Makeup Artist Backstage with Victoria Stiles» Hair

Hair: Evolution and Return to Natural Color at the Ted Gibson Salon

Victoria — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:21:13 +0000

Hair is a personal thing for me. It always has been. I remember at age 5 wishing my hair looked like my best friend April’s long, blonde hair. My mother always kept my hair extremely short, almost like a bowl cut– think Jim Carrey’s character, Lloyd Christmas, in the movie Dumb & Dumber. Yes, I am serious.

When I met my husband in 2004, I had blackberry hair with hot pink highlights. Yes, again, I am serious. The picture below is proof. This was my rocker I’m-working-at-a-cosmetic-counter-so-I-have-to-be-different look. This lasted about 4 months before my boyfriend, now husband, banned me from using his pillows because I was dying his sheets pink.

After this, I decided to go back to my natural hair color.

This did not last that long. I got bored of being normal, so I added some highlights and took off some length.

Shortly thereafter, my boyfriend, now husband, became my fiancé and we started planning our wedding. As all brides do, I started to envision my appearance on the big day. How did I want to look? Did I want to walk down the isle with short hair, dark hair, highlighted hair, extensions maybe?

It was then I decided I wanted to be the “hot” bride. Yes, “hot”. Now how was I to go about this? First thought was to grow my hair long. So that is what I did. But that wasn’t enough. I wasn’t to that “wow” factor, yet. This is when I changed the next 4 years of my life…

I WENT BLONDE.

Being blonde changed the way friends looked at me, people treated me, and my overall mood improved. It was like a powerful drug that left me feeling empowered and high all at the same time.

My wedding day on August 21, 2006 was everything I imagined and more. I married the man of my dreams and I was HOT! (Yes, we got married on a cruise ship. No, it did not leave us stranded in the Pacific Ocean.)

I kept the long blonde going for a couple of years.

Variations in levels of bleach and length followed.

The below photo was taken in September 2009 for Washingtonian Magazine.

And today, I have decided it is time to say goodbye to blonde. This picture was taken two weeks ago. My hair has seen some damage over the years, it has been high maintenance to keep up the blonde, and time consuming. I’m ready for a change.

On December 1, 2010, Celebrity Colorist Jason Backe from the Ted Gibson Salon in New York will take me back to my natural hair color. He is the only one I trust with this request. I can’t wait!

He gave me a vibrant look before, using the INOA L’Oréal Professional Hair Color System, see video below, and I can’t wait to see what he can do with my new mission! With INOA and their ammonia-free formula, I’m looking forward to a healthy, shiny, hair transformation!

Follow the countdown to brunette on Makeup Artist Backstage and check back for the results!

Products featured in this post may have been received complimentary for review from a public relations professional. Please view our DISCLOSURE page for more information.
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About The Author

Victoria Stiles is a make-up artist from Washington, DC working in New York and worldwide for commercial print, editorial fashion, red carpet events and weddings. Victoria’s client roster includes celebrities Roberta Flack, Jordin Sparks, Real Housewives of New York’s Jill Zarin, and publications Glamour, O Magazine, Vogue, Surface, Virginia Living, and Washingtonian. Stiles’ expertise in make-up is frequently called upon by local and National publications. Recent articles in Washingtonian, Real Simple, Women’s Health, American Baby, and Northern Virginia Magazine showcases and quotes her knowledge in make-up and labels her as an industry leader.

In addition to artistry, Stiles is a presenter for The Powder Group-- an organization uniting makeup artists worldwide with relevant industry information and career guidance. She has presented seminars nationally at The Artist Summit and The Makeup Shows.

Follow her on Twitter @victoriastiles and add her on other social media networks here.
www.VictoriaStiles.com

Product Review: Karmin G3 Flat Iron

Victoria — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:07:28 +0000

Recently I was introduced to the Karmin G3 Salon Pro Ceramic Flat Iron. This product is fabulous for a quick straightening with smooth, silky results! In hot tools, I look for a product that not only heats up quickly but also does the job in a quick manner. This product does both!

Key features of the Karmin G3 Salon Pro Ceramic Flat Iron:
1. Genuine ceramic plates infused with tourmaline crystals
2. Infrared heat technology for a long lasting hair styling result
3. Variable heat settings that allow for perfect usage on all types of hair
4. Micro chip temperature control for flash-quick heating
5. Fast heat up to 420°F
6. Multi-functional features that enable different hair styles such as curling, flipping, and creating waves
7. 360 degree swivel cord to prevent tangling
8. Three year limited warranty

The benefits of using this flat iron by Karmin include:
1. Causes less damage to hair due to ceramic and tourmaline properties
2. Enables long lasting results due to infrared heat technology
3. Prevents bacteria and fungi as a result of ionic properties
4. Seals in hair’s natural oils and locks in moisture by virtue of its ion field and micro porous elements

This product can be purchased at a variety of leading retailers, including Folica.com, MyHairStylingTools.com, SalonHive.com, Giell.com, MySalonTools.com, ProfessionalHairTools.com, FlatironExperts.com, HairShearsPro.com, HairProductsPro.com

Backstage: Carmen Marc Valvo S/S 2011

Shiri — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 02:49:39 +0000

Carmen Marc Valvo designs for the red carpet evokes a 1960′s glamor in his new spring collection. Valvo joined famed celebrity hair stylist Ted Gibson as well as Romero Jennings for MAC to design the beauty looks for the show. I chatted with them backstage for a sneak peak at award season, spring trends and more.

