The Black Dress Traveler

Unleash Your Inner Supermodel with Beverly Johnson Hair Care

I've been a fan of the beautiful Beverly Johnson for years. A true trailblazer, in 1974 Beverly was the first Black model to appear on the cover of American Vogue. Beverly is a timeless stunner, and best of all, she is sharing her beauty expertise with the world via her new line of haircare products. Model Logic by Beverly Johnson and Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytails will be available at select Target stores nationwide starting February 26th.

Model Logic by Beverly Johnson ($12.50 - $25) is a multicultural line of seven luxurious haircare products geared towards women and men of all ages. To keep your tresses looking supermodel chic and healthy, the products are enriched with vitamins, botanicals and emollients. The line includes Top Model Super Luxurious Moisturizing Shampoo, Photo Finish Mist, and other essentials.

Beverly Johnson Drawstring Ponytails ($19.95-$25) come in a range of colors from golden blonde to off-black and varying textures from silky straight to a loose straw curl. A blend of synthetic and natural hair, the ponytails can withstand the high heat of a curling iron or flat iron for numerous styling options. I know many women that love to pack a ponytail when they travel for an effortless yet elegant look. Just slick back your own hair, cinch the ponytail, and go!

2012 looks like it is going to be a fantastic one for Beverly - she also has a new reality show, Beverly's Full House, debuting on OWN (3/31). I'll be paying close attention to her hair!

Bye Bye Bad Hair Days, Hello Shuly Collection Custom Wigs

What do these gorgeous ladies have in common? They're all wearing a Shuly Wig!

Come on ladies, we've all been there - at the right place, in the perfect dress, but our hair was just so wrong! It may seem trivial but a bad hair day can really put a gal in a not-so-pretty mood. With the exception of the jheri curl (I will be eternally grateful to my Mom for vetoing that desire), I've probably had every hair style under the sun - braids, natural, relaxed, weaves, twists, and everything in between. I've even experimented with wigs but I've been dismayed at how fake they can look and how uncomfortable they can feel.


A Shuly wig on her head and one in her hand - lucky girl!


Inspired by proud wig wearing celebs, like talk-show host Wendy Williams, more women are wearing wigs and no longer feel embarrassed about it. And, if you're really serious, you'll follow Wendy's lead and invest in an exceptional wig by Shuly.

I was recently invited to a press event in NYC to meet Shuly and her fabulous wigs. I was so impressed by the quality that I hopped the subway a week later to visit her showroom in Brooklyn and to try on a few more wigs. The quality of the hair is superb and I am amazed at how Shuly is able to get such fullness in a wig without it feeling heavy or uncomfortable.

I've been Shuly-fied! What do  you think of yours truly in a Shuly wig?

Shuly is a dynamic lady who started making wigs at her kitchen table. Today, she is one of the most sought after wigmakers in the industry. Although, her primary customer base has been Orthodox Jewish women who are required to wear a sheitel (wig) when they get married, news of Shuly's exceptional talent reached the fashion industry and her wigs have been featured in Essence, Elle, Vogue, and even the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. She has deftly navigated honoring her traditions while making wigs available to women of all cultures and faiths. Although the motivations may be different, during our conversation Shuly stated that at the end of the day all women want to look beautiful. So true!



Shuly Wigs start at about $850 but with proper upkeep they can last 3-6 years - a great investment. Each wig is made from the finest natural hair from Europe or South America and comes with a one-year limited warranty. Unlike wigs you may pick up at the local beauty supply, Shuly Wigs are customized to your head so the fit is perfect. And, you can always make adjustments to your wig, such as adding highlights and layers. While I was at the Shuly showroom, I observed several women from the neighborhood dropping off their wigs to be washed and styled. I love the idea of sending my hair out for styling! And, with a Shuly wig, you'll never have to worry about a bad hair day while you are on vacation.


Shuly Wigs is located in Brooklyn at 4016 18th Avenue. For more information, visit their website.

Celebrity Hair, Everyday Prices: Sally Hershberger Hair Care

Whether you are sunbathing on the beach or window shopping down city streets, the summer heat can really take a toll on your hair. Moisture rich sprays make it easy to keep your tresses healthy and hydrated at home and on the road. 

Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Spray
$12.50
Does the name Sally Hershberger sound familiar to you? Not only is she the iconic stylist that gave Meg Ryan her much copied messy chic shag, Hershberger was the first New York City stylist to charge $600 for a haircut! Thank goodness, you can get some of Sally's magic without breaking the bank - her eponymous line of affordable haircare products are available at drugstores and beauty supply stores around the country.

