Hairtastic!

The Pros here at IMPO have not reported on many hair products because we are not licensed hairstylists, but in our world we do have to work on hair behind-the-scenes and sometimes create styles, change styles and provide actors with products.

We usually work alongside a "real" hairstylist and they take care of the heavy work, then we refresh or tweak styles as the film day progresses. On big budget shoots there is always money for many people on the makeup and hair crew, but on medium to low budget productions it is typically asked that there be one person in charge of the entire department.

When the Pros are presented with a hair challenge, we turn to our bag of tricks that is ever growing and changing however, there are a few items that we keep in this kit that will be with us forever because, to put it very simply, they just work.

Barbar Italy 4800 Ionic Blow Dryer - we used to be very intimidated by the words "blow out!" We never knew just how long it was going to take us and we found that, even though we were fully trained in performing a blow out, our arms, shoulders, hands and wrists tired quickly and the process took longer than we liked. The Pros went on a worldly search for a better, more efficient hairdryer and we found Barbar products this past year. This dryer is so lightweight and sized perfectly to fit into a hair kit without massive bulk. It's got 2000 WATTS of power, which cuts drying time in half. It has multiple heat settings and is the perfect product for a Pro or novice.

Barbar 1800 Ceramic Cordless Flat Iron 1" - in the hair and makeup trailer there is very little space to break out insane amounts of hair tools. You need to be organized and work quickly. This flat iron heats up so fast up to 392F and is cordless. You can use it off the base for approximately 8 minutes without recharging. We love it because it straightens hair quickly without damage and we never have to worry about being tangled up in the cord! Barbar also makes a duo tourmaline cordless flat and curling iron called the Bar 1900.

Enzo Milano Clipless Curling Iron 1/2" - recently the Pros had to create a style that called for very small, tight curls that needed to last! Last year, this type of challenge would have had us shaking in our boots, but this year we found this curling iron and knew that we would be able to make perm like spirals in record time! This product gives a constant heat that will not damage hair.

The Batiste Collection - before we start a style change or if an actor/actress is coming in with already dried or "dirty" hair, we reach for our stash of Batiste Dry Shampoo. This product is the workhorse in our hair kit and our clients love it! Not only does it come in a variety of scents, including the new "Fresh" unisex smell that instantly leaves the hair feeling clean and refreshed, Batiste comes in travel sizes perfect for on-the-go or in our case, in the actor bags we take to set.

The Pros have tried many other expensive dry shampoo lines and even those that are specifically made for colored hair (blondes, brunettes or red heads) and we have found that the Batiste line is best. The colored dry shampoos left stains on our hands, on our actor's face and wardrobe and they were difficult to manipulate, but with the Batiste line, we never need worry. Plus, Batiste is sold everywhere from the grocery store to the pharmacy! The "Original" and "Blush" scents are also in our kit and we have found that our actors love to use them off the set too!

Kevin Murphy Products - if you have never heard of Kevin Murphy then you need to stop reading this post and Google his name now! He is a hair genius and has developed an entire line of amazing hair products. He is the one who invented the iconic "beach hair" look that can been seen on the pages of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, Marie Claire, Vanity Fair, Instyle...well, you get the picture.

Also, Kevin cares about the environment and collaborated with Al Gore's leadership program, The Climate Project, which works toward change at the grassroots level. All of his products use paper packaging that is made from post consumer waste and are recyclable. This means a lot to the Pros because we have a strict paper-less rule on some of our sets and recycle bins are everywhere throughout.

Recently, we tried the Hydrate-Me Wash and the Hydrate-Me Rinse, which totally changed the texture of our over processed hair! It's gentle enough to use daily and will not weigh the hair down or make it look greasy. It tames our naturally curly hair and helps to control fly aways!

If you want to recreate Kevin's beach waves he created a product specifically designed to texturize the hair called Hair.Resort - this product will give you that instant messy beach look on long and fine hair.

Check out this instructional podcast featuring Kevin and his tips on how to use the product and achieve the beach look:

Straight.Defence - this product is a weightless heat protecting straightening balm. We use this product prior to a blow out because it provides major heat protection and helps to remove curl.

The Pros need help in the natural curls department because our hair instantly frizzes! Motion.Lotion controls frizz and enhances curls. It can be used on wet or dry hair as a finisher.

When we need to create texture or choppy looks on short hair, we turn to Night.Rider to provide hold. This product is matte and works great on men's styles.

To create major body we use Body.Builder, a lightweight volumising mousse that is flexible, but with just the right amount of hold. Use prior to blow-drying.

Powder.Puff is also a great product to use to create volume. It is a powder that you shake into the hair along a part line. Then tussle the hair with your fingertips to create texture and major volume. The Pros use this product in lieu of teasing the hair, which can be damaging.

