Swinging from the Chandelier: Carolee Diamond Shape Chandelier Earrings

I frequent online shopping sites. Gilt, Rue La La, HauteLook ... each one brings something different and special to the table. But whenever I want gorgeous jewelry by both upcoming and established designers alike, I turn to ideeli.

Such was the case with the Carolee earrings I bought recently. I was on the hunt for chandelier earrings that would coexist peacefully alongside most of my wardrobe -- and these most definitely did the trick. A mix of pink and purple stones, hanging in a triangular design from gleaming gold, perfectly accompany everything from white tees to floaty cocktail dresses.

I honestly don't think I could have made a better accessory choice -- especially when you consider the fact that I only paid $25.

If you want to score deals as amazing as the one I got, check out ideeli here.

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Perfectly Purple: NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish

I never meant to cause you any sorrow
I never meant to cause you any pain
I only wanted to one time see you laughing
I only wanted to see you laughing in the purple rain
--Purple Rain, Prince

For years, I've searched for the perfect deep purple nail polish. Some are too black. Some are too purple. Some are too streaky. Some are too metallic. I began to feel like Goldilocks searching for the perfect porridge, perfect chair and perfect bed! But then I came across NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish ... and my lifelong search was finally complete.

This polish is packed with shimmer without feeling overwhelming. It's a true, deep purple -- no evidence of black anywhere in the formula. It glides onto the nail so incredibly easily, leaving behind no streaks whatsoever. It's become my go-to pedicure color -- I absolutely love looking down at my toes!

NARS Purple Rain Nail Polish retails for $16 at narscosmetics.com.

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Minty Fresh: Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub

I must admit, at first I was a bit apprehensive. With its grainy, salt-like texture, Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub did intimidate me. But then I opened the container, and out wafted a smell so invigorating, so intoxicating, I simply had to give it a try.

This lip scrub smells exactly like mint chocolate chip ice cream -- one of my very favorite flavors. The bold scent of peppermint permeates the scrub, which actually comes from the peppermint oil found within. After each use, my lips feel incredibly soft and smooth thanks to both the peppermint oil and the vanilla extract -- there to lock in moisture and nourish even the driest, most chapped of pouts.

I've been using this scrub twice a week and I've definitely noticed a difference! I don't have to apply chapstick as much and my lips are unbelievably soft and kissable, if I do say so myself.

Lush Mint Julips Lip Scrub retails for $8.95 at lush.com.

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The Shower Gel Journey: Victoria’s Secret Lather Me With Love Shimmer Shower Gel & Bubble Bath

Who doesn’t want to feel beautiful? In the midst of wintry days, a bit of sunshine mixed with glamour dispel the blahs and the blues. Victoria’s Secret Lather Me With Love Shimmer Shower Gel & Bubble Bath performs the magical transformation with ease. The bottle glistens with expectation, extending its pearly sheen, beckoning you to encase yourself in its contents. I love the thick gel, scented with a feminine fragrance.

The ingredients are a masterful blend of silk protein, vitamin E and pearl, honey, chocolate and Chardonnay extracts. The result is conditioned skin with a radiant glow.

Victoria’s Secret Lather Me With Love Shimmer Shower Gel & Bubble Bath retails for $16 at victoriassecret.com.

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In Which I Discover the Amazingness of Diffusers: Votivo Honeysuckle Reed Diffuser

When I was young, I discovered honeysuckle. Sweet, fragrant, intoxicating honeysuckle. My next-door neighbor grew honeysuckle along the side of her house, and every summer, I would stoop down and breathe in the incredible aroma. The flower always intrigued me, least of which because you can actually eat it. (I never tried.)

But one thing I've stayed away from until very recently? The diffuser. I've always been a candle person -- for as long as I can remember, they've fascinated me. I've cultivated quite the collection over the years (BURN, Dayna Decker, Diptyque, Tocca the list goes on and on). One of the lines I've always loved, but never realized just how deep the love could go? Votivo.

