New Year: Time to Take Stock

Now that we're into a new year, it's a really good time to take stock of what you have lurking in your cosmetics bag.  If you're like me, you probably got some new things this holiday season...and you most likely have old, crappy products in the depths of your stash.

It's time to shed some light on what you have: to dump the old stuff and to see what you're missing.  It shouldn't take too long.  Give yourself 15 minutes (set a timer, if that helps) and dump out everything from your cosmetics bag.  Take an honest assessment of each item and either throw stuff away or put it in your keep pile.  Be merciless. 

To help you with this task, here are the shelf life guidelines for your favorite products:

• Mascara: 3 to 6 months. Mascara can easily get contaminated with bacteria, so it's best to buy this staple several times a year.
• Moisturizer: 3 months to a year. Manufacturers often include an expiration date on moisturizer, so it's best to heed their recommendations.
• Foundation: one year. If liquid foundation starts to change color or if it takes on an "off" smell (yuck!), throw it!
• Powder: two years. It can last longer, but it tends to dry out.
• Eyeshadow: powered shadow can last up to three years; cream shadows only last about a year.
• Eyeliner and lipliner: up to two years. Sharpening these products helps to discourage bacterial growth.
• Lipstick: two years. If it dries out, it's time for a new shade!
• Lipgloss: 18 months to 2 years.
• Perfume: up to 2 years. To keep them lasting longer, store them in the fridge or away from direct sunlight.

When Time is Tight....

Wow!  It's another insanely, busy week.  It seems like every week is busy, but during the holiday season, time is especially scare.  I've been bouncing around from beauty sites and magazines and have come up with some fun, easy time saving tips...below.

What's your favorite way to save time while getting beautiful? Leave me a comment and let me know! Me?  If I am going makeup free, I try to at least swipe on a quick coat of very black mascara--it helps open up my eyes and define the shape without much effort.

Use Pink to Fake Perfect Skin
Surprise! Concealer is only half the battle when it comes to fixing flaws. To really perfect your complexion (no matter what your skin tone), try wearing lipstick in a warm pink. It distracts people's eyes from blemishes and other imperfections.

Tone Down An Overly Powdered Face
If your face looks too powdered and artificial after makeup application, dampen a cosmetic sponge and press gently against your skin. This will not remove your makeup, but will give your face a fresh, dewy appearance, and neutralize the powder.

Multitasking Lipgloss
Make your gloss multitask. Keep a pearly white lip gloss in your desk drawer to slick not only on your lips but also on your brow bones and cheekbones as highlighter.

Go For a Quick Shave
Not enough time for a full in-the-shower shaving session? Just smooth baby oil onto your legs before you take the razor to them. The oil protects your skin and will leave your legs extra satiny.

No Time for a Salon Visit?
To pump up your hair color and add tons of shine to your tresses, use a temporary color-depositing conditioner before a big event. To get the best benefit, let it sit on just-washed hair for about 15 minutes. The results will last through a few shampoos.

When in Doubt, Go Red!
For a sexy lip effect, a scarlet pout is the way to go. After applying the lipstick, layer a matching lip liner over it. This will fix any uneven edges and give your lip color a long-lasting, velvety finish.

Holiday Hair That Will Knock 'Em Dead!

I've been obsessing over hair lately.  If you're a regular reader of this blog, you'll know that I recently devoted two weeks worth of posts to hair tips and product reviews.  Since then, I've been working on bettering my hair styling habits.  I'm washing my hair less frequently (my goal is to only wash my locks twice a week), and am trying to take a little more time and put a little more effort into getting my hair styled daily.

Now that the holiday season is upon us, no doubt you're going to more social events than normal.  Between matinees at the Nutcracker, office parties, cookie swaps, and other events, you're a busy lady and you need to look great.  Here's a great 'do that will keep you looking stylish all the way through your New Year's Eve events. 

The tips for getting this style come from Jet Rhys, and the steps to completing this look don't seem that complicated...even to a hair styling flunkie like me!

Step #1 Spray Bumble and Bumble's dry shampoo throughout your hair, this will give hair ton's of body and volume to work with.


Step #2 Roll sections of hair in hot roller's, anywhere from 8 to 12 roller's in all. let cool for about 15 minutes. Take out the roller's, use a Mason Pearson brush to lightly brush through your hair.

Step #3 Take a thin elastic headband place it around your head. Tip your head upside down, shake your head to wake up your curl's,lift your head upright. Using both hands place the headband down on the head behind the hairline. Try the clear headband by goodie, these headbands are perfect for updo's.

Step #4 Take a few random section's of hair and wrap them around your finger, this keep's the hair bouncy and springy for a glamorous look.

Step #5 To keep this look picture perfect for the party finish with a soft holding spray, like L'oreal Paris Studio Line finishing spray.

It Starts

Thanksgiving is just a few days away, which means we're heading into the hectic go-go pace of the holiday season.  It seems like the rush to buy starts earlier every year.  Here in the Seattle area, not one but TWO radio stations switched over to all-Christmas music right after Halloween.  Geesh!  It's a bit much!

This week I am going to be a busy girl, but I'm focusing my attention on Thanksgiving.  Many of you (especially those of you who don't have to prepare the Thanksgiving dinner) might be using the abbreviated work week to get a jump on your holiday gift shopping.  Thanksgiving is now more the eve of Black Friday than a day of celebration.  And that's ok.

I'm too focused on cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family to get up super early (or not going to bed at all!) to get in the Black Friday crowds.  I've done Black Friday shopping a few times in my life--years ago before it became such a big damn deal.  If any of you are planning an early-AM shopping spree on Friday, here are a few tips for surviving in one piece.  I've offered these tips before, so if you have anything new to add to the mix, you know what to do:  Leave a comment!

