Redken Real Control is Definitely Worth It!

A few weeks ago I attended the launch of the new Redken Real Control haircare line.  I was honored to discuss the Redken Real Control products with super stylist Kaz Amor!   His salon, Warren Tricomi LA, styles the hair of Lauren Conrad, Katherine McPhee, Brandy, Kerry Washington, Molly Sims, Dania Ramirez, and Lydia Hearst to name a few!  He is an incredible person to just sit and chat hair with!    

Kaz explained that the new Redken line, Real Control, is specifically designed for sensitized and distressed hair.  What does that mean?  If your hair is course, thick, dry, and chemically treated this is your line.  This line also works well for Latinos and multi cultural hair. Upon seeing the new line I was definitely skeptical.  Would it really put moisture back in the hair and keep the hair soft and manageable? 

We decided to put it to the StyleBell test.  We tested the Real Control Intense Renewal moisturizing mask for dense, dry, and sensitized hair.  The result was incredible!  Our tester has multicultural super curly, coarse, ringlet hair that is very dry and dense.  No combs or brushes going through this hair!  Our tester followed the directions perfectly.  After shampooing she applied it to her hair and left it on for 15 minutes.  She then rinsed it out and dried as normal.  The results were amazing and immediatley noticeable.  Her hair looked healthier, shinier, and frizz free!  The coarse ringlets were more manageable!  This is a product must have if you have dense, dry, and sensitized hair.     

The Redken Real Control haircare line includes the Shampoo, Conditioner, Thermal Resist Spray, Crema Care, and Intense Renewal mask and are currently available at the Warren Tricomi salon in LA and will be available soon all over in June of 2008! 

The Hills Inspired Side Ponytail

Lauren Conrad looks fabulous in “the” look for the summer, the side ponytail hairstyle. Don’t you love it! Well you know what? The side ponytail style is extremely simple to do! Johnny Lavoy shows us how to make the Hills inspired side ponytail as seen on Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie and Miley Cyrus. Short hair - don’t worry Johnny shows how you can add hair extensions to make this look.

Sex and the City Premiere! Sarah Jessica Parker What?

We all love our fashion diva Sarah Jessica Parker and know that she IS fashion.  So as soon as I saw this look I had to share!  Sarah Jessica Parker was seen in the garden inspired beanie hat by Phillip Treacy at the World premiere of the Sex and the City: The Movie in London.  A definite 50’s inspiration.  I am wavering in the likeability department but it definitely makes a statement.  What do you think?  Comment and let us know! 

GHD MK4 Flat Iron Review

With so many flat irons on the market, how do you really know which one is right for you? I’ve been testing them out to see how each one works, and why. Today I’d like to share my review of the latest wonder from GHD, the GHD MK4 1″ Ceramic Flat Iron. Touted as one of the best flat irons on the market, I absolutely loved it.

Incorporating state-of-the-art styling technology, the GHD MK4 Straightener and Styler looks very similar to a lot of flat irons out there, but that’s where the similarities end. It’s different, and really, it’s better. All of you CHI fanatics take note, if you ever try a GHD, you’ll see what I’m talking about, and if you currently use a ‘drugstore variety’ flat iron, you’ll be amazed.

The MK4 has a rounded barrel for improved curling and styling, and let me tell you, it curls as easily as it straightens, giving you the ultimate in versatility. You should know that most flat irons will produce curls, but with this iron, it was easy and the curls were nice. I chalk that up to the way this ceramic iron smoothed my strands. It took out all the texture. It didn’t just ‘flatten’, it smoothed. And curled. Major props for that.

The GHD MK4 also has advanced ceramic heaters that are designed to sense the porosity of your hair type to apply and maintain the perfect amount of heat with every glide. That’s cool. Really cool. The iron stayed hot the whole time - no damaging ‘hot spots’ like some other brands - you know who you are! But honestly, it didn’t need to stay hot so long because it straightened my hair super-fast.

The ceramic plates that promise smooth, static free glides took out all my frizz in no time. Some flat irons have been known to create static on hair - especially ones with Tourmaline - so static-free was a huge plus. This iron also had an extremely good grip of my hair while styling, which is very important when choosing a flat iron, because it usually translates into quicker styling with less passes down the same section of hair. Additionally, the ghd MK4 has great tension control, which means I didn’t have to give myself carpal tunnel squeezing the plates together super hard as I straightened each section of my hair. Minimal tension worked just fine thank you.

This iron comes nicely packaged with a step-by-step DVD included in the box which is great for you newbies, but obviously you can always catch a styling video here on our blog if you need some extra help - check out Flat Iron Styling with GHD.