And now I've discovered the amazingness of, not only diffusers, but Votivo diffusers. The Votivo Honeysuckle Reed Diffuser, to be exact. This diffuser leaves a room smelling exactly as though there were a honeysuckle bush in the room -- and I'm instantly transported back to my childhood in Cleveland.

This diffuser lasts for an incredible four months -- I just have to remember to flip the sticks every few weeks to ensure the scent keeps on going. Believe me, that's not something I'll soon forget!

The Votivo Honeysuckle Reed Diffuser retails for $40 at votivo.com.

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The Best Hand Soaps: Caldrea Ginger Pomelo Hand Soap Liquid

I've always been a fan of luxury hand soaps. Not that there's anything wrong with Softsoap or Dove, but once in awhile a girl's gotta wash up with something a bit more fabulous! So I'm introducing a new series with some of my very favorite hand soaps -- check out Caldrea Ginger Pomelo Hand Soap Liquid after the jump.



Whenever I want a little burst of summer, I reach for Caldrea Ginger Pomelo Hand Soap Liquid. The combination of juicy, citrusy pomelo -- a Tahitian fruit which smells like grapefruit -- with sparkling Asian ginger really makes my nose tingle in the greatest way. There's even a touch of basil essential oil in there for a bit of spiciness.

But what I really love? This hand soap doesn't dry out my mitts. Every time I lather up, they're left feeling so soft and nourished, thanks to ingredients like aloe vera gel, olive oil and a unique blend of essential oils. The scent lingers without feeling cloying, so I just feel happy for hours on end.

Caldrea Ginger Pomelo Hand Soap Liquid retails for $11.99 at drugstore.com.

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The Best Hand Soaps: Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Hand Soap

I've always been a fan of luxury hand soaps. Not that there's anything wrong with Softsoap or Dove, but once in awhile a girl's gotta wash up with something a bit more fabulous! So I'm introducing a new series with some of my very favorite hand soaps -- check out Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Hand Soap after the jump.



Once winter really gets underway, my skin takes a turn for the worse. We're talking seriously parched -- dry, red, cracked, chapped, the works. Luckily, Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Hand Soap has come to the rescue.

Milk soothes the skin, while a combination of coconut and sunflower oils remove all dirt and debris from the day. My favorite ingredient of all time, shea butter, blends with safflower oleosomes to moisturize and renew skin. What does all this mean? My hands are softer, smoother and more revitalized than ever before.

Burt's Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Shea Butter Hand Soap retails for $6.99 at drugstore.com.

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Bing Bang's Black Friday Special: Free Earrings with $45 Purchase!

You'll notice that I really haven't been posting Black Friday deals on this blog. It's not because I haven't heard about a ton of them ... it's just because, honestly, I'm not into the whole craze. I've never woken up at 3am to stand in line at Best Buy or Kohl's or Walmart or any other store to get a TV for $35. But when I saw this deal from one of my favorite jewelry designers, Bing Bang, I simply had to bring it to you!



Just head to shop.bingbangnyc.com tomorrow to take advantage of this amazing deal. Happy shopping!

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The Best Hand Soaps: Glowology Hydrating Hand Wash

I've always been a fan of luxury hand soaps. Not that there's anything wrong with Softsoap or Dove, but once in awhile a girl's gotta wash up with something a bit more fabulous! So I'm introducing a new series with some of my very favorite hand soaps -- check out Glowology Hydrating Hand Wash after the jump.



If ever there were a sweet-smelling hand wash that made me say "Ahhhh," this one is IT. Glowology Hydrating Hand Wash is so decadently fragranced, I find myself washing up multiple times a day just so I can breathe in the gorgeous aroma once more.

This hand soap is formulated for sensitive skin, which is perfect for this beauty chick. Silk protein improves moisture balance and elasticity, and it's packed with vitamins (A, C and E to be exact) to really nourish and penetrate the skin. It's even hypoallergenic, which isn't actually something that concerns me necessarily, but it's nice to know.

Best of all, the 12 oz. size really ensures that I'll be in good hands for many months to come. (Pardon the pun.)

Glowology Hydrating Hand Wash retails for $14 at glowologyskincare.com.

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Favorite Alert: Sara Happ The Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean

I've got a new favorite body scrub, and I'm simply bursting at the seams to tell you about it! It's none other than Sara Happ The Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean.

