Don’t pretend this isn’t a recurring dream of yours. Well, the dream has become reality! Tuesday, L’Oréal Paris kicked off their “Elnett Car,” which travels around midtown/Lincoln Center in NYC making L’Oréal’s fave styling staples accessible to city gals. Tons of lucky New Yorkers clamored for free samples of celeb must-haves and styling consultations with the L’Oréal Paris Pro Team. One absolute can’t miss product: L’Oréal Paris’s Elnett Satin Hairspray, the legendary and versatile hairspray of choice for red carpet extravaganzas that gets your hair instantly spotlight-ready for a star-worthy shine and strong, clean hold that will last all day.

Every day from noon to 5pm until September 14, the Elnett Car’s location will be tweeted (@johnnylavoy and @lorealparisusa), so if you’re lucky enough to be in NYC for the week, make sure to check your Twitter more often than usual for your chance to scoop up some free goods and expert advice!

When you have curly hair, summer is one long humidity-sponsored frizzfest.  Even with the best products, summer weather often just won’t let you have a good curly hair day.

For girls that don’t have curls, a bad hair day can be hidden or even completely turned around by a ponytail; but I think I speak for a lot of curly girls when I say I can’t pull that off.  When I put my hair in what should be a ponytail, it looks more like there’s a pony afro exploding out of the back of my head.  There’s just too much poof going on for it to look cute.

For years, I’ve dabbled in other updos, but now I’ve finally found one I can commit to.  Ladies (both straight and curly), I give you the topknot: my new go-to pulled back hairstyle, good for bad hair days, lazy hair days, “I overslept” hair days, and especially frizzy summer hair days.

loose topknot

tight topknot

A topknot is super chic on anyone, and super easy to put together.  My technique is to pull my hair into a very high ponytail at or close to the top of my head, fasten it with a hair tie, and then wrap the tail around the tie to create a tight bun.  To secure it, I first tuck the end of the ponytail under the hair tie, then stick in some bobby pins to keep everything in place and to make it stand up higher.

topknot with braid

As you can see, the basic topknot technique can be modified to produce a number of looks.  I usually let mine be a little less perfect—the slightly undone topknot is a less severe look, and better for casual everyday wear.  When I want to look more polished, I’ll wrap the bun more tightly; and if I’m having a day where I’m feeling particularly adventurous and think I have enough hair savvy, I might add a tiny braid.

One brilliant, brand new topknot is brought to us by the lovely Ms. Hilary Duff.  In these pictures from the Teen Choice Awards, we see Hilary’s hair french braided loosely on top to give her an amazing textured pompadour, and the rest of her hair pulled into a purposefully disheveled topknot.  If you look closely, you can see that the braid continues back into the knot.

Hilary’s unique topknot style is a little bit complicated, but it’s such an innovative and gorgeous look that it’s worth spending the time to put together.  I’m still working on perfecting mine, but as soon as it’s ready you can be sure I’ll be wearing it often!

Scarlett at Comic-Con

by Alison Zeidman

Despite the protests of some die-hard comics fans, in recent years San Diego Comic-Con has turned into an event for more than strictly comic book-related showcases, events, and panel discussions.  The convention has become a choice venue for promoting movies and television shows like Glee and True Blood, and in 2010 Comic-Con was also the hot event for stars to debut their newly chopped hair.

Scarlett Johansson was in attendance for the official announcement of 2012′s The Avengers, in which she’ll be reprising her Iron Man 2 role as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow.  Marvel Comics fans were thrilled to see the full lineup for the movie (also starring Robert Downey Jr. and Samuel Jackson), and fashionistas everywhere flipped for Scarlett’s amazing new haircut!

Scarlett at MTV Movie Awards

Scarlett’s sophisticated, sexy new look totally exudes power and confidence—exactly the qualities she needs to be a member of the world’s greatest superhero team.  It’s a piece-y long bob, and for the convention Scarlett had it styled into fantastic messy-on-purpose waves.  It’s quite possibly the greatest “oh, I wake up looking this fabulous” hairstyle ever created, and an invigorating change from the long bombshell curls (like she wore to this year’s MTV Movie Awards) that we’re used to seeing on her.

