As we prepare to settle into a new month, your Under The Dryer team spent a fab Monday morning with eight of The Rock’s noted beauty and wellness practitioners. Our question was pretty straightforward: What’s hot now? Here’s what they took out of their goody bags…

Lisa Hutchinson, Lisa’s Full Service Salon

Lisa’s Picks: “Elucence, Jane Carter Solution, and Alfaparf X-Rebel Anti-frizz, I carry all these products in my salon and they really work.”

Alfaparf X-Rebel Anti-frizz

For Jamaica’s humid climate conditions, Lisa recommends this Alfaparf product as perfect for ladies who must deal with the warm temperatures’ effect on their hair. “It tames and smoothes the hair and keeps it under control,” Hutchinson raves.

Elucence

Lisa is also a devout fan of Elucence. “It’s a hair polisher used after styling and it gives a silky, smooth finish.” There is, too, the Jane Carter Solution Nourish & Shine, which is an excellent moisturiser for hair and skin.

Lisa’s Full Service Salon, 1 1/2 Altamont Crescent, Tel: 816-9408

Jennifer Samuda, Jencare Skin Farm

Jennifer’s Picks: “Next Jen Youthful Care, High Definition Facial Serum and Next Jen Men Facial Serum.”

Next Jen Youthful Care

Samuda describes her company-manufactured product as “a facelift in a bottle.” The collagen in it, she explains, aids the skin while also providing moisture retention and elasticity.

High Definition Facial Serum

What makes this product a winner for Samuda is that it aids in replenishing the skin and its texture. Little wonder, since its components include vitamins, nutrients and minerals.

Next Jen Men Facial Serum

For the man who wants to keep his skin looking healthy and polished, the Jencare CEO suggests this product. “It’s a moisturising cream for men without any oily residue. It leaves the skin clear, firm and hydrated.”

Jencare Skin Farm, 82 Hope Road, Kingston 6. Tel: 946-3494-7.

Marie Hall-Smith, The Face Place

Marie’s Picks: “Minx nails, the 24-carat gold powder and the Face Place’s Ultra Benefits, Vita Soothe and Glycolic Gel.”

Face Place Ultra Benefits:

For mature skin, the Face Place boss recommends Ultra Benefits by Face Place cosmetics. Fortified with a reactive nitrogen shield, the product is excellent for firming and tightening the skin. It is also great for fading spots, and contains nitrogen and oxygen, which help to protect the skin against free radicals and ageing.

Face Place Glycolic Gel

For more youthful skin, however, she recommends the Face Place Glycolic Gel — a cellular micro-exfoliation agent, which is a softer, less abrasive alternative to facial scrubs. “It gives an overall radiance that women around the world are going to great lengths to achieve,” she quipped.

Face Place Vita Soothe

“This is a zap-it”, Marie effuses. “It is very effective for drying up zits and pimples, so you know it’s a girl’s best friend.”

Minx Nails

Glam girls wear minx nails, and this too can be had at the Face Place salon, which carries an array of styles to choose from. It is preferred by celebs like Lady GaGa, Beyoncé and Kim Kardashian, and will be very hot this summer. Little wonder it, too, is on Hall-Smith’s hot list.

The 24-carat gold powder

This product also comes highly recommended by the aesthetician, as it restores the skin’s elasticity and acts as a supplement. It also enhances cellular regeneration and keeps the skin moist and tight for ultimate radiance. And the best news is, it works on any skin type.

The Face Place, 3 Carvalho Drive, Kingston 10. Tel: 929-8356/754-3923

Melody Aarons – Chic Lines/HEART School of Cosmetology

For hairstylist and educator extraordinaire Melody Aarons, one thing came instantly to mind that she describes as ‘sizzling’ for 2011… clip-in extensions.

“It is a genius invention, it allows for versatility and the freedom to change your look at will. You can go short, long, layered, coloured, add bangs, or add a ponytail… the possibilities are endless. I definitely endorse clip-in extensions for 2011… every woman should have them.”

Chic Lines, 37 Windsor Ave, Kingston 5. Tel: 927-6592.

Aisha Morgan – Nettle & Moss

Aisha’s Picks: “Kinky Curly Knot Today, Jane Carter Solutions Nourish & Shine moisturiser, Elucence shampoo, Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Butter and Naniki Naturals African Black Soap.”

“Kinky Curly Knot Today is a wonderful detangler. It works well on just about any hair type, and also as a moisturiser and leave-in conditioner. It is also a very good base for styling products. I love it because it’s an extremely versatile product and parents love it!”

“Jane Carter Solutions Nourish & Shine moisturiser is excellent! It’s a hair pomade that’s not at all heavy, and it can also be used on skin… it really penetrates dry skin. A dime-sized amount goes a long way too, so it is durable, and you can rub it in your hair and use the leftovers to rub your elbows, knees, heels etc, which is perfect.”

“Elucence is one of the best-selling shampoos in my store, and it also does very well in salons. It is all-natural and very good for all hair types, so it’s definitely one of my favourite products for 2011.”

“I also love Nubian Heritage Raw Shea Body Butter, because it glides on easily, it’s very concentrated, is infused with frankincense and myrhh and smells wonderfully earthy. And I’m really in love with the entire Naniki Naturals line, which is made from natural ingredients right here in Jamaica and is absolutely fantastic! My favourite product from the brand is the Naniki Naturals African Black Soap Facial Wash, it is in a liquefied form, which is a lot more gentle and moisturising than the bar, plus it’s beautifully scented with lavender oils.”

Nettle and Moss, Lady Musgrave Road, Revolution Art Gallery, Kingston 10. Tel: 844-7617

Roxanne Shields – Roxanne’s

Expert hairtsylist Roxanne Shields is singing the praises of these fabulous products. “I use them myself, and I also use them on my clients. These are the products I’m swearing by for 2011 because they’re excellent, and I believe every woman should have these,” she shared.

(a) “Jessicurl Weekly Deep-conditioning Treatment — “It is great! It’s an organic treatment that works on any hair type and produces fantastic results. I also put in a tiny bit of it combined with a moisturiser in my palm and use it as a leave-in conditioner. I find it amazing.”

(b) “La Brasiliana shampoo and conditioner for persons who have done the keratin treatment, as it is essential to maintain the treatment properly after it is done. Especially as it is so pricey.”

(c) “The Morroccanoil treatment is also first-rate. It gives shine, manageability and nourishes the hair from the inside out. Everyone is talking about it, and for good reason, because it works.”

Roxanne’s, 24 East King’s House Road, Kingston 6. Tel: 978-3364

Vonessa Smith – Vonessa’s

The Melody Aarons-trained stylist shares her top haircare picks for 2011… “It’s definitely the Alfaparf line of products,” she enthused. “The entire line is really very good, and it works for every hair texture as it has a good moisture base without being too greasy. The leave-in conditioner is simply excellent and I am totally endorsing it. All ladies should try it. I recommend it to my clients all the time and I also use it myself.”

Vonessa’s, Shop #9 Millbrook Plaza, 121 1/2 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8. Tel: 969-1070/924-7588

Carolyn Yapp – Nylorac Beauty Bar

Carolyn’s Picks: “There are a few great products out there that I’m endorsing this year, but my absolute favourite for skincare is Dermalogica Age-Reversal Eye Repair, which is brand-new. It’s anti-ageing and it’s excellent. For hair, definitely Moroccanoil. They have an extensive line of products that work, and for all hair types too.”

Nylorac Beauty Bar, Shop#10, Loshusan Barbican Center Tel: 946-1470

Shot on location at: The Jamaica Observer, 40 – 42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5.

Tel: 920-8136/926-7655.