The Tale of Two Jessicas

Andy Bodine (ghd artistic ambassador) gives tips on how we can re-create both looks as seen on Jessica Alba .

Sleek and Sassy Jessica

"If you’re born with natural texture in your hair like Jessica, you’ll need to use an iron to get hair looking this sleek. Start off with a lightweight product, like ghd thermal protector, which protects hair from the heat of your styling tools. The formula also controls static and brings out your hair’s natural shine. On hair with medium length, I use the ghd IV styler to straighten strands from root to tip. To prevent the style from looking too stiff and straight, slightly curl the ends inward. The ghd IV styler is great for this since the ceramic plates are beveled and float (meaning they have more give when you use it to curl, which prevent dents or lines in the hair). For Jessica’s fringe, I would use the ghd IV mini styler which comes with ½” plates that are great for using on shorter styles. After using the styler, apply just a small amount of ghd shining serum to smooth the cuticle and you’re ready to show off your sleek, sassy style."

Textured and Tousled Jessica

"If your hair is like Jessica’s and naturally has a slight wave in it, after showering use a product that helps define that natural wave. I use ghd texture lotion on hair when it’s still slightly damp. The formula is great at defining and piecing out your hair’s natural texture without looking or feeling too stiff. Use a diffuser with your blow dryer when drying the rest of your hair to prevent frizz, then apply ghd sea spray which has Dead Sea salt crystals to help recreate movement in hair and also provides a good hold that lasts throughout the day.

If your hair doesn’t have the natural wave in it, try creating a loose wave with your styler. I take a section of hair and place my ghd IV styler close to the root. Once I clamp down on the piece, I turn the styler 180 degrees away from the face and slowly pull through to the ends of the hair. The more quickly you pull through, the looser the wave and the great thing about this look is that if your waves turn out slightly messy, it looks even better! Finish the look with ghd sea spray to add matte texture and you’re good to go!"

Life of the Luxe and Lavish ... at Home !

Perlier Milk and Vanilla Bath and Body Duo ($18.50)

Featured in Episode 3 ( which totally reminds me of myself and my sisters - I so would retaliate if someone borrowed my products !!!) , of Faces of Beautiful You - this duo is a sweet treat at night after a long day , but also could be the perfect sweet treat to start out in the early morning before work or school , etc...

AHAVA Pure Spa Getaway Exclusive Kit ($34)

I am a big fan of Spa getaway's , Spa treatments, just about anything relating to the ultimate Spa experience. This set is perfect for a girls night in with your BFF just like Smith and Haley in episode 4 of Faces of Beautiful You . I was inspired to have night of pampering after watching that episode.

If you have not caught on to Faces of Beautiful You , its not too late !!!! It's only 5 episodes in, so you can catch up really quickly. Now, they've even upgraded to providing fans and future fans with an interactive widget that can be used on facebook , myspace , and 50 other social networks - just take your pick!!! For more information and to grab the widget for yourself or some friends, check out : www.facesofbeautifulyou.com/widget.php

Enjoy !!!

Aromatherapy Anyone???

Relaxation Room

Mani & Pedi Room

SPA LUCE - located at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa at the Hollywood & Highland Center recently launched a new signature product line created by Dr. Sharon Z. Zadanoff ( celeb clients include Cameron Diaz and Gweneth Paltrow) that targets your physical as well as your psychological well being by way of aromatherapy. The four main key components include : Mandarin Orange, Tangerine, Lavender and Vanilla .

Mandarin Orange

Aromatherapy benefits: uplifting, cheering, sensual, cooling, cheering and purifying influences. This essential oil is excellent for babies and pregnancy with gentle sedative qualities. Mandarin Orange also works on the autonomic digestive system to combat hiccups, has beneficial effects on the heart, can be used as a tonic for oily skin and reduces anxiety.

Tangerine

Aromatherapy benefits: cheering, uplifting, excellent for the digestive system, helps with stomach issues. Used as a tonic for the vascular system, Tangerine helps with tired and aching limbs, is great to use for pregnancy massages, as it can help reduce stretch marks and it contains vitamin C.

