June 30, 2014

My Week Judging Miss Virginia

Miss Virginia 2014 and Runners-Up (Copyright 2014 Julius Tolentino)

Miss Virginia 2014 and Runners-Up
(Copyright 2014 Julius Tolentino)

Last week I had one of the most fulfilling opportunities of my life…serving as a judge for the 2014 Miss Virginia Scholarship Pageant, a preliminary to the Miss America Pageant!  As such, I got to meet and get to know 26 of the most beautiful, charismatic and talented young women from across the state of Virginia.  I’ve judged several other similar competitions in the past, but this was by far the toughest and most meaningful.

Post-pageant afterparty with two contestants, Addison Walker and Savannah Lane.

Post-pageant afterparty with two contestants, Addison Walker and Savannah Lane.

As a former titleholder in the Miss Virginia system, it was especially fun (albeit a bit stressful) for me to be on the other side of the table.  The women that participate in this week-long competition must not only be attractive, which includes looking fabulous in a swimsuit, they must also be intelligent and well-spoken as evidenced in a private and on-stage interview; committed to a platform beneficial to society; and poised (ie: able to walk elegantly in an evening gown while connecting non-verbally with an audience).  As this is a part of the Miss America Organization, these ladies must also be able to showcase a talent.  This is where judging can get to be really tough!  We saw everything from seriously phenomenal baton-twirling, to Broadway stage-worthy singing, to classical piano performances.  One contestant had even worked with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater!

The winner, Courtney Garrett, performed an operatic classical vocal, “Parla Piu Piano” from “The Godfather”.  Her platform, “Defying Disabilities” centered on understanding and accepting the challenges people with disabilities encounter in everyday life.  She encourages people to become better educated and involved with the struggles of the disabled.  I wish her the best of luck at Miss Miss America!

Miss Virginia 2014 Courtney Garrett (Copyright 2014 Julius Tolentino)

Miss Virginia 2014 Courtney Garrett (Copyright 2014 Julius Tolentino)

As a bonus, I got to work with an incredible group of fellow judges, including a former Miss Texas, former Miss Louisiana and ABC7 Chicago news anchor Hosea Sanders, who I’m sure will be a lifetime friend!

Finally, I was thrilled to get to know Bobbie Eaks, who hosted the preliminaries and final show.  Bobbie is a 2-time Emmy Award nominated actress best known from her work on “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful”, both on CBS.  She’s not only a wonderful actress, but also a fantastic singer and one of the nicest people around!

Attending the afterparty with Bobbie Eaks

Attending the afterparty with Bobbie Eaks

(Official pageant photos courtesy of Julius Tolentino Photography)

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July 11, 2013

Brows-At-H​ome in NYC by Celeb Artists!

HAIR ROOM SERVICE LAUNCHES “BROW BRIGADE” IN NYC AND COMES ARMED WITH THE BEST TOOLS FOR AT-HOME BROW PAMPERING

DAILYCANDY Beauty Bus Day 3 at Union Square Photographer: Jeanne Noonan

Are your eyebrows too unruly to leave the house? Hair Room Service’s Brow Brigade will be at your doorstep to shape, tweeze, and pluck those unwanted hairs.

BrowBrigade

NEW YORK, NY (July 2013) – Hair Room Service launches Brow Brigade in NYC and comes armed with the best tools for at-home brow pampering. Are your eyebrows too unruly to leave the house? Do not fret! The Brow Brigade will be at your door to shape, tweeze, and pluck those unwanted hairs before you step foot outside. And that’s not all! These artists have all worked with some of the most well known celebs so you can rest assured that your brows are getting the star treatment they deserve. Prices start at only $45 to have one of their talented Brow Brigade members turn those brows from frumpy to incredible.

DAILYCANDY Beauty Bus

After ridding those unruly eyebrow hairs, you can complete your look with hair, makeup, nails or personal styling from another one of Hair Room Service’s talented celeb artists. All the artists on Hair Room Service’s roster have worked with some of today’s top celebs including Sex and the City’s Kim Cattrall, Lady Gaga, Mariah Carey, and Lea Michelle (to name a few). To schedule an appointment with the Hair Room Service Brow Brigade or another one of their talented celebrity artists please call (866) 222-7566 or visit hairroomservice.com.

