Do you want to go Platinum Blonde, too?!

As I’m sure you’ve seen, Kim Kardashian debuted a new, drastic hair color this morning at Paris Fashion Week – platinum blonde. I went platinum blonde at 40 as it was on my bucket list! It is a difficult color to keep healthy and strong.

Below is a round-up of tips and tricks for achieving a platinum blonde color and maintaining healthy hair from the experts at Warren Tricomi, L’Oréal Paris and DESSANGE Paris.

EXPERT TIPS

“An extreme color change puts a lot of stress on the hair. Cutting the hair prior to coloring makes it much easier to work with. Older hair has more color on it and can change the way it bleaches out as opposed to virgin hair. Most people who have long, bleached blonde hair usually have extensions. If you have really dark hair, I would also recommend starting with highlights and gradually adding more over time for a nice dark to blonde transition. ” –Joel Warren Master Colorist and Co-Founder of Warren-Tricomi Salons

“Maintaining color is all about keeping it maintained and healthy. Moisture is essential. We know that bleach is bad for your hair, so trimming the ends regularly to maintain style and split ends is important to keep hair looking healthy. Conditioning is key. Using a highly moisturizing shampoo during daily washing plus a leave –in treatment to lock in moisture can help, too. I’d even suggest using a moisturizing mask or overnight treatment on a weekly basis. Other small details to consider: use soft bristle brushes to avoid breakage when brushing – and if possible, stay away from other damaging elements like daily usage of heat stylers.” - Ric Pipino, VP of Global Creative for Alterna Haircare

“Blondes can prevent their hair color from fading by using a shampoo and conditioner that are moisturizing and not stripping (e.g., clarifying shampoo). L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare has great options for volume, color vibrancy, and repair that are perfect for blondes to counteract fading. Also, be aware to protect your hair color from the sun by wearing hats, scarves, or using uv filters (e.g., L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Color Vibrancy Shampoo and Conditioner). Brassiness is also always a constant battle to prevent and maintain the integrity of your hair’s color and health. If not protected, dullness of the hair color and texture will be the inevitable outcome. L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Brass Banisher is an ammonia free brass reducing gloss that works in 5 minutes and is accessible, effective, and easy to apply.” – Kari Hill, L’Oréal Paris Hair Colorist

“As blonde is a naturally a fragile color, it can easily loose its luster and fade over time. Look for a shampoo that is ultra-nourishing like DESSANGE Paris California Blonde Illuminating Shampoo to keep hair healthy and balanced. Additionally, I recommend using DESSANGE Paris California Blonde Color Correcting Crème –it’s a weekly in-shower treatment, formulated with Linseed Oil and blue pigments, which neutralizes brassiness and nourishes dry, color-treated blonde hair.” -Timothy O’Leary, DESSANGE Paris Stylist

PRODUCTS FOR MAINTENANCE

 

L’Oréal Paris EverPure Blonde Collection

In an effort to bring women back to the look and feel of freshly-colored blonde hair, L’Oréal Paris debuts its first sulfate-free color & care system formulated to reverse unwanted brassy tones and dryness for pure, lustrous blonde after one use.

· Brass Banishing Shampoo & Conditioner ($6.99 each) The EverPure Blonde collection deeply nourishes the hair to remedy dehydration, while the lavender-hue of the three unique formulas counteracts undesirable brassiness. The shampoo leaves hair cleansed and revived while the conditioner helps to eliminate brassiness and dryness. Both formulas are sulfate-free to preserve the integrity of the hair fiber for improved color retention.

· Shade Reviving Treatment ($8.99) Blonde has never shined this brightly. This direct-dye treatment brings hair back to first-day color in just one use.  The sulfate-free formula helps to preserve the integrity of the hair fiber for improved color retention.

Available at mass, food and drug retailers nationwide

DESSANGE Paris California Blonde Collection 

DESSANGE Paris introduces California Blonde Collection, a nourishing hair care system designed to moisturize and help protect color-treated blonde hair. As blonde is a fragile color, it can lose its luster, fading and weakening with time, so it is important to protect color. The special formula, with passionflower extracts, delivers infallible shine and luminosity for a radiant blonde color.

· Illuminating Shampoo & Conditioner ($9.99 each) The brightening shampoo gently cleanses and nourishes hair to enhance shine, color radiance and softness, while the ultra-nourishing conditioner wraps hair with moisture from root to tip, smoothing and taming dry, unruly strands.

Price: $9.99 each, Available at Target.com and Target stores nationwide

· Brass Color Correcting Crème ($11.99) This ultra-nourishing conditioner wraps hair with moisture from root to tip, smoothing and taming dry, unruly strands. A weekly in-shower treatment formulated with Linseed oil and blue pigments to neutralize brassiness and nourish the hair.