Scarlett may have gotten more attention and hair-envy than any other celebrity at San Diego Comic-Con, but she was by no means alone in premiering a big hair change on the convention red carpet.  Jena Malone and Emily Browning, two of the stars in the soon-to-hit-theaters Suckerpunch (also starring Vanessa Hudgens and Abbie Cornish), showed up with even shorter hair!

Jena at Comic-Con

Jena’s been experimenting with short hair for a while, but this look was still quite a change for her.  The shorter styles we’ve seen on Jena in the past have gotten pretty daring, but at Comic-Con she looked prim and demure.  Her new hair is still a little unconventional, but definitely much more tame.

Emily at Comic-Con

Emily went for a more dramatic change than either Scarlett or Jena, and the result is absolutely stunning.  Both the new cut and the new reddish-blonde color are extremely flattering.  The style really showcases her lovely doe eyes and gorgeous cheekbones, and the color illuminates her beautifully pale skin.

Scarlett, Jena, and Emily are always beautiful, but now with these new haircuts, they’ve definitely picked up some major style points.  Shorter hair suits all three of these girls, and hopefully we’ll see them with these looks again soon!

To create a textured fishtail braid for the mesmerizing mermaid in you:

Step 1: Apply TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Foaming Mousse to damp hair and blow dry to create a beachy texture at the base of the braid.

Step 2: Curl your hair with a ½ “ curling iron and pin it in place. Set the curls with TRESemmé Naturals Finishing Spray.

Step 3: Once your curls are cool, take out the pins. Flip your hair over and use your fingers to gently break up the curls for more texture.

Step 4: Beginning at the nape of your neck, fishtail braid your hair down the back. How do you create a fishtail braid? Simply start off by sectioning your hair into two. Take a skinny strand from the outside of the left side and add it to the right side. Then add a skinny strand from the right side to the left side. Pull tightly and repeat until you reach the end of the braid and secure with a hair tie.

Step 5: With a styling brush, brush the braid upwards, loosening up random bits of hair for a more natural, beach-inspired look.

Or, just follow three short steps if you’re just interested in a simple beach blow out:

Step 1: Apply TRESemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray to damp hair and blow dry straight.

Step 2: Spray TRESemmé Fresh Start Dry Shampoo lightly on your hair to absorb any excess oil.

Step 3: Add a small drop of TRESemmé Anti-Frizz Secret Smoothing Crème onto your palms and apply to the ends and roots to tame those tricky flyaways.

Now just grab your beach bag, lather on some sunscreen and head to the waters for some fun in the sun!

Walking down the lit streets of New York apartments, I suddenly realized I was dressed like the quintesential Californian girl: a bright blue tank, Paige Premium jeans and messy surfer hair. Everyone else was in black with slick hairstyles. Models with sculpted, futuristic tresses walked the lot chatting and posing in seriously killer boots.  And yet, I didn’t feel out of place. Maybe that was due to the veggie burgers and the complete lack of smoking (or maybe it was the black martini I was handed immediately upon entering…). Either way, much mingling was happening. A large stage was set up with several stations where you could literally watch these stunning hair creations come to life on the models. Stunned, I watched a skilled stylist de-frizz and disentangle one model only to recreate another gravity-defying coiffure. But that wasn’t all there was to see, there was Johnne Perez (a sculptor) and Food One (aka Jim Mahfood, a muralist and live art rocker,) as well as acrobats, projections, a live modeling shoot and music.

As I sat on a stoop, my black martini on the step next to me with all the sugar licked off its rim, I really got the vibe of Sebastian: chic, upbeat and social. And then that wonderful salon-smell of hairspray hit me. You know that smell which makes you loathe to wash your hair after a professional cut? And then, I really started to wish it was my hair being twisted, teased and braided into a bouffant Marge Simpson would approve of.

All in all, the Paramount water tower looming in the background only served to remind us what a fabulous and elaborate production this was. Appropriate for a fabulous and elaborate hairstyle that would call for a product like Shaper, made by a man like Sebastian. To quote Johnne Perez, this was “quite the surprise, quite the party.”

