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3-Minute Back-to-School Skin Care

September 3rd, 2010

Keep your skin looking its best even if you don’t have the time.

woman washing her face

Whether you’re packing your kids’ lunches or preparing to hit the books yourself, the new school year is fast approaching, and it’s easy to let your skin-care and makeup routines fall short amid all the back-to-school chaos. Dr. Howard Sobel, a dermatologist in New York City, and celebrity makeup artist Eric Sakas explain how to stay on top of your routines in three minutes or less. Their trick? Use multi-use products…

Cleanse and exfoliate: 60 seconds.

It’s important to treat sun damage accumulated over the summer months before you head into autumn. Your sunny glow may have turned into patchy pigmentation, so the first important step is exfoliation. Look for a gentle exfoliating wash, such as DDF Glycolic 5% Exfoliating Wash ($35, ddfskincare.com) or the exfoliating Purifying Cleanser by Petite Marie Organics ($25, petitemarieorganics.com), and use it in the morning. This exfoliation will help get rid of dead skin, which has been shown in clinical studies to stimulate new collagen production and help improve the signs of photoaging.

Moisturize and protect: 60 seconds.

Just because summer is over doesn’t mean that your sun protection is. Make sure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily — even on overcast days — and choose one that moisturizes to get two steps for one! Look for a mattifying moisturizer with sunscreen properties, such as the GoClear Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 15 ($33, sephora.com). Another one we like is SkinMedica Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 Plus ($40, skinstore.com).

Get Pretty

Celebrity makeup artist and founder of Vapour Organic Beauty Eric Sakas suggests these two speedy tricks when you’re rushed.

Cheeks: 30 seconds.

You don’t want to lose that gorgeous glow from summer, so try Vapour’s Aura Multi-Use Blush stick ($28, vapourbeauty.com) in colors Crush or Spark. These can be used on your cheeks, eyes, or lips. For best application, apply Aura in a circular motion to the back of your hand (this will warm it up and blend the formulation, creating a beautiful tone). Apply to freshly moisturized (and sunscreened!) skin, and blend with fingertips or brush.

Lips and eyes: 30 seconds

Take a neutral-toned pink lip pencil like Philosophy’s The Supernatural Lip Pencil ($12.50, philosophy.com) and apply all over lip to create the appearance of full lips. You can also use it to line your upper lash lines! This neutral-tone pink pencil will define the creases of your eyes in a very subtle way.

Compliments of Realbeauty.com

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Want to Feel Like a Sexpot? Copy This Silver Eye Makeup Look From Model Adriana Lima

September 2nd, 2010

I realize it’s not a newsflash that Victoria’s Secret models are sexy, but isn’t this eye makeup look on Adriana Lima just smokin’ hot? It is. And I’m going to tell you how to get it.

She’s got a ring of black eyeliner, of course. Then there’s a silvery gray on her top lids and smudged on the very outside edge of her bottom lids. The rest is surrounded by a lighter white-silver. And then there’s a hint of pink dusted out past the outer edges for shading. Gorgeous.

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Cute Hair Idea: The Two-Second Front Twist

September 1st, 2010

You know I’m always looking for cute, easy hairstyle variations for you guys. That’s why you love me, right? Well, I’ve got one for you this morning. It’s not really new but it’s simple and only takes a couple of hairpins and a moment or two. Take a look.

I spotted it on a model named Larissa Riquelme.

She just pulled the top part of her hair back (into what I usually all a “front pull-back”) and gave it a twist before she pinned it.

I’ve actually done this with my hair a couple of times in the past, and I’ve always found it charming. Plus, it helps keep the edges of my bangs back all day. And all it takes is a turn of the wrist—got to love that.

Compliments of Glamour.com

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The Best Shadow For Your Eye Shape

August 31st, 2010

Choosing a shadow based on your eye shape can give you a bigger, more gorgeous gaze. Consult this list to discover the best one for you.

Eyeshape: Oval
Ideal Shadow: Pearlescent creams capture and reflect light, making narrow eyes appear bigger. See how you could steal the sexy twilight look with these beauty tips.
Try: Revlon Shadow in Electric Pop, $6.50

Eyeshape: Round
Ideal Shadow: Liquids offer a sheer wash of color— all your large, naturally flirty peepers really need. Check out these new ways to rock bright eyeshadow.
Try: Chanel Fluid Iridescent Eyeshadow in Delta, $32

Eyeshape: Almond
Ideal Shadow: A powder slides best into the upswept outer corners, where it stays put without creasing. See this video for tips on scoring gorgeous gold eyes.
Try: Givenchy Eyeshadow in Modish Brown, $29

Compliments of Cosmopolitan.com

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How to Master the Bombshell Blowout

August 30th, 2010

The salon isn’t the only place where you can get a star-worthy blowout. Make it happen at home by following these steps.

