Interview and Q&A

2011 Skin Care Tips: Dermatologist Brandith Irwin Exclusive!

May 6, 2011

Seattle dermatologist Dr. Brandith Irwin is well known for her SkinTour.com site, as well as her book THE SURGERY-FREE MAKEOVER: All You Need to Know for Great Skin and a Younger Face. Today, Dr. Irwin has provided three skin care tips exclusively for Raging Rouge readers!

1) What is the best method for conquering rosacea?

I really recommend a 3 pronged approach. Control dietary and lifestyle triggers, use a prescription rosacea cream like Metrocream, Noritate or Finacea every night, and lastly use the correct lasers to control flushing and dilated veins. There are other things that can be done but these are the basics to begin with.

There is a lot out there on dietary triggers. See AAD.org for help. Your dermatologist can help you with the best prescription cream for you and laser options.

2) What treatments should be used to fade hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is a very complicated issue because some of it is driven by hormones, some by sun exposure and some by inflammation (the type that occurs after acne. In my opinion, the drugstore remedies really do not work well unless the pigment problem is very mild. We use a combination of lifestyle changes, controlling relevant skin diseases, sunscreens (look for zinc 10% or higher), antioxidants, changes in hormones, prescription creams and lasers.

3) Which is best for sun protection, physical or chemical sunscreen? Why?

I think the physical blocks generally are better because they don’t degrade on exposure to light. Some of the chemical sunscreens now have “stabilizers” in them which help keep them more active. It’s easier than it used to be to find physical blocks with zinc or titanium that aren’t chalky. Some are tinted nicely and are almost like a moisturizer with sunscreen and light coverage. For example, the DermaQuest ZinClear isn’t too chalky and comes in a tinted version as well. For a good chemical sunscreen try the La Roche Posay Anthelios with mexoryl.

Filed Under: Interview and Q&A, Spring

Home Exfoliation Tips 2011: Skyy Hadley Weighs In!

April 20, 2011

I couldn’t be more thrilled to be waving to Winter’s crazy weather while looking through my rear-view mirror. But Winter isn’t truly over until the side-effects of the season are gone. Eliminating all of the dry, damaged skin left behind is turning out to be quite a daunting task! Here are some budget-friendly home exfoliation tips for 2011 from Skyy Hadley, owner of the As “U” Wish Nail Spa in Hoboken, NJ. These at-home cures for dry peeling skin can be whipped up right in your kitchen!

FACE:

Give yourself an at home microdermabrasion treatment before bed by mixing half a cup of sugar with water until a paste forms and rub it onto your face in small circles. Rinse and apply your favorite night cream. You’ll wake up in the morning with younger looking, glowing skin!

BODY:

Use an exfoliating sugar scrub in the shower once a week to remove dead skin from your entire body. You can make this in your kitchen by mixing about a cup of brown sugar with a ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Rub all over your body and rinse. When you step out of the shower, remember to treat yourself to a Shea Butter application. Shea Butter is soothing and moisturizing and helps cell regeneration, which aids in healing dry skin.

FEET:

Winter can cause dry calluses on your heels. Try my Meals for the Heels Mask once every two weeks for sandal ready feet! Mix one cup of plain oatmeal and a 1/2 cup of whole milk in a pot and heat over the stove, stirring until cooked. Add a bit of sugar to thicken the mixture and then let it cool off. When the mixture thickens, apply a generous layer to your heels, cover with clear plastic wrap and leave on for 5 – 10 minutes. The oatmeal soothes dry, itchy or irritated skin while the milk acts as an exfoliant to help get rid of dry and dead skin cells. Finish off by moisturizing some pure shea butter into your heals. If you do this at night you can slip on warm socks to lock in the moisture for ultra smooth feet in the morning!

Filed Under: Interview and Q&A, Spring

10 Makeup Commandments by Paula Begoun

April 8, 2011

Paula Begoun, paula begoun's favorite beauty products, Cosmetics Cop, paula begoun's favorite beauty products, makeup, beauty, cosmetics, beauty cop, recession beauty Beauty consumers everywhere swear by the advice of famed “Cosmetics Cop” Paula Begoun. With permission from Paula, I am republishing her list of “10 Makeup Commandments” for your reading pleasure. Don’t foget to check out her book, Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me, and her online resource: Beautypedia.com.

