Nicole Richie's Modernized Sleek Pony at the 2012 Golden Globes

The verdicts are in. Nicole Richie hit the ball out of the park with her Modernized Sleek Pony hair style, created with the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion System! If you'd like to recreate it, I've got the scoop on the steps from my friends at Suave Beauty.

Sleek, smooth styles are all the rage. Nicole Richie worked it, thanks to the Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion System. To copy the look quickly, spray Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Dry Shampoo directly at the root, crown, and front of your hair to add volume. Use your dryer to work in excess product and brush it through to refresh your hair before styling.

1. Pull up and section off the hair around the crown, then tease (back comb) to create volume.
   
2. Use a brush to smooth-out the hair on the sides and back. Pull the back section of hair into a ponytail, securing it with an elastic.
3. Take a side section and wrap it around the ponytail, securing the hair with a bobby pin.
   
4. Take the opposite side and also wrap it around the pony, securing with a bobby pin.
   
5. Last, take the teased crown section and lightly smooth and brush it back over the ponytail.
6. Work a dime-sized amount of Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smooth & Shine Serum into the palms of your hands, then delicately smooth the ponytail strands and eliminate flyaways.

Easy, right? Anyone with long hair can have Nicole's dynamite look. Keep up with Suave at Facebook, where you can find the insider tips and exclusive giveaways - along with a short film by Nicole.

Photos courtesy of Just Jared

Celebrity Hair Stylist Patrick Melville Answers Our Questions and an Amazing Giveaway Contest

Synonymous with glamour, high fashion, and timeless beauty, Patrick Melville is one the most prestigious and premiere hair stylists in the fashion industry. A former boxer (!) in England, Patrick began his 30-year career in London for British Vogue. His work has graced the pages of Vogue, W, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar, and he has collaborated with top editorial photographers.

When he moved to New York City, Patrick joined the creative team at the renowned Pipino Buccheri Salon and then spent several years as Creative Director of the Warren-Tricomi Salon. In July 2007, Patrick launched his first-ever independent salon, The Patrick Melville Salon & Spa, at The Sports Club/LA at Rockefeller Center. His list of celebrity clients would blow you away. They include Catherine Zeta-Jones, Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Demi Moore, Sharon Stone, Brooke Shields, Sting, Mark Tom Cruise, and Harry Connick Jr. That's variety!

Patrick is also the official spokesperson and branding consultant for AVEENO. He recently answered AVEENO Ambassador questions and shared some tips with us (yes, I'm fortunate to be an Ambassador, and you benefit from the relationship, as you'll see below). Here are Patrick's tips and tricks.

What cut will create the most volume for fine, long hair? What should we ask for at the salon?

The cut that is best for fine, long hair is a cut that has long layers…some softer, shorter pieces around the face. Also add a sweeping fringe that sweeps to the side and creates a lot of versatility to give hair maximum volume. Products are key, such as a lightweight volumizing spray at the roots because, as you know, volume comes from the roots. Remember to make sure to tell your stylist to keep the layers long. Layers can thin the hair if too short.

I have long black hair that used to be shiny and silky, now it has lost some of its luster. How can I get it back?

The best way to get back your luster is to use the AVEENO Nourish+ Shine Shampoo and Conditioner along with the AVEENO Living Color Shine Glaze, which can be used on all hair types. This will give you maximum shine and close the cuticle and boost the life back into your hair.

I'd love to hear Patrick Melville's specifics on hair care for extensions and hair care for mixed hair (like hair for half black/half hispanic, hispanic hair-care problems).

The best way to treat extensions is to make sure they do not stay in too long or grow out too much. Either will put stress on your own hair when using styling tools. The best way to take care of them is to be sure to condition every time you shampoo and to use the AVEENO Nourish+ Leave-In Treatment before styling. This will make the extensions more manageable and will lock in moisture. This also applies to African American hair or Hispanic hair that tends to be drier by nature and more coarse. Like your skin, when it's dry you need to apply more moisture. The leave-in conditioner locks in moisture and helps elasticity to lessen breakage.

I’d love to get the scoop from Patrick about how to make thin hair look thicker. Mine just gets super-stringy as it grows longer. It’s awful!

Make sure you trim your hair on a regular basis and do not use any type of oil or silicone-based products. You should use a volumzing spray and apply a lightweight styling glaze to damp hair before blow drying. Do not over-blow dry, and when you are finished, use the AVEENO Nourish+ Style Fortifying Hairspray to create fullness and body, making hair swell and look thicker.

Does Patrick have any hairstyle tips to get women over 40 out of the hair "frump"? Maybe some tips on how to update a look. Most images and tips I get are for young women, so I'd love some for "older" women.

As you may know, women over 40 do not have to cut off their hair to look less frumpy. I suggest cutting the hair to the collarbone with some longer layers. This will give the hair some energy and still allow you to be very versatile with styling options. For example this cut allows you to put your hair back into a low chignon or a French twist. This will still give you that soft, sexy look without having to cut off your locks to stay youthful and feminine.

