My best friend is getting married this weekend and I opted to do my own hair for the wedding.   When I decided on that, I didn’t realize that all of the other bridesmaids would be getting their hair “done” at the salon and I would be the only one attempting to look “done” on my own.  So now I’m in crisis mode, trying to find the best way to create an updo that is easy to recreate.  I know I want to wear my hair up because the wedding is outside and I don’t want to have to battle the elements.  It would probably be easiest just to straighten my hair and wear it down but since my hair is naturally wavy, chances are it would frizz up mighty quickly.  I had decided on wearing a bun because of my new found friend, Goody Spin Pin, but adding a bit of pizazz will help everything look more polished.  So I’m going to add in a braid.   I found this great compilation picture of braided updos over at Hair.ph and I’m going to use it for inspiration:

By adding in a simple braid to garnish the sides of your hair, you can transform a normal bun to something red-carpet worthy.   So here is how I’m going to create my hairstyle step-by-step:

Step 1: First I’m going to separate the portion of hair that I plan on braiding.  It will start at my front part line and be about two inches thick.  I will pin that atop my hair and save it for the end.

Step 2: Next I will use my 1″ curling iron and curl the rest of my hair in about 1 inch sections to give it body and depth, hairspraying each section as I go.

Step 3: Then I will lightly secure my curled hair with a hair tie just to keep it out of the way for a moment.

Step 4: Taking the portion-to-be-braided hair out of its pin, I will use the same curling iron as a straightener and smooth that section of hair.

Step 5: Now that the section is smoothed out, it is time to braid!

Step 6: Once the braiding is done, I will secure the braid with a small, clear hair tie.

Step 7: Gathering the curled hair I will gently wrap it into a low bun at the base of my neck and include the braided portion, hair tie and all, into that wrap.

Step 8: Using my spin pin, I will secure the bun making sure to also include the braid in the pin.

Step 9: Hairspray the heck out of the final style!

The final result will be bohemian and fabulous!

Few aspects of your personal appearance are quite as important as your hair. Case in point: The unique and unutterable agony of a bad hair day. For many women (and men!), the best way to battle a bad hair day and ensure a sleek, beautiful style is to invest in a high quality styling tool that will tame curls, vanquish frizzies, and generally leave you looking like a million bucks. Enter the humble flat iron. But with so many different kinds of flat irons available, how can you decide which one to pick? Some people swear by their GHD flat irons, while others are die-hard CHI advocates, and still others feel naked without their BaByliss. It can definitely be confusing, but if you find a flat iron you like that has the following qualities, you’re set:

• Adjustable Settings. A flat iron with adjustable heat settings is a must-have. One size does not fit all when it comes to heat, and while you want the plates to be hot, you should also be able to lower the heat a little when necessary. The best strategy is to use the lowest possible setting that will still effectively straighten your hair. All of the best flat irons have this feature, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.
• Ceramic (or Tourmaline) Plates. A flat iron with metal plates may be super affordable, but it can also seriously damage your hair. In fact, metal plates can literally fry your locks, leading to breakage. Even if the damage isn’t that drastic, you’ll still be left with dry, frizzy, damaged hair – basically, the exact opposite of what you wanted when you bough a flat iron in the first place! Choosing an iron with ceramic or tourmaline-infused plates will give you a soft, shiny finish. But make sure the plates are 100% ceramic, not just metal coated with a ceramic finish. (Again, if the flat iron is made by a reputable manufacturer, this shouldn’t be a problem.)
• Heats Up Fast. When you’re getting ready in the morning or primping for a big night out on the town, you don’t want to waste valuable minutes waiting for your flat iron to reach the correct temperature. A quality iron will reach optimal temperature in less than a minute, and will be able to sustain that temperature while you iron your hair, which makes everything fast and easy.
• Long-term Durability. Finally, you want a flat iron that will last for years to come – especially if you spend several hundred dollars on it. Luckily, with most straighteners, you get what you pay for, so if you invest a little extra you can safely expect a high-performance  flat iron . You should also find out whether your flat iron comes with a warranty; many do, and if your flat iron happens to break, you may be able to get it repaired or replaced at no additional cost.

As with any significant beauty purchase, a little research goes a long way toward ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy decidedly fabulous hair days for many years to come. What kind of straightener do you prefer? Whether it’s a CHI or a GHD flat iron – or some other brand entirely – I want to know the styling tool you swear by! Tell me your thoughts in a comment.

