Ouidad is known for their specialization in curly hair.  In fact, Ouidad is “all about the curl” and to keep ”curls looking modern-looking, shiny and healthy is as simple as can be.”  Strangely, none of us at TDO have curly hair. (There’s not even a wave among the five of us - stick, straight hair.) Nonetheless, on a cold December evening, I made my way to the new Ouidad Salon in Santa Monica. Opened just a couple months ago, I was excited for appointment especially since I’ve been walking by the construction of this salon for months now.  

I made my appointment with Morgan, the lead stylist who had trained under Ouidad for years in New York.  When it was time to open the West Coast branch, Morgan and Ouidad traveled throughout the Los Angeles area in search of the perfect location and found it on the quaint Montana Avenue.  When I walked into the salon, I was immediately struck by the cozy, yet sophisticated interior.  The entire interior is encompassed in wood with an open air ceiling.   One entire wall features a strip of mirrors with white styling chairs. Upon entering, I was greeted by another stylist, who offered me a beverage, before leading me to a curtained area to change into a robe. After changing, I sat down in the soft leathered bench with a magazine - and not before long, Morgan was ready for me.

I basically explained that I wanted to take off several inches and a lot of the weight.  (My hair was feeling fairly heavy and without style.)  I was simply ready for a bit of change, without losing all of my length.  Ouidad is known for their “Carving and Slicing” technique, and Morgan explained that she would be using this technique on my hair while adding in layers to give my hair some dimension.  “’Carving and Slicing’ is designed to allow curls to fall into a place like puzzle pieces, so each spiral neatly fits into the next, allowing hair to fall straight down, rather than building out on the sides.”  For me, this meant that the carving would lay my hair downward, while slicing gave my hair soft movement (instead of blunt).  

Morgan took me back to get shampooed and conditioned with Ouidad’s signature products - and my gosh, they smelled good.  Afterward, I was brought back to my chair where my hair was sectioned - and before long, Morgan was carving and slicing away.  I was a bit nervous because the “Carving and Slicing” technique feels strange, coupled with seeing all of my hair that was falling to the floor.  (Seriously, all of the hair on the floors could have created a wig for someone.) I shouldn’t have felt nervous at all though because once my hair got styled (i.e. fabulously blown out and finished with a bit of Ouidad’s Shine Glaze), my hair looked wonderful.  I could not believe how healthier my hair looked and how much lighter it felt; plus, the layers in my hair fell softly into each other and moved quite prettily.  Several weeks later, it still looks amazing!  I’m just as happy now as I was when I walked out of the salon.

So whether you’ve got stick straight hair or adorable curls, check out Ouidad for your next cut. Ouidad Salon is located on 1230 Montana Avenue in Santa Monica. Call 310-393-3542 to make an appointment or go to www.ouidad.com for more information.

I’m always on the lookout for a good powder, since it’s so hard to find one that I like.  Either they’re too dark or too matte or too… something to make me completely satisfied.  But I’m happy to report that I’ve recently found a powder I can’t find one thing wrong with.

Smashbox’s Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder is my new holy grail powder that I can’t live without.  While it looks like an ordinary powder, its packed full of ingredients that reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and its anti-aging formula contains pure gold, 48 (!) different minerals, 11 amino acids and a peptide.  The oil-free formula also has a hydration system that keeps the powder working all day, so your skin looks as good when you first put it on as it does hours later.  I love the way it looks on me - it doesn’t give my skin the chalky effect some powders do, and it seems almost like a highlighter because it makes it glow a little.  Wearing it just makes me look healthier somehow, which is a look I’m totally into.  Besides the fact that the product really works, I also love it because it comes in the coolest packaging.  It’s a pressed powder in the compact, but when you twist it, the built in shaver turns it into a loose powder, so you get the best of both worlds.  Kudos to whoever thought of that!

The Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder is available in four shades and retails for $59.  Get yours at Sephora.com or Beauty.com.

My lips are constantly dry in this weather, so I need a lip balm that helps to moisturize, heal, and provide some sun protection. Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 does all of that really well. It’s scentless and hypo-allergenic, and applies smoothly and evenly, without even a hint of waxiness. It’s made with natural oatmeal, jojoba oil, and shea butter, all natural skin conditioners that smooth and soften my lips gently. I passed it on to my boyfriend to test, and even he liked how effective it was.

For my face, my moisturizer with SPF of choice is philosophy’s hope in a jar spf 20, which I reviewed, and applied religiously, over the summer. It’s become my go-to for the winter, as well. And to moisturize my hands, I turn to Neutrogena Age Shield Hand Cream SPF 30. I like that it’s not greasy and absorbs pretty quickly. It combines moisture, SPF, and anti-aging elements for the perfect hand cream to protect against all elements. What more can you ask for? Check these out and protect your skin this winter!

