Mischo Beauty School: Haircuts 101

I’ve recently received the same question with regards to how to go about achieving a great haircut. And, just last week, a friend of mine decided to have her hair cut at the little shop she goes to for eyebrow threading in Manhattan. She asked the stylist for a trim and then changed her mind and asked for a few layers. There was no consultation, no discussion of haircut photos and to top it off- there was a language barrier! Let's just say that she wasn't very pleased with the results, so this post is dedicated to her as well.

Every haircut is made up of a combination of basic techniques used to create varying shapes and effects on the hair. Before having your haircut, I recommend the following:

- Consultation with stylist (discuss face shape, hair texture and lifestyle)

- Review haircut/style photos with stylist

- Consider home maintenance requirements

- Be realistic

Taking the above into consideration will ensure that you and the stylist agree on the best direction and that the stylist has adequate information to achieve the desired end result.

Love your hair.

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions! Oh, and I'd love to hear your haircut stories, so please share!

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

The beautiful Rashida Jones has naturally straight and very fine hair. I’m sure all of the hair touch-ups, while taping episodes of “The Office”, as well as her many celebrity appearances take a toll on her hair. My recommendation to keep her hair full and healthy is Frederic Fekkai’s line of lightweight, Full Volume products. The Full Volume Shampoo, according to Fekkai, “is formulated with yarrow, oak root, kukui, and cherry bark which provide nourishment to the hair”, while “a special fortifying agent adds noticeable body and volume”. The Full Volume conditioner is impressive because it’s a lightweight gel-based conditioner that smooths the hair’s cuticle while adding volume, and it doesn’t weigh the hair down. To complete Rashida’s look, I would round-brush or roller-set Rashida’s hair using the Full Volume Mousse. This will give her a nice lift at the roots while providing enough hold to ensure her style will last.

Do you use Fekkai products? If so, which are your favorites?

(photo courtesy of style.com)

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Because You're Worth It!

Edris is an AMAZING hairstylist! Treat yourself to a new haircut with her for spring! You're totally worth it!

Has anyone had services at this salon?

P.S. She now has a blog. Be sure to check it out!

(photos courtesy of edrissalon.com)

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Mischo Beauty Closet

MAC Nail Lacquer in Steamy (a creamy hot 'n' steamy pink) + Sergio Rossi Gold platform peep-toe sandal with coral detail = SEXY SUMMER!

What nail polish color would you pair with this shoe?

(photos courtesy of maccosmetics.com & style.com)

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Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite: Joico’s Moisture Recovery Line

So it's Thursday and it's time for my weekly "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" post. Tasha, from the beautiful Bay Area, wrote in to tell me that she’s no longer using Redken products because of her new found love for Joico’s Moisture Recovery line. For years, Tasha both relaxed and highlighted her hair. We all know that two chemical processes on the hair leaves it in a constant struggle to remain healthy. While Tasha no longer relaxes her hair, she still keeps it highlighted. Recently, her stylist started using Joico’s Moisture Recovery line (Moisture Recovery Shampoo, Moisture Recovery Conditioner, and the Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm for intense deep conditioning). This line is for extremely dry hair due to chemical or environmental damage or genetics, which made Tasha the perfect candidate due to her having had two chemical processes in her hair. The line contains a “Hydramine Sea Complex”, which Joico states is a “blend of moisture-loving ingredients from the sea that quenches overly dry hair”. The Hydramine Sea Complex is combined with a Quadramine Complex (which are proteins that reconstruct and protect the hair’s cuticle, as well as the internal structure of the hair’s cortex) and together they work to repair, reconstruct, and provide intense moisture. Tasha's added these to her favorites and highly recommends them!

I love it! Thanks for sharing Tasha!

If you'd like to share your favorite beauty products simply send an e-mail to: mischobeauty@gmail.com with "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" in the subject line and tell me all about them!

Have you tried these products? Any thoughts?

