Living Proof NO-FRIZZ Keeps Frizz From Frazzling You!

The other day I was invited to the launch of a new type of haircare product called NO FRIZZ $24.00 4 oz, $14.00 2 oz. from Living Proof. This company is packed with promise, and peopled with partners that have imprssive experience and talent. For example, Dr. Robert Langer, one of the world's top biomedical scientists at MIT is part of Living Proof, and he has been awarded some of the most prestigious prizes in medicine. Together with Polaris Venture Partners (a venture capital firm with 25 years of experience in business development) Living Proof has gathered some of the best and brightest working on issues that annoy the average person to no end, even if they're not life threatening. We're talking about prolems. The first problem the company decided to tackle, luckily for frizzballs like me, is how to tame frizzy hair.

Like many visionary companies, Living Proof was founded simply after a conversation between a man and his hair stylist. The Living Proof team analyzed products currently used to tame frizz and realized that most of them used silicones and were pretty much tweaked formulas that were closely related. So they put the brightest and best people they could find, into a lab (Langer Labs), let them play around with ingredients.

It took about two years, but the result was NO FRIZZ -- a line of silicone-free, frizz-eliminating hair products with a new, molecule, PolyflouroEster that is enhanced/activated with heat styling. Traditional frizz fighters coat hair (leaving it heavy and greasy) but the unevenness of the coating allows moisture in, making frizz appear. The new molecule is smaller than the traditional frizz-fighting ingredients, and the it provides a thin, smooth coating that produces a barrier against frizz that is more effective, and also provides a more lightweight product.

Living Proof's mission is to "invent efficient formulas based on entirely new molecules and breakthrough technologies for results you can see from across the room." To prove this point, at the launch, a woman with perfectly long, straight, shiny hair that had been treated with one of the No Frizz products on one side and a traditional, silicone based anti-frizz product on the other, and then smoothed straight with a flat iron, "volunteered" (she works for the company) to sit with her back to us as another woman literally steamed her hair with humidity directly applied with a hand steamer. As the presentation continued, I watched the woman with the steamer assault the volunteer's hair for at least five minutes. The result? The side that had been treated with the traditional silicone looked "poufy" and textured, while the NO-FRIZZ side looked perfectly straight. We were in a theater with stadium seating and I could easily see the difference "from across the room."

But as someone with a lot of frizz frustration, I couldn't wait to try this product on myself at home. There are six different products for three different hair types: fine-medium; medium-thick; and thick-coarse in two different formulas: Straight Making, and Wave Defining (for those days when you want a more wavy or curly style that still looks controlled and frizz-free). As a beauty reviewer, I try so many different products, but I have my favorites that give me the results I desire. So I used my favorite shampoo and regular conditioner. After this, I decided to try the medium-thick product in a flip-top tube, wishing that all of these came in the pump bottle used only for the fine-medium products. But the products for thicker hair are also thicker in consistently, hence, a tube packaging works best. The tube encouraged me to use at least one, quarter-sized dollop of the product (2x or 3x the amount for longer hair). I gamely tried two dollops even though the label says: "Don't be afraid--you can't use too much."

I worked the product in my damp hair, and did my usual, fast blow-dry that generally leaves my hair poufy and the dry ends, frizzy. I didn't change my "technique" at all. My hair looked fairly sleek, even without a finishing touch from a flat iron. I decided to lightly spray some of the fine to medium solution on the sides of my layered style where the ends are damaged and always frizz up. Then I smoothed my hair again with a mini flat iron. TIP: you can work a dollop of NO FRIZZ into dry, damaged ends during the day for added moisture and conditioning.

As A beauty reviewer I try all sorts of products that promise great results, and not all of them deliver the goods equally well. But with the NO FRIZZ product, the results were better than I expected. My hair felt looked shiny and felt as if nothing was coating it at all --quite unlike the heavy, greasy feel that most anti-frizz products produce. In truth, my hair not only looked than usual, it looked better than it has ever looked outside of a professional blow-out....and I didn't even do a great job at styling!

And, at the launch presentation I attended, we were told that since the NO FRIZZ technology repels most other materials like water and oils, it actually repels dirt and particles, keeping your hair cleaner, longer. Since my hair looked straighter than usual, it also looked more vibrant. A good blow-out requires a lot of heat, so if you can reduce the amount of shampoos and stylings, you may actually save time, money and keep your hair healthier. Although it's not a scientific study, mine certainly seemed to stay looking nicer, longer. The day I did this test it was raining. My hair still did frizz...a bit...but nothing like it usually does. I didn't try the wave-producing product yet, but I am confident that curly styles will look shinier and smoother as well.

Given this result, and all of the benefits I've mentioned, I'm definitely a new fan of NO FRIZZ!

Give your friends a frizz-free new year by gifting them with NO FRIZZ. The products ares available now at http://www.livingproof.com/ and will be available in February 2009 at select Sephora stores and online, and at QVC and QVC.com

Where the Wild Things Are NOT (or how to tame wild hair within seconds)!

Last night I went to see James Taylor at Jones Beach (watch YouTube video). It was a humid night and the sky was full of dark clouds. We went armed with umbrellas, and even a few plastic bags in case the heavens opened up. This post really isn't about the James Taylor concert, although James was great (yes, this man can sing). It's really about my wild and crazy post-concert hair! When I got home, my carefully blown-out straight style was literally in a mass of waves--really wild and crazy waves -- not at all the "cute" and "controlled" type of curly.





Luckily, I had two things on hand today that I just happened to have in the queue to review for the Advice Sisters "What Works" Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column for September/October this Fall (the July/August column will be up the first week in July, and you can currently check out May/June's huge, two-page column at http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html ). Both of these items can tame the "wild thing" called super-frizzy, curly or wavy hair, in just seconds!