Amanda Seyfried at the Oscars

Glamour is back. How do we know? Hair Styles? Clothes? Shoes? Well, perhaps they are strong clues, but at the Academy Awards many of the women as they were introduced to give an award or came up to accept one, fetchingly lifted their skirts to come up or down the stairs. It is often little clues like this that let us know that elegance, driven into seeming history by overdone everything in the ’80s and grunge in the ’90s has made a stunning comeback.

Not that the runways have demonstrated this up until recently. Last October’s post-apocalyptic, underwear on the outside, bleached eyebrows and blow torched hair were not fashion, they were art. This season showed a lot more of that elegance. Even Alexander McQueen’s (RIP) looks were stunningly elegant, with his slightly outre touch that will be missed dearly. Galliano for Dior came out with some surprising feminine diaphanous blush colored fabrics, very unlike his usual hard edge looks. Armani and Marc Jacobs for Vuitton were deliciously classic. Hair was mostly soft and did not take away from the clothes, but complemented them.

It seems that the Red Carpets have pre-trended these looks. Strapless ball gowns, sans bling, hair neatly up, back or over one shoulder were the majority of the looks at the Golden Globes, SAG and (with a few exceptions, you know musicians) the Grammys. Why this return to elegance and glamour? One could say it is just recycling, that everything that could be done in fashion has been done, so where to go but back in time? It isn’t an exact replica of a 50s or 60s Academy Award, but the women really pulled it off. The colors of choice were strong blues and blushes with lightly done makeup. No raccoon eyes or overdone eyeshadow. Lips were also more natural, showing the trend towards softer looks for the face.

A Look from Alexander McQueen's Fall 2010 Collection

Now that Spring is here, invest in some new colors for your lips and eyes. While it may seem natural to go lighter with the hair in the spring, a bit of deeper shade will show off softer make up more. Even blue eyeshadow, banned by the cognoscenti for years, if not too strong and over done, can be lovely. Even a slight smudge with it around your eye (not a dark color, think more periwinkle) for daytime, then a little more cobalt at night can be gorgeous. And who doesn’t look good in blush tones? Softer on the forehead, a bit heavier under the cheek bones and jaw line.

Have your hairdresser work with you on how to put your hair back or up. It is surprisingly easy. At the office all day, softer tones in make up, hair down or professionally pulled back, then comes that call, “meet me for a drink.”.Stronger on the blush color, more smudge around the eyes and up goes the hair, and off you go.

Stuart Gavert is a phenomenal hair guru, the owner of Gavert Atelier in Beverly Hills and did the hair color on the Twilight cast.

So where does Kristen Stewart fit in? She’s the girl who has never really been loved in her life, and is constantly getting rejected by men. When the opportunity arises for her to get away

Eric Lee/Samuel Goldwyn

and go for a ride with Gordy (Eddie Redmayne) she decides to take a chance. At first I wasn’t sold on her character either, she seemed moody and oddly attracted to Brett (is there something in this water in this Louisiana town?) But I began to like her as soon as Brett made it clear that he was more of a father figure, which is exactly what she really needed. Watching her relationship with Gordy develop shows how sometimes we are put in unexpected situations in our lives that shape us into the people we are meant to be.

The press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills helped to open my eyes about the intricacies of the cast and creators of the film. For example, Kristen auditioned for this part before any of her Twilight success when she was only 16 (she’ll be 20 in April). Director Udayan Prasad said that although she was incredibly nervous when she auditioned, she also had “something very focused about her, very centered and she knew herself in a way that was actually quite intimidating.” In the interview, Kristen was relaxed and laid-back wearing a Market Milla Boyfriend tee which was paired with her very greasy hair… maybe she’s taking hair care tips from boyfriend and Twilight co-star Robert Pattinson? Yet she was likable and honest and seemed particularly honored to work with William Hurt.

This film isn’t a traditional Hollywood movie, but an indie film worth seeing that will take you on a road-trip through Louisiana right after Hurricane Katrina with characters you really grow to care about.

The Yellow Handkerchief hits theaters tomorrow. For more movie reviews, sign up for the Blush Celebrity newsletter.