(photo courtesy of joico.com)

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Mischo Beauty: Let's Play Tag! (Courtesy of The Beauty of Life)

I just noticed that Jamie of The Beauty of Life tagged me in her Let's Play Tag post! So I’ve responded to the two top five posts below:

My Five Must-NOT Have Items:

1) Luster’s Pink Hair Lotion: Defeats the point of having a relaxer because it made my hair frizz and I never experienced the results of it’s conditioning ingredients.

2) Aveda Shampure Shampoo: I know this is an all time favorite for many, but its fragrance just doesn’t agree with me.

3) Cuticle Clippers: I had a nail infection that took about a year to work itself out of my body, and I almost lost a nail. Yikes! The cuticle is your protection against bacteria. I would suggest gently and carefully pushing them back and keeping them conditioned and moisturized.

4) YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils Luxurious Mascara: This was too clumpy for me and really didn’t give me the “faux lash” effect I’d hoped for.

5) B. Kamins Diatomamus Earth Masque: This is for oily skin and that’s the key! My skin is normal with an occasional oily t-zone, so this was just too intense and caused a slight irritation.

My Five Biggest Makeup Crimes:

1) Waxing my own eyebrows!: What can I say! I'm an esthetician- LOL! The first few times left lots to be desired, but I had to learn from my mistakes. I’m happy to report that I’ve perfected it!

2) Not wearing sunscreen consistently!: My mother has been telling me to do this for years. It took my studying esthetics and working on clients with skin damaged by the sun, before I really understood how much the sun damages your skin and ages you.

3) Long airbrushed nails in college!: Yikes! Yes, I thought I was the bomb, well up until I headed to San Francisco for an internship at Genentech and realized that I needed to take them off in order to do my lab research. Not only did it take forever to soak the acrylic off, but my real nails were super sensitive and hurt because I’d worn the acrylic overlay for so long.

4) Relaxing my own hair!: I know this isn’t makeup – but I had to share this one! Don’t do it- just don’t! I’ve seen clumps of hair both in my hands and going down the drain too many times. I had to learn the hard way. And yes, this is before I went to cosmetology school! You can’t see the top and back of your hair. If you can’t afford to see a stylist, ask a friend to help you.

5) Wearing lipstick to match my Chanel Vamp nail polish!: Yes, this was back during my college days and it was so wrong! I have nothing else to say about this one. LOL!

Thanks Jamie! I’m now going to tag Jennifer of Beauty In Real Life, Julia of All About The Pretty and Fuzkittie of The Makeup Daily. Can’t wait to see your posts!

P.S. I'm loving the Leona Lewis' February cover of UK Harper's Bazaar!

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: Okara 2 Phases No Rinse Conditioner

Since I've used this product on clients more times than I can count, with wonderful results, I felt it only natural to share it with you. The Okara 2 Phases No Rinse Conditioner is a daily conditioning treatment for colored, highlighted and bleached hair. It contains the Okara extract, similar to keratin (protein), which works to restructure and strengthen the hair. It also contains the Hamamelis extract, which helps lock color in keratin to preserve its intensity. And because hair is usually more tangled after a color service, this instantly detangles, smoothes the cuticle and has a great smell. I would use this after shampooing with the Okara Protect Color Protective Radiance Shampoo and conditioning with the Okara Protect Color Restructuring Mask, but before applying a styling aid for blow-drying. It seems only natural to invest in the maintainence of your hair, after investing so much in a color service. It's worth it and I highly recommend it!

Rene Furterer Okara 2 Phases No Rinse Conditioner Okara 2 Phase Leave In

Have you tried this product? Any thoughts?

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Mischo Beauty Extra: NARS Gives Back

Luxury cosmetics and skincare brand, NARS Cosmetics, held several events in celebration of the brand’s Spring 2008 ad campaign featuring Lydia Hearst. Not only did the fashion-forward brand beautify local women, they kicked off an “Adopt a Park” campaign to preserve and makeover a Miami Dade County park.