I was given a sample of the Sally Hershberger Hyper Hydration Spray and love the versatilty of this product. Spritz it on wet hair after washing or use it on dry hair for instant moisture. It also offers protection from heat styling on those days when you just can't say no to your flat iron. It also tames frizz and flyaways. Loaded with keratin and silk, it is a perfect option for dry, damaged and color-treated hair. This product really works on all hair types. Sally calls Hyper Hydration "rehab for stressed out locks." Love it! 

Gorgeous on the Go: Beauty Products Worth Packing

Finally, I am getting to escape the Big Apple for a few days - I am heading on a jaunt to Boston next week for a little business and mucho pleasure! In addition to planning out my itinerary (museums, meals, and music) and selecting some pretty frocks, I am paying careful attention to what beauty products to bring. Here are a few of my at-home favorites that are definitely worth packing. Give them a try!

ProSilk Hair Smoothing Shine Enhancer with Silk Serums
$19.95
ProSilk Serum is nothing less than fantastic. When I received a sample, I honestly did not have high expectations - I figured it was just another sticky serum that would weigh my my hair down and leave it way too shiny. Au contraire - I have tried just about every serum on the market and ProSilk has quickly moved up the list as my new favorite.

The texture is lightweight, silky, and imparts a subtle shine. Somehow, it manages to smooth your hair without weighing it down - your hair will still move. And, ProSilk works well on ALL hair types - and it is really good on hair extensions. Beyond making your tresses look great, ProSilk helps fill in the voids on the cuticle layer by strengthening and bonding hair inside and outside. If you use a flat iron or other heat appliances, ProSilk will protect your tresses from the heat. It also has UV protection. You can even use ProSilk on your body. The scent is great too - ProSilk Silk Serum has a subtle aroma of fresh melon.


Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
$50
I received a sample size of Dermalogica Daily Microfolient in a gift bag a few weeks ago. Did I like it? Well, yesterday I made a trip to their store in Soho (NYC) to shell out 50 bucks to buy my own! Yes, it is a little pricey but the results are worth it. And, this bottle should last about a year - a great return on investment!

Unlike most scrubs, Dermalogica Microfolient does not feel at all harsh - you won't feel any little beads rubbing against your skin. It is a very fine powder that you shake into your wet hands and it turns into a creamy paste. Massage it into your face for a minute and voila - smooth, soft skin. It is gentle enough to use daily after your regular cleanser. The powder may look simple but it is packed full of powerful ingredients like, Salicylic Acid, Rice Enzymes, Green Tea and Licorice Root Extract, that calm the skin and balance out uneven pigmentation.

Cover FX Powder FX Pressed Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 10
$35
About 2 months ago, I stormed into Sephora seeking the perfect powder foundation. Just a few days prior, I had shelled out $45 on a well-known brand that did not deliver - no coverage, chalky, and no oil control. When the salesperson pointed me towards Cover FX, I balked. I had never heard of it and it just didn't sound chic or sexy. Well, it may not be stylish but this Powder FX delivers. If you have oily and sensitive skin like mine, Cover FX provides natural coverage, absorbs oil, and protects skin with SPF 10. They have a shade to match virtually every skin tone. A little bit goes a long way and the pressed powder format is perfect for travel.

Big Apple Beauty: Haute Holiday Hair Deals at Phyto Universe

If your travels bring you to New York City this week, take a break from the hustle and bustle to pamper your tresses. After all, a healthy and stylish head of hair is always the perfect accessory for a little black dress. To look your very best without breaking the bank, book a special holiday treatment at one of my favorite places -  Phyto Universe (715 Lexington Avenue at 58^th Street). From December 14-18, Phyto is teaming up with Halo Salon and Color Lab to offer an array of upscale services at affordable prices.

Led by expert colorist Jenna Rabideau, the Halo team of stylists is visiting from Fort Worth, Texas to pamper New York City clients at Phyto Universe with Blowouts for $20 and Special Occasion Styles/Updos for $125. For a more dramatic change, single process haircolor with a free haircut will be offered for $125 and up, haircut and blowdry for $100, highlights for $125 and up, global bleach with toner virgin application for $200, and single process color with highlights for $195 and up. Rabideau and her staff are regularly featured in print and broadcast media including: My Fair Wedding with David Tutera, Glamour, and MSNBC.