Patrick recommended AVEENO products in his answers to these questions, and AVEENO and Recyclebank have an offer for you. One lucky winner will receive five products, which will be sent directly to the winner by AVEENO.

• AVEENO NOURISH+ Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
• AVEENO Living Color Shine Glaze
• AVEENO NOURISH+ Style Fortifying Hairspray
• AVEENO NOURISH+ Leave-In Treatment
  

How can you enter this contest (technically a sweepstakes)? Just leave a comment on this feature (not in another BTiB post). After you comment here, feel free to send me an e-mail at bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing an e-mail address you care about on a blog, so feel free to follow this step (an alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment).

You can earn extra entries. Follow this blog (through an e-mail subscription, GFC, or though one of the many Google readers - see sidebar at right) to earn a second entry. If you are a follower, it would help me tally entries if you tell me in your comment how you follow. You don't have to follow to enter. I want everyone to have a chance, but I also want to reward my followers. I must be able to track this entry.

You can earn a third entry by tweeting this contest. You must include "@BTiBeauty" (without the quotes) and the contest title in your tweet. Remember, tweet the contest title - if you don't, that entry won't count. I will tweet the contest early this evening, and you can simply retweet it to earn that second entry - if that's easier.

The deadline for entries will be Saturday, December 17, at midnight. The next day, I will use a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. I will e-mail the winner on Sunday morning. The winner will have 48 hours to reply to my message and provide a shipping address. After 48 hours, the prize will be forfeited, and another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your e-mail - and look in your spam folder - when the contest ends.

This contest is open to residents of the United States. For all the legalese related to this contest, please see the Contests/Sweepstakes page at the top of the blog. Good luck!

Photos courtesy of Patrick Melville and AVEENO

Brandon Martinez and His B. The Product Hair Care

Last weekend, Brandon Martinez made a two-day working trip to Neiman Marcus Tysons Galleria, where his fabulous hair care products are sold. Instead of doing "the usual thing," talking to women about their hair and concerns and recommending the best products for them, Brandon brought along his tools and another stylist and did blow-drys. Was he a popular guy! Women who saw the magic he was working lined up for a chance to sit in his chair. I was one of the lucky ones. I had an appointment, so at noon Brandon started to give me a jazzy look.

He never asked how I like my hair. I found it interesting that he instinctively knew how it should look. His guess was great; I loved the end result. We all thought the front looked good? Look at the back! I'm glad everyone in the store noticed so that I could give my camera to someone to get a picture of his masterpiece.

Brandon Martinez is the Los Angeles-based celebrity hair expert and stylist behind the fresh and original hair-care line, B. The Product. Born in California, Martinez spent his early twenties surfing and pursuing acting. He appeared in the 1997 feature film The Debut. After looking into expanding into other creative outlets, Martinez discovered his talent for hair and refined his skills under famed Luis Licari's careful guidance.

In 2004, Martinez appeared on Bravo's hit shows, Blow Out and Salon Diaries, Style Network's, Split Ends, TLC's LA Ink, and NBC's Biggest Loser. Martinez quickly made a name for himself and with the shows' success. He was recruited by Joel Warren and Edward Tricomi (of the celebrated Warren and Tricomi Salon) to open their West Hollywood location. With the successful opening, Martinez continued his dedication and longed to put the creativity back in hair-care products. Concerned that hair-care lines were not focused on the important day-to-day hair problems that men and women had, Martinez created his own professional treatment and styling line, and B. The Product was introduced. No matter what else Martinez is doing, his true passion and love is hair.

Martinez boasts a notable client roster that ranges from New York society elite, including Wendi Murdoch, and supermodels such as Elle Macpherson. Now you can add to his fan club a lot of women in the DC area!

You can see his products at this link. I bought several that day at Neiman Marcus, including Dry Cleaned, his dry shampoo, which he uses sparingly to add volume (genius!); Shampoo Perfected; and Conditioned Perfected. They all smell great. Brandon said he wants them to smell clean and nice while customers are using them and then have the fragrance dissipate. That's perfect for me! They are also very reasonably priced.

He said all of his clients want to look young and sexy. If that translates into fabulous, who could disagree? I watched him (hip and young himself) spend as much time working on side and back looks as he did on the hair the frames the face. I liked his 360-degree approach to styling.

You can find B. The Products at Neiman Marcus stores and on Brandon's Web site. I think you'll love his maintenance, treatment, and styling products. I do!

Before I left, we decided to clown for the camera, holding one of his products, of course. Brandon is fun! If you live in Southern California, go see him! If he makes an appearance at a Neiman Marcus near you, make an appointment. I guarantee you will love the way you look when you hop out of his chair.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty (with a little help)

MATRIX Mannequin Mania Contest

After months of competition and unique entries by talented hair stylists across the country, the finalists of the MATRIX Mannequin Mania contest have been selected. Now it's your turn to vote!