· DESSANGE Paris California Blonde Illuminating Elixer ($11.99) This leave-in gel treatment offers a dose of healthy shine and moisture, illuminating color-treated blonde hair.

Available at Target.com and Target stores nationwide

Kérastase Chroma Captive

Lightening your hair color can really take a toll on the hair fiber, thus using the right products to keep hair healthy and protect color is key. The Kérastase Chroma Captive collection utilizes ingredients such as Zinc Gluconate, Linseed Oil, UV Filter, and Vitamin E help to preserve color, shine and hair health. Consisting of Bain Chroma Captive, Masque Chroma Captive, and Fondant Chroma Captive, the collection preserves color depth and shine for up to 40 days.

Price: $39-$62.50, Available at Kerastase-USA.com and Kérastase Salons

Alterna Haircare 

After a drying coloring process, Alterna’s assortment of moisturizing products formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic Color, Paraffins, Gluten, DEA/TEA, Phthalates, Mineral Oil and Petrolatum are great for reviving the hair.

· Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner ($32 each) Its unique formula is built with a trio of Anti-Aging Complex®, Seasilk® and Color-Hold® complex that enrich hair with omega fatty acids and antioxidants to rebalance moisture levels and provide superior protection from UV rays.

· Caviar Moisture: Replenishing Moisture Milk ($30) Clinically proven to absorb instantly and deep condition for 20 X more hydration and a 90% improvement in detangling, its formula also adds elasticity to reduce breakage. Its proprietary formula blends Anti-Aging Complex®, Seasilk® and Color-Hold® to re-infuse hair with omega fatty acids and antioxidants that provide vital nutrients while providing protection from UV rays and other light sources.

· Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Masque ($42) For an intensely hydrating hair treatment, this masque infuses aging hair with the moisture it needs. This masque leaves hair silky, shiny, and youthfully restored. The one of a kind Anti-Aging Complex®, Seasilk® and Color-Hold® formulas give the hair omega fatty acids and antioxidants to re-infuse the hair with vital nutrients, rebalance moisture levels and provide superior protection from UVA/UVB rays and other light sources.

Available at AlternaHairCare.com and Sephora.com

Introducing Nonie Creme Colour Prevails

First, I must say how lovely and kind Nonie Creme was as I squealed with excitement by merely looking at her new cosmetic line. Nonie is an industry icon as well as a celebrated manicurist. I featured her collection backstage at quite a few shows and was delighted at the creative looking brand.

It is my love of art that drew me to the line as the packaging and variety of colors within the beauty categories are both vast and colorful. Just look at all of the butterfly wings in her designs. To know these will be rolling out in Walgreen's, Duane Reade, Walgreens.com and Drugstore.com is even more exciting as the public will be able to get Colour Prevails at many locations. With that being said, it is also a luxurious, affordable collection!

There are WaterColour Wer/Dry Eye Shadow Palettes ($19 each) that contain 8-10 colors and is in the shape of a butterfly wing. STUNNING!

Her Eye Calligraphy & Precision Painter ($9) has a patented, ergonomically designed applicator that was created to keep your hand steady and allows for a precise line.

The Lash Ombre Mascara ($13) was created to enhance your eye color without contacts! It actually gives you a burst of color near your iris and leaves the tips long and dark for an ombre effect. There are 6 color combinations!

Below you see the Lip Design Sheer Colour/Line Duo ($12) in Red Apple as well as the Eye Design Shadow/Liner Duo ($12) in Wine/Black.

There are also thirty five Nail Lacquer & Precision Painter ($8 each) custom mixed polishes! They are five free and mixed by Nonie, herself. 

I cannot tell you how excited this brand/collection has made me since first seeing Nonie behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week. Be on the lookout for this glorious brand as I can tell it will soon become a cult favorite...

Beauty Picks for St. Patrick's Day

Yes, it is almost St. Patrick's Day and I wanted to make sure you were covered in the "green" department. It's always when I need the green colored products that I don't have them. Now, we shall all be better prepared!

