I thought Cameron Diaz had one of the most beautiful hairstyles of the evening at the Academy Awards. Gatsby Salon is showing us how to recreate this Veronica Lake look at home. (Gatsby Salon did not create the look for Cameron)

Simple at-home steps to recreate this look:

1.      Start with using a volumizer on damp hair’s roots. (Try Gatsby Salon’s Texture Lift, $12.50 available by calling 732.752.4247)

2.      Use a blow dryer to remove excess moisture from hair.

3.      Section hair into five sections. A right and left section at the nape of the neck, a section on the right and left sides of your head, and the top of your head.

4.      Blowdry each section using a round brush and dry hair in a vertical direction, pulling the hair straight up from your head to create volume and lift at the root. 

5.      After entire head is dried, form the same 5 sections.  Use a 1 ½ inch barrel curling iron to curl sections, beginning at the bottom of hair sections.

6.      To create an arch and bend at the root, place the iron on the root and pull upwards as you move it to the ends of the hair. 

7.      Once the iron has reached the ends, keep the curling iron horizontal as you rotate the iron back towards the root area, creating a curl. Once hair is heated in this position, release the iron from the hair, letting the hair fall.

8.      Follow immediately with a flexible hold hairspray (Try Gatsby Salon’s Structura Shaping Spray, $14.95) and allow hair to cool.

9.      Repeat steps 6 through 8 until your entire head is curled.

10.Allow at least ten minutes for hair to cool entirely before touching it.

11.Turn head upside down and use a paddle brush to brush through your entire head.

12.Create a part that suits your style and use your fingers to tame and place hair to the direction you desire.

13.Complete style by using a holding spray to secure this look.

Kerastase shampoos, conditioners, and mousse have been in my hair care and styling rotation for years.   I first started using the luxury line when my stylist started carrying the line.   My hair did incredible things, first with adding moisture using the Nutritive line and also body for my fine hair with the Volumactive line.

Now Kerastase has a new line called Age Premium created specifically for those of us who have lost that lovin’ feeling for our hair.  Or in another words, those of us who are typically over 40 who don’t have that full, gorgeous hair like we used to.    Over the years our hair loses the density it had when we were younger and our scalps tend to get drier as well.  Which, since our skin on our faces gets drier as we age, it only makes sense it does on our heads as well.  Kerastase has recognized these issues as well as something called Fibro-Porosity, which in a nutshell means fragile hair from loss of melanin and deficiencies.  We’ve heard that Hyaluronic Acids are great for moisturizing our skin and now this Age Premium has it as well.  It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water – Wow!   In order to get the maximum results from the Age Premium line supplements are recommended as well.  They will be available sometime in 2010. 

I’ve been using the shampoo and masque for a few months now.  I really love how the shampoo makes my hair feel – soft, full and my styling products seem to work very well when I use the shampoo.  At first I used the masque too often.   Once a week is plenty for me, and anything more than that makes my hair overly moisturized and then I lose my fabulous styling ability.   But, when I use it about once a week, my hair and scalp like it best.   On the dates when I use the shampoo and not the masque, my hair does need a light conditioner with it like the one from the Nutritive line of Kerastase.

I brought this combo with me on my sisters’ weekend in January and made them give it a try.   They all loved how soft and moisturized it made their hair feel.  Their only complaint was that the masque jar was difficult to use because it is a large jar and when your hands are wet in the shower it is clumsy to use.  

If your salon carries Kerastase products, ask about the in-salon treatment of the Re-Substance, a fibro-reinforcing gel.  It’s said to give visible results of volume, density, shine and strength of your hair.  I’m anxious to try it next time I go into my salon.

I’m on a mission in 2010 to get my hair into a great style and color that flatters me, great condition, easy to maintain and versatile in styled looks.  Is that too much to ask for?   Maybe, but I sure hope not.

One of the things I am always on the search for in maintaining a hair style is the hairspray to keep it looking good throughout the day.   My issue with hairsprays are they either are too light and do nothing to maintain the hold in my fine hair, irritate my scalp, make my hair so stiff I’d swear it was the ’80’s again and some dry out my hair.  So I had high hopes for this new Neil George Perfect Hold Hairspray and it did not disappoint.    I’ve moved my 6 other hairspray bottles (literally) to the back of my shelf and this one is now front and center.   This holds my hair without being stiff, doesn’t irritate my scalp, has a nice almost coconut scent when initially sprayed, which quickly disappears.  Here’s what the company has to say about the hairspray:

Key ingredients such as Shikekai oil, Eclipta Oil and Indian Gooseberry Oil create an enriching base while Panthenol and UV protectors fortify and strengthen the hair.  Shikekai oil works to calm stressed tresses and protects against frizz while keeping the hair soft, silky, manageable and tangle free.  Due to its naturally low pH balance, it protects the hair shaft from being stripped of its protective oils. Eclipta Alba oil (Bhringaja)and Panthtenol work together to strengthenhair as well as add shine and luster.  Both the scalp and hair are conditioned without buildup and protected from over styling through the spray’s long lasting moisturization.  perfect hold hairspray, 8.5 oz/$22.  Available at Beauty.com, Space NK and neilgeorgesalon.com

I think we’ve all heard by now that the less you wash your hair, the longer you can maintain the color.   I’m all for extending times between my hair color and this Neil George Refresh Dry Shampoo can help.   I’ve tried some other brands and have been very happy that I just purchased a travel size because they’ve been bad.   Some are colored to try and match your hair color, some are a white powder that look like you poured baby powder in your hair.  That might not be a bad look if you have hair that matches baby powder, but for someone with darker hair – not so good.

This dry shampoo lets me take a day or two off during the week from my daily washings.   What’s different about this one is that it’s a spray and not a powder, so no cakiness in your hair.  Here’s what the company says about the dry shampoo:

Healthy circulation and blood flow is vital for maintaining strength and optimizing hair growth. The unique blend of plants and fruits contained in refresh dry shampoo work to absorb oil and sebum from the scalp, restoring health and refreshing hair without the need for the daily routine. The leaves of the Jaborandi plant, sourced from Brazil, and Gotu Kola from India assist in skin rejuvenation and work together to stimulate hair bulbs and pores. Cherimoya, grown for centuries in the highlands of Peru and Ecuador, delivers a healthy does of niacin and thiamin increasing circulation and improving the quality of the hair root itself.    refresh dry shampoo, 3.2 oz/$21.

I’ve put together my list of “Best of 2009″ products after going through many blog posts and my bathroom and makeup bag(s).   The list consists of products that I continually use and like love, and restock my supply when out.     They are in no particular order, not all are new to 2009, but they are my personal “Best of 2009″

High End Fragrances  – By Kilian Fragrances.    Originally a perfumer for such names as Armani, Dior and others, Kilian Hennessy then started his own fragrance line “By Kilian”.  It was originally released with seven and now an eighth fragrance has been added to the collection.   Based on love and seduction these fragrances are full bodied, rich fragrances for men and women.   The bottle is so beautiful to a man or woman with the tooled leather detail and it is refillable.   Around $225.

Fragrances - Lisa Hoffman Beauty Variations.  I know you’ve heard me sing the praises of Lisa Hoffman’s products and now you can add the Variations Fragrances to the list of things I can’t quit talking about with this line!     Japanese Agarwood scent is one of my favorite in the line as it’s not too sweet, nor is it too manly.   It’s a scent my sensitive nose loves.   Shown at top is the wonderful packaging concept for these fragrances (there are 5 scents to choose from) which are labeled Morning, Daytime, Evening and Bedtime.  These essential oils have different blends of the fragrance to satisfy a woman’s olfactory senses throughout the day.   Brilliant!  $95 for the leather case and oils, and the case is refillable.   If you like a more feminine fragrance, the Tunisian Neroli is beautiful as well.   (I haven’t smelled the others to compare)   The Madagascar Orchid and Japanese Agarwood scents are available in this limited edition 2-Vial set in recycled plastic case (shown in photo 2 & 3).  $43.

Exfoliant – Kate Somerville ExfoliKate - pure skin care excellence!   I use this once or twice a week and a little dab of the green magic goes a long way.  This fruit enzyme exfoliated removes dead skin in just 30 to 60 seconds flat and leaves your skin baby bottom soft.   If you have sensitive skin, there is a formula for that, but my “tender” skin can tolerate the regular version because it is on for such a short period of time.   ExfoliKate is beloved by beauty bloggers everywhere!   $85, but it lasts for about 6 months.  I have bought this many times over the last few years.

Hair Care - Shu Uemura Art of Hair.  When I was sent the Prime Plenishshampoo and conditioner I thought I would try it with no expectations.   The results blew me away!    Prime Plenish is the perfect formula for over 40 women.   Formulated to build and replenish time worn hair, it leaves my hair full of body and volume and manageability.   It also does not strip colored hair.    $40 for the shampoo, $50 for conditioner.   It’s expensive for shampoo and conditioner, but I am willing to fork over the money for them – they’re that good.    Essence Absolue is their conditioning oil that is like gold magic!    I just raved about this recently so you can read all about it here. 

Eyeliner - Estée Lauder Gel Eyeliner.  I have raved for years about the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner, but this one by Estée Lauder tops it!  Why?  Because it’s smoother and easier to apply (the Bobbi solid colors are “drier” than the shimmer colors)  It’s creamy for application and gives you time to fix any flaws before it dries and it stays all day.   $19.50.    My only hope is that they add many more colors to the line as it is only available in black, for now.  Do you hear me Estée Lauder?  Browns, plums, greens, blues.   I’ll take one in every shade if you please would make them!   

