Pro Hair Tools

As a photo stylist part of the game means that you are often changing a models looks on the spot with little time and few conveniences. In my early days of shooting I can’t tell you how often I was asked whether on the rooftop of a hotel, or in the middle of the desert to perform some spectacular quick hair change. In those moments not only your experience but your tools are your saving grace and even now when in the same situation, I still need a box of tricks that I can rely on in an instant. And it seems that you my lovely readers have no shortage of questions as to how you too can get the same looks at home that you see in the glossy mags. We covered some easy styling ideas yesterday so today, I am sharing the scoop from of the hottest powerhouse stylists in the biz on their favorite heated styling tools!

Orlando Pita backstage

One of my favorite editorial stylists Orlanda Pita helped create a line of T3 styling products for his backstage gigs. T3 Pro EverTwirl has a tourmaline and silver infused barrel that leaves curls looking shiny and smooth. This iron will create the bouncy Jessica Alba waves I spoke of in yesterday’s post Hair Look We Love. www.t3micro.com

 

Bumble and Bumble’s Travis Peck digs the Turbo Power Turbo 2800 Silverado dryer because of it’s ergomic design and customizable heat settings that dry hair in a snap. Just remember to use the lowest setting you can on a daily basis and save the super hot temps for only when you are in a rush www.turbopowerinc.com 

Hair by Jimmy Paul

Jimmy Paul the celeb favorite whose work has appeared in W and Vogue also a Bumble and Bumble guy uses the Linea Pro C2 Digital Flat iron which features an advanced titanium technology that produces negative ions and far infrared rays for fast even heat. Both work like lightening to smooth and silken hair. But resist the temptation to use it every day to give your locks a break. www.linea-pro.com

Guido Palau backstage

Guido Palau the Redken creative consultant loves the Babyliss Pro GT gold titanium marcel curling iron because it locks in the curl without damaging the hair. If you aren’t a pro you might want to try to spring loaded version but I can say from experience once you get the hang of a marcel style (the barrel clamp without the spring) you will love the results.

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes - 101

All the recent going’s on with Barneys at the mall last week prompted me to do something that I rarely have the time to do anymore… that is, casually shop. Since I am often running from client to client and pulling wardrobe for photo shoot after photo shoot, lingering in any one store purely for pleasure is a thing of the past… So it was quite the shock when I perused the aisles of a popular beauty spot only to find what could possibly be the most messy tester units I have ever seen.



Being in the beauty biz for as long as I have I have developed what one might call a “physical” reaction to even the idea of dirty lipsticks, smeared eye shadows, unwashed brushes and used mascara wands.
Why even as I write I have to pause (gulp) to regain my composure…


Fresh out of beauty school I did an event for a prominent makeup line at a she-she luxury store, where I was shocked to see that I was the only artist who had alcohol wipes or any means of sanitizing brushes between clients. I suspect this is because so few counter artists have formal beauty school training in sanitary procedures. And, of course over the years I have heard some hellacious stories from models that have fallen victim to unclean brushes and makeup palettes which led to some serious Dr bills…not kidding!

Backstage at Just Cavalli

Perhaps there is a germ-a-phobe in my nature but when you work with skin day in and day out you see a lot of things that aren’t so pretty…. Thank goodness I haven’t had the need to sit at a makeup counter and have my makeup done since I was in high school.
At my own beauty biz we sanitize and clean our brushes practically to the point of disintegration…I would rather buy new brushes than cause a public health issue…besides we love our clients too much to have it any other way.

Kevyn Aucoin Brushes

So the next time you are happily trying on makeup at your favorite mall joint, please dear readers keep this in mind:

Brushes accumulate makeup, oil and dead skin cells (and so much more oogy stuff) if they are not cleaned between uses they will harbor bacteria. Opt for using the cosmetic counters clean disposable brushes for lips, eyes and lashes. For everything else use a clean sponge. If they don’t provide these… run … as fast as those Manolo’s can take you!


Anytime you book a makeup application at a makeup counter don’t be afraid to ask questions… Were those brushes used on anyone prior to you? Have they been sanitized? Or How do you clean your brushes at this counter?