By Terry Aqua-Print Eyeshadow in Green Fizz

Ultra practical, waterproof and gentle on the skin, this green eye shadow pencil has a wide tip for non-greasy glide-on application with soft and even coverage, lasting up to 16 hours.
Price: $38, Available at b-glowing.com

Clinique Wear Everywhere Neutrals in Greens

When in doubt, go neutral! Clinique introduces a collection of eminently wearable, mix-and-matchable hues. This 8-shade eye shadow palette explores the Green color family. Mistake proof combinations exist within the palette. Go matte, go shimmery, and get creative. There are no wrong answers. Wear Everywhere Neutrals eye shadow palette is crease-and fade-resistant and ophthalmologist tested.
Price: $36, Available at Clinique counters nationwide and Clinique.com

FLOWER Eyes On The Prize Eyeshadow Chubby in Olive My Love

Swipe on a lucky shade of a creamy, blendable, and luxurious Olive crème eyeshadow this St. Patrick’s Day. Easy and convenient, this self-sharpening chubby provides smooth & lightweight coverage, with a luminous finish that lasts all day without creasing or fading.
Price: $7.98, Available at Walmart and Walmart.com

GO SMiLE Touch Up ampoules in Fresh Mint

Something green to whiten your smile.A toothbrush, floss and breath mint in one convenient, portable ampoule. These Touch Ups contain a whitening formula with increased levels of hydrogen peroxide to keep teeth white and clean. Use up to three times per day after indulging in St. Patty’s daytooth-stainers such as irish coffee, red wine or cigarettes. Just flip, pop, Touch Up™ to polish away discolorations and keep stains from setting into teeth.
Price: $10 for 7-count and $35 for 30-count, Available at GoSmile.com

Laura Geller INKcredible Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Emerald City

This gel eyeliner pencil provides waterproof glide-on color that stays put from day to night, delivering powerful, vibrant, multi-dimensional green color. Its super-soft precision tip allows for even application with no skipping or pulling. The highly pigmented formulas stay vibrant all day and the transfer-proof color won’t run or smudge.
Price: $20, Available at LauraGeller.com

L’Oréal Paris Silkissime Eyeliner by Infallible in Green Envy

Indulge your eyes in green silk. Glide on smooth intensity with this silk inspired liquid pencil. The smudge-proof formula lasts for up to 16-hours of intense green color from dusk until dawn.
Price: $8.99, Available at drugstore.com

Nails inc Alexa Chung Collection in Alexa Camo

As the face of Nails inc, Alexa Chung collaborated to create the perfect polish for a “party on your hands” this St. Patty’s day. This shade blends a mix of green and nude metallic and matte particles for an innovative camouflage effect on the nail.
Price: $15, Available at nailsinc.com

Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud

Get in the Irish mood this St. Patrick’s day! Purify, refine and decongest skin with Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask. Odorless Irish Moor Mud draws out dirt, oil and impurities as it infuses skin with moisture and vitamins. With the highest level of organic content in the world, PTR specifically chose 9,000 year-old black Moor Mud harvested by hand from the Irish countryside. Rich in nutrients, essential minerals and potent anti-oxidants, it protects against skin damage. Black Hijiki Seaweed provides vital nutrition and hydration as volcanic ash revitalizes and detoxifies skin. Activated charcoal has a magnetic effect that draws impurities and toxins from congested pores. Helps minimize the look of pores, fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin pure, fresh, hydrated and radiant.
Price: $58, Available at PeterThomasRoth.com

Ralph Lauren Fragrances Polo by Ralph Lauren

On St. Patty’s Day, everything should be green, including the cologne you choose to wear. Polo by Ralph Lauren is a true classic with a rich heritage. And it will be sure to mask any evidence of popping into a pub to celebrateyour heritage – with an invigorating blend of wood, leather and tobacco, the Chypre Woody scent conveys a distinctive, enduring character.

· Top Notes: Chamomile, Thyme, Pimento Berry and Basil
· Mid Notes: Jasmine Tea, Vintage Leather and Tobacco Leaf
· Base Notes: Myrrh Incense, Patchouli and Oakmoss

Price: $78 (4oz EDT), Available on RalphLauren.com and at select retailers

Skin Laundry Nourishing Cleansing Oil

This enriched cleansing oil is ideal for gently moisturizing and soothing delicate skin while effectively removing makeup and impurities. It’s also the perfect green shade to get into the St. Patrick’s Day mood while cleansing your face. Skin looks and feels clean, soft and supple and is left with a healthy, radiant glow.
Price: $35, Available at SkinLaundry.com and Skin Laundry clinics nationwide

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Kush

When Irish eyes are smiling…it’s because they’re wearing one of the best eyeshadows in the industry. Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Kush is the perfect swipe of lush, vibrant color for a pop of St. Patty’s green, with soft, amazingly velvety texture; richer, smoother, more uniform pigment distribution and blendability; and longer-lasting, more crease-free wear (that will stay put throughout the day’s festivities…whatever they may be.)
Price: $18, Available at Sephora, ULTA, select Macy’s, Sephora.com, Ulta.com, Macys.com, Beauty.com and UrbanDecay.com

New from Estée Lauder: Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond TransformativeEnergyCreme

I was first attracted to this product through images and later learned about it's potency. Introducing a new product that combines one of nature's rarest treasures with science's most powerful advances...

