missbeauty

How to Get Rid of Scaly Lips

2008-08-17T15:12:00.000-07:00

If you suffer scaly lips, a simple do-it-yourself tip to exfoliate takes only a finger vaseline ball and an old toothbrush.

Step 1: Slather lips with jelly oil

Step 2: Use a toothbrush to massage a jelly in a circular motion.

Step 3: Wipe the excess of Vaseline.

Take a toothbrush to your lips, massaging jelly in a circular motion. Wipe any excess petroleum jelly.

The toothbrush exfoliates lips while leaves lips petroleum jelly extra sweet. Repeat once or twice a day until your lips are no longer scales.

Do you want a professional exofoliator more than perfect for the scholarship? Try lip Scrub by Sara Happ, a sugar scrub created just for lips. The results are similar to my toothbrush and Vaseline thing, but frankly so great taste (I like the peppery flavor) and leaves lips soft and supple I think Sara should add a "Warning: May be Addictive" message on its label. Makes a great gift for any friend discernment

How to Apply Eyeliner - - Eyeliner Tips & Tricks-2

2008-08-04T15:21:00.000-07:00

The Smoky Eye

Ahhh the smoky eye. Perhaps there is no longer running eye makeup trend than the smoky eye, which is in no danger of going out of style. The key here is to blend well. Also, make sure to keep all other makeup light or you risk looking like a clown. You don't want the rest of your makeup to compete with your eyes.

Step 1: Holding the skin of your upper lid taut, apply eyeliner from the inside corner of the eye outward. Draw strokes into the lash line. The middle of the line should be a bit thicker than the edges.

Step 2: Use a cotton swap (or your finger, if you're lazy like me) to "smudge" the liner.

Step 3: Dab an eyeshadow brush into a deep-hued eyeshadow and apply over the eyeliner to set the line. (Blow on the brush first to remove any excess shadow). Layering liner with a shadow is the secret to a perfect smoky eye.

Step 4: Blend shadow well, then follow with eyeshadow. According to the March 2006 issue of InStyle Magazine, with a smoky eye, "color should diffuse from rich and dark near the lashes to almost sheer as it extends to the crease." [For more on the smoky, check out this

step-by-step article. The Bold, Dramatic Eye

Bold eyes are a dramatic choice for evening. Try eyeliner shades other than deep black for a super cool look. You can use either a liquid liner or try the makeup artist's trick and use an angled eyeshadow brush dipped in a deep-hued eyeshadow. Skip the pencil for this look.

Step 1: Holding the skin of your upper lid taut, apply the liquid liner from the middle of the eye to the outside corner of the eye.

Step 2: Draw a second line from the inside corner of your eye, letting the two lines meet. The outer edge of the line should be thicker than the inside. If you have close-set eyes, avoid taking the line all the way to the inside corner.

The Cat Eye

Forget the advice you may have read in the past never to line the inside rims of eyes because it makes eyes look tiny. Sexy cat eyes are a cool look for night. The key to this look is to apply a thin line to the inside rims of the lids.

Step 1: Holding the skin of your upper lid taut, dot liquid liner along the upper lash line as close to the eye as possible. Apply line from corner to corner of eye, extending the line upward at the outer corner of eye. Let liner dry for a few minutes before touching.

To soften this look (black liquid liner can be harsh), InStyle Magazine suggests trying a smudgeable pencil in a lighter color like dark brown or charcoal.

Step 2: Hold down the lower lid and apply liner only to the outer three quarters of the rim. Fade out the line as you approach the tear duct, according to makeup artist Mally Roncal in the March 2006 edition of InStyle Magazine. Extend the liner upwards at the outer corners.

For a softer version of this look, use an eye shadow brush and sweep a taupe or brown color on the lower la

How to Apply Eyeliner - - Eyeliner Tips & Tricks-1

2008-08-04T15:16:00.000-07:00

Eyeliner can make even the smallest eyes appear larger. Applying it correctly is key, you don't want the line to be too dark, harsh and obvious or you risk looking overdone. Here we share our favorite tried-but-true eyeliner tips.

The Basic, "I'm Off to Work or the Weekend," Eye

This is the perfect work or weekend look for women who want their eyes to "pop" without giving off the appearance of a woman who's really, really into makeup, so into makeup she has this site bookmarked in her Web favorites.

The key to the basic eye is to apply with a light hand. Unless you are Catherine Zeta-Jones or Beyonce and have been blessed with sultry dark looks, opt for a lighter shade than kohl or black. The basic eye is all about appearing natural. Leave the black for the looks below.

This look calls for liquid or pencil eyeliner, a deep-hued eyeshadow and an eyeliner brush.

Step 1: Holding the skin of your upper lid taut, apply eyeliner from the outside corner of the eye, stopping two-thirds of the way along the eyelid. Apply with short strokes, drawing the line into the lash line rather than above it. For a more dramatic look, make the outside line a bit thicker than the inside.

