Conair Infiniti Pro 3Q ($119.99) is a new, upcoming hair dryer slated for launch this September at retailers like Ulta, Target, etc. It’s big promises are that it “reduces drying time by up to 70%,” “40% less noise with patent-pending noise reduction technology,” and the brushless motor means that the “life of the dryer[is extended] by up to 10x.” Conair says it has 19,000 revolutions per minute compared to 16,000-18,000 for standard AC/DC motors. It also uses ionic and titanium ceramic technology. There are three heat settings, two speed settings, and a cold button.

I’m a long-time fan of T3’s Featherweight series of blow dryers, and their various models have been my go-tos for years now. I was very curious to see how this top-end model from Conair would compare to my T3s. The Infiniti Pro 3Q dries down my hair enough within 10 minutes that it’s mostly dry (I have a lot of hair–my last hairdresser said I had enough hair for three people–and it is thick), and it keeps the frizz and fly-aways at bay overall. I used it with its regular nozzle as well as the larger diffuser (but you need to attach one or the other, as it’s like being in a wind tunnel otherwise!). I didn’t like how either attached, because you have to pop it in or out with some force, and it caused a lot of the interior paint to chip. My heavier hair did cause the larger diffuser to occasionally pop off (once every other use). I wish they screwed on rather than popped in and out.

It is a lot quieter than my hair dryer from high school, but it doesn’t seem much quieter than most of the updated, mid-end to high-end dryers on the market. I can’t really measure it other than just how it sounds to me, but it wouldn’t occur to me to describe it as quiet. It was fairly lightweight and comfortable to hold in the hand, though the handle could have been a bit longer to avoid accidentally changing one of the settings while in use. I really liked that the cold button would lock in place, rather than having to press and hold.

There is a major downside to the Pro 3Q that makes it a complete deal-breaker for me, which is that due to my longer hair, it gets sucked into the back of the dryer (the opposite of where the air comes out). When it sucks big clumps of hair, it just sits there on the exterior (there’s a grate about 3/4″ inside the back that goes across) and reduces air flow and is more annoying than anything else, but when it gets a few strands, it yanks and pulls the hairs into the dryer. This happened constantly to me, but I have longer hair than average, I would say, so it may not be a problem if you have shorter hair.

See more photos!

Conair Infiniti Pro 3Q

Conair Infiniti Pro 3Q

Conair Infiniti Pro 3Q

Conair Infiniti Pro 3Q

Hot Pink Hair Dryer? By T3? I’m There!

I’m a huge, long-time fan of T3’s Featherweight hair dryers (it’s a three-time Editor’s Choice Award winner). I actually have my original one, still, that’s almost four years old, along with the travel-sized version and the Evolution. I gave my mom a Featherweight 2, which she loves and probably uses hers more than I do.  For me, this product completely changed my willingness to blow dry my hair and solved a lifelong problem I had.  My hair is long, thick, and there’s just so much of it, and blow drying would take upwards of an hour or longer (at which point, I’d give up).  With the T3, I’m ready to go in 10-15 minutes. You can read my original review here.

So, when I received the T3 Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer in glorious HOT PINK, I couldn’t wait to share photos. It’s SO pink. Even the buttons are pink! It’s QVC’s TSV, so for today, you can pick up the Featherweight 2 (normally $200.00) plus two brushes (Antigravity Barrel Brush and Paddle Brush, $50 if purchased separately) for $149.76.  If you’re not in love with the hot pink, it is also available in white at the same price.  The hot pink coloring is exclusive to QVC until March 2013.

I’m as smitten with the Featherweight today as I was four years ago!  It’s almost like it was made for me — in Temptalia pink.

See more photos!

T3 Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer

T3 Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer

T3 Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer

What’s in a brush?

Goody Jewel Shine Oval Cushion Brush ($6.49 at Walmart) is a tourmaline-infused brush designed to “smooth hair, minimize static, and enhance shine.” It has a “soft touch handle for a comfortable grip.”  When I sat down to write-up this review, I was trying to figure out how one might evaluate a brush.

For me, I use this brush each morning and evening to run through my hair.  I have long hair (about halfway down my back) that’s mostly straight, but there is some waviness from putting it up regularly.  My hair is thick and there is a lot of it–hairdressers always tell me, “You have enough hair for two people!” (That joke gets old when you’ve heard it for 15 years.)