On a true quest for beauty, Estée Lauder Scientists captured the rare power of one of nature’s greatest treasures, the Black Diamond Truffle and transformed it into a precious, energizing extract that’s the heart of Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Sculpting/Refinishing Dual Infusion. Now, this patent-pending rarity is blended with science’s most powerful advances in an intensely invigorating new creme to power younger-looking contours and visibly rejuvenate skin with ageless beauty. 

Introducing NEW Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Creme. Infused with the ingenious combination of the exclusive Black Diamond Truffle Extract and advanced youth-sustaining and lifting technologies, this ultra-luxurious creme creates a more even-toned and contoured look of absolute perfection. From the first touch, skin is enveloped with deep, nourishing moisture and instantly feels refreshed and velvety soft. Over time, skin’s energized look is vividly renewed and skin radiates with a more contoured, profoundly younger look.

TRANSFORMATIVE ENERGY

Sourced from the Southwest of France, nature’s rare treasure the precious Black Diamond Truffle is brilliantly transformed by Estée Lauder Scientists into an advanced, potent energy infusion that empowers skin’s beauty like never before. The rare power of the precious Black Diamond Truffle Extract is proven to have an astounding ability to stimulate skin vitality by supporting skin cells’ survival and increasing cellular energy, to help promote and sustain a visibly younger, healthier look. Skin appears vividly renewed and revitalized. Additionally, the patent-pending Black Diamond Truffle Extract has been shown to work in synergy with a key component of our advanced youth-sustaining technologies to help promote a reduction in excess melanin for more even-toned looking skin.

YOUTHFUL SCULPT

Infused with the latest breakthrough in epigenetic skincare, NEW Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Creme includes advanced youth-sustaining technologies to help slow premature skin aging through multiple pathways, rejuvenating the look of skin and sustain its youthful appearance. Testing also shows that these patent-pending technologies help increase skin’s natural collagen production by 215% after 72 hours while advanced lifting technologies help preserve and restore skin’s density. Over time, skin looks strikingly younger, firmer and more sculpted.

FLAWLESS PERFECTION

Enveloping skin with deep, nourishing hydration, NEW Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Creme transports skin to a new realm of luxury. Special hydrating technology works to help improve skin’s ability to hydrate from the inside out for a more lineless, firm, plump look. Over time, skin’s protective barrier is repaired, increasing skin’s resistance to environmental factors that can accelerate aging. Refined 24K Gold and powerful anti-irritants help ensure skin stays calm, soothed and comfortable while South Sea Pearls help create an instant lustrous, radiant look. Intensely hydrated, skin feels soft, smooth and supple to the touch and looks more perfected and flawless.

AVAILABILITY

NEW Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Transformative Energy Creme will be available at select Estée Lauder counters nationwide and esteelauder.com beginning March 2015. SRP: $350.00

New from Phyto-C: Signature for More Youthful Looking Skin Minus theNeedles

No Needle, No Nonsense Anti-Aging Treatment- The New No-Tox Botox from the Natural and Science Based Skincare Brand, Phyto-C. 

I don't mind needles whether it's getting a tattoo, a shot at the Doctor's office, injections of Botox, Restylane, etc. That part does not bother me though I tend to bruise pretty badly under my eye area.

I just read an article in one of the magazines about creating topical creams that will deliver similar results as Botox for people that do not want to have injectibles of any sort. There are a certain group of people that truly fear needles and I understand that. With that being noted, Signature, from Phyto-C, is an anti-aging cream that is said to make your skin appear more youthful within days of application. Without any needles!

When it comes to anti-aging treatments, women want quick results, but not all women are willing to go the needle route to get them. The natural alternative to botox, Phyto-C’s new Signature is a potent anti-aging cream that features IMPA™ Complex, which stimulates cell to cell interaction, assists in the formation of collagen and combats skin imperfections in just days.

Applied twice daily, skin will appear more firm, radiant and youthful.

Key Benefits:

· Stimulates cell to cell interactions and accelerates cell renewal.

· Helps to preserve cellular energy, assists in the formulation of collagen and strengthens in structural proteins.

· Decreases the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin imperfections.

· Regenerates skin’s ability to retain moisture, enhances skin elasticity, tightens and firms skin.

· Brightens and improves skin tone.

· Enhances skin smoothness and radiances.

Phyto-C Signature retails for $240 and is available online via www.myphyto-c.us.