10 Makeup Commandments by Paula Begoun:

1. Expensive Doesn’t Mean Better! There are good and bad products in all price categories, and there are brilliant inexpensive products you should absolutely consider before going for the expensive stuff.

2. Shop With A Clean Slate! If you plan to test foundation or concealer, visit the store or salon with a clean, bare face that’s prepped for makeup application, or be willing to take off the makeup you have on.

3. The Right Light is Key! Always check foundation, concealer and powder colors in natural light. Department store lighting is deceiving; what looks perfect under artificial light can look glaringly wrong in broad daylight.

4. Tone Down the Shine! Be careful with shiny blush and eyeshadow. Generally, for daytime makeup, a blush with a matte finish or just a hint of sheen works best. Shinier makeup is best reserved for evening use or special occasions.

5. It’s All in the Tools! Whenever possible, test powder-based products (e.g., blush, eyeshadow) with the appropriate brushes. Avoid sponge-tip applicators for eyeshadows and those cheap, super-tiny brushes often packaged with powder blushes.

6. Protect Those Peepers & Lips! Never test mascara or liquid eyeliner in the store. Even if the brand offers disposable applicators, you don’t know how many people have double-dipped, how old the testers are, or how contaminated they may be. We know it’s a pain, but for the health of your eyes, it’s best to purchase these products and test them at home. The same is true when it comes to lip glosses. Most glosses have sponge-tip or brush applicators that can harbor germs from other people. It’s best to swipe the gloss on the top of your hand so you can get a sense of how the color “reads” on your skin and can assess its texture and finish.

7. Smack On Lips, Not Germs! Before you test a lipstick on your lips, have a salesperson sanitize it for you with an alcohol-based spray. Lipsticks at the counter can become contaminated with germs and microbes that you don’t want near your mouth. No alcohol spray? Then wipe off several layers of lipstick with a clean tissue or have the sales associate “shave” off the top portion of the lipstick with a disposable spatula.

8. Take Cues from the Pros! See a cosmetics salesperson whose makeup you admire? Ask them for application tips, especially if their skin tone is similar to yours. Chances are good you’ll pick up some great tips and begin to feel more confident about selecting the best colors for your needs.

9. When In Doubt, Take It Back and Try Again! If you buy a product that doesn’t work for you, don’t be afraid to take it back. Almost all drugstores and mass-market stores (think Rite Aid and Wal-Mart) will provide a complete refund on cosmetics purchases if you have the receipt—even if the item has been used.

10. Bye, Bye Blues! Lastly, as stated in Paula’s first book, Blue Eyeshadow Should Be Illegal, AVOID blue eyeshadow. Unless it’s a deep navy, which can almost pass for black, most shades of blue are difficult to work with. Plus, they do not play up blue eyes; actually, the opposite is true. The same goes for any eyeshadow shade that’s too colorful, including orange, green, fuchsia, teal and especially red, which can make your eye area look inflamed rather than attractive. Not ready to give up such shades? Think of the fashion magazine covers you’ve admired, and then ask yourself: How many of those models or celebrities were sporting bright, colorful eye designs?

Filed Under: Interview and Q&A, Makeup Application Tips And Tricks, Spring

Jemma Kidd’s Romantic Red Lips for Valentine’s Day

February 2, 2011

jemma kidd, romantic red lips, valentine's day What a special treat, readers! Today, the fabulous Jemma Kidd brings us her personal tips for achieving the sexiest red lips for Valentine’s Day!

Application:
- No lipstick looks good on chapped lips and some matte lipsticks dry lips even more. Keep lips smooth and moisturized with a balm containing natural oils, such as beeswax, and SPF. If you have chapped lips, apply balm and after a few minutes massage gently with a soft toothbrush or muslin cloth.

- Dab foundation around the lip are and over the lip itself. It will tone down any redness and ensures the line of the lips will be sharp and defined.

- Use a matching waxy lipliner to prevent any bleed around the lips. Spend time drawing the outline, making sure the lips are completely symmetrical and the bow is even. An uneven top lip shows up with red lipstick more than any other color. Start at the V of the Cupid’s bow and take the liner right into the corners.

- Fill in the lip with the pencil to hold the lipstick in place and make it last longer. Go over the pencil color with a lip brush, working it into any creases.

- Paint on the lipstick using a lip brush for precision, starting in one corner and working inward. Use the tip of the brush for the edges and the flat of the brush for larger areas. Blot with a tissue and apply another coat.