This iron gets two snaps up in Z formation. Watch out competition (ahem CHI), there’s a top player in town, the GHD MK4 has arrived and it’s fabulous! I hope more people get past the pricey price point and give it a try, it really is worth it.

P.S. The ghd MK4 also has an awesome auto adjust feature for international voltages so I can style my way around the world, if I ever get to do that…

New Mini Nano 1/2 inch Flat Iron from Babyliss!

New Product Launch Alert!  Babyliss has launched the new Nano Titanium Mini ½ inch flat iron.  Yes you read correctly, it is only a ½ inch wide and 6 inches long.  You can throw it in your purse, bag, or leave in your car for those quick touch ups.  This is going to be great!  You think you flat iron too much now wait until you get this iron – all the time! This iron is an extention of Babyliss’s already successful line of Nano flat irons and has the same core technology which I love!  It has titanium and ceramic plates, heats up to 430 degrees F, gets close to the scalp, and is dual voltage for worldwide travel.  I have also been assured by Babyliss that the outer casing will not burn you.  This is a definite problem with other mini flat irons.  Product review soon to come!

David Archuleta & David Cook, Same Hairstyle?

Our American Idol favs David Cook and David Archuleta are starting to look awfully similar.  It is hilarious!  The soon to be top two (no predictions here) are starting to take on the exact same spiky top with a slight bang swing hair style.  They must be using the same hairstylist I hope!  Who do you like better?  Comment below!

Weekly Beauty Reads

Product Girl is giving away 4 goodie bags from the upcoming Sex and the City movie! Check out Product Girl for more information.

Beauty Anonymous reveals the jelly pinkness of the Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen Spring 2008 Salon Collection !

Raging Rouge announces the MAX Factor May Makeover giveaway. Over $750 of MAX Factor products will be divided up between TEN winners on May 17th. Good luck!

SugarShock Beauty has a newfound love for foundation: the makeup artist- and Madge-approved Face Atelier Ultra Foundation.

The Muse whispers in your ear about Benefit’s Newest Cheek Stain for Summer! Pssttttt! Enjoy the first ever images, product photos, and swatches from a link available at Musings!

This mascara ended A Touch of Blusher’s mascara search…

Beauty411 reviews Soaptopia, a bath line that promised to be “100% junk free”! Check it out!

Beauty Blogging Junkie schools you on how to avoid snaggy, dry lips.

Looking for skin care products that deliver results? Read The Makeup Divas review of the Somme Institute Skin Care Line.

Beauty and Fashion Tech is giving away two sets of John Frieda Lustrous Touch Shampoo and Conditioner. One for blonde hair and one for brunette.

At Girl Gloss, you can win a set of seven Classic Badger Balm Lip Balms.

Beauty Junkie in SF is on her way to a flawless face with the help of a new high-tech skincare system.

The Beauty of Life brings you the highs and lows from the celebs’ beauty looks at the Costume Institute Gala.

Beauty Banter dishes on the new Spring Hair Style and actress Shiri Appleby models the look!

Need a nail intervention but can’t afford regular trips to the salon? Glossypink goes there to get great nails.

What makes you feel your most beautiful? Toya at The Life of A Ladybug wants to know!

Kitiya from Mischo Beauty helps you determine if you’re a candidate for microdermabrasion!

A reader at makeup loves me claims to have gone up one cup size by using victoria’s secret bust enhancer!

Makeup Moxie finds Complexion Perfection when she reviews the foundation and concealer duo compact by Global Goddess.

Face Candy reviews NARS Orgasm Multiple, Lip Gloss and Nail Polish.

The Muse whispers in your ear about Benefit’s new cheek stain and has a link to swatches!.

Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog Gets a Surprise Stage Makeup Makeover with Kryolan Professional Makeup.

Pursebuzz.com does a step by step tutorial on how to create that extra dramatic smokey eye look as seen on Gwen and Fergie and everyone on the red carpet.

What has a delectable chocolate fragrance when you smooth it on that morphs into a fresh, powdery scent once it sinks in? Spoiled Pretty tells you what it is and why you need to try it!

Cybelesays gets to the Shea of Things with their picks of the best Shea Butter products out there.

15 Minute Beauty Fanatic gives you the low down on Kristin Davis’s makeup for the SATC publicity tour!

In case you missed our posting:
StyleBell shows you how to make some serious waves with your flat iron.

Edward Tricomi’s Long Hair Cutting Techniques

Celebrity hairstylist Edward Tricomi of Warren Tricomi salon in New York City demonstrates a simple hair cutting technique for long hair.  Edward details that disjointed layers around the face is one of the most common mistakes in cutting long hair.  See Edward’s technique on fixing this major issue.