NARS Cosmetics and the local Miami community volunteered their time and effort to plant colorful flowers and trees at Haulover Park. To help unveil the newly beautified park, Miami Dade County Commissioner, Sally Haymen, Park Director, Jack Kardys and Assistant Director of Operations, Frank Faragalli were in attendance to celebrate this special community event as well as to accept NARS contribution to Miami-Dade County treasury on behalf of Haulover Park. All volunteers received a discount on NARS website and a NARS Multiple in themed-shades South Beach or Palm Beach.

Later that evening, NARS hosted a celebratory “VIP Lounge” at SET Miami where guests experienced “touch ups” with NARS makeup artists. NARS-themed cocktails and decadent desserts were served and attendees received the brand’s keys spring item, NARS Multiple in Orgasm.

NARS 2008 spring collection is available on www.narscosmetics.com.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap

Another oldie, but goodie- two weeks in a row. Granted Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap surpasses last week's Marc Jacobs' Blush by quite a few more years! At any rate, this is one of my very favorite shower gels. Though my skin is pretty much on the normal side, it does have it's sensitive moments and I've found that Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Liquid Soap is the cure. It's unscented, containing no fragrances and no artificial dyes, so there's no need to worry about irritation or breakouts. Oh, and it's gentle enough for babies too! It's made of certified organic essential oils such as coconut, olive, hemp and jojoba oils. And you all know how much I love jojoba oil. Jojoba oil is the one essential oil most similar to the natural oil produced by the body. It works to condition the skin, while protecting and keeping it moisturized. I feel clean and fresh after using this and I love the fact that the packaging is 100% recycleable. I'm saving my skin and protecting the earth! Does anyone else use Dr. Bronner's products?

Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Pure-Castile Soap Baby Mild

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Mischo Beauty School: Bikini Waxing 101

This lesson was inspired by the many questions I’ve received from the models who’ve volunteered to be waxed for my waxing class. The majority of questions involve the bikini wax. Waxing, a form of epilation, removes hair by pulling it out of the hair follicle. Because hair is removed from the hair follicle, it takes longer to grow back- generally 4-6 weeks. Below I’ve listed my best tips on how to prepare for waxing and what to expect:

• Your hair should be at least a 1/4 to 1/2 inch long, if longer, prepare to have it trimmed by your esthetician.
• Plan to wax after your menstrual cycle because your body will be less sensitive.
• Lightly exfoliate a few days before waxing to remove dead skin cells and make hair easier to adhere to the wax.
• A Brazilian bikini wax involves the removal of all hair, except for a “landing strip” in the front, but you may choose to have it all removed.
• Your esthetician will tweeze stray hairs.
• It may take 24 hours for any redness or soreness to disappear. During that time, avoid the sun, exfoliation, cream irritants and excessive heat.
• Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol and aspirin before waxing as these heighten sensitivity.
• If the wax pot has old wax on it and a spatula sitting in the wax- RUN! There may be sanitation issues.
• If your esthetician “double-dips” the spatula in the wax pot each time wax is applied to the area to be waxed- RUN! There are definitely sanitation issues.
• Do not wax if you use Accutane, Retin-A, are sunburned, using other topical AHA's, or medications that will make your skin reactive to waxing.
• Do not wax if you have diabetes. You are more vulnerable to infection.
• You must wax consistently every 4 - 6 weeks for the first few times. This will give your hair time to begin growing on the same hair cycle. Don’t shave in between waxing appointments.
• Resume exfoliation about 3 days after waxing to ensure the removal of dead skin cells, which, if not removed, could cause the hair to grow inward resulting in ingrown hairs.

Love your skin!

Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions.

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Mischo Beauty Closet

Zoya Nail Polish in Manhattan Mixer (a sheer sparkly lime) + Gucci Corset High Heel Sandals = RUNWAY!

