BSB: Beauty news, makeup swatches and pictures, nail polish articles, makeup tutorials, product reviews, and how-to's from a MAC-trained makeup artist.

"Season 2 wrap. A remedy to the seven year itch. Finally!" - Dianna Agron cuts her locks

I admit it. I'm a Gleek! And forget hanging on Lea Michele's every note - I am a Dianna Agron fan.

She just chopped her long blonde hair (the quote in the post title was her Tweet to announce the change). Gone are the typical long layers found on Hollywood starlets, replaced by a choppy, shattered bob with lots of texture and movement.

The photography is by Tyler Shields, who also videotaped the whole haircut. If you're a fan of either the show or Dianna, check out the video! She's so adorable. I think we have a huge star on our hands here!

Will you be headed to the salon to ask for "The Dianna"?

Five Things 11.23.10

1. Pink Friday is a new lipstick at MAC, with a twist. It was designed by hip hop queen Nicki Minaj. (No, I won't even try to pretend I know who she is - it's the lippie I'm about) Expect a creamy bright pink lip (satin finish). The twist? You have four (4!) shots at it. Four (4!) Fridays, actually. You can only buy it online, and only Friday, Nov. 26th (Black Friday) and the next three Fridays.
   PS: This coincides with Nicki Minaj's new album release; it's called Pink Friday. Duh.
   
   
2. I'm in lust with this scrummy yummy black cowl neck shirt from Athleta. Look at the sexy (and surely flattering?) cabling! $64 _via
   
   
3. The Muse is leading the search for the missing Lambie. Any clues or tips are appreciated!
   
   
4. Dear, lovely balyage, does the bell toll for you for the last time? Word from down under, from the inimitable Zoe, seems to suggest it is. She's ushering in the era of "Dessert Hair". Are you going to give it a try?
   
   
5. I'm addicted to the inspiring words and pretty lettering at the notebook doodles. Bookmark it or put it in your feed reader. You can thank me later.

What are your five things for today?

Hair: Pixie cuts

I think there are Short Hair Women and Long Hair Women. Some women seem perfect for super short cuts - in fact there are women who should never grow their hair long again- hullo, Halle Berry, Rihanna, Pink, and in my opinion Alyssa Milano. On the flipside, I guess there are women I can't even picture with short-short 'dos, like Jennifer Aniston, Mylie Cyrus, Megan Fox and Jennifer Lopez.

It may come as a huge shock to you, but I have a fondness for über-short hair. Please, try to gasp quietly. ;) Still, I was a little surprised at my (negative) reaction to seeing that supermodel Agyness Deyn had gone all-out and buzzed all of her hair off. She's no stranger to short hair, or change, but I have to say this isn't one of my favorites of hers. Observe:

  
(click to see larger)

What do you think? I personally find it a bit more androgynous than I like, plus I love white/platinum on her. But as long as she (and her booking agents!) like it, that's all that matters.

I collected a boatload of pictures of super short cuts; some I like, some not. Let's take a look, and then I'll share some of the secrets to being able to pull off über-short hair. If you wanna see, keep reading! I'd love to hear your thoughts.

The Rebound Hairdo

On the left: Jennifer Love Hewitt with boyfriend Jamie Kennedy, back in happier days. They recently broke up. Now, on the right, you see her new haircut.

“But it’s not about that. It’s just a ‘I-need-a-change’ haircut!”
- Jennifer Love Hewitt to People Style Watch

Yeah, right, Love. That's kinda what we all say! That's sorta the whole point. When washing him out of your hair won't work, snip, snip, snip go the scissors taking the You you were with him and revealing the You you want to be... the You the demise of the two of you created. It's not wrong... it's liberating, it's celebratory, and it's freeing. It's natural!

Have you ever made a radical hair change post-breakup? I know I have!

source

Beyonce's Grammys hair explained. Sort of.

So.

We've talked about this already. 

For the 2010 Grammy Awards, Beyonce showed up with multi-hued metallic strands in her hair.

I didn't like it, not because I don't think it's pretty (it is, kinda) but because when you add it to the strong brow, strong shadow, ginormous earrings, busy and matronly (and weird) Stephane Rolland dress and gold Minx nails it's just waaaaaay too busy. A lot.

