Redken No Blow Dry NBD Cream

Redken No Blow Dry NBD Cream - 150ml - $23.99 - offers effortless texture and a no-product feel that features Air-Tex technology with flexible polymers for control with movement and quick-dry polymers for faster drying time.

In three formulas:

Airy Cream for Fine Hair - provides a quick air-dry with effortless texture and body.

Just Right Cream for Medium Hair - provides a quick air-dry with effortless control and movement. 

Bossy Cream for Coarse Hair - provides a quick air-dry with effortless manageability and frizz control.

Whether you're tight on time, taking a break from heat tools, or want an effortless it-girl look, getting an amazing air-dry is no big deal.

There's also lots of different ways to use the cream: apply to damp hair, create a loose braid and let hair air-dry, undo the braid and shake out hair for loose beach waves or my favorite trick right now to create a soft bend by the face - apply the cream to damp hair, clip it behind the ears and let it air-dry, unclip and gently tousle - magic!

Available at select salons across Canada - visit www.redken.ca to find one need you.

- Lisamarie -

Red lips, confetti cannons, perfume shaped cakes and Minnie Mouse - it must be Toronto Fashion Week - Spring/Summer 2015!

My girl Fiona and I hit Toronto Fashion Week on Tuesday where we were greeted with a variety of shows and events that would have a sane person scratching their head - being far from sane we had no problem taking in all the crazy which included:

A dueling accordion and violinist, followed by lots of happy models of all ages and sizes finished off with a confetti cannon that actually made the lady in front of me scream and of course, Bullseye the dog just about sums up the Target show...

not to mention of course the clothes - the really great thing about the Target show is that I can look at this gorgeous Mossimo dress going down the runway and know that not only will I be able to find it in the store, it will actually come in my size!

The show also introduced Target's partnership with TOMS for a limited-edition collection of homes goods, apparel, accessories and shoes for women, men and children. For each item purchased from the collection, a donation will be made via the Canadian Red Cross, Food Banks Canada or through TOMS' worldwide giving programs. The collection will be available at Target stores across Canada beginning November 16th.

Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline, Grace Lee worked her usual magic inspired by Target's iconic red logo to create a punchy look with matchy, matchy red lips and tips - Color Sensational Creamy Mattes Lipstick in Siren in Scarlet and Color Show Nail Lacquer in Keep Up The Flame; subtle eyes by layering Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24h Cream Gel Shadow in Creamy Beige with Barely Branded and Clear Baby Lips on the eyelids for a textured finish which was completed with a couple of coats of Lash Sensational Mascara in black and a touch of Eye Studio Brow Drama on the brows; and the perfect looking skin came courtesy of a brand new foundation that I am verboten to speak of until January - until then console yourself with some Dream Fresh BB Cream and Fit Me! Pressed Powder.

The hair is courtesy of Redken Lead Stylist Jorge Joao and since it wasn't really grabbing me I quizzed Jorge on what his favorite products are right now. Along with the Pillow Proof line (which you should enter to win here) he is a fan of Redken Fashion Waves 07 Sea Salt Spray which is not only great for beachy waves but is also great for adding texture and volume to straight hair.

I caught up with Lead Nail Artist for Essie Canada, Rita Remark doing some weird stretching - polishing nails isn't for wusses! Since she hadn't done nails for Target I took a gander at her Melissa Nepton nails instead...

Rita and her team polished all of the fingers save the ring finger with one of three shades: Where's My Chauffeur? - punchy aquamarine, Turquoise and Caicos - tropical aqua or Absolutely Shore - green sea foam - with No Place Like Chrome on the ring finger for an ultra-silver metallic pop. I asked Rita what the worst part about Fashion Week backstage manicures was - answer: when the designer changes their mind at the last minute and a frantic polish change ensues!

What's fashion week without cake? Not that models eat cake but the rest of us normal people do and is there anything better then cake shaped like a giant Juicy Couture fragrance bottle? I think not! Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy Gold Couture really does taste as good as it smells!