Dr. Bronner Cleaning Soap

At home be sure to clean your brushes at least once a week with a mild organic shampoo or soap like Dr Bronner’s or an organic laundry soap, this will not only rid your brushes of the bacteria but your makeup will go on more smoothly and your skin will thank you.
Though there are several brush cleaners on the market, many contain harsh chemicals and simple cleansers do the trick just as well.


My favorite method for cleaning brushes is as follows:
1. Wet brushes in warm water, put a bit of soap/shampoo in the palm of your hand and swirl the brush around, work the cleanser through to the ends and rinse, repeat until the brushes are thoroughly clean.
2. Squeeze out excess water in a towel and lay brushes flat to dry on a separate towel.
3. Don’t stand your brushes up to dry, eventually the water that drips into the ferrule (metal piece that attaches the handle to the brush) will weaken the glue and you will find yourself with topless brush handles.
4. Once the brushes are dry wipe them off again with a cotton pad and tea tree oil or alcohol to be sure that all bacteria has been completely removed.

Trend - 80’s makeup

It is official- I have reached that dreaded and often talked about stage of life where I cannot get through a day without referencing old movies, music, magazines, TV or better yet starting a conversation off with “I remember when…” I knew it was coming…it was out there like some sort of swamp thing slowly creeping towards me… and now it is here. Some days I wear it proudly like a fine vintage coat, other days I fight to suppress the vast trivial pursuit collection of nonsense that streams through my brain….



Though recycled as some trends may be, they are still dashingly fabulous and I covet them wholeheartedly So of course it is only natural while combing through my recent press releases that I would liken the latest fall beauty looks to those old glam rock images of Tina Chow and Jerry Hall… those dark shimmery eyes complete with almost glossy looking liquid liner and cherubim lips dripping with red gloss…. Cue Roxy Music…



Every fall we see lots of color but this season the division between wearable and un-wearable is all in the flick of the wrist. At Gucci eyes were lovingly swept into winged perfection with washes of pinks, purples and cobalt, but for real life take away the excess off the temples and scale back to smoldering shadow and only elongated liner and you have a sensuous autumn look that’s a perfect update on the smokey eye of the last few years. Kevyn Aucoin - Eye Shadow Palette - #5 is beautiful with a little practice….and blending of course.



Chanel’s new eye gloss in rouge noir worn over smudged eye liner lends an instant sex appeal that goes beyond a safe neutral eye.



Super strong red lips topped with gloss is all the rage but don’t even attempt this without the aide of a good lip pencil… I love Lipstick Queen Shine Gloss in Red along with the matching pencil. This vibe might take some getting used to if, like me you are the kind that likes a natural looking lip. But I am finding what looked so terribly wrong last year actually looks quite luscious now. If you can’t bear the red go the exact opposite end of the spectrum by covering lips with foundation and topping with shiny gloss for the nudest nude.



Lastly keep blush to a minimum and try a bit of neutral contour slightly brushed on the cheeks this will keep the face from looking flat. Try Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow on in Dolline. Brush it right along the cheekbone under your own natural “dent” remember that blending is essential… and your goal is not to go from Snow White to J-Lo … but rather to look ravishing.

Fall’s Fresh Face

Normally as the autumn approaches I crave that change from light and airy summer garb to darker, richer fall fare. But somehow in my uh- hmmm “advancing” years I seem to gravitate to the same safe go-to shades when it comes to makeup. Yes love, I confess for someone who owns a makeup store and has every shade of the rainbow available to her… it’s bananas! Back in the day it was not uncommon for me to sport blood-red lips, the kind of 80’s crimson made famous in Desperately Seeking Susan. I am positive that the MAC red craze started shortly thereafter , until then if memory serves it was all about the Chanel opal gloss and the darkest tan you could muster…. Imagine purple/white lips and skin the color of a brown shoe…. and let me just say we worked that look to it’s grave…and than thankfully it stayed there!

