3 Steps to Kate Middleton's Half Up, Half Down 'Do

You've heard the news by now, Kate Middleton is preggers!  To celebrate, let's discuss our envy for her full, rich, shiny hair.  Yes, I'm assuming you're jealous of it too.  I got the scoop from Edward Tricomi, Co-Owner of Warren-Tricomi Salons in NYC on the secret behind her mirror-like shine and how to recreate her sophisticated half up, half down 'do that's perfect for holiday parties. “Lady Kate kills it with this, taking a look that is sophisticated yet surprisingly simple to create. The off-center pin curls are unexpected, innovative and original," states Tricomi.  "To get her shine, I recommend using a hair glaze to bring out the shine and richness of your color."

1. After blowdrying smooth, curl large sections of your hair with a 1 1/2" iron all around your head to create a soft bounce.
2. Divide your hair into two sections from ear to ear across the back of your head and brush the top section straight back.
3. Take the hair from your temple and pull it away from your face, twirling it into a pin curl in the back and secure it with bobby pins that match your hair color.  Repeat on the other side.

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.

The Secret Behind Kate Middleton's Lust-Worthy Hair

America's obsession with Kate Middleton may have begun with the fantasy of the Royal Wedding, but thanks to the celebrity status we've given her it's here to stay.  I agree, the princess is quite a fashion icon and I admire her grace and poise, but something I've always envied are her shiny, volumnious locks.  Her hair is gorgeous and despite rumors of extensions, it's all real and I know her secret. Kate's Secrets:

1. Velcro Rollers

Her long time hair dresser, Richard Ward, uses the least amount of heat styling possible when giving her blow outs.  That's right – no curling irons needed. Instead, after blowing out her hair, he uses Velcro rollers to add major volume and oomph.  (Note: He does sometimes use a curling iron on the ends for big events, but most of the time her trick is the Velcro rollers.)

2. Rich Color

Ward also keeps Kate's color super rich.  The richer the color, the more shine it will give off.  When color begins to loose it's luster, instead of coloring again, opt for a color glaze instead. This will up your shine factor and deepen your color for longer without the use of harsh chemicals.  With less color treatments, your hair will be healthier.

"How Kate wears her hair typifies how you should be wearing your hair today," Ward told E!.  "It's a very natural look and gleams with health."

Having healthy hair is the foundation to great hair.  I'd say 99% of Hollywood has extensions, so it's great to see someone with covetable locks that doesn't!

Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding Hair & Makeup Details

Of course I have to comment on how beautiful Kate Middleton looked today as she turned into a princess. The royal wedding hype brought on a ton of beauty predictions for the past nine months, but  I wasn't surprised to see that Kate didn't stray too far from her normal look. I think all brides should look like themselves on their wedding day and Kate did just that but stepped everything up just a bit.  Makeup artist, Arabella Preston, taught her to do her own makeup in three or four classes and Kate did her makeup herself!  She went a little more drastic with her eye makeup, but Kate stuck with her basics and accentuated all of her features.

I love that her stylist, Richard Ward, gave her a half up 'do with soft curls to show off her face and earrings, and OMG that Cartier tiara – no words.  That was her something borrowed from the Queen.  Must be nice!

What do you think of Kate's look?

Get Kate Middleton's Hair Color

OK so everyone's had their eye on this leading lady for quite some time now, but all the rave's been about the ring and her wardrobe.  Allow me to fill you in on something that caught my eye – her lusturous locks. The soon-to-be princess' hair is the perfect shade of brunette with hints of auburn that compliment her skin tone – and I swear the girl always has a blow out!  I know you envy that rock, but you don't have to envy that hair color.  Try L'Oreal Paris Healthy Looks Cream Gloss Color in 4AR/Cool Chestnut Brown.

I'm a huge fan of L'Oreal color because it's quick and easy (only takes 10 minutes) and my hair is always super shiny after use.  This one is ammonia-free and available in 18 shades.