I’ve never been one to put a lot of stock in hair care products. This is probably because I’ve been blessed with hair that just never had many issues; it’s thick, straight and healthy with little to no frizziness – the definition of “wash and go” hair. I’ve always chosen my shampoo based largely on how it smelled in the bottle, and if the accompanying conditioner made it extra soft, that was a nice bonus. But, as I mentioned in my recent love letter to beauty supply stores, an impressive review on Nouveau Cheap made me rethink my approach to shampoo. Apparently, Queen Helene’s Mint Julep Shampoo is some sort of unassuming miracle product – who woulda thunk?

While I dig the mint green, super retro bottle, I think it made me underestimate the potential greatness of this shampoo. But now I realize that Queen Helene has never revamped this classic bottle because they didn’t have to - the product speaks for itself! First of all, the price: The shampoo is meant to be diluted in 1-2 gallons (!) of water, and it costs around $4 a bottle at Sally. That means you’re paying $4 for 2 gallons of shampoo! Next, the smell: Just like spearmint gum. JUST LIKE IT. If you’ve ever wanted your hair to smell like minty gum without actually having minty gum in your hair, you will love this.

Actually using the shampoo was an interesting experience for me. Ignore what it says on the Queen Helene site – this stuff doesn’t lather. (That’s because it’s free from lots of nasty additives that can damage your hair, but still.) Instead of diluting it in water, I used a really small amount – like a few drops – and applied it directly to my wet hair, scrubbed and rinsed. Immediately, my hair and scalp felt extremely clean, and my hair was soft and manageable, even before conditioner. (Note: I used a random Herbal Essences conditioner I had in my shower, since I don’t think there is an accompanying Mint Julep conditioner.) My hair even dried extremely fast – something I thought I imagined until I revisited the aforementioned post on Nouveau Cheap and found that the reviewer had noticed the same thing! Once dry, my hair was shiny, with an almost absurd amount of bounce and body.

So what can I say? This is my new favorite shampoo. What’s yours?

I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt like I had two choices when it came to buying makeup: I could go low-end (i.e., drugstore) or I could go high-end (i.e., department stores/Sephora). Drugstore makeup is super affordable and easy to come by, but higher-end products are usually better quality and better for my skin – not to mention the invariably sexy packaging. Unfortunately, I’ve more or less resigned myself to buying drugstore makeup lately, with the occasional Sephora splurge here and there…and then I started thinking about beauty supple stores.

Of course, I’ve always been aware of beauty supply stores, and I’ve ducked in once or twice, but I had pretty much written them off as being primarily hair care. (Why did I think this? I have no idea.) But Sally, in particular, kept popping up on the blogs I read, from Nouveau Cheap’s guest post on an intriguing mint shampoo to RFC’s comparison of the Palladio Dual Wet&Dry Foundation to MAC StudioFix – in which she concluded that they were very close, but she liked the Palladio better!

So I ducked into my nearest Sally’s, and whoa! So much cheaper than a trip to Sephora, and everything I bought is awesome! Here’s what I hauled:

• Palladio Dual Wet and Dry Foundation in Laurel Nude ($8.99)
• Queen Helene Mint Julep Shampoo ($3.99)
• Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque ($3.29)
• Beyond Belief ABH Intensive Repair Serum ($7.99)
• Orly Polish Thinner ($3.49)
• Orly “Galaxy Girl” polish from the Cosmic FX collection ($7.99)
• …plus the $5 I paid for a 1-year membership to the “Beauty Club”

I decided to take the plunge and get a club card because there are tons of discounts exclusive to club members listed on the website; plus, they gave me a $5 coupon good on any purchase during the month of October, so it’s like my membership was free!

As for the awesomeness of my purchases, I’m thinking of doing a series of individual reviews, because seriously, they’re all great. The Palladio powder foundation, in particular, is so much better than the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers I’ve been using – and it was about $5 cheaper!

In conclusion, if you haven’t ventured into a beauty supply store in years, I recommend you take the plunge. They have cosmetics, skincare and hair products far better than what you’ll find at most drugstores, but at a fraction of the price you can expect to pay at the mall. Love you, Sally! XOXO.

I am a huge fan of a messy bun.  Maybe it stems from my days of dance classes growing up or maybe it comes from not always taking the time to “do” my hair every morning.  Whatever it is, most days you can find me with my hair in a bun.  I have quite the assortment of bobby pins of all shapes, styles and colors….and now I don’t know what to do with them….

