Alex Anthony Salon & Event Invite

MY ALEX ANTHONY SALON

CURL EXPERIENCE

Let's shift focus to CURLS, since it is after all "all about the hair." Two weeks ago I visited my good friend Alex at the Alex Anthony Salon, located at 10 Downing Street in NYC, and got a much needed curl cut. You may have seen my previous review the Alex Anthony Curl System (see it here) but I was still long overdue for a trim. If anyone knows how to cater to curls, it's Alex (we go back to 2011 to my infamous cut and style at Ouidad.) I wasn't worried about my hair, since I knew I was in good hands. My experience at her salon, absolutely pampered me like nothing else. 

Alex Anthony Curl System

InStyler MAX

InStyler MAX 

2-WAY ROTATING IRON

Here's a hair tool I've been eyeing for a while, but was cautious to try: InStyler MAX 2-Way Rotating Iron ($99 large size) What is it? The InStyler is a rotating hot iron unlike any other styling tool. The patented design of the polishing rotating cylinder combined with bristles that separate your hair allow for lower heat and in turn won’t fry your hair like traditional tools. The InStyler can straighten, curl, smooth, and shine your hair in minutes - bringing your hair back to life with a shiny and polished look that’s easier than ever!

I worried initially prior to using the InStyler rotating iron (or any spinning hair tool for that matter), but believe me when I tell you that my hair did not catch or tangle with the rotating barrel (curl~gurl approved!) 

Conair Quick Twist

CONAIR 

#QuickTwist

NEW Conair Quick Twist ($29.99 available at Target and Walmart and mass retailers) is a fun hair tool that effortlessly creates twists and braids for all hair types. A battery-powered device that is perfect for young girls and women alike, to help achieve fun styles in seconds! 

Panasonic Lash Curler

PURSE PAL: PANASONIC HEATED 

ROTATING EYELASH CURLER

If you ask me what is the one beauty product that I cannot leave the house without, I would have to say, it is mascara (sunscreen I apply right out of the shower, so it's second nature). There are days when I am so busy, I run right out and forget to apply mascara or just don't want to be bothered, so for nearly two years this gadget has been my "pretty pink purse pal!"  What is it? Panasonic Heated Rotating Eyelash Curler ($40.00 $25.99 at shop.panasonic.com)

I received my Panasonic Heated Rotating Eyelash Curler as a gift at a NYFW event three seasons ago and have been using it daily to curl my lashes - even skipping mascara on most days. This tool is compact, heats up quickly and is very easy to use. 

Get close: no make-up, mascara OR filter - just my Panasonic heated lash curler!

Giveaway ROUND 2: Rowenta Straight Express Iron

AS PROMISED, GIVING AWAY ANOTHER 

$179 ROWENTA FLAT IRON

Okay doll, as promised I am giving away another Rowenta Straight Express Iron (from my own stash) and the timing couldn't have been more perfect as I just wrapped up 40 NY Fashion Week shows! 

WINNER UPDATE: Rowenta Straight Express Iron Giveaway

Who won the $179 Rowenta Straight Express Iron?

Hmmm, wonder who won....? 

*UPDATED* February 1, 2014: Scroll down to view Yvonne Palmer WINNER!*

Nearly two weeks ago, I announced (see it here: http://bit.ly/1frpc8A) that my friends at Rowenta Beauty and I would giveaway the Rowenta Straight Express 1" Iron ($179 Ulta.com) and we received well over 2,000 likes, Tweets and shares - GREAT JOB! 

...it even has a heat resistant pouch.

GIVEAWAY: Rowenta Straight Express Iron

ROWENTA STRAIGHT EXPRESS IRON

$179 at Ulta and Ulta.com

Listen up Dolls (and dudes.) I'm giving away a Rowenta Straight Express Iron, valued at $179.99, to one lucky reader. This flat iron is an amazing, salon quality straightening tool, with 3D-Straight technology that's ready to use in 30 seconds and heats up to 450 degrees. What caught my attention about this amazing hair tool, were the teeth, as that can only mean one thing: it will pull and straighten my hair in half the time!