Check out Kevin's how-to podcast below:

If you want to have some fun with color, Color.Bug is a wipe on; wash out product that gives intense color in seconds. Use it on your entire head or just the tips. It's safe and gentle color that is available in Pink, Orange or Purple.

The Kevin Murphy line also has entire range of Shampoos, Conditioners, Treatments, Styling Products and Tools available to the professional and consumer. Plus Kevin Murphy also provides education that range from basic to advanced hair classes. For more information visit www.kevinmurphy.com.au.

We hope this post was useful and if you have tried any of the products listed above, please leave a comment. We love to hear from you.

Votre Vu - French Finesse with American Flair!

As a professional makeup artist for the television, film and live event industry, I am sometimes gifted product to try personally and professionally.  So is the case with a new line called Votre Vu and because I love all things French, especially skin and hair care products, I was more than eager to use this line.

Here is a little history on Votre Vu…for 80 years, a family of skin care artisans in France created luxurious and effective anti-aging skin care treatments.  They custom blended botanically driven crèmes, toners, masques and other award-winning formulations exclusively for high-end European spas and dermatologists.

In January 2007, two American Entrepreneurs traveled to France on an endeavor to bring the best naturally based skin care to the U.S. market and beyond, but at prices lower than comparable products and Votre Vu was born!  Quietly launching in September 2008 with 50 botanically infused products, including face crèmes and serums, slimming gels, a bust firming balm, shampoos and a first-of-its-kind beauty beverage.

In a very short period of time, Votre Vu has become quite the talk of the town in Hollywood!  Tori Spelling, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin, Marisa Tomei, James Franco, Lea Thompson, Adrien Brody and Melissa Leo are all in love with this product line.

Featured in countless television and print media, with Zink Magazine and In Touch Weekly naming the product line “The Hottest Product” for Votre Vu’s Duette, which is a dual hand crème and lip balm - genius!  Hearing all the buzz, this line quickly got my attention and I couldn’t wait to use it on a few of my high profile clients.

Last month, I was invited to an exclusive launch party in Hollywood, California, which featured Votre Vu and I was able to listen and learn about all the products.  The packaging mesmerized me!  I have told you all before, French skin care and hair care packaging is beyond incredible, but what I really wanted to test out was the product inside that packaging!

I was generously gifted shampoo, conditioner, hair serum, protective hair mist, body oil, eye balm, wrinkle eraser and lip balm to try.  I have been using this product exclusively for over a month on my clients and myself and the results are amazing!

It is this Pro's professional opinion that Votre Vu’s shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair has prolonged my visit to my stylist.  I am prone to grey hair so I visit my salon regularly (every 6 weeks) for cut and color, but I am now on week 8 without exposed roots or grey hair popping up!  Hello!!!  Can you say “big savings!”  I don’t know about you all, but my bill from my stylist is around $200, so if Votre Vu can save me a little cash during the year, then I will be their biggest cheerleader!

Using both the Hair Strengthening Serum and Protective Hair Mist has helped to protect my client’s hair from damage from the sun, blow drying, hot rollers, curling and flat irons and from over processed coloring!  It repairs the cuticle layer and improves manageability.  Helps detangle and leaves hair looking healthy, not greasy!

I love the Mal-Ligne Wrinkle Eraser and so do my clients.  After a long travel day, one of my clients had to look flawless for an important photo shoot.  Her skin was dehydrated, tired and needed a boost – pronto!

Votre Vu’s Wrinkle Eraser soaked into the delicate skin around her eye area and orbital bone.  Within minutes I was able to see a radiance return and her eye area looked brighter.  Smoothing the fine lines and wrinkles, helped improve not only her skin’s texture, it gave her instant energy because she was beyond convinced that these pictures were going to need to be over photo shopped!

I also have several clients who have mature skin (including myself) and using the Luxee Yeux Eye Beauty Balm has made a huge difference!  Moisture loss and collagen breakdowns are now a thing of the past.  I am enjoying the results personally and professionally, this product helps to smooth the eye area and aides with the application, blendability and prolonged wear of concealer.

That same client I mentioned earlier in this post also needed help with her lips!  Because she was dehydrated from red-eye airplane travel, her lips were chapped and flaky (my worst nightmare)!  Votre Vu’s Champagne Kisses Lip Balm came to the rescue and re-moisturized her lips and prepped them perfectly for lipstick!  The best part is that this product has little to no smell or taste, which means my client didn’t feel the need to lick or bite her lips and that makes my job easier – less touch ups!