About Hair Room Service

Hair Room Service by Michael Dueñas is recognized as one of NYC and LA’s most luxurious beauty salons for in-room appointments. Named as Best of New York, guests can be assured they are receiving the best the city has to offer. Top artists deliver an unparalleled collection of services, including beautiful blowouts, haircuts, eyebrow shaping, personalized wardrobe styling, makeup and nail applications directly to the clients own residence, hotel or place of business. Artists deliver an impeccable service regardless of time and weather. Clients will truly feel like a celebrity after receiving a visit from their own personal celeb artist.

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July 11, 2013

Celebrity Stylist, Mika Fowler: Dry-Cut Specialist

Mika Fowler works with many celebrities and is an avid dry-cut specialist, meaning she only cuts the hair dry, she styles as well and you can see some of her work below. She has been featured in many magazines and TV shows for this unique technique, below are some of the benefits of the dry-cut along with more information of Mika Fowler. If you are working on a haircut or style related stories, please keep her in mind.

Location: Kim Vo Salon, Beverly Hills

Celebrity Roster: Olivia Munn, Nina Dobrev, Emma Roberts, Rosario Dawson, AnaLynne McCord and Kiernan Shipka to name a few.

 

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Mika has been featured in various magazines like ELLE Magazine and even hosted a show for the Oscars 2013 on E! News.

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About Mika Fowler

Haircutting is an art that isn’t exactly easy to master, so it’s a relief when you find a stylist that allows you to sit in her chair without worry. Mika Fowler- a well-known stylist in La-la land for her precision cutting technique.

Mika is a master of the art of dry-cutting, using the hair in its natural state to create a flattering style that’s perfect for your face shape. This not only results in a custom, one-of-a-kind cut- but it will also ensures that your style will grow out gracefully. No choppy haircuts here! Just smooth, well-blended lines that make your hair look the best it possibly can.

Hailing from Japan, Mika studied at the prestigious Vidal Sassoon academy, where it’s no secret that haircuts are serious business, which require intense attention to detail. www.mikafowler.us

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June 28, 2013

“White House Down” How to Hairstyle

SEBASTIAN PROFESSIONAL STYLIST THOMAS DUNKIN COIFS

MAGGIE GYLLENHAAL FOR THE NEW YORK PREMIERE OF ‘WHITE HOUSE DOWN’

On Tuesday, June 25th at the Ziegfield Theater, actress and style-icon Maggie Gyllenhaal attended the New York premiere of ‘White House Down’ donning a knit Christian Dior peplum dress complemented by a chic pixie crafted by Sebastian Professional Lead Stylist Thomas Dunkin.

 

To achieve Maggie’s minimalist hair look, follow Thomas’ tips:

1.)    Begin by saturating hair with Sebastian Professional Potion 9 Lite.

2.)    Let hair dry naturally to allow for the hair’s natural movement.

3.)    Once dry, add shine and texture by applying Sebastian Professional Shine Crafter Wax throughout.

4.)    Finish hair with Sebastian Professional Shaper Original Hairspray.

 Visit the Wire Image link below for images of Maggie at the NYC ‘White House Down’ premiere:

http://www.wireimage.com/search/#events?q=maggie%20gyllenhaal/[171171592]/|Maggie%20Gyllenhaal:202607:SpecificPeople|&ep=1/60/1&s=3

For more information on Sebastian Professional please visit: www.sebastianprofessional.com. 

 

 

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May 8, 2013

Uma Thurman Red Carpet Hairstyle

I Love all things celebrity. Especially their hairstyles 🙂

 

Silver screen siren, Uma Thurman, always looks impeccable on the red carpet. At last night’s annual Metropolitan Ball, she took a walk on the wild side for the punk theme, chaos to couture; and didn’t disappoint in a striking poison ivy green chartreuse Zac Posen gown that was simply stunning. As she crossed the red carpet her fashion was flawless, paired perfectly with a full, sleek, high pony tail, a classic up-do. She trusted her tresses to her long-time stylist, David Babaii. To emphasize Uma’s bone structure and voluminous long hair, David placed a ponytail at the crown of her head for a polished look. To ensure her hair was red carpet ready and fabulously full, David recommended she begin taking Viviscal, a supplement designed to nourish hair and promote growth.

 

David Babaii commented on Uma’s sleek strands, “What’s been amazing is that I notice the texture of Uma’s hair is different now, the elasticity is better, the density of each lock of hair is thicker and longer, it holds a style better and overall it has been amazing to work with since I recommended she start Viviscal. To be honest, it has made my life easier as her hair is longer, more luscious, and just amazing.”