I've long been a fan of Sara Happ's line of fragrant, delicious lip scrubs. So when I saw a contest on Twitter to win a tub of the brand-new body scrub, I signed up -- and I actually won!

This scrub has exceeded all my expectations. While my legs are usually on the dry, ashy side, they're now soft and gleaming thanks to Kukui nut, macadamia and sweet almond oils packed within the rich formula. The scrub smells absolutely amazing, and I only need about a dime-sized amount per leg -- so it's guaranteed to last me just about forever.

Sara Happ The Body Scrub in Vanilla Bean retails for $46 at b-glowing.com.

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Love Nicki Minaj? Love M.A.C? Then Pink Friday Lipstick is for You.

Musician Nicki Minaj is most certainly one to watch. From her bold makeup looks to her even bolder fashion sense (did you catch her two-toned green-and-blonde hair at the AMAs this past weekend?), she's got a look most women would kill to be able to recreate. And now she's teamed up with M.A.C Cosmetics to launch Pink Friday, a limited-edition lipstick available for just four Fridays at maccosmetics.com/pink4friday! (The shade will first be available this coming Friday, November 26 and retails for $14.50.)

"Pink Friday is my own take on Pink Nouveau, which was my favorite lipstick color for years," Nicki says. Read on to find out even more about this exciting collaboration between Nicki Minaj and M.A.C. in a Q&A she did with the M.A.C team!



Tell us about the inspiration for your new M.A.C Lipstick shade, Pink Friday.
This shade is similar to one I've worn for years by M.A.C but with a little extra zing! I wanted a color that represented female empowerment as well as euphoria. No matter your age, Pink Friday makes you feel like you're the life of the party!

How did you end up collaborating with M.A.C?
I've been wearing M.A.C products since my high school prom. I've always felt like M.A.C represents women of all colors and shades. The day I sat down with them, I was very nervous. This had been my dream for a very long time. Surprisingly, they made me feel right at home. They had researched my pictures, my music, my fans! The staff seemed more like family than coworkers. It was a great experience.

How does it feel to have an exclusive lipstick named for your album and inspired by you and your style?
It feels like a dream come true! To have a company of M.A.C's magnitude get behind my little fantasy world seems surreal.

Who are some of your style icons?
Iman, Naomi Campbell, Donatella Versace, Cyndi Lauper, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson.

How did you come up with the name Pink Friday?
I was talking to management about a promotional campaign to launch the album on the week of Black Friday. We were throwing out words and ideas and he said Pink Friday. I loved it right away but we still didn't have a name for the album. About a week later in the airport I was talking about the album again and I shouted Pink Friday! That's not just a campaign! That's the name of this album! It represents change. the day has been called Black Friday all my life. I wanted to make a splash that week similar to how I've made a splash in hip hop, which has always been male dominated.

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Rebecca Minkoff Sample Sale!

So I may have missed the Rebecca Minkoff sample sale this past week in NYC ... due, of course, to the fact that I'm not spending any money AND because I spent a whopping $650 at the last one. But for my counterparts in Los Angeles and San Francisco, now's your chance! Check out the details for her upcoming sample sales in your cities -- and happy shopping!

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Diane von Furstenberg Sample Sale!

Okay. I'm pretty sure the fashion gods are trying to bankrupt me. First came news of the Alexis Bittar sample sale ... now Diane von Furstenberg. Considering the fact that she is my favorite designer, something tells me I'm going to brave the masses (and yes, there will be masses) to snatch up some of her flattering wrap dresses and tops. Get all the info below -- and happy shopping!

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Haul of the Day: Amazing Forever 21 Clothing! Plus a Video!

I do love me some Forever 21. Yes, you have to scour the racks for hours to find a few items that will work ... but if you're dedicated, it really pays off! Check out what I scored in the video below!



Items featured in the video:

Multi-Color Sequins Top, $24.80 (sorry, in the video I said $27!)
Draped dress, $10.80 (not available online)

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Alexis Bittar Sample Sale!

