Billy Jealousy's Ultimate Travel Kit

2009-11-06T09:05:00.000-05:00

My husband travels a lot - both professionally and as a vagabond motocross racer. One thing he always has is a full travel bag full of things that I've picked up for him specifically for travel. I'm always replacing them and making him report back on how much he liked something, or what product he's using now. Believe me, he's never owned so many skin care products until he met me. Of course, he's never had such great skin, either. I take full credit.

So I was excited to see a complete travel set from Billy Jealousy: Introductory Travel Kit ($36 value) exclusively at one of my favorite stores, Ulta. You've got a nice little assortment of goodies in this kit, including:

White Knight Gentle Daily Facial Cleanser: contains essential moisturizing agents to provide necessary hydration while cleansing skin. The white, foaming formula cleanses without stripping the skin of essential oils. SLS-free, Paraben free, no fragrance added.
LiquidSand Exfoliating Facial Cleanser: Less penetrating than a scrub and more powerful than a face wash, this gentle cleanser removes dead skin cells, dirt and all round grime. Colorant –free, SLS-free.
Hydroplane Super-Slick Shave Cream: A rich, technologically advanced cream that keeps you looking sharp and feeling cool. This shaving cream cools, heals and conditions the skin with its micro-silicon beads, while natural citrus oils condition, moisturize and purify skin.
Fuzzy Logic Hair Strengthening Shampoo: This shampoo contains two DHT blockers (DHT causes hair loss) Menthyl Lactate and Peppermint Oil creating strong, healthy and thick hair. The powerful shampoo also contains Cocamide MEA, which is a coconut-derived cleanser and moisturizer as well as Panthenol, a provitamin conditioner.
Cashmere Coat Hair Strengthening Conditioner: This hair strengthening conditioner is infused with peppermint as well as DHT blockers to restore strength, volume and hydration to keep your hair lookin’ healthy.
ILLICIT Pearlized Body Wash: Created after the huge success of the ILLICIT Eau de Parfum, this body wash is infused with citrus bergamot, tea, ivy, ginger and sandalwood. The hemp seed oil softens and sooths the skin while Cocamide MEA, a natural derivative of coconut oil cleans and moisturizes and Vitamin E conditions.

Grab this if you've got a wandering man in your life. Wrap it up and throw it under the tree, or stuff in a stocking. He'll be impressed that there is something else out there for dudes that isn't Axe or Ivory soap.

Available at ULTA Beauty for $24.00

Live the Life of a Parisenne: A New Fragrance by YSL

2009-11-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

I was sent the new YSL Parisenne by Total Beauty for a review, but you know, it's darn near impossible to review a fragrance. What works on my skin may not work on yours, and I may declare something "unwearable" but love it on you. So take anything I say about any fragrance with a grain of salt.

The first thing I noticed about Parisenne was the floral notes. Not surprising, since in the commercial you see Kate Moss rolling around with a bunch of roses looking far sexier than I ever will in my lifetime! But let's get to the description provided by YSL: the top notes include a vinyl accord, cranberry, and blackberry. The heart notes are damask rose and violet, and the base notes are patchouli, vetiver, sandalwood, and musk. YSL describes it like this: "A grand floral with a woody structure, luminous even in its mystery, Parisenne is the perfume of ultra femininity, warmed by the touch of the man who embraced her."

Nice.

What keeps me going back to it is the hidden temptation of the violet. I've always loved violet fragrances, although I find most of them unwearable. While I've never been a fan of large florals myself, this one is intriguing. I find myself searching for that violet. Occasionally I get a sniff of it, and it keeps me coming back for more.

It's not my typical fragrance - I prefer more complicated and esoteric fragrances. But I've enjoyed my time with Parisenne.

The eau de parfum is $39 for 1 oz/1.6 oz. for $65/$85 for 3.0 oz. Be sure to visit the ExperienceParisienne.com website by YSL Beaute for cool pictures and more information about the scent.

My New Addiction: John Frieda's Luxurious Volume All Out Hold Hairspray

2009-11-04T19:48:00.003-05:00

Remember when I talked about how much I loved my Elnett? Well, I've pushed Elnett to the side for my
Luxurious Volume All Out Hold Hairspray. If you like big hair as much as I do, then you are going to want to give this a try.

