Aveda

It turns out that gold shampoo isn't just for blondes. While getting a cut the other day, my stylist used a shampoo with light golden undertones — Aveda's Camomile ($26) — on my dark brunette strands. What gives?

She explained that while most of her clients don't want any gold or brassy tones in their hair, using a shampoo with golden undertones increases shine in all hair textures and shades. The reasoning is that the luminescent, warm shade actually helps light to reflect off the hair more easily. In turn, while opposite-hued, blue-based shampoos definitely have their place in this world, overuse can actually cause a dull, flat appearance to the hair. So the next time you need a little pick-me-up, some golden shampoo could make you a shiny happy person.

Backstage access at Rodarte has always been tight, but this season, the Mulleavy sisters barred beauty press from previewing hair and makeup looks. Word is that it may have something to do with the controversy around their now-canceled MAC makeup collection, but we scored the details on re-creating the show's hairstyle from the stylists at Aveda.

Lead stylist Odile Gilbert was inspired by teenagers in the '70s, as seen in the handcrafted barrettes clipped in each model's hair. To get the look, she applied Aveda Brilliant Damage Control before blow-drying hair straight with a boar-bristle brush. Using fingers, she created a part on the left side of the head. To create texture, she worked Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair through hair, then tousled it with Aveda Volumizing Tonic. Finally, the barrette made a finishing touch.

If you like a firm-hold hairspray but don't like the crunch that often accompanies it, I think I might have the perfect product for you. If you also like big hair, voluminous ponytails, and sprays that won't knock out the person next to you on the bus due to the overwhelming fake aroma, you should also listen up. Aveda's new Control Force Firm Hold Hairspray ($26) packs a punch, because when they say force, they're not lying. The spray, which goes on full-blast, smells soft and powdery, containing notes of bergamot, vetiver, palmarosa, and lavender.

While I wish the product gave the hair a little more shine, it has a nonsticky finish and sets pretty much instantly. So far I've found that spritzing the Control Force on the ends of my short strands produces a nice wispy texture that stays put. I've also discovered that in lieu of breaking out the hair dryer in the morning, some Control Force sprayed all over my damp strands results in a pretty, nonfrizzy finish about an hour later when I arrive at work.

While I wish the price was a little bit more affordable, at least a little goes a long way with this product. Also, if you're wondering why a company that's known for environmental causes has not just one, but two aerosol hairsprays, the brand promises these products have a net-zero climate impact. What about you? Do you have a favorite heavy-duty spray?

It's the first day of Summer, and can't you dig the sunshine? In the immortal words of the Bradys, love and sun are the same, after all. In spirit of the warmer weather ahead, I've put together a few products that will make the season so bright you'll have to wear shades. Enough of the silly, let's get to it. Here are five fun ways you can enjoy the sun without the burn.

• Tasha "Beaded Daisy" Headband ($32) — A festively fun and yellow hair accessory. Need I say more?
• Avon Sunset Glow ($7) — There's something so cool and retro about the design of this multitoned bronzer. Just sweep anywhere the sun would hit to get a naturally sun-kissed look. (Also available in Sunset Bronze.) If one shade's all you want, try the similarly sunny Maybelline ExpertWear Singles Bronzers ($4.50), available in three shades, Sun Light, Forever Warm, and Salsa Sun.
• Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil ($26) — A lightweight hair mist that works to condition and provide SPF for your hair. So long, faded color and frazzled strands.
• Leslie Blodgett Perfume Diaries Golden Light Eau de Parfum Spray ($55) — If you could bottle up sunshine into a perfume, wouldn't you? That's exactly what Bare Escentuals' Leslie Blodgett did with her new scent, which contains notes like bergamot, honeysuckle, and orris.
• Paul & Joe Nail Enamel in Soleil ($14) — A frosty tangerine hue. It doesn't get any more summery than this.

I've been using Aveda's Tourmaline Charged Eye Cream ($32) on-and-off for several years; and recently, our love affair is back on, and here's why. The antioxidant-laden eye cream, which is more like a soft, easy-to-spread gel emulsion, never pills up on you or feels greasy. It simply just sinks right into the skin, creating a subtle luminosity under the eyes, which thanks to its smooth texture, wears nicely under concealer or foundation.

Whenever a beauty product costs more than $20, I think twice before making the purchase, and at $32, this eye cream isn't cheap, but since it tends to last me well over six months, I have no qualms about forking over my cash at the register. While Aveda claims this product reduces puffiness, I can't say I've noticed a big difference, and while the cream doesn't fade my dark circles, it does create a light-reflecting glow around the eyes. If you're looking for a lightly moisturizing way to perk up tired eyes, you might just want to eye this cream up.

You can't get anymore classic than your basic ponytail. It's an easy way to add a little flair to any style; and at Christian Siriano's show at 2010 New York Fashion Week, the designer worked with Aveda's Antoinette Beenders to create a ponytail with a little something extra. When it comes to Christian and hair, would you expect anything less? Beenders version is low and sleek, featuring both rough and smooth textures. "Christian and I worked together to create a hair look that reflects the inspiration behind his collection — waves and the ocean, with shimmering silks, silvers, and blues," she said. Looking for something a little different when it comes to your tried-and-true ponys? Catch the wave, and get the how-to after the gallery images.

To get the look, just keep reading.

Eye 4 Style went backstage at the Bodkin presentation and interviewed the Aveda makeup team. 

Style It posted a thoughtful piece on the media coverage of falling models at the Herve Leger show.

Eubie Panache has video clips and photos from the Lacoste runway show which took place at Bryant Park.

I Heart Heels started her day off with Spanx and a complimentary blow-out...boy, do we wish we started our morning that way.