….Because I bought a Spin Pin.  I am not exaggerating when I say I bought this on Tuesday and I haven’t worn my hair down since.  And I had a dream last night that I couldn’t find my spin pin and I was frantic.  When I found it, my mom had somehow twisted it so it didn’t work anymore and I was pretty upset.  Don’t read too much into the dream, except that I’m clearly obsessing over this product.

The package comes with two spin pins but since my hair is so thin, I’ve only needed to use one to keep my bun in place.  One pin!  Normally I use five or 6 bobby pins and they fall out throughout the day and I have to constantly restyle.  But with the Spin Pin I take my hair, twirl it into a bun and then take my Spin Pin and twist it up into the bun from the bottom like it’s a corkscrew. And I’m done.  It is unbelievably simple and holds into place remarkably well.  Women with thicker hair – I’m looking at you, Melissa – will probably need to use both pins but, still, I’m pretty sure you’re going to love it.  Plus!  You aren’t limited to just creating a “messy bun” – you can do several different up-dos with ease.  I have several weddings to attend in the next few months…guess how I’m doing my hair….

Has anyone else tried the Spin Pin yet?  Are you loving it as much as me?  Or did it not work for you?  I’m curious! Let us know with a comment…

Did you ever want to experiment with different shades of makeup without the hassle of cleanup?  Or you simply didn’t have time to explore the endless options?  Well, now you can explore endless makeup and hair looks right from your computer!  Yes, that’s right, your computer.  Ladies, now, you can see how you look with a makeover, without actually getting a makeover.  You can prevent a beauty fiasco before it happens.

I stumbled upon the Virtual Makeover Studio by Daily Makeover via Sarah at Hair Thursday.  Please post links to your virtual makeover over at Latest Beauty’s Facebook Page or right in the comments section of this post.

Hermione, what have you done to your hair?!

So shooting recently wrapped on the final Harry Potter film, and it’s not surprising that the young stars of the series might want to do something a little “out there” to celebrate their newfound freedom. Yet I was still a little startled by this shot of Emma Watson sporting her brand new pixie cut instead of her longer Hermione locks. I love it though! It looks great. A little Mia Farrow, a little Jean Seberg; a great summertime cut, and one that is very flattering on women with delicate, feminine features. What do you think of Emma’s new ‘do? Are you a fan, or do you miss the length?

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Such a pretty hair color…such an unpalatable name. That pretty much sums up my feelings about the latest hair color craze, a brown/blonde hybrid that has been inelegantly dubbed “bronde” by professional colorist/Shear Genius judge Kim Vo, who enthusiastically declared, “If blonde and brown were to have a love child, it would be bronde!” when asked about the new trend. Natalie Portman, Jennifer Lopez, Sarah Jessica Parker, Miley Cyrus, Gisele Bundchen and Jennifer Aniston are just a few of the celebs who have been making waves with this new color lately. The look is achieved by painting two different shades of blonde highlights onto the upper layer of brown hair. (You’ll probably want to visit your stylist for this one, unless you’re really, really good at coloring your own hair at home.) So do brondes have more fun? Let’s settle this once and for all!

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Isn’t Salma Hayek’s sizzling hot white and red ensemble just the most summery, retro sexy outfit ever?! I’m in love with it. Just goes to show that you don’t need a lot going on in terms of detailing or accessories – you just need to create a compelling combination of elements. Specifically…

1. A white strapless dress with a bit of structure.
2. An eye-catching red belt to nip in your waist and add a bold pop of color to break up all that white.
3. Bold red suede platform heels.
4. A boxy black clutch to reinforce the retro vibe.
5. And, of course, a vibrant red lipstick to tie everything together, like NARS Jungle Red.

Keep the rest of your makeup and accessories to an absolute minimum (I think Salma could have added some red polish without going over the top, but she looks lovely with nude nails too), and you’re ready for some hot summer nights! Oh, and feel free to try out a mysterious, Veronica Lake-inspired hairstyle for a little extra drama.