The first is a low tech, easy fix: a hairband! I didn’t think there could be anything really new when it comes to this classic hair tool since they're been a favorite of women for so long, but this new, Scünci FlexiWrap Hair band $3.99 is not your mother's hairband. This one is bendable, flexible, stretchy and completely comfortable. It has the same, sleek good looks of traditional plastic and fabric hair bands, but without the hard, rigid frame that can pinch and crack and feel downright uncomfy on your head. The new Flexi-Wrap features a braided, patent-look, or cutwork hair band that looks like the solid, rigid ones but it's fold-able and soft, and stays put, thanks to a ponytail-type elastic that stretches to just the right size to hold fast to the back of your head. The FlexiWrap Hair Band really gives you a customized fit the one-size-fits all rigid ones can't, and it does it without pinching, binding, or pulling. This hairband stays so secure you can even exercise with it and it wont slip off. But you won’t even know you have it on!

The hairband in the photo is obviously the clear one. It looks beautiful on every type of hair, letting your natural color shine through. There’s also a tortoise-shell style, wide, braided band, and a slimmer, solid, black patent leather look hair band --one to go with just about everything you own. These make great beach and travel companies. Simply fold them almost completely flat for travel, and they won’t break in your bag -- the cleverest idea I’ve seen in hair ornaments in a long, long time. Even better, they cost less than lunch! They're sure to be new classics. and you’ll reach for these to tame wild hair (and just because they're great looking) on bad hair days, and good ones, too!

But if you can't stand the curls, the frizz, or the fuss, you'll want to bring out the effective but easy to use, 'big gun" the Infiniti Nano Silver Ionic Steam Straightener by Conair $129.99. I actually saw this a few weeks ago on one of those weekend television info-mercial programs (I was not doing anything early in the morning, and was flipping channels). The thing is, it's really impressive both in power and versatility. The TV ad showed women with really wild, seriously curly, or tightly permed hair as before and after, but you could actually see the flat iron do it's job with one swipe of the iron. There they were, former wild and curly girls, with sleek, shiny, perfectly straight hair!






The iron is an eye-catching red color, but what will really catch your eye are the high-tech bennies, courtesy of nano silver tourmaline ceramic plates and a tw0-stage steam and lock technology, to keep the look lasting longer. The iron simply glides through even the most coarse, thick, and wild hair, like a steamroller. The nano silver technology helps hair glide through the plates, while the tourmaline ceramic plates smooth the hair cuticle layer, condition, and protect hair from damage since you can effectively use high heat for less time. This way, your hair doesn't get so "fried." There's a removable water reservoir with variable steam settings for up to 20 minutes of continuous steam (steam helps the style set and stay smooth, hours longer). Two heating elements in this high-tech tool and five heat settings from a mild 202 degrees to 395 degrees help tame hair that simply won’t take "no" for an answer! Other nice features are the retractable, adjustable height detangling "teeth" that help hold hair straight. The ionic steam straightener is a true, added bonus it is equipped with a true ion generator that releases 2 million ions/cm3 to straighten and reduce frizz, and make hair feel soft and silky. A professional style swivel cord rotates 360 degrees so you can get to the back of your head without fighting the cord. When you're done, the iron is going to be hot, but there's a silver-y, heat-resistant travel bag included with your iron. Use it, and you'll still be able to safely pack it up right away without fear.


It's one thing to see amazing results on TV, but does this iron work as well for the average person (or at least on my currently wild-from-the-humidity, hair)? For starters, this flat iron is good for all hair types. If yours is fairly mild and straight, this flat iron will work wonders. But if your hair tends to be curly or frizzy, it’s one of the best "mane tamers" I've seen in a long time.
Although my hair isn’t normally that wild and curly, it is thick, wavy, and sometimes, stubborn. The Infiniti Nano Silver Ionic Steam Flat Iron let me get my hair totally straight without a struggle, even after my hair was immersed last night in the worst possible conditions. My hair was once again shiny, soft, straight, and manageable. A woman on the info-mercial said: "It’s by Conair, who wouldn’t trust it?" It may cost a few dollars more, but a good flat iron like this one will save your time, your sanity, and your sense of style!





For more information, visit Scünci: http://www.scunci.com/ and Conair: http://www.conair.com/

Ouidad's hair poll- curls have it--interesting statistics about hair!

I just wanted to share these interesting hair statistics with you, taken from a recent poll conducted on Ouidad.com:

1. Which process gives you better curls?
Blow Drying: 24% (157)
Air Drying: 76% (496)

2. Do you use a different product regimen in the summer versus the winter?
Yes: 42% (109)
No, same products all year: 58% (152)

3. If you could change one thing about your hair what would it be?
Texture: 46% (159)
Color: 11% (39)
Length: 27% (93)
Feel: 15% (53)

4. What do you love most about your hair?
Texture: 37% (73)
Color: 22% (44)
Length: 25% (50)
Feel: 17% (33)

5. Have you ever gotten such a bad haircut it made you cry?
Yes: 88% (275)
No: 12% (39)

6. How long do you usually spend styling your hair?
1-5 minutes: 24% (90)
5-10 minutes: 32% (118)
10-20 minutes: 25% (91)
More than 20 minutes: 19% (70)

7. When you are in a hurry, what is your go-to style?
Down: 27% (88)
Ponytail: 65% (211)
Under a hat: 8% (27)

8. Do you feel more confident with curly hair or straight hair?
Curly: 65% (198)
Straight: 35% (106)

9. Do you feel more attractive with curly hair or straight hair?
Curly: 68% (236)
Straight: 32% (112)

10. Would you be more likely to wear your hair straight or curly for a job interview?
Curly: 68% (249)
Straight: 32% (115)

11. Would you be more likely to wear your hair straight or curly for a big night out?
Curly: 74% (321)
Straight: 26% (113)

12. Would you be more likely to wear your hair straight or curly for a first date?
Curly: 80% (235)
Straight: 20% (60)

13. Would you be more likely to wear your hair straight or curly for a night out with the girls?
Curly: 76% (335)
Straight: 24% (106)