At any rate, we've dug up the answer to "WTF was in her hair?!?". Thanks to BellaSugar, we know it was HairGlitz, a strand-by-strand extension of sorts that comes in a multitude of colors.

According to what I've learned, each strand of HairGlitz is tied to a few hairs (either natural or in other extensions) to add a pop of colors.

 

Sadly, you need at least 4 inches of hair to wear these, so I can't try 'em. (It would look stupid in a pixie, anyway!)

If I ever grow my hair back out (likely, since I'm hair-fickle), I'm definitely weaving in some Copper, Bronze, Brown, or maybe even some Silver or Fuchsia!

I just won't do it with my largest earrings, bold smokey eye, and grandmother's gown.

Home Hair Color 101 - doing it yourself ( + Dying your brows: do it or skip it?)

 

image source

My President says the recession here in the States is over, but I personally am still feeling the pinch. I'm doing my hair at home (though I've done that for years, anyway: I like the creativity and the cost-savings gives me more cash for lipgloss!). Over the years I've learned some lessons and come up with some hints. I may as well share them in case they help some of you.

By the way, you're not supposed to tint/dye your eyebrows, because there's a risk of damage if it gets in your eyes. However, just because I'm doing my color at home doesn't mean I have to have brows that don't match my hair! That's just ridiculous. I've found that by being careful, I can do my own brows and get salon-perfect results. This does not mean I advocate you doing your own.

Disclaimer: I take NO responsibility for your results, I'm just sharing my experiences.

Please keep reading or more info.

HerCut - hair care for your haircut | an ingenious idea, but does it work?

File this under "Why didn't I think of that!?" and feel free to add a smack to the forehead.

A brand new product line called HerCut does what should have been obvious: they created grooming products that are designed to work with your hairstyle. Yes, you can get a shampoo and conditioner that brings out the best of your hair type (thin, oily, dry, etc), too. But the real innovation at HerCut comes from the Catalysts - dual-phase products that dispense simultaneously from one container to give you exactly what your hairstyle needs to look amazing. 

You gotta click to see more!

New hair from one of Elle's Top 100 Salons!

I just tried a new salon last week, and fell in love. Seems I'm not the only one, as it just got mentioned as one of Elle magazine's Top 100 Salons in the US! Imago is located in Richmond, Virginia's historic and charming Fan District. The stylists specialize in Curly Girl hair - they do a combination wet-then-dry cut that is guaranteed to bring out the best in your curls! Rest assured, straight-locked ladies: they can cut your hair, too. See?

Before, my hair was just getting shoved into a ponytail every day...

 

But now I've got style!

 

My new angled bob is courtesy of Audrey, who was fab! She cuts splendidly but confessed her true love is doing color (she's trained in Balyage, which I may hit her up on next). She really listened to what I wanted (manageable, cute, not too trend-slavish, and still something I could pull off of my face). I got it! The back is layered perfectly (can't find my cowlick! YAY!) and I can wear this style straight, wavy or curled.  I can pin back the long bangs if I wish, or tuck back the front behind my ears, but the cut really sings when it's styled straight and hanging just-so in that sexy angled way!

Audrey, I may go shorter, I may change the color, but whatever happens you're my girl, so don't let your Top 100 status get ya too over-scheduled to fit me in. You're #1 in my book!

I did it! Beachy waves with my new Hana Professional Flat Iron - a review and ramble

I was approached by a person who wanted me to test a flat iron for his company. I gave him my usual spiel about how I will not grant a good review just because someone sends me something to test, a condition he agreed to. I wanted to agree to test this product, but had to confess something, first.

"Sure, I'll test it", I said, "but I'm completely inept at using a flat iron. Is that going to be a problem?"

He assured me it would not.

I was nervous, still. Let me tell you why. First, I have fine hair, which is always slipping through tools, and that's a huge PITA. And my hair is straight, so what in the hell am I going to iron!? I mean, I guess I could get it really flat and stick-straight, but I can do that with my brushes and hairdryer - that's how straight my hair is to start. And I don't have frizz, so ... what's the point in the flat iron?

But I know a lot of people CURL their hair with a flat iron... and I am completely intrigued by that.

There's another reason to hesitate about accepting this challenge: I also have LOTS of hair, which makes curling it with a curling iron really tedious - I find it boring and time consuming to sit there with the hair clamped for a few moments resectioning, and repeating for what seems like hours!