So now I am desperately seeking a low maintenance look that I don’t have to touch up every two seconds… is that so much to ask? Even though the fall catwalks are always littered with deep dramatic makeup looks, there were a few surprising fresh faces amongst the smoldering ones that work perfectly.


Phi, Stella McCartney and Marc by Marc Jacobs all reminded us that glowing skin and a flush of blush always look modern no matter what season.


So if you are more of an au -natural girl like moi try these tips to get the look.



REN Jojoba Micro Bead Purifying Facial Scrub
Don’t neglect your skin, the better your skin the less makeup you will need.
Proper cleansing and moisturizing is essential, and be sure to use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to keep skin smooth.
Deep cleanses with gentle micro beads of jojoba oil to remove dead skin and encourage health cell renewal.


FACE Atelier Ultra Foundation
Mix a few drops of moisturizer with your foundation to keep skin looking hydrated and glowing.
FACE Atelier Ultra Foundation provides the perfect combo of luminous skin with a matte finish.


Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Moist Glow in Bliss
Easy to apply with just your fingertips or a brush it’s the perfect rosy pink that lends a fresh just- came- in- from -the- snow flush of color.



Becca Eyeshadow in Bouclé
One of my go to beige shades. It gives eyes a finished look without looking makeupy.


Fuchsia Crush Lip Gloss by Becca
This sheer pink has just a hint of color and keeping lips smooth and hydrated.

4 Easy Steps to a Smokey Eye

Have you ever tried to do a smokey eye on yourself only to end up looking like a racoon? Here are Diane's easy steps to get the look just right!

Here Comes the Sun

Unless you live under a rock.... (and frankly if you do you will also want to listen up because you are probably looking pretty pale) you know that the sun is the numero uno cause of skin aging and wrinkles. Some of us have found out the hard way and are paying the stupid tax now for all the tanning sins we committed in our younger days! So, we are pleased as a golden bowl of punch to offer Glow 365 tanning services by Val at Glam Lounge. Starting Sunday July 12th you too can experience the perfect organic- chemical free tan loaded with skin nourishing vitamins!

STEPS TO GET THE PERFECT SPRAY TAN!
1 Exfoliate throughly (but gently) the day PRIOR to your appointment.
2 Shave 8 hours prior to tan or 2 days post tan
3 The day of tanning the skin should be free from makeup, deodorant and moisturizers
Post Tan - wear loose fitting clothing,
AVOID - showering or bathing for a minimum of 8 hours - longer if possible
Avoid body washes and soaps that contain Sodium laurel sulfates,skip exfoliators or rubbing of skin - pat dry only
Avoid swimming, chlorine, exercise, soaking in a tub - or rain!
Moisturize twice a day to extend the life of your tan (this spray tan last an average of 7-10 days)
Exfoliate only at the end of your tanning... we recommend a dry exfoliation method especially if you are prepping for another tanning session!

Val is available Sundays from 12-5 for tanning and aesthetic services all other days of the week are by appointment only.

Experience The BURN!

Back from Vegas! It was a fab time of higher skin care learning and lots of great new techniques and tips to pass on to you our much loved clients, which we will be sharing soon! But first-I am beyond the beyond excited to announce the at- any- moment arrival of BURN candles from Fred Segal Studio.
We have been coveting these babies since before we opened our Glam doors and finally now you can enjoy them too!
I haven't found any other candle on the market that burns quite as long as these unassuming, soy blend candles. The aromas are dee-lish but the burn time.... 100 hrs, plus the wicks are carbon free! These folks are serious about candle enjoyment... talk about getting bang for your buck! Come and experience these amazing scents Hinoki Temple, Cassis Nectar, Tahitian Vanilla Flower , Bittersweet Mandarin, Peruvian Flowering Tobacco, Ceremonial Jasmine Tea.

What Happens in.....