Step 2: Set liner with a deep eyeshadow. Dip eyeshadow brush into the shadow, then apply shadow over the eyeliner. This will set the eyeliner, which tends to rub off on eyelid.

Step 3: Apply eyeshadow to lower lashes. Using your eyeshadow brush, apply the deep-hued eyeshadow along the bottom lashes, from the outside in. Unless you have wide-set eyes, don't line the entire lower lid. Instead, stop halfway across. For a more natural look, don't dip the brush into the shadow again, instead, use the excess that's still on the brush for the lower lashes.

Step 4:Clean up any mistakes with a cotton swab.

Extra tips: To make eyes appear wider, trace the inner rims of eyes with a white pencil.

Throw out the cheapie applicators that come with your makeup. Investing in a good set of makeup brushes is key to a flawless face).

Vaseline: The Best Eye Makeup Remover Around

2008-08-04T15:06:00.000-07:00

There are all sorts of eye makeup removers on the market but the best one I've found is Vaseline. I learned this trick in high school from Seventeen Magazine & I've been using it ever since.

advantages of vasline
1- it's easy and it doesn't sting the eye.
2- it's cheap.

Some beauty experts tout Vaseline is actually good for the skin around the eyes. (I don't really buy that -- the tender skin around my eyes doesn't seem better than average after years of Vaseline).

eyes' beauty

2008-08-04T14:59:00.000-07:00

Make your eyes 'pop' with these tips. Can you wear blue eyeshadow? What mascaras work best (and which is the brand favorite)? Here, you'll find everything from how to apply false eyelashes,

to whether liquid or pencil eye liners are best.

1-Eye makeup remover
2-Eyeshadow
3-Eyebrows
4-False eyelashes
5-Eyelash Curlers
6-Mascara
7-Eyeliner

Blush: Try a Cream Color This Year

2008-07-21T06:31:00.000-07:00

If you are into blushes or want to try a new type of blush, consider the creams that are new to the market this spring. They go on light & look super natural as if you just went for a run. Having spent years sans cheek color, I am in love with my new cream blush from Bobbi Brown.

I recently stopped by the Bobbi Brown counter at Bloomingdale's in SoHo (NYC) looking for a blush. The counter manager, Alexandra Hanson, sat me down & took a long look at my skin. "I don't think I'd put a blush on you," she told me honestly. It dawned on me that she was right: I have fair skin and naturally ruddy skin tone. I have TOO MUCH color already. But I'd been preaching to my readers that everyone can wear blush, what gives?

Hanson thought for a second, then got to work. She applied a tinted moisturizer with yellow undertones which took out the red in my face. (If you have pink skin, always opt for a yellow base in your foundations & tinted moisturizers). Hanson stood back & took me in. "NOW I would apply a blush," she said, pleased.

It took her awhile to find the perfect tone for my cheeks. She tested a few colors on my hand to no avail until she opted for Bobbi's Pot Rouge for Cheeks and Lips. Voila! A few dabs of this cream blusher on the apples of my cheeks later, and I had a rosy complexion -- a good one, just like I went for a run.

How to apply: Use the tips of your fingers to apply little dots on the apples of your cheeks up into your hairline. Blend in with fingers. Or, for a more natural look, sweep color across cheeks with a nylon-bristled brush. The best thing about this cream blush is it doubles as lipstick.

types of Blush

2008-07-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

The right blush during the right time of day is key. But how to pick the perfect blush? Should you go powder, cream, tint, shimmer or gel? There are many different types out there so here I run down the 5 main types so you can choose what kind you need & when (day or night?)!

Powder Blush

Powder blush is great for all skin types, but best for oily skin and anyone looking for long-lasting color (it's the densest of the blushers).

Cream Blush

This type of blush is best applied with the fingers. It's also dense, but lets your skin show through. Cream blush is particularly suited for dry skin because of its rich, moisturizing ingredients.

Gel Blush

Gel blushes provide a sheer glow. They work best on oily to normal skin and are hard ot spread onto dry skin since they are fast-drying.

Tint Blush

Like gel blush, tints are fast-drying and can look streaky over foundation. If you're going to use it, blend it fast and blend it well. Once it's set it won't budge until you wash your face.

Shimmers

These are great for giving a light gleam to your cheekbones. These are best for nighttime. The great thing about shimmers are you can dab them on your forehead, in the bow of your upper lip or in the inner corners of your eyes. But avoid your highly wrinkled spots, since these will accentuate them.

Teeth whitening

2008-07-21T06:21:00.002-07:00

Teeth whitening is one of those quick beauty fixes that can totally change your look while knocking out your pocketbook. Many dentists have jumped on the trend & offer teeth whitening in their offices, or you can splurge at a whitening spa such as BriteSmile (which will offer you a 2 for 1 deal if you bring a friend). But while nothing will work as fast as a professional laser whitening procedure, the over-the-counter remedies will give you great results, according to New York dentist Dr. Jennifer Salzer in the September 2005 issue of Lucky Magazine.

