pony up!

Shu Uemura hairstylist Matthew Morris gives the traditional ponytail a new edge for spring.

The clothes that fashion designers Andy and Debb sent down the runway for Spring were based on international design elements; they were simultaneously hard and soft since they have hard lines but soft colors. To complement the look, Matthew Morris, lead stylist for Andy & Debb from Shu Uemura Art of Hair, was commissioned to create a masterful hairstyle that could incorporate both elements. What he came up with: A pulled back ponytail that was slicked on top but full of volume at the tail.

“There’s an explosion of texture in the ponytail after it’s bound,” says Morris, who used Shu Uemura Liquid Fabric Mineral Texture Spray ($33; 8.5 oz.) along with Shu Uemura Sheer Lacquer Hair Spray ($33; 8 oz.) to create the look. Liquid Fabric is designed to revitalize your curl/wave pattern with a natural looking finish while offering moisture balance, humidity resistance and frizz-control. Sheer Lacquer is a weightless finishing spray that gives hair hold as well as a soft, natural-looking finish. Layer it on for your desired amount of control. To up the authenticity factor, Morris left some “fuzzies” to frame the face for a just-pulled-on sweater effect. He fastened the ponytail with an elastic instead of wrapping the hair, which he says is “SO pedestrian.”

The best part: This is a look that women of any age can pull off. While more mature women often wear their hair in ponytails to try to preserve their youth, it can often look staid—and outdated. But this sleek/volumized style gives the traditional ponytail a fresh, modern edge.

Too extreme for your measures? Use minimal product to avoid making the slicked or volumized part look too severe. For the show, Morris spent a good deal of time teasing and fluffing the model’s ponytails for volume, body and personality. His advice: Real women should tease lightly for a softer yet equally alluring effect.

For more info on Shu Uemura products, go towww.shuuemura-usa.com.

expert advice: get a gorgeous spring makeup look from Sarah Lucero of Stila

The Fall 2010 NY Fashion Week shows may have just wrapped up but new spring beauty products and makeup tips are on everyone's lips...literally! The brains behind the beauty at shows like Betsey Johnson and Lela Rose, among others, Stila makeup will definitely make an impact this season. Sarah Lucero, Stila’s Pro Artist, shares her spring 2010 beauty tips.

“The spring beauty looks have color and vivid shades on the eyes and lips. Lipstick is making a huge comeback; we are using bold bright shades that leave a matte finish. Reds, Hot Pinks, and Bold Orange are seen at many shows and have created a beautiful trend. Keep the skin smooth and dewy, as this will allow bold eyes and lips to stand out and look modern. If you over-apply foundation, it will take away the youthful glow and you will look like you have on too much makeup. Try using a tinted moisturizer with illumination in it – Stila has Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer and almost all skin tones and types can wear either shade 1 or shade 2. it just brightens up your skin and adds hydration to dull skin. Cheeks have a pink flush and you can achieve this by using a gel cheek and lip stain such as Stila Yumberry Crush Lip & Cheek Stain. It will last all day and give you that youthful flush we all want that! Think fun color, vivid hues, and a beautiful glow and sheen on the skin.”

Test drive these beautiful Stila products yourself to get a fresh new look for spring. Stila One Step Makeup ($44) is my favorite. The four-in-one primer, foundation, concealer and powder blend flawlessly into your skin and feels luxurious on. This, from someone who is not a foundation fan. But any product that can conceal my lack of sleep is more than OK in my book! The Stila Jewel Luxe Lip Glaze Trio ($34) is another winner--three glosses that glide on gorgeously and leave a trial of sequin-y reflections on lips. They all contain Stila's Exclusive Gem Complex, which contains diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, moonstone, rose quartz, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, amber, garnet, mother of pearl, and opal. The amethyst shade looks dark in the tube but brushes on with just the right dose of color and moisturizes while it softens. The Stila Jewel Eye Shadow Palette ($32) offers four glittery shades that leave you sparkling. They feel creamy on so they're easily blendable and will last all day. Personally, I'd rather sparkle at night but they do that too. Stila's Black Diamond Mascara ($24) is very cool. I tried the black with silver shimmer--it lengthens lashes and leaves them looking like you've just come in out of a gentle snow flurry. All are available at www.stilacosmetics.com.

happy earth day: shadow me

I'm not really an eye shadow person. I'm more of an eye shadow mishap waiting to happen. But when I saw the Smashbox Mother Earth Palette ($45), I couldn't resist. Just pick up the sustainable wood compact printed with eco-friendly ink and you feel like you're doing good in the world. And the truth is you are: With every purchase, a tree will be planted by Trees for the Future, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating sustainable environments throughout the world. It feels substantial and seems to close securely even without a visible snap or clasp. But as much as I'd like to beautify forests everywhere, I'm still not going to buy makeup unless it works for me. This compact, it seems, would work for everyone. It's filled with four eyeshadows and a blush made from certifiable organic material. The colors are soft, pretty and perfect for spring. There's a cornflower blue shadow in a surprisingly muted hue, as well as a deep purple shade that works well in the crease and as an eyeliner. The other two shades are neutrals (one beige and one olive) so they serve as beautiful bases or subtle color for those who may be afraid of their own shadows! The blush, a peachy coral shade, is a fresh look for spring (it'll match your new coral pedicure!). Just dust on a touch and you've got a whole new spring makeup look. The Mother Earth Palette is available at Sephora stores and www.sephora.com.