14. Do you get more attention when your hair is curly or straight?
Curly: 70% (230)
Straight: 30% (100)

15. What is your biggest hair complaint?
Frizz: 67% (277)
Flat hair: 15% (61)
Static: 0% (2)
Oily hair: 0% (1)
Dry hair: 17% (72)

16. Would you ever permanently straighten your hair?
Yes: 21% (78)
No: 79% (285)

17. Have you ever been teased about your curly hair?
Yes: 76% (244)
No: 24% (77)

18. Are you more attracted to people with curly or straight hair?
Curly: 70% (146)
Straight: 30% (63)

19. How much do you spend monthly on hair products?
Less than $5: 5% (12)
$5 to $15: 18% (43)
$15 to $25: 33% (76)
$25 to $50: 23% (53)
More than $50: 21% (49)

20. Are you brand loyal?
Yes: 75% (169)
No: 25% (55)

21. What would you consider a curl-tastrophy?
A total frizz-out: 41% (156)
A half-flat head: 13% (51)
A bad hair cut from someone who doesn't understand curls: 45% (169)
Being called "Shirley!": 1% (3)

22. Whose celebrity curls do you most admire?
Nicole Kidman: 31% (109)
Julianne Margolies: 19% (67)
Jordin Sparks: 14% (48)
Iman: 6% (20)
Maria Menounos: 8% (28)
Paula Abdul: 3% (9)
Minnie Driver: 20% (71)

23. What do you love most about your curls?
They suit my face: 17% (41)
They suit my personality: 36% (88)
They are easy to care for: 14% (35)
They are easy to style: 7% (18)
They get attention: 25% (61)

24. What do you love least about your curls?
They don't suit my face: 17% (53)
They aren't easy to care for: 37% (113)
They are hard to style: 41% (127)
They don't fit my personality: 5% (14)

25. Do your curls look best when you first do them or later in the day?
First thing: 63% (211)
Later in the day: 37% (125)

26. What is the one product you can’t live without?
Deep Conditioner: 26% (66)
Daily Conditioner: 23% (58)
Shampoo: 2% (5)
Styling Product: 32% (79)
De-Frizzer: 17% (42)

27. What do you think your curls say about you?
Sexy: 28% (65)
Smart: 2% (5)
Low Maintenance: 19% (44)
Carefree: 17% (40)
Individualistic: 29% (67)
Lucky: 6% (13)

28. How important is getting the right haircut for your curls?
Very important: 91% (300)
Somewhat important: 8% (25)
Not so important: 1% (2)
Not important at all: 0% (1)
29. Do you buy hair products created specifically for your hair type or condition?
Yes: 92% (245)
No: 8% (21)

30. How often do you wash your hair?
Daily: 29% (124)
Every 2 or 3 days: 55% (236)
Once a week: 13% (56)
Less than once a week: 3% (14)

31. How often do you get professional blow-outs?
Weekly: 6% (11)
Every 2 or 3 weeks: 2% (4)
Monthly: 9% (18)
Only on special occasions: 83% (158)

32. Who does your hair better?
I do: 75% (213)
My stylist does: 25% (70)

33. Do you think your hair stylist really understands your hair?
Yes: 25% (52)
No: 75% (158)
34. Do you wish your stylist understood your curls better?
Yes: 97% (273)
No: 3% (9)

35. Does your stylist embrace your curls or try to blow them straight?
He/She embraces my curls: 54% (104)
He/She tries to blow them straight: 46% (87)

Tracey Cunningham --colorist to the stars, shares Summer and Fall color trends...and more about hair, color, and consistency!

Tracey Cunningham is a petite woman with a bubbly personality who reminds me a teeny bit of Bernadette Peters, but she isn't in anyone's shadow. She's a star in her own right, as a hair colorist with celebrities with names like Lindsay, Nicole, Jennifer (Lopez), Amanda, Renee and Cameron. Her high profile clients love and trust her with their precious tresses (at the Neil George salon in Beverly Hills), but she also does freelance hair color work for film, TV and print, and she is Redken's Creative Consultant For Color .

Last night I had the chance to listen to Tracey tell us (a group of beauty editors and bloggers) what color trends she sees for Summer and Fall 2008. Her three, beautiful models were brunette, blonde, and red haired.


What's Up For Summer? For Summer Tracey suggests a "beachy" look that is not too light, but a bit lighter on the ends. "In the Spring," says Tracey, "Everyone wants to go lighter." "The very front of your hair is what people see and it frames your face so you can go lighter there" says added.

What's Up for Fall? For Fall, lowlights help you make an easy transition. "People are doing less drastic changes and sticking to their own color" she said. But Tracey told us she punched up the color on all her models, using Shades EQ (an in-salon conditioning-glossing-coloring treatment featuring long-lasting no-ammonia demi-permanent haircolor in intensities beginning with just a clear gloss). For example, on her blonde model, she added lowlights that were a bit darker at the roots and woven through the sides and back. The look was natural, and although the model was blonde, it wasn't overdone.


What do we really want? "Rich, Glossy, Health Hair" says Tracey. Her three models all had shiny hair, but it looked real, not lacquered or "striped" with faux highlights. Her Brunette model's hair had shine and dimension, with softer pieces around her face that looked as if she might have been born with them. The redheaded model, according to Tracey, was a strawberry blonde that she deepened into a more auburn shade "like Julie Roberts."



Lindsay Lohan





How To Work With With a Colorist to the Stars (or any colorist). "My ideal client is someone who likes herself and has confidence" says Tracey. She also said it helps to bring visuals. So don't just say I want Julianne Moore's color, bring a photo or two two show her exactly what you mean. And it helps to be realistic. You may bring a photo of Angelina to your stylist, but you are not going to look like her no matter what you do, and the look might not be flattering to you or good for your hair type and skin tone. *this just happened to a good friend of mine, who showed me a photo of a model with long, piecey bangs and a layered shaggy look, but she wears glasses and the long bangs were impossible to wear with her specs. By the time the stylist made those bangs short enough, the "edgy" look she wanted had vanished with a lot of her hair!