Here are some options to try:
1. The strips. Crest Whitestrips Premium Plus actually work & are quite affordable.

2. GoSmile System. This bleaching tray system is a bit pricier than the strips but they work great and are easier on sensitive teeth.

3. Whitening toothpaste. The toothpaste is actually better for maintaining your white smile after you've lightened. So use #1 or #2 and then invest in some toothpaste. Just remember to drink your tooth-staining coffee & dark sodas from a straw.

How To Re-Touch Roots

2008-07-21T06:21:00.001-07:00

Touching up your roots is something you can do at home in between salon visits. You'll want to purchase a color that is as similar as possible to your own processed color. Follow directions on the box, but here are some extra tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 30 minutes

Here's How:

You'll want to put on your gloves (provided in the box) & we suggest an old t-shirt.
Divide hair into 4 sections, down the middle & from ear to ear. Pin each section up with plastic hair clips. Apply petroleum jelly along your hairline. This prevents the dye from staining your skin.
Mix color as directions suggest on box. Unclip one of the front sections & using brush, apply color evenly around the perimeter of the section from the roots up to the point where the processed color begins. You will want some overlap. Don't massage into scalp.
Use the applicator tip to work in 1-inch panels. Flip hair over & apply color to this new part. Repeat halfway partings until all roots in that section are covered. Re-clip saturated hair, then repeat on remaining 3 sections.
Set the timer for five minutes before the processing time is supposed to end (processing usual takes about 25 minutes).
When timer goes off, comb the color down from roots to ends. This ensures even coverage. Use any leftover color from the bottle.
Leave on for five minutes. Rinse hair thoroughly in the shower with lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Condition according to package directions (most kits come with conditioner).
Style and show off your gorgeous color...

Tips:

If you have highlights, it's much more complicated (though not impossible) to get roots touched up. Watch next time your stylist gives you highlights -- thousands of strands get color while thousands do not. Improperly touching up roots would give you an uneven look.
Clairol's new Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up Kit is a great kit for root touch-ups.
Don't have time to color your roots? Try eyeshadow! Simply spritz your part with hairspray, then pat the shadow onto the roots. Brown will mask gray, while golds work best on blondes.
Apply Sea Breeze along hairline & anywhere else the dye may have strayed. The alcohol prevents the dye from staining the skin.
Put on a shower cap while waiting for hair to process. This will help keep drips from running.

What You Need:

Your favorite hair color product (should come with gloves)
Wide-toothed comb
4 plastic jaw clips
Old button-down shirt
Old towels

Hair Mascara

2008-07-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

Have a few gray strands that stand out? Rather than dying your entire head, you have the option of using hair mascara. Check out your local drugstore for different brands or if you want to go posh, a good bestseller bet is Christian Dior's Mascara Flash for Hair.

Not interested in purchasing a product? You can mask gray strands with a basic hair dye. Match the color of your hair, then apply with a clean mascara wand (throw out the cheap & messy brush that comes with the kit). You can purchase mascara wands at drugstores.

Beauty Tips for Women Over Age 50

2008-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:00

"You can only perceive real beauty in a person as they get older." -- Anouk Aimée [p] We've created a section devoted to beauty topics craved by women over age 50: Photos of flattering hairstyles by body type, how to erase fine lines and wrinkles, plus a ton of makeup tricks and tips.

1-All About Your Eyes
2-Lipstick & Balms
3-Anti-aging
4-Moisturizers
5-Bath time Nails: Manicures, Pedicures
6-Blush: Cream, Powder & More
7-Plastic Surgery
8-Concealers
9-Skincare
10-Hair Color
11-Teeth whitening Hairstyling Tips & Tricks
12-Toner Homemade Face Masks

How to Save Money at the Beauty Salon

2008-07-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

For years I spent a lot of money on fancy salons when I had the simplest haircut imaginable: Straight and long, no layers. Then I saw a friend with the same haircut who admitted she spent a whopping $15 every six weeks at Supercuts to look just like me.

If you have a special haircut or complicated color, yes, you should be consulting a professional and investing money in your hairstyle. But if you want to go either a shade lighter or darker, or you have a super simple hairstyle, you could save money at the hair salon with these five tips.

Want Subtle Change? Do Your Own Color

While highlights can be complicated, all-over color is a great do-it-yourself job for those looking for a subtle change or to cover up gray. Today's home coloring formulas are super hydrating and very user-friendly.

The key to dyeing your hair at home is to go no darker or lighter than a couple shades. Anything more drastic and you should go to a professional.

Save on the Cut, Splurge on the Color

If you're used to spending money on cut and color, consider getting your cuts done at a discount salon. This is a great option for those with simple haircuts like long, straight hair or bobs.

Magazines love to tell you that if you color your hair professionally, you should get your hair cut at the same time. While there's definite perks to this, including coloring hair according to the cut (highlights on long layers, etc.), I firmly believe if you're looking to save money you should splurge on the color and save on the cut. Why? Fixing a bad color job can be a bigger hassle than cleaning up mis-snipped ends.