I like that it runs through my hair easily, doesn’t catch, and there’s enough flexibility in the bristles that I can maneuver it easily through my hair.  It’s lightweight, and the grip is comfortable to hold–I haven’t had the brush fly from my hands yet. My hair doesn’t tangle much, but when I have a few loose tangles, it detangles those well without pulling painfully, because the flex and give of the bristles helps it work through the tangle steadily but surely.

Admittedly, the last brush I was using was FHI Heat’s Cushion Brush, which also used tourmaline as a selling point, so I didn’t see any dramatic difference from when I switched over, which means Goody’s doing a good job at maintaining the status quo at a third of the price!

What do you look for in a good brush?

See more photos!

MAC Semi-Precious Brushes: 128, 179, 234, 235 Review

Above is a video review and comparison of the upcoming Semi-Precious brushes. I thought that a video would better illustrate size and how they stack up (both in size and shape) to existing brushes.

My overall take on these brushes is that they’re nice but unnecessary. The split effect is unusual but doesn’t seem to be all that useful. I don’t think that these were meant to be gimmicky, but after using them, that’s how the split fibre technique seems.   If you’re expecting one of these brushes to revolutionize your makeup routine, you may be disappointed.  If you’re looking for a particular size/shape and one of these matches that, I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.  You won’t enjoy much of the split effect if you tend to use the point or edge of your brush, rather than the side.

They feel well-constructed from me, but I can’t vouch for longevity, given I have only had these for a few days.  The ferrules seem sturdy and tight around the bristles.  I had some bristles splayed around the edges of the 179, but the other three brushes were fine.  I did not experience any bleeding dye or post-wash smells.  All four brushes felt exceptionally soft, and none of them felt scratchy during application.  On the handles, all four have “China” imprinted, compared to Japan or France for many (if not all) of the permanent brushes.

I see the 234 being the most popular of the bunch, just because it shares a lot of similarities with the 217, which is one of the more popular brushes.  The 128 is a good size to add to one’s stash of cheek brushes, but it doesn’t replace anything I already have (and I don’t see myself reaching for it).   I am curious to see if that will cause each side to separate a little over time.  Right now, the split is really seamless.

These seem more like specialty brushes, which mean that they function but for particular purposes.  I see them less as becoming a new staple brush in your collection as something you buy with an exact purpose in mind.  MAC has other brushes with well-defined purposes in their permanent line-up, so I would think of these in a similar way.   One doesn’t need every brush MAC makes, but you might find a certain brush more useful than another based on what your needs are.

• 128 Split Fibre Cheek Brush is a nice brush for smaller cheeks, though it feels a little too dense to apply blush as well as I like the application from the 116. It is very similar in size to the 109 and even to an extent, the shape, but obviously flattened. It’s a densely-packed brush.
• 179 Angled Split Fibre Buffer Brush is incredibly soft and moves well across the skin. It also feels huge when I use it. I’m not sure just how much utility there is here, compared to a normal buffing brush. I did notice more-than-expected splaying of bristles around the edges after two washes.
• 234 Split Fibre Eye Blending Brush seems to be the most useful of the four brushes. I could see using both sides separately but with the same color–say picking up the product with the natural side and then blending with the synthetic side. It is reminiscent of the 217 but not quite as fluffy or as rounded.
• 235 Split Fibre All Over Eye Brush is like the 214 and 239 had an over-sized baby. Personally, I find the brush too big to be of much use for my eye area. I wouldn’t say I have particularly small eyes (I wouldn’t say I have large ones, either!). It could work well for applying a wash of a single color; perhaps laying down a cream eyeshadow with one side and blending the edges with the other.

To view still photos of these brushes, please see this post.

FHI Heat Curling Iron (1 1/4″) ($195.00) is really the creme de la creme of curling irons. FHI’s curling iron barrel sizes range from 3/4″ to 1 1/2″, and my girl Pursebuzz recommended I get a 1 1/4″ as a multi-tasking curling iron. This particular barrel size gets you larger curls, and without a curl styling product beforehand, gives you more beachy waves than tight curls. For those less hair savvy, the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curl. Thus, larger barrels are more likely to give you waves than ringlets. Also, longer hair can tolerate larger barrels, because there is more hair to wrap around the barrel.