Tracey also said she likes clients who are consistent in what they want. Oh, and contrary to what I have been taught (about making sure your hair is clean -- or at least fairly clean--before going to the colorist) it's best to condition before you go to the colorist and leave your hair dirty so your scalp and hair don't get more irritated.


Can Color Banish Frizz? Alas, there appears to be no foolproof way to keep frizz under control for long periods of time. The Brazillian hair straightening technique isn't at all safe (two thumbs down) and the Japanese straightening technique leaves your crown looking strange as it grows out curly again (not to mention if your hair isn't perfectly cut, it just looks ragged). There are products that help, for a while (I like Glass by Redken and the Redken Smooth Down line) but as Tracey told me (while pointing out the frizz at my temples that I thought I'd tamed before leaving home) that the best way to handle frizz and smooth hair is to learn how to use styling tools correctly (thankfully, she didn't say no to flat irons) and then have the skill, patience, and stamina to use them.


And What About Color Challenges? Tracey says it's obviously easier to know what you want so the color doesn't have to be removed. But it can be done--in steps. Better to listen to your stylist and colorist and modify your desire to go from platinum to ebony, or vice-versa, unless you know you'll really love it and want to keep that look for a long time. But if you do end up doing a disservice to your hair, you can treat it with Redken’s in-salon-only "Chemistry System Hair Recovery Treatment" service. Colorists use the Chemistry System to prepare hair for color and then repair it apres color. The three-step program targets the needs of each individual's hair, and can be customized for shine, deep conditioning, scalp treatment, strength, color, and softening. I hear there is even one to help keep hair smooth and somewhat straight and non-frizzy (on a temporary basis, anyway). *if you want to find a salon in your area that To features the Chemistry System, visit redken.com or call 1-800-REDKEN8.

Check this out! visit http://redkencolor.com/ and check out video clips from Tracey and other color experts. You can see the latest trends, find a salon, learn how to best prepare for your next salon visit, and learn about great Redken products *the Advice Sisters regularly review new products for consumers on our What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review column http://www.advicesisters.net/whatworkscol3.html

The 79th Academy Awards--bland and boring?

I don't generally find awards shows to be that interesting. They're generally bold-faced self-congratulatory spectator sports. The biggest and best known, (if not one of the oldest) bold-faced self-congratulatory spectator-driven, entertainment awards show of the year is the Academy Awards. Awarded annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the show awarding the golden statues of The Oscars are now an American Institution. Reams of paper, hours of television, and countless conversations will be focused on who said what, who won what, and who wore what. Sure, this is a self-congratulatory show that we get to attend only as distant observers, but it's supposed to be for the members of the Academy, not us. They get to vote and congratulate their own, and to recognize excellence in motion picture making, including acting, directing, screewriting, editing, musical score, costume design, and so forth.


I am sure there are politics involved, but in the end, there are just a finite number of Oscars given out, and those who win them may find their lives changed for better or for worse, forever by winning won (or losing one).

If I got these facts right, the Academy Awards began in Los Angeles way back in 1929 and they were first televised for "the masses" to view on NBC in 1953. The glitz and glamour of it all, spawaned by the powerful and highly effective publicity machines of the studios, especially back in "the day" focused the nation and then the world's attention on a select group of entertainers and directors. In the past,these awards shows were eagerly awaited by countesses and cleaning ladies, actors and the ladies at the old age homes, almost equally. The awards were only a part of the appeal. The rest included political protests, inappropriate behavior of various types, incomprehensible (and long) rants by winners, glamorous gowns and jewels, and outfits worn by both presenters and nominees so odd they garnered more press than the actual winners (eg. Cher's famous barely-there dress and feather headdress).

Ah, but last night's show was safe and secure, bland and boring At least that's how it was in my opinion, a bystander watching in an apartment so far from Los Angeles you couldn't get much farther away on the opposite coast. I think the show mirrored what's happening throughout the country right now, a cautious, semi-depressed approach to today and perhaps, the future. It was safe, but it wasn't exciting. The best moment was when tuxedo'd host Ellen DeGeneres asked Steven Spielberg to take her photo with Clint Eastwood to post on her myspace.com page. Yes, she actually has one. So do I: http://www.myspace.com/alisonsadvice
Mine has some good photos too, but none with celebrities like Steven or Clint or Ellen, of course. If they'd like to pose with me though, I'd be delighted to add them to my myspace.com page as well, and I'll even supply the camera!

The other moment that sticks in my mind most from the Oscars is Ms. DeGeneres, who was actually an affable, fast-paced, upbeat host, vacuming the front row and asking Penelope Cruz to hold up her dress so it wouldn't get sucked into the machine. I have no idea why she was vacuuming (it really wasn't that funny of a gag) but it was more interesting to watch the comedienne do that, than suffer through the necessary but boring "thank-you" acceptance speechesthat were mercifully) cut off by music after just a few minutes of "blah, blah blah-ing" about people the millions of people at home don't know or care about. I wished I'd been the one with something else to do besides listen to the endless acceptance speeches...even if it was housework.

I did like the human sculptures by Philobolus, made in the timely themes of the nominated best pictures, was also great.