MATRIX invited stylists from across the nation to enter the MATRIX Mannequin Mania contest and express their creativity using styling's universal muse mannequin heads. Out of 9,568 entries, the esteemed panel of judges, comprised of top industry leaders, selected 12 extremely talented and lucky hair stylists to move on to the final phase of the competition.

Now it's America's turn to vote. These are not your everyday looks - but they are such incredible expressions of creative talent, it's fun to review them and vote. Your votes will decide the winners from each of four categories (Stylist, Salon Team, Student, and MATRIX Friends & Family), who will be named the first MATRIX Mannequin Masters and win a grand prize of $25,000 and a day with the star of Bravo’s hit series Tabatha’s Salon Take Over and MATRIX Mannequin Mania celebrity judge, Tabatha Coffey.

The voting ends on October 31, 2010 and is open to all U.S. residents aged 18 and older. There are two easy methods for voting. Everyone is allowed to vote once per category, per voting method. You can vote once online and once by text. So pick your favorites, vote, and spread the MANIA! Once you cast your vote, you'll be entered to win a $500 value MATRIX value gift box. I would love to win one - wouldn't you?

Visit MATRIX Mannequin Mania online to see all the entries and vote for your favorite finalist in each category. Remember, you can vote online and vote by texting. See the online site for each entrant's unique word to text to 49737.

I am about to vote! I spent a lot of time reviewing these entries - after I shook myself out of the search for an everyday look (grin). This is the stuff of fantasy, movies, and advertising. If a few of you comment and tell us who you voted for in each category, I'll confess!

Let the voting begin!

Update 10/11: Come on...only one of you game to vote? I want to spill the beans on my choices, but I'm waiting for you to go first!

Photo courtesy of MATRIX

Live and Online September 22: Avon's Gobal Stylist Advisor Tippi Shorter!

Don't you love live chats with beauty superstars? Tomorrow, September 22, you are invited to take part in an exclusive live chat with Avon's Global Stylist Advisor, Tippi Shorter. From noon to 1:00 EST, Tippi will share her insider access to the hairstyles from the Cynthia Steffe fashion show and Avon's revolutionary new treatment product, Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield. She will give you her take on upcoming trends and field your hair-care questions.

Since her introduction to the hair styling industry, Tippi's styles have topped the shoulders of many beauty icons, including actresses, musicians, and supermodels - today's celebrities. Her beauty transformations have also graced the covers and editorial pages of many trendsetting magazines.

These live chats are fun! Don’t miss this opportunity to chat with a celebrity-favorite hairstylist. Got questions? Ask Tippi!

Visit Avon's event page on Facebook and RSVP! You can submit your questions now. Chat live with Tippi tomorrow, Wednesday, September 22! Here's the livestream link.

Photo of Tippi courtesy of Avon

Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365 Styling Products

"Suave Professionals" - What a great name! "Suave" says, "You know me; I'm comfortable." "Professionals" says, "I'm going to knock your socks off. You thought you knew me, but wait until you see me all grown up."

About a week ago, I received a box from Unilever with two Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365 styling products in it. No name, no note - I have no idea who to thank for my gift! I really need to thank someone because these two products are phenomenal.

From where I sit, the technology behind the best of today's hair care products has improved radically. So many of the products I have tested and used recently meet their promises (that used to be a novel concept in hair care). The Suave Professionals products swept me away because they performed as well as styling products that cost 10 times as much. Maybe that's why the Suave Professionals products are advertised as "salon-proven."

Weather Protection 365 Cream Gel ($3.99) combines the benefits of a cream and a gel to provide smothness and light hold. The all-season shield complex in the cream gel is formulated with ultraviolet filters, smoothing silicones, and light moisturizers to provide a protective barrier against humidity, static, and wind. No frizz or flyaways!

I've been following the directions, which say to apply a dime- or quarter-sized amount to your palm (I'm splitting the difference), rub your palms together, and distribute evenly throughout damp hair. Comb through your hair with a wide-toothed comb. Then style as usual, following with hair spray for added hold and protection.

Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365 Hair Spray ($3.99) is my hair spray of choice after I use the cream gel, and it may become my hair spray of choice no matter what styling product I use beforehand. Like the cream gel, the all-season shield complex of the hair spray is formulated with UV filters and anti-humidity styling polymers that provide a protective barrier against the elements. Suave says you should spray as usual and then flip your hair over and spray again from beneath for extra hold and control. I haven't found a need to do that.

Both products give my fine, lifeless hair volume and bounce and definitely hold its style. I have used them on the worst days for humidity, when my camera lens fogs up the second I go outside. The combination has kept my bob's ends turned under (not every product will do that) on supremely hot and humid days - without unruly flyaways. My hair feels good too. There's no stickiness, crunchiness, or stiffness - just control.