(photos courtesy of artofbeauty.com & saksfifthavenue.com)

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

I'm sad over the fact that "Girlfriends" was cancelled without a proper finale, a proper farewell. I'm left not knowing if Joan Carol Clayton, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, ever finds her true love...but such is Hollywood. At any rate I love Tracee Ellis Ross' hair! It's always looks so healthy and full of life and because she wears it natural, she easily transitions from full, curly styles to straight, sleek looks. To keep her hair thoroughly moisturized, I suggest Carol's Daughter Hair Milk. It contains soy oil which works to condition and strengthen hair, sweet almond oil which moisturizes and softens, cocoa butter which protects against antioxidants and lemongrass oil which adds shine. I'm also recommending the Rosemary Mint Herbal Shampoo because it conditions and detangles and the Mimosa Hair Honey for it's ability to control frizzy hair and add shine.

(photo courtesy of cwtv.com)

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Because You're Worth It!

I'm headed to Bliss 49 in two weeks for The Triple Oxygen Treatment (their most famous facial) and then over to Rescue Beauty Lounge for my nails. The countdown has begun!

(photos courtesy of blissworld.com)

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Mischo Beauty Extra: New York Times Style Section

It’s been a busy day and I’ve finally been able to catch up on all of my reading! I’ve just finished an article in today’s New York Times entitled “It’s Your Makeup Artist’s Autograph That I Want” which talks about how accomplished makeup artists such as Pat McGrath, Matin Maulawizada and Joanna Schlip add trustworthiness and prestige to cosmetic brands, which in turn ultimately has an impact on consumer purchases. They are all highly respected makeup artists and have a huge influence on popular culture. I really appreciated this article because like them, I aspire to develop cosmetic products, inspire trends, write beauty books, create how-to videos, and train and represent talented beauty professionals- along with many other ventures! Ultimately, my goal is to become a well-respected authority within the beauty industry! For those of you working hard to accomplish your dreams, click here to read more.

(Source: New York Times)

(photo: Retna/Pat McGrath, a makeup artist with celebrity of her own, readies Natalia Vodianova for the runway in New York.)

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Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite: L'Oreal Sublime Glow

I received an e-mail from my reader Andrea asking that I share one of her new beauty favorites with you. She recently picked up L’Oreal’s Sublime Glow in Medium (and my recommendation of L’Oreal’s Skin Genesis!) and loves, loves, loves the results! It’s a daily moisturizer that also gradually enhances your skin tone. According to the label, the “Medium” is for those that tan easily or for brunettes. Andrea’s complexion can be compared to that of Nia Long, so this works to give her a soft shimmer and very natural glow to her already gorgeous complexion. While she wishes the consistency were thicker, she’s happy it doesn’t have the typical “self-tanner” scent! She did point out that you need to make sure you wash your hands immediately after application or this will definitely turn the palms of your hands brown. Overall she loves it and has added it to her favorite beauty products.

I love it! Thanks for sharing Andrea!

If you'd like to share your favorite beauty products simply send an e-mail to: mischobeauty@gmail.com with "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" in the subject line and tell me all about it!

Have you tried this? Any thoughts?

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Mischo Beauty Product Review: Kiehl's Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

I must say that this is one of the best moisturizing creams I've found for my hands! I should actually call it a treatment because it's just that. It's for "severe dryness caused by heavy industrial work, manual labor, neglect, or exposure to harsh elements" and I guess my hands qualify for this treatment after working on hair and skin clients, day in and out. You see haircolor services, which involve shampooing, toning and conditioning, seemed to have taken a toll on my hands over time. Not to mention that sanitation and disinfection are of the utmost importance. So, I'm constantly washing my hands all day long- too many times to count! And we all know that signs of aging show up first on the forehead, around the eyes and mouth, on the neck, and the hands! This treatment replenishes lost moisture, while protecting the skin for hours by providing a long-lasting barrier. It has a soothing effect and softens skin. I highly recommend it. It will not disappoint!

(photo courtesy of kiehls.com)

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Mischo Beauty: Allure Magazine's Free Stuff

Allure Magazine always has great giveaways and this month you can win over $400 of Dior's spring makeup. Click here for details!

