Even at a diminutive five foot two, there's nothing small about this Mexican-American beauty, who was recently voted one of People en Español's 25 Most Beautiful. Eva Longoria is currently shocking and delighting us with her role as Gabrielle Solis, the ex-model who has everything ‑- including a handsome husband and a 17-year-old lover ‑- on TV's wildly popular Desperate Housewives. But as this look suggests, Eva's beauty is more casual than cunning. Anthony Linzalone, stylist at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York City, explains how to get it.
Step 1: Begin with dry hair. Apply a nickel-sized amount of hair cream throughout the outer surface, distributing it lightly and evenly. Be careful not to apply the product to the scalp. If the scalp gets greasy, it will make the hair flat. "We want to keep that puff," Linzalone says.
Step 2: Next, using a large natural-bristle brush, brush the hair back, up and away from the face, and allow it to fall in a loose off-center part.
Step 3: Gently finger-comb the back and sides of the hair into a low ponytail. Anthony recommends using an elastic that's protected with fabric so you don't frizz or damage your hair. Don't pull too tight.
Step 4: Now you're going to fashion the ponytail you made into a little donut shape at the nape of the neck, which Anthony calls an "easy swirl." Do this by grabbing the base of the ponytail, and, while holding the tail, wrapping it around the base of the elastic, as if you're sculpting a donut.
Step 5: Holding your little sculpted donut, you'll need about eight to ten hairpins to anchor it against the nape of your neck. Place the pins systematically, as if you're following the hands of a clock, starting at 12 and moving every two hours (12, 2, 4) until you have a complete circle.
Step 6: Spray with firm holding spray. Remember, because the hair's pulled into a loose swirl, it's okay, and even expected, that some of the ends will come out, which is what gives the look its pretty, casual style.
Recommended Products
Product Name: Bouncy Crème by Iso
A light cream that will impart a healthy shine and won't make hair greasy.
Price: $10
Available: Adiscountbeauty
Product Name: Finalize Hair Spray by Iso
This weather-proof aerosol spray gives a very strong hold, so your updo will last through the evening.
Price: $15
Available: Adiscountbeauty
Product Name: Mason Pearson Brush
If you want the original and the best, this pure boar-bristle brush has six rings of stiff bristle tufts. Measures 8 1/2 by 2 1/2 inches. Recommended for fine to normal hair and fine, long hair.
Price: $125
Available: Beauty.com
Product Name:Warren-Tricomi Brush with Boar Bristles
This is a more economical choice, also very popular and good for normal to fine hair.
Price: $35
Available: Beauty.com
Product Name:Spornette Classic Cushion Collection Nylon Bristle Brush 21
Here's another inexpensive alternative. This brush features a rubber cushion, which gives a floating action to the bristle.
Price: $35
Available: Beautysac.com
Visit Anthony Linzalone at New York City's Pierre Michel Salon ‑- 131 East 57th St., 212-755-9500.