Black Friday Shoppers look a lot like zombies.

Get plenty of rest. All that tryptophan and alcohol you consume on Thanksgiving may make you sleepy. If you're planning on getting up super early to shop, adjust your bedtime so you get as many hours of good, solid rest as possible. You might also want to lighten up on how much you're eating today. No one wants to shop with a food hangover!

• Dress comfortably. I always find malls and shops a bit over heated, so I often leave my coat in my car and dress in layers. Comfortable shoes are a must! If you need to try anything on (not that you'd be buying a gift for yourself tomorrow!) try to limit the amount of makeup you have on--no one wants to buy clothes marked up with other people's lipstick or foundation!
• Leave your purse at home. Yikes! I know how hard this one is, but when you're buying tons of stuff and you have to carry a lot of bags, the last thing you need is to lug around a purse full of junk as well. Try to limit yourself to the essentials: your credit card(s), ID, cash, keys, and maybe a lip gloss. If you're smart, you can fit all this in your pockets, making the purse unnecessary. Remember: Black Friday is about deal hunting, not looking beautiful.
• Plan your attack. Make a list before you leave with all the gifts you need to buy, how much you want to spend, and what stores you want to go to. Check for online deals prior to your shopping trip, especially if you are in the market for a particular item.  Knowing who has the best prices will save you time and money.  Planning will keep you focused, keep you from overspending, and will make sure you don't forget someone. Plus, you can skip stores you don't need to go to to avoid mindless buying.
• Be careful. Make sure you know where all your stuff is and be sure to keep receipts. Also, stash your purchases in the trunk of your car so they are not visible to any annoying car prowlers. Don't leave stuff scattered all over your car--you'll just be inviting someone to rip you off, and there's nothing fun about that. One more thing: keep your receipts with you at all times. If someone breaks into your car and steals your stuff, you might need those receipts to deal with insurance, the police, and your creditors.
• Be nice and have a little patience. Before you start screaming about a line or start to vent on a salesperson, stop and breath. A little kindness goes a long way--think of it as good karma. Besides, Santa is watching after all and you don't want to be on the Naughty List.

To all my readers in the US (or ex-pat Americans elsewhere): Happy Thanksgiving.  Before you get into the Christmas hype, take some time this week to enjoy the ones you're with, to give thanks for what you have (and what you don't have!), and to stuff yourself silly on Thanksgiving dinner!

I'll be back next week with beauty news, but for now, I'm taking a little (much needed) break.

DIY: Tips for Dying at Home

At the start of the week, I asked you about your dying habits.  Mine have changed over the years.  I used to dye my hair myself, in an attempt to save money and because I have only recently found a stylist I adore.  Now?  I go to my stylist (not as often as I should) for both a cut and a color.  But lately I've been toying with going back to my old ways, to dying my hair at home.

If you're an at  home hair dyer (or want to be!) here are some tips for getting the job done right.  I don't think home hair dying is particularly difficult or scary, but that could just be me...whatevs.  Here are some tips...as always, feel free to add your two cents in the comments!

1. Pick the right color.  Check out this cool site!  They give advice for finding the perfect shade.  Before you leave the store, take a second to make sure all the products inside the box match the color on the outside of the box.  I get paranoid that some prankster's going to put red dye in the blond boxes, blond in the black, and so on.  Just take a second to make sure you're buying the right product before you head home.
2. Make sure your hair is in good shape and is not freshly washed.  You'll want some of the natural oils in your hair present to help protect the scalp and to aid in even distribution.
3. Prep your area.  Make sure you read the directions and then read them again...before you get started. Take a few moments to gather all the necessary tools, towels, timers, etc.  You don't want to have to chase down a comb in the middle of the dying process!
4. Pick your dying location well.  I always dyed my hair in the bathroom.  I had the best light available, and a wall-sized mirror so I could see hard to reach areas of my head more easily, using a hand mirror and the wall mirror.
5. Follow all the directions.  Yes, ALL of them.  Take your time and make sure to saturate the hair as best you can.  Keep the dye on for the amount of time the instructions indicate.  Don't deviate from what the instructions are telling you because you think you know better.  You probably don't!
6. Don't panic if the dye in your hair looks dark...or funny.  You can't tell what the final product will look like when your head is soaked with dye.  You'll need to trust the process.
7. Rinse really, really well.  You don't want to leave any dye in your hair (it will be a total mess!) so be sure you take your time and rinse every strand free of dye.  You'll know you're done when the water dripping from your head runs clear.
8. Follow all after care instructions.  Use the deep conditioning treatment the manufacturer gives you and use it as directed.  Invest in shampoo and conditioner for color treated hair.
9. Enjoy your new look!

Before I close for the day, here's another fun (quick) poll for you:

Do you lie about dying your hair?
	Yes. Everyone THINKS this is my natural color.
	No. Why bother? Everyone dyes their hair, so why lie?
	I don't dye my hair.
Free polls from Pollhost.com

Never Have a Bad Hair Dye

When done right, dyed hair looks shiny, healthy, and compliments your overall look.  When done bad...well...I think we've all seen what happens when bad dye happens to good people.

Here are some hints for hair color from the Rita Hazan, hair maven over at Oprah.com.  Consider this the top 10 hair color screw ups, if you will:

Tip #1 You shouldn't over-highlight to blend gray. The highlights are an accent to the color, not a color themselves.

Tip #2 Colors that are too beige or ashy don't complement skin tones. Try using gold or warm tones, this gives the skin a more youthful, healthy glow.

Tip #3 Too solid of one color can look too dense.