The piece de resistance is Votre Vu’s Amour D’Ore, which is a multivitamin oil for face, body and hair!  This product is incredible!  I use this product straight from the shower on semi-damp skin, taking the place of body lotion.  It absorbs quickly and helps to repair, nourish and protect skin and hair!  Used at a recent television shoot, my male client’s elbows were ashy from dryness!  This product immediately solved that problem and gave his skin a gorgeous, healthy glow!

Also, I discovered that Votre Vu products are only sold online and through independent sales representatives, which means that if you are interested in earning some extra money or if you are looking for a career change, Votre Vu may be a great opportunity for you.  Purchasing products from the Internet usually means a big savings for the consumer because the “middle men” are cut out of the dollar equation and the manufacturer passes the savings on to the consumer!

Since there is such a large demand for high quality product and because the market is saturated with low to medium grade, mass produced skin and hair care product lines, Votre Vu is a great alternative and a welcomed substitute for the American consumer!

If you want more information on becoming a Votre Vu Consultant, click here!  And just for the record, I am not a Votre Vu Consultant, but I do think it is an amazing product line and a great opportunity.

Another fun way to introduce you to the Votre Vu line is to attend a party at the VuBar!  VuBar is a tricked-out mobile skin treatment bar offering samples and treatments free!  “We’re going to take the VuBar across the country, allowing people to connect with our lovemark brand,” said CEO and founder Harold Zimmerman.  Check Votre Vu’s website for more information and a schedule of VuBar locations!

TIPS AND TRICKS:

Who ever designed this amazing dynamic duo deserves an award!  Duette Luxe Lip Balm and Hand Crème are so nourishing that your dry hands and lips will thank you!  Packaged together, this product is a guiltless treat for your lips and your hips!!!  Plus, it is topped with UV filters to add extra protection!  Ease and convenient for travel – get one for your handbag and car!

All photos courtesy of Votre Vu

Budget Bombshell - Take Two!

In these economic times, we are counting every dollar and penny spent on the “non-essentials” but really, do you consider your health, image and general beauty to be a “non-essential?” Well, we here at In My Professional Opinion don’t and we strongly believe that now is not the time to skimp on taking care of yourself!

Feeling like a million bucks without feeling like your spent a million bucks can be a reality, especially if you follow the economic tips and tricks listed below by our fellow blogger specialists in the fields of hair, fashion and of course, our own tips on essential beauty products!

IMPO Pro, Melissa Street says, “… the higher end cosmetic companies offer great deals, you just gotta keep an eye out for them!”

Gift With Purchase (aka GWP): now is the time to take advantage of department store brands’ gift with purchase programs, but be smart! Check to make sure how much you have to spend in order to receive the gift and check out the gift products thoroughly. Traditionally, those products that make up the GWP are either best sellers or crap sellers all dressed up in a pretty cosmetic bag. If you decide you can't live without the GWP, purchase something you know you will use, like a bronzer for summer, skincare, eye makeup remover, mascara. Don’t get all caught up in the “glitter” and “glitz” – remember, that is what they want you to do! Those counter babe’s work on commission!

Recycle Programs: take care of Mother Earth as well as yourself! MAC Cosmetics has a unique recycle program called Back 2 MAC. Here is how it works, bring in 6 empties (of ANY MAC product and it doesn’t even need to be totally used up!) to a MAC store and you can redeem a FREE lipgloss, lipstick or eyeshadow. What a deal! Got some old gloss from last season or that crazy iridescent lavender that was hot last summer but is kinda funky now? Spring Clean your makeup bag and get thyself to a MAC store!

Kits: big bang for your buck! One of our favs is Smashbox! They put together great kits and special collections that include everything for the face! Recently, we tried the GlamBox Vol. 4, which is a Nordstrom exclusive. This kit includes full size: eyeshadow palette of 6 standby colors, a gel eyeliner palette with brown, black, dark blue and bronze and an angled brush, a blush palette containing three beautiful pink and light bronze shades AND… there is more… a dual lipgloss! WOW! If purchased separately, this Smashbox kit would retail for $190, but you can purchase it now for only $68! In response to our tightening purse strings, many cosmetic and skincare companies are offering these all in one kits. But beware: they’ll get you hooked!

Daily Makeover – writer: Megan McIntyre says, “don’t resign yourself to a life of perpetual bad hair days!” Read on for tips on how to keep your hair looking it’s best without spending a fortune:

Maintenance: shampoo and conditioner are the foundation to good hair, so look for formulas with lots of moisturizers to keep hair healthy and strong. I’m currently obsessed with Herbal Essences Hydralicious Self-Targeting Shampoo and Aveeno’s Nourish+ Revitalize Conditioner.

