Sunday, February 24, 2013

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK HAIR TRENDS.


First Published on Couturing 



As the New York Fashion Week comes to a close for yet another year, Couturing brings you all the massive hair trends donned by the models as they showcased the designer’s latest collections for fall.

EXTREME CURL

The Marc by Marc Jacobs show embraced the 1940’s screen siren with cinched in waists and feminine curves accentuating sex appeal, which was featured on the runway. The hairstyles that were used complimented and followed Marc’s collection with Redken’s head styling director, Guido Palau, mimicking old Hollywood glamour with big, bouncy curls. He also incorporated a modern feel to the hair, brushing out some curls, so that their imperfection gave the look a modern twist to a vintage style.




To achieve the same bouncy locks, apply Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Mousse ($29.95) to damp hair concentrating on the roots and the ends to provoke volume and a good base for styling. When hair has been dried, part your deep onto one side. Using a curling iron, curl each section of your hair and then pin it securely to the head. Once you hair has cooled down, unpin each section letting the curl fall naturally. Run your fingers lightly through curls and gently brush it with a boar bristle brush to intensify the volume of the curls created.  Take the top front section of your hair and backbrush it, sweeping it across your forehead and pinning it down with a bobby pin. To hold the style and smooth the hair, spray with Redken Fashion Work 12 Versatile Working Spray ($26.95) over your entire hair.

EXTREME ELEGANCE

One of the most anticipated shows was the Alexander Wang AW 13 collection, where we saw soft round silhouettes with an abundance of leather and fur.

Palau decided to go with a stark contrast with the hairstyle to the collection in order to highlight the soft pieces. He created a dramatic and shiny two-toned ponytail with a futuristic feel to it. The extreme difference in colour from the crown of the head and the ponytail was inspired by one of Palau’s favourite models hair colour, Irena Kravchenko, and he has dubbed it the “cognac”. 




In order to get this look, apply Redken Hardwear 16 Super Strong Gel ($29.95) generously to the top of the head when hair is completely dry. Comb your hair straight back, pulling it tightly in to a sleek low ponytail with no part.  Take a section from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic. Using a straightener, go over the ponytail in sections until hair is completely straight. For extra shine apply Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum ($27.50) to the crown of the head.

TOUSLED TEXTURE

Former pop star turned high-end fashion designer Victoria Beckham displayed her take on modern tailoring down the runway paired with glossy, simple hairstyles.

Guido Palau, created a sultry, lustrous low ponytail, “breathing a little fresh air” into Beckham’s highly tailored show. 

The style is meant to look easy, but still with a strong emphasis on the texture throughout the ponytail. Palau explains that it is a subtle take on what is present on the red carpets at the moment- wet look, high shine hair.




To achieve the look, blow dry damp hair with your fingers rather than a brush in order to retain hair’s natural texture. On dry hair apply Redken Argan-6 Oil ($29) all over with the palm of your hands. For extra glossiness also apply Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist ($29.95) to hair from the roots down. Finally, gather your hair into a messy low ponytail with no defined part, leaving a few strands of hair out to fall fluently around your face.

NONCHALANT KNOT

Rag & Bone showcased their collection during the week with a vintage aviation themed collection and a nod to the sixties.

Guido Palau also created a textured hairstyle, with models sporting a loose, nonchalant chignon on the catwalk. Palau described the style as Edie Sedgwick inspired with a tomboy feel, but still keeping some feminine elements.




To create a similar look, spray Redken Guts 10 Volumising Spray Mousse ($29.95) to the hair to dampen it and part hair into a deep, clean low side part. Roughly blow-dry your hair using your fingers to create a natural texture. When your hair is dry use Redken Powder Fresh 01 Aerosol Powder Dry Shampoo ($27.50) to add further texture and to give your hair a matte effect. Drag your hair into a low ponytail at the nape of your neck and apply Redken Quick Tease 15 Backcombing Finishing Spray ($27.50) to the ponytail and twist it into a loose knot. Secure the knot with pins and let all the stray and wispy strands of hair hang down for a relaxed, laidback look.