Inspired by the ocean, these beautiful earrings have a lovely organic shape. They look so delicate and lightweight (love the tiny gems!), yet simultaneously, substantial. I think these would pair well with a variety of outfits. I’m imagining them with a fabulous little cocktail dress like these ones by Kimchi, Thread Social and Urban Renewal. Similarly, you could just throw them on to glam up a pair of jeans and tee.

Available in a variety of finishes (silver, gold vermeil, gunmetal, 14k gold), visit www.alexwoo.com to order.

These days, we’re all looking for the most bang for our buck. That should extend to our dining and drinking too, and that’s where MyOpenBar.com comes in. The founders of the site began by compiling open bar events around NYC in one centralized place… for free! You can browse through an entire week’s worth of open bars in your area and check out deals every day. You’re bound to find new places to explore, all while enjoying food and drinks at great prices.

MyOpenBar covers events in NYC, Chicago, LA, Miami, San Francisco, and Honolulu. I was reading through the Chicago edition and found out that the Map Room in Bucktown has $5 bloody marys and free BBQ food today. Yum and yum. What open bars or drink specials are going on in your city? Read up at MyOpenBar and find out!

The Blush itself achieves that Tweed Effect by seemingly weaving in 2 contrasting shades of the same hue, with touches of subtle shimmer. I tried the Tweed Rose color and was absolutely pleased with how soft and warm my face looked after applying. One swipe with the small brush in the compact was enough for a rosy glow that looked naturally flush. Try this for yourself at your nearest nordstrom.com or chanel.com!

I had lived with one tone, (dark,) dark brown hair my whole life.  Although I toyed with the idea of dying my hair to sun-kissed Abercrombie brown in the 7th grade, I deferred because I dreaded having roots, picking the wrong shade, and feared making my hair become one dry, dull mess.

However, the work of Ariane Garcia at XAC Anthony totally changed my mind.  In the mood for something new the morning that I came in, I was ready for a subtle, yet obvious change.  She was excited at the idea of my having “virgin” hair, telling me that virgin hair picks up color the best.  After I explained my past hesitations about coloring my hair, she decided that getting highlights would be ideal, and set to work highlighting strands of my hair in two tones: brown red and violet red.  As she set to work highlighting my hair, she told me that the highlights would fade out naturally by themselves in about three weeks, so I wouldn’t have to worry about roots and that the colors she selected would intermingle effortlessly into my hair.

Hours later after foiling, I eagerly awaited as she took off the foil, and waited for it to be blown dry and was totally pleased with the results.  My hair was this sheath of deftly woven strands of light brown and red, which effortlessly blended into each other as it caught the light.   The extra tones mixed into my hair gave my hair added depth and texture, and only added to the beautiful layered haircut given to me by Lysette Drumgold.  The haircut gave my hair some definite needed TLC, as she expertly gave my hair face framing layers and restored the collapsing structure to my hair.

The XAC Anthon Salon is new to the Chelsea area, and fits into the area well with its contemporary and art gallery vibe.  Anthony Valente, co-owner of the salon, informed me that they feature a different artist every few months.  Although the salon has a modern atmosphere, the staff is incredibly warm and friendly, not only to the customers, but to each other as they all enjoy hanging out with each other even after hours.  In addition to both haircuts and color, the salon also offers facials, as well as custom couture tattoos by famed tattoo artist, Friday Jones, who has practiced her craft on Angelina Jolie.

As a special treat for TDO readers, if you mention “The Daily Obsession.” Anthony is offering 25% all first time services.  What better way to kick off the new year than with a new look?

You can learn more about this fabulous salon and its incredible range of services here.  The salon is located at 140 West 19th, between 6th and 7th avenue and can be reached at 212-929-5430.

I became instantly obsessed.  Touch de Rouge is Cle de Peau’s extra silky lipstick.  The slim tube houses the actual lipstick, which is sleek and chic.  I tried this in color 102, which is a reddish brown hue that would compliment a lot of skin tones.  The color simply melt into your lips because they are just that soft.  The color is so moisturizing that your lips feel instantly smoother and softer; once applied, it has a lovely lasting power.  

I definitely recommend stopping by your nearest Cle de Peau Beaute counter to try it out!  Cle de Peau Beaute is available at various retailers nationwide including Barney’s New York, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

New Year’s is that one holiday every year that I really really look forward to.  In the same way that some people deck out for St. Patrick’s Day, or Halloween, or Christmas, I go all out festive on New Year’s.  This year I’ve compiled 12 of my favorite champagne themed products of the year - whether they be champagne colored, scented, flavored or the real deal.  It won’t be too difficult to guess what theme I’ll be rocking all night tonight.