Hit the Discount Salons in Between Pricey Cuts

I love this tip I read in the book, "Confessions of a Beauty Editor," by the editors of Allure: Get maintenance haircuts in between your pricey salon visits. According to "Confessions," even beauty editors get discount cuts to save money.

They suggest telling the discount stylist to cut along the "map" set by the fancy stylist.

Go Back to School (Beauty School) or Hit a Salon's Training Night

One of the best ways to get a fancy haircut without the price is to set an appointment at a local beauty school. Most of the stylists-in-training are overseen by an experienced teacher so you can bet they won't make a mess of your hair.

Some big salons also offer discount days or training nights. You can enjoy a pricey cut at a fraction of the price.

Another option is to hair model for a salon. You don't have as much say in your haircut as you would if you were paying for it, but most stylists will stay within your perimeters.

Get Your Bangs Done, Free

Don't pay to get your bangs done. Most stylists will trim your bangs between cuts for free. You simply drop in and the trim takes less than five minutes.

Teasing Hair is Back - - How to Do it Right

2008-07-21T05:55:00.000-07:00

Every once in awhile, when hair is flat and limp, a bit of a tease goes a long way. But don't go all out -- a full head of teased hair doesn't look good on anyone, I don't care if you were born, bred and currently reside in Dallas (I can say this as I hail from Texas).

Here's how to get a great head of mildly teased hair.

Rule #1: Focus on the crown. Teasing at your crown -- rather than all over -- will give you just the right amount of volume.

Rule #2: Skip the comb. Stylists recommend using a flat-backed brush instead of a comb, the brushes are easier on your locks.

Rule #3: Get creative. Curl your hair in rollers, slick hair back in a low ponytail or pull a headband into place. I also love it when a basic curled hair has oomph from teased hair. Have fun with your new volume.

All About Perms: The Rules to Live By

2008-07-21T05:54:00.000-07:00

Perms have come a long way since the 80s when I sported the very fake-y, 'crimped' perm. These days perms can be fine-tuned to give you exactly the kind of wave you want. You can get perms that just add body to fine, limp hair, you can get loose, sexy waves or you can go for the corkscrew curls that many straight-haired girls covet (and some curly-all-their-lives girls are sick of).

10 Rules to Live by

But who’s the best candidate for perms? How long do they last & most importantly, how do you avoid getting the perm YOU DON’T WANT? The following are 10 rules to live by when it comes to perms in this day & age:

Who should get them? Perms work best on hair that has not been colored. The chemicals are too harsh for double-processed or heavily highlighted hair. Not sure if your hair is a good candidate for a perm? Ask your stylist. You’ll want to tell him or her every chemical process your hair has been through in the last couple years. One way you can find out if your hair is damaged and can't withstand more chemical processing is to do the old float trick. Take a few strands of hair and put them in a glass of water, if they sink, this means your hair is damaged and is soaking up moisture. If the strands float, this means your hair is healthy. You may want to keep it that way and avoid the perm....
Oh and one other tip: The thicker your hair, the better the perm will take.
How long does a perm take? One to two hours, depending on how long your hair is and how fast your stylist is. Your stylist will apply a single chemical solution to break the structural bonds in your hair, and another called a ‘neutralizer.’ Also keep in mind, a perm takes 28 hours to settle. Give it some time before you get too worried about the end result.
How long does a perm last? Generally about two to six months.
Where do I find a great stylist? First call ahead to your salon (or try several salons) and ask if they have someone who specializes in perms. Since perms aren't as popular as they were in their heyday (the 80s) you'll want someone who knows what she (or he's) doing. You may have to call around a bit to find a specialist. Even in New York City, most salons I've consulted don't have a perm specialist.
Don’t leave home without your picture. You need to take a picture or pictures with you of the type of wave you want. Just telling your stylist what kind of curl leaves you in jeopardy of getting super-dooper tight ringlets. Stylists can control the amount of wave they give you as well as the the part of the hair they want to perm. Yours will need to choose the right-sized rods.
A sit down consultation beforehand is a must. So many stylists will whisk you off to wet your hair without sitting down face-to-face for a good talk. Tell your stylist not only what you want (show the pictures) but what you don't want (i.e. the crimp-like curls of the 80s).
The tightness of the curl depends on the size of the rod. If you re worried you’ll end up with too-tight curls, ask your stylist to show you the types of rods she is using. Keep in mind that tightness of curls can vary on the size of the rod and how long the solution stays in.
Some hair is trickier to curl than others. If you are African- or Asian-American, then you will want someone who specializes in curling your type of hair.
You can prep your hair. To prepare your hair for a perm, you'll want to use a moisturizing conditioner after you shampoo. Avoid deep-conditioning your hair for at least 24 hours before the perm, otherwise the perm may not take.

Get a Hairstyle You Won't Hate

2008-07-21T05:51:00.000-07:00

We've all left the salon with a cut that's too short or a color that's just a bit off. Here are some tips to getting the perfect cut and color out of a stylist -- including annoying traits stylists hate in their customers.

