I recently saw this post on W mag’s IG account and lost my mind.

A photo posted by W magazine (@wmag) on Sep 3, 2016 at 7:08am PDT

Hair by Dennis Gots

It inspired me to do some immediate online research on the micro-crimping trend that I’ve been LOVING of late — and that inspired me to comparison e-shop all the tools out there that could best give me this look.

One product kept coming up over again. A budget model, I may add.

Since I wanted the crimper ASAP, I didn’t even bother to email the brand’s PR, who had been in touch with me regarding NYFW. Instead, I ordered it straight off of Amazon. 

In 2 days time (hello, PRIME!), I was the proud owner of the Hot Tools 1″ Micro Crimper. AND I was also only $27 poorer.

Now I still plan on recreating that killer inspiration pony, but here is my first attempt with the device.

I must say, I… AM… IN… LOVE.

And not that I care much about the approval of others, HOWEVER, I can say with certainty that I’m not the only one…

People I know (including a no-bullshit celebrity hairstylist and a beloved beauty/fashion magazine publisher), not to mention complete strangers, were giving me compliments, nods of approval and A-OKs.

To crimp my whole head of hair took about 20/30 mins (same as a full blowout) and in that time I went from semi-skeptical to feeling myself.

In my research, I had read that many women crimp only the roots under the crown for lift (without the damage of teasing) to create the illusion of volume (ummm, brilliant – and damn, where was this thing months ago for me??).

But I wasn’t going for a “did she or didn’t she” effect. I wanted a child-of-the-80s, full-throttle interpretation.

And here she is:

What do you guys think??

xoLC

NOTE: This post is not sponsored. All thoughts are unbiased and my own. All photos are property of DIVAlicious.

Lauren Cosenza is the creator and editor-in-chief of DIVAlicious, a trusted beauty/fashion expert, an on-camera personality and spokesperson, a leading NYC-based professional makeup artist, a published contributor and writer, a brand consultant, a product junkie and an insatiable style seeker — with a former life at Cosmopolitan and Shape magazines.

Serving up style with a side of attitude, her site DIVAlicious gives women (and men) the confidence and permission to be fabulous. The site, with a goal to SPREAD BEAUTY, is filled with must-have products, pro tips and tricks, how-to DIY tutorials, makeovers, style inspiration and insider access. Topics range from beauty, fashion, culture, career, fitness, wellbeing, men’s and unisex offerings.