- Add a dab of gloss in a clear or slightly lighter shade at the center of the lower lip and press your lips together. High-shine glossy lips create instant glamour, make the lips look fuller, and draw attention to your mouth-a luscious evening look.

Attitude:
- Red lips spell grown-up glamour and should be worn with confidence.

- Hair color is irrelevant when choosing the right shade of red – it’s skin tone that counts. Pink tones are best suited to cooler “blue reds,” while darker, Mediterranean, and Asian skins are better suited to “orange reds.”

- Deep, plumy reds look fantastic on dark skin, cool blue-based reds suit pink-toned and pale skin, while orange-based reds are less draining on a warmer complexion (but make sure it doesn’t accentuate any redness in your cheeks).

- Red lips will be the focus, so keep the rest of your make-up minimal.

- A red-tinted lipgloss will give a more subtle effect.

- Try not to touch your mouth so you don’t risk smudging the lipstick. Matte finishes are more resistant to smudging than gloss.

“Lip color is one of the most fun and accessible areas of make-up, and also one of the most noticeable. From pretty and natural through classic and sophisticated to glamorous and vampish, how we make up our lips can change our mood in an instant”

Filed Under: Interview and Q&A, Makeup Application Tips And Tricks, Spring

The Best 100 Skin Care Products: Picked By A Pro!

December 31, 2010

Ok… this post is a wee bit late , but Dr. Brandith Irwin’s “top 100″ skin care picks for the holidays is still interesting reading. After all, it isn’t every day you get to read a laundry list of the most effective skin care products, selected by a dermatologist!

So today, rather than post my own review, I’m going to simply point you in the direction of Dr. Irwin’s Top 100 Skin Care Products for the 2010 Holidays posted on her website, SkinTour.com.

For a wee sneak peek, some of Dr. Irwin’s selections were:
     •    Wrinkle Repair and Anti-Aging: SkinMedica’s Retinol Complex and SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
     •    Oil Control and Acne Care: Vivite Exfoliating Facial Cleanser and Solvere Acne Clearing Gel
     •    Sunscreens: Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 Pump and Colorescience Powder Sunscreen
     •    Moisturizers: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel Moisturizer and DDF Ultralight Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew
     •    Cleansers: Topix Citrix Antioxidant Cleanser and Vanicream Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser
     •    Eye Creams: SkinMedica TNS Night Eye Repair and Cellex-C Eye Contour Cream Plus
     •    Natural and Organic Products: Eminence Lemon Cleanser and Eminence Blueberry Soy Night Recovery Cream
     •    Body Care: Avene Akerat Body Lotion and Eminence Cranberry Pomegranate Sugar Scrub

Dr. Irwin is unusual among prominent dermatologists in that she has no financial ties to any line of skin care products or laser company. She does not sit on any boards, act as a spokesperson, accept any fees, or endorse any line of cosmetics. She is a board certified dermatologist who practices in Seattle at the clinic she founded, Madison Skin & Laser Center. Her most recent book is The Surgery-Free Makeover: All You Need to Know for Great Skin and a Younger Face.

“Dr. Irwin is one of the few independent voices in the medical world today who can help consumers make educated decisions about procedures and medical options so they can stay as young as they can for as long as they can,” says Paula Begoun, author of Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me and a consumer skin care product advocate.

Filed Under: Beauty News, Holiday, Interview and Q&A

The Skin-ny On Skin Cancer: Dr. Amy Wechsler

June 28, 2010

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Readers, today I have a special treat for you! Dr. Amy Wechsler–a New York Dermatologist and author of The Mind-Beauty Connection–offers some sage advice on sun protection. Words to live by!

Did You Know…
-          Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US
-          Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer, combined
-          One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
-          More than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US each year

Skin cancer is on the rise due to everything from the invention of tanning beds to global warming, which has depleted the upper atmosphere’s protective ozone layer. Fortunately there are ways you can protect yourself:

Always seek shade. It reduces UV by 50 to 95 percent. Avoidance is your number-one tactic, especially between ten in the morning and four in the afternoon, and near reflective surfaces (sand, water, snow). Even when it’s overcast, 80 percent of UV rays zips through the clouds. (In fact, you should even wear sunscreen when sitting in a window seat on a plane)

Cover your body. You’re thinking, who in their right mind wears a lot of clothes by the pool? Or on a hike? Be creative. At the beach, when you’re not in the water, wrap a beach towel around your lower half, put on a tee shirt and wear a wide-brimmed hat. For sports, invest in a few pieces of lightweight clothing especially made with an ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF. A UPF of 50 means only one-fifth of the sun’s rays pass through it. Or use a laundry product with TinosorbFD to increase the UPF of your clothes; it will last through repeated washings.

