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Trending Brand for Styling Tools: NuMe Style

This incredible line is making waves...and curls...with their amazing variety of styling wands. Providing a tool in any size, shape, and for any purpose is their mission. Totally worth the price tag.

Most Popular Treatment: Moroccan/Argan Oils

Hair oils have been popular for quite awhile but have recently been at the forefront of the "natural" haircare movement. There are a variety of brands you can get your hands on but the end result is typically the same. These oils smooth and tame even the coarsest of hair and are great to treat a dry scalp!

Favorite Drying Aid/Frizz Tamer: Paul Mitchell Skinny Serum

Not only does this gem add a gorgeous sheen to any hair type, but it makes the ever dreaded blowdrying experience much easier. In my experience it cuts dry time in HALF which is the ultimate asset for any daily beauty regimen.

Most Loved Shampoo/Conditioner Brand: Pureology

These amazing washes are the perfect choice for the rising "sulfate free" movement in hair care. There are a variety of products for individual hair types and desired results. Voted best natural shampoo and conditioner.

Most Wanted Hair Styling Gadget: Bun Formers

These little treasures are quite possibly the easiest way to achieve an expertly shaped bun without hiring the expert stylist! They come in a variety of sizes as well as three different colors to act as camouflage when used. Updos are huge this season, especially buns, so these are a style secret to seek out and take advantage of.

When I think of MTV, I always want to remember and acknowledge the creativity and the originality of fashion, makeup, and hair. From pop goddesses, to rock mavens I've always been inspired by the looks celebrities don at the Video Music Awards each year.

Sadly enough, this year (in my opinion, and you may strongly disagree of course) was a total flop for celebrity fashion as well as hair and makeup.

Of course there were the diamonds in the rough, such as the much raved about Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift, but all in all I feel a dark cloud of "dull" loomed over the guest list.

The trends that DID stand out however?

RED LIPS: From every shade and texture in multitudes of finishes. We saw Rhianna in her signature retro-matte red, Taylor in her demi-matte classic. Even Selena G's lip was a barely there red stain.

Modernly Classic Nails: Nails were very classically shaped, elongated but not quite to the "stiletto" intensity seen in recent years. There were flashes of red, slate grays, and all shades of neutral like creamy peaches and soft pinks.

Retro Inspired Hair: Taylor nailed it with her Gatsby inspired bob which was easily faked by her stylist, pinning the ends at the nape of her neck creating the illusion of a "flapper-esque" curly bob.

All in all, the makeup and hair was very simplified. I was hoping to see more variety in trend seeing as how MTV usually sets the bar for dramatic and risque -- but personally, I was extremely disappointed.

Here are my picks for best makeup and hair (as well as the most talked about besides Miley of course)

Taylor Swift with a classic smoky eye, soft contoured cheek and red lip as well as a beautifully executed retro, but modern bob.

Selena Gomez with sleek straight locks, classic oval/crimson nails, demure cat eyeliner and a berry stained lip.

Red Lips: We're not just talking your "classic" red lip. We're talking about the darker side of red. Think of deep wines, currants, maybe a tinge of oxblood. If you've ever dreamed of a wearable vamp look, this is your trend. Imagine Marilyn Monroe gone rogue. Ditch your cherries, divulge in your black raspberries. This is a more contemporary take on an ever recurring classic. This lip can be worn in any texture i.e. gloss, matte or satin and in any opacity from stained, to stamped.

For best wearability, leave your skin simplified. A soft contoured cheek and a slick coat of mascara and Voila! This season welcomes gothic influence on the red carpet, the beauty of the macabre to the every day.

  Playing with textures on skin: Think of strategically powdered and expertly highlighted. This trend is about experimentation. Don't be afraid of a glossy cheekbone underlined with a matte contour. On the eyes we're talking a sexy coat of high shine, not frost or glitter. Think of moisture on the lid complimented with a matte nude lip. This isn't your "dewy" summer skin, it's your winter glow in the snow.

Achieve this look using translucent powders, cream products for eyes and cheeks, as well as rich moisturizers. Stay in the monochromatic tones of nudes, peaches, and soft natural pinks.

Haunting meets sophisticated: Winter always reminds us of the grayness of the cold, the bite of iced cement. This look involves all things ethereal and sombre. The eyes are softly shaded in shades of slate, shale, asphalt and steel and set against perfected, porcelain skin. Skip the top eyeliner and grab your clear mascara. This trend is simple, soft, and perfect for that au-naturale winter beauty.

Try a bit of white pencil liner inside the water line and swipe a slate colored shadow all around the eye using your softest blending brush. Contour your cheek using a cool toned blush or bronzer and finish with a soft tinted lip conditioner. Stay in your matte or satin textures for that perfectly velvet look.

The imperfect smoky eye: Here you see the beauty in pure imperfection. You want to see the edges, the cracks, the worn out leftovers of last night's eye shadow. This is the time for unbridled and deconstructed blacks, emeralds, burgundies, charcoals and even midnight blues. There is no blended crease, no multiple eye shadows to meld together, just the sophistication of chic punk rock. This season's smoky is dirtier and grungier leaving an almost futuristic impression on the eyes. There is also a hint of a more graphic approach to eyeliner.

Rock this trend without rules. Try only using a single black pencil eyeliner, buffed out with a fluffy brush underNEATH the eye rather than on top. If you like a cat eye, try using a deep emerald shadow with a more sturdy and flat brush to create your pointed shape at the outside corner of the eye. If you're the type that likes quick and easy, sketch a quick line at the top lash line from the outside-in with a deep emerald pencil and load your lashes with your deepest, darkest mascara.

Welcome to your new beauty blog addiction! I'll be providing you with a consistent dose of form, function and fashion in all aspects of the beauty industry. Here you'll find the latest and greatest trends as well as product reviews for hair, makeup and nails. From the runway to the every day, you'll have all the information and inspiration you crave.

Enjoy your read and thanks for following!

Lacie Dawn

SalonSocial.com Community Manager and Professional Makeup Artist