Both the Weather Protection 365 Cream Gel and Hair Spray have a lovely tropical fragrance that sticks around for no longer than two or three minutes. Even though I don't like fragranced hair products as a rule, I wouldn't mind if this one persisted. It smells good!

Suave claims that Weather Protection 365 products are as effective as Matrix Biolage. I'm not sure why they need to make that comparison. I assume Biolage has a big market. To me, there's no comparison. The Suave Professionals products are much better, and they cost a lot less!

You can purchase Suave Professionals products at drugstores, other mass market retailers, Amazon, and drugstore.com. Suave has a Facebook page you might want to check out to learn more.

Now I want to try the three Suave Professionals Volumizing styling products. Is my fairy godmother out there?

Photos courtesy of Suave/Unilever

Avon Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield

I have a new product for eliminating summer bad hair days! Avon's Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield ($12, but on special now for $9.99) is a "frizz-be-gone" wonder. I was "sold" on my first use of Lotus Shield, and I continue to use it with great satisfaction. Anything that can keep my hair sleek and smooth on a humid day is a marvel, but here's the clincher. Last Friday night I went out to dinner with a friend who seldom comments on my hair. During dinner, he told me my hair looked fabulous. I had done nothing different...except...I was using Lotus Shield. My hair was smooth and shiny. Since looking good is the point of beauty products, Avon scored!

Just in time for the brutal heat and humidity we have had in the DC area, Avon's PR firm sent me Lotus Shield to try. Inspired by the lotus leaf plant, Lotus Shield is said to add a waterproof, humidity-resistant barrier to the hair, actually repelling moisture and preventing it from penetrating the surface of the hair. The result is beautifully polished, sleek hair, no matter what the weather.

Lotus Shield is said to perform in upwards of 97% humidity. Based on my own "field test," I would say it works until the humidity levels reach 90%. After that, it's basically drizzling out, and nothing will keep my broken hairs from turning every which way (my version of frizz). Keep reading for how Lotus Shield performed.

Advanced Techniques Lotus Shield is Avon's first anti-frizz product. Avon promises it will keep your hair manageable and well-behaved for three days. I'm not sure how that's possible if you wash your hair every day, but I did give it a whirl last weekend to see if my smooth locks could endure for a two-day stretch, and they did!

I am always skeptical about hair styling products. So many of them are made for "normal hair," not my extra-fine hair. Although Lotus Shield is lightweight, the first time I applied a dime-sized amount of the creamy liquid to my palm to work it through my hair, I was sure it would weigh down my hair. Almost everything does. Well, it didn't! Not only that, I realized the anti-frizz benefits on first use, a day when the heat was unbearable, and the humidity was normal for a DC-area summer day (remember that DC used to be considered a swamp!). As the days of testing passed, it got more humid out. My hair remained frizz-free. Only when I ran around in drizzle did the humidity overwhelm Lotus Shield - temporarily. When I brushed my hair, all the hairs that had decided to stick out and look frizzy fell back into place. That was pretty impressive. Under normal conditions, once the frizz sets in, the only way to banish it is to wash and restyle.

“I have tried Lotus Shield on myself,” said Tippi Shorter, Avon Global Stylist Advisor. “I used it before traveling, and my hair stayed straight and smooth through four flights and three countries – all in two days. I really like it a lot, not to mention it smells good."

Yes, it does have a fragrance, but it's light and dissipates within a half hour of application. I appreciate that. I don't like my hair products to carry a scent.

Here are Avon's directions for its use. Shake well before use. Apply a pea size amount of Advance Techniques Frizz Control Lotus Shield to clean, towel-dried hair from root to tip. For longer hair, increase product amount gradually until you experience the desired results. Style as usual with your favorite Advance Techniques styling products. Suitable for all hair types.

I found that a dime-size was perfect for my hair. I wouldn't have been able to work the product through most of my hair with only a pea-sized amount. I have tried Lotus Shield with and without an additional styling product. Alone, it does give my style a little extra holding power. When I want serious volume, I add my favorite mousse to the mix.

Will I buy Lotus Shield when I run out? Absolutely yes! It has earned a place next to my blow dryer.

Avon is also launching Frizz Control Lotus Shield Shampoo and Conditioner, so if banishing frizz is on your agenda, you will have a full suite of products to use! Lotus Shield is available exclusively through Avon Representatives or on Avon's Web site. You can locate an Avon representative by calling 1-800-FOR-AVON or visit the Web site.

Photo courtesy of Avon

PHILIP B Maui Wowie Beach Mist

I had to have PHILIP B's recently introduced Maui Wowie Beach Mist ($22). Could you have resisted this?

Whether you're a Wahine or Wahina searching for the elusive stylistic wave, create an authentic Hawaiian hair experience with PHILIP B Maui Wowie Beach Mist. Maui Wowie Beach Mist gives your hair the look and feel of random texture, body, bounce, and volume. With just a few mists onto your wet hair, enjoy alluring piece-y body, texture, fullness, and bounce.