Think one teaspoon, two shot glasses. Slather on sunscreen…apply one teaspoon’s worth of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (which filters out 97 percent of UVB rays) on the face and at least three ounces, two shot glasses full, on the body. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and contains at least 9 percent invisible zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, such as Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen. Anthelios XL 50 Fluide Extreme (made by La Roche-Posay) is another good one for the face.

Sunscreen Tips:
-          Apply sunscreen indoors, about thirty minutes before you go out in the sun
-          Ignore promises of “all-day protection” and “water resistant”; they are not reliable. Reapply all sunscreens at least every two to three hours and right after sweating or swimming
-          There’s an expiration date on sunscreens. Check it and toss old ones
-          Don’t store sunscreens in the glove compartment of your car – heat degrades them
-          Don’t forget to protect the lips, hands and ears. Those are common areas for skin cancer that people forget about

Screening. Be proactive about scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist if you’ve never been to one, and be diligent about regular, once yearly checkups to have a complete body exam. It’s also important to screen for funny, changing spots or moles at home.

ABCs to identification:
-          Asymmetry – half of the spot doesn’t match or look like the other half
-          Borders that are irregular – ragged, notched, or blurred around the edges
-          Color changes – say, from tan to black or red to blueish
-          Diameter – anything larger than a pencil eraser (6 millimeters) should be scrutinized, in addition to anything that’s started growing.

*When in doubt, get it checked out

To schedule a visit with Dr. Wechsler, click HERE to head to her website.

Filed Under: Interview and Q&A, Summer

How To Ace Your Special Occasion Updo!

June 23, 2010

Wedding season is in full swing! Here to answer the age-old question “How am I going to do my hair?” is Latrice Strader, master hair stylist & owner of Washington D.C. based salon and spa, Destiny De’ve. Latrice knows how stressful an up do appointment can be, and offers a few simple tips to make sure your up do’s don’t turn into do up don’ts!

Down and Dirty: There is some prep work that you should be aware of before getting your up do. You may want to be fresh and clean when you go to the salon, but try to resist the urge to wash your hair the day of your up do. “Hair that’s a day or two old is easier to work with,” says Latrice. “When hair is too soft, it doesn’t hold curls or tease as well.” When planning for a glam hair style, forget the rule “lather, rinse and repeat!”

Avoid a Wardrobe Malfunction: Wear a button-up shirt or a top with a loose fitting neck when you go in for your appointment. There’s nothing worse than trying to maneuver out of a small neck hole while keeping your tresses in tact! “Some women are so distracted with everything else on their mind that they don’t think about the shirt they are putting on over their head the morning of an up do,” says Latrice. Stick with an easily escapable top, or you might end up having to cut yourself out of one of your favorite blouses!

Think Total Package: Make sure you consider your entire look when selecting an up do. Although choosing a hairstyle based on your face shape or hair-type are both effective techniques, don’t forget to factor in what you will be wearing for that special occasion. Think about the top of your dress and what would flatter it the most. “Strapless gowns generally look nice with some romantic waves or loose curls hanging down, whereas dresses with busy tops would look the best paired with a French twist or sleek pompadour ponytail,” advises Latrice. Do a run-through by fixing your own hair as close to how you want it as you can, along with trying on your complete ensemble (shoes, bag, jewelry, the works), to see the whole picture. You may discover everything doesn’t fit together quite like it does in your head, and you’ll want to be able to rethink things ahead of time.

Don’t be afraid of hair accessories: Never underestimate the power of a well-placed accessory. If you see a piece in a store or magazine that attracts you, ask your stylist if it can be incorporated into your up do. Again, think total package. “If the rest of your look is simple, playing up your face with a stunning flower or sophisticated headband can add some high drama to your look,” says Latrice. But just don’t go overboard. You want one show piece that’s going to stand out, so don’t do this if you already plan on wearing an elaborate dress, necklace or other attention-grabbing piece. Simplicity is the key here.

