Pre-Shampoo Hair Treatments, Get On Board

Have you ever thought about nourishing your your hair before you shampoo?  Yes, it sounds nuts, since you're just going to wash it out, but pre-shampoo hair treatments are popping up everywhere and the benefits are worth the extra effort.  Incorporate them into your beauty routine once a week or as needed and trust me, you'll love the results.  Here are three pre-shampoo treatments on my radar.

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, $49 at philipkingsley.com

This pre-shampoo treatment helps to increase elasticity, bounce and shine in your hair.  When your hair's wet, it stretches.  Leave this light-weight cream on your strands for 10-20 minutes before shampooing to ensure your hair's moisturized and won't break when combing it out after washing.

Hair Essentials Nourishing Hair Oil, $29.99 at hairessentials.com

This hair oil is made with a combination of oils like coconut, rosemary, lavender, cedar wood to help moisturize and nourish your scalp and hair.  Apply a small dollop on dry hair and massage it into your scalp and take it all the way down to your ends.  Leave it on for an hour before shampooing.

Kerastase Metamorph'oil, $44 at kerastase-usa.com

A combination of six different oils, oriander, coco, rice bran, argan, cranberry and rosemary, this pre-shampoo treatment acts like a purifier for your hair.  Think cleanse.  It helps to remove dirt, oil and product build up before you shampoo.  Apply a quarter size amount to dry hair and massage it into your hair shaft. Leave in for 2-3 minutes before rinsing and shampooing.

Bridal Hairstyles for Any Occasion

We saw all kinds of low buns on during Fall 2015 Bridal Fashion Week. While it may seem like a very simple, standard hairstyle, the runways proved that stereotype wrong. With small braids, sleek twists and knots, the intricate details of these low buns are appealing in so many ways.  Of course, you don't need to be a bride to rock these chic updos.  See one you like? We’ve got the bridal hairstyle how-to’s so you can recreate them at home for any affair.

Sleek Twisted Bun at Carolina Herrera

We absolutely love this twisted delicate bun seen on Carolina Herrera’s runway. If you want to recreate it’s clean details, stylist Stephanie Belly says it’s all about keeping the hair straight and slick.

1. Start by applying a heat protectant on dry hair from roots to ends and rough blow-dry into the hair.
2. Next, slick back the hair using a generous amount of Kerastase Forme Fatale before pulling it back into a ponytail in the middle back of the head.
3. Then, flat ironed the ponytail until it's completely straight and apply a shine serum to the end of the ponytail.
4. Finally, create loop details. To do so, wrap the hair around three fingers, place an elastic over the loop for support and smooth the ends as you wrap and pin around the hair tie as to hide it.

Braided Bun at Marchesa

This braided bun, created by hairstylist Akemi Tamaribuchi, has just the perfect bit of a peek-a-boo braid effect.

1. Start by dividing your hair into two sections at the top and bottom and clip the top.
2. Next, create a classic braid on a 2” section on the right side of the occipital bone and secure it with an elastic.
3. Add subtle texture using Kerastase VIP on the lengths of the remaining hair.
4. Divide the remaining hair into two sections to create a soft side part.
5. Tie the sections into two knots, creating a large chain-type knot and secure with bobby pins.
6. Finish off by wrapping and tucking the remaining lengths into the knot using pins.

Knotted Chignon at Monique Lhuilier

Nina Dimachki created one of the more simplistic low buns seen, at Monique Lhuilier.

1. Start by applying a mousse like Kerstase Mousse Bouffante  to the roots and Ciment Thérmique from mid-length through the ends onto clean dry hair.
2. After blowing dry hair away from the face, create a center part and gather hair at the nape of the neck and secure into a ponytail.
3. Next, curl the ends of the hair and lightly sprayed a hairspray for hold.
4. To finish it off, create a tight, slightly asymmetric knot, tucking in the accessible curls underneath and securing with bobby pins.