I'm pretty sure Alexis Bittar is trying to kill me softly by sending me info about the upcoming sample sale today. I. Want. Every. Piece. He. Makes.

In any case, check out the info below -- and happy shopping!

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Bling it Up: Dior Vernis Nail Enamel in Timeless Gold

Looking for a way to add a little sparkle and shine to your holiday season? Dior Vernis Nail Enamel in Timeless Gold sure will do the trick. This sparkling stunner is the most gorgeous shade of liquid gold and is absolutely packed with shimmer. And unlike many other metallic polishes, it doesn't streak at all. On the contrary, it glides effortlessly onto the nail. Two coats are utter perfection.

Dior Vernis Nail Enamel in Timeless Gold retails for $21 at nordstrom.com.

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Cool as a Cucumber: Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes

I love me a cleansing wipe. Seriously, they're the lazy girl's way to clean skin. Truth be told, I don't really wash my face all that much -- it tends to make me break out more and I have bad reactions to a lot of cleansers. But give this beauty chick a cleansing wipe and I'm singing a totally different tune. My latest fave? Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes.

These towelettes are formulated with cucumber, obviously, making them really refreshing and cooling to the skin. But they also contain aloe vera -- so from the second they come in contact with the skin, they're unbelievably nourishing. I love the tingly feeling they produce, too -- my skin just radiates with cleanliness.

My skin is cleaner, brighter and more hydrated since bringing these cleansing wipes into my life. I honestly can't imagine not having them around!

Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes are $2.99 for a package of 10 wipes at drugstore.com.

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Ooh La La Lancôme: Trésor and Trésor in Love

Do you remember your first fragrance love? I do ... and it was Lancôme Trésor. While some may argue that this fragrance is a bit too "old," I absolutely love it. The combination of apricot blossom, rose, lilac, iris, peach, amber, sandalwood, musk and vanilla notes creates such a sensual experience that, even as a teenager, really spoke to me.

As I've grown up, I've actually chosen some decidedly less mature fragrances than I did in my youth. And now there's Trésor in Love -- a youthful, flirty fragrance with notes of nectarine accord, pear, bergamot, Turkish rose essence, jasmine, cedar wood and musk. It's lively and fresh but still has a sensual feel, thanks to the musky undertones.

From the diamond-shaped Trésor to the elongated cut glass bottle of its younger counterpart, each bottle is absolutely gorgeous. I'm so happy to have each one sitting atop my vanity, giving me the choice of how grown up -- or not! -- I want to feel.

Lancôme Trésor retails for $48.50-$85. Lancôme Trésor in Love retails for $42-$72. Both are available at lancome.com.

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Nail Polish Collection Review: OPI Burlesque Shimmers

Looking to add a little glitz and glamour to your life? You really can't go wrong with the OPI Burlesque Shimmer Collection. If you're like me, you simply can't wait for Burlesque to come out -- any movie with Cher and Christina Aguilera, not to mention what seems to be a mashup of Glitter meets Showgirls -- promises to be pretty amazingly spectacular.

OPI's holiday collection consists of two parts -- Glitters and Shimmers. I've already brought you the Glitters (click here for a recap), so now it's on to the Shimmers! Check them all out after the jump.



Unlike the Glitters part of the collection, which I found to be quite difficult to apply and had nowhere near enough pigment, the Shimmers really applied beautifully. Each is seen here with two coats, no base coat or top coat. These colors are definitely perfect for the holiday season!

The Show Must Go On
Such an amazing candy apple red that's just packed with shimmer and glimmer! I love the berry undertones.
Tease-Y Does It
This is my absolute favorite of the collection. The deep blackened purple makes an unbelievably strong statement, especially with the magenta shimmer.
Take The Stage
I love the burnished orange, although I definitely don't think this is a good color for my skin tone.
Rising Star
As with Take The Stage, I don't think this color is great for my skin tone, but I do love it. The mustard yellow gold is definitely different from others I have in my collection, and I love the tone on tone shimmer.
Let Me Entertain You
This polish was difficult to capture on film, but in person it's an absolutely gorgeous deepened raspberry with magenta and purple undertones.
Ali's Big Break
This one was also a bit difficult to capture on film -- in person, it's a deeper crimson with gold-flecked shimmer. It's pretty, but not anything I haven't seen before.