And what of the fashions? Eh, yecchh....pale, bland and boring, mostly. A few too many jewelled necklines on otherwise uninteresting gowns, too many one-shoulder numbers, and ladies, look here: the messy bun look is getting tired, along with unglam, minimal makeup. I mean, if you're going to wear thousands of dollars in jewels and fabric, at last wear a lipstick that looks like you cared, and not just the beige gloss you'd wear with your jeans. Yes, everyone was playing it safe with appearance, including the long hair-extensioned look on Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow (who looked like she didn't have time to do anything with hers as it hung like long draperies, on her slim frame). Even the most interesting outfit wasn't really atttractive, but you have to give Meryl Streep her "props" for wearing something long and black by Prada, along with artsy, quite large pendant and bead necklaces (Meryl, where did you get them....I want some too!). Sort of "hippy-ish" it at least had originality and charm going for it, and it was far more sophisticated than the little, dingly, dangly diamonds that many of the presenters and nominees wore. The "older woman" look made me think that the oscar winning actress, Helen Mirren, had become too much a part of her Queen character. The pale, beaded champagne Christian Lacroix gown fit her fine, but the frumpy gown looked like a fancy mother of the bride dress that the real Queen might have worn. I'm glad Helen Mirren won for her role in "The Queen"(she really was wonderful) but the dress, was a definite loser. Other than Meryl Streep and Nicole Kidman (in a bright red, column of a gown with a huge bow at the neck that only she could carry off well), the dresses looked like the average assortment you'd find at an upscale charity event...albeit with a few more baubles and longer trains. Jennifer Hudson, for example, wore a drapey Oscar de la Renta dress in a sort of bronze-y brown that hung like it was just an ordinary (and cheao) ready-to-wear bridesmaids dress. I would have loved to have seen her in some color and glitz as a "dreamgirl" should.

The men fared a bit better. After all, who doesn't look good in a tuxedo? Apparently, that was the same thought that crossed host Ellen DeGenere's mind, since she wore three of them: wine, white, and blue.

I stayed up to the very end, but like the winning movie, it was a predictable finish.

Cynthia Rowley, Rocks it with Redken and Avon

Cynthia Rowley's runway show at the great and glamorous Gotham Hall was one of my favorites last season, and this year didn't disappoint either. I'll talk about the clothes briefly here, but will be adding more about them in a full feature in a few weeks focusing also on the hair (by fabulous REDKEN) and the makeup (a brilliant, new Cynthia Rowley for AVON Fall 2007 Color Collection). I checked to see who is reading this block, and discovered that along with all the readers the Advice Sisters have in English speaking countries, the past few entries in this blog have been translated into a number of languages, the most popular being French, Chinese, German, Japanese, Turkish, Korean, Dutch; Flemish, Arabic, and Greek ! I am flattered that someone would take the time to translate "The Advice Sisters!" If you are visiting this blog, please let me know. Leave a COMMENT! I'd appreciate it.

But back to Cynthia Rowley: As I walked through the backstage area, I spied a group of people with needle and thread, quietly stitching together what seemed to be a 30-foot brunette braid (3o foot braid?!). I was informed by REDKEN lead stylist Rodney Cutler that this giant braid was for the finale of the show. It would be attached to the head of just one model, and the rest of the models would hold it as the walked their last looks down the runway. As they stiched the braids together to make one long chain, it writhed and wiggled like a giant snake emerging from primordial ooze. It was a bit freaky, actually, but looked great on the runway and got murmurs and a few giggles from the audience.

As you might have already guessed, it was braids that were the theme of the hair for the Cynthia Rowley show. Rodney didn't do "pigtail" type braids, but instead, sophisticated, sleek, shiny hair with no part held tight to the head by a number of REDKEN styling products (see a view of the products below). How much and what was used depended upon the texture and length of the model's hair, but as you can see from the photo on the right, all those REDKEN products may each girls' hair sleek and shiny. The finished look was youthful (as are Cynthia Rowley's clothes), but still sophisticated, fresh and pretty, not silly, wacky, or out of place.

Actually, I got the the Gotham Hall early, before my REDKEN contacts arrived, but discovered that most of my contacts from the public relations firm Tractenberg, were already in place at the doors and inside the backstage area (they were handling the PR for AVON and for the press reception for the Cynthia Rowley for AVON Fall 2007 Color Collection) after the show. I was eager to see it.

AVON has several new collections that are quite beautiful, and the one For the Cynthia Rowley show is stunning! You are going to want to buy all o fit. As luck with have it, the lead on the collection, Jillian Dempsey, had just given birth to twins a few days prior, so she had her friend, makeup artist Tina Turnbow do the model's makeup instead. FYI: Tina learned her craft by assisting celebrated makeup artists such as Kay Montano and Pat McGrath, and works with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman, Anne Hathaway, Julianne Moore, and Joan Allen, among others.

As with many of the makeup looks for Fall, this one for Cynthia Rowley is all about the EYES (are you getting the theme for Fall, 2007 from all these blog entries?) . I had the opportunity to see Tina apply the makeup to the first model and explain it to her assistants. I was sitting down among them (maybe not such a good idea, but I knew I'd been on my feet for hours, and it was a free chair). At one point, Tina suddenly stopped what she was doing, and looked right at me : "Who are YOU?" she said in a voice that reminded me of the Caterpillar on the Hookah in Alice in Wonderland. "Uh, Oh, I'm a writer and reporter" I mumbled (as humble as Dorothy adressing the Wizard). Thankfully, one of the lovely women from Tractenberg confirmed my reason for being there and once the mystery was cleared up. Tina went right back to work, and I went right back to work too, taking notes!

The new, AVON Cynthia Rowley makeup collection is remarkable, not just for it's wearable and quite beautiful palette, but also because it translated uniquely to each model. I'm not going give away the secrets to getting this beautiful Cynthia Rowley makeup look from AVON today....you'll have to wait until my feature on the show is posted on the Advice Sisters Web Site http://www.advicesisters.net....but I will say that the collection will be available through AVON for Fall 2007 and it will work it's magic for you as well *Watch my FEATURES PAGE on advicesisters.net http://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html for a complete description of how to get the goods, and do the look (coming in a few weeks).

The look was all about a fresh face (no foundation, just a bit of brightening powder, concealer and a dusting of face powder if necessary). As with most of the shows I've seen this week, the focus is all on the eyes. This time, in a palette of violet and grey with some shimmer and lots of mascara. The model I quickly snapped in the photo above is a thousand times more beautiful than this photo shows, but it gives you a great look at the eyes. Note that the lips are pink and very, very shiny. The new Cynthia Rowley Color Collection for AVON lip gloss is unbelievable!a definite must have for your Fall makeup wardrobe.