Champagne in Hand

1. Essie Nail Polish in Imported Champagne: This sparkly golden beige polish straddles that delicate balance between gloss and frost and creates a very beautiful champagne finish.  Unlike purely glossy colors, the shimmer lets you get away with a little bit of careless in the application.  I did mine at home just yesterday in anticipation for my New Year’s party and they look fab.

2. Lauren Merkin Lucy Champagne Clutch: For those of you who like to accent your outfit with a fab accessory, this Lauren Merkin champagne colored, vintage-inspired, lambskin clutch fits in your hand or under your arm. The bubble metallic lambskin dresses it up for the evening and adds just the right amount of sophistication.

Bellini Bling

3. Catherine Nicole Diana Earrings: I’m wearing these to my New Year’s party this year, which will look great contrasted against my black outfit. I love this pair specifically because they are just big enough to be noticeable and just discreet enough not to be tacky. Made of topaz Swarvoski crystal and 14k gold, this pair mixes just the right amount of precious and costume. Priced at $98, you can pick it up just for New Years but you’ll want to wear all year round.

4. David Yurman Champagne Citrine Albion Ring: This beauty is a real investment, but one that I decided I was going to gift myself for 2009.  I love Yurman’s signature designs and champagne citrine is my go-to gem.  Plus, an investment in a cocktail ring is one that pays off party after party, year after year.

Sparkling Sensations

5.  Ayala: Champagne and Champagne Cocktails are my favorite orders at the bar.  It might be a little dangerous to down too many at the bar, but New Year’s is the time to get a little rowdy.  Fine champagne now has a new competition in the States, Ayala, which worked its way over from France this year. Champagne Ayala is referred to as the “Purest Champagne” because it offers a couture, zero dosage (no added sugar) selection including a brut, a rose and a prestige cuvee, so you can enjoy a few more bubbles without the guilt.

6. POP Champagne: This self-proclaimed unconventional champagne  comes in personal sized bottles complete with a straw, allowing you to enjoy the party without having to hit the bar for refills on your glass.  Really, it’s more chic than trashy. It’s a light and simple wine that also makes a killer mimosa for the morning after.

Beauty and the Bubbly

7. Stila Kitten Silk Eyeshadow Wash: My perennial favorite, universally flattering, brightening, champagne eye shadow just got even better. The liquid-to-powder version  goes on perfectly smooth without a brush and now even doubles as a highlighter. Creates a beautiful glimmer to your evening look.

8. Givenchy Rouge Interdit in Beige Champagne:  When it comes to champagne on the lips, the color can be a bit tricky.  Too light and you could easily look washed out.  Too shimmery and you could look like your Crayola glitter box. And for New Year’s, I prefer a lipstick over gloss for simplicity’s sake. Givenchy’s Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick on Beiglie Champagne fits the bill.  Though named Beige Champage, this shade is actually a rosy beige, containing the right touch of pink to add liveliness to your look.  The satin finish goes light on the frost, but creates a sexy, light reflecting finish.

9. Clairol Natural Instincts Champagne Indulgence Collection: While this doesn’t launch until March 2009, I am already jealous that my blonde haired friends get to play with this new shimmer hair color collection. This collection, inspired by the color and cheer of champagne, offers four natural sparkling shades to highlight blonde hair.

Intoxicating Home

10.  Tocca Candela Mimosa: This to-die-for holiday candle is actually my favorite among all my home fragrances of the moment.  The wonders at Tocca managed to capture the scent, twinkle and spirit of a freshly uncorked bottle of champane into a luxurious candle.  If your celebration tonight is more of a family affair at home rather than kissing strangers at a bar, be sure to share the warmth of this fragrance with your loved ones as you cheer on the New Year.

11. The Widow Clicquot: For the curious champagne connoisseur who also appreciates a good history lesson and biography, pick up a copy of  The Widow Clicquot. This book delves into the fascinating story of how one young widow (veuve in French) built the empire that is now one of the most recognizable labels in Champagne. The book also details the process of creating champagne and the story of how it’s become what we know of it today.  A top pick if you’re into history, sparkling wine, a good story, or to start fulfilling your New Year’s resolution of reading more books.

12.  Riedel Vitis Champagne Glasses: A special bottle of bubbly and a special occasion calls for special stemware. Riedel, the wine glass experts, makes a set of one of the most elegant flutes on the market, the Vitis.  This beautiful crystal glass not only showcases your fine wine, but is also designed to achieve enhanced taste.  The sides of the Vitis bowls flare outward before narrowing towards the rim which allows the even release of champagne bubbles and capture the aroma. These tall graceful glasses complements your choice of fine champagnes and sets a sophiscated air for your party.