First of all, it's honest-to-goodness aerosol spray, which I think is most important for a good hairspray. I grew up in the age of Aqua Net in the white and pink can, so I'm down with the aerosol spray hold.
Luxurious Volume All Out Hold Hairspray does all that Aqua Net used to do while not being Aqua Net. You can still run your fingers through your hair, but on my hair, it holds that root lift that seems to be so elusive. I like to tease the crown of my hair, and if you don't give it a good spray, it will fall throughout the day. This hairspray does a good job of lifting at the root and holding it there without the constant touchups throughout the day.

Not everyone is going to love it, but if you have big hair that needs a lift, give it a whirl. I'm sure you'll be impressed.

Too Faced Shines the Light on the Lash Situation

2009-11-04T08:44:00.000-05:00

You might think that this is just another mascara like all the others packaged in a super cute bottle that has a light on it. But you'd be wrong - this does have super awesome packaging that includes two blue LED's to illuminate all your lashes, but that's not what makes this mascara so unique.

Too Faced has added liquid crystalline particles to Too Faced LashLight mascara that act like microscopic mirrors. These actually help bounce light off and around lashes, which can make the eyes look brighter. It also delivers thickness, length, and conditioning with ingredients like Helicone, red algae, pantheol, and vitamins C and E.

Too Faced LashLight mascara retails for $25.

Whish Introduces the Pampering Shaving Ritual

2009-11-03T08:21:00.000-05:00

Whish doesn't want you to think of shaving as a dreaded chore. Instead, you should think of it as a pampering ritual in six easy steps.

Step 1: Cleanse the legs with Three Step Body Wash. This unique aloe-based formula is designed to moisturize, cleanse, and soothe, rejuvinating dull skin.

Step 2: Exfoliate: The Three Whishes Sugar Scrub is so mild you can use it BEFORE shaving. This is important because its exfoliating and moisturizing properties perfectly prepare the legs for an ideal shave. Oh, and don’t expect the runny, greasy mess typically associated with sugar scrubs, Three Whishes has no preservatives and holds its consistency for up to a year.

Step 3: Shave Crave shaving cream is the ultimate in luxury shaving for women. This cream is rich, moisturizing and provides the smoothest shave possible without nicks or cuts. It’s also the only prestige women’s shaving crème that is chemical free.

Step 4: If you have super fast growing hair, then Shave Savour Hair Inhibiting Gel is for you. While we think you’ll now love and look forward to shaving, our gel was shown in a clinical study to reduce hair growth by 26% in 28 days. It’s also such an intensive light moisturizer that it’s perfect to apply after a day in the sun. For pure, decadent moisturizing use the triple anti-oxidant Three Whishes Body Butter. This rich lotion restores lost collagen, firms’ legs, and seals in essential anti-oxidants.

Step 5: The bane of any great shave is unsightly bumps. Banish them forever with Flawless Ingrown Hair Serum. Clinically proven natural ingredients prevent bumps and ingrown hair. It also restores the suppleness of your skin and weakens hair follicles, inhibiting future growth. Unlike drugstore products, there are no chemicals and foul smelling alcohol overtones.

Step 6: Relax and enjoy checking out how sexy your gams are now that you’ve perfected the Whish Pampering Shaving Ritual. Who knew shaving could ever be such a fun indulgence?

Parissa Has Great Tips for Beautiful Brows

2009-11-02T17:37:00.000-05:00

In this day and age, we're all trying to cut costs, and one easy thing to do at home is your brows, even if you're not a fan of tweezing.

Parissa Mini Wax Strips for Eyebrow Design are an excellent way to maintain those brows without tweezing. They recently sent me some tips and tricks on getting the perfect eyebrow look.

To start, you'll need to determine your shape symmetry - the beginning, arch, and end of your brows. Your face shape can help you determine this. If you have a round, square, or diamond shaped face, you'll want softly angled brows. Oval or long shaped faces should have a high angle arch, and triangular or heart shaped faces will look better with rounded brows.

To prep for brow grooming, Parissa suggests the following:

do not clean skin before tweezing
start at the bottom of the brow
press on in the direction of hair growth, zip off in the opposite direction
remove the strip fast for better results
hair should be at least 1/8th of an inch before waxing
brush eyebrows up with an eyebrow brush, toothbrush, or clean mascara wand
slightly trim unruly hair extending beyond edge of the eyebrow

Parissa Mini Wax Strips are available at Target, Duane Reade, Whole Foods, Wegmans, Ulta, and at Parissa.com for about $6.99.