Tip #4 Too light of one color can wash you out! Too dark can turn scary. Too red can be too clowny. So try to stay away from the extremes.

Tip #5 Don't forget the conditioner! There are very lightweight conditioners out there if you are concerned with weighing your hair down. Conditioner keeps your hair healthy and shiny.

Tip #6 Don't have the same hair color for years! Every season you need to change the tone a little bit, this way, you will never get stuck in a rut.

Tip #7 Following trends can be hard. Add a touch of a trend but nothing stripey or chunky.

Tip #8 Roots are simply never sexy.

Tip #9 Two-tone hair: Do not walk around with half your head one color and half another color. If you are growing out your hair, darken it first.

Tip #10 Don't get too creative with your color, less is more in hair color!

And there you have it!  My worst hair color disaster (apart from unnatural colors like purple, blue, etc.): dying my hair caramel.  The color was too wishy-washy and just faded away in a matter of a few washings (and it wasn't a cheap mistake, of course!).

Style Tips for Mere Mortals

I mentioned last week that I have a heck of a time styling my hair.  For my every day look, I just part my hair in the middle, dry it using a round brush, and let the hair fall where it may.  If I'm feeling fussy, I'll hit my locks with a flat iron.  When I'm working out, I throw it back into a messy ponytail (if I am feeling ambitious...I usually just let it flop around!).  But for me to attempt something more technically skilled than flat ironed hair takes hours of work, the uttering of countless curse words, and still...I never feel like my hair looks as good as it should. 

Yes, I can paint my face up like a pro, but when it comes to doing my hair, I am something of a spaz.  So...I've been searching all over the interwebs and have pulled together some hair styling tips that I think even I can pull off.  Here you go...if you have anything to add, be sure to leave me a comment!

• To give hair more body: blow it straight with a round brush.  Use large hot rollers and coil small sections of hair under, rolling them up.  Let hot rolls stay in several minutes before removing.  Use a paddle brush to brush curls into big waves.
• For sexy, messy hair: Scrunch up large sections of damp hair with your hand while blow drying to fluff up the hair (just don't burn your hand in the process!)
• Create a neat knot: Tease hair at the crown before gathering back.  Use a brush to smooth out the front and sides, and pull a few strands out to frame your face.
• Switch it up!  The easiest way to change your look is to change your part.  Try changing sides, or go for a center part for something new.  This will give you more lift at your roots!
• Use a bobby pin: Part hair on one side then slide a bobby pin at the opposite side at the spot that lines up above the arch of your eyebrow. Cover the pin with a little hair from farther back on the crown or look for a bobby pin with a little bling to dress up your look.
• Embellish it!  Slide on a fancy hair band, tuck in a sparkly flower or hair accessory and viola! Your hair is instantly flashier.
• Change up your ponytail: Either try a very high ponytail, a low side swept one, or wrap some hair around the elastic to cover it up.  You can also curl your ponytail or (if you're more skilled than I!) wrap it up into a chignon.

There you have it...a few quick and easy tips for hair styling.  If you have a favorite trick, leave a comment!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

It's Mid-May and I'm just now getting to this. Geesh--where is this month going?

Anyway, if you've read my blog for awhile, you know that I am serious about skin cancer. Being fair skinned, skin cancer is a huge risk factor for me. Because of my fear of skin cancer, I am diligent when it comes to sun protection. And I like to take some time on my blog to remind you all to be sun safe.

I know I've said it a million times, but the best way to keep yourself cancer free is to limit your exposure to the sun. You should get in the habit NOW to wear sunscreen every single day--no matter what season it is, no matter what the weather is...apply sunscreen daily, at least 30 minutes before sun exposure. Another important thing to do: avoid excess sun exposure. Yes, we all need Vitamin D, but you really shouldn't be spending hours soaking in the sun or, even worse, lying in a tanning booth. Eek!

Here are some more important things I need to remind you about when it comes to skin cancer:

• If you love the way your skin looks when you tan, consider this: UV expose leads to premature aging--wrinkles, brown spots, etc. If skin cancer won't scare you off a tanning bed, maybe looking 50 when you're 30 will. Seriously--don't you want to fight the signs of aging?
• When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is a lifesaver....and detection begins at home! Just like you should be doing a month breast self-exam, it's good to also check your skin for strange moles or markings that could spell trouble. Click here for more info on self exams.
• When applying sunblock (because you ARE using a daily sunblock, right?!) don't forget your neck, your ears, your chest, and your hands. Those annoying "liver spots" on your hands? They have nothing to do with your liver and everything to do with sun damage. It's easy to forget these areas, and they need just as much protection as your face.
• If you have any bald men in your life, remind them to apply sunblock to the top of their head. How often do you see bald men with sunburned scalps in the summer? Quite frequently--a sad fact since more men are diagnosed with (and die from) melanoma than women.
• If you still want a "healthy glow" but you don't want to increase your UV exposure, you can go with a fake tan. The goal is to apply the product correctly to avoid looking orange or streaky. Click here for tips on a decent Fake Bake.
  

Spring Up Your Beauty Routine

I know the winter has been a hard one for many of you--especially my readers on the east coast. Have no fear, Spring IS on the way...I promise. To get you ready for the new season, here are some Ins and Outs to keep in mind, courtesy of some of the top beauty professionals out there:

Adding Color the Right Way
Sue Devitt, Global Makeup Artist
IN: Jewel tones worn in a playful way on eyes (rich blues and purples like Sue Devitt Hydrating Marine Minerals Destination Eye Palettes in Blue Waters and Kilimanjaro)
OUT: Neutral mattes. It’s about the dimension that rich, vibrant color and properly applied shimmer creates; as opposed to a flat look with no contour.