Yes, I'm lazy. Plus, I'm pregnant and have a toddler. Let's be real: I don't have time to fuss over my hair for hours a day...

But what the hell, right? So I decided to test the flat iron.

Here's what I'm going for. Loose, "beachy" waves. Volume. Sexy! 

And here's what I'm avoiding:

(please don't get offended -
I like curly hair on those who have
curly hair. The hair on the top left is GORGEOUS,
 and I love the style on the top right. But not on me!
The crimping and frizzies I can do without...)

Wanna hear how it ended up? Keep on reading...

Need your help - advice on using a flat iron!

So, I'm testing a new product - a flat iron!

I'm not bad with my hair - I can braid, twist, curl, and dye. But I admit to being completely inept with a flat iron. 

I can get my hair straight (of course, it's straight to start) so I thought I'd tackle beachy-waves.

Anyone got any advice on how to create luscious waves with one of these buggers?

Review and pics on the way...
if I can figure this sucker out!



SPECIAL BONUS: IF YOU HELP ME BY COMMENTING,
YOU'RE AUTOMATICALLY ENTERED IN OUR CONTEST!


*good pic of the hair, plus she's actually smiling!

Review: Ken Paves | Healthy Hair Boost Up Color Drops

Ok, a few weeks ago, I changed my hair color with Perfect 10. I went just a touch lighter and more gold, and quite liked it. It still looks nice, by the way. But just a few days later I got a chance to try a color-enhancing product and jumped on it! Especially since it's made by Ken Paves, who styles the likes of Eva Longoria and the ever-present Jessica Simpson (and her Paves extensions). You gotta wonder: does he really have "it"?

I tried Ken Paves Healthy Hair Boost Up Color Drops in Honey. The product promises to give shine and a boost of color to flagging or dull color.

High Notes:

• Temporary color enhancement washes out at next shampoo
• Great for adding a bit of oomph or boosting fading color
• Available in Black, Brown, Platinum, Honey, Beige and Red
• $40 each; available at Henri Bendel, Ulta and Trade Secret
  
• Paraben Free
• Safe for colored or chemically-treated hair
• Botanically based, according to the company

How to Use:

• 2 pumps are all you need
  
• Mix with conditioner; emulsify in hand (rub hands together) before applying
  
• If mixed with conditioner, apply to hair, and leave in for 1-2 minutes before rinsing
• Also can be used with any styling product (but not a serum unless you're going to seal it with hairspray or something alcohol-based)

Read on for more info and the review.

And now, the news...

I have been a not-so-diligent poster in the past few weeks, and for that I apologize. I am hoping that the family's health is stabilized and the work situation is evening out, and that I am a much more prolific blogger. For now, let's catch up on the news together:

• Planning on ordering from Elizabeth Arden online for the first time? They're celebrating the reopening of their flagship store in NY and you benefit! Get a free 1oz 5th Avenue fragrance with any order of $50 or more by entering in the code CELEBRATE at checkout.
• Speaking of Elizabeth Arden, their new Summer collection has launched! It's called Bronze and it's really pretty. It includes a great little fold-up palette with 4 limited edition eyeshadows and a bronzer/blush duo; 3 lipsticks that are a preview of the new lipstick formula with a to-be-announced-later launch date; a bronzing mousse (it's nice!); a powder bronzer compact; and two gel liners (black and bronze). A review of the collection is coming soon.
• Vanishing Varnish! What happens when enterprising and clever girls are banned from wearing nail polish at school? Why, they invent a polish that appears almost non-existent inside, but reacts to ultraviolet light outside and turns into a visible color! What a cool idea - I can't wait for it to hit the market. Sign me up to test drive it! Source. Thanks for the heads-up .
• No stranger to cosmetics for a cause, Lush has a new UK product that's politically driven - £2.75 gets you Guantánamo Garden, an orange Bath Bomb colored to represent the jumpsuits worn by detainees at the US's controversial Guantánamo Bay base. The Bath Bomb was created to support closure of the base and it releases a picture of two detainees when it dissolves in water (regardless of how you feel about Guantánamo Bay's base, that's fairly nifty!). Proceeds benefit Reprieve, a group who "campaigns for legal representation for Guantánamo prisoners and for those in US prisons facing the death penalty." The bath bomb is orange, jasmine and chocolate-y goodness and is emblazoned with a white dove.  Source
• MAC's Dazzleglass promo pic has surfaced in multiple spots. Take a look, then read up on the collection here. Source