You can find the OPI Burlesque collection at rickysnyc.com. Each polish retails for $9.99.

Disclosure: This collection was provided for editorial consideration by a PR representative for OPI.

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First Look Fridays: Makeup Artist April Landrum-Johns

Anyone who's done the makeup for Melania Trump is okay in my book -- and that includes makeup artist and Mary Kay professional April Landrum-Johns. Read on to discover her top makeup tip, the lip products she can't live without and so much more.



Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I currently live in Atlanta. I'm from Bristol, TN -- more commonly known as The Tri-Cities area, coined "The birthplace of Country Music," where on State Street you can have 1 foot in Tennessee and another foot in Virginia.

I went to a community college for a short amount of time because I thought I wanted to be a paralegal. I found the topic to be rather boring and could not see myself being in an office all day, working 9 to 5. The only reason I was in college to begin with is because I thought I "was supposed to be." knew I did not want a corporate type of career, however I did want to earn a great income.

How did you first become interested in beauty, and what led you to become a makeup artist?
As a child I spent a lot of time with my paternal grandmother who we called "granny Hazie," who was an extremely successful and quite wealthy entrepreneur and had never worked for anyone but herself. Her bread and butter was a trucking company but she was also a hairstylist -- or as she called it a "beautician" -- and she always did hair on her own terms or at her own "beauty shop"/truck-stop/diner.

Her lifestyle really appealed to me. We would stay up all hours of the night dancing and eating popcorn. She always had loads of extra money. We would go to dinner and shop quite frequently. Styling hair did not appeal to me but skincare and makeup did.

From the time I was a toddler I was into makeup and glamour. My mother remembers waking up to me playing with her eyelashes as she slept! I did everyone's makeup for prom in high school. I remember the cheerleading squad lined up waiting for makeup in my mom's bathroom and me scrambling to get my own self ready.

While in community college I got a job as a behind the counter beauty adviser for Lancome. I loved doing makeup and making women feel beautiful so I quickly got promoted as a traveling regional "freelance" makeup artist and started dabbling into weddings and other types of MUA work. I thoroughly enjoyed it but needed to make more money so I started flying for Delta Airlines as an International flight attendant and continued flying and doing freelance makeup for 13 years. I am not a flight attendant anymore but so glad I was, I met my husband, photographer Jody Johns on a 30 minute flight!

What are some of the moments that have stood out as highlights in your career?
Makeup for the Donald-Melania Trump wedding, magazine covers, fashion shows, music videos including one for John Mellencamp, and simply helping teenagers feel beautiful.

What are your beauty essentials?
My top beauty essentials are from Mary Kay's TimeWise Collection and include: The Miracle Set, Microdermabrasion Set, Firming eye cream and Replenishing Serum C. Since I started using The TimeWise product line two and a half years ago, my skin looks like it did when I was 25.

I also love Mary Kay's oil free eye makeup remover that gently yet thoroughly removes all traces of eye makeup, even waterproof!

My favorite foundation is Mark Kay's medium coverage foundation, I personally call it an "airbrush in a tube."

My favorite new color items are liquid lip colors in "malted" and "raspberry ice." This look is in between gloss and lipstick.

What are your top 3 makeup tips?

1)Please use eyeshadow primer!!! You must use primer under shadow to lock in the color and keep the shadow from fading or creasing.

2)Use eye cream or gel under your eyes before applying concealer so that the area is hydrated properly and your concealer doesn't settle into fine lines.

3) Try new looks and new colors! It's just makeup and it washes right off! Don't get stuck in a rut!

Being a makeup artist must be fun -- but what do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I love to spend time with my family who is spread all throughout the country. I like to play with my Jack Russells and my 4-year-old daughter. I love massages and sushi. I'm looking forward to getting a beach home as I love the ocean and fresh air. I advise everyone to think and dream BIG and be the best at what you do. I thank God for my amazing life each and every day.

