KAREN WALKER: Inspiration – Space-age optimism of the 1950s

Makeup: Jenna Menard for Clinique Backstage Secret: New for Spring 2013, Clinique Chubby Sticks Intense Shades – (launching in February). Color used is a special edition shade for Spring. No name yet, but in the works!

Hair: Laurent Phillippon for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were glued on and a heavy fringe was cut according to each girl. To add texture Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray were used.

BADGLEY MISCHKA: Inspiration – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: Pecheux stressed the importance of prepping the skin when achieving this natural apperance. Using moisturizer, MAC’s Complete Comfort Cream and Studio Sculpt Foundation, he made the complexion appear flawless.

Hair: Peter Gray for Moroccanoil Backstage Secret: To add body to the hair, Moroccanoil’s new Oil Volumizing Mousse (out in October) was used on damp hair. Moroccanoil Treatment was then applied for shine.

EDUN: Inspiration – “A clean youthful, rock ‘n’ roll type girl”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: To showcase cheekbones, MAC’s Sculpt and Shape Powder in Bone Beige (limited edition) was used. For some attitude – ‘Feline’ Kohl Powder Pencil was applied to the outer corner of the eye in a “v” shape to connect the top and bottom lashes.

Hair: James Pecis for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were added to the model’s hair and Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray was used to create a consistent texture.

DEREK LAM: Inspiration – Romantic “aqua 3-D” look

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder Backstage Secret: The eyes were the focus in this look. Pecheux first applied Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion from lash line to brow. He then applied Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Extreme Emerald with a light hand from. Next, he layered Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Cosmic, a glimmery silver, on top of that for a pale, silvered-aqua look. (Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paints launching January 2013).

Hair: Orlando Pita Backstage Secret: After doing a deep side part, Pita applied Phyto hair products — different for each girl, depending on her hair texture. He used a T3 Featherweight Dryer and a T3 Straightening Iron, then tucked hair behind the ears.

TORY BURCH: Inspiration – Prairie Girl

Makeup: Diane Kendal for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: MAC’s Face and Body Foundation, as well as Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, were used as needed to perfect the complexion.

Hair: Eugene Souleiman for Wella Backstage Secret: An excess of extensions were used to create the fullness and length of these wheat-like fishtail braids. Hair was set using only Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray.

HELMUT LANG: Inspiration – Downtown Surf

Makeup: Hannah Murray for NARS Backstage Secret: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ was used on the models skin for a flawless effect, as well as these products (New for Sprint 2013) NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. A lip pencil was used on the cheeks for a beautiful wash of color - Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park (New for Spring 2013). For a similar effect, try Maldives The Multiple.

Hair: Paul Hanlon for Fekkai Backstage Secret: The effortless hair embraced the individual look of each model, with kinks and bends made with a styling wand. To give the look a rock-’n'-roll edge, the front section was swept to the side and hung in front of the face. Hanlon touched up strands with Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum, a frizz-fighting serum.

CURLING WANDS

My hair doesn’t like to curl. It’s never holds a curl with hot rollers, sponge rollers, or a curling iron. I once came close to making it through an entire night by curling with a flat iron, but this process is very dicey; it’s easy to burn off—literally burn off—the hair in mid-curl.

The most disheartening aspect to taking the time to curl ones’ hair is when the curl falls before you even leave the mirror. This all changed for me when I was recently introduced to the Curly-Q Tapered Iron. This iron is literally made of gold. The golden plates are gorgeous, but they more importantly offer even heat distribution; they also work to smooth surface frizz, which almost always occurs during the curling process.

48 HOURS PRIOR TO STYLING

Sleep in a thick conditioner (I recommend Biolage’s Conditioning Balm), or at least apply it to hair and hang out at the house for a couple of hours. This acts as armor, or hair insurance, against styling damage. However, generally, curly styles and up-dos work better on dirty hair. “Dirty” doesn’t mean filthy. I like to wash my hair, the night before curling, with TIGI’s Style Shots: Epic Volume Shampoo. This gives my fine tresses the boost they need to create a textured look.

JUST BEFORE STYLING/ PREPARATION

Prior to styling, I like to use CHI Iron Guard on my ends and work the product upward (apply only the residue to hair closest to the root to avoid a greasy effect). Smooth & Seal, by Sexy Hair, is a finishing spray which doubles nicely as a pre-styling mist. I like to use this from ends to the mid-way point of my hair. Brush your hair well and remove all knots and tangles to create smooth, silky curls. This step also distributes product evenly throughout the hair.

STYLING PROCESS

Because my hair is fine, I set the temperature at about 350 degrees. If you’re unsure how to classify your hair type, the Curly-Q package includes a descriptive chart with correlating heat settings. Place the protective heat glove, included with purchase, on the hand that matches the side you’re working on. That is to say, if you begin with your left side, put the glove on your left hand. Total, you’ll separate the hair into 5 layers, beginning with the bottom layer and ending at the top of your head. Within each layer, separate your hair into 1-inch sections for best results.

1. Place your thumbs behind your ears and move straight back, until your fingers meet, to separate the first/bottom section. Clip the other hair atop your head. Isolate a 1-inch section of hair. Reach your right arm over your head, to the left side, and point the tip of the wand downward. With your gloved, left hand, wind hair from the broadest part of the barrel down to the tapered end. For loose curls, maximize the thicker end of the wand. For tighter curls, wrap hair mid-way around the wand and down. Hold, for no longer than 10 seconds, and release. Continue this process until you reach the mid-point. Switch sides.
2. Next, separate Hair just above the ears, at the temples— divide the top layer into 2 sections and save the very front of the hair for last— and continue the 1-inch curling process.
3. Once complete, rake your fingers through the curls to give a more tussled look. Finish with a healthy coat (or two) of TIGI’s Hard Head Hairspray.
4. Enjoy bouncy, sexy curls throughout the night and into the morning!