Halloween Video Tutorials: Lauren Luke's Angel Fairy Eyes

2009-10-28T22:28:00.000-04:00

I'm sharing some of my favorite Halloween video tutorials with you for the next few days. Enjoy!

Halloween Video Tutorials: Sexy Witch by MissChevious

2009-10-27T16:32:00.001-04:00

I'm sharing my favorite YouTube Halloween looks with you for the rest of the week. Have you decided what you're going to be for Halloween? Do you have makeup plans? Do share!

Vapour Beauty Hits ShopNBC Tomorrow, October 27

2009-10-26T19:10:00.001-04:00

If you've never heard of Vapour Organic Beauty before, now is your chance to find out more about this green brand. Eric Sakas, the founder of Vapour and makeup artist, will be on ShopNBC Tuesday, October 27th to create this season's looks.

Catch him at 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM for full hours of Vapour, as well as at 10 and 11 PM as part of the Beauty Confidential segment.

More Halloween Looks: Michael Marcus Shares His Looks

2009-10-26T16:11:00.000-04:00

This time, we've got Michael Marcus cosmetics sharing their vision of the vampire - I like this one. Maybe it's those nails! He suggests thickly lining your eyes with Cake Eyeliner in Twilight for seductive, dark, and glowing eyes. Next, apply Lipstick in Dawn for luscious blood red lips. Finish off your look with Nail Polish in Blood Red for blood-stained nails.

I'm betting Mad Men looks are going to be super-popular this year, and I'm glad. I think we should all look like this most of the time.

Anyhoo! Michael Marcus shares with us the best way to get this look: start with Powder Foundation to create flawless skin. Apply a thin line Cake Eyeliner in Kohl and add Eyeshadow in Flawless, a soft beige, from the lashline to the crease. For more drama, add false eyelashes and follow with two coats of black mascara. For the lips, go with a matte red like Lipstick in Debbie. Make sure lips are exfoliated and moisturized before going with this dramatic look.

You can find Michael Marcus cosmetics at MichaelMarcus.com, Dillards.com, select Dillards stores and Takashimaya in New York City.

Need Someone to Save Your Skin? Mario Badescu is Your Man

2009-10-25T21:01:00.001-04:00

I wish I would have discovered Mario Badescu when I was younger and had even more difficult skin. As it is, I have weird breakout-prone skin that needs some anti-aging help, and I'm always stuck in the middle of the two. However, I've cobbled together an amazing routine of Mario products that have completely changed my skin.

I start with Acne Facial Cleanser, and then use the Special Cleansing Lotion C. Two or three times a week, I'll use the Drying Mask, then Special Cleansing Lotion C again. To finish, I'll use a generous amount of the Drying Cream. Then it's time to deal with specific breakout problems. Normal pimples need a generous dose of the Drying Lotion, while cystic-type problems need the Buffering Lotion.

Find out more about Mario Badescu products at http://www.mariobadescu.com.

Amazon.com Widgets

Mally Beauty Releases Signature Fragrance

2009-10-23T08:05:00.001-04:00

Mally's Signature Fragrance (and first foray into the world of scent) pays homage to her Filipino heritage by using the Sampaguita flower, the national flower of the Philipines. The citrus/floral scent represents Mally Roncal's fresh and feminine approach to beauty. The top notes include Sampaguita, Mandarin, Red Currant, Bamboo, and Palm Leaf. The middle notes are Freesia, Jasmine, Muguet, Peony. The base notes are Peach, Coconut, Sandalwood, and Musks.

Mally's Signature Fragrance will be available just in time for the holidays on November 1. Be sure to visit MallyBeauty.com to grab yours.