I thought we had stumbled into a theme park or a really kinky adult party but no, it was the Disney and Mercedes-Benz Start Up hosted by Samantha and Cailli Beckerman, where a group of finalists were asked to create a design inspired by Disney fashion darling, Minnie Mouse. The winning design by Sid Neigum scored him $2,500 and a set of ears. 

These aren't the winning designs, just the ones that Fiona liked best or managed to get shots of - it was super-crowded - apparently everyone loves a mouse!

- Lisamarie -

Pillow Proof your hair in 3 easy steps with Redken and a Contest!

You go to a lot of work to make your hair look great and then have to turn around and do it all over again the next day after an overnight of zzzz's wreaks your 'do. Not so if you follow these 3 easy steps to a pillow proof blow dry:

First, prime with:

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer - 170ml - $24.95 - reduces blow dry time while protecting from heat up to 450 degrees and amplifying the benefits of styling products.

Second, style with any Redken styling product to create the result you are looking for, I like:

Redken Hot Sets 22 Thermal Setting Mist - 150ml - $30.95 - locks in lasting control, shine and staying power when styling with hot tools. Provides a crisp hold when styling with a curling iron or hot rollers while protecting from heat damage.

Third, extend your look with:

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Two Day Extender - 153ml - $24.95 - extends the life of any blow dry and eliminates oil with no residue.

and every great style starts with a great wash like the brand new:

Redken Color Extend Magnetics Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner - 300ml/250ml - $18.95/$19.95 - cares for your coloured hair with next generation hair colour care technology - IPN and Charge-Attract Complex deliver charged amino-ions that are attracted to the hair fiber to help seal in colour to make sure that hair colour is secured with maximum vibrancy and alluring shine.

Now that you've heard all about it you want it all right? So have it! Read on to win...

This contest is open to all our Canadian followers and it's very easy to enter, just leave a comment letting us know that you follow through Google Friend Connect, Bloglovin' or Facebook Networked Blogs (if you aren't a follower you can do that now - sign up buttons are in the right sidebar).

1 entry for following and letting us know what your fave Redken product is or the one you would like to most try?

And for extra entries:

Follow @Beautycrazedcan on Twitter and tweet the contest
Follow @RedkenCanada on Twitter and tweet the contest
Like Burt's Bees on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RedkenCanada

If you prefer not to leave your info on a public post, please leave a post saying you want to enter and then e-mail your info to info@beautycrazed.ca, please put "Redken contest" in the subject line. Remember to leave the post or you name won't actually end up in the draw! Winner to be decided by random drawing and you have until November 7th to enter. Good Luck!

- Lisamarie -

Get the beachy look with Comptoir Sud Pacifique, Redken Covergirl and Avon!

It's been a long winter and it's still a little cold for the beach but there's no reason you can't LOOK like you spent the day sunning yourself on the sand with:

Comptoir Sud Pacifique Aqua Motu - 30ml EDT - $44 - a light, clean and breezy scent of fresh ocean breezes coming from the high seas blended with invigorating marine notes and a caressing note of warm sand - with a top note of helychrisum; heart notes that include marine notes, lily of the valley and warm sand; and a base note of kelp

Available exclusively at Sephora.

Redken Fashion Waves 07 Texturizing Sea Spray - 150ml - $21.95 - a sea salt-infused spray that can be used on wet or dry hair to enhance waves and add beachy texture.

Available at fine salons across Canada.

Bring out waves and give hair fresh-from-the-beach style with this sea salt-infused texturizing spray. - See more at: http://www.spaboutique.ca/7350-redken-signature-look-fashion-waves-07.aspx#sthash.Q01IvT4S.dpuf

Covergirl TruMagic The Sunkisser Skin Perfector Bronzer Soft Touch Balm - $13.99 - and oil-free and non-greasy way to get an instant touch of sun that can be worn over or under makeup or on its own for a soft, sheer healthy-looking tan.

Available now at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Avon Skin So Soft Satin Glow Illuminating Moisturizer - 200ml - $10 - with sheer optical illuminators and a hint of colour to help blur the look of imperfections for skin that is smooth, luminous and touchably soft.