Tip No. 1: Pick the right stylist for you. If you have curly hair, for example, find someone who specializes in super-curly cuts. Curly hair is tricky to cut so it's best to call ahead to a large salon and ask for their specialist. Keep in mind that a stylist WITH curly hair will know exactly where you're coming from. The same goes for getting your brown hair colored red (ask for someone who does lots of new redheads), getting your boring hair cut 'funky' and getting a perm (you want someone who does a lot of them).

Tip No. 2: Do your homework Nothing annoys a stylist more than when someone sits down in their chair and tries to explain the cut they want without a picture. (Yes, I can be accused of doing this on my last haircut. Even beauty editors never learn). Imagine if someone said, "I want to look like Cameron Diaz." Cameron Diaz blonde or brunette? Cameron circa 2001 or 2005? And what does she look like these days anyway? Bring a picture or 2 or 3. And make sure the look will suit you.

Tip No. 3: Never say, 'Do whatever you want.' The beauty editor of 'O' magazine tells of the time a world-renowned hairstylist offered to do her hair and she let him do whatever he wanted since the cut was free. Oops. Big mistake. The lesson in this is that it's rarely a good idea to give your hair completely over to a stylist. After all, you don't want to be the practice mannequin for a new look the stylist is dying to try out. Do you?

Tip No. 4: When talking length, show with your hands. One of the most common disappointments I hear about from those with 'Hair Horror Stories,' is the 'I Told Her Three Inches and She Lopped Off Eight' stories. A stylist once taught me a great trick, never say you want 3 inches off, actually take your hand and karate chop it right where you want her/him to go. And feel free to say, 'No higher, please.' My advice: Keep your hand there and have the stylist stand back and soak in just where you want your hair cut to.

Tip No. 5: Schedule in 10 minutes for a consultation. If you're doing your own version of 'Extreme Makeover' and have plans to drastically realign your looks, for heaven's sake do plan a good 10-15 minute consultation with the colorist and stylist. They need to see what your hair looks like dry and styled as you typically style it. This tells them a lot: How much time you really put into your hair each day, how your hair dries and how healthy your ends are.

Tip No. 6: Listen to your stylist. If the woman in your picture has ash blonde hair and you'd make a much better butter blonde, chances you won't know this, but your stylist will. Be sure and ask questions: 'What type of color best suits me?' 'Do you think my hair can look like this picture of Cameron circa 2001?' 'How long will this haircut take me to style in the morning?' And if your stylist says, 'No, I'm sorry, but there's no way I can make you look like Cameron circa 2001,' you'd better listen, because chances are you won't.

Tip No. 7: Be honest with your stylist. Yes, you'd love your stylist to think you'll love your new hairstyle enough to baby it every morning with 10 products, 20 minutes drying time and 15 minutes styling time. However, the truth is, if your morning routine for the past 20 years includes a quick wash followed by a towel dry and ending with a soppy wet ponytail, you'd better tell you're stylist so or you'll end up with a fancy, layered, curling ironed and hairsprayed 'do that takes hours to replicate. Trust me, I've been there.

Tip No. 8: Tip appropriately or beware the bad haircut next time. Proper tip is 15% for your stylist and $5 for the person who washes your hair.

The Perfect Haircut

2008-07-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

The beauty editors at Allure magazine recently confessed their "untold secrets." One of my favorites was their claim to the perfect haircut. They're right, this IS the most flattering haircut on almost every face type: a little shaggy and layered. How to get it? Here are some tips:

Layer The key is not too layer too much in back. The best layers are left to the front and are meant to frame the face, but never go above the eye on short hair or above earlobes on long hair.
Don't go too long Don't grow your hair more than a few inches below the collarbone. According to Allure's editors, few women over age 18 can get away with hair that falls below their breasts. (Sorry Gwyneth).
Go for the "v-shape cut" Actually, this is my tip, not Allure's. If you have long hair, get your hair cut in the back in a v-shape. It allows for extra length without leaving you looking too "high school," plus it's a classic look for long hair that's universally considered sexy.

Question: How Much Should I Tip When I Get My Haircut?

Answer: First off, remember that you tip a hairstylist & colorist just as you would a server in a restaurant: If the service is excellent, then you tip 20%, if the service is good 15% and so on.

But what if there are several different people involved from assistants to the shampooer? It's standard to pay $3 to $5 to each individual who shampoos and/or blows out your hair.

As for other beauty professions -- the same rule applies to your manicurist, your aesthetician & anyone who spends time making you look beautiful (at a cost). They get 15-20 percent as well.

Trim Bangs

2008-07-21T05:44:00.000-07:00

Bangs can be very sexy. Whether you want blunt-cut bangs or romantic fringe, it's helpful to know how to trim your own bangs.

