Effortless, loose curls and glamorous, retro waves ruled the Red Carpet at the 2015 Oscars. The secret to achieving these coveted looks at home only takes one, easy-to-use tool. Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa shows you how to get-the-look with her new BEACHWAVER S1 rotating curling iron, exclusively on sale at Ulta Stores in the US.

Loose Waves

Naomi Watts stunned on Sunday’s red carpet in a beaded Armani Privé gown. Her blonde, textured lob swept her shoulders and her berry lips added a pop of color.

Here’s how to get her glamorous, loose waves:

• Step 1: Apply a volumizing product to damp hair.
• Step 2. Loosely blow dry while twisting pieces away from the face to add texture.
• Step 3. Then use the BEACHWAVER S1 rotating curling iron to add some waves to your hair — just leave the bottom 2 inches of your hair out of the curling iron when you clamp it around your strands to create bends and added dimension to your hair.
• Step 4. Spray flexible hairspray all over to give definition in the hair.

Voluminous, Bouncy Waves

Keira Knightley glowed in her flowing Valentino gown with delicate floral embroidery. She topped off her hair with a dainty headband and added Chanel jewels to complete her look

Here’s how to score her ethereal style:

• Step 1: Start by using a setting mousse and flip hair to one side and scrunch up with the towel to get the natural wave pattern started.
• Step 2: Loosely twist hair away from face on both sides and into 3 + buns (based on how tight you want the waves).
• Step 3: To complete the look once dry, use the BEACHWAVER S1 rotating curling iron to enhance the wave pattern and add a more “polished” look.
• Step 4: Finish with a lightweight hairspray to keep your style intact day to night.

Lupita Nyong’o illuminated the Oscars Red Carpet in a white pearl embroidered Calvin Klein dress and naturally soft hairstyle to match. Smooth ‘N Shine Celebrity Hairstylist Larry Sims worked his magic to create tiny, individual ringlets to complement the artistry and technical beadwork of the dress. Here’s how did it!

Look: Diamonds & Pearls

“We went for a classic, more rounded look that played off the pearls and texture of her dress, avoiding asymmetric, angular lines and edges.”

1. Dampen hair with a warm towel to soften the texture

2. Apply Smooth ‘N Shine Smooth Olive & Tea Tree RevivOil Wrap & Set Mousse paired with Smooth ‘N Shine Argan Power 10 Styling Gel to create tiny ringlets with a small rattail comb throughout the whole head, starting at the nape of neck and moving to the front

3. Attached hooded dryer for 30 minutes or until hair is dry

4. Once completely dry, take a large tooth bone comb and lift the ringlets to break up the texture for added volume

5. Liberally spray Smooth ‘N Shine Instant Repair Spray-On Polisher for added shine and smooth out any fly-aways and frizzies

Smooth ‘N Shine products are available at Wal-Mart priced at $2.99 to $4.99. You can look like the gorgeous Lupita without breaking the bank. Throw on a simple white dress, and you are ready for a golden night!

Forget your cocktail rings and save your doorknocker earrings for another day. The only accessories you’ll need this season are the new Essie Winter 2011 collection, trust me. 

Try out the six shade collection! From left to right: Cocktail Bling is a creamy gray with blue undertones, Brooch the Subject a mannequin nude, Bangle Jangle a lilac, School of Hard Rocks is a muted forest green, Size Matters is a dark red cream and Bobbing for Baubles is a rich deep navy. A note: Brooch the Subject looks different on each person. Most of them were opaque on one application – but I’m a loyal two-coater. 


I chose Bobbing for Baubles because I thought it looked the most interesting out of the bunch. It’s so pretty almost every girl who had more than five minutes of conversation with me this week complimented me on my nail color. 

Me, Cynthia Smoot, Victoria Snee

Essie Winter 2011 Collection is available in your local pharmacy and salon. Without fail, they will be disappearing at an alarming rate 🙂