Available from your Avon rep - 1-800-265-AVON or online at www.avon.ca

- Lisamarie -

Keep hair in its place with Redken, got2b and Moroccanoil!

Redken Signature Look Ruffle Up 14 Volume Building Gel - 100ml - $23.95 - a lightweight, medium hold, dry grip gel that is perfect for teasing your hair, adding extra volume, frothy texture and a roughed-up lift, for a style that is fashionable and effortless.

Available exclusively at salons across Canada.

Schwarzkopf got2b Rise 'N Shine Gleaming Height Pomade - 42g - $8.99 - gives hair glamorous height and gleaming shine without weighing it down - adds super remoldable hold to short hair and texture and pieciness to long hair.

Available at drug and mass retailers across Canada.

Moroccanoil Molding Cream - 100ml - $28 - a fiber-rich, emollient cream with a flexible medium hold that creates natural-looking texture with a matte finish. Enriched with moisturizing argan and olive oils, the nourishing and versatile formula can be used as a leave-in shaper for creating gentle structure and definition.

Available in salons and online at www.moroccanoil.ca.

- Lisamarie -

Backstage for Thomas Balint at Toronto Fashion Week!

It's Fashion Week in Toronto again so I went for my usual snoop around the backstage before the shows. I should have planned it a bit better, I showed up for Thomas Balint not really thinking about the fact that male model = lack of a makeup look to tell you about!

That's okay, I went to harass my pal and lead makeup artist for Maybelline, Grace Lee anyhow - I'm firmly convinced that if I don't personally hear Grace say the words "Baby Lips are the most awesome thing ever" during Fashion Week, then the whole thing didn't actually ever happen. I was also curious to know exactly how much work does go into making up a male model - short answer - not much!

Grace explained that depending on what the designer wants it generally isn't more then concealing any blemishes and getting rid of shine with Fit Me Concealer and Powder, grooming brows with some Great Lash clear mascara, possibly some contouring with Fit Me bronzer and that's it, done!

Likewise not a lot of fuss went into the hair - Jorge Joao, Lead Artist for Redken explained to me that the look for the Thomas Balint show was street kids cleaned up which made for hair that wasn't overly "done". The hero product of the look - Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer - a time-saving blow dry primer wit heat protection.

And here's what they look like once Grace and Jorge are done with them - strangely, male models look just as bored/angry/hungry on the catwalk as the girls do!

Being the weirdo that I am, the highlight for me was the Maybelline Twitter Vending Machine - you used your smartphone to tweet using the hashtag and code it gave you and the machine spit a mascara out for your troubles!

See you next season!

- Lisamarie -

Fashionably Festive at Fashion Week with Target, Maybelline and Redken!

It was Fashion Week in Toronto this past week and as a change from seeing the looks and clothes coming in the spring/summer, I checked out the Target holiday show featuring clothes you'll find in their stores right now! And of course clothes are nothing without the right makeup and hair...

Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline New York Canada, designed the beauty look for the show that subtly screamed (although how one  subtly screams I don't quite know) sexy. With a slightly undone makeup look that is happily that super easy to recreate at home:

Start with a flawless complexion with Fit Me Foundation pressed onto the skin with a sponge and a darker Fit Me Foundation Stick for contouring and Dream Lumi Touch Concealer for an under-eye highlight.

A subtle, shimmery smoky eye was created by lining the upper lashes with Maybelline New York Master Smoky Longwearing Shadow-Pencil, smudging it up slightly with the pencil’s sponge tool. Swipe Maybelline New York EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow in Bad to the Bronze across the entire eyelid for a simple shiny finish. Finish with a generous coat of Colossal Volume Smoky Eyes Mascara.

Finally Grace added flesh toned lips with the new Illusion Color Elixir in Nude and some highlight to the cheekbones with Barely Brazen Color Tattoo Pigment mixed with a sheer Baby Lips.