Limited Edition Exotic Jewels by Heidi Klum at Victoria's Secret

2009-10-22T19:55:00.000-04:00

Even though I clearly took this photo when I had the caffeine jitters, it shows the entire makeup line that Victoria's Secret did with Heidi Klum for the holidays called Exotic Jewels. When I was in New York, I was lucky enough to attend a breakfast at Victoria's Secret headquarters and get a preview of all the great stuff they have coming up. Part of that preview was this line, inspired by Heidi's trip to India. It's really quite gorgeous, all purple and sparkly. Here is a close up of the purple mascara that is part of the line:

It's gorgeous. The liner is also an amethyst purple, but it has gold glitter in it - just a heads up for those of us over 30 who don't necessarily need to walk around with glittered out eyes. But it's not an overwhelming amount, just enough to really add interest. Of course, you could layer it to create a lot of drama, like any liquid liner, but it's suitable for day use as well. Here is the collection laid out on my counter:

This is not the packaging that you will see at the store, obviously. They are press samples that I received last month. The collection includes an Eyeshadow Palette for $24, Glitter Liquid Liner for $12, Extra-Lengthening Mascara for $13, Perfect Lipstick for $16, Lip Gloss for $14, and Luminous Face Powder Gems for $22. So a very reasonably priced line.

The eyeshadows are nice and pigmented, and can be used for a sheer look or layered on for a more dramatic look. I used the mascara as a top coat over L'Oreal's Extra Volume Collagen Mascara, and loved the effect. Here is the finished look, again, my photography skills leave a great deal to be desired:

Grab the collection at Victoria's Secret stores or at VictoriasSecret.com. Remember, this is a limited edition line, so it won't be out forever. I suspect you won't be able to find much of it after the holidays.

How To: The Perfect Blow Out

2009-10-21T21:41:00.000-04:00

I don't really like paying a small fortune to get my hair blown out. I know it's hard work, and I doubt I could ever get my hair looking as fabulous as it did when I walked out of Blow in New York City (mere hours before I came down with H1N1, so the whole effect was pretty much lost) (but major props to my girl Michelle, who turned me on to it!). But let me tell you girls, with some practice and some good advice, you can get a rockin' blow out going on, and still have some dollars in your wallet to spend on something else.

Before you get started, you need to assemble your tools. If you don't already have them, consider investing in the following essential tools: a 1875 watt blowdryer (I recommend the Rock Star 1875W Tourmaline Ionic Ceramic Dryer); a round boar bristle brush - at least two inches in diameter with ceramic or metal on the inside (something like the Friction Free Round Brush); a root volumizer (like Blow Up Root Lift Concentrate - holla to Blow again!); some large duckbill clips or a few 3/4" Clips, and some spray glosser (try Glisten Spray Gloss for a natural take on glossers).

Once you have all your tools assembled, wash and condition your hair. If your hair is very dry or damaged, consider a deep conditioner like Ojon's Restorative Hair Treatment. If you can leave it on overnight, so much the better. While hair is still damp, work your root lifter in well, and any other styling products you might want to use. Let hair air dry until just almost dry - don't worry about what it looks like or if it's frizzy - we will fix all that.

Next, section your hair and clip with the duckbills or jaw clips. I like to section out the top or crown of my head, each side, and two sections in the back, one along my neckline and one above that. Starting with whichever section you prefer - I always begin in the back, because the hair along my nape is the curliest and the frizziest - with your blow dryer on it's highest setting, remove any remaining moisture, and then use your round brush to pick up a two inch section of hair. Remember, styling hair well always includes two things: heat and tension. Using your brush, pull your hair away from your head (straight out will give you more volume) with your brush, and move the blow dryer and the brush slowly down your hair until it reaches the end of the strands. Do it again if it isn't as smooth as you would like.

At this point, if you're feeling adventurous, you can do what I do and roll the hair all the way up on the brush and apply direct heat with the blowdryer for about 30-45 seconds. Unroll hair gently, and twist the brush on the way out. You'll have a nice large curl for your efforts.

Some people recommend using a cold shot of air on your newly blown out sections. I've never done it, but I've seen it recommended often. Just FYI.

Move methodically through the sections of your hair. I like to start at the bottom and work up. Don't undo each section until you're ready to get to it, and use your clips to move half of the section out of the way. This entire process really shouldn't take you longer than 15 minutes, and that's if your hair is longer than mine is.

After you have blown out all your sections, use your spray glosser to add a bit of shine and depth. Run your hands through your hair, and you're all set. You can also throw in velcro rollers at this point if you want more bounce and curl. Let them set for about 10 minutes, spray with some hairspray (I swear by Jonathan's Finish Control High Shine - Aerosol hairspray, and gently pull your rollers out.