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Have You Been Tousled?

Sponsor — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:00:49 -0700

As Summer winds down, many beauty looks have made their stamp on Summer style. Tousled locks were everywhere this season, but super chic all year long. New Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly collection can help you get this look.

Watch styling videos to learn how to get perfectly tousled hair for any type.

Avoid Naughty Hair This Spring

BellaSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:00:11 -0700

Have you noticed? The sun is sticking around a little longer these days and the temperatures are steadily rising. Does that mean we should be doing anything differently to take care of our delicate tresses? To find out, I've asked the advice of Herbal Essences stylist Charles Baker Strahan, who has styled the likes of Leighton Meester and Lindsay Price, to name a few.

"Hydration is key as we walk towards warmer weather," advised Strahan. The combination of being out in the sun, flat-ironing, blow-drying, and/or curling, robs hair of moisture, therefore causing hair to react more to the dryness and humidity in the air. "Healthy, well-hydrated hair responds better to heat styling and allows styling agents to do their job more effectively," he said.

To put moisture back into weak locks, Strahan recommends Herbal Essences Hydralicious Shampoo and Conditioner ($4.30 each). "There are three versions so regardless of your hair type, you can get the hydrated base you need," he added. So long, misbehaved manes.

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The Chicest Hair Length For Spring Is . . .

BellaSugar — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:00:48 -0700

Celebrity stylist Charles Baker Strahan has styled the likes of Molly Sims and Leighton Meester. And now, working in conjunction with the Herbal Essences brand, he's sharing hair tips for the warm months ahead. Over the next few days, I'll be bringing you a few of his expert tidbits, but first, let's get to the long and short of it.

According to Strahan, the length that feels the chicest and most current right now is a mid-shoulder-blade cut with long, face-framing layers that start below the chin. "It’s the healthy haircut from the long tresses that may have been taxed from over styling and growing out," he said. "This length, look, and shape is fabulous for the modern girl because waves and curls still drop below the shoulder as opposed to 'lamp shading' at the shoulder."

But if you're worried about sacrificing length, don't. According to Strahan, the blunt base of this hairstyle carries with it a line that still looks long, but polished.

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Reader Review of the Day: Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo

BellaSugar — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:00:55 -0800

Because you're an opinionated bunch - and I love that! - from here on out, we'll be highlighting one reader review every day. And what better way to start than with a hydrating shampoo to help treat dry, brittle wintertime hair? Here's demure20's take on Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Moisturizing Shampoo:

I just picked this up a week ago and I cannot stop bragging about how well it works! I've been trying to save my hair for the past eight months from dry, brittle, thinning, massive hair loss and seriously... my hair has been paper-thin ever since. Then the very moment I dried my hair after using this two-in-one, I was able to run my fingers across a full set of heavy, thick hair! I was smiling cheek to cheek! Not only that, but after several months the shower drain was not covered in a mountain of hair. It went from a mountain of my hair, to only a few strands of hair left on the drain. My hair was full of life once again and incredibly soft, shiny and fluffy!

Want to add your own two cents? Check out our product reviews section to share your thoughts.

Doing Drugstore: Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship

BellaSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:00:10 -0700

Herbal Essences has officially managed to address every single hair issue I can possibly imagine having, and even some I can't. Its latest creation is the Long Term Relationship collection, and it falls into the latter category for me. I've had a lot of shampoos in my life, but a line directed solely at long hair has never crossed my path.

The line includes the basics: a shampoo, conditioner, and split-end preventing leave-in treatment. Each product is scented (rather heavily) with raspberry, which is great if you dig the sweet fruity smell. The products also use silk fiber to strengthen and protect your hair.

The shampoo lathers so richly that it takes a while to get it fully rinsed out. The conditioner is even richer (and bright pink!), and gives my hair that slick, swingy, silky feeling while rinsing. It also takes quite a while to rinse out, so I am not sure if these products are actually helping or just heavily coating my hair. Afterwards, the leave-in seemed like a bit much, so I skipped it. But my hair smelled great and was extremely soft and shiny, so I will definitely rotate at least the shampoo and conditioner into my routine.

Five Beauty Secrets of Fashion Week

BellaSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:19 -0800

Phew. It's been a long two weeks of fashion shows, but I'm definitely invigorated by so many of the hair and makeup looks. I'm also excited to share some behind-the-scenes secrets with you-the kind of stuff you don't usually hear about.

Fashion Week Fact #1: Runway hair isn't always expensive.
The Sari Gueron show (pictured) was running an hour late, so I had plenty of time to watch the hair and makeup teams prepare. Herbal Essences sponsored the hair for this show, and I was curious to see if the stylists actually used the drugstore brand's products, or whether they sneaked some high-end stuff in there. To my delight, the stylists used only Herbal Essences, proving that it's skill, not price, that lets you create a gorgeous look.

Fashion Week Fact #2: Model complexions vary.
You'll be glad to know that models, like the rest of us, have the occasional blemish, blackhead, and other skin problem. You just don't see it easily because their makeup is so professionally done. Then again, about 30% of the models had flawless complexions. Seriously, I couldn't even find a pore on this girl. Moral of the story: Models break out, too, except for a lucky few.

