Harkening back to simpler times, famed hairstylist Chris McMillan brought The Rachel—a definitive hairstyle beloved by all who remember dial-up Internet—into the 2020s by shearing and razoring a model’s hair to a chic, shoulder-grazing bob right there on the panel stage. Highlights from his session, hosted by executive beauty director Jenny Bailly, included insights on the highly coveted “c*nty bob,” made famous by McMillan vis-a-vis Leslie Bibb’s “White Lotus” look; McMillan revealing that Cameron Diaz was actually the first celebrity upon whom he bestowed The Rachel, for The Mask premiere (audience members, this reporter included, audibly gasped at this fact); and McMillan describing mousse as the Wheat Thins of hair care—“it’s so good, and nobody knows about it,” he said.
Someone intimately familiar with mousse, though, is McMillan’s peer Lacy Redway, who used what seemed like a gallon of Tresemmé’s Extra Hold Volumizing Mousse to transform senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor’s hair into a physics-defying, runway-ready slickback ponytail, delicately crafted above the nape of the neck into a bow—all the while discussing hair trends with content director and panel host Kara McGrath. (If you’re wondering: bobs are making a comeback; c*ntiness was not disclosed.) The most heartwarming moment, though, was a scene in the audience: A fellow hairstylist and Redway fan swapped business cards with an attendee who’s starting her own candle business, sharing how much they’re inspired by seeing professionals in action.
On the main floor, Allure-branded totes began to balloon with award-winning products from Glow Recipe, LYS Beauty, and DedCool—all of which were posted up on the premises and offering lip balm charms, shade matching, and fragrance layering tips, respectively. Danessa Myricks herself was also present, floating through the crowd like some ethereal being of hope, positivity, and damn-good cosmetics, and greeting attendees at her eponymous brand’s booth. Later, on the panel stage, Myricks explained the onus behind the “Yummy Skin” moniker seen across her line’s SKUs: “Yummy, for me, means ‘your most unique, magical you.’” The mic drop moment exemplified her commitment to self-love and illuminated an unknown passion for acronyms.