Then it was time for Jorge Joao, Redken Artist and Lead Stylist to work his magic on the hair with an undone beachy look - he used Iron Shape 11 to pre-treat the hair and help it hold the curl. Then he spiral wrapped random pieces around a curling wand and pinned in place - the secret is to let hair completely cool in order to lock-in the curl. Finally he unpinned  the curls and finger combed to loosen them and sprayed them with his new texturizing sea spray - Fashion Waves to enhance.

Then it was on with the Target show - I've been to a few fashion shows over the last few years and I'll tell you what made the Target show different - models who didn't stomp down the aisle looking like they were trying to kill bugs - but ones that looked like they were having fun - skipping, high fiving and dare I say, smiling?! What I really appreciate about the show though is that I can go into Target and buy anything I see and not only can I afford it, it will come in my size!

For starters I require the blue coat...

and because you can't have too many coats, I'll need the red one too!

Love the dress!

And this pencil skirt!

Erin Wasson and Bullseye closed out the show - and it was such a cute show that I'm even going to forgive Erin for her presence in the media lounge before the show which prevented me from getting to the cookies!

- Lisamarie -

Redken Diamond Oil Collection - for hair with strength and shine!

A collection of oil-enriched haircare products that deliver strength and shine for hair that is 3x stronger and more resilient and 2x shinier and smooth...

Diamond Oil Shampoo - 300ml - $18.99 - with a rich, nourishing foam that gently cleanses.

Diamond Oil Conditioner - 250ml - $19.99 - provides instant detangling and improved manageability.

Diamond Oil Deep Facets Mask - 250ml - $26.99 - nourishes and deeply replenishes damaged areas to restore smoothness and shine.

Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine - for normal to fine hair or Diamond Oil Shatterproof Shine Intense -  for coarse hair - 100ml - $39.99 - silicone-free formula with a blend of oils: coriander - to smooth, boost shine and enhance colour radiance, camelina - fills in gaps to soften and apricot - penetrates to condition - that work on different layers of the hair fiber to strengthen and replenish for diamond-like shine.

I am in love with the Shatterproof Shine, it smells amazing and adds a crazy amount of shine to my hair. I use 3 drops when my hair is still wet avoiding the roots and another drop when my hair is dry to help smooth out frizzies and add an extra boost of shine. I really appreciate that it comes in a dropper format rather then the usual pump - it makes it much easier to control how much product comes out so you don't overuse or waste it!

Visit www.redken.ca to find a Redken salon near you.

- Lisamarie -

This week I'm obsessed with... Maybelline and Redken's David Dixon looks!

Lots of people go to Fashion Week wanting to see hair and makeup that is avant garde and really crazy - and while I agree that can be fun when I go backstage at the shows, I want to see looks that are easily wearable outside of a circus and that will work in my everyday hair and makeup routine.

The styling for the David Dixon show was a perfect example of  a beauty look that can be worn by everyone - for the makeup - Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline Canada, Grace Lee came up with a look that meshed perfectly with David's feminine and classic collection.

Flawless looking and glowing skin was achieved with Fit Me Foundation and a bit of highlighting from a mixture of Too Cool Color Tattoo and Baby Lips. Brows were defined with Master Shape Brow Pencil and Great Lash Clear Mascara. Eyes are highlighted with Too Cool and Silver Strike Color Tattoo as well as the not yet released Big Eyes Dual Mascara. The punch of colour comes from the lips with a combo of On Fire Red Vivid Lipstick and Gleaming Grenadine High Shine Gloss.

Meanwhile Redken Lead Artist, Jorge Joao designed a look that is ladylike but a little undone so as not to be the least bit prissy with a little help from Redken faves: Fabricate 03, Fashion Works 12 and Quick Tease 15.

It may be from a Fall/Winter show but I don't see anything about this look that doesn't make it also perfect for right now!

- Lisamarie -

Redken Curvaceous helps inspire curl envy!

Those of you with curly hair know that it has it's own special challenges - the most annoying among them being just how easily it frizzes so it's important to use products especially meant for your hair type.