DISHEVELLED PONY

Joining the already strong presence of Aussie designers overseas, Tome cemented their position in the fashion industry with their luxe-utilitarian collection with hairstyles to match.

Redken hair director Jon Pulitano created the simple, understated look, opting for a textured ponytail for the runway. The ponytail had quite a masculine look to it, looking squarer from the front rather than traditional rounded ponytails.




To achieve this hairstyle, he dampened the model’s hair from the roots down with Redken Guts 10 Volumising Spray Mousse ($29.95) He then gathered the hair into a low ponytail at the nape of the neck, with hair parted to the side. In order to get the wet, tight look, run a generous amount of Redken Hardwear 16 Super Strong Gel ($29.95) to the sides of the head. For a square, masculine appearance, Jon lightly sprayed Redken Shine Flash 02 Glistening Mist ($29.95) to the top of the ponytail, loosening it a little using his fingers. To give height to the top of the ponytail, Redken Forceful 23 Super Strength Finishing Spray ($26.95) was used, which also exaggerated the masculine look of the ponytail.














MILAN FASHION WEEK.


ALBERTA FERRETTI




VERSACE 


MISSONI 




Photos Courtesy of Vogue 

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

KATE MOSS FOR KERASTASE

First Published on Couturing



The iconic supermodel and the lavish brand have converged together, with Kate becoming Kerastase’s first official muse.

Kerastase is synonymous with luxury hair care and they could not go past an equally iconic figure such as Kate and termed the collaboration “A revolution branded with a K.”

Kate’s first shoot saw her styled by renowned stylist and good friend, Luigi Murenu, who captured Kerastase’s vision of thick, glossy, healthy locks, transforming Kate’s infamous bed hair look.

She will be the face of their new campaign ‘Couture Styling’ which will become available in the next few months, leading the way into a new and exciting era for Kerastase.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

2013 BEAUTY TRENDS


2013 brings with it the year of the brow. Big, strong and defined shapes have already been seen on the runways in full force with Alexander Wang and Marc Jacobs embracing the look, while make-up was kept to a minimum. Hollywood beauties are also donning the trend, especially ‘it’ girl Cara Delevingne, who is rarely photographed without a full and defined brow shaping her face. The look instantly frames your eyes and also enhances your facial features. It can easily be tried at home, all you will need is a brow pencil to fill in and accentuate your natural brows for a subtle look, or layer your eyebrows with eyeshadow in a similar colour to your natural ones for a more intense look.



With last year being a stand out for creative nail art and two-toned colours and patterns being used, 2013 sees a shift to a more neutral look. From light baby pinks, all hues of beige and milky shades of white, our talons will have a subtle, natural look to them this year. Seen on the catwalks of Karen Walker and Diane Von Furstenberg, this look for our nails will definitely be a massive beauty trend and a simple one to mimic from the runways.



Another sought out look for 2013 will see the return of hair accessories. From Louis Vuitton models donning feminie bows to Marc Jacob’s showcasing headscarves on recent runways. This look will be simple to pull off and can even assist us in those dreadful bad hair days we sometimes cannot escape. Anything from hair clips, scarves and headbands that will make Blair Waldorf jealous will be popular this year. Another trend that has hit the runway and will resonate on the streets are delicate, feminie headpieces. From gold or silver structured pieces to more relaxed and hippy style floral pieces, anything goes! 



NYFW



NYFW hair post coming soon. 

Thursday, February 7, 2013

J BRAND.

Following the likes of Miranda Kerr, Rosie Huntington-Whitely and the Kardashian-Jenner clan, one item that will definitely be on the wish list of all will be J Brand's 'Leather Super Skinny Jean' ($989.95)



It will become a staple in wardrobes for the upcoming cooler months, channeling either Miranda's casual, sophisticated look which she completes with her trademark tote bags. Or dressed up, like Kim Kardashian has been seen sporting- definitely with the approval of Kanye!




Tuesday, February 5, 2013

PRIMERS.

First Published on Couturing.