Sam Brocato, Hair Expert
IN: Your true colors. Ask your colorist for a color that compliments your skin tone and lifestyle. If you are desperately seeking highlights, get several complimentary tones that blend together to enhance your features.
OUT: One dimensional color. Instead of going much lighter than your natural hair color, ask your colorist to embrace natural tones giving it a softer look.

Shari Gottesman, Nail Expert
IN: Vibrant and poppy, Gerbera Daisy inspired pinks, reds and oranges are replacing last year’s neon hues. Another fun trend is mood polish – colors that change from cooler to warmer tones for a whimsical effect. It’s best to wear nails short and “squoval” (square/oval) with these adventurous looks.
OUT: Mechanical, metallic blacks, navy’s and charcoals are a thing of the past, and may remain there – though its far off - the new crop of fall/winter colors are a softer, more appealing combination of beige and grey colors – or “greige.”
Spring Clean your Routine
Laura Geller, Makeup Artist
IN: Let Powder blush work double duty as shadow. Using the same color on both areas instantly pulls together your look. Choose bronzy shades in fair skin and pinks on medium and dark complexions. (Laura Geller Tropics Deluxe Collection)
OUT: A bulging makeup bag filled with a rainbow of different colors! Streamline for spring, and pull together your look with the tips above.

Ricky Croft, Self-Tanning Expert
IN: SPF, SPF, SPF! Opt for a daytime lotion (multi-task with one that offers a bit of color) like Mystic Tan Glow Daily Moisturizer SPF 15.
OUT: Baking in the sun – no one likes a leathery sunburn or early wrinkles. An added plus-- using multi-taskers will help to “spring clean” your beauty shelf.

Gavin Harwin, Infusium 23 Celebrity Hair Stylist
IN: Healthy hair! Undo the damage created by over-processing and braving the winter weather with a good leave-in treatment like Infusium 23 Repair & Renew Leave-In Treatment.
OUT: Hair that has been styled and processed to the point of no return. Getting rid of straw-like strands will instantly refresh any look.

Diane Wood, Master Barber for King of Shaves
IN: Smooth, sexy legs. A moisturizing, low-foam shave gel like Queen Of… Ta Da! Shave Gel uses tantalizing tea tree oil for a close shave and instantly refreshed skin.
OUT: Hiding beneath layers of bulky winter garb. Enjoy the warmer weather and show off some skin!

(Note: photo above is part of my Lydia 365 photo-a-day project)

You Ought To Be In Pictures!

The holiday season means gatherings with friends and family. And that always means lots and lot of photos. Here are a few tips for getting the best smile out of your photos:

Rule of Thumb: Accentuate the positive and minimize your negatives. There is a science to smiling your best -- celebrities do it all the time!

• Practice smiling in the mirror with your teeth slightly parted (one pinky finger breadth), as if you are really excited about something. You'll show more white teeth, because the lower teeth won't be hiding behind the uppers, and your smile won't look forced. You can practice all of this in the mirror.
• If your upper lip is full, don’t thin it by smiling too broadly. Smile enough to show your teeth, but not so much to thin your lips.
• If your upper lip is thin, smile so that the bottom edges of your upper teeth touch your lower lip. The visual impact of the upper teeth combined with the lower lip will take attention away from the thin upper lip.
• If your upper teeth are irregular at the bottoms, or if some upper teeth are too long, smile so that the lower lip hides the bottom edges.
• If you think you are too gummy or the gum is irregular in contour or color, practice smiling so your upper lip hides the gum.
  

To maximize color:

• Bright red lip color usually shows off white teeth best. Magenta colors can make them look more yellow. Rose or pink or sheer usually does offer enough of a contrast.
• A tan always makes light teeth look whiter! Opt for a UV free glow with a great self-tanner.
  

Just before the photo:

• Wet your teeth so they sparkle.
• Put a spot of gloss in the center of the lower lip for added shine.
• If you have any minor defect in your smile at all, (a stain, crack, etc) wipe some petroleum jelly on it. The aberration will be diffused and lips will be even and supple.

If you want more tips for taking a good picture, click here.

New Uses for Beauty Tools!

Life happens. And so do fashion and beauty blunders. We leave the house with too much blush on, deodorant stains on our black t-shirts, fake eyelashes dangling from our perfectly made-up faces – the list goes on and on. Forgo common disasters and refine your inner recessionista by thinking outside the box with your beauty products. The good folks over at Ms. Manicure have some lessons in how to fix fashion fiascos with these multi-functional nail products:

Don’t worry about hand washing your favorite sweaters anymore. Solve your pilling problems with Ms. Pedicure’s Rock ‘n Sole ($1.99). By rubbing this dry pumice stone over sweaters, the little fuzzies that cause so much distress will be gone. Make sure to lay the clothing on a flat surface before gently stroking the fabric with the stone. Keep the stone clean and dry for future use!

Scared your eyelashes might fall off into your dinner plate a la the last date you went on? Give them extra security by applying them with the tweezers from Ms. Manicure‘s Handy Dandy Mani kit ($9.99). First, let lash glue sit for 30 to 60 seconds prior to using. Then, pick up individual lashes with tweezers, dip the ends in glue and securely apply them to the base of the eyelid. Make sure to coat them with mascara afterwards for extra protection!

Spill something on your new suede boots? You might not have to head for the shoe store for another pair just yet. Grab an emery board, like Ms. Manicure’s Call Your Buff ($2.99), and lightly rub the stain. Use the soft, buffer side of this four-sided board to ensure that your boots don’t get damaged in the process. Then, hold the shoe over steam from a boiling pot (or teakettle) on the stove to completely remove it. This works for suede clothing as well!