The Remington curling wand was packaged very nicely. The box says: fast, easy, wrap & go curls. 410 degrees salon high heat. 30 second instant heat. 60 minute auto shutoff. Temperature Lock. Heat protective glove included**

1. Heat protective glove helps protect fingers and hand for a limited time during styling, but will not protect from touching the barrel directly or from other sources of heat. (This was in small print on the bottom of the box)

This was my first time using a curling wand and it definitely takes some time to get use to. You need to wear the glove on one hand and the curling wand with the other. It really curls great but I have a lot harder time curling the right side of my head compared to the left. (I’m right handed) The curls are amazing though and they last all day. I tried brushing them out the next day and it made my hair really wavy and cute. I like to curl 1 section of my hair one way and the next section I will curl the other way so once they are all curled they don’t get caught together making a big curl. For me it’s really hard to curl the very end of the hair because you have to get so close to the barrel of the wand but if you touch it even with the glove on you will get burned. I have also burned my ear one time while trying to curl the right side of my head.

The box said fast, easy, wrap & go curls – which is one reason I bought this curling wand because I don’t like spending a lot of time styling my hair. For me it takes a long time to style my hair with this. I have to hold the wand on each section of my hair for around 10 seconds and I have so much hair it just takes forever. Plus the switching the glove back and forth between hands takes time. The curls are so cute it’s worth it if you have the time.

I love the lock it has because I have had problems in the past with bumping the buttons and changing the temperature and since my hair is so thick I need the highest temperature which is 410 on this styling wand. You just set the wand on the number you want then hold the minus button for a few seconds and it locks so if you do bump the buttons while using it, the temperature won’t change which I think is great.

The main complaint I have is the glove. They market it as a heat protective glove but when you look at the tag on the inside of the glove it says : Not heat resistant, first line protection only, avoid touching the barrel. The glove does help but if you get to close to the barrel you can feel the heat. So you might want to purchase a different glove because it’s hard to curl the very end of the hair without getting burned.

The box says it’s made with Pearl ceramic the actual barrel of the wand is pink. It makes my hair look and feel so smooth I love it. The wand also comes with a 4 year limited warranty.

I would recommend this wand if you have enough time. It makes cute curls that last all day.

(Picture of me the first time I used the curling wand)

Wet Hair Comb

So first is my wet hair comb. You can pick this up at any store from Target to Sally’s. It’s a super wide-tooth comb and also unbreakable. Supposed to be better for hair when it’s wet because when your hair is wet it is at it’s weakest.

Wide-tooth teasing comb

This is my all time favorite comb. It’s good for pulling up your hair if your pompadour isn’t big enough and needs some help. I use it to comb out (separate) my curls when my hair is straight and I’ve curled it. It’s good to pull lightly through my hair when it’s curly if I’m trying to put it up (to make sure there are no bumps in my ponytail). I also use it to part hair if I’m braiding or twisting dreads into someone’s hair (the pointy end of course).

Bristle Brush

I use my bristle brush for so many things… To keep my curls together (this is the only time I brush through my hair with this brush and ONLY when it’s wet!!!) I use it so smooth my hair when I have it in a ponytail. I use this brush to back-comb my hair if I’m trying to fluff it up and give it volume. Also, I use it to smooth out my top knot if it’s not perfect.

My other brush, which is my ultimate favorite, is at my mom’s house so I can’t show you what it looks like but another time, I’ll post a pic up of it with details on how I use it and why I love it so much!

Ahhh, Clips!

Love Love Love these, I have 4 good ones and a ton of cheap ones (which I never use because they just don’t work the same). I use them to pin up my hair when I’m curling it, when I’m straightening it, when I’m doing other people’s hair, they are fantastic, hold well, and are easy to use.

Yellow Bird Blow Dryer

I would have never found out about this blow drying had I not met my boyfriend Daniel. It gets hot, it gets cold, it does everything in the middle. I never use it without the comb attachment though.

Comb Atachment

Oh yeah, that’s the one… And together, they make:

Yellow Bird Blow Dryer With Comb Atachment

This bad boy can get through my wet hair with just a few sprays of  Iron Guard in twenty minutes and have it blowing in the wind like a white girl’s hair. I have to touch it up with my flat iron to get the roots straight and to finish the ends, but with this thing, I don’t even have to separate my hair first…

Trusty Flat Iron

Now I don’t use a super fancy flat iron. This on is just a Ceramika Pro Version but I love it. It does exactly what I need it to do all the time and I love that it has a temperature control as well. I not only straighten my hair with my flat iron but I also use it to curl my hair better than almost any curling iron can do.

LeAngelique Curling Wand

Last but not least, I have my curling wand. I don’t use it often because I always end up burning my hands… I do use it when I need to re-define curls when my hair is curly and it’s not curling the way I want it to. I also use it when I want a more wavy style of curls once I’ve blow dried my hair straight. I usually don’t use it on already straightened hair because the curls don’t take once my hair is perfectly straight.

That’s it for today, Hopefully next time I can go over some hair styles that I’m wearing during my journey and explain with photos how to do them. HASTA!