Inject some personality: You should still look like yourself (albeit an even more devastatingly beautiful version of yourself) for your special occasion, so try to incorporate some of your own personal style. “If you always wear your hair down, maybe try an up do with a part that has some face-framing locks falling down,” Latrice says. “This way it’s similar to your typical look, but with some added glamour.” You will have pictures from this event for the rest of your life, so you probably want to be able to recognize yourself in them. Not only is it important to look like you, but also if you have an up do that fits your personality, you’re more likely to feel beautiful, and therefore more likely to work it!

Honesty is the best policy: If you are not 100% happy with your up do, don’t keep it a secret from your stylist (chances are he/she can tell just by looking at your face). Let them know how you really feel so they can make changes before it’s too late! “You may not want to sound rude or demanding, but your stylist would rather know if things aren’t looking like you imagined,” says Latrice. “They will be able to adjust the up do for you better in the salon than you will be able to do yourself at home.” That being said, keep in mind up dos are works in progress, and may look a little crazy at some points. Feel free to ask questions if something concerns you, but remember that an up do generally doesn’t look chic and polished until the very end, when the final spritzing and smoothing is administered.

Meet Master Hair Stylist & Owner of Destiny De’ve, Latrice Strader
Latrice Strader, a native Washingtonian, is the owner/master stylist of Destiny De’Ve Salon and Spa located in the revitalized neighborhood of Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C. Latrice began her career as a stylist by enrolling in her high school’s cosmetology program. During the summer months she worked as an assistant to master stylists which help her to perfect her craft. Latrice graduated from high school as a stylist and began working on historic U Street. During her 12 year tenure, Latrice built a reputation for her expertise in multi-cultural styling and fashion forward styles that demand attention.

Filed Under: Hair Care, Interview and Q&A, Summer

Pink Makeup Fun, Courtesy Of Brett Freedman!

June 22, 2010

If there ever was a season for color, spring would be PINK’s time in the sun! Want to add this natural blushing hue into your makeup arsenal this spring? Here are tips from celeb makeup artist Brett Freedman:

PINK cheeks: Brett hearts PosieTint, a poppy pink cheek stain from Benefit. Dab on apples of cheeks and sweep upward and back toward the temples. A little dab on chin gives an uber natural radiance.

PINK lips: To balance the cheek stain, try a soft pink on lips with Brett’s own Vanitymark Dr. KISS satin finish lip balm. Though the balm is baby blue, it has 4% of that ‘mood lipstick’ ingredient to give lips a little lift of pink color. It’s your personal, customized pink shade!

PINK eyes: What makes pink so healthy on the face can actually work against you around the eyes. The key here is to stay in the family of the pink tone, but with a more solid shade as a base – like taupes with pink undertones. Try this springy custom MAC trio of colors from the hot new Liberty of London collection:

Lid: Give me Liberty of London – a creamy matte shade to set the stage.
Crease: Bough Grey – work from outer corner and sweep arching up and inward. This mid tone should fade to sheer after mid eye.
Shimmery highlight: Dames Desire – Using a tight brush moistened with water, use the shadow as an eyeliner very close to lash line around eye, top and bottom. Set against the matte lid this light catching lilac shadow gives great definition by using light reflective shimmer, not dark pigments.
PINK lashes: Continue the unique, subtle pink hues through to lashes with Givenchy’s Phenomenon mascara in Plum. Curl lashes and apply mascara to top and bottom lashes. Brett’s tip: curl lashes after mascara dries to give extra pop. When using lighter, subtle shadows it’s important to keep lashes very bold and crisp.

Filed Under: Eye Makeup Ideas, Interview and Q&A, Spring

Medical Facials vs. Spa Facials: Which To Choose?

May 10, 2010

medical facial vs. spa facial, beauty blog, makeup blog, cosmetics blog, beauty news, makeup reviews, cosmetics reviews, product reviews

An emerging trend in the world of skin care: more and more people are heading to the doctor’s office for a facial, and skipping their favorite spa. I recently caught up with Dr. Colon of The Peer Group Center for Plastic Surgery in Florham Park, NJ. He was kind enough to shed some light on this phenomena, and explain what medical treatments are used to combat hyperpigmentation, rosacea and signs of aging. Read on!

Q: Why should women opt to visit a medical professional for a facial, instead of a spa?