For a list of retailers and to check out other recession-friendly products, visit www.msmanicure.com and www.mspedicure.com.

How to Wear Dark Lipstick

Fall is here and that means trading in your light, shiny lipgloss for a deeper, richer, dark lipstick. But pulling off the dark lip look can be tricky. If done wrong, darker shades can make thin lips look thinner. If the color feathers or is not applied flawlessly, it will look sloppy.

Here are some hints to help:

• Focus on your lips only. If you try to pull off a dark lip with a dramatic eye, you're going to look a little clownish. Avoid this by making your eyes look very natural with minimal shadow, just a touch of liner, and mascara. Also ease off the blush. Rosy cheeks and almost black lips could make you look silly.
• Be sure to pick your shade well. Consider your complexion and the undertones in your skin. And don't forget, dark lipstick doesn't have to be black.
• Exfoliate your lips. This is easy to do and requires no special products. When you brush your teeth, just gently brush your lips as well. This will remove dead skin cells and soften your lips. Dot on a little lip balm or moisturizer for added protection.
• Consider a lip primer. Again, don't buy anything special: just put some concealer or foundation on your lips. This will help to neutralize your lips' natural color and may help prevent against feathering. If you want a special product, try for something with silicone in it so the darker color has something to cling to.
• Line your lips. Try using a small lip brush and your dark shade to line your lips. I'm not a fan of using lip pencils for this, and you probably know why. Just think of the first image that pops into your mind when I say "lip liner." I rest my case! Next fill in the rest of your lips using your lipstick and the lip brush. Using a brush will give you better control and should result in a more precise look.

I've been trying out a few shades from Mattese Elite, one that's a deep raisin shade and one that's a vibrant (though dark) pink. Unlike some deeply pigmented lipsticks, this brand made my lips feel soft and moist--not cakey and dry. If you're looking for a dark shade, you might want to check them out (plus at just $10 a tube, they're pretty budget friendly!).

Fashion Weeks Looks You Can Pull Off!

Fashion Week just wrapped up in NYC last week, and there were so many great fashions and makeup trends strutting down the runway.

Sephora's PRO Beauty Team was busy doing makeup for 12 shows during fashion week, and I have the deets on how to attain some of their best looks at home. Here are my a few of my favorite looks from Sephora's team:

Dennis Basso
The Color Story: The collection is a modern take on old-school glamour. The designer was inspired by Hedy Lamarr, a 1930’s star known as “The Most Beautiful Woman In Films.” The contrast of the lip color shows there are no rules in glamour except confidence.

Credit Info: Makeup lead, Kabuki (supported by Sephora PRO Beauty Team)

How to Get the Look:

• Complexion – For a healthy glow, use the Sephora Tricks of the Trade Mineral Matte Setting Powder containing light-reflecting ingredients.
  
• Eyes – Achieve a subtle, smoky eye, with the Sephora Colorful Eyeshadow in City Fog. Apply the Sephora Flashy Waterproof Liner in 10 Deep Black closely to the top lash line to complete the look.
  
• Lips – Add star-studded drama with classic red lip – try the Sephora Lip Attitude - Chic in Red Kiss 28.

Gen Art Fresh Faces
The Color Stories: Seven designers (Cloak Dagger, Linus, Duskin, Vincente Vallarin, Min Young Lee, Yeojin Bea, S2VS) displayed fashion-forward trends for women and men with various makeup looks complimenting each collection. From rocker ballerina to modern glam and feminine, makeup ranged from strong smokey eyes to watermelon stained lips, sun kissed skin and rosy cheeks.

Credit Info: Sephora PRO Beauty Team, lead by Gilbert Soliz

Cloak Dagger - How to Get the Look:

• Complexion – For a natural complexion, apply the Sephora Matifying Compact Foundation to the entire face. Light-weight and shine reducing, this foundation is great for long wear.
• Eyes – Create a strong smokey eye by using the Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Must Have 06 over the entire lid.
  
• Lips – Finish off with the perfect orange lip - try the Kat Von D for Sephora Painted Love Lipstick in Stiletto.

Vicente Villarin - How to Get the Look:

• Complexion – Create glowing skin for this modern glam look, by applying Sephora Luminous Glow. This creamy, light-weight formula has a beautiful pearly finish.
  
• Eyes – Keep eyes subtle by using a champagne eyeshadow all over the lid, such as the Sephora Colorful Mono Eyeshadow in Golden Girl 50.
• Lips – Finish off the look with a peachy, pink gloss such as the Kat Von D for Sephora Lightening Sheer Lip Gloss in Retox or Sexer.

Photos courtesy of Nick Baratta

Beauty Tips for the Fall

As you know, I've been doing a lot of reading lately. And by reading, I mean reading beauty magazines, fashion magazines, etc. to prepare for the coming season. The good folks over at Women's Health have a ton of beauty tips packed in their September issue. Here are some of their best tips--and links to get even more info. Check it out!

Find your most flattering lip shade

Sick and tired of your love-hate relationship with lip color? You love it in the store but you hate it when you get home…What’s a girl to do? This month’s issue of Women’s Health Magazine offers a guide to choosing the right lip shade for your skin tone. Follow these tips from celebrity make-up artist, Kimara Ahnert, and you’ll never toss a barely-used lipstick again!

Figure out your skin’s undertones

• Look at the veins in your wrists under natural light. If they appear bluish, you have cool undertones; If they’re more green, you’re warm.

Don’t test lip color on the back of your hand

• Always test color on your fingertip. It more closely mimics the shade of your lips.

