Mischo Beauty Superstar of the Week: Crystal Wright: Founder, Crystal Wright Live

If you're interested in a career in makeup, hair styling or fashion styling, then you need to check out CrystalWrightLive.com! A former celebrity styling agent for professional makeup, hair and fashion stylists, Crystal is also the author of Crystal Wright's Hair, Makeup & Styling Career Guide which is a self-help book (actually considered an industry "bible") to guide aspiring stylists in developing the tools, skills and professionalism needed behind the scenes in the entertainment, fashion and beauty industries.

Crystal Wright was first brought to my attention after hearing so much positive feedback about her "Build Your Portfolio and Marketing" workshop. And to add to her growing list of accomplishments, she is also the author of 30 Days At 100 Percent: Changing Your Life 30 Days At A Time.

She's clearly driven, focused and most importantly works smart, and that's why she is this week's "Mischo Beauty Superstar". To learn more about Crystal and her amazing empire, check out her website , Facebook page, and follow her on Twitter. Oh, and be sure to let me know if you've attended any of her workshops or read any of her books. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Loves: Scarlett Johansson for Dolce & Gabbana's "Rose The One" Fragrance Ad Campaign

I love a beautifully executed "beauty" ad campaign and such is the case with Dolce & Gabbana's print ads for their new fragrance, "Rose The One". Again, they've chosen Scarlett Johansson as the campaign spokesmodel (she's also the face for their makeup collection) and I have to congratulate the beauty superstars (hairstylist, makeup artist, manicurist, etc.) behind the scenes who were all a part of making the creative director's vision a reality.

The fragrance collection also includes a shower gel, body lotion and shimmer powder and is exclusively available at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Are you loving this ad campaign as much as I am?

Read More......

Isn't She Lovely...

In celebrating "The Women In Hollywood" issue, ELLE Magazine released five different covers featuring different actresses, one of which was Zoe Saldana. Covers such as hers, are few and far in between and I'm actually searching for hers as I write this (I received the cover with Julianne Moore in the mail). Anyway, for all of you beauty lovers, here's the team of beauty superstars who created her cover look:

Makeup: Rose-Marie Swift at Streeters (all makeup by L'Oreal Paris)
Hair: Ted Gibson at Jed Root Inc.
Photographer: Alexei Hay
Stylist: Christopher Niquet

All makeup used was by L'Oreal Paris and included:
Double Extend Lash Fortifier & Extender Mascara in Carbon Black
Bare Naturale All-Over Mineral Glow in Honey Glow
H.I.P. Bright Shadow Duos in Dynamic

So who was your favorite cover model?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: Design Essentials & BET's Sunday Best

For the fans of BET's "Sunday Best", you all know that tonight we'll find out if the title will be awarded to Y'Anna Crawley or Jessica Reedy! Well, I recently found out that the Design Essentials' styling team was responsible for the amazing looks of all the show's contestants,

and those of Grammy award-winning gospel artists, Mary Mary. To learn more about the styling team and their tips, tricks and secrets used on the show's contestants, please visit the Design Essentials' Facebook fan page here. To view the complete Design Essentials product offering, please visit www.designessentials.com.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Review: IZUNAMI Flat Iron (One Inch Styler)

I've tried about a dozen or so flat irons and this definitely ranks as the best! It's equipped with everything I need to ensure that my hair remains healthy, strong, smooth and shiny. This flat iron is lightweight, so while I'm flat-ironing 1/2 inch sections of my hair (for control and best results!), I have no worries about my wrists tiring out. The adjustable temperature control allows me to set the temperature based on my hair's texture, which right now is type 4B and requires that I use a higher temperature setting.

It's tourmaline, ionic and fine ceramic plates ensures an even distribution of heat, allowing the flat iron to glide effortlessly through my hair, while sealing in moisture and shine. And no, there's no need to flat iron your hair, and then use a curling iron to add curls. This will allow you to flat-iron, curl, twist, flick, and wave your hair (believe me, it's all in your wrist action/movement/control- it just takes practice!)- all at once!

Your hair will love you for this investment, and you know you're totally worth it!

Read More......