Style Solutions for Rebellious Hair

Doesn't it always seem like no matter what you want your hair to do it does the opposite?  Happy Monday.  The latest crop of stylers that landed on my desk are far from ordinary. These style solutions are for rebellious hair.  I mean it.  Check out the latest... you can thank me later.

Problem: Fly-Aways

Solution: Shu Uemura Art of Hair Detail Master

This directional fixing spray is used to target hairs that may be out of place.  It's a fierce hold hair spray that leaves nothing but shine.  Yes, just shine.  Despite it's strength, it doesn't leave a sticky or crunchy residue.  Tip: Spritz some on a toothbrush and comb over fly-aways for a softer look and sleek finish.

Problem: Dry, Brittle Strands

Solution: Leonor Greyl  L'Huile De Leonor Greyl

This pre-shampoo treatment consists of a blend of copra oil and mongongo oil, which protect and regenerate your hair from the summer's elements.  Think chlorine and sun. It's also great for color treated hair.  Instead of working with dry, unruly tresses, say hello to hydration!

Problem: Frizz

Solution: Kerastase Maskeratine

If frizz is your problem, this mask is your solution.  After shampooing, let it sit on your strands for about five minutes.

Kerastase Densifique Collection: Thin Hair Care

If you have fine hair (or know someone who does), this post is dedicated to you. Despite all of my positive energy, I play a victim to having pin-straight, fine hair. I'm told I'm lucky because I have a lot it, but I sure as hell don't feel lucky.  I test anything that promises fullness and recently fell head over heels with products from the Kerastase Densifique Collection.  They're changing my game.

Born with thin hair + running my own business + planning a wedding = ya know, just typical life stress and life stressed strands.  NBD.

Big deal, but I'm not going to let my already fine hair suffer.  Truth is, life stresses can cause your hair to thin or even fall out.  Stressed or not, the Kerastase Densifique Collection works well on my hair type by adding body without weighing it down, which is one of my biggest challenges when it comes to using product.  I've been using the Bain Densite (bodifying shampoo), Masque Densite (regenerating mask) and Densimorphose (densifying mousse).  The collections uses ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, gluco-peptides and ceramide, which make hair appear denser looking.

The Kerastase Densifique Collection will be my new Kerastase go-to since I was obsessed with Volumifique.

*This post is sponsored by Kerastase, but all of my thoughts and actions are true.

Backstage Beauty Report: Zac Posen

Throughout my 14 seasons of reporting, I've never missed a chance to cover backstage Zac Posen.  The gowns are so beautiful it hurts.  This time, I followed Zac around backstage and watched as he inspected some of them one last time before they made their runway debut.  Special.  The look immediately reminded me of a modern day Marie Antoinette, delicate floral appliques placed into texturized updos and a soft ballerina inspired makeup.

Even though the look is very romantic, Kerastase's Odile Gilbert described it as, "f*ed up hair," explaining that no two updos were alike.  After loosely curling the model's strands, she used K Powder Bluff Texturizing Dry Shampoo to give it the texture it needed to artisticly pin it up with no rhyme or reason.  Finishing by pinning in the florals.

After seeing the clothing, Kabuki, MAC's lead makeup artist, knew the look was going to be romantic, but wanted to have one element of contrast, but have the feel of a ballet - a graphic element to the eye.  Using MAC's #43 lashes and Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara, his goal was to give the top lashes volume, but not length to add dimension to the eye.  "There's something very feminine about the movement of the eye," he explained. "It's simple, but holds up with proportions of the clothes."  An elegant, but precise line was also drawn on top and black pencil was smudged underneath to complete the eye look.  The face was kept nude and lip color was enhanced.

Two colors were used to create a faded nail look.  Morgan Taylor's Coming Up Roses and Polished Up. First Coming Up Roses was applied and then Polished Up was sponged on by rocking it back and forth to create the faded effect, lead manicurist, Gina Edwards explained.