Plenty of salons will offer to cut your bangs for free if you're a regular customer, but here's how to do it yourself. All you need are sharp scissors that are pointed and no longer than 5 inches (Tip: it's best to buy them a beauty supply store).

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

Always start with dry hair. You never want to cut your bangs while wet because they'll shrink when dry and look too short. If you usually blow-dry your bangs, apply styling gel then dry. If you usually wash & wear, then let them air dry.
Using a comb, precisely section off the hair you don't want to cut. You can put the other hair in a ponytail or pin it up with bobby pins. But only your bangs should be left loose.
Divide your bangs in half using a styling comb. (Styling combs have baby-fine teeth). Take one half and comb bangs down with the comb teeth facing out. Rest the comb on your browbone. Don't cut your bangs any shorter than where the comb hits your face.
Skip to step 5 if you have shaggy, face-framing bangs Start 'point-cutting' or snipping the hair at a 45-degree angle. Work slowly, doing a bit at a time. Never cuts bangs straight across since it's impossible to keep a perfectly straight line.
Important note If you have shaggy, face-framing bangs, skip the scissors & instead use a brand-new, disposable single-blade razor (double & triple blades will split hair). Celeb stylist Chris McMillan swears in the April 2006 issue of Allure magazine that razors work much better than scissors. To razor cut, pull bangs taut with your middle & index fingers. Slide fingers all the way down to end of hair & then razor cut the hair just above your fingers.
Repeat 'point-cutting' on the other half.
If your bangs are too dense, you can add layers. Simply take a portion of the bangs between 2 fingers & pulling the hair vertically above your head. Slide your hand up towards the ends, letting some hair fall. Lower your fingers an inch down the hair section and point-cut or razor cut (a half-inch at most) above your fingers.
If you have long, face-framing layers, check to make sure the length is even by pulling a piece of hair from either side of toward the center of your face -- they should be equidistant from the bridge of your nose, according to McMillan.

Tips:

You'll want to invest in a pair of sharp, high-quality scissors designed to cut hair. You can get these at beauty supply stores. Utility scissors that have been used to cut paper or cloth are too dull for cutting hair.
If you have long, shaggy, face-framing bangs, use a razor instead of scissors to trim bangs. Scissors can slip & cut hair unevenly, while a razor is more exact.

What You Need:

high-quality scissors
styling comb
styling gel
mirror
disposable, single-blade razor

Secrets to Sexy Hair-2

2008-07-21T05:43:00.000-07:00

Secret #10: Buns are cool, just keep them loose Updos aren't just for prom, New Years and Lois Lane. A loose, casual updo is a quick way to look pulled together. Simply finger-comb hair into a low, disheveled bun or knot and attach with a ponytail holder and bobby pins. And please, leave the tight, ballerina 'do for the dancers.
Secret #11: A temporary end to frayed ends Here's a stylist secret courtesy of the February, 2006, issue of Marie Claire: When suffering from the nasty frayed endsies, hairstylist Rodney Groves spreads Kerastase Serum Nutri-Sculpt (a leave-in treatment) through dry hair, then blasts ends with a blow dryer. We recommend you put this product on your list & keep it around for those moments before every hair cut when we need help (and fast!)

Secret #12: Don't wait too long before color touch-ups If you get your color touched up on a regular basis (about every 28 days) you may actually keep your hair from unnecessary damage. Not waiting too long means your stylist won't have to dye your whole head due to color fading. In the meantime, cover up roots with a home hair-color kit. Although there are great root touch-up kits out there, a regular dye kit will do you. And don't worry about perfectly matching, it's likely not going to happen on a salon dye job & no one will notice. Swap out the brush that comes in the kit & instead use a clean mascara wand (you can get these at any drugstore).

Secret #13: Shiny hair doesn't have to be genetic Stylist know the secret to sheen is to spritz or add a couple drops of shine serum.

Secrets to Sexy Hair-1

2008-07-21T05:38:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love it when your stylist teaches you a trick that you just know you'll use for the rest of your life? Here we've compiled 13 secrets to sexy hair that we learned from years of talking to stylists and compiling style secrets from magazines. Enjoy!

Secret #1: Yes, you can shampoo daily Shampoos these days are gentle enough to be used daily, it's the blowdryers, flatirons and curling irons that do the most damage. So if you have super oily hair, go ahead and shampoo daily. Just try to let hair airdry or go easy on the heat products.

Secret #2: Dirty hair is easier to style Chances are you've heard the beauty secret that dirty hair is easier to style. Well it's true. Stylists prefer if you don't wash hair the morning of an updo. And don't be surprised if they sprinkle a bit of baby powder or dry shampoo on your hair. These help create the perfect texture for an updo.

Secret #3: Get runway hair with Velcro rollers Runway stylists know the simplest, non-fussy way to get hair to roll properly is to curl it with a curling iron first. First, spritz dry hair with a styling spray , then use a medium curling iron to curl 2-inch sections of hair before rolling hair in Velcro rollers. The new curl simply takes best to the Velcro.