With my shorter hair style (although, it is rapidly growing out!), I do find the 1 1/4″ to be a little large at times, but I know it would be the perfect size on my previous, longer hair. You can definitely get your Victoria Secret’s full, sexy hair with it! I think I need to pick up a 3/4″ or 1″ barrel curling iron at some point, so that I switch as I need to. Another trick I picked up from Pursebuzz is to use those plastic rollers (they cost a few bucks, and you can find them at a beauty supply store or even your local drugstore). You can pick them up in different sizes, so after you’ve used the hot curling iron, wrap them up in these, to let the curl set and conform a bit more while you do your makeup.

Design: I really liked the handle design of this particular curling iron. It has a digital temperature display, and the temperature can adjust from 212 degrees to 410 degrees Farenheit. Although, mine displays in celsius, and I’m not sure if there’s a way to change it (and I’ve been too lazy to check the instructions manual!). Thicker hair needs higher temperatures in order to keep the curl, while thinner, finer hair requires less heat. To find a good heat setting, you shouldn’t have to hold the barrel in place for more than several seconds. If you find you can’t get a curl unless the iron is in place for a minute, you probably need to crank up the heat. The handle comes equipped with an up and down button for temperature, as well as the power button. Once you’ve found your desired temperature, you can then press the power button once to lock in your temperature. This is great, because I do find I occasionally bump the up or down buttons, and this way, the temperature doesn’t change. There is also a kickstand to allow you to prop up the curling iron on your countertop so the hot bits don’t come into contact with the surface, which is always helpful. I find it doesn’t heat up, as long as you don’t allow the metal to touch the barrel itself.

Time: This baby heats up in under five minutes. I would say just a minute or two, and it’s pretty much ready for me to use. I have thick hair, so I do keep the temperature of this quite high (300+).

Get the low-down on some more pros and cons!

Pros: I’m most definitely not a hair expert, but I’m trying to gain some hair knowledge! I know that excessive heat tools and products can damage your hair, so ever since I started getting into styling, I’ve been looking out for products and tools that minimize that damage. FHI’s curling iron contains a ceramic heater, which is supposed to cause less damage to your strands.

Cons: Everything about this iron is fantastic, nothing is really lacking, except when it comes to the rubber tip at the end of the barrel. When I curl my hair, I often place two fingers at the end of the barrel (where the rubber tip is) to help curl my hair around the barrel’s curvature. The problem is I find the rubber tip is pretty warm! I’m utterly confused by it, because I know it shouldn’t be conducting heat. It isn’t scalding, so I can still put my fingers around it no problem, but it’s definitely warmer than I’d like. For those who use lower heat settings, you might not notice this at all. I actually wonder if mine is dysfunctional in that aspect, because FHI advertises it as a “cool-touch tip.” So take this con as just a possibility, but it could very well be something specific to my iron.

Also, the price is obviously above and beyond some beauty addicts’ budgets. I’m not yet advocating this particular curling iron over any others, as this is only the second I’ve tried in my life (the first sucked, and it was also wickedly old!). If you love FHI’s Flat Irons (cult faves!), and you have the beauty budget to finagle it, this is a product that works well!

PROENZA SCHOULER
Hair lead: Didier Malige for ghd
ghd lead: Omar Lopez

“Industrial Meets Deco” | Jack and Lazaro rocked the runway by merging a military feel with late 70s and early 80s inspired shapes and lines, to create a collection that was equal parts tough, confident and feminine.

To compliment the juxtaposed runway looks, Didier Malige for ghd led the Directive Team to create a deeply parted, eye-sweeping finger wave, artfully pulled back to one side and cascading down one shoulder. Using the ghd IV mini styler, a modern “finger wave” was created by sectioning off hair, and starting at the crown gently rocking the iron back and forth all the way to the ends. Then, ghd sea spray was worked through ghd Runway Report the model’s hair to soften the wave and add light hold. Next, the hair was set with clips around the face to help accentuate the waves. Finally, the clips were removed, and the hair was swept back to one side and secured using bobby pins, while the front fell loosely over one eye a la 1970s Jerry Hall. The look was finished with ghd ultimate hairspray.

Get details on the hair at Monique Lhuillier!

MONIQUE LHUILLIER
Hair lead: Eugene Souleiman for ghd

“Luxurious Tropical Island Chic” | Dry, crisp fabrics, straw braiding techniques, basket patterns and wave prints evoke thoughts of tropical vacations entrenched in relaxation, glamour and luxury.