Created by Parisian stylist Patrick Ales, Phyto Universe is a unique beauty oasis in the heart of Manhattan. Renowned for their botanical based hair and scalp treatments, Phyto Universe is a tranquil escape from the concrete jungle –  a 3,000 square foot vertical garden encircles the venue and it is home to 9,000 live tropical plants. Phyto offers an extensive line of products to treat every hair type and texture. 



To make an appointment for a Holiday Hair Service and to learn about all of the available services, call Phyto Universe at 212-308-0270.

Plane Pretty: Five Fantastic Travel Friendly Beauty Products

Long time readers know that I've been a vocal opponent of the TSA's requirement that all carry-on liquids not exceed 3 fluid ounces and be placed in a quart-sized ZipLock bag. I strongly suspect that the only fans of this rule are the folks who manufacture those darn plastic bags. Yes, I appreciate the TSA's ongoing efforts to keep us safe but if they can't tell the difference between Chanel No. 5 and a weapon, we are in serious trouble - mascara is not the enemy!

In a travel era of exorbitant checked baggage fees and plastic baggies, deciding what toiletries to bring on a trip can pose a real dilemma for even the most seasoned traveler. Here are five products that deliver great results and won't take up any space in your ZipLock. Fly pretty!

Pacifica Wanderlust Collection Solid Perfume Trio ($15 at Sephora) - These snazzy solid fragrances are an affordable and practical way to bring scent with you on your journeys. Formulated from organic soy and coconut wax, the lush fragrances included in the Wanderlust Collection are Tuscan Blood Orange, Indian Coconut Nectar, and Tahitian Gardenia.



Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Powder ($11 at 3FlOZ.com) - Refresh your coif on a short trip with the dry shampoo that was voted "Best Dry Shampoo" and "Best Quick Fix" by Allure Magazine. No water or blow dryer necessary - just massage the powdery potion into your scalp, brush, and restyle. In just a few minutes your tresses will look freshly washed and have a lovely scent of lemon verbena.

PUR Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation with SPF 15 ($25 at PURMinerals.com) - I really have been trying to get on board with the loose mineral powder trend. While I do like some of the products, I find those little jars of powder messy and utterly inconvenient for touch-ups. Who wants to pull out a jar when you want to discreetly powder your nose? Every so often I cheat, but I find myself coming back to PUR. This very portable solid mineral powder is gentle on sensitive skin, offers AMAZING coverage (no extra concealer needed), has sunscreen, and seems much more expensive than $25. However, I do highly recommend investing in the Chisel Makeup Brush ($23) for a flawless application and using the enclosed facial sponge for touch-ups.  I'm not the only one who loves PUR  - it is an Allure Editor's Choice. Available in shades from Porcelain to Deepest.

   Garnier Nutrioniste Nutri-Pure Detoxifying Wet Cleansing Towelettes ($6.49 at Drugstore.com) -  I am crazy about these facial wipes. Enriched with Vitamins E & B5 and Green Leaf Extract, these freshly fragranced towelettes are non-comedogenic and thoroughly cleanse the skin. They are perfect for removing makeup or when you need a quick refresh on the road.

 

 

Caswell-Massey Cool Cucumber Eye Pads ($7 at CaswellMassey.com) - Nothing gives away a weary traveler like puffy eyes and dark circles. Pre-moistened with soothing cucumber juice, aloe vera, and green tea, these anti-oxidant rich pads are printed to look like real slices of cucumber. Founded in 1752 in Rhode Island, Caswell-Massey is older than the USA and the country's oldest operarating retailer - clearly they know what they are doing!

Plane Pretty: Tips from Official US Open Hairstylist Julien Farel

If tennis star and 2010 US Open champion Rafael Nadal can trust his luscious locks to Julien Farel then you can too! Not only was the very talented & handsome Julien the Official Hairstylist for the US Open for the 4th year in a row, but he also owns two eponymous salons – one in New York City on Madison Avenue and another at the Capella Pedregal resort in tropical Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

I had the pleasure of hearing Monsieur Farel speak at an event earlier this summer and was impressed with his emphasis on hair health, not just style. We all know that travel can really take a toll on your coiffure so I asked Julien to share a few tips for keeping your hair looking it’s best when you’re jetsetting.

- Always brush your hair before going on a plane, brush softly but take your time and make it as a routine everyday for about 3 minutes.

