Hot or Not Beauty

When you think of stars in wigs, you probably think of Britney (above), right? While stars do occasionally cover up their locks just for fun, one of Hollywood’s little secrets is that the stars wig out more often than you might realize. With the realistic wigs available these days, they are a quick, no-commitment way to rock a new look just for a role or a special night out, as the stars of some upcoming films would know. See a gallery under the jump!

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By now, many media outlets have reported that for her European press junket for Marley & Me, Jennifer Aniston spent tens of thousands of dollars to have hairstylist Chris McMillan accompany her and style her hair for appearances over the course of the week. While exact figures have varied from source to source, the most commonly cited figure is the 40 thousand British Pounds reported by the UK’s Daily Mail. Many have criticized her for this, saying that such extravagance in these economic times is not called for. Now, admittedly, as a fan of the actress, I would be one to jump to her defense. However, I think that in this instance, it’s not mere fandom talking - I had three separate reactions to the outcry, and each led me to the logical conclusion that like it or not, beauty is an expensive business.

My first response: “So what? All stars do it.” And it’s true that despite the economic crunch that affects many of us, celebrities have continued to look like their polished selves on the red carpet - at the recent Oscars, they showed no signs of scrimping. I’m sure that Mr. McMillan and other Hollywood beauty experts had plenty of business that weekend. It’s just how it’s done.

My second response: “So what? The studio probably paid anyway.” While this has neither been confirmed nor denied, it would not be surprising. As the press junket is for purposes of promoting the movie, it would be in the studio’s best interest to have the stars out there looking their best, and if that means spending money for a hairdresser to travel with them, so be it. See response #1: it wouldn’t be the first time.

My third response: “So what? He’s right to charge that much.” Many have balked at the sum that was spent for Mr. McMillan’s services, but as the owner of a salon, he is justified in charging that much as compensation for being away from his salon. As one of the hairdressing elite, he commands hundreds of dollars per cut, and if he had been at home working in his salon, he’d be pulling in thousands per day. So his fee for working exclusively with Ms. Aniston is reasonable in light of the profit he’d otherwise be making. Add in airfare and accommodations, and it’s easy to see how a figure in the tens of thousands would be reached.

In conclusion, yes, beauty is an expensive business. Why single Jen out?

Culminating a busy awards season, last night’s Academy Awards brought out many of Hollywood’s biggest stars - and on Hollywood’s biggest night, they did not disappoint. The ladies on the red carpet looked sensational, showing off beauty looks that reflect a wide range of personal styles.

Alicia Keys went for Old Hollywood glamour with bold eyes and lips and cascading waves.

Mamma Mia! star Amanda Seyfried’s look had a similar charm - and notice how well her lipstick compliments the color of her dress!

Jennifer Aniston went for a more bohemian look - she wore her flowing locks with a delicate braid in front. Check out BellaSugar’s how-to on her sun-kissed makeup look by makeup artist Angela Levin.

Last year’s Best Actress winner Marion Cotillard looked tres chic, with defined eyes and lips and a sleek updo.

This year’s Best Actress winner, The Reader’s Kate Winslet, wore a loose updo and soft, pretty makeup.

Angelina Jolie, nominated for Changeling, went for drama with this teased ‘do.

Heidi Klum went low-key, contrasting with her bright gown. Her hair was casual, and her makeup was light with a slight shimmer.

Best Supporting Actress winner Penelope Cruz (for Vicky Cristina Barcelona) looked every bit a winner as she accepted her award - a flattering fringe softened the look of her chignon.

Nominee Taraji P. Henson (for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) worked her sleek locks and rosy cheeks to perfection.

Amy Adams, nominated for Doubt, looked elegant in a side bun and refined makeup.

Finally, Slumdog Millionaire star Freida Pinto turned heads with an intricate updo. See the rear view below - and check out a how-to on BellaSugar!

With the recent celebrity Twitter craze, stars can communicate with the public directly and quickly, so naturally, it follows that the names behind the glamour would get in on the act. Celebrity hairstylist Chris McMillan, whose clients include Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox Arquette, and Debra Messing, has recently Twittered about his new product line Chris McMillan Hair, a product range designed very simply to make hair healthy.

On his website, the mane man behind some of Hollywood’s most enviable tresses reveals that the trick to good hair is putting health first. The product line is very simple - it is just a shampoo, a conditioner, an intensive repair mask, and a few styling products, including a shine serum. We may not all live in Hollywood, but this star stylist’s products, available online, bring a bit of the magic to you.

Here are the latest beauty tidbits from around the web!

- Are you as into Jen’s premiere look as I am? Then you’re in luck - BellaSugar got the scoop on her style from celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin, who did Jen’s makeup last night.

- Smoky eyes were a major trend at recent runway shows - now, StyleList has provided a handy tutorial on how to perfect the look!

- Food for your lashes? Believe it. eBeautyDaily discusses the latest product to give you long, lush lashes.

- Before you curl up and dye, try out your favorite celebrity hairstyles with In Style’s Hollywood Hair Makeover. If your favorite ‘do isn’t pictured, you’re not out of luck - Hair Mixer allows you to upload any photo to try on.

- Get gorgeous while you sleep - People gives star-tested tips for beauty during your beauty rest.

The red carpet premiere of He’s Just Not That Into You was last night, and the women in the ensemble cast all showed up looking stunning! Each of these ladies has a unique style, and each one flaunted it to perfection.

The big beauty news of the night was Scarlett Johansson’s new brunette ‘do. She wore her newly darkened locks long, center-parted, and stick-straight.

Jennifer Aniston, who usually wears her hair loose for red carpet events, went with a different look this time, tying up her mane in an adorable tousled ponytail.

Another ponytailed star was Drew Barrymore, whose ‘do was certainly more understated than the one she wore to the Golden Globes! She sweetened the look with candy-pink lips.

Ginnifer Goodwin looked wide-eyed and gorgeous, with fresh-faced makeup and flowing curls.

Jennifer Connelly softened the look of her dramatic dress with casual, wavy hair and minimal makeup.