Since Meagan’s Shampowder review – which I largely agree with, by the way – provided a basic rundown of the product, its promises and how well it delivers on them, I figured I would use my turn at the LatestBeauty pulpit to answer another burning dry shampoo question you might have: How does Shampowder compare to Tresemme’s Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, which I snatched up for less than $2 at the drugstore? Read on for the details of this heated beauty battle…

EASE OF USE: Fresh Start is dispensed in a spray can, which – as Meagan mentioned – is pretty standard when it comes to dry shampoos. Shampowder, on the other hand, comes in a cute little tube with a brush for more targeted application. I like that the tube is clear, so you can see how much Shampowder you have left, I love how the bristles are protected when you close the cap, and I love the portability. I ‘ll admit that the brush application did take a little getting used to on my end, but once I got the hang of it, I definitely preferred it to the spray. WINNER? Shampowder!

SCENT: Shampowder describes its scent as a “light vanilla.” Another blogger (I can’t remember which! argh) said that it reminded her of cupcakes. Personally, I think it’s somewhat baby powder-esque, but a lighter, more sophisticated version of baby powder. The Fresh Start isn’t terrible, but it’s also a little odd and takes some getting used to. Shampowder smells great from the beginning, and it won’t overwhelm you if you have a sensitive nose or you like to wear perfume, lotion or body mist. WINNER? Shampowder!

OIL-ABSORBING ABILITY: Okay, I have to be honest here…I haven’t been using the Fresh Start a whole lot lately. Why? Because I keep reaching for the Shampowder instead! It’s so much better at absorbing oil and adding subtle body without forcing you to sit there while it soaks in and then brush it through a million times until the white foam disappears (if you’re lucky). Mineral pigments in Shampowder mean that it’s tailored to match your hair color (blonde, black or brown/red), and the fine texture means that it’s absorbed instantly into your hair. Brush it through just a few times – or don’t! – and you’re good to go. Like Meagan, I wasn’t able to actually go a full week without an old-fashioned wet shampoo, but it’s definitely a godsend if you’ve skipped for a day or two. WINNER? Shampowder!

PRICE: Finally, we have the little matter of the price tag to consider. Tresemme’s dry shampoo sells for around $6.99 (or less, if you can find a deal or you have a coupon – like I said, I got mine for just $1.34). Shampowder, however, retails for $15.99 on the Buttercream Cosmetics website. That makes Shampowder more than twice as expensive. However, I do feel like the quality you get is much higher, and the price tag seems fair. Still, if you’re looking for an extremely cheap dry shampoo, it’s clear who comes out on top in the price category. WINNER? Tresemme Fresh Start!

ULTIMATE WINNER:

SHAMPOWDER!

Since this little miracle in a tube swept 3 of the 4 categories, I have to hand it to Buttercream – they have a winner on their hands with this product. I thought I was happy with Fresh Start until I tried Shampowder! If you’re as intrigued by dry shampoo as we are, you have to check it out.

PRODUCT: Shampowder Dry Shampoo

CLAIMS: “Just a sprinkle of Shampowder is all it takes to add life and lift to hair. Mineral pigments in the most natural tones blend seamlessly in with your own hair color. In seconds, you look like you just stepped out of the salon!”

I am a bit fascinated with the concept of dry shampoo so I was eager to try out Shampowder, sent to us by the lovely folks at Buttercream Cosmetics.   My interest was even more piqued when I saw the form of the dry shampoo:  Instead of being dished out by a spray can like most dry shampoos I’ve tried, it came in a cute little powder brush.  It looked like makeup and I instantly knew this was going to be different.  What really intrigued me though was the fact that the inventor of Shampowder, Jayne Polan, says that she uses it almost everyday and only washes her hair every 5 to 7 days.  That is a long time to go without a shampoo and water cleansing….was I up to the challenge?

RESULTS:

There are two things that I really like about Shampowder:

• The applicator makes it really easy to target the oily parts of your hair and is super convenient to store in your purse for whenever you need it.  The portability of the product goes a long way in its favor.  I especially like how the silver portion protects the brush bristles when you put the lid back on for storage.  When you try Shampowder out, you’ll know what I’m talking about.  I hate putting a lid back on a brush and crimping the bristles – a personal pet peeve of mine.
• The scent is a light vanilla that is pleasant and in no way overwhelming.  The smell of dry shampoos has been a major reason I haven’t used them more regularly.  I tried out Ojon at one point and learned an expensive lesson about smelling something before you buy it.  It stunk so badly that I used it once and had to take a shower.  Not so with Shampowder.  I am very sensitive to smells – I can’t even wear perfume – and the scent of Shampowder is very subtle and noninvasive.