Mischo Beauty + Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2009 Collections • February 13 - 20, 2009 • New York/ #NYFW

Fashion Week starts next Friday, and I can't wait- I've started my count down! I'll be reporting on fall trends in beauty (hair, skin, makeup & nails) as they relate to the collections on the runway. Please stay tuned for my posts! #nyfw

Read More......

Beautiful hair needs an expert: Ellin LaVar PenetratingBalm

I've been testing out Ellin Lavar Textures' PenetratingBalm and I highly recommend it for dry, coarse and naturally curly hair. My hair falls into the 4b hair type category, so my natural hair is thick and coarse. This is a great moisturizing leave-in conditioner, that helps to detangle and soften hair. After using this, I found my hair to be very manageable and easy to section off for blow-drying.

The texture of the PenetratingBalm is somewhat thick and very creamy, and a little goes a long way. This would also be a good moisturizing styling aid for those of you with dry, naturally curly hair. It's formulated with an oil from the seeds of Brazil's passion-flower fruit called Maracuja. This oil works to nourish the hair, which is very important during this dry winter season, and it works to control frizz and keep curls shiny and defined.

I'm recommending that Tracee Ellis Ross use this to nourish and hydrate her naturally curly hair and I'm recommending this for you as well! Questions? Did anyone see Ellin's reality show "Hair Trauma" on WE TV? If so, what did you think?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: ARROJO Education Needs Hair Models

I'm sharing this with you because I know how hard it can be to find hair models! This is perfect for those of you in need of a new look, or for those wanting to reinvent themselves for the upcoming new year:

"The ARROJO artistic team is making a new range of educational DVD's to teach our techniques, ideas, and inspirations to fellow hairdressers. Accordingly, we are looking for hair models willing to have their hair cut, color, and styled on camera.

We need male and female models between the ages of 18-26. You must be open to a new cut and/or color and you must be comfortable on camera. The cuts include classic styles like bobs, layers and graduation, cuts and colors based on the latest trends in modern hairstyling, and men's haircuts.

We will also be holding model calls on: Wednesday November 26th @ 10:30 AM -11:30 AM and Friday November 28 @ 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. All potential models must be free to attend one of these casting dates. Filming days are Sunday November 30th to Thursday December 4th. You must be free on at least one of the days.

To apply, please send a short email including your preferred hairstyle (a classic bob, graduation or layer cut, a trend-focused cut and color, or a men's hair cut), the dates you'll be available, and a recent headshot to: adrian@arrojoeducation.com.

You may also include brief details of any modeling experience you may have. All models chosen receive $100 and an ARROJO product goody bag. Please be aware that due to the large amount of submissions we are only able to respond to eligible candidates."

Please let us know if you're selected! Enjoy.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Review: David Babaii for Wild Aid

So, you're probably asking what exactly David Babaii for Wildaid is? Well, celebrity hairstylist David Babaii recently teamed up with Kate Hudson to create a line of professional hair care products (at drug store prices!) and styling tools. What caught my attention was the fact that David Babaii is Vidal Sassoon trained (I guess I'm kinda biased since I was an apprentice with Vidal Sassoon- and the experience was amazing!) and that was really all the convincing I needed, but in addition to that, the products themselves are eco-friendly.

The products were developed using natural and exotic ingredients and they contain no parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals or animal products- and 10% of revenues are dontated to WildAid, which is a global wildlife conservation organization. I've used the Hydrating Shampoo & Conditioner and I loved the way my hair felt after using them- very soft and manageable and my hair type is 4B! I also used the Hair Polish as a blow-drying serum with very nice results. It's very light and can be used on wet or dry hair as protection from heat styling. Overall, I think the products are great and definitely worth trying!

Have you tried this line?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Award

The Mischo Beauty Award, for the 2008 Oscars, goes to Heidi Klum! Her makeup was perfectly contoured, her updo styled to perfection, and I loved her lashes! Not to mention her gorgeous red silk taffeta John Galliano gown! And even better- her gown will be auctioned off online to support The Heart Truth. I love it!

Who was your favorite?

(Heidi Klum photos courtesy of instyle.com)

Read More......

Beautiful hair needs an expert.