As PHILIP B Maui Wowie Beach Mist dissipates, this scent-tilating Sea Salt mist temporarily, yet effectively, to thicken the hair's cuticle for an eye-catching, raw, yet defined, sultry just-off-the-beach-look. Maui Wowie Beach Mist's scent-ual combination of orchid and Tahitian gardenia, together with aloe vera and algae extracts, works to strengthen your hair and enchant your senses. Kukui and coconut oils protectively work in tandem with sea salt to ensure a healthy, voluptuous head of beach hair all year round! Even better, the natural, "islandy" scent makes life feel like a day at the beach – great for your late-afternoon revival kit. From Maui to Martinique, PHILIP B Maui Wowie Beach Mist is the perfect solution for your styling wipe-outs!

To use Maui Wowie, spray it evenly on damp or dry hair. Then air dry or blow dry your hair with a diffuser (the idea is not to blow dry it too straight). With your fingers or styling took, shape your hair to the unique style that's ideal for you. For fine hair like mine, Maui Wowie creates lift, volume, and texture. For thick hair, it is said to create body, texture, fullness, and bounce. Word has it that Maui Wowie Beach Mist is an up-do's best friend!

Maui Wowie reminds me of Frederic Fekkai's Marine Summer Hair Beach Waves. I like it too, but I'm enjoying my new PHILIP B treat! It's prefect for those days when I want a tousled look.

Available at PHILIP B's Web site, bluemercury, SkinStore, and Beauty 360 - or you can Google it for more sources.

Photo courtesy of bluemercury

Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Spray for Fine to Medium Hair

Yesterday, was a rainy day - just the sort of day that would make all my broken hairs break for freedom from my hair style and stick out, creating what I call frizz (it's what we straight-haired gals call frizz). I have had Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Spray for Fine to Medium Hair ($14-35) at my house for more weeks than I can count, and I always forgot to try it. I didn't have much luck with the Living Proof shampoo and conditioner, but I wasn't going to give up on a brand that so many women love.

I came across it Sunday night, and yesterday morning I knew I had the weather to try it. Our drizzly day gave it a difficult test, and the No Frizz Styling Spray passed with flying colors!

There are so many new hair products that offer genuine advances over what's been available to us in the past. Living Proof Straight Making No Frizz Styling Spray for Fine to Medium Hair offers the first new anti-frizz technology in over 30 years. No Frizz addresses the two causes of frizz - humidity and friction. It provides a superior, extremely thin humidity barrier on hair while reducing surface friction. The result is the most effective, lightweight frizz fighter on the market today, according to the company.

No Frizz formulas efficiently deliver PolyfluoroEster to the surface of the hair in one smooth, perfect layer, devoid of any extraneous additives. This spray styling aid is said to repel dirt and oil so you can go longer between shampoos. It also works as a touch-up tool and an effective detangler for all hair types. I can tell you it does repel humidity!

You spray it on wet hair before styling. The directions say 10 sprays for short hair, 15 for medium, and so on. I used 15. Then I did my usual blow dry/styling routine. Off I went to work in the drizzle. When I got to my desk, I was astonished that my frizz was non-existent! My hair style had held, and it held all day. The frizz was banished all day too. Amazing!

There are two versions of this spray: one for fine-to-medium hair and one for medium-to-thick hair. They are referencing the texture of your hair, not its volume.

I think the styling product that stays in your hair, rather than the shampoo or conditioner you wash out (they have a different purpose), is going to best determine how your hair style behaves during the day. I'm keeping this one in my bag of tricks! I'll even use it on dry days.

You can purchase Living Proof products at Sephora, where I purchased mine.

Update: I just saw that my friend Kelly at Gouldylox Reviews has a new post on Living Proof Styling Cream. Looks like Living Proof has another new fan club member.

Photo courtesy of Sephora

Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ample Angora Volumizing Light Foam

Last week, I ordered a new hair product - totally an impulse purchase - while I was ordering the highly praised Essence Absolue from Shu Uemura Art of Hair. Ample Angora Volumizing Light Foam ($33) looked interesting. I always need something to add volume to my flat, fine hair, and I was game to try a new potion. I'm happy to report that it works - really well!

While I had used it before today, today gave it the ultimate test. It was destined to be a bad hair day. It rained overnight, and this morning the ground and air were saturated with water. That usually means hair style death to me. On top of that, it was windy. I expected to look something like a bedraggled puppy by the time I got into my office. Ample Angora saved me! Literally. My style withstood the elements, and it looked no different than it did when I had finished blow drying. My hair had volume, my bob was intact, and my hair had movement and shine. How much more can you ask?

On Shu Uemura's Art of Hair Web site, I had read that it has a green floral fragrance enveloped in lily of the valley. If you read my lily of the valley fragrance post last weekend, you will know that I love that scent! I was hooked on the description, even though I am not a fan of scented hair products. I'm not at all disappointed to tell you that the fragrance is nondescript. The mousse has almost no fragrance, and what little it had was gone in a flash. That's fine. I can add my florals with perfume.