Lavender

Aromatherapy benefits: balancing, soothing, normalizing, calming, relaxing and healing. Lavender eases the nervous system, reduces stress in the body with its anti-spasmodic qualities. When the body is relaxed, the mind can also relax. Lavender's most common use is in reducing stress and headaches.

Vanilla

Aromatherapy benefits: calming, comforting and balancing. The vanilla bean is a healing plant and is used to improve circulation and respiration and increases alertness.

The recipe for the perfect BlowOut

Just in time for the Spring season that we are anxiously anticipating ( goodbye snow!!!) , perfecting the perfect blow out is more important than ever.

Our first lady , Michelle Obama's hair is always full of bounce and shines from every angle - she is the perfect reference for women of color. With her in mind, I decided to post about perfecting a similar look at home.

I was able to get help from Meaghan Frayne ( REDKEN Artist) of the Angelo David Salon who did a spectacular job on my hair.

Step 1 - Treat

Real Control ( shampoo / conditioner / hair mask)

Step 2 - Dry

Outshine 01

Smooth Down Heat Glide

The mix of the polishing milk / serum serves as a perfect team while blowing out your hair.

Step 3 - Style
Iron Silk 07

This spray is perfect while using a curling iron / flat iron ( your choice) - it locks in shine as its protecting your hair from the heat.

Step 4 - Set
Vinyl Glam 02

Self Explanatory... This spray provides tons of glamorous shine to last the whole day or night.

Favorite At-Home Treatments UNDER $30 !!!!!

In these recession-laden times , we have to find ways to be economical - even if that means to skipping weekly visits to your favorite hair dresser / skipping your trip to the spa for your favorite body scrub.

Below, you will find my favorites of the week : one to cater to your hairs needs, and the other to your precious body!!

Drench Intensive Conditioner by JLife Haircare ( $24.00)

This luxury conditioner ( which contains Sea Moss, a form of French seaweed renowned for its nutritious and energy-giving properties, softens and conditions. ) can be used weekly as an repair for damaged hair. This deep-sea therapy helps mend strengthen and adds gloss to severely dry, damaged hair. Drench will dramatically improve the condition and texture of your hair.

Citrus Scrub by Hemloq ($28.00)

This exfoliating scrub infuses jojoba beads, green tea extracts and chamomile providing a soothing polishing action. Which leaves the skin smooth and supple. Its great for dry skin ( which is about almost everyone - this time of year with the cold weather and all).

Tarte Goes to the 2009 Golden Globes

Sally Field (Brothers and Sisters)
Celebrity makeup artist Eric Barnard for Tarte

Complexion: shading/contouring with mineral powder bronzer in hotel heiress

Eyes: Emphaseyes high definition eye pencil in plum on inner rim and natural eyeliner in Olympia on outer rim

Lips: dizzy blonde double-ended lipliner (bronze side) to cover lip and then johnny (from johnny and baby) double-ended lip gloss

Mary Louise-Parker (Weeds)

Celebrity makeup artist Tina Turnbow for Tarte

Clean complexion: the eraser in porcelain (new shade launched in Jan), ReCreate anti-aging foundation with Wrinkle Rewind and SPF 15: porcelain 00 (new product launched this month), provocateur mineral pressed powder with SPF 8: fair

Cheeks: a perfect whirled cheek stain (pink)

Eyes: intense purple effect using tarte's eye couture palette (purple shadows and black liner). Also used tarte's lash hugger eco-friendly natural mascara

Lips: muted pink/beige-blended tarte's 24/7 natural lip sheers with SPF 15 in champagne brunch and tea time

My take on both looks

Sally looks great , her makeup is flawless - its the perfect example of "less is more" .

Mary - I love the pink lips and the lightly flushed pink cheeks. The purple shadow really pops against her brunette hair / navy dress.

Ashley Green of Twilight's look Uncovered

Ashley's Audrey Hepburn inspired look bought to life by POP Beauty Makeup Artist Victoria Rowe.

Some of the POP Beauty treats : Rose Belle Blush , Glow Belle Bronzer , Me-ow Cat Eyes in Onyx ( this pencil is specially slanted to perfect the iconic style) , Little Black Dress eyeshadow compact ( it also comes in Little Brown Dress ) .

Lights, Camera, Action !!! - Ashley on Set