• Besame Cosmetics has dramatically reduced the price of some of their products to make room for "new and exciting" items coming soon. Swing by the site to see the discounts on items like Cashmere Powder Compact, Masterliner Eye Pencils, Loose Powder, Lip Glazes,  Rose Lotion, Alluring Shadows, and Boudoir Rouge. (Some other items are already sold out, so not listed here)
• Bumble and Bumble recently introduced a new hairspray developed backstage - it's incredibly flexible and quick-drying, due to "intelligent polymers" that help hold almost any style. Take a look at Bumble and Bumble's spray de MODE. Thanks Blogdorf Goodman for the heads-up.
• Here are some great beauty tips from Allure magazine and Allure.com (please try to ignore the fact that the editors didn't catch that the page is quite vividly mislabeled as the April 2007 issue):
  • Green tea as a topical antioxidant is only effective if it's made up of 50 percent polyphenols. How to tell if yours has what it takes? The cream or serum will be brown.                    
  • If you want to experiment with bangs, first try a side-swept style rather than a blunt cut. This flatters most face shapes and is easiest to grow out.

  • To prevent split ends, blow-dry hair when it's damp (not wet) and add two or three drops of silicone serum to the ends.

                       
• Angelina Jolie has made a new ad for Shiseido, and here it is:

Blame it on Posh!

Everyone is chopping their hair off, and I'm just loving it. I'm so tired of seeing tons of women who look the same. It's either the really long, slightly-mussed waves, or it's stick-straight bra strap skimming locks. YAWN!

But now - and blame it on Victoria Beckham if you must pass blame - trends are setting the pulses of hairstylists everywhere racing!

Frankly, I don't blame Posh- I completely take responsibility for this trend, as I chopped my hair off into a sexy pixie cut several months ago. But my stunning hair and uncanny tendency to set trends aside, this is definitely something new to watch!

Keep reading for some hot short hair looks!

No discussion of short hair should begin with anyone other than the amazing Ayness Deyn. This British model is the current darling of the fashion world, and I certainly can see why! She's able to stride between sweet and ethereal and tough and edgy, working the editorial shoots and the runway with the greatest of ease. Would she be as striking with long hair, even if it were platinum? Let's hope we never have to find out!

Kelly Osbourne is quickly becoming a fashionista to watch! She's almost always impeccably turned-out lately, with stunning shoes and sexy, form-fitting clothing. Check out the signature onyx hair, recently cropped into this side-swept cut. I love this look on her- it's less structured than her former severe, banged bob and it seems to better suit her carefree personality.

One of the first well-known women to chop her hair off at the beginning of this slowly growing trend (several years ago) was Jenny McCarthy. I think this look is amazing on her, and I hope she holds on to it! It still reads as fun and sassy, which is how she seems to be, but it's also smooth, sleek and "respectable" - well-suited for her new position as spokesmom for Autism.

The newest celebrity crop is hot, and I'm so pleased that she went from one short cut to another rather than fleeing to a stylist and begging for extensions! Rhianna debuted a brand spankin' new 'do the other day.

PS: I heard a rumor that the reason Rhianna cut her hair is because hers was the most requested haircut at salons around the world. Well, Rhi, sorry but I think you can expect to see this one everywhere soon!

 

I have to do it. I have to go there:

This is the picture of the celebrity who should never have grown her hair back out!

Why, Alyssa Milano, did you ever think you should have more hair than this? You, the Ambassador for Short Haired Women? You, who wore this cut with spunk, class, and sheer sexiness?

Why would you grow it out?

No biggie- since this is my current haircut, I'll take up the torch. Traitor.

Visit our friends at Total Beauty for more short haircuts to inspire you!

Is your shampoo breaking you out?

I was looking through the January issue of New Beauty magazine and saw some cool information. It said that shampoos that have that pretty pearlized look actually contain some ingredients that can contribute to acne (including acne on the back). So if you're fighting this problem, look for a shampoo that is not pearlescent.