Since this girl is all about heading from the beach to cocktails at sunset, an easy, relaxed chignon was the perfect compliment to the summer-inspired collection. First, the ghd IV styler was used to straighten the hair. Then, ghd sea spray was applied around the roots and blown out with a diffuser to create a texture-laden base. Next, the model’s hair was finger brushed away from the face, gathered into a pony and half-twisted up. Then, the hair was twiste back around and secured into place, leaving the ends loose. To create a wind-swept look, Eugene and the Directive Team applied ghd sea spray to their hands and lightly roughed up the sides and front of the hair with their palms. Finally, a fine mist of ghd ultimate hairspray was applied to ensure that the look stayed put. The result? Summer-inspired perfection!

GOSSIP GIRL stars Blake Lively (Serena van der Woodsen), Leighton Meester (Blair Waldorf), and Taylor Momsen (Jenny Humphrey) get their perfect locks using FHI Heat products! Here are some tips to get Gossip Girl hair!

Jennifer Johnson, Department Head of Hair for Gossip Girl for Seasons 1 and 2, explains below how she achieves the fashion-forward looks on the show. A professional hairdresser for 18 years, Johnson started her career working in salons, then doing hair for Broadway and for Bette Midler’s tours, and finally becoming a behind-the-scenes hairstylist for film and TV.

“Gossip Girl allows me to exercise lots of creativity because we are dealing with fun characters,” she states. “It’s really great and I feel fortunate!” Says Johnson, “I can’t say enough about how much the FHI Heat tools help me in my job. I love the shine and smoothness on the hair from the FHI Heat Runway styling iron! I love everything about what it does and offers–the heat, the adjustable temperature–I just can’t say enough good things about it!!! It’s my new favorite tool. I love also the T-Rex clips and the Nano Salon Pro 2000 Blow Dryer!”

Learn how to style your hair like the cast of Gossip Girls!

Blake Lively, who plays Serena van der Woodsen, always sports an effortless look. “I usually use the Runway styling iron to achieve this look which is never perfect, but always a little messy,” states Johnson. “For summer, we aimed for a wavy undone look. While for back to school and fall, we are aiming for a more constructed look for Serena.” About Serena’s “goddess look” for the summer Hamptons party: “This is a messy updo look,” explains Johnson, who outlines the steps below.

1. Curl whole head using a FHI Heat Curling iron
2. Use Runway styling iron to relax some of the curls
3. Twist some of the hair and pull it back
4. Pink up all the hair in back
5. Accessorize front by using a necklace as a headband

Leighton Meester, who plays Blair Waldorf, always displays a very perfect, constructed look, finished off almost always with headbands. “To achieve this look of true perfection, I take half-inch sections of hair and curl it with the FHI Heat Curling iron, curling it in different directions, achieving big curls,” says Johnson. “I put the headband on after.”

Taylor Momsen, who plays Jenny Humphrey, always sports a different look. One of her looks is super straight hair, which is achieved by applying the FHI Heat Hot Sauce to hair and then running the Runway iron through hair. The other look is a curly look achieved by curling the whole head with the FHI Heat Curling iron and then setting the curls with velcro rollers.

www.fhiheat.com

MISS SIXTY
Hair lead: Leonardo Manetti for ghd

“Urban Superheroines” – Wichy Hassan, Miss Sixty Designer

The Look
Beautiful, charming and glamorously feminine, a modern homage to the passionate freethinking ideals and values of the 1970’s – liberation, freedom and self-confidence.

Get the how-to!

The ghd Way
Modern, edgy, urban-rocker chic with lots of attitude. First, the directive team sprayed ghd miracle mist to prep the hair to look healthy and shiny. Next, ghd maximise mousse was applied to the roots for the ultimate in volume and the hair was blown out straigtht. To rough up tresses and help hold volume, ghd ultimate hair spray was lightly misted over the entire head. Then, unexpected “dents” were created to infuse movement and texture by taking a small section of hair, making a loop and then pressing the ghd IV styler on the loop. The look was finished with ghd reflection spray for the all-out shine, and a final mist of ultimate hair spray kept the look runway-ready. The result? An unpredictable edge that channeled all things modern, urban and glamorous.

ghd is available at great salons across the globe and in Sephora, as well as online at www.ghdhairusa.com and www.sephora.com.