I love Cassie's hair in this photo- it looks so soft and chic! But what I love most is that this look can be achieved by anyone (and of course her extensions add additional length). After shampooing and throughly conditioning the hair, blow-dry using your favorite blow-drying serum and section off for curling using at least a 2-inch curling iron. Apply a thermal protector to the hair before curling. As each section is curled, form a pin curl and secure with a clip. Once all of the hair has been pin curled, allow to set before removing clips and finger styling. Finish by applying a few drops of a glossing serum and hairspray for hold. Above I've included the products and tools to achieve her look.

Has anyone used Terax products? If so, what are your thoughts?

(Cassie photo courtesy of lovecassie.com)

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: Scarlett Johansson Beauty File

(photos courtesy of style.com)

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Award

The Mischo Beauty Award goes to Rihanna! I'm not really a fan of hers and honestly really didn't start to notice her until this year, but I must say she looked fabulous on the red carpet. She must have hired a new styling team because her look has definitely been upgraded! Her new disconnected pixie cut, flawless makeup, Zac Posen dress and perfectly manicured nails made her the winner! Oh, and the fact that everything bright seems to catch my attention these days!

Who was your favorite?

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: Genevieve Jones Beauty File

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: Kerry Washington Beauty File

Read More......

Mischo Beauty: Beyonce Knowles Beauty File

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers & Thinning/Breakage 101

I’ve received many questions on the use of hair relaxers resulting in thinning hair and hair breakage, so I’ve decided to address the issue. Damage from relaxers may result from a number of reasons. At any rate, the problem could be due to one of the following:

1. The "strength" of the relaxer might be stronger than that needed for your particular hair texture. Relaxers come in "mild, regular or super" strengths.

2. Your stylist may not be applying the relaxer properly. It should ONLY be applied to the NEW hair growth, every 6-8 weeks. No overlapping onto previously relaxed hair!

3. Thermal styling may be an issue. Are you frequently using a curling iron, flat iron or blow-dryer? If so, that will definitely contribute to thinning/breakage.

4. Do you color your hair? If you use permanent haircolor, the application should be at least two weeks after relaxing or you will experience thinning/breakage. You should only be using a mild relaxer.

If you're thinning near the scalp, then it's probably from improper application or overlapping of the relaxer onto the previously relaxed hair. If you're thinning along the length of the hair, then it's probably due to excessive heat from a curling/flat iron, blow-drying or constant chemical overprocessing.

Hopefully your stylist will identify the problem and offer you a new haircare regimen. If you feel that your problem is different from those listed above, I'd recommend you visit a Dermatologist.


Love your hair.

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

Read More......

Mischo Beauty School: Hair Relaxers 101

Let’s understand the difference between “lye” and “no-lye” hair relaxers. Relaxers break certain chemical bonds in the hair so that they can’t reform. This simply means that hair that was once curly, is now permanently straightened. Certain relaxers use “lye” to break these bonds. Lye is a very strong chemical base that can burn your skin and damage your hair if not used correctly. With "no lye" relaxers, another chemical is used in the place of lye and is considered a medium strength base. Research has shown that the use of "no lye" relaxers results in less scalp irritation, but the same safety rules apply. Both types of relaxers can burn the scalp if used incorrectly. It’s wrong to assume that compared to “lye” relaxers, "no lye" relaxers take the worry out of straightening your hair. Both types of relaxers contain caustic chemicals.

If you choose to apply your own relaxer, please ask for help. You aren’t able to see and reach the top and back of your hair and this could lead to an improper application of the relaxer. Also, making sure that the relaxer is thoroughly rinsed can be a challenge. Relaxers should be used based on manufacturer’s instructions, left on no longer than the prescribed time, carefully washed out with neutralizing shampoo, and followed up with regular conditioning. If you’re in doubt, please follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Love your hair.

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

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Pick

I love this product! I use it as a blow-drying serum because I've discovered that it smooths the cuticle while I'm blow-drying my hair, and leaves it shiny. I also use it a few times a week as a moisturizer when my ends begin to dry out.

Read More......

Mischo Beauty Side Note: Sex and the City

I couldn't resist!

Read More......