Secret #4: Want Sexy, Messy, "Just Off the Beach" Waves? The secret is sea salt spray. We once dropped by one of Manhattan's hottest salons to check in on the new perming trend. We wanted carefree, loose waves and we were wondering if they did them there via the perming process.
No can do, said the girl at the front desk, who just happened to have the hair we wanted. "Do you happen to perm your hair?" We asked, oh-so-delicately. She smiled and leaned to tell us a little secret. "Nope, I use sea salt. And I make it myself." You too can make a spray using a bottle, several tablespoons of sea salt and water. But if you want to buy it yourself, we recommend our favorite sea salt spray.

So skip the perm and first try spritzing sea salt on damp hair, scrunching hair and letting airdry. Since most hair has some sort of natural wave, the sea salt naturally enhances it.

Secret #5: Don't bring out the brush too soon When blowdrying hair, separate tangles with fingers until hair is about 80 percent dry then try brushing. You want to make sure your fingers glide through hair effortlessly before introducing a brush to wet or even damp hair.

Secret #6: Bangs are hot, just make sure you get the right bangs We love the look of thick, heavy bangs and side-swept bangs. Just avoid the thin, wispy, all-one-length bang -- it will make your face look "boxy" and dated. A very hot look right now are thick bangs paired with long, wavy layers. Sexy. Especially with perfect highlights. Not ready for the thick bangs? Try side-swept bangs paired with long layers. Layering hair with bangs works best because it's less boxy while allowing your hair to grow out without looking too extreme if you decide to grow out the trend.

Secret #7: Yes, you can go blonde or red Some skin types work best with colors than others. Most olive-skinned women (think Jennifer Lopez or Linda Evangelista) can get away with any hair color: Blonde, black, brunette and even red. Women with pink tones have a harder time and can't get too drastic. But believe it or not, pink skin tones tend to work well with red hair color. As for going blonde, if you were fairly blonde-ish as a child in the summer, then you are a good candidate for going blonde as an adult. But olive-skinned girls with black or brown hair can look great blonde, too. Have a stylist help pick the right tone for you.

Secret #8: Don't go long and blah You know the look -- hair that's gone just a little too long, has no style and is just plain, well, blah. We've all been there (I was there earlier today until I visited my stylist Antonio at Eva Scrivo Salon in NYC). What this hairstyle says to the world is "I am low-maintenance and can't be bothered with regular salon visits." This is fine if you aren't interested in making an impression on anybody and feeling fabulous. But it isn't sexy. Cut in some layers, add some bangs, get some highlights. Just get yourself to a salon, pronto.

Secret #9: The secret to "piece-y" hair You know the look you're going for. That long, wavy hair where the waves seem to fall in pieces. Some stylists swear it's in the cut. It most definitely is -- but you also need the right product.
To get the "piece-y" look, you want long layers -- hair that's just one length simply won't do. Your stylist will also want to lighten the thickness of hair by texturizing, this basically lightens the load and gives hair needed body. Texturizing also gives hair thickness at the roots, allowing it to fall in sexy, soft waves.
Once you have the perfect cut, however, don't forget the product. A good pomade run through hair helps separate pieces. We like Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy Pomade. But almost every haircare brand will have a nice pomade.

Care for Curly Hair

2008-07-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

If you have curly hair, chances are your hair tends to be dry, coarse and brittle. It also tends to frizz up, doesn't it? Here, we show you how to care for your curly hair.

Products Every Curly-Haired Girl Needs

Unlike your limp-tressed sisters who should stay away from products that weigh down their hair, you need a few products to keep frizz and dryness in check:
Creamy shampoos Creamy shampoos are a better bet than clarifying (or clear) shampoos.
Two types of conditioners You simply cannot overcondition frizzy hair. You need a heavy conditioner for use every time you wash your hair, and a deep conditioner for use once a week.
Smoothing cream and alcohol-free gel From the minute you step out of the shower, you need to coat the cuticle so it locks out moisture. In the book 'Confessions of a Beauty Editor,' author Linda Wells suggests a one-two-punch: 2 parts cream for 1 part gel (yes, you have to buy the products separately). A walnut-sized amount will do you. Simply rub together then palm the mixture from mid-shaft down. Comb the product throughout all of your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
Styling cream Enhance your curls with a cream created for curly hair. Rub it in and let hair airdry.
Style serum Warm up a couple drops of this in your hands and palm over dry, frizzy curls. The serum will solve your frizz problems.
Straightening balm or gel If you want to blow-dry hair straight, rub a quarter-size amount of this on hair before drying curly hair (always in sections, working from the lower layers on up).

Put Away the Blow Dryer

To combat the frizzies, refrain from blowing hair dry. Adding heat to air only increases the problem. Instead, finger-comb hair, letting curls air-dry. (Luckily, because your hair tends to be dry, so you don't need to wash hair more than a couple times a week). If you must use a blow dryer, use a diffuser and dry by cupping hair with your hands from below (never scrunch curls, you'll invite frizz). One tip we learned from a curly haired friend: Don't rub hair dry with a towel, instead squeeze moisture out with paper towels.