A: When choosing a medical vs. a nonmedical spa you need to ask yourself an important question. What do you want out of this facial treatment? If your main goal is an hour of rest, relaxation and a facial massage, then the non medical spas have the edge. There is certainly nothing wrong with it. If you are more concerned with the treatment of a particular problem ( i.e.-hyper pigmentation, wrinkles, aging…) then the medical skin care centers are the best option. These facilities measure success based more on patient outcomes and not so much on the “spa” experience. The approach tends to be more methodical and specialists are on site when needed. They can offer a wide variety of options. Skin care programs with more effective dosages can be prescribed when needed and treatments like peels, Botox, fillers, and lasers are readily available.

Some centers have tried to blur these lines with medical practices trying to be more “spa” like and non medical centers having doctors come in a few days a month. This can be confusing to patients. In general, when looking for a medical skin care center, you should approach it as if you were looking for a doctor- referrals from physicians, check the training and certification of the aestheticians, speak with friends with good outcomes… do your research.

Q: What are the most common treatments that patients seek when visiting your clinic?

A: Facial treatments to minimize the changes associated with aging tend to be the most common services offered. These include peels, microdermabrasion and other exfoliating procedures. Physicians are available for Botox and filler treatments which have become very popular over the last several years.

Q: Are “medical facials” more expensive than “spa facials”?

A: Interestingly, even though facials done in medical facilities tend to be more effective and often use “medical” grade treatments, they can be less expensive than the spa. Call and find out for yourself. Remember that at the spa you are paying more for the “experience” than the final outcome.

Q: What treatment do you recommend for hyperpigmentation?

A: There are different treatments available for hyperpigmentation from bleaching creams for home use to laser light treatments. A trained professional should evaluate you and decide a treatment plan that would be right for you based on multiple factors, including your skin type and lifestyle.

Q: What treatment do you recommend for rosacea?

A: Specific skin care products have been formulated for Rosacea patients. These topical treatments help alleviate redness and inflammation as they protect and help prevent further damage. Laser light treatments are also recommended for rosacea. Since this condition transcends skin types, you should be evaluated by a trained professional for a personal skin care plan based on multiple factors.

Q: What treatment do you recommend to combat fine lines, or other signs of aging?

A: The treatment of facial wrinkles is at times more complex than people realize. The starting point should be a good and effective home care program to prevent new wrinkles and improve skin texture and circulation. Simple lifestyle changes such as the use of sunblock and moisturizers can be very effective. Skin resurfacing treatments are often classified according to the depth to which they penetrate into the skin. Very fine superficial lines can be improved with non invasive procedures such as microdermabrasion, peels and laser resurfacing, which have minimal to no downtime. Deeper lines require treatments that have an effect on the deeper layers of the skin—chemical peels, lasers, injectables such as Botox are very effective in treating lines caused by thick hyperactive muscles ( frown lines or smile lines around the eyes…)

For more information, or to contact the doctor yourself, visit PeerGroupNJ.com/.

Filed Under: Interview and Q&A, Skin Care

Hair Stylin’ And Profilin’: Q&A With Tippi Shorter

April 13, 2010

Freshly back from touring with Alicia Keys, Tippi Shorter is a very busy woman! Not only does she style the hair of celebs like Alicia, Rihanna and Jennifer Hudson… but she was recently appointed as a Global Stylist Adviser at beauty-giant Avon. Here is some advice straight from Tippi… Hope you enjoy it, readers!

What are your top must-have hair products and tools?
Serum – Avon Advanced Techniques Anti-Frizz Capsules
Deep Conditioner – Ojon Restorative Treatment
Pomade – Bedhead Stick
Hairspray – Pantene Ice Shine

What style do you never want to see again?
The half-head shave! I’m not sure how this trend picked up but I can’t wait to see it go away.

What does your role of Avon Global Stylist Adviser entail?
I love my new position at Avon! Beyond shopping their awesome product closet, I help create the trend reports and provide styling tips. I love being associated with a company that shares my values and believes in empowering women.

What treatment do you recommend for your own celeb clients?
I love warming up a towel in the microwave, adding some conditioning treatment, and then wrapping hair up. Locks will be deeply moisturized and nourished.

What’s the top hair trend for Spring 2010?
Variations on the bob is so big right now. Forget the 20’s Flapper version – the modern bob can be anywhere from the nape of the neck to the top of the shoulders. It’s all about personalizing the bob for your own face shape, hair texture, etc.

What’s the biggest hair mistake?
Not getting regular trims.

Filed Under: Hair Care, Interview and Q&A