Ample Angora is enriched with Japanese cedar bud, known for fortifying properties. It promised to offer volume as ample and silky as angora. It also said it would offer medium hold to my fine hair without crunchiness, leaving it nicely soft. It met its promises - and then some.

It's definitely a lightweight mousse in texture. When I pushed down on its applicator the first time, I got what I feared was too much - a big pouf of airy mousse. I spread it across both hands, lightly ran it through my hair, and then combed and styled as I always do (including the obligatory "head upside down" part of the routine for volume). When I finished, I could feel virtually no trace of "product" left. It was nicely integrated into my hair. What I did have was volume, and I've had it each time I've used it, which brings me back to today. For full disclosure, I need to tell you I used Pureology hair spray, but I always use spray to finish. It doesn't always help me fend off weather disasters.

I am home from work, and if I may say so, my hair looks pretty darn good. It's got volume and bounce, and it was destined to be a bad hair day. I'm happy with my impulse purchase! If you are looking for a new hair product, give this one a try. I think it's a keeper!

You can purchase Shu Uemura Art of Hair products at the Web site. You can also use the company's locator for a salon near you. My only criticism? Their Web site is a little slow and annoying (probably because of the razzle-dazzle), and navigation isn't entirely intuitive. Small price to pay to find a keeper.

Photo courtesy of Shu Uemura Art of Hair

Trendy Hair Styles for Spring and Summer

While hair styles have never been neglected in the overall fashion dialogue, this year our hair has become a critical part of the "look." From color to cut, hair has taken center stage. You can enhance your look without buying new accessories - just use your hair! Wella and Avon are showing us how.

Wella showed us unique use of color at New York Fashion Week. See my original post here. As you might expect with a dynamite look, celebrities jumped on the Wella bandwagon. Courageous fashionistas and dye-divas are sporting the trend, including Ashley Olsen, Kelly Osbourne, Drew Barrymore, and Lady Gaga.

Cynthia Rowley caught onto this trend after her Fall ’10 show. Wella master colorist Eva Scrivo created the colored extensions for Cynthia's show, and the designer loved them so much she went back to Eva’s salon and got her own hair colored with navy streaks! Check out Wella's Web site for tips, looks, and more.

Classic - and more accessible and affordable - hair trends are also blooming with the spring flowers! Tippi Shorter, Avon Global Stylist Advisor, has worked with some of the top celebrity and fashion elite to create simple, "girly" spring styles that any woman could wear on a casual spring day or to a black-tie event.

First, a word about Tippi. Tippi’s hairstyles have topped the shoulders of many beauty icons: Diahann Carol, Beyonce, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Vanessa Williams (I can't even tell you in this post how much I admire Vanessa Williams!) among other actresses, musicians, and supermodels. Recently, she joined the Avon team as one of the Advance Techniques Global Stylist Advisors. With Avon, she helped create the latest looks backstage at New York Fashion Week and helps women achieve runway looks at home.

Tippi knows the tricks for creating this season's top trends. She refined five wearable looks with pizazz.

• Bohemian Ballerina - A fresh, young wispy look to amp up simple designs in your wardrobe this season
• Wavy Volume - Pump up the volume of your soft, romantic tresses with an edgy, high-fashion style
• A Deep, Defined Part - Accessorize with a clean, defined part instead of cluttering your style with accessories
• Sleek Ponytails - Take your style from shabby to chic with this sophisticated twist on the classic pony
• Change Your Color - Makeover Your Look

You can create the Bohemian Ballerina if your hair is long enough. Prep wet hair from root to tip with Avon's Advanced Techniques Volumizing Mousse ($4) to enhance natural shine and create volume. Using Avon's Advanced Techniques Cushion Brush ($9), blow dry hair section by section to distribute the product and create texture. Then gather your hair tight to form a pony tail at the back crown of the head and secure it with a ponytail holder, keeping all sides flat. Holding your hair at the end of the ponytail, twist the hair firmly in one direction to form a spiral knot. Secure it with bobby pins.

On the sides, muss the little wispy hairs to add some depth and texture (and sexiness). Lightly spray with Advanced Techniques Hair Spray ($4) to finish the look and make sure your creation holds.

Got wavy hair that will never pull off the sleek Bohemian Ballerina look? Try Wavy Volume, also created with Advanced Techniques Volumizing Mousse and Hair Spray, but with the addition of Pillow Curlers if your hair doesn't dry into the look naturally.

These are easy trends to adopt, and they will take you through the hot months of summer looking and feeling cool.

Avon has a special right now on its Advanced Techniques styling products. You can select three for $9.99! You can't beat that for a deal. I'm going to order the three that look like best bets for me. One will definitely be the Volumizing Mousse!