Glam girls Diane and Leah are off to the Las Vegas aesthetics show this weekend. It's sure to be a tawdry time of higher learning and investigating of the latest pore perfecting treatments, speed waxing techniques, peeling mastery and cutting edge products. Who knows maybe even a spin around the roulette wheel or a roll of the dice? One thing I know for sure is that after traveling for years with 75 lbs of hair and makeup kits in tow, this little artist loves to challenge herself by attempting to pack the smallest bag possible....this time it's a half full duffle and an oversized purse (gotta have those reading materials for the flight!) Aside from mini versions of Sonya Dakar skin care and Phyto Jojoba shampoo, I made sure to stow one of my favorite compacts the Becca Aurora palette. It has practically a full face worth of products in a slim little case...just add foundation and mascara....and voila'




Next week I'll be bringing you our report on the show and maybe even a few pix!

Orange you glad I didn't say banana?

In the words of Rachel Zoe "I die" over a peachy lip especially when worn with a flush of apricot blush. Lately lots of celebs are flocking to this ultra- summery and uber feminine look. These peachy/coral/orange shades are a great alternative to rosy pink and as my clients have come to experience (once I talk them down from the pre-gloss eyebrow raising and skepticism) that little hint of sunshine looks super sexy worn with either a bit of liner or a va-voom smokey eye.



One of my favorite secret weapons for drop-dead gorgeous lips is the ModelCo Colorbox Gloss in Melon.





or the Becca Glossy Lip Tint in Frisco wear them alone or over the luscious Becca Yamilla Sheer Tint Lipstick and watch heads turn- In a good way of course!

5 Minute Face!

You can really do your whole face in 5. Take a look at my segment from SheKnows.com with Shay Pausa.

Miss Melt-o-rama

As a young and overly eager artist nothing had really prepared me to deal with the excessive makeup melting and sweating of my models during midday photoshoots in the blazing AZ sun. On one occassion a first-time model had worked herself into such an anxious frenzy, coupled with 110 degree temps that she literally looked like she has been soaked with a hose and no amount of powder was going to bring her "pretty" back. Needless to say when your job depends on it you "make it work" baby! If you don't happen to have a makeup artist following you around with a stocked set bag, here are a few great ways to remain fresh without being a slave to the mirror.



Becca Beach Tint in Watermelon One of the prettiest and most wearable shades around, this creamy gel works on lips and cheeks to give you a healthy flush of color.



Becca Line & Illume Pencil
With two shades in one slim pencil you get a gorgeous shimmery shadow along with the perfect smudgeable liner. We especially love Mustique for day and Capri for a sexy evening look!



Kevyn Aucoin Prime Color Creme Shadow. This stuff stays put and glides on like a dream so you be looking polished and pretty all day long!

Be a Golden Goddess

I remember the days when I thought nothing of basking in the sun for hours sans spf. These days I seem to be in an all out guns blazing war against my self inflicted sun damage... I will blame it on the ignorance of the 80's. Baby oil anyone?
But loves, I want to spare you the same dermis damaging tragedy. So, if you really need to get your tan on, here are a few of my favorite DIY options that our Glam customers seem to snatch up in droves.

Model Co Self Tanning Glove These little goof- proof, streak-free mitts give you a gorg one time full body bronze. Even better, if you're a beauty recessionista like me and you are only using it for arms or legs you can stretch your bronze out over two uses. After use on select body parts place the mitt back into the foil pouch, press out excess air, fold over the top and seal tightly with a clip or tape. This way your glow will live to see another day!





BODY MERINGUE Bronze Glow This lighter- than- air whip delivers an instant bronze that turns into a flawless sun-kissed tan within hours. It contains Aloe Vera & Witch Hazel to help stimulate blood flow and plump up any dimpled areas to help minimize that dreaded orange peel skin, not that I would know anything about that...uuhemm. This little mousse-y does have a shimmery glow so it's definitely not for the girl who wants to be a wallflower!





GLOWFUSION Micro Nutrient For a total suprise, this self tanning mist is all natural, fast drying and odor-free... no really, there's no odor. no streaking. no staining. No kidding! The nutrients are derived from sugarcane to works with your skin's natural keratin proteins and create your perfect, customized shade of glow.

Check out the mention of these self tanners in Yes Magazine! http://www.azcentral.com/style/fashion/articles/2009/04/23/20090423tanguide.html