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My Latest Mani: OPI Meet Me on the Star Ferry

Purple nail polish is as essential to my lifestyle as breathing. Maybe that's overly dramatic ... but, in this beauty chick's line of work, it's the God's honest truth. So when I came across OPI Meet Me on the Star Ferry -- part of the Hong Kong Collection from Spring 2010, I was hooked.

This color is EVERYTHING -- a gorgeous blend of lavender, mauve and taupe that's just packed to the brim with shimmery goodness. (The shimmer comes out looking silvery, but actually contains a mix of gold, pink, green and purple pigments.) It glides onto the nail evenly and gorgeously, leaving behind no streak marks whatsoever.

I absolutely LOVE this color. And while I've got about 200 nail polishes left to try, this one will definitely be making a return appearance.

What's on your nails right now? Let me know in the comments!

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Ultimate Pampering: The Your Way Massage and Red Carpet Facial at Oasis Day Spa

Oh, to be a princess and have everyone trailing after me at my beck and call. But thanks to the Your Way Massage and Red Carpet Facial at Oasis Day Spa, that's exactly how I felt!



If you're looking to destress and have fabulous skin in the process, this combination is definitely the right one for you. My therapist and I discussed my back issues and she decided to concentrate there for the entire treatment -- I felt myself turning to jelly right before her eyes. Even more amazing, my massage was only 30 minutes long and I actually fell asleep on the table!

The red carpet treatment continued with the Red Carpet Facial -- 75 minutes of blissful creams, lotions and masks, not to mention some of the least painful extractions I've ever experienced. My aesthetician simply had magic hands -- and made my skin look unbelievable in the process. I walked out brighter, fresher and ultimately rejuvenated.

While Oasis has multiple locations, I chose the one inside the Affinia Dumont Hotel -- a posh, genteel, private experience that just made me glow from head to toe. The Your Way Massage retails for $70 and the Red Carpet Facial retails for $155. Check out Oasis Day Spa's website for more information and to book an appointment.

Disclosure: These services were provided free of charge for potential review.

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My Hot New Haircolor? Christina Hendricks Red.

For years now -- basically, since birth -- I've wanted to be a redhead. Truth be told, I've always been a bit jealous of my best friend, who's a natural redhead and has the most perfectly colored hair on the planet. Luckily, thanks to an amazing colorist (read: Lawrence Wesley, head colorist of the Antonio Prieto Salon), the perfect shade of red wasn't far behind.



So this past Saturday, I took the plunge and became a full-fledged redhead. I’d been playing around with the color throughout the past year, mainly staying on the auburn side of the fence. (Though in college, I went through every red box of L'Oreal Feria known to man, so I've definitely been on the crazier side before.) I landed on Christina Hendricks -- the redhead whose locks I've been coveting almost as much as my best friend's -- and, after several months of obsessing, went to Lawrence to make my dream come true.

While in the beginning I thought I'd want my hair the exact orange-y shade of Christina's, after my consultation with Lawrence I changed my tune. We looked at the pictures of her from her Harper's Bazaar photo shoot, where her hair was closer to a cranberryish auburn, and Lawrence thought that hue would be more flattering for my skin tone. I liked the deepness and richness of this color, so I went with his expert opinion.

After five long hours -- yes, five! -- the process was complete. Along the way, Lawrence performed four steps to take me from brown to red:


1) Lawrence began by painting highlights into my hair for dimension. He did this very deliberately, so it would catch the light and show an even deeper richness.

2) Lawrence then did a single process color, which in the bowl looked like pumpkin pudding! (See above photo for proof.)

3) I then had a gloss applied all over my hair to really let the color set and be even more shiny and vibrant.

4) Lawrence's assistant, Ben, finished by giving me the Kerastase Chronologiste treatment -- a luxurious treatment that enhances shine and softness.

After an amazing blowout with Ben -- honestly one of the best I've ever gotten -- my hair was RED. Fiery, gorgeous, RED! I'm so in love with what Lawrence did -- it's exactly what I wanted, and I just couldn't be happier. Now I just have to maintain it!






Photographs by Kyle Gross.

Disclosure: Services were provided gratis for potential review.

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