Pay close attention to your skin tone

• Fair skin tones should avoid bright shades of pink and brown that can look too severe against light skin
• Medium skin tones, stay away from nudes which can leave you looking washed out
• Olive skin tones should steer clear of orange-reds and pinkish reds which will make your face look green
• Dark skin tones should pass on anything remotely orange—it will bring out yellow undertones

Check out all the lip shade tips at http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty-and-style/beauty-product-tips

Can a pill make you prettier?

The latest beauty trends come from within…Literally. Recently there has been an increase in companies who produce pills and drinks that promise prettier skin, hair, and nails. In this month’s issue of Women’s Health Magazine, on newsstands now, we had six testers plus a nutritionist and dermatologist put these products to the test.

Tan from Within

• Rodial Skinny Beach Supplement is a drink mix that claims to stimulate pigmentation in your skin while shielding UV rays. Testers were disappointed with the results while experts said the pills don’t offer enough UV protection.

Increase Skin Hydration

• Crystal Light Skin Essentials drink mix claims to use vitamins A, C, and E to enhance skin elasticity. The testers thought it tasted great and said their skin was less dry than usual. Experts say the antioxidants help to maintain the balance of your skin.

Boost Overall Beauty

• Sonya Dakar Ultima Power Shakes claim to promote healthy body and improve hair and skin. Our testers said it tasted great and claim they got smoother skin and shinier hair. The experts say the shakes have all the right ingredients—they’re really good for you!

Check out these and other edible beauty products at http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty-and-style/beauty-and-skin-tips

Extend your Cut and Color

Hitting the salon ever couple weeks to freshen up your ‘do can be expensive and time-consuming. Follow these great tips in the September issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now, to lengthen the life of your look.

Trimming Tips

• If you have chin- to shoulder-length hair, asking your stylist to cut sublayers around your hair’s perimeter will soften your ends so your hair looks salon-fresh as it grows
• Bangs can be difficult to maintain but if you long for those face-framing pieces, have your stylist cut side-slashed bangs which will blend with your hair as they grow out
• If your hair is long, go for the long and layered style which maintains its shape better than any other cut

Styling Tweaks

• Using a styling cream can tame flyaways, defrizz and hydrate dry ends
• Twist or braid back fringe hairs around your face and secure with a bobby pin
• Add instant volume to outgrown hair by changing up your part

Hair-Color Helpers

• Instead of permanent hair color which grows out quickly revealing roots, use natural dye for a softer look
• Try an overnight treatment which will moisturize your hair while you sleep to promote vivid color
• Touch up your roots with hair-color pins that have temporary or semipermanent color

Check out the rest of these color- and cut-extending tips at http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty-and-style/hair-and-style-tips

Summer Sizzle

I live in the beautiful, normally comfortable climate of the Pacific Northwest. We are known for rain and moderate weather conditions, unlike other places I have lived (growing up near Baltimore, I fully understand the dread that comes when Marty Bass says it's going to be hazy, hot, and humid). I've lived out here for 10 years now, and in that time I have become a Weather Wimp. I hate snow and detest heat. I like the sky overcast and the highs in the mid-50s, thank you very much.

Right now, however, the poor Pacific Northwest is in the middle of a kick-ass heat wave. For the next several days, it's going to be in the upper 90s. That wouldn't be too awful for me, a Baltimore girl, if air conditioning were the norm. It's not. And I'm dying.

Apart from feeling hot, tired, and a little bitchier than normal, I'm also dealing with makeup that wants to melt right off my face and frizzy-ass hair thanks to the damned humidity. If you live in a hot climate, you know what I'm going through.

So...to help us all get through the evil heat, here are some top tips for keeping your makeup looking cool during the hot, hot summers:

• Go easy on the products. In the heat, you sweat. When you cake on the makeup AND sweat, you're going to end up clogging your pores which will, of course, lead to breakouts. Sexy. So when it comes to dolling yourself up, stick to the essentials and forgo the extras. The more you put on, the more will just end up dripping off, after all!
• Try a primer. Foundation primers smooth out your skin's surface and will help your foundation last a little longer. Some primers can also help cut down your shine factor, giving you a more velvety, matte appearance. Eye primers will make your eye shadows last longer and will help you avoid dreaded creasing.
  
• Whenever you can, go waterproof. Waterproof mascaras and eyeliners won't smudge throughout the stinky hot days of summer like their normal counterparts. Yes, you'll need to use a little more elbow grease when you take the stuff off at the end of the day, but really...it's a small price to pay to not end up with raccoon eyes. Unless, of course, rabid raccoon is the look you're going for.
• Ditch the heavy lipsticks and opt instead for a gloss. Better yet, make it a gloss with a little SPF in it. I would also advise against a long-wearing product since they tend to dry your lips out and make your mouth feel icky. Try a gloss that has mint in it for a nice burst of refreshing flavor.
  
• Knock our your shine. If you're like me, your face is going to be glistening at the end of a hot day, and not in a goods way. You can help control shine with blotting papers, by using foundation primers, touching up with pressed powder, and by using oil control face washes.
  
• Don't forget the two essentials: SPF and hydration. In the blazing sun, you need to keep your skin safe. Whenever you can, try to sneak in some SPF with your moisturizer, foundation, etc. And don't forget to drink plenty of water throughout the day. I know, I know...I'm nagging like your mother. Good. She's right.

So there you have it. Did I miss anything? If so, let me know--leave a comment. Otherwise: stay cool! And remember, only 40+ days until Labor Day...the unofficial end of summer. Hang in there!

Rise and Shine!

I am not always a morning person. There are times when I can jump out of bed, get myself ready, and feel like I can take on the world. But then...and more often...there are days when my alarm goes off and I can't move. Morning has come too early and all I want to do is curl up under the covers even though I have to get up and face the day.