HAIR: Ted Gibson reinvents the chignon once again – his now signature textured chignons are his style staple and rule the runways. The chignon can be traced to Ancient Greece – but for this “Camelot-inspired’ collection, according to the designer, this chignon is perhaps more rooted in the association with French elegance. And this collection was absolutely elegant! I wanted to scream “Bravo” as each model walked down the runway.

There was a little whimsy in this texturized reinterpretation of the chignon and a bit of the ends were left unsecured – giving it a more modern feel.

Only two products were used to create the look backstage: Ted Gibson Beautiful Hold Hairspray and Ted Gibson Just Build It Blow Drying Agent. No need for Aqua Net to keep these buns in place!

MAKEUP: Romero Jennings for MAC shared with me what’s hot right now:
IN: Bold Eyes
OUT: Strong Lips

Play up eyes with a palette inspired from the sea in teals and blues and get ready to bring back shimmer! His go-to item this season: new MAC Mega Metal Shadow in Dalliance. He used this generously all over the eyes and in the inner corners. He then opted for MACs Cream Shadow Quad in Lite Brite/Derailed ; Plum-ing / Washed Out.

Lips are nude in MAC Lip Colour in Super and cheeks are “just pinched” – a look we saw at many of the shows this season.

NAILS: MAC custom-blended a polish just for the show – it was a nude color that will not be offered at retail – don’t you hate that??

So get ready to glam up those eyes and pull back your hair this spring with looks straight from the runway.

Check out this BACKSTAGE Video by Shiri Sarfati filmed by Lawrence Aaaron Markovitz

Photos in this post: Lawrence Aaron Markovitz
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About Shiri

Shiri Sarfati is a beauty industry expert. She holds a Masters Degree in Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing and Management from The Fashion Institute of Technology, as well as a Bachelor of from Columbia University, Barnard College. When she’s not blogging, she works with top salon and spas around the world with Repechage, her family business. She has been featured and quoted in The New York Times, Women’s Wear Daily, and SpaWeek Daily and appeared on FOX and CBS.

Follow her on Twitter @SpaHeiress
She also blogs on LydiaSarfati.com as well as her own blog spaheiress.blogspot.com.

Which Bridal Hairstyle Do You Like Best? And, Yes, Suave Humidity Defying Hairspray Works

Victoria — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 10:00:14 +0000

Suave Professionals Weather Protection 365, Humidity Defying Hairspray was used to tame flyaways on Amber’s down hairstyle in photo #2. I coated each section of hair, used a 1″ curling iron, let each section cool, then gently fingered out the waves. Without the product from Suave, this 90+ degree heat we’re experiencing in Washington, DC would wreck our beautiful down-hairstyle, shown in photo #2.

But, one question remains, which look better suits her for her upcoming big day. Tell me, which do you prefer? Leave your answer in the comments section of this post and help Amber choose her style!

Get This Hot Summer Look: Kristen Stewart Messy Ponytail

Victoria — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:00:35 +0000

It’s the hottest trend this summer, the messy “salt-water” inspired ponytail. K-Stew wore it to the MTV Movie Awards this year but I first noticed this look backstage at Lela Rose for Spring/Summer 2010.

The master at celebrity hair, Ted Gibson, was the key stylist backstage at Lela Rose Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2010.

Check out this backstage video from Lela Rose with Ted Gibson and his creation for the show– messy inspired ponytail style. Now you too can get this hot look!

MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Flirty Curl Hairstyles

Victoria — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 19:54:11 +0000

Young Hollywood rocked fabulous, flirty curls at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards. On a night where anything goes and celebs kick their personal style up a notch – these ladies did not disappoint. Nikki Reed, Anna Kendrick, Vanessa Hudgens and Scarlett Johansson strutted down the red carpet with cool, curl perfection.

Beach waves is the big trend this summer, and I’m not talking about the ocean! Make a splash and get A-list locks with Ouidad Styling Mist. Styling Mist is a light spray designed with a dual purpose – to hold a style in place and as a setting spray to secure strands in a specific pattern. Designed for long-lasting hold while allowing for movement and is never sticky – Styling Mist keeps curls famously flawless all night long– perfect for any summer event!

Ouidad is available at www.ouidad.com and at certified Ouidad Salons, Sephora stores and Sephora.com.