We love Sienna Miller’s high-style, low-fuss look. Celeb hairstylist Guido recommends you prep first by rubbing a thickening lotion through damp strands. It’ll give extra grip to your brush so you can create a smooth A-list look.

Always work from the bottom layers up when blow-drying your mane — pinning the top portion out of your way helps you better see what you’re doing.

Using a medium-size round brush, grab hair at the roots and run the brush down strands, moving the blow-dryer over the brush as you go. Make sure you point the nozzle down; this flattens the cuticle to prevent frizz and keep hair looking shiny.

When your mane is dry, mist on a thermal-straightening spray.

Glide a flatiron over strands to kill any flyaways and seal in silkiness. Stop a few inches before the tips so you get a slightly tousled effect there.

Rake a tiny drop of shine serum through ends with your fingers for a superglossy movie-star finish.

To make your blowout last, sprinkle baby powder onto your hands and gently massage your scalp to soak up oil. This will extend your blowout a day or two.

Compliments of Cosmopolitan.com

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Three Smoldering Eyeshadow Ideas You’re Gonna Love

July 30th, 2010

In the mood for a little sultry eye action? Apparently a bunch of celebrities were last night because a lot of ‘em went out sporting various dark, sexy shadow looks. Check out these three:

Here’s a lovely plum shade on Emily Deschanel:

A gray and pink combo on Diane Kruger:

And this dark steel look on Iman:

All nice choices, right? It’s funny that this all happened in one evening of star carpet-hopping. And there’s kind of something here for everyone. The plum is great for color lovers (especially anyone with green eyes). Emily’s is great for a girly look. Think first date makeup. And Iman is flat-out femme fatale. Think third date makeup.

Compliments of Glamour.com

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The Best Eyebrow Shapes for Your Face

July 23rd, 2010

I have a bad beauty habit, but it’s not really my fault you see: A few years back, I went to see an eyebrow specialist for the first time, but she waxed them so thin, I’ve never had the courage to go back to someone. Talk about traumatized! Since then, I have tweezed away without any real sense of knowing what I’m doing. That is, up until now! With the ultimate brow guru Ramy Gafni’s guide on what works with your face shape, you’re going to feel like printing this article out and heading to your nearest salon for an eyebrow intervention–STAT!

For a round face:
Opt for medium to full brows that are more angular than round. You want to frame as much for your face as possible to give the illusion of less fullness, and a more angular brow will counteract the roundness of your face. I’ve found that with a round face, having a thinner brow does not give your face the appearance of looking thinner either! (Believe me, I’ve tried this.) It might seem counterintuitive to over-pluckers like moi, but I’ve noticed keeping them on the fuller side makes the entire face seem more balanced. See here on Ginnifer Goodwin:

Heart-shaped lovelies:
You could already imagine this should be the opposite style of a round-shaped face. Ladies with square or heart-shaped faces already have the angles to their face so they can rock a softer arch. With a pointy chin drawing your face downward, a too-circular-I’m-permanently-shocked brow would be way too intense. Natalie Portman’s brow looks straight, but has a super slight bend, which is the ideal for hearts:

For square shapes:
Similar to the above heart-shaped-face advice, you want a more delicate arch that softens the squareness of the face. The perfect shape for you is an eyebrow where the line from the front of the brow up to the arch is straight and the outer-half of the brow is curved. See what Ramy and I mean here on Hillary Duff:

And for oval faces:
I’ve heard time and time again from makeup artists and hair stylists alike that oval faces are considered the most “perfect” shape. I guess there’s something about the symmetry that makes a well-groomed brow look particularly fantastic on them. The brows here should be medium to full. This is a shape where you ladies with the perfect ovals like Beyonce can get away with a prominent arch:

Compliments of Glamour.com

Posted in Makeup Tricks, Style Tips: How To | Comments Off

Fast Food That Won’t Make You Fat

July 22nd, 2010

With obesity all over the news and fat-bomb food concoctions getting tons of attention (we’re looking at you, KFC Double Down), the drive-thru window is taking a pretty big beating these days. But an increasing number of fast food restaurants are actually offering some surprisingly nutritious — and tasty — options to choose from. Next time you’re at the food court or dining by dashboard, sink your teeth into one of these guilt-free options.

Wendy’s Ultimate Chicken Grill Sandwich

Calories: 340
Fat: 7 grams

The thick piece of lean chicken provides 29 grams of satisfying, metabolism-boosting protein plus 20 percent of your daily iron requirement.

Subway Roast Beef Sub

Calories: 330
Fat: 4.5 grams

Make this low-fat sandwich even healthier by loading it up with grilled veggies, not mayo.

Burger King Whopper Jr.