Photos courtesy of Wella and Avon

John Masters Organics Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel

When I find a styling gel that doesn't weigh down my fine hair, but does add body and helps me hold my hair style, I get excited. I'm excited about the John Masters Organics Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel ($17.50)!

This alcohol-free, lightweight gel formula adds shine, volume, and texture to my hair. My hair never feels dry or brittle after I apply it because it has none of the synthetic plastic ingredients found in most "commercial" brands. On top of that, it's made with certified organic ingredients!

The ingredients read like a botanical garden. Mandarin orange detoxifies the scalp and treats and strengthens dry hair. Silk protein improves the manageability, gloss, and texture of hair. Sclerotium gum, a mushroom-derived thickening agent, is a natural alternative to plastics often used to give your hair hold. Arabic gum, derived from the acacia tree, is a thickening agent that adds volume. Aloe vera gel helps provides a soft hold. It also has cedarwood oil and honeysuckle extract in it. I don't usually like hair products that are scented, but the all-natural scent of this styling gel is pure pleasure - a quick trip through the garden.

Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel is amazingly good. I had it for months without using it, a failure I can't really explain. I think I feared a hair emergency. So, my first experience with it was on a weekend when I had time to recover. There was absolutely no need for my anxiety. I was delighted with it! I can give it an unqualified recommendation. It's "there," but you will barely notice it in your hair. What you will notice is added volume and hold. As a nice extra-added benefit, it's safe for color-treated hair.

You can purchase Sweet Orange & Silk Protein Styling Gel from John Masters Organics, where shipping is currently free.

A Day in the Life of a Beauty Blogger

Recently, Kari at Fabulous Over Forty gave me the idea for this post. So, with a nod to her Lancome post, here goes.

You might think that beauty bloggers plan out their beauty products each day in some systematic, coordinated fashion, just like fashionistas put together outfits. Maybe some do. I will plan my makeup or skin care when I'm testing a new product, but I have a lot of days when I turn to current favorites because I'm in a hurry to get to work (running "late" even though I'm up by 4:30 am). On rush-rush days, I grab what I know works for me with minimal effort. One day this week, I decided to write this "day in the life" post. This was my beauty Thursday last week. Hope it's interesting.

After I fed the cats, posted my morning blog entry, checked e-mail, and tore myself away from my computer, I showered. The products I used in the shower? NÉOLIA Olive Oil Soap on my body, OcuSOFT Lid Scrub Eyelid Cleanser on my eyes, and Kinerase Gentle Daily Cleanser on face. My hair got its loving dose of Philip B White Truffle Ultra-Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner. I used a new Gillette Venus Embrace Disposable Razor too!

After showering, I used Mitchum Power-Gel Anti-Perspirant & Deodorant for Sensitive Skin and slathered my legs with KORRES Fig Body Butter. I'll leave out the whole mouth and teeth routine (some things are best kept private).

For skin care on my face, I used Kinerase Restructure Firming Eye Cream 360 degrees around my eyes, La Mer's new The Regenerating Serum, followed by MEG 21 Advanced Formula on my face and neck.

I used two hair styling products: Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Flocker and Sebastian Zero Gravity Hair Spray.

Minimal makeup - here's the Thursday list.

• Giorgio ArmaniBeauty Hydra Glow foundation in #2 (I will go into withdrawal when I run out of my stock - Armani discontinued it)
• Clinique All About Eyes Concealer in Light Neutral under my eyes
• Stila Eye Concealer in Fair as an eyelid primer (discontinued, but available at Amazon)
  
• Giorgio Armani Beauty Eyes to Kill shadow palette in #1
• Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara in Very Black
• Laura Geller Face Glow Box for Ethereal Rose Blush and a highlighter
• Armani Shine Lipstick in #33

What brushes did I use? Bobbi Brown's Touch-up Brush for my concealer and eyelid primer and grabbed an old Estee Lauder blush brush, which came in a GWP to apply my Face Glow Box. It's a great brush. I applied my makeup with a well-worn sponge wedge. I have to admit I use them for a week so that the product goes on my face, not into the sponge.

My fragrance Thursday? Jo Malone Red Roses followed by Ice Rose from The Red Roses Fragrance Chronicle.

Then I was out the door after kissing Charlie goodbye.

During the day at work, I refreshed my foundation where needed with Bobbi Brown's Moisturizing Cream Compact Foundation in Warm Ivory and reapplied lips frequently, using Chantecaille Les Pétales - Rêve de Rose Lip Gloss SPF 15, Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Conditioner, and KORRES Shea Butter Lip Balm.

Before bed, I used Perricone MD Nutritive Cleanser to cleanse my face and then applied my treatments. On Thursday, those were Prevage Eye, Sisley SUPREMŸA Night (yes, I bought it and love it) and LIERAC's Hydra-Chrono Baume Extrême. Except for eye creams, all treatment products go on my face and neck.

When I hop into bed, I treat my hands and feet to a moisturizing dose of whatever is at hand. Thursday, it was Philip B's new Cucumber & Blue Orchid Hand & Body Creme.