Color: for many of us, the thought of giving up our pricy in-salon coloring is cause for near panic. If you’re not into DIY, you can still partake in your usual professional coloring, you just have to extend the life of your hair color for as long as possible in order to get the most bang for your buck. The best way to do this is to opt for products that won’t cause your hair to fade or lose its luster. Protect your hair from frying UV rays, the biggest fading culprit, by choosing products that contain UVA and UVB protectants. I like L’Oreal’s EverPure Moisture Deep Restorative Masque and Pureology’s Essential Repair ColourMax.

Styling: most of us tend to cut our hair when we get bored or sick of our current look. And for me, that happens quite a bit. (That’s why I love my job!) One minute I want short hair; three weeks later I’m pining for long locks. Instead of shelling out the mega-bucks for constant trips to the salon, invest in Ted Gibson's new line of hair extensions. The 18” long, full head extensions clip in easily and look really natural thanks to their multi-dimensional color. Best of all, the synthetic hair can be heat styled so you can go wavy, curly or straight. Now that’s versatile!



Another great way to save some dough is try out a style before you make your hair appointment. You wouldn’t buy a dress without trying it on first, so why would you chop your hair without first knowing how you’re going to look? That’s what makes the DailyMakeover.com Makeover Studio such a great budget tool. Download your picture and then try on thousands of celebrity styles to find your perfect cut.

My Wardrobe Today – writer: Alison Gary says, “your sense of style shouldn’t suffer during these tough times!” Read on for tips on how to be well dressed, composed and in control of your wallet:

Keep it simple: now is not the time to buy the print, the shoe, and the silhouette of the moment. Sticking with classics means you will get a longer life from the garments, you can wear more often without looking like a broken record, and they are more likely to blend with what is already in your closet. Crisp creased trousers, simple a-line or pencil skirts, dark jeans with a simple straight leg, black turtlenecks, sheath dresses and white tailored shirts can be worn multiple times and look different yet elegant with each wearing.

Make accessories your friend: it is amazing how a scarf or a belt can completely transform an outfit. Slip a skinny belt over a classic cardigan and trousers for a new silhouette, or cinch a floaty dress with a wide stretchy belt under the bust. Scarves can be used in the hair, around the waist, and of course around the neck to change the silhouette or cut of a look. I personally love tying a large square scarf “cowboy” style so it hangs in front, and tucking the ends into the collar of a blouse or neckline of a sweater. Also nothing jazzes up an old purse better than a pretty scarf tied to its shoulder strap!

Shop in unexpected places, and don’t be a label snob: some of my favorite day dresses are from Target – they are just as good of quality and style as boutique dresses that cost three times as much! I have recently scored some modern and stylish pieces at an amazing sale price from Talbots – a shop I used to consider more appropriate for my mother. If there is a specific designer or style I like, I check eBay to see if someone is selling a gently used version in my size. I have also scored some fabulous finds – vintage and even current designer pieces at thrift stores – what is one person’s trash very well may be your low priced treasure!

Stop using the mall as a form of entertainment: if you enter it, you will buy something. More often than not, you purchase something you don’t need and don’t even love. I worked in retail marketing for years and know those stores are set up to lure you in and have you purchase something, anything! If you aren’t there, you won’t be tempted. Want to get out? Meet a friend at a local park for a walk or a potluck picnic.

Make a list and check it twice: this rule works for any type of shopping – home goods, groceries, and fashion. If you have a list before you begin shopping, you will be more likely to only purchase what is needed and do your homework to find the best price. It’s far more fashionable to have one perfect skirt or one perfect bag than a closet full of not-quite-rights.

Do a fashion swap: this is one of the best ways to get a new collection of clothes without spending a dime. Make it a party – send out an Evite, make a signature cocktail, and invite your friends to bring items from their wardrobe that are in good condition but just not in regular rotation. Everyone ends up leaving with new looks and no one had to spend a dime!

LAST LOOKS:
IMPO wants to thank all our blogger buddies out there who contributed to our Budget Bombshell posts. If you don't know My Wardrobe Today, Daily Makeover, The Beauty Foodie or the Personal Fit Coach, you are doing yourself a disservice!

These bloggers are smart cookies and spend many long days and nights (and some weekends) searching for truth, justice and how to save a dime or two (which is the American way) so, you owe it to yourself and your bank account to bookmark those sites immediately and check back with them frequently!

This week, the Dow was up, and perhaps our spirits have been lifted a bit too. But the tips and tricks listed above are great to keep in mind anytime not just crunch time!!

STAY TUNED:
Up next on IMPO: we are taking it to the streets of Paris with Maqpro! It's a little secret place tucked away in the most romantic city in the world and it is wear professional makeup artists and gorgeous parisian women shop for their cosmetics! Watch IMPO makeup artist, Melissa Street, get a makeover! Don't miss this post!