Calories: 340
Fat: 20 grams

There’s nothing small about this junior-labeled burger; it’s juicy and satisfying yet has only 5 grams of saturated, aka “bad,” fat.

Taco Bell Grilled Steak Soft Tacos

Calories: 320 (2 tacos)
Fat: 4.5 grams

Soft flour tacos have less fat than hard-shell tacos. So feel free to indulge — just skip the extra cheese and sour cream.

KFC Honey BBQ Sandwich

Calories: 310
Fat: 3 grams

The honey BBQ flavor gives the chicken a slightly sweet but tangy kick. And amazingly, it’s super low-fat.

McDonald’s Egg McMuffin

Calories: 300
Fat: 12 grams

This egg-and-cheese combo on an English muffin is a decent way to power your mornings. It offers protein, whole grain, and only 5 grams of saturated fat.

Wendy’s Chili (large)

Calories: 330
Fat: 10 grams (4 sat)

A filling protein powerhouse, it also provides bone-building calcium and fiber from the beans.

Pizza Hut Two Slices Pepperoni Thin ‘N Crispy Pizza

Calories: 400 (two slices)
Fat: 18 grams

“Thin and crispy” means it has less white-flour crust than other types of pizza. That shaves off calories so you can make room for flavorful pepperoni.

Meanwhile, steer clear of these top fat mongers:

1. KFC Double Down
Caloiries: 540
Fat: 32 grams

The calorie count in this cheese-fried chicken-bacon concoction isn’t crazy-outrageous, but 32 grams of fat — yikes. And there’s not even a piece of lettuce to give it some fiber to help you digest it!

2. McDonald’s Angus Bacon and Cheese
Calories: 790
Fat: 39 grams

With a 1/3 pound slab of beef, cheese, bacon, and a thick bun, this heavyweight burger is like a grease bomb to the gut.

3. Pizza Hut Meat Lovers Stuffed Crust
Calories: 960 (2 slices)
Fat: 52 grams

Compliments of Cosmopolitan.com

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12 Summer Beauty Trends That Are So 2010

July 16th, 2010

Stash a few of these hair and makeup ideas in your beach bag, or debut some of these easy beauty trends at the office—either way, you’ll look sizzling this summer!

Try an easy, sexy side braid.

Amanda Seyfried smolders in smoky eye makeup and this summer’s hottest hair trend—a big, loose braid—like the ones seen on Alexander Wang’s spring 2010 runway. Not only is this braid gorge, it’s super easy to whip up. Simply pull hair gently to one side and braid loosely—the more unkempt it looks, the better. To add some oomph to your plaited prettiness, spritz in a volumizer like Fekkai’s Coiff Bouffant Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel.

Get a sparkly smile.

A megawatt smile like Blake Lively’s looks just as beautiful off the red carpet. For a fast fix, apply a pink gloss with a bluish tint (like CoverGirl Wetslicks in Happy Hour) to lips: The cool undertones make teeth appear whiter. For longer-lasting results, minus the trip to the dentist, try Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects. Need a touch-up on your way to the beach? Slip one of Colgate’s Wisp Mini-Brushes Plus Whitening Coolmint in your bag to freshen up on the go!

For a big change, have a summer fling with a newish hair color.

We’re used to her as a dark brunette on Gossip Girl, but it’s nice to see Leighton Meester mix it up when she’s not playing Queen B. Her “mane man,” hairstylist Charles Baker Strahan says, “Leighton likes to keep it fun—she’s willing to go out there and explore.” Her new honey-blond highlights look more surfer girl than Upper East Side princess. Love her new lightened-up look? Get it at home with Herbal Essences Shade-on-Shade Highlighting Kit.

Update your lip look with a summery orange hue.

If you go for a look-at-me orange lip color, there’s no need for heavy makeup—a good thing on summer’s steamy, sticky days. Take cues from Marion Cotillard, who stepped out with just a swipe of mascara and the trendy, spotlight-stealing color on her lips. Whether you’re wearing an LBD or a bikini, a flash of vibrant orange like Makeup Forever Lipstick in 201 on your lips will instantly glam up your look.

Pile up your hair—like way, way up.

We’ve debated whether high buns are a Do or a Don’t, but it looks like Hollywood has decided they’re here to stay…at least for summer! So give in and take your knot to new highs. The key to Vanessa Hudgens’ look? Don’t worry about being too perfect—the messier the sexier. And who doesn’t love that idea when you’re up against humidity and temps almost as high as your hair?

Skip the intense eye looks and dust on purple shadow instead.

When the weather is scorching, who wants to worry about smoky eyes smudging off? You can create a less-complicated, heatproof version with some purple shadow. To get pretty in purple like Keke Palmer, sweep lilac shadow (like Estee Lauder Pure Color EyeShadow in Lavender) across your lids, up to the brow bone and under the lower lash line. Add some romantic, face-framing curls like she does here and you’re ready for a sunset summer date.