After that it was snooze time.

Was my Friday routine different? But of course!

All photos courtesy of the brands, with the exception of Charleston, who posed for me

Introduction to Misikko and Hana Professional Flat Iron Giveaway Contest!

Congratulations to edmontonjb, the winner of this contest!

Misikko is an online star! I don't know about you, but I love small companies that offer personalized service, special offers and discounted pricing, fast and free shipping, and exemplary customer service (even mom helps out when things get busy). Located outside of Philadelphia, a city known for its creative, but practical, approach to high style, Misikko emerged from a desire they share with many of us: to easily shop and compare the best professional hair styling tools and beauty products on the market. As beauty aficionados and savvy consumers, their goal is to help you learn about the tools of the trade so you can find the right salon tools and products at the right prices - whenever and wherever the mood strikes, even if you are shopping online at midnight.

For five years, Misikko has been committed to seeking out the newest innovations in the hair and beauty industry. They are picky, like their customers, looking for high-quality products that deliver. They specialize in hair - flat irons, curling irons, hair dryers, and hair care products - but they also carry a small selection of skin care, makeup, and fragrance.

They gather feedback from their customers to rate the products they sell and then provide that information on their Web site. You can click on top-rated hair dryers, for example, and find the best hair dryer in five different categories. Their customers' choice? The T3 Tourmaline Evolution Hair Dryer! I would "kill" to have one of those! Sadly, my current upscale dryer won't break, and I can't justify buying a new one until it does. :)

Misikko's Web site also has a great beauty tips page with styling videos and blog-like information about many topics of interest. Making Your Blowout Last is one of my favorites. You can even call them for advice on products and styling. How's that for service?

I mentioned that Misikko is a small business. I owned a small business once, and I know how hard it is to grow. If you have ever tried to provide unparalleled service and "do marketing" to expand your customer base at the same time, you'll understand. So, Misikko reached out to Best Things in Beauty with a giveaway contest. Their clever and generous idea benefits you!

Misikko will provide one Hana Professional Flat Iron to the winner of this contest. This flat iron retails for $204.99, although you can purchase it from Misikko for $119.99. The five-star 100% pure ceramic iron comes with a free iron mat and storage pouch (a $20 value). Its features include, but are not limited to, adjustable temperatures from 140 to 450 degrees; floating ceramic tourmaline plates for frizz-free, conditioning shine; 360 degree tangle-free "salon swivel" cord; and curved plate edges for versatile styling as you straighten, flip, or curl. It's even smart - it compensates for heat loss as you use it. Along with Hana's Shine Shield, advanced heat styling therapy to protect your hair and add shine, Hana's Professional is as good as it gets! This is a luxury flat iron - the crème de la crème of the category.

Just think, if you win, you will have frizz-free, perfect hair all summer and the nicest flat iron you will ever use. Even my stick-straight hair gets some frizz! All the short (translate that as broken) pieces take it upon themselves to fly out instead of down, telegraphing humidity to the world. Most product just weigh my hair down, so a flat iron is a necessity. Cheers to the individual who invented them. Hana perfected them!

When my box arrived from Misikko, the presentation was nicer than any holiday gift I received. Unwrapping everything they placed in the box, including the high-class products (along with fabulous samples) and a rose, was a surprise - it was like Christmas in March! This is a first-class company, and I want you to get to know them. They give stars to hair products. I give them to beauty companies and products, and Misikko gets the highest level, five stars! Check out their online store.

To enter this giveaway contest, you can earn entry points in two ways. First, leave a comment on this post telling us why you would like to win. After you comment, feel free to e-mail bestthingsinbeautycontests@gmail.com and identify your comment. You can never be too careful about sharing your e-mail address on a blog, so I would follow this second step if I were you (the alternative is to code your e-mail, e.g., myname at gmail dot com, in your comment). A lot of you do that, so you must be using a "safe" e-mail address. You can comment once a day, and each time, you will receive an entry (you don't need to e-mail once a day - that's only for the purpose of identifying yourself so that I can notify you if you win).

Second, sign up for Misikko's newsletter on their site. You will find a Sign Me Up for Exclusive Deals and Offers on the left side of the screen. Anyone who signs up for the newsletter will receive seven extra entries. I have signed up at every great beauty company on earth! I save a lot of money and receive many nice samples (and free extras) as a result. Great companies treat their online customers very well.

There you go! Seven comments equals seven entries, and a newsletter sign-up will get you seven more. You could have 14 entries at the end of the week. I'll get with Misikko to identify the newsletter subscribers, and then I'll tally the entries and select the lucky winner using random.org (my go-to random number generator).

The deadline for entries will be midnight, April 18. This contest is open to anyone in the United States and Canada. I'll be posting the contest at Free!Grechen, my giveaway contest partner.

Good Luck! The winner is going to be one happy gal!

Photos courtesy of Misikko