Whether it's ennui, staying up too late, or over-indulging the night before, some mornings are just harsh. Even if you don't get enough sleep, there are a few tricks you can use to make yourself look more rested and ready to go. Try these:

• Get your blood pumping. Sure, lying in bed may seem ideal, but try to get up and get physical. Do some jumping jacks, go for a brisk walk, or (better yet!) have a morning quickie with your honey. Getting your body moving and your blood pumping will improve your circulation and will get your skin looking more alive.
• Hit the shower...but keep it cool. A cooler shower will stimulate circulation and will help you feel...and look...better when you're dragging.
• Exfoliate! Wash away your dead skin and the remnants of your night before with a gentle exfoliating wash. Avoid the harsher exfoliators that contain glycolic acid since they can make your skin more sun sensitive.
• Moisturize well. Give your freshly scrubbed skin a healthy drink with a good moisturizer. Be sure to use one that contains SPF to get extra sun protection.
• Be a tea-totaler. Well...not really! But if you have bags under your eyes, place cool tea bags over your eyes for a few minutes. The caffeine in the tea will help to reduce any puffiness.
• Apply concealer with care. Take care of your dark circles carefully. Try a concealer or foundation primer and apply it with a light hand. You don't want to over-correct and end up with circles that are too light around your eyes! Blend, blend, blend.
• Go easy with the foundation. Remember that foundation applied too thickly can cling to lines and other imperfections, making them even more pronounced than you want.
• Be rosy. A hit of blush will make your face look brighter and more alert. Don't skip this step.
• Don't forget your lids. If you have dark circles and tired looking eyes, chances are you're focusing most of your time on your under-eye area. But you can also do a few things on your upper lids to make your eyes look more open. Try curling your lashes and applying a decent coat of mascara, especially to your outer lashes. Also consider embracing a 50s style cat-eye look by flicking your eyeliner up and out from your upper lids. Finally, a little nude liner on your lower lids or a hint of white liner in the inner corners can really make your eyes pop.

My final hint: stay hydrated. Don't go for the crutch of drinking cup after cup of coffee unless you want an nasty crash later in the day. Stick with water--plenty of it!--to keep your skin hydrated and everything functioning properly.

Blushing Beauty

Let's be honest: Blush isn't a super-exciting beauty product. You want to make sure your skin looks perfect so you search for the right foundation. There are so many exciting mascaras on the market, it can make your head spin. And who doesn't want to find the perfect sexy red lipstick? No one ever gives much consideration about their blush. It's just there, the afterthought of the beauty world.

However, the right shade of blush can bright up your skin, give you an amazing glow, and make you look perfectly put-together. Here are some hints for finding the right shade and how to wear it.

PICKING YOUR COLOR
There are a lot of hints for finding the right blush. You can pinch your cheeks to see what color you naturally get. Try to match this shade to the best of your ability for a natural look. Another tip: try a shade that is a half shade darker than your favorite neutral lipstick. If your skin is naturally red/ruddy or if you are acne prone, the last thing you want to do is make your skin more pink. Instead, try a tawnier shade. No matter what kind of skin you have, remember that super shimmery/glittery blush is too much for the natural look!

CREAM OR POWDER
Cream blushes are somewhat easier to apply than their powdery cousins. Creams blend into the skin easier and, even though they look more densely tinted, the color is often translucent, so you won't end up with ultra-bright splotches. If, however, you wear powder-based foundation and loose powder, it's best to stay consistent with your products, and a powder-based blush is your best bet.

USE THE RIGHT BRUSH
If you use a powder blush, don't use the brush that comes with your product. Instead, try a large-headed round brush or a fan-shaped brush to better apply and blend your makeup.

PLACE IT RIGHT
To apply your brush, smile. This will bring out the best shape of your cheeks. According to makeup artist, Jillian Dempsey, it is best to apply the majority of the color to the outside of the fattest part of your cheeks rather than directly under your eyes.

There you have it! Now there's no excuse to shy away from blush.

Scents and Sensibility

Perfume is one of the most personal beauty products out there. Your signature scent may smell amazing to you, but be completely repellent to those around you. When it comes to fragrances, you have to know what you're doing. Not only do you need to find the scent that suits you best (and there are so many fragrances on the market it can make you a little crazy!), you also need to know what type of product to buy, and how best to wear it.

Thanks to some advice from Allure magazine, here's all you need to know about the world of fragrance.

SELECTING YOUR FRAGRANCE

• First know that finding the right perfume takes time. You need to figure out how a product wears over a period of time. There are different scent "notes" that require a certain degree of consideration...the fragrance world is almost as confusing as the winery world! I am by no means an expert on perfume, so you may want to check out a few scent-centric blogs out there to learn the lingo.
• Don't bother trying out scents you don't like. I am not a big fan of floral scents, so I wouldn't want to waste my time sniffing rose-scented perfume. Let the salesperson know of any preferences (likes/dislikes) you know you have.
• When shopping for a scent, don't spray directly on your skin. First try the scent on a test strip. Let the product dry a minute and then sniff it. Sniff it again after a few minutes to see how to scent changes and opens up. After 10 minutes, you should have a feel for the full range of elements in the fragrance.
• Clear your nose and your head! Sniffing coffee beans between fragrances helps to neutralize your "palette" for lack of a better word.
• Once you have two to four favorite scents picked out, try them out on your skin (on your pulse points--different areas of your arm) to see how the fragrance reacts to your personal biological makeup.
• Give yourself plenty of time to find "the one." You want to let the scent open up on your skin for about 10 minutes. If you like the way it smells, you're all set. If not, it's back to the spraying and sniffing.