Stay cool with a cropped haircut.

The best time to take off a few inches is when the heat is on! Make like Hayden Panettiere and opt for a daring slicked-back do. Forget wind-swept waves (and hours spent styling) and opt for a tousled top and sleek sides—just add some gel and you’re good to go!

Color your nails the It shade: teal.

Summer 2009 was the year of the neons—yellows and pinks reminiscent of highlighters poking out of platforms and flip-flops. But 2010 is sure to be marked by a shade that’s just as bold but not nearly as blinding. Swipe on an aquamarine hue, like Essie Nail Polish in Turquoise and Caicos, to get a so-right-now mani à la Keri Hilson.

Look pretty in shocking-pink lipstick.

A platinum buzz cut may keep you cool during the dog days of summer, but a hot pink pout is guaranteed to make you a summer stunner. Amber Rose rocks out in this violet lip color that’s anything but shrinking! For intensely trendy makeup look like hers, try Revlon ColorStay Mineral Lipglaze in Endless Lilac.

Give your blow-dryer and straightener a summer vacation.

Why fight curls as cute as Alicia Keys’? Embrace your hair’s natural curves instead of trying to beat the heat and humidity with flatirons. Got frizzies and flyaways? Tame them by scrunching a lightweight styler into damp hair, like L’Oréal Paris Vive Pro Glossy Style Glossy Curls Mousse, and air-dry. Top off all that texture with Ease Moisture Barrier Firm-Hold Hairspray to keep tresses in place even when you’re seaside.

Go for a jewel-tone eyeliner.

Shake things up and rim your eyes with a shade that will really make ‘em pop! Try a jade green shadow on your top and bottom lash lines and inner corners, like Lea Michele does here, or dabble in amethyst or sapphire shades. For more intense color, pick a shadow that can be used wet or dry (like Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Eyeshadow in Glamemerald). For a sultry finish, line your water line (just above your bottom lash line) with a black eye pencil and bump up your lashes with two coats of volumizing mascara. Sexy!

Wear a feather in your hair.

Slipping a flower behind your ear has long been a tropical style staple, but why not fancy up a romantic low hairstyle, like Diane Kruger’s, with a sparkly plume and copper shadow? Dress up tousled waves with a sweet, diamond-studded birdie barrette from Marc by Marc Jacobs. Feeling daring? Try a hair clip inspired by our feathered friends, like this peacock version from Swell. For a seductive evening eye makeup look like Diane’s try CoverGirl’s Smoky ShadowBlast Eye Shadow in Bronze Fire—a double-ended cream color stick you apply with your fingertips—and get the look without having to tote a bunch of brushes along on a big night out.

Compliments of Glamour.com

Posted in Style Tips: How To | Comments Off

Three Nail Trends Men Love

July 15th, 2010

Here’s a shocker: Men have opinions when it comes to your manicure.

•The Shape He Loves
Pointy talons are too extreme for most dudes. “Soft curves look most natural…and men find that sexy,” says biological anthropologist Helen Fisher.

•#1 Hue He’s Hot For
Nothing’s steamier than classic cherry red, say 40 percent of the men we polled on our Website. Tied for second: sheer pink and plain-old clear.

•Size Really Matters
Nails grown barely past your fingertips are the ideal length, says Fisher. They look feminine but won’t stop you from, say, unzipping him or sexting.

Compliments of Cosmopolitan.com

Posted in Beautiful Nail, Style Tips: How To | Comments Off

Laugh & Learn

3-Minute Back-to-School Skin Care

Keep your skin looking its best even if you don’t have the time.

Want to Feel Like a Sexpot? Copy This Silver Eye Makeup Look From Model Adriana Lima

Cute Hair Idea: The Two-Second Front Twist

The Best Shadow For Your Eye Shape

How to Master the Bombshell Blowout

The salon isn’t the only place where you can get a star-worthy blowout. Make it happen at home by following these steps.

Three Smoldering Eyeshadow Ideas You’re Gonna Love

The Best Eyebrow Shapes for Your Face

Fast Food That Won’t Make You Fat

12 Summer Beauty Trends That Are So 2010

Try an easy, sexy side braid.

Get a sparkly smile.

For a big change, have a summer fling with a newish hair color.

Update your lip look with a summery orange hue.

Pile up your hair—like way, way up.

Skip the intense eye looks and dust on purple shadow instead.

Stay cool with a cropped haircut.

Color your nails the It shade: teal.

Look pretty in shocking-pink lipstick.

Give your blow-dryer and straightener a summer vacation.

Go for a jewel-tone eyeliner.

Wear a feather in your hair.

Three Nail Trends Men Love

Supported & Suggested

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