(photo courtesy of dior.com)

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Mischo Beauty Says Goodbye to M.A.C Fafi

It’s so hard to say goodbye to the M.A.C Fafi collection. It was such a fun way to welcome spring! The limited edition collection launched on February 13^th and was a collaboration between Parisian graffiti artist Fafi and M.A.C Cosmetics. It included lipsticks, lipglass, eyeshadows, paint pots, eyeliners, mascara, blush, pressed powder, nail polish, makeup bags, and collectible dolls. Many of the items are now sold out on-line with limited quantities available in stores. Right now I’m wearing the Girls Will Be Girls nail polish on my toes and it’s a mixture of a pink coral with a pearl frost finish. In my makeup bag I’ve got the High Top lipstick which is a soft glaze of grey purple and blue purple, and it's sheer and soft enough for the office. When I want a little more on my lips, I layer High Top with the Cult Fave lipglass, which is a blue mid-tone pink with a white pearl frost finish. Now it’s time to make room for the M.A.C Heatherette collection which launches in stores on March 20th!

(photo courtesy of maccosmetics.com)

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Marc Jacobs Blush

I don't remember a time when out shopping I stopped to smell a perfume and knew at that moment I just had to have it. But it happened a few years ago when I was in Soho and decided to stop in the Marc Jacobs store on Mercer Street. The fragrances were on the right-hand side of the store just after walking through the front door. Blush was the first bottle I picked up and I immediately fell in love with it. It's a combination of jasmine nectar, star jasmine, pink freesia, orange flower, japanese honeysucle, pink musk, cashmere wood and sandalwood. The fragrance is perfect for spring and even more perfect for summer. It's absolutely divine and I'll continue to keep it in my collection forever. I love it. What's your favorite perfume and why?

(photo courtesy of marcjacobs.com)

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Mischo Beauty School: Sun Damage 101

As an esthetician, you all can probably imagine how passionate I am about skincare. The one aspect I’m most passionate about is protection from the sun. A misconception exists with regards to wearing sunscreen in the winter and the bottom line is this- you need to protect yourself from the sun regardless of the time of year or the temperature outside!

Sun damage is the major external cause of aging and it causes 80-85% of aging. The UV rays of the sun reach the skin in two different forms, as UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays tan the skin, damage the skin’s melanin and cause cancer. Penetrating further into the skin are the UVA rays. These rays weaken the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkling and sagging in the tissues. Though these fibers naturally weaken as we age, it happens at a much faster rate when exposed to UVA rays.

Not only does sun damage lead to skin cancer, aging, and collagen and elastin deterioration, but also to hyperpigmentation, capillary damage and free radical damage. Avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen is the best protection for skin. Sunscreens absorb or reflect UV rays. SPF refers to the sun protection factor in sunscreens, so the higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll receive from the sun. Be sure the sunscreen has full spectrum protection (protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays).

As you all know, sunscreen can be found in the form of a moisturizer and may come in various weights and formulas suitable for various skin types. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen- regardless of your complexion! My recommendation is to wear an SPF of 30 everyday, rain or shine!

Love your skin.

Do you wear sunscreen? Have you had skin issues as a result of sun damage? Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions!

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Beautiful hair needs an expert.

I've selected the best of the best to maintain Sienna Miller's star styled hair. Celebrity hairstylist Oscar Blandi has launched a line of hair products to meet your every hair need. I've selected the Shampoo Alla Crema Shampoo for chemically treated hair because it's a rich, moisturizing shampoo with sea-algae which works to protect and hydrate the hair. The Balsamo Alla Crema Conditioner also contains sea-algae and targets the hair's cuticle, while reinforcing the elasticity of the hair. Finally the Luce is a must-have for maintaining shiny, glossy hair. It's a gloss treatment that infuses shine and conditioning agents into the hair which all work together to protect and revitalize the hair. The Luce keeps hair from dulling due to over-styling and environmental conditions.

Has anyone tried Oscar Blandi products or been to the salon in New York City?