It's true, I don't usually talk about products for curly hair - for the simple reason that I have poker straight hair that just won't curl no matter what I do! But a friend of mine has been trying out the Curvaceous line and has been so impressed with it that I figured I should get over my curl-envy and not keep this knowledge to myself so you can all have a Curvaceous experience...

With a Curl Memory Complex made up of sugar crystals - attracts moisture to curls and waves to reactivate their pattern and become more bouncy and hydrated; moringa oil - drenches dry, dehydrated curls with a boost of moisture for bounce and shine; IPN - made up of soy protein and acts as a tension point for hi-stress curls for a boost of strength for all day manageability; and UV filter - for protection.

Available in the collection is:

Shampoo - 300ml - $14.49 - cleanses stressed out curls and waves for hi-definition spring. If your curls are dry, feel free to skip this as a daily step and just shampoo once or twice a week.

Conditioner - 250ml - $16.99 - offers weightless conditioning and intense moisture for all types of curls and waves.

Curl Dive - 180ml - $22.99 - a deeply nourishing mask that instantly replenishes moisture and helps protect internal strength - Use one a week to define curls and waves, control frizz and enhance shine for smooth and soft curls.

Wind Up - 145ml - $22.99 - a leave-in spray that reactivates lazy waves and curls for redefined shape for all types of curls and waves.

Full Swirl - 150ml - $21.99 - combination cream serum to control frizz and lock in moisture for high-shine for curls and spirals.

Ringlet - 180ml - $22.99 - provides definition, frizz control and prepares curls to take on any desired shape for elastic curls.

Wave Ahead - 135g - $21.99 - a texturizing, lightweight and airy foam that breaks down into waxy fibers to add structure to waves - provides volume and curl enhancement when applied to wet hair and diffused and rich, wavy texture when applied to dry hair.

The most important thing to remember about curly hair - treat it gently! If you're aggressive with it, or heaven forbid, brush it through, the natural curl separates causing the fair to frizz!

Visit www.redken.ca to find a Redken salon near you.

- Lisamarie -

Redken Smooth Lock - fights frizz while nourishing your hair!

My hair seems to have an eternal struggle with frizz - in the summer, it's frizz due to humidity and in the winter it gets frizzy from overuse of the blow dryer since I don't want to go out into the cold with wet hair. I can't seem to win this one so I'm always on the hunt for products that will solve my frizz problem!

Enter the Smooth Lock collection from Redken which is perfect for my winter frizz issues because the products actually have a Thermo Active Polymer which forms a humidity-resistant, heat-activated barrier on the surface to retain internal moisture while locking out frizz. They also contain Almond Oil to condion and coat the hair's surface for a silky, smooth finish with added shine as well as IPN which penetrates the cortex to strengthen and reinforce hair for improved manageability.

Smooth Lock Shampoo - 300ml - $14.49 - delivers nourishing shine and helps retain moisture while it eases detangling and improves manageability.
Smooth Lock Conditioner - 250ml - $16.99 - instantly improves manageability as it resurfaces the cuticle with smoothness and lasting shine and nourishes dry hair.
Smooth Lock Butter Silk - 250ml - $21.99 - provides deep moisture and long-lasting smoothness while it replenishes damaged areas of the cuticle and eases detangling and improves manageability and shine.
Smooth Lock Stay Sleek - 250ml - $20.99 - an intense smoothing balm that seals the cuticle for sleek, compacted look while offering weightless frizz control and intensive surface smoothing for up to 3 shampoos
Smooth Lock Heat Glide - 150ml - $23.99 - smooths and tames rebellious, frizz-prone hair; replenishes, nourishes and smooths the cuticle; and provides 92% frizz reduction for 48 hours.

I've been using the whole line for a couple of weeks now and I can really see a difference in how much smoother my hair looks. When I use the Stay Sleek it takes a lot less effort to smooth my hair out for the next couple of shampoos which is a great time saver! My favourite product from the line is the Butter Silk - I've been using it every few days and does my hair ever look shiny and feel soft and silky!

Visit www.redken.ca to find a Redken salon near you.