Mascara - Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill.  I first bought Eyes to Kill mascara late summer 2009 and was amazed at how it made my eye lashes pop.    I have fairly good length to my lashes, so I need volume.   This gives my lashes both incredible volume and length.  In fact, when I started wearing it I was stopped by complete strangers (seriously!) telling me I had incredible eye lashes and some even asking if I use Latisse.   I do not use Latisse and much earlier in the year I had tried NeuLash, but hadn’t for months when I began wearing this mascara.   It never flakes, never smudges, and doesn’t dry out my lashes.    It’s my perfect mascara!   $28.00

Foundation/Tinted Moisturizer – Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint.  Every woman over 4o should have a tinted moisturizer in her makeup bag for adding a hint of color, but also much needed moisturizer as well.  I use the Golden shade and it’s not too dark for my fair skin.    It adds warmth to my face and just the right amount of moisture too.   Some tinted moisturizers I’ve used either are tacky feeling or leave my face super-shiny.   This Luminizing Moisture Tint works perfectly for me.  The bonus is that it’s oil free and has SPF20.

Lipstick - Lancôme L’Absolu Rouge.  I first noticed this lipstick at the Lancome counter display with Kate Winslet’s photo and her favorite shades.  If memory serves me, there were 12 she had selected and of course if anything has Kate Winslet’s name with it I surrender full blown, must try, must have, you had me at “hello” type of reaction.  My first purchase of this extremely creamy, moisturizing, soft lipstick (with SPF 12) was the beautiful shade Aubergine Velvet – a shade that is typically darker than my normal shade range, so I also picked up Rich Cashmere – a great shade for every day polished look, and Tulipwood and Crushed Rose to round out my can’t-live-without-lipstick.   $29.  A bonus is the case is magnetic so you never have to worry about losing the top.

Face Powder - Becca Fine Loose Finishing Powder.  I typically have a love/hate relationship with face powders.   I know they work to set your makeup, but I have an extremely difficult time either finding the right shade or they turn color on me throughout the day or they leave my face looking overly powdered.  Yuck to all of those.    I was introduced to Becca Cosmetics this fall at a conference and haven’t gone a day without using the loose powder since.   The shade that perfectly matches my skin is Sesame and it doesn’t discolor or settle in wrinkles or even look too powdery.   I’ve tried countless finishing powders from inexpensive to ridiculously expensive, and I will not go without my Becca!  $35. 

Body Lotion - Korres Body Butter in Guava. While searching Sephora for a travel size lotion and body wash, I came across Korres Body Butter in Guava.   I love a good lotion, but it can’t be sticky, must absorb quickly and of course, leave my skin silky.   This lotion does it all!   It is thick like a butter and I love the light guava scent.  It comes in a variety of scents, but this one is my favorite.   Starting at $9.50 and up.   Korres comes from Greece and uses advanced natural formulations in their products.   (I love the lip glosses too!) 

Palettes – Jouer Cosmetics.  Palettes are a wonderful and convenient for travel, work or any time you want a “put together look” without having to think about it.   I am in love with Jouer Cosmetics for many reasons and this is another reason why.  Their palettes are completely customizable and all the pieces snap/slide together, even the glosses!    They now have these great collections called Signature Collections that are pre-packaged for you.   (I’ll be sure to post about those another day!)  Prices vary depending on item.

Body Care - Lisa Hoffman Beauty Spa Shower. Did you seriously think I wasn’t going to have these on my list?  The #1 Shower Gel moisturizes your skin as it cleans #2 is a gentle Body Scrub and #3 is the Body Oil that you apply when your skin is still wet – leaving it soft, moisturized and a lovely scent (Japanese Agarwood).   If you want travel convenience, you can get the Travel Packettes for only $9.50.   They’re perfectly size for a weekend away and meet TSA size requirements if flying.  $27.50 on up for the full size.   I think in 2010 I’ll be adding the #5 Hand and Foot cream to my must have list as well.    

Face Moisturizer -Lancôme Absolue Precious Cells.  Created especially for women 50 and over this rich, creamy moisturizer is one I have fallen in love with and consider it my go-to daily moisturizer.   With some powerful scientific claims behind it (by Lancôme’s research) I like this for several reasons.   It’s not too heavy that it clogs pores or makes it difficult to apply makeup over it.   It has SPF 15.  It keeps my face moisturized throughout the day without being oily and it has treatment ingredients as well.   It’s kept my skin looking great and the scientific claims behind it are difficult to ignore.   Only time will tell!  Recently in More magazine this was chosen as one of the favorite treatment moisturizers among a group of testers/readers.  $145.