KNOW WHAT YOUR BUYING

• Perfume: Perfumes contain the largest percentage of perfume oil, about 20 to 25%. Because of this, perfumes are the longest lasting and most expensive. They come in small quantities and should be applied with care. One or two drop will last 8 to 12 hours.
  
• Eau de Parfum: This usually comes in a spray form and contains 15 to 18 percent perfume oil and will last 6 to 8 hours.
• Eau de Toilette: This is the least expensive and least concentrated formula. If you want just a light scent, this is your best bet since it only contains about 4 to 10% perfume oil.
• Cologne: I always think colognes are just for men, but they're for both genders! They are more diluted than perfumes and can be used as a spray or a splash.

GET THE MOST WEAR-TIME FOR YOUR BUCK
Extend the life of your favorite perfume by following these tips:

• Wear the right amount. If you're wearing a perfume, you only need a drop or two. For eau de parfum, no more than three sprays; no more than four sprays of eau de toilette, and no more than six sprays of cologne. You don't want to over do the amount of fragrance you're wearing because doing so can be offensive to others.
• Know that you are not a good judge of how much you have on. After a bit, you get used to your fragrance and are desensitized to it. As such, it's easy to over do it. Just stick to the number of sprays listed above and you should be ok.
• Apply fragrance to your pulse points (wrists, inner elbows, neck, behind ears, behind knees).
• Store your fragrance wisely. Heat and light will breakdown the compounds in your product, so store it in your bedroom or linen closet. Perfumes last anywhere from one to eight years after opening, depending on the scent.
  

Save Your Pennies

Times are tough, economically speaking. The Dow Jones seems to hit a new low every week, and the news is filled with scary stories about people losing their homes, their jobs, their entire savings accounts. Because we're tightening up our budgets, many of you may be wondering where you can save on beauty treatments.

Thanks to the editors at Allure, here are a few hints on when to save and when to splurge:

BROWS
Splurge on: Professional brow-shaping. The pros can work magic on shabby brows but you can keep costs down by plucking stray hairs that pop up between visits.
Scrimp on: Brow products. You can use your inexpensive eyeliner to lightly fill in your brows or find a drugstore-brand brow pencil to give your brows a better shape.
Skip: Brow gel. You can use Vaseline to keep crazy brows in place. Or pick up some cheap clear mascara to coat your brows. One word of caution: the mascara may flake a bit, so be prepared!

SKIN
Splurge on: Anti-aging creams if you need the help. Try to get something containing retinoids to help reduce wrinkles and increase firmness. If you really want the most bang for your buck, visit a dermatologist and get a prescription-strength treatment.
Scrimp on: Expensive treatments. Instead of a professional peel at a doctor's office, try an at-home microderm abrasion kit. Just be sure to use the product regularly to achieve the maximum benefit.
Skip: Facials. They don't do much any way. Just be sure to wash your face regularly, use your daily moisturizer, and don't forget the SPF!

HAIR
Splurge on: Highlights. You cannot achieve the same rich, high-definition highlight at home that you get in the salon. If you need to save a few bucks, opt for a partial foil rather than a full color/foil. Just having the highlights around your face will brighten up your look.
Scrimp on: Shampoo. Really cheap shampoos only contain cleaning agents that may strip your hair of moisture and shine. But shampoos in the $5 range are all you really need: they clean and moisturize perfectly. The same goes for hair products. Stay in the middle of the price range and you should be a-okay!
Skip: Salon blowouts. Unless you have a special occasion to go to, you don't need to have a pro do your hair for you. When your in the salon getting your highlights and cut, ask your stylist to show you how to blowout your own hair. Try out a few things like flatirons and large Velcro rollers to add volume to your hair.

For tips on whether to spend or splurge on makeup products, click here for one of my very first posts...it still has some good info!

Buy This Book (Giveaway!)

Quick question: Who taught you about makeup, how to do your hair, or how to take care of your skin? Maybe your mother or sister taught you everything you know....maybe a friend passed on her knowledge...maybe you visit blogs like mine for insight. Almost all my beauty knowledge was gathered on my own. I don't have some great beauty guru I go to for advice.

My point? There are so many places to learn about the beauty world. And one new resource for you comes from the editors at Cosmopolitan, Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets: The Ultimate Guide to Looking Gorgeous. This book is packed from cover to cover with useful beauty secrets, all presented easily and with lots of photos. It comes out November 4th and costs $19.95.

This would be the perfect gift for a friend (the holidays are creeping up on us!), if you have a daughter who is reaching her teens and wants to learn about makeup, or for yourself. Honestly, I know plenty about beauty and there are still things I picked up from this book.

Here are three of my favorite hints from Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets:

• For a treat for your lips, make your own lip mask with three teaspoons of Vaseline, one teaspoon of honey, and a dash of cinnamon. Store it in a small container and smooth on a bit at night. Leave on for 30 minutes then wipe off. Your lips will feel "velvety smooth" after use!
• Shrink a zit by dabbing it with toner then placing an ice cube wrapped in tissue on the blemish for a minute. Follow by using a spot-treatment before applying concealer.
• For an easy at-home treat for your feet, soak them in a bowl of warm orange juice for about 10 minutes. The acid in the OJ acts as an exfoliant. Follow by rubbing your heels and rough spots with a foot scrub and rinse. Wrap feet in warm towels for 5 minutes and then apply a thick cream. Sounds perfect for the coming cold weather months!

You'll learn so many great tips from this book--go get your own copy! Actually, I like this book so much, I want to share it with you all. I'll give away one copy of Cosmo's Sexiest Beauty Secrets to a lucky reader. Just leave a comment on this entry and I'll pick a winner at random on November 5th. Best of luck!