For two more secrets, including the $7.49 mascara that I spied at more than a few shows, read more.

Fashion Week Fact #3: Yes, you really can go cheap on mascara.
I went to three shows where a drugstore mascara was being used. The winning formula: L'Oreal Voluminous mascara ($7.49).

Fashion Week Fact #4: Using your fingers isn't such a bad idea.
While every makeup artist I saw was using brushes to apply eye color, some used their fingers to pat on cream blush, lipstick, and concealer. Yes, makeup brushes will improve your application of most products. But with some products, fingers are just as useful.

Fashion Week Fact #5: Thinking outside the box is key.
Lipstick used as eye shadow. Rosebud salve used as blush. A dot of Vaseline on the eyelids. All of these things worked on the runway, so they can work for you, too. Don't be afraid to experiment a little bit by using your favorite lipstick as a blush, and see where you go from there.

October Must-Haves

BellaSugar — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:00:17 -0700

Another month rolls in, and so I'm rolling out my must-haves for October. I had a little fun this time around, choosing some out-of-the-ordinary styles with Halloween in mind. To take a look at my picks, read more

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so if you're planning to shop, why not think pink? Keep coming back to BellaSugar for pink-ribbon beauty suggestions each weekday.
Take a cue from Anna Sui's spring runway look and try a burst of color on Halloween. No need to go permanent with your new shade-you can get a wig for as little as $12.99 online!
Big hair is back! Check out my how-to-tease guide, and try a volumizing hair spray (like this Herbal Essences version) to hold it all together.
Dark nails are huge for fall, but if you don't want to go with black or deep red, why not try a deep blue hue? The trick is to get a blue that's almost black, so it won't look too Warped-Tour-circa-1998. Check out some of my color suggestions (including a surprisingly affordable one from Nars) or head to your drugstore for Sally Hansen's Midnight Frost shade.
MAC is just about to launch Mattene, its new collection of semi-matte lipsticks. I've had a chance to try them out and I'm in looooove. The colors are beautiful, the pigment doesn't disappear, and the formula doesn't dry out your lips. I think you'll be impressed!

I've shared my favorites, but now it's your turn. What do you absolutely have to have this month?

How-To: Rachel McAdams's Twisty Waves

BellaSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:00:54 -0700

I want to know Rachel McAdams's secrets for coolness. Not only does she convey a modern vintage style in her look, but she seems to have an approachable, down-to-earth personality. Plus, I love that she isn't afraid to try new things, like this old-school teased coiffure, and some seriously punky pink hair.

This morning while filming scenes for her upcoming movie, Morning Glory, the actress wore her hair in loose waves with casual twists on the sides, showing off those multidimensional gold-toned locks. It's a perfect substitute for your typical braid-on-the-side style.

View 5 Photos ›

Like the look? To find out how to copy Rachel's twisted waves, just keep reading.

How-To: Make Your Ponytail More Exciting

BellaSugar — Thu, 14 May 2009 11:05:13 -0700

There are many times when tossing that hair back into a ponytail is just the easiest option, particularly during the warmer months. But, do you ever get bored by the same old, same old?

Herbal Essences stylist to the stars, Charles Baker Strahan has already shared with us a fresh haircut idea for Spring, and now, he's got some ideas on making your ponytail stand out. "Ponytails can be very chic. It is all about where you place them and the texture you have in the hair," he says.

"Stick-straight hair begs for a very high pony or a very low one, whereas I like a middle placement for more natural or wavy textures," says Strahan. Feeling more adventurous? "I enjoy seeing small braids or twists (in an odd number) on someone with a natural/wavy texture because it adds romance to a midrange pony," he added.

As far as high ponytails are concerned, Strahan likes adding three cornrows above the brow for an edgier feel. What's your favorite option for this go-to style?

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Mix Up Some Cocktails For Your Hair

BellaSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 07:00:25 -0800

Who doesn't love cocktails? While boozy concoctions will make you feel a little tipsy, I have some other "cocktail" recipes that will make you feel all fuzzy inside - without the crushing hangover.

These cocktails blend a base hair product with one or more products to add maximum oomph to your style. And since it's pretty difficult to find just one hair product to do it all, why not try a little mixology of your own? Just blend the ingredients and they'll make your hair products work even better. Apply the following mixtures to slightly wet hair, starting from the back of your head working forward. Let's say you have a gel on hand - Korres Lime Styling Gel ($15) will do. Now, find out how to create your own super gel when you read more.

Gel + Mousse = Crunchy Hold: Great for wavy or curly hair for lots of hold. Try Herbal Essences Totally Twisted Curl Boosting Mousse ($2.99).
Gel + Shine Serum = High Gloss: For all hair types. This blend provides light hold and shine. If your hair is fine, use product sparingly. Try Phyto Phytolisse Finishing Serum ($30).
Gel + Curl Lotion = Soft Waves or Curl: For a natural, frizz-free look. Try Marc Anthony Curl Defining Lotion ($7.99).
Gel + Straightening Lotion = Straight and Sleek: Provides body and shine with an anti-frizz finish. Works well for most hair types. Try Oscar Blandi Raffinata Straightening Balm ($19).

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