Napoleon Perdis believes that it is a crime not to prime.
A primer is one of the most essential steps in any makeup regime, yet  it is often found at the bottom of our makeup bags or tucked away and forgotten in our overflowing beauty drawers.
Primers are one of the most powerful make up tools we have at our disposal, filling in fine lines as well as smoothing your complexion in order to create a flawless face. Using a primer will also help if you have bigger and more noticeable pores, or if your skin is prone to redness as it aids foundation to not only last longer, but will also avoid wastage since foundation is easier to apply.
Many makeup brands pride themselves on their quality primers such as Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($54.95), which creates the perfect canvas for foundation upon application. Smashbox has also released primers for specific concerns such as dry skin, which can be solved with their Photo Finish Hydrating Primer ($62.95), which will quench skin and help seal in moisture.
Stila Hydrating Primer ($35) is also a great product that helps to provide a flawless, dewy finished look, as it is oil-free and lightweight.  Similarly, Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base ($82) helps to smooth the skin for a complexion that both feels and looks faultless.
Napoleon Perdis, who constantly advocates in the importance of priming skin, has also perfected the formula with one of his top selling products, Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Skin Primer ($55) which includes vitamin E, chamomile and yarrow extracts in order to soothe the skin and keep it hydrated. It has acquired a cult following and continually reaches the best sellers list.
So the next time you apply your makeup, take the extra 30 seconds to fish for that little tube of goodness from the bottom of your bag or drawer and apply a little primer after you moisturise. Your skin will thank you!

Images courtesy of Napoleon Perdis and Mecca Cosmetica

SUMMER BEACH HAIR


First Published on Couturing. 
Gisele Bundchen is synonymous with a great body, gorgeous face and a Victoria Secret’s angel, and as if this isn’t enough she also has women around the globe envious of her perfectly executed beach hair.
While most of us don’t have a stylist on hand to perfect the look, here are a few products and ways in which you can also have flawless beach waves this summer just like Giselle.
The most simple and effective way to achieve the beach waves hairstyle and make your locks look like you’ve just stepped out from the ocean is to do just that- go for a dip at the beach. When you come out of the water, your hair will soak up the saltiness from the ocean and will naturally twist and curl your locks.
If your tresses require further help rather than a dip in the ocean many brands have released sea salt sprays that mimic what the ocean will naturally do for your hair. These sprays are good for any hair type from thin and straight to thick and wavy to help create effortless beach waves.
Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray ($44) have acquired a cult following for the results their sea salt spray has had and is a top seller for Mecca. It is easy to use and can be applied through damp or dry hair. For better results try scrunching up your hair in the palm of your hands for extra fullness and texture.
Evo’s spray called Salty Dog Beach Cocktail Beach Spray ($26.95) offers your locks a great texture and fullness with a soft matte finish, making it look like you’ve just come off the sand. Similarly Redken’s Nature’s Rescue Radiant Sea Spray ($29) and Label.M’s Sea Salt Spray ($29.95) will produce great results for a long lasting beach waves.
This hairstyle is definitely one to try these warmer months and will be an essential in completing your summer look.
Another easy to wear hairstyle that Gisele as well as other celebrities such as Kim Kardashian have been sporting is the slicked back wet look. This has been a reoccurring trend on the catwalks and will creep its way onto the streets this summer and will be an essential, along with a great pair of bikinis!
To get the slickbacked look, leave your hair wet. Using a hair gel, like Kevin.Murphy’s NightRider ($27.95) or for an even stronger hold, get out your man’s gel, one like the Redken for Men Stand Tough Extreme Gel ($21.95) and apply from the roots down, to about four inches of your hair.
To get a really sleek look, run the gel through using a wide toothcomb, smoothing the hair back as you go. If you are after more of an unstructured appearance, simply use your fingertips to work the gel through resulting in a less slicked back look. After the gel has been applied, use a hairspray, spraying it onto your hands and then smoothing over from the roots down once again, in order to keep hair strands in place and for no movement to occur. This slicked back wet look is best suited for darker shades of hair as it has more depth therefore reflecting the natural light and giving a shinier appearance. These hairstyles are definitely ones to try these warmer months and will be an essential in completing your summer look.

Images courtesy of Redken, Mecca Cosmetica and Vogue Paris