"I Need Job-Hunt Hair!"

When Mariah Serrano, 20, decided to pursue a fashion job in New York City, she vowed that her monthly boxed hair-dye experiments were over. It was time to get serious about her look. She needed to go "shorter, blonder, smoother," says her hair guru for the day, Harry Josh, John Frieda international creative consultant.

He gave her a golden-blond shade, lopped off a couple of inches, then used a brush and serum for a blowout that he calls "glossy and high impact." Finally, makeup pro Gucci Westman brought out Serrano's blue-gray eyes with plum shadow. "My new look makes me feel more capable," she says. "It's empowering!"

1. Do subtle smokies Revlon Limited Edition Eye Shadow Palette in Midnight Express ($10, at drugstores)

2. Smooth out strands John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum Thermal Protection Formula ($10, at drugstores)

3. Pump up the volume Paul Mitchell Express Ion Round Brush in Large ($21, paulmitchell .com for salons)