As far as effectiveness goes, Shampowder can really increase the volume of your hair which is one reason I like dry shampoo.  My hair is pretty limp on its own and Shampowder definitely kicked it up a notch.  I tried to go a week without washing my hair, like Jayne does.  The first day of not washing, I was really pleased.  My hair looked clean and it didn’t feel yucky.  The second day of not washing, my hair felt okay in the morning with its second Shampowder application.  By midday I was starting to feel a little antsy about it though and threw it back into a ponytail. By that evening, I had to go back to traditional shampoo and water.  I actually think my hair looked good still but I couldn’t break the mental barrier of not feeling clean enough.

PROS: Easy to apply, easy to carry with you for touch-ups, smells soooo much better than other dry shampoos, pumps up the volume, cuts the grease.

CONS: Using it everyday for up to a week might not be for everybody.

FINAL THOUGHTS:  Worth your $$.  Definitely worth having in your arsenal.  Perfect for giving your hair a pick-me-up before going out or on days you don’t have time to do the whole wash-and-dry routine.

Sometimes a beauty synchronicity occurs here at the Latest Beauty headquarters.  Completely independent of one another, Melissa and I were checking out Tresemme products…but we had no idea that either of us were.  While she was testing out their new dry shampoo, I was developing a love affair with Tresemme’s Heat Tamer Spray.  Here’s how it happened:

I had just gotten the best haircut of my life and I was looking for ways to keep my “fresh from the salon” look going.  I was paying careful attention to what products my stylist used on my hair so that I could recreate the look at home.  I had already invested in a CHI flat iron so that I could straighten as well as he does.  And I started taking the time to blow dry my hair with the aid of a round brush.  But I still felt like was missing something.  I noticed that he sprayed on some sort of protectant before flat-ironing my hair and I decided that is what I needed.  I wanted an affordable drugstore option so I went to Target and began my search.

I was a bit overwhelmed.  There are A LOT of products available to protect your hair from heat and I wasn’t sure which one would be best.  I ended up choosing Tresemme’s Heat Tamer for two reasons:

1.  It smelled really good.

2.  It was under $5.

I decided, if anything, at least I wasn’t spending too much if I didn’t love it.

Well….

…I love it.

My hair feels so soft when I use it.  And I use it whenever I’m using any heat appliances - hair dryer, flat iron or curling iron.  And I recently was on set and the hair stylist commented on how good my hair smelled and then she demanded to know what products I used.  I was quick to rave about my Tresemme find.  I have very fine hair that is “volume-challenged” so I was worried that using another product might weigh it down…but that’s just not the case.  I’ve been having some of my best hair days since I made this little discovery.

Do you have a protective product that you can’t live without?  Tell me about it!

* Tresemme did not send us products or compensate for these reviews - both the heat tamer spray and dry shampoo were bought by us and independently reviewed.

So I finally got around to using my Tresemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, the drugstore dry shampoo that I’ve been obsessing about for the past week or so. As a dry shampoo newbie, I was smitten with the idea of being able to go an extra day without washing my hair but not having to worry about greasy roots or unpleasant odors - plus, I heard that spray-on shampoo can be an excellent way to add a little texture to even clean hair, and since I’m always looking for ways to mess up my (occasionally boring) straight hair, I was definitely on board. So how did my experience measure up to my expectations? I’m happy to report that I really love this product…with one major caveat!

The first time I used the Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, it had been around 24 hours since my last proper “wet” shampoo. I sprayed it on as per the bottle instructions (really easy to do, except for the part where you have to shake the bottle vigorously between each and every spritz - argh!), let it sit for 2 minutes to absorb oils, and brushed it through. (This does require a thorough brushing, but I didn’t notice any white residue leftover when I was done.) The smell was pleasant, although not overwhelmingly awesome, but what I really loved was how thick and manageable it made my hair! I could tease the crown! I could pin it back, and it would stay! I could swoop it up into a lovely ponytail! Again, my hair is usually too soft and swingy to be styled, so I was an instant dry shampoo convert.