As you can see from the model above, the eyes are the thing. The look was all about a fresh face (no foundation, just a bit of brightening powder, concealer and a dusting of face powder if necessary). Eyes were done in a palette of violet and grey (with some shimmer) and lots of mascara. There was just a bit of pink blush to warm up the face. The model I quickly snapped in the photo above is much more beautiful than this photo shows, but it gives you a great look at the eyes. Note that the lips are pink and very, very shiny. The new Cynthia Rowley Color Collection for AVON lip gloss is unbelievable!a definite "must have" for your Fall makeup wardrobe.

Ellen Tracy-Mercedez Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007

I am excited to be going to the Bill Blass runway show this morning but I'm running late! Last night I attended the Ellen Tracy runway show, so I'll write about that show first.

I love Ellen Tracy clothes. The sophisticated, classic shapes are the darlings of fashionable working women of all ages. Beautifully constructed of great fabrics, with an eye to detail...how could you not love them! FYI: I always thought that Ellen Tracy was a woman, but I learned that the company was started in 1949 as a blouse company by a man--Herbert Gallen. He hired Linda Allard who eventually became Ellen Tracy's Design Director. Her name was added to the Ellen Tracy label in 1984. COMPANY, a line for weekend and dress-down-day clothes, was started in 1991. Confused? Now George Collins Sharp is Vice President of Design Ellen Tracy and he was backstage at the show, of course. I took a few photos of him (check the Advice Sisters Features Pagehttp://www.advicesisters.net/Features/Features.html in a few weeks to see links to my photo-essay features on Fashion Week).
My first stop was backstage, to watch NARS makeup artist James Boehmer explain his concept for the show. Here's the model, TAO. She's beautiful without any makeup, but this look was particularly flattering and ladylike. James explained that while there was "nothing special" in terms of a theme for the makeup for Ellen Tracy, he wanted to make it elegant. He said he was inspired (a bit) by the Robert Palmer girl and Helmut Newton but in a more modern way, without the harsh angles and deep blush. The clothes reminded James of YSL "Le Smoking Collection" and so he wanted to have a strong eye AND lip--aggressive but elegant makeup. Interestingly though, here's no blush at all in this look. James simply added a bit of highlighter put high on cheekbones so that the face glows a bit when the model turns. Again, the look is all about color and technique. The eye makeup goes all the way into the brows, but all the harsh lines are removed by blending, blending and more blending! The eye makeup is really several different colors (plus a smudged and blended black eye pencil) James used a Duo Cream Eyeshadow: "Madagascar" and blended it, blended, it and then applied "Zardoz" and blended it, blended it, and blended it. The cream duo is a sheer formula created by NARS to use alone, or underneath NARS powder eye shadows for more color, depth and intensity. Lots and lots of mascara was also applied and black liner smudged top and bottom (a LOT of smudging). Brows were gelled, but no color was applied. He applied a beautiful, creamy, velvet-matte red brick lip pencil on each model ("Forbidden Red"). He lines Tao's lips first, then filled them in with the pencil. James said that when he was talking to the designer about the makeup for the show, they kept going back and forth about the lips--should it be a stain, or a lipstick. Lipstick definitely won out. The red lip against the creamy, matte skin was the perfect accompaniment to the sweaters, coats, and pants. I'll share more of the actual colors and products plus more photos, in the upcoming Advice Sisters Ellen Tracy/NARS feature.

RAMONA from Bumble & Bumble did the hair--sleek, very tight buns full of product for shine and manageability. Creative Nail design did the manicures--a ladylike, totally sheer, iridescent pink called "Negligee"

This show was really all about city chic, as you can see from this photo of took of beautiful Ajuma striding down the runway, wearing a cinnamon alpaca coat, Cinnamon iridescent taffeta blouse, Mahogany stretch viscose 2/4 sleeve sweater, and softly draping, mahogany crepe pants. I love this warm, Fall color, and it showed up in a variety of pieces, and even in a leather jacket. Another standout was a paprika (bright warm red) angora doubleface jacket worn with mahogany silk mesh sleeveless turtleneck and mahogany stretch stain skinny pants (couldn't get a photo of it--sorry)


There was also lots of city-sleek black which looked particularly great with the classy, elegant makeup and sleek hair. Ellen Tracy showed a number of jaunty fedoras, wide patent leather belts in black and brown, and lots of very large satchels in patent leather. There were knit scarves and tunics, too. One black cashmere cable knit sweater sparkled with a sprinkling of black beads and was worn with a stunning, ivory alpaca coat and black flannell pants with a deep pleat.

Black predominated. No surprise here--black is the uniform of chic women, everywhere. In fact, there were few surprises--just lots of urban chic clothes minus tacky, wacky or weird. Every piece in this Fall 2007 Ellen Tracy collection is something a real person would want to own. It's wearable chic you'll want the minute the collection hits the stores.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007-Alice Roi

It was cold. Very cold. Too cold. I wondered whether or not I should dress for fashion's sake, or to stay warm. The emotional side of me screamed "you've got to look good!" The practical side said: "It is only Saturday and Fashion Week has really just begun...stay warm and don't get sick."

I opted for a compromise: a robin's egg blue wool jacket reversed with peach, and a camisole that complimented those colors. Pants and black sneakers (I knew I was going to be on my feet from 9am-11pm) and an old down jacket that could be dumped on the floor backstage (so I could juggle my handbag, pen and paper, voice recorder and two cameras without holding a jacket, too).