The backstage scene is always my favorite.  Of course, I love covering backstage beauty, but there's something about Zac Posen that makes me want to stay. Here are some more pics I just had to share with you!

Backstage Beauty Report: Rachel Zoe Infuses Boho with Glamour

If there's one beauty look Rachel Zoe's known for, it's rocking a deep burgundy lip.  Backstage at her show yesterday it was no surprise that she was inspired by Kate Moss (duh) and kept the focus on a wine stained lip.  Staying true to herself, I wasn't mad at her, because I found myself once again loving the look her backstage glam squad created, especially the glam lip!   "Rachel wanted the girls to be like young Kate Mosses running around a field with a golden glow as if they can be frolicking around in the hay, but to juxtapose that, she wanted what she called a 'bad ass' lip," explained Charlotte Tilbury the lead makeup artist for Maybelline.

To achieve the look that's pretty much Rachel's inspiration for everything, Tilbury used Dream Fresh BB Cream on the models, a shade or two darker on the paler skinned girls for an added glow and added a bit of Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Cocoa wherever the sun would naturally hit.  The cheeks had a hint of pink.  "The lip is an oxblood stain in the center of the lip, but it's matte and smoked out," Tilbury said as she demonstrated by painting it on a model using her finger.  The color: SuperStay 14Hr Lipstick in Wine and Forever.  To clean up around the edges, she used a q-tip to ensure the lines weren't too perfect.  Clear brow gel and mascara finished the look.

Kerastase Lead Stylist, Odile Gilbert, was excited to explain the look as I feel like it's something she wears on the regular.  "It's basically what you do in the winter when you have long hair and put a coat on," she explained.  "You tuck it into the coat."  To achieve the look, she prepped the models hair with Kerastase Resistance Volumactive Mousse, created a center part and secured a loose, low ponytail pulling out pieces in the front.

Maybelline manicurist, Honey created a custom blend for Rachel out of three colors to create a neutral that wasn't too pink or too cappuccinoish.  It took Honey a few hours of mixing and stirring and she came up with the perfect blend, which she calls the 'flush blush.'  No word on whether or not it will go into production.

One more thing to note is that RZ was one of the only designers who cared about skincare and making sure her models had the proper base before throwing them into makeup.  Dr. Jart was on hand with makeup artist, Joy Fennell to ensure they were prepped so their skin was properly hydrated and plumped.  Their key product: Water Fuse Sure Gel.

Kate Middleton's Favorite Beauty Products

I'll admit, like everyone else in the world, I have a bit of a girl crush on Kate Middleton.  Who doesn't want to be a princess?   I admire the way she stepped almost seamlessly into the role of royalty, yet is still very relateable.  In three days the world will be celebrating the first anniversary of the royal couple so I rounded up some of Kate's favorite beauty products.  Yes, she really uses these things, so I guess you can call them princess approved. Heaven Bee Venom Mask - given to Kate right after her engagement by the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla, the claim is that it's a "natural alternative to Botox," but  like synthetic snake venom (which is common in skincare), the bee venom works to temporarily freeze facial muscles for immediate tightening and lifting.  Kate also had a Bee Venom Facial with Heaven Skin Care Founder, Deborah Mitchell right before her wedding.

NIVEA Pure and Natural Day Cream - throughout the year Kate was spotted at Boots on Kings Road in London purchasing this cream.  This shows the princess not only mixes highs and lows in fashion, but also with her beauty buys!

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics - right before her wedding she was seen purchasing the brand's eye and face makeup.  Remember, Kate did her own wedding makeup, and kept her look natural accentuating her features.  Bobbi Brown is known for helping you create the best version of yourself, which is perfect for brides.

Karin Herzog Skin Care - This UK brand is a cult favorite to many celebs.  The managing director for the brand, Julie Cichocki, clarified that Kate's a regular user of the Professional Cleanser, Vita-A-Kombi 1, Vita-A-Kombi 3 Spot Zapper and the Oxygen Face Cream.