(photo courtesy of people.com)

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Mischo Beauty Closet

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Long Lasting Nail Lacquer in #23 Blue Moon + Yves Saint Laurent Getty Patent T-Strap Sandal = GORGEOUS

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Mischo Beauty Featured on The Beauty Blog Network

I have exciting news! I'm featured on The Beauty Blog Network! Click here to read the interview. A special thanks to Elke and all of my fellow Beauty Blog Network members!

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Because You're Worth It!

Treat yourself- you know you deserve it! Rescued by La Mer Manicure & Pedicure at Rescue Beauty Lounge. New York, NY.

(photos courtesy of rescuebeauty.com)

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Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite: Origins

I'm so glad it's Thursday and so ready for the weekend! I received an e-mail from my reader Allison who wrote in to tell me how much she loves Origins' Precipitation. She has issues with dry skin and has searched high and low for the perfect moisturizer. After sampling the Precipitation in the Origins store, she decided to make the investment and purchase it and has been happily satisfied since! She says that the texture of Precipitation is smooth, rich and non-greasy and she loves that it quickly absorbs into her skin. A tip she wanted to share with everyone, was to apply it immediately after your shower, before fully drying off to to capture any moisture left on the skin. Precipitation contains soybean and sunflower oils, which are emollients that smooth and soften the skin. It also contains ginseng, aloe and clary sage which work together to heal, revive, and freshen dry skin.

I love it! Thanks for sharing Allison!

If you'd like to share your favorite beauty products simply send an e-mail to: mischobeauty@gmail.com with "Mischo Beauty Reader Favorite" in the subject line and tell me all about it!

Have you tried this? Any thoughts?

(photo courtesy of origins.com)

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Mischo Beauty + M.A.C Beauty Powder Blush

I am determined to keep up! Just in- another e-mail blast from M.A.C announcing the launch of the limited edition Beauty Powder Blush collection. M.A.C. Pro.com states:

"Shimmering fine particles impart soft colour in a hard candy palette, to sweet and subtle effect. Eight shades of giddy deliciousness with pearl sheen and jet-milled perfection, to keep the glow going."

Though I haven't had the opportunity to try the blushes, the swatches are the perfect shades for spring! And nothing will ever take the place of a soft, perfectly blended application with the #169 Angled Brush and the #116 Blush Brush. Click here to learn more.

Has anyone tried this collection yet? Any thoughts?

(photos courtesy of maccosmetics.com)

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Wella's SP Power Mask

I've said this before and I must say it again for all my new readers. I discovered this deep conditioning treatment while training with Vidal Sassoon. It's the best conditioner I've used thus far for coarse, damaged or bleached hair.

It replaces much needed moisture lost during chemical services, returns the hair to it's normal pH and it smooths and seals the hair's cuticle, resulting in soft, shiny hair. My recommendation is to use it bi-weekly while sitting under a hooded hair dryer for 20 minutes.

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Mischo Beauty School: Eyelashes 101

Lashes are my favorite new beauty accessory and my biggest challenge when it comes to applying my own. While I’ve mastered applying them to clients - technique and control definitely come from practice.

At any rate, there are two types of artificial lashes- band lashes and individual lashes. Band lashes (also called strip lashes) are applied to the natural lash line, using an adhesive, and are meant for single use. Individual lashes are applied to the lash line one at a time, using a lash glue, and last up to two weeks. The adhesive or glue is the product used to make the lashes adhere, or stick, to the natural lash line. Artificial lashes are available in human hair, animal hair, synthetic fibers, and in a variety of colors.

Procedure for Applying Band Lashes:

1. Always wash your hands first to avoid infection.

2. Decide on length and desired effect of band lash.

3. Curl your eyelashes with an eyelash curler.

4. Apply eyeliner based on your desired effect.

5. Remove band lash from package and trim to fit the curve of your eyelid.

6. Apply a thin strip of lash adhesive and allow to set for a few seconds, before applying to the lash line.

7. Apply the band lash to the lash line.

8. Use tweezers to gently press and set the band lash.

9. Retouch the lash line with eyeliner.

Lashes can be easily removed using a warm compress or make-up remover.

Love your lashes!

Any questions?

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