The next day, I decided to tempt fate and try the Tresemme again. Now, I have no idea what went wrong - are you not supposed to use dry shampoos two days in a row without a proper washing in between? Does the product build up at your roots? Or did I simply use too much? In any event, this was not the happy walk in the park I had experienced before! I had to brush my hair so many times to remove all of the chalky residue that my brush became positively caked with dry shampoo. I actually had to stop and wash my hairbrush in order to continue. Not good! I did apply more than I had the previous day, so I’m going to blame this completely on user error and say that, with a little common sense and proper application techniques, Tresemme’s Fresh Start Dry Shampoo is a great product for the price. I can’t compare it to other dry shampoos, but I was definitely pleased with my (initial) experience, and I look forward to using it again.

If you’re thinking of picking up a bottle for yourself, you should still be able to score the $1.34 Walgreens deal if you print out the Tresemme Fresh Start coupon and head into the store before the week is out!

If you’re thinking of checking out Tresemme’s Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, which I previewed last week, then get thee to a Walgreen’s immediately! The drugstore chain is currently offering a sale on all Tresemme hair care products - they’re marked down to 3 for $10, which comes out to $3.34 apiece. If you print out this coupon, which gives you an additional $2 off any Fresh Start product, you can walk away with a brand new, full size bottle of dry shampoo for just $1.34! I bought mine today, and plan to review it later this week, but I can guarantee you won’t find a better deal than this. What are you waiting for?

Whether you’re a longtime fan of dry shampoo (I know ladies who swear by the stuff) or a complete newbie to the no-water-required-for-cleansing action, here’s some news that should make you very happy: Dry shampoo can now be had at drugstore prices! In fact, Tresemme has created an entire line, called Fresh Start, of products meant to revivify lagging locks without requiring you to stick your head under a faucet. The offerings include a no-frizz creme, a refreshing mist and a waterless foam shampoo (for curly hair), but the one I’m planning to get my hands on right away is the spray-on shampoo, shown here. The spray contains mineral clay to help absorb oil, as well as citrus extracts to lend a fresh scent to your hair. What’s dry shampoo for, you ask? Try getting an extra day or two out of your blowout, prolonging your color between visits to the stylist, travel situations (like camping) where showers might be scarce, people who are unable to shower or bathe due to an injury, or just those of us who like to refrain from shampooing on a daily basis but miss the feeling of freshly washed hair. Dry shampoos have been available at higher-end beauty retailers like Sephora for a while now, but the lines they carry tend to cost upwards of $20 for a single bottle. Tresemme Fresh Start retails for under $10 - and if you download and print this coupon, you can take an additional $2 off! I should have a review of this product next week, but in the meantime, let me know what you think if you happen to grab a bottle at your local drugstore.

I’ve been looking forward to the recently released biopic The Runaways ever since the first on-set photos started surfacing last year. (In case you’re not familiar with the group that the film is based on, they were an all-girl band that started in the mid-70s, when all of the members - including future hard rock legends Joan Jett and Lita Ford and frontwoman Cherie Currie - were just teenagers.) Kristen Stewart took a break between Twilight sequels to play Joan, while Dakota Fanning sheds her child star image to play the truly wild 15-year-old Cherie, who takes to strutting around the stage in little more than a corset and thigh-high stockings as her stage persona develops and the band’s exploitation begins to spiral out of control. The movie, which was directed by music video auteur Floria Sigismondi, is a little formulaic (dizzying rise to fame, on-the-road debauchery and excess, post-band redemption…check, check and check) but it’s a fun ride, and the performances are terrific. But, above all else, this is a film about style - the edgy, tough, undeniably ’70s rock and roll style that the Runaways epitomized. Some of my favorite fashion moments from the movie:

• Cherie’s David Bowie belt buckle
• Shag haircuts for all!
• Platform boots, sandals and heels…platforms everywhere
• Joan’s black Converse sneakers
• Jumpsuits! Denim with cutouts for Cherie, skintight red leather for Joan
• Oh, the smoky eyes…

Have you seen The Runaways yet? What did you think? And, more importantly, would you actually adopt any of these fashion cues into your own wardrobe?

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Any woman will tell you that her hair is one of the most important aspects of her appearance - and one that is essential to her self-esteem. But it’s not always easy to decide on a new hairstyle, which is why many women (and men!) gain inspiration from celebrities and popular entertainment. Keeping an eye on the latest hair trends can also help hair salons stay relevant in a crowded marketplace. It’s still unclear which cuts, colors and styles will make a splash in 2010, but it’s worthwhile to take a look backwards at what was hot in ‘09. Here are a few of last year’s most requested hairstyles:

Gwyneth shows off her stylish elongated bob.