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April 19, 2013

Love Louboutin? Try the Manicure!

What can I say….I love romantic comedies!  My DVR is filled with nothing by funny, feel-good movies like “The Holiday”, “Love Actually” and “Notting Hill”.  Another favorite is  “The Proposal” with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds.  But it isn’t just the comedic banter that keeps me coming back to watch it again and again …..it’s the shoes.  Specifically the gorgeous Christian Louboutins Margaret (Bullock’s character)  is wearing when she kneels down to ask Andrew (Reynolds) to marry her.  I’ve been dying for a pair ever since!

Today I spotted a Louboutin-inspired manicure that I also love and am definitely going to try and wanted to pass along.

All you need is:

  • 1 red nail polish (I like Classic Red by Gabriel Cosmetics!)
  • 1 black nail polish
  • 1 cotton swab
  • Nail polish remover

First:  PAINT UNDERSIDE OF NAIL TIPS RED — With your palms facing up, paint a thin coat of red nail polish to the underside of your nails.  If your nails are shorter and don’t extend past the fingertips, use a set of clear press-on nails and paint the bottoms before applying them to your own nails. Apply two coats of red polish on each finger and repeat the process on your other hand.

Next:  CLEAN UP THE  SKIN SURROUNDING NAILS
Dip a Q-tip or a wooden nail stick tip wrapped with tissue into nail polish remover. Use the wet end of the Q-tip to remove any red polish that may be left on your skin.

Then:   PAINT NAILS BLACK

Finally,  paint two coats of black polish onto the tops of your nails (you may also want to use a base coat prior to this step).   If you don’t like black or if you want more of a daytime look, try using a beige or cream polish instead!  Finish with a top coat.

FABULOUS!

Steps adapted from Beautylish.com

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February 26, 2013

Make Your Face Feel Like Silk

 

The secret to anti-aging is jam packed in Algenist Gentle Rejuvenating Cleanser. This gentle lathering facial wash cleanses and removes makeup without drying the skin. Alguronic Acid combined with oat amino acids and witch hazel help to deeply cleanse the skin and remove impurities for smoother, radiant and younger-looking skin.

Algenist Cleanser is my favorite night time cleanser.  Just like every woman, I wash my face at night to take off my makeup and dirt from the day.  I love the soft creamy feel to the cleanser and how soft it is on my face.

I would suggest Algenist Rejuvenating Cleanser to anyone (even teens) who wants to have soft, supple, glowing skin.  Try it, I know you will love it.

Algenist has a fabulous skincare line and you can view it at http://www.algenist.com

 

 

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September 5, 2012

Chic and Sensible USA Style

I’m so thrilled to be in my hometown, Charlotte, NC this week for the Democratic National Convention!  I’ll admit, I’ve always been especially fascinated by politics.  And apparetly, I’m not the only one!  There are celebrities everywhere…Jessica Alba, Common, Hill Harper, Dave Navarro, Ashley Judd, Eva Longoria and Brad Pitt to name just a few.

I was especially excited to have the chance to be in the convention arena last night when Michelle Obama spoke.  The first lady looked absolutely stunning in her pink floral dress by American designer Tracy Reese paired with matching J. Crew pumps.  Chic and sensible.  She definitely gets my vote for great style!

 

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July 24, 2012

IT&LY For Your Hair

As a hairdresser (celebrity stylist in the making lol) my favorite thing  is styling.  Getting to add volume, shine and ending it with hairspray is something I just love doing.  Out of all the different products I have used I would have to say my favorite line is Purity Design by IT&LY Hair Fashion.  To see all the great products in the line visit:

http://www.italyhairfashion.com/

Pay special attention to the Purity Design Pure Molding Wax. It’s definitely an It’s a Glam Thing “Fave”!

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June 6, 2012

Tried and True Beauty Products Segment on “Your Carolina”

Just thought I’d share a few photos from my latest television appearance for It’s A Glam Thing!  It was great talking to  “Your Carolina” hosts Jack and Kimberly about some of our team’s favorite tried and true products.   Love those Carolina accents!

Watch the segment:

Your Carolina with Jack and Kimberly

For more information on the featured products, please visit:

Judith August Cosmetics Everything Pencil

TrendTweeze Waterproof Tweezers

Charleston Girl

LASHEM Eyelash Gel

Rockstar White Teeth Whitening

Rock Your Hair

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