Anyway, the first stop was Alice Roi. I got there fairly early which meant I got to see Stephane Marais for Bourjois do the model's "model" for all the other Bourjois makeup artists. I will be doing full features with photos on this show in the next few weeks, but I'll give you a preview: the look is all about the eyes. A fresh face and nude, moist lips, but the focus is all on the eyes. Stephane used grey and black metallic and smudged and smoothed and dabbed and smudged...all around the model's eyes. The look was a as if you'd used a lot of non-waterproof eye liner and shadows, and didn't wash it off before bedtime and you rubbed your eyes in teh night. The effect would be soft and smudged around your eyes--but obviously, a much more controlled version walked down the runway! When I spoke to the gracious Celine from Bourjois, she said that the makeup artists were using existing Bourjois products, which means you can "get the look" now if you want to jump ahead a season.

Stephane explained that the look was to compliment Alice Roi's theme and clothes, which was inspired by the beloved book about a little French girl: Madeline (my favorite book growing up). So the makeup was youthful and fresh, but with the deep, smoky eye, a not-so-innocent schoolgirl!

The hair, by Neil Moodie for Bumble and Bumble, was interesting. The models were wearing ponytail extensions made of soft strips of frosted plastic that looked to me like the fringes in a car wash. Hair was pulled sleekly back in mid-crown ponytails. I'll be writing more about the hair on the Advice Sisters Web Site http://www.advicesisters.net/ in the next few weeks. An interesting note was that three of the models (only three) wore short, black wigs. That added a nice balance to the sweetness of the "Madeline" vibe.

I wasn't staying for the show, because I was going to visit backstage at Alexander Herchcovitch, but I did get a sneak peek at the clothes. As yesterday, the colors were austere: black, more black, and black, and some brown and a bit of off-white. There were a lot of chunky knits, worn with (get this): Knee socks and platform shoes of various types. It channeled "Madeline" but more in a Shinjuku punk than very young child. There were some small plaid patterns, primarily in brown tones, some paired with lacy tops to add additional softness. The one bright spot was a sleeveless, swingy, micro-mini dress in a riot of acid pink, orange, white and topped and trimmed with black that looked like something I wore proudly in the 60's. I don't know where it fit into Fall, but it was fun, flirty, and a welcome relief from dark neutrals.


I arrived at the appointed time for Alexander Herchcovitch and was told to come back in half and hour. Nearly two hours later (it was an early call) I finally managed to get backstage to interview the MAC makeup artists and check out the hair. I am off to ARAKS this morning and will write about this show, as well as Gustavo Arrango, and Venexiana, when I get home tonight. It is Superbowl Sunday, but you, my readers, come first!

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007-Akiko Ogawa

Later in the day, I went to the Akiko Ogawa runway show in the tents. I got there early, and saw my friend Ester Nash on line for another show. How nice to see her! She's such a lovely woman.

As I was checking in for Akiko Ogawa, I ran into another person I know--Steven Bender. He now has his own PR company and is doing lots of interesting things. We had time to catch up for a few minutes. He's one of the "nice guys," too.

But on to the show: the theme is "the masculine look of a British rock star softened into feminine form and laced with elements of 'wabi sabi' (the distinctily Japanese aesthetic of refined rusticity and elegant simplicity considered the highly prized qualities in the traditional arts).

To break that down, the clothes were a mixture of punk bluntness, and soft silk kimono..a perfect fusion of Japanese downtown girls, with geisha elements. Scottish tartan (mostly with green and blue) showed up in pleated skirts, paired with rock-star black.

The audience and the clothes seem "youthful" but in truth, I could see nearly anyone taking pieces from the 39 pieces shown in this collection and making them work. There were skinny pants, mostly in black, along with charcoal gray, but there was some color. The pink used as accents apparently was inspired by the flower of the peony tree. One of the most beautiful pieces was a deep pink kimono tunic, worn with a low-slung Swarovski crystal studded belt. The most beautiful pieces were these silky kimono-styles, worn as dresses and tunics. The models seemed to float down the runway in these. I liked the oversized obi" type sashes that added a distinctly Japanese flair. I also particularly liked a black cropped "military" type jacket with large crystal "buttons" that added sparkle, and some of the jackets and sweaters with faux-fur trim. To add that punk attitude, a variety of platform black leather shoes prevailed. Add a chunky boot to a tartan skirt and you've got just the right mix.

The collection is fun, eye catching, and a welcome relief from the austere. Noda Norikata at MAO did strong, smoky eyes and pale faces. Hair, from Dennis Lanni for Bumble & Bumble was stark -- a sort of modern Louise Brooks short black bob with thick bangs for most of the models. This added a distinct rock star meets the East sensibility that went well with the clothes.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Fall 2007-Alice Ritter

Fashion Week has begun!

My first show was Alice Ritter at the Players Club in the chic, Grammercy Park area. It was cold and of course, I arrived on the wrong side of the Park and had to walk around three sides of it to get to my destination.

Inside, young girls in white T-shirts with the simple Alice Ritter logo in black letters, were all smiles. I got there close to start time (I know from experience that most fashion shows do not really start on time) and noticed the cozy club was already packed with chattering fashionistas. Two Alice Ritter staffers, chattering in melodic tones, in French, were sitting on one of three available couches, on opposite ends. They moved over so I could sit down, and I gratefully sank into the leather couch for the "wait" (which turned out to be about 35 minutes). While sitting, I chatted with a young woman who said she was there as an Assistant Buyer for the Isetan department store in Japan. So many buyers and press (yours truly included) didn't have seat assigments! We were finally ushered into a "great hall" lined with imposing oil paintings of what I presume were the founders or past presidents of the Players Club, squeezing ourselves through a gauntlet behind three rows of tightly packed (and mostly filled) seats. We filed in slowly, and I realized that there was an open seat right in front of where the line ended. The lights were just about to go out so I sat down. Alas, anyone not in the front row had an obstructed view.