The elongated bob. Always a classic, the bob itself dates back to the 1920s, when fashion-forward flappers popularized the look by chopping off their long hair into sleek, chin-length cuts. This version of the bob enjoyed a moment back in 2008, but 2009 saw a different spin on the trend - one that was slightly longer, making it easier to wear and maintain. Katie Holmes, who rocked a shorter bob with bangs a few years back, was one of the first celebs seen with this look, while Gwyneth Paltrow arguably perfected it with her collarbone-grazing, stick-straight blonde bob. As women looked for ways to cut back on their expenses in a recession-stricken economy, this take on a perennial style was one way to scale back on salon visits without sacrificing edgy style.

Long, flowing “vampire” hair. Of course, not everyone decided to go shorter last year;

Deborah Ann Woll of 'True Blood' fame.

instead, many women responded to the white-hot vampire trend by requesting long, wavy hair inspired by their favorite beauteous bloodsuckers. Commonly cited favorites include Bella, the heroine of the Twilight films (as portrayed by Kristen Stewart), and the ladies of the hit HBO series True Blood - particularly Deborah Ann Woll’s character, Jessica. Some women even resorted to extensions, either temporary or permanent, to achieve that flowing, lustrous look that speaks of eternal youth and supernatural beauty. With a new season of True Blood and the third installment of the Twilight film franchise on its way in 2010, this trend shows no signs of vanishing in the sunlight!

Christina Hendricks sparked "scarlet fever" with her red locks.

Going red. Another popular hair trend in ‘09 could be summed up in two words: Red fever! Formerly blonde bombshell Scarlett Johansson was seen out and about with deep red locks that truly lived up to her name, while Christina Hendricks of Mad Men inspired many ladies with her luscious strawberry waves. Ashlee Simpson, whose hair has been practically every color of the rainbow, wowed fans by embracing bright red, and natural redhead Amy Adams kept things understated and classy at the opposite end of the color spectrum.

So which way will the tide turn in 2010? It’s still too early to tell, but any of the above hairstyles can easily be achieved by professional hair salons. Simply bring a photo of your latest obsession in to your stylist, and he or she can make magic happen! And remember, you should never underestimate the power of gorgeous hair.

There are only 10 days left until 2009 disappears into the ether of history and 2010 is upon us, so without any further ado, here is the final installment in my series of posts on the biggest trends of the year. Today, we will cover the most notable nail fad of ‘09, the wild hair trend sparked by a certain Gossip Girl, and the fashion trick that’s fit for a First Lady.

BEAUTY: Matte nail polish. This was, hands down, the biggest nail trend of ‘09 - and one of the biggest beauty trends of the year, period. After matte-centric ManGlaze and KO Knock Out made headlines early on with their unique colors and finishes, it seemed like every single polish company (OPI, Zoya, Nubar and Orly leap to mind) launched at least one collection of matte polishes this year - and, in many cases, several. Essie, China Glaze and Rescue Beauty Lounge took the craze one step further with by creating matte top coats, which can be brushed onto any shade to create that velvety matte look. I haven’t seen many low-end knockoffs of the matte nails craze yet - you still have to stop by a beauty supply store or specialty retailer like Ulta to stock up - but I predict that drugstore brands will be rolling out their take on the trend very soon. Something to look forward to in 2010 - unless you’re already burnt out on it, that is! So what was your take on matte polish? Did you dig it, or do you prefer your manicure shiny?

HAIR: Long, untamed tresses. If you’re wondering what the most popular hairstyle of 2009 was, then look no further than Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, epitomized the wild, messy, borderline unkempt long hair that could be seen on countless Hollywood starlets this year. (Case in point: Check out my last Latest Trends post, in which Lindsay Lohan is shown rocking the look.) I would describe it as Brigitte Bardot meets a serious case of bedhead. The New York Times even likens it to “the ‘Rachel’” of the ’00s - in other words, the defining women’s hairstyle of the decade, just as Jennifer Aniston’s updated Friends shag was the ‘do of the ’90s. And if you lack the natural length necessary, don’t fret - there’s always extensions!