The life of a celebrity is good. Especially when you get to not only go to the Grammys and see it live, but you can come to the style suite beforehand and get pampered. What is the styling suite? The suite is there for the talent and attendees of the Grammys to come and pick up designer clothes, gorgeous jewelry, shoes, and accessories to wear to the show. The pampering continues with expensive champagne, martinis, cocktails and getting your hair and makeup done by the pros.

I was lucky enough to enjoy this lavish suite and get my makeup done by the fabulous MAKE UP FOR EVER team before a night out. By the way, if you have never gotten your makeup done, and don’t consider that pampering, STOP, drop and roll over to your local mall or spa, get your face put on and experience the exquisiteness. MUFE’s makeup team houses makeup professionals that have a range of celebrity clientele and expertise. This year MUFE celebrates 25 years of exciting and groundbreaking makeup. My makeup artist for the day was Mr. -I’m so fucking fabulous… What?- David Hernandez. With 17 years of experience and a celebrity clientele ranging from the girls of Silversun Pickups, India Arie to Pamela Anderson, he’s truly a makeup genius in his own and will provide a great time as an added extra.

Also lending their brand expertise to the new movie starring Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart, The Runaways, they’ve made the young starlets into replicas of Joan Jett and Cherie Curie. In genuine excitement of the movie release, I asked David to give me a Dakota Fanning rocker chic look. Using an electric blue for a smokey eye, recreating the look for him was a snap. He started with eyebrows as they are very important to a look, the best way of creating a good brow is starting out with a good shape and contouring them with shadows and pencils. Don’t be afraid to try different things, a strong brow can be gorgeous with the right look as can a soft one. Aqua Eyes eyeliner and mascara accompanied by lavish lashes by MUFE, and a hot red lip completed the look. If there’s one thing I learned from this makeup adventure, it was have patience with using fake lashes. David’s tips: “Have PATIENCE!!! If you don’t have patience with lashes you’re going to frustrate yourself and ruin the lashes. If you don’t’ have patience for it then don’t put them on. Start with putting down the middle of the lash as close to the lash line as possible and work your way pressing out.” The trend to look forward to this year: colorful lips and colorful smokey eyes. To have makeup done by such an amazing professional is quite the dream but the look was yet to be complete.

Making our way over to hair, Raina from Cutler Salon was ready to style. Cutler Salon is a leading salon in New York, has amazing  hair cuts and an emphasis on training programs and education in the industry. Using a curling iron, hair spray and not too much conditioner was required to get the feathery rocker hair style. After curling, roughing it up is key.

Tada! Look completed and very Cherie Curie. Hat’s off to my fabulous makeup artist and hairstylist. Leaving the suite and luxury is definitely a hard thing after such a pampering day.

While at the suite, celebs that stopped by were: Sean Paul, Zac Brown Band and the gorgeous India Arie. (She’s a huge fan of MAKE UP FOR EVER as well.) Her favorite product she uses is the HD Foundation. Beautiful!

Jenna is a social media marketing maverick and frequently covers events in Hollywood.

I had envisioned my wedding style to be flowy dress with flowy hair.  Then I tried on THE dress.  Without getting into details, I will say it is definitely not flowy – and the back?!  Well, I can’t really wear my hair down with this dress.

Since “updos” aren’t my typical style, I have been looking to the recent red carpet styles to try and find a look that suits me.  Below are some of my faves – which one do you like best?  And if you think I missed one – please let me know!  I need some help!

Sandra Bullock’s dress at the 2010 Golden Globes got mixed reviews from the critics – but I love how soft her hair looks.  It’s not overly worked and still has enough movement so I won’t feel to bare without my hair down.

Anna Kendrick is a break-through beauty since her role in “Up in the Air”.  I happen to really like the dress she wore to the globes – but her hair is what really caught my eye.  (notice a pattern?)

I haven’t watched “The Hills” in several seasons so it’s not like Kristin Cavallari is on my radar regularly – however, her hair looks pretty spectacular here at the “When in Rome” premiere.

I have always loved Debra Messing – and I always love her style.  Her hair at the 2009 Emmy’s looked chic and polished.  Would it work for me?