- Put your hair in a high ponytail so that you will avoid static electricity and your hair will still look great and clean when you land, and of course, keep the volume.

 - I would recommend using Phyto 7 hydrating styling cream ($26) to maintain hair hydration and texture during your flight.

  - After your flight, do a soft shampoo with the Phytolactum shampoo ($24) and finish with the Phytosesame conditioner ($28) to catch up the hair volume, moisturizing, softness.

You’ll notice that Julien is a big fan of Phyto botanical based products. Whatever your hair texture, from silky straight to tightly coiled, Phyto has a product for you! Any one of them is certain to give your hair a stylish and healthy sheen. 

For more information about Julien Farel, visit www.julienfarel.com.

Phyto products can be purchased at Drugstore.com and Sephora.com.

Gorgeous on the Go: John Frieda Style On Site Salon Tour

Show your tresses some SLC – stylish loving care! The John Frieda Style On Site Salon Tour hits ten U.S. cities starting April 23 to give ladies free hair styling and tips. This isn't your grandma's beauty parlor - this mobile salon is an 18 wheeler that has been given the ultimate makeover and contains elegant styling stations and a reception area.

This coiffure caravan kicks off in Boston (April 23-25) and then heads to New York City (April 27-29), Philadelphia (May 2-3), Atlanta (May 7-8), Miami (May 13-15), Houston (May 21-22), Los Angeles (May 28-30), San Francisco (June 3-4), Minneapolis (June 11-13) and Chicago (June 17-19). Led by celebrity stylist Harry Josh (who works with many stellar stars, including Sarah Jessica Parker, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Gisele Bundchen), the John Frieda expert team will be providing complimentary consultations and styling lessons to address every hair issue with targeted John Frieda solutions.

Following the hair session, visitors can complement their new style at the BCBG mini boutique where BCBG must-haves will be on display and fashionistas can log on to BCBG shopping kiosks and order style essentials for the season online with an exclusive John Frieda discount.

Sounds pretty fab! Go ahead and glam up your day without breaking the bank. 

Beauty on the Go: WEN by Chaz Dean Healthy Hair Care System

In this age of airline fees for checked bags and that annoying Ziplock bag requirement for carry-on lotions and potions; beauty products really have to earn their passage. There is absolutely no room for products that take up precious space and deliver lackluster results.

Today The Black Dress Traveler is shining my spotlight on the WEN by Chaz Dean Healthy Hair Care System. Does this cleansing conditioner really deliver gorgeous hair AND eliminate the need to travel with both shampoo and conditioner? I enlisted the help of my friend Deanna from New Jersey in reviewing this popular hair care line that you may have seen on QVC and in infomercials. Deanna has lovely hair and I knew that WEN would have to be something really special for her to give it a thumbs up.

What is WEN?

WEN is the first hair product line to exclude traditional shampoo. The brainchild of Hollywood hair stylist Chaz Dean, WEN is described as "a revolutionary new concept in cleansing your hair that has Hollywood buzzing! It’s special because it cleanses hair thoroughly but without lathering and all the harsh ingredients that may be found in ordinary shampoos — it is designed so it won’t strip your hair and scalp of their natural oils. Your hair is left with sheen, moisture, manageability and better color retention." WEN is suitable for all hair types from coarse to fine. In case you're wondering about the name, WEN is NEW spelled backwards and reflects the fact that it is a completely reverse approach to washing the hair.

Does WEN deliver?

WEN was recently awarded the Shecky's Beauty at Its Best Award as "Best Shampoo and Conditioner" and actress Jenny Garth is a fan and celebrity spokeswoman, but what did my friend Deanna think?

"From the first day I started using the product my hair felt wonderful. I saw my hair more shiny and healthier from day one. You have full body and management of your hair without the necessity of drying products. I would recommend in a heartbeat. I loved WEN. I really think it is one of the few products that I have tried that lives up to its name."

Wow, sounds like Deanna really liked WEN. In fact, she told me that she has gone on to purchase the product and recommended it to several people. Next time, I'll keep it for myself! With a review like that, WEN has earned a spot in my luggage!

Do you want to give WEN a try? A 30-day supply of WEN Sweet Almond Mint scent that includes the cleansing conditioner, styling creme, hair repair mask, texture balm, and a shower comb can be ordered online at www.wenhaircare.com for $29.95.  Although the WEN cleansing conditioner is not sold in a travel size, you can pump some into an airline approved 3 oz. container to take with you on the plane.