- Lisamarie -

Backstage and on the runway for Lucian Matis Spring/Summer 2013

Going backstage at Fashion Week is always a trip - lines and lines of models getting their hair and makeup done and people running everywhere - what seems like utter chaos somehow turns into perfectly coiffed and made up models strutting beautiful clothes down the runway!

Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline was on hand again this year designing and directing the looks. I especially love the one she came up with for the Lucian Matis show - striking and simple - totally something that can be worn in the real world too!

Grace started with a base of Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in1 Beauty Balm to perfect the skin. The brows were filled in and then set with clear Great Lash Mascara. For the eyes she used a mixture of a taupe Eye Studio Color Tattoo and clear Baby Lips to give it that glossy effect and the lashes finished with a coat of Volum'Express Mega Plush. And my favourite part, the lips, are a mixture of On Fire Red and Electric Orange Color Sensational Vivids Lipcolor (coming your way this January.)

Jorge Joao, lead stylist for Redken came up with this gorgeous flowy look with a little help from: REDKEN Iron Shape, REDKEN Fashion Works 12 and REDKEN Shine Flash 02

And of course there were clothes - there was a series of very sheer garments - that don't seem very practical to me and ones made out of croc embossed leather or pleather that didn't seem to fit the models very well so I can't imagine they would look good on normal people - so I'm going to ignore them and concentrate my pictures on stuff I would love to buy and wear, these gorgeous prints!

- Lisamarie -

Redken Powder Refresh 01 - transforms any style from day old to amazing instantly!

Redken Powder Refresh 01 - 153ml - $22.99 - entering the dry shampoo market for the first time, Redken's offering is both an aerosol hair powder and style extender. It absorbs oil, neutralizes odours and extends the life of a blow-out while leaving a refreshing feel on the hair. Perfect for a quick style refresh anytime, anywhere!

Suitable for all hair types with a fragrance of peppermint, orange, corn mint and a hint of green ivy and eucalyptus it offers a hair pick me up without weighing the hair down.

It's easy to use - just shake well and spray evenly over the hair, then brush through to remove any excess.

As the super lucky possessor of fine hair, dry shampoo is my frequent saviour and I am quite the connoisseur having tried more of them then is normal for probably even a beauty blogger! The big difference between an aerosol and powder dry shampoo is that an aerosol is easier to apply but stinks, a powder is messier to apply but smells good. This has been universally true up until this Redken one - which has the expected aerosol ease but also smells amazingly minty! A new favourite is born!

Find it at salons across Canada - visit www.redken.ca to learn more or locate a salon.

- Lisamarie -

VAWK Fall/Winter 2012 with makeup and hair looks by Maybelline and Redken!

You can always count on seeing something new and  different in hair and makeup when it comes to VAWK so it was definitely the show that I was excited to get backstage for!

Grace Lee, Lead Makeup Artist for Maybelline created a fun and edgy look to compliment the clothes and hair.

To get the look: Start with a perfect nude complexion with Dream Nude Airfoam foundation which offers natural sheer coverage and follow up with a light dusting of Fit Me powder. Grace didn't use blush but rather a darker shade of Fit Me powder to add some contouring. The lips go ultra nude with Superstay 14HR Lipstick in Beige for Good or if you really want to make them disappear - use your Fit Me Concealer instead. Eyes are lined with Eye Studio Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner in Black including along the crease and lashes are finished with Illegal Length Fiber Extension Mascara.

Just a couple of tweaks takes it from the runway to everyday - for the liner, eliminate the spaces underneath and continue a full line - you can also eliminate the liner in the crease - now it's a very fresh and pretty daytime look!

The inspiration for the hair look was sci-fi samurai -

Which was created by Jorge Joao, Redken Artist - the backstage lead stylist, and it's pretty easy to copy:

Paddle dry hair straight, create high ponytail, then create another half ponytail, open the loop to create fan effect. Whether you want to add your own leather hair bondage, is entirely up to you... To achieve the look, he used Redken products (obviously): Quick Dry 18, Fabricate 03, Fashion Work 12 and Shine Flash 02

- Lisamarie -