Photos: justjared.buzznet.com

Jason Backe at Ted Gibson Salon: Look Like A Celebrity

Victoria — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:46:42 +0000

We all go through hair A.D.D., one day we love, the next day we hate. For me, I just could not find a groove with my current style. I liked it but it didn’t “wow” me. I’ve been in limbo for a while now figuring out what looks best with my pinkish skin tone and big brown eyes.

During Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week Media Mixer in February, I bumped into Ted Gibson and Jason Backe, two big power players in the business of celebrity hair styling and owners of the infamous Ted Gibson Salons in New York and Washington, DC. Jason saw how frustrated I was with my current hairstyle. From the intense look in his eyes, I could see he had big plans for my limp locks. Jason invited me to visit one of the salon’s two locations for an update.

Last week, I took him up on the offer…check out my video before, during, and after process using INOA L’Oréal’s new revolutionary color process with a fabulous new hair style by Devin Toth at the Ted Gibson Salon in NYC.

You may not be a celebrity, but you can look like one at Ted Gibson Salons.

Follow @TedGibson and @JasonHueman on Twitter!

Sebastian Volupt Spray: Get Big Hair

Victoria — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 21:15:27 +0000

Every woman wants full and sexy hair, right? But how does one achieve a voluminous look with naturally limp, straight hair (like mine)? Total Beauty sent me a free bottle of Sebastian Volupt Spray to try out. I have to say, the results were amazing! I went the extra step this past week and purchased the Sebastian Volupt Shampoo and Conditioner to test with the Volupt Spray. Check out my big-hair-how-to and results!

BEFORE SEBASTIAN VOLUPT SPRAY

AFTER SEBASTIAN VOLUPT SPRAY

The Sebastian Volupt Spray is not a finishing spray. You apply this product to damp hair before blow-drying.

PREP HAIR

1. Wash hair with Sebastian Volupt Shampoo and Conditioner

2. Towel dry hair

3. Apply the Sebastian Volupt Spray from root to tip of hair and massage through

4. For curly hair, air dry to enhance waves and curls

5. Straight hair, follow my direction below for a sexy voluptuous blow-out!

STEP ONE

I have bangs, so I like to dry and style them first so they do not dry weird.

STEP TWO

Start the styling process from the bottom up. My hair is not that thick so I just divide my hair in half and work my way up to the crown. Round brush and blow dry from the root out.

STEP THREE

Continuing round brush blow-dry in sections. Lift the section straight up from the root as you are drying, especially around the crown.

Finger through your hair to style, not to disturb the shape and volume created by this process. Finish hair with Sebastian’s Shaper Zero Gravity– a product that is not too heavy but firm enough to hold the style and control flyways.

FINISHED!

For more information on Sebastian products, please visit www.SebastianProfessional.com

SAG Awards Style with Lucie Doughty: Julie Benz Hair

Victoria — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:00:42 +0000

Rain didn’t put a damper on this romantic updo – Dexter star Julie Benz’s curls stayed true on the 2010 SAG Awards red carpet thanks to Paul Mitchell Editorial Director, Lucie Doughty. Here’s how she created this flirty look:

“First, I applied Extra-Body Sculpting Foam for all-over lift. Then, I protected the hair prior to heat styling with Hot Off The Press and created ringlets with a curling iron. I brushed out the curls, pinned them to the side, and finished with Extra-Body Finishing Spray – one of Julie’s favorites.”

Paul Mitchell Extra-Body Sculpting Foam ($9.50)
Express Ion Curl 1.0 ($100)
Hot Off The Press ($14.95)
Extra-Body Finishing Spray ($14.95)
Available at professional salons only.

Visit PaulMitchell.com or call 1.800.321.JPMS for locations.

Diane Kruger At The People’s Choice Awards: Beach Waves Hairstyle by Richard Marin

Victoria — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:46:03 +0000

DIANE CATCHES A WAVE AT THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS

Leading lady Diane Kruger hit the red carpet at the 2010 People’s Choice Awards in a curve-hugging Hervé Léger dress and a curvaceous ‘do to match. Celebrity hairstylist Richard Marin let us in on how he created her perfectly undone beach waves in just five easy steps:

Start by spraying sea salt texturizer in hair.

Blow dry with the diffuser attachment on the Remington Professional Dryer with hair flipped over for maximum volume. Do NOT run your hands through hair while drying as this will cause frizz. Dry 90% of the way and air dry the rest.

Next, use the Remington T-Studio Heated-Clip Rollers, alternately curling sections of hair with a 1 inch roller and 1 ¼ inch roller until the entire head is set.

Unroll when cool and shake your head around A LOT to tousle the curls.

Amp up the volume with a dry spray shampoo, and finish off the look with a spritz of hairspray to control flyaways. Shake, spray, shake some more, and you’re out the door!

Remington Professional Dryer is available exclusively at Walmart for $50.

Remington T-Studio Heated-Clip Rollers are available at Target and Walmart for $44.99.