Kerastase Treatments - Her long time hairdresser, Richard Ward, treats Kate's tresses with Kerastase Rituals, which are their in-salon treatments, but Kerastase deep conditioners are available for purchase and you can do your treatment at home.

Spotted at Rachel Zoe: My Favorite NYFW Beauty Look So Far

All weekend I've been checking out the scenes backstage and tweeting the details from @BeautySweetSpot, but I had to share this look with you here as well, because I'm completely and utterly obsessed.  Not surprisingly it comes from the glam squads and brains of Rachel Zoe.  I went backstage to her show yesterday at the top of the Empire Hotel to find a surprisingly calm scene, but the look was all about rock and roll.  Think Kate Moss leaving a speak easy night club on a Thursday night.  I want to look like this every night! Maybelline Makeup Artist, Charlotte Tilbury created what she called a very classic feline eye complimented by fresh skin and a nude lip.  "Any woman will look fabulous in this look no matter what age or race," she commented.  The eyeliner was everything!  Tilbury used Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel EyeLiner to thickly line the models upper lids. Then, she smudged it out a little and took a brush to line the crease of the eyes for extra intensity.  Two sets of false lashes were applied and then tons of mascara.

I love it when I go backstage and see looks I would actually be excited to recreate that night. The hair was something I would also replicate any night out.  Kerastase Lead Stylist, Odile Gilbert center parted the models hair and blew out it out using Kerastase Mousse Volumactiv to create texture.  Her rock and roll twist was to add what she called "a little girl braid" on the side of the girls "sexy" hair that was about an inch thick.  Simple, but I loved it.

Bohemian Sophistication Backstage at Jill Stuart

Jill Stuart is known for her girly, youthful clothes and this season is no exception. The overall look was described as "bohemian sophistication" by Lead Makeup Artist, Diane Kendal for MAC. She wanted to add to the softness of the clothes by creating a simple, yet sexy face for the girls. Using some Jill Stuart products and some MAC products, Diane began by keeping the skin matte except for a pink/peach blush to give it a warm glow. She played up the eyes by smudging black kohl on the inside of the lid. To keep the kohl from being too harsh, she used black cream liner to soften and MAC brown grease paint to contour. The lips were kept simple, yet colorful without competing with the eyes. First, foundation was applied to them and then a hint of MAC's eye pigment powder in pink and orange. This look is so easy to recreate and perfect for going out to dinner! Just be careful not to overdue it on the lips or you'll end up looking more Bozo than beautiful.

To play up the easy, flirty look, Odile Gilbert for Kerastase created a hairstyle that screamed Spring. She started by parting the hair in a deep side part and scrunching the with Kerastase Lotion Densitive using a blowdryer to create texturized waves. To execute a coy, innocent feel, she created the illusion of bangs. (It looks way more difficult than it is, just bring hair to the front, twist to the side and hold with bobby pins.)

To make the style really stand out, every girl had a braid under the hair that popped out on the runway. The hair was held in place with Kerastase's double force hairspray.

I loved this look because it is so simple to do at home, and works on every hair type. Even those with painfully thin hair can make it work by using Kerastase's Mousse Volume Active.

Breakfast at Tiffanys, Backstage at Monique Lhuillier

Backstage at the Monique Lhuillier fall 2011 show Val Garland for MAC and Jan Arnold for Creative Nail Design were joined by Odile Gilbert for Kerastase to create a glamourous yet edgy look. "The gowns are cleam, long and slender," commented Arnold. "Think Angelina Jolie in The Tourist."

The nail color was made of a combination of two shades layered on top of each other: Silver Chrome, Desert Suede and lined them with Dark Ameythest (which will debut in Fall 2011).

Gilbert created a twist of ponytils that were strategically placed and pinned around the head to resemble ribbons and added a black velvet bow into each of the models hair for a girly, Breakfast at Tiffanys effect.

Garland made the eyes the focal point of the face using a combination of blacks with deep plum for a smokey effect.