craving conditioner

Welcome to spring (we thought!) Between the cold air and dry heat, my hair's been having its ups and downs...or rather, more downs than ups. It's been craving moisture lately so you can imagine my panic when I reached for the conditioner in the shower and picked up a bottle of shampoo. Then another bottle of shampoo. Then another bottle of shampoo. They were all bottles of shampoo! No conditioner in sight.

Just as I was about to call out to my husband and ask him to rummage through the beauty stash in search of conditioner, I saw it: A silvery marine blue tub of product nestled in the shower rack between the shaving cream and the loofah. I picked it up and--yes!--it was conditioner. After unscrewing the top, I scooped a goop and smoothed it through my hair, dispersing it throughout. It felt soft and creamy and my hair seemed to drink it up. After rinsing, my hair felt smooth and sleek again. And it even looked smooth and sleek after blow drying.

Redken Nature's Rescue Cooling Deep Conditioner is ultra moisturizing and helps re-balance hair while cooling and soothing the scalp. What it's made of: A Sea Algae Hydracomplex, complete with sea algae to protect, soy protein to replenish, aloe vera to moisturize and oceanic calone for fragrance. Use daily after shampooing or after using Refining Sea Polish.

For more info, go to www.redken.com.

holiday looks: sleek locks

During this hectic holiday season, the best holiday hairstyles are effortless and beautiful. "Whether you are hosting an intimate gathering at home or going out for a night on the town, tousled loose waves do the trick every time," says celebrity hairstylist Larry Sims, who addresses the tresses of Wanda Sykes and Queen Latifah. "Start with your hair down and change your look in 10 seconds by pulling it up in an undone updo. If your hair is short, add texture to make it a short, sassy style. Whether your hair is short or long, make sure you protect your hair from thermal heating damage with Smooth 'N Shine's Silk Style Iron Styler. It protects and prevents hair from dehydration during thermal styling." Check out the complete collection of Smooth 'N Shine products at your local Walmart or www.walmart.com.

sunscreen: rock on

I'm all about touch. To be honest, I fell in love with Rock & Republic's extraordinary makeup collection because of its sleek, extravagant packaging. But I have to say, the products are just as unbelievable. From rich, vibrant colors to luxurious textures, they make you feel like you deserve to indulge. I recently tried the Classic Tinted Primer SPF 20 ($46) and wished all sunscreens could feel so decadent. The mousse-like formula spreads on evenly and absorbs quickly, providing sheer coverage with a matte finish. If it's true that the silicone base fills in fine lines and minimizes pores, I plan to use it every day. The best part: I can skip my morning coffee. The primer has caffeine in it to stimulate circulation and energize the skin. Also, try the Accentuate Bronzer/Highlighter for Face and Cheeks ($45) featuring a matte shade of bronzer designed for all skin tones and a shimmer finish highlighter in coral, rose or gold. Swarovski compact and kabuki brush ($225) sold separately. Available at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom and www.rockandrepublic.com.

shape up

Everyone has something to hide--a roll here, a bulge there. For those who need a little help--or a little lift--there's Sculptz Shapewear. Designed for ultimate shaping, comfortable fit and sophisticated style, Sculptz Shapewear provides women with smoother lines and a shapely silhouette without ever squeezing, pinching or binding. Sculptz products flatten the tummy, lift the rear, and slim the hips and thighs, while offering the freedom to move and breathe with ease, making them comfortable to wear everyday--not just for special occasions. I tried the Perfection Tights ($25) and couldn't believe how comfortable they were, thanks to the fact that they're made from really soft, durable microfiber. I really felt svelte wearing them. And now that summer's around the corner, Sculptz offers the same smoothing effect in their Shapely Perfection Shorts ($22). Comfortable and thankfully lightweight for warmer weather, they flatten your tummy, firm your rear and slim your thighs. Plus, they have a pretty lace trim, just in case they accidentally peek out from under your short summer dresses. For more info or to pick up a pair for yourself, go to www.sculptzshapewear.com.

blown away

True story: I was sitting here starting this post about the new Paul Mitchell Express Ion Dry V.2 ($220) when a neighbor from down the hall knocked on my door asking to borrow my blow-dryer since hers had just died on her. I handed it over and she returned a little while later, blow-dryer in hand, with perfect hair and a great dress and shoes, ready for a big night out. "You're a lifesaver," she told me. We've all been subjected to blow-dryers that can't take the heat. Some can be cumbersome, some get too hot and others just don't get the job done. The Express Ion Dry V.2 is a high-speed, lightweight styling tool that minimizes drying time and increases hair health. Far infrared heat protects from damage, super-charged negative ions break up water molecules and infuse them into the hair, restoring moisture and sealing the cuticle for shiny, static-free results. “We took the weight out of the dryer and left a powerful air flow to speed up drying time, add shine and condition just by plugging it in and using it," says Stephanie Kocielski, Artistic Director for Paul Mitchell. "It’s the better air flow that controls those frizzies and stubborn curls. The Express Ion Dry v.2 also gives me the opportunity to send each of my clients home with a salon result that lasts! It’s all about better style in half the time.” Available at professional salons only, call 1.800.321.JPMS or visit www.paulmitchell.com to find one near you.