To enter my giveaway, first you MUST like the Rowenta Beauty Facebook page (click link.) Second,

Hottest Hair Tools

T3 Bodywaver, Shower Filter, Cortisio Premium Ceramic Styler KareCo Brushes & SPIRIT by EmiJay ties

It's no secret that I KNOW HAIR - I'm practically 70% hair, so hair tools go hand-in-hand and I always gotta have the best for my hair. Whether I'm rocking it straight or curly, it's not only about the shampoo, conditioner and gel, but also the tools "behind the scenes" that help me achieve my best hair look ever. It's starts from the shower. NO, not the shampoo, but a SHOWER FILTER itself.

T3 SOURCE SHOWER FILTER ($130)

Fits all shower heads, removes 95% of chlorine, hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg smell), Iron oxide (rust), dirt and sediment. Has 8 spray settings and a built-in filtration system. Great if you have hard-water! Lasts about 6 month (at least for me) before you need to replace the cartridge. www.T3micro.com

CORTISIO PREMIUM CERAMIC STYLER ($250)

Kaleidoscope ($250) & Metallic Blue ($225) Ceramic Stylers

This Curl~Gurl found a ceramic flat iron that not only made my hair silky smooth, but shiny as well. With a 450° max temperature, ionic black tourmaline gemstones and floating plates to prevent stress to hair folicles, Cortisio truly works to "tame your mane!" I have owned 5 different flat irons and none have done the job as well as Cortisio has. *UPDATE* Get your Cortisio at Ricky's NYC, at a special price of $69.99 here: CORTISIO at Ricky's NYC

My daughter Jaylyn

Me, EvCurlGurl before & after

Cortisio sent me their ceramic styler, but my daughter fell in love with the fun pink print and instantly took over it. They even made us honorary #Cortisiogirls (check out their Facebook/Cortisio and Twitter @cortisiohair and be sure to follow them. Available in many stylish designs and colors, that my daughter took my pink Cortisio styler, (reps sending me a blue one - my favorite color.)

Now if you doubt the power of Cortisio, let my BEFORE pictures be the judge and jury! Get yours at www.cortisio.com . 

T3 Bodywaver $149

HUGE 1.75" barrel, gorgeous white ceramic barrel

Once I straightened my hair, after about a week I craved waves, so I enlisted the help of T3's Bodywaver. Perfect for short hair, medium length or long hair, the T3 Bodywaver can create a many styles, such as: curved under finish, smooth & flipped out, volume with waves, touseled loose waves, straight with rolled ends and polished waves. It all depends on the angle you use it. www.www.t3micro.com

                                      

KareCo Salon Brushes ($12 / $11) 

Small round thermal brush & 9-row Styling brush

Believe it or not, I actually DO comb my hair - when it's straight that it. KareCo has been the professional stylist's choice for 12 years and help eliminate frizz and static fly-aways. I've had my share of brushes that melt with the heat of my blow dry (expensive ones too.) These are heat-resistant with ball-tipped nylon bristles that easily glide through hair. Small round thermal brush: 2.0" speeds up drying time,  rehydrates, reconditions and restores hairs natural balance. 9-Row Styling Brush: Perfect for combing wet hair, detangling or blowdrying by breaking down water molecules for faster drying time. Available at Walmart, www.walmart.com and www.kareco.com

SPIRIT by EMI-JAY 

Crimson/houndstooth $7, Headband $11, Black/Gold Chevron $7

Hair ties are now also fashion statements and can be seen on the wrists of many celebs and gals alike, ready for a quick ponytail. Hair ties are also a cool way to show your team spirit for: universities, sororities, schools and sports teams. Inspired by their passion for fashion, Emi-Jay was created by two teenage entrepreneurs Emily and Julianne.

Emi-Jay also gives back to the community, by donating 20% of their profits to charity. Tons of cool prints and colors! Check them out at: www.emi-jay.com

ROLL TIDE! I always have a knot hair tie on my wrist READY to pick up my hair!

~Evelyn Lugo