FASHION: Waist-accentuating belts. This is one of the most figure-flattering fashion trends in recent memory, and it is my humble opinion that we owe it all to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sure, women wore belts before Mrs. O emerged as a fashion icon, but I can’t remember so many ladies belting their dresses, cardigans, and so forth quite as much as they do now. The belt has evolved from a sartorial afterthought to one of the most vital accessories a woman can own. They can make an ill-fitting or loose dress incredibly pretty and polished, and they make any outfit look “done,” but not stuffy. If you don’t have at least one or two belts at this point - which I doubt - look for a wide one that’s fitted to your waist but has a bit of stretch, and consider an eye-catching color for added drama. Or you could go the First Lady route and pick up a clear belt, like this one. It’s sleek and futuristic yet pretty and classic, and it will certainly go well with any color combination. Belts, we salute you. Thank you for bringing the hourglass figure back into popular consciousness!

I have a confession:  Until about a month ago, I had not bought shampoo or conditioner for well over a year.  I had some Garnier products stockpiled from an event I went to early in 2008 and I didn’t need to buy anything new.  And, another confession, I still have enough shampoo and conditioner to get me through another few months…

But I recently decided to grow out my shoulder length hair and I’ve heard nonstop chatter about Pantene’s Beautiful Length Collection.  On blogs, in magazines - it keeps showing up everywhere - and people are raving.  Marie Claire’s editors even voted the conditioner as one of the best products of all time.  That is a pretty bold claim.   And I got curious…could it live up to its hype?

So I broke down and finally bought the Pantene Beautiful Lengths shampoo and conditioner…

Pantene claims that their Beautiful Lengths line allows your hair to remain healthy and strong in order for it to grow past its “breaking point,”  protecting against breakage when it is both wet and dry.  My hair is fragile - it is thin and I shed so much that at times I wonder how I’m not completely bald.    So a product that claims to protect against breakage gets my attention.  What holds my attention is that this is the first drugstore shampoo and conditioner that I have tried that actually delivers on its claim.  I’ve been using Beautiful Lengths for over a month now and my hair has never felt softer.  And, while I’m fully aware that it may be the power of suggestion, my hair seems longer.  To really quantify the effect, I definitely shed less - which I can tell by my comb. And looking at my ends, there is definitely less breakage.  Which is another major bonus, since I haven’t had my hair cut since…September?  I think?

I am beyond pleasantly surprised by my month-long affair with Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths and I have a feeling this is going to turn into a long-term relationship.  I wasn’t looking for love but sometimes the right product comes along and surprises you.

Welcome to the latest entry in my retrospective on the fashion, beauty and hair trends that have been making waves in 2009! Today I’m focusing on a recession-friendly way to keep your hair looking gorgeous, the comfy/sexy fashion sensation that just won’t die, and one of the two biggest nail trends of the year.

HAIR: Coloring your hair at home. Okay, so home hair dye has always been an option - but the big news now is that it doesn’t have to be your “last resort” anymore. More women are opting to save the money they would spend on a trip to the salon by stopping by the drugstore and picking up a box of their favorite shade instead. Personally, I’ve had good experiences with Clairol’s Natural Instincts, which can freshen up or slightly change your existing color for about a month or two, but you can find products that are perfect for everything from highlighting your hair to touching up your roots. Instructions are easy to follow and virtually foolproof, and the kits are very affordable. Does anyone have a favorite at-home hair color to recommend?

FASHION: Leggings. After several years in the fashion spotlight, it’s beginning to feel like a bit of an understatement to refer to leggings as a mere “trend.” Celebrities - including unofficial poster child Lindsay Lohan, who even designed her own leggings line - swear by them, as do non-famous ladies everywhere. They’re so widespread that it seems clear that they may soon be taking their place in the fashion canon, right next to jeans, as an indelible staple of the American wardrobe. Why? Because they’re form-fitting and sexy yet comfortable and flattering, and they can be styled in so many different ways, depending on the rest of your outfit and accessories. (Plus, they’re perfect for layering!) They’ve really come a long way from their workout wear/80s origins.

BEAUTY: Glitter nail polish. With so many different brands to choose from and the increasing popularity of nail polish blogs (yes, there is a subset of the beauty blogging world devoted solely to swatching and reviewing the latest polish collections!), nails are really coming into their own - and one of the biggest trends for tips this year was intensely glittery polish. Rescue Beauty Lounge came out with this amazing trio of glitter polishes early in ‘09, and pretty much everyone followed suit, from Zoya to OPI to Sally Hansen - and, most notably, China Glaze, who unveiled a collection of fifty gloriously glittery shades. There’s only one polish trend that eclipsed glitter this year…which I’ll talk about in next Monday’s Latest Trends! Stay tuned…