But the clothes (from what I could see of them) were worth the wait. Down the runway came the most romantic if "costumy" clothes I've seen in a long time. They Edwardian inspired collection featured the most fantastic cropped jackets with nipped-in waists and long, tiered, flouncy back treatments. These were paired with nicely tailored, wide-legged, pants, and romantic, full skirts. Alice Ritter uses a mixture of woven fabrics, and since it was a Fall collection, there was a lot of substantial wool, heavy cotton, and silk. The colors were extremely austere: black, black and more black, and some grey, olive green, and a bit of "caramel, plus a bunch of blouses and dresses in silky, royal purple fabrics. What added spark was silky shine, and some sparkle or sheen in the fabrics of the jackets and skirts.

A lot of this collection is what I'd call "party" or special event clothes, but not in the sense of a formal evening gown. These are clothes to turn heads, but without a rhinestone or a bead, in sight. A standout was a "dandy's" outfit, mixing masculine and feminine: a pure white blouse with a huge ruffled front and collar of crystal pleats, paired with blakc pants and a fitted jacket. With an outfit this "showy" all you need is a pair of diamond stud earrings, and you're good to go! Another standout were two coats: one was a boxy, black and white tweed mid-length coat with a very large, shawl color. The other, a creamy ivory wool with a funnel neck and large buttons, that seemed very retro (think: Audry Hepburn in Charade).

I didn't go backstage for this one, but the main theme of the hair reminded me of party girl fone to sleep and this is the result in the morning. The hair was a "messy" bun with long pieces or tendrils deliberately falling out of it to the side. It was romantic, but I'd suspect it might be harder to accomplish at home than simply making a bun, and sleeping on it! The makeup was by NARS. I liked the matte, dark rose or warm red lips as the main focal point. I'll try to get the details from NARS and share them later on.

my Day of Beauty at Warren Tricomi Salon

When I was born, my hair was a bright orange that turned light blonde. As a child, it was strawberry blonde, with coppery strands that glinted like fire in the sun. It was so unusual that my mother sometimes asked me if I "did something" to it to make it that color. I didn't. My hair might be frizzy, curly and sometimes, uncooperative, but it always was a beautiful color.

Nothing lasts forever. When a few strands of silver started to clash with the copper, I freaked! I ran to a swanky (and expensive) salon, thinking I'd whisk away the greys with a few highlights. Alas, the colorist and I were apparently speaking different languages, and when I left, I had dark red hair! I had to admit it was a change (and change is good), but not that good--I hated it! Worse, I quickly learned that you get a "skunk line" down the middle of your head the minute the color starts to fade and your hair starts to grow. I couldn't afford the time, money and effort to keep touching it up and I longed for my own, nautural color back.

A friend (whose blonde hair I always thought was completely natural) came to the rescue with another salon that was the direct opposite of swanky (you change in the bathroom and put your things on a hook along with the stylist's lunch and shopping), but the colorist was personable, and she listened to what my needs were instead of imposing her vision. Best of all, the neighborhood was fun to visit--almost like being in another city entirely. She managed to get my hair somewhat back to "normal" between blonde, and red.

But nothing lasts forever. Too much hair dye over too long a period of time made my hair dry and brassy. Worse, it was splotchy. I waited as long as I could stand it, and when it was not only brassy, but faded, I'd had enough....and that's how I ended up at the Warren Tricomi salon on 57th Street in Manhattan.

I admit I was nervous. The salon is pricey and in the high-rent district off 5th avenye, a far cry from the low-key operation I'd been visiting. But my hair was really a mess, and Fashion Week is coming. I figured I wouldn't look any worse, and with luck, I'd look a lot better.

I felt a bit better being greeted at the door by an outgoing, stylish man named Paul who called me by name (nice touch). He directed to change (not in a bathroom but in a dressing room with beautiful, silk, maroon drapes) and to take a seat. I wasn't seated more than just a couple of minutes when colorist Simone's Assistant greeted me and brought me a glass of ice water (there is a complete "bar" at Warren Tricomi which is a nice touch if you are going to be there a while). Simone introduced herself and was very businesslike. I know that the salon is frequented by socialites, celebrities, and high-profile regulars. The thought was a bit intimidating, so I let it drop that we were both in the "beauty biz" but in different part of it. "Well, then I'd better do a good job," Simone gently joked.

I won't bore you with all the conversation, but Simone (very gently) informed me of something I already knew but didn't want to face: that as you age your hair color and perhaps, even the tone of your skin, changes. Some people go grey, some get darker. In my case, I didn't have much grey, but my strawberry blonde hair was not the same color anymore (is there anything really good about aging?). In any case, Simone suggested that I make my hair lighter without any red.

Red has always been my trademark....I wondered whether I should trust this virtual stranger. But Warren Tricomi is known for amazing makeovers (I've seen them do their magic on tv shows) and of course, they work their magic on models for designers at Fashion Week. The salon uses Redken and Wella products, and also has it's own line of signature products as well (I will be reviewing some of them in the next couple of What Works Beauty, Cosmetics & Fashion review columns). Looking around the large salon with it's slightly "Moroccan" and very chic vibe, and assessing the other patrons (who were not at all strange-looking), mostly expensively dressed and attractive, I decided to go with Simone's professional opinion. After, all, I am someone who writes abuot beauty and fashion, who is a certified image consultant, and who is known for giving advice about life and career to others--but when it comes to myself...well, let's just say I can be as myopic as the next person.

In a flash, Simone foiled, mixed, brushed on, and applied color to fix the blotches and turn my straw back into gold. A treatment that I think is one of the new, Warren Tricomi product lines made it soft and shiny. My hair was transformed into a beautiful shade of something that might have been closer to the way it was when I was a child...not blonde, not red...unique..and I got the few, subtle highlights I longed for when I first started this hair-color journey! Before I knew it I also had an amazing cut by Emiliano (adorable to look at and talented as well) that made my hair straight, swingy and stylish.

I walked down the street with attitude...and the salespeople at Bergdorf's were very attentive (they usually totally ignore me). Even the check-out lady at the market seemed a bit friendlier! They say money can't buy happiness...but it CAN buy great hair!

It has been a while since I've looked in the mirror and loved what I see. Now, I do.