The Less You Mess, the Better

The more you play with your curls, blow drying them, scrunching them, etc, the better chances you'll get frizz. You can style hair by twisting curls around your finger, letting them lay to air dry.

How to Straighten Curly Hair

First apply straightening balm (see above). Divide hair into four or five sections and blow dry each section using a flat paddle brush. Once hair is COMPLETELY dry, flat-iron 2-inch sections at a time. Rub a silicon-based gloss between hands and palm over your straightened sections. It will help hold the hair in place.

Want Straight Hair for Good? Consider a Permanent Treatment

If you find you flat-iron your hair almost every time you wash it, you might consider investing in a permanent hair-relaxing session. Gentle relaxers can last up to six months and take only about an hour to do. But these are best on single-processed hair (hair that's not been colored). Thermal reconditioning is another option. The process takes about four hours but lasts six to 10 months.

Get the Right Haircut

Curly hair needs length to weigh curls down. Your best cut will be medium to long, with layers cut in to alleviate some of the fullness. What you don't want is a blunt cut, which means a ton of fullness on the bottom -- a very dated look. Instead, ask for layers starting at your upper lip, gradually angled back.

Find a Good Stylist

My stylist had curly hair and she went to another stylist with curly hair to get her hair cut. Why? Because she knew this stylist understood her hair, her needs and how finicky curly hair can be. Not everyone agrees with me (some stylists insist anyone can cut curly hair), but I still stand firm.

At-Home Hair Coloring -- How to Fix a Bad Dye Job

2008-07-21T05:32:00.000-07:00

a bad color match can turn your $6 box of color into a $100 salon visit. However, you might be OK if you just dyed your hair with a semipermanent color.

Semipermanent color takes 48 hours to set so you have a window of time to get to it. First, shampoo a couple times with a clarifying or dandruff shampoo. These are known to strip hair of color (which is why you're constantly told not to use these on colored hair). If you missed your 48 hour window of time, don't worry, semipermanent color washes out in 6-8 washes.

If the color is permanent, it will be harder to remove, but a professional colorist should be able to help.

How to Cover Up Your Dark Roots

2008-07-21T05:29:00.000-07:00

Anyone who gets her hair colored knows that at some point the roots grow in darker, lighter or grayer than the color initially put in. A quick (& inexpensive) trick is to use Clairol's new Nice 'n Easy Root Touch-Up Kit

This permanent color & brush makes it easy to hide obvious regrowth (most prominent along your part). You'll find the product is thick -- a good thing because if this stuff drops on your bathmat, you'll find your hair will match it!

Don't want to purchase a special root touch-up kit? Try a basic all-over hair dye & apply it to your part with a clean mascara wand. Don't worry if your color doesn't match the hair dye exactly -- it probably won't. But don't worry, no one will probably notice.

10 Tips to Pick the Right Hair Color:

2008-07-21T05:24:00.000-07:00

When you color your own hair, picking the perfect new shade or color for your hair can be daunting, but here are a few tips and tricks to make it easier:

Tip 1: Coloring newbie? Start with a semipermanent color. Semipermanent colors wash out after a few washes, whereas permanent colors never wash out. If you are new to coloring your hair, you might start with a semipermanent hue UNLESS you want to cover gray hair or go two or more shades lighter or darker. For more information on semipermanent vs.

Tip 2: Don't go by the picture on the box Pictures on hair color boxes can be deceiving. Your better off going by the color swatches on the box and the descriptions. According to the February 2006 issue of Ladies Home Journal, most boxes will call out the color (blonde, brown, black and red) and the shade of that color (light, medium and dark). There might also be mention of the tone (golden or ashy).

Tip 3: Is your skin color warm or cool? Most hair colors fall into either 'warm' or 'cool' families. You're likely a 'warm' if you have golden, olive or dark skin and brown or dark eyes (most Latinas, Asians and African Americans fall into this category). You tan easily and the veins in your inner wrists are green. You're a 'cool' if you have fair skin and blue or green eyes. You burn before you tan and the veins in your wrists run blue. If you're confused because you sometimes burn, sometimes tan, you likely skew warm.

Tip 4: Choose the correct shade If you have warm skin, opt for golden shades such as caramel and bronze in a darker shade than your skin. Avoid jet-black hair which will wash you out and if you do opt for a golden shade, don't go too light or your hair could turn orange. If you have cool shade, avoid colors that will highlight the ruddiness of your skin tone: Gold, auburn and copper. Ash blondes and cool browns work best.

Tip 5: How to tell if you'd make a great blonde A basic rule of thumb: People who had blonde hair as children have the right skin tone to be blonde adults.

Tip 6: The right shade of blonde Brassy blonde color or highlights on someone with a warm skin tone can be harsh. Opt for warmer shades instead. If you have brown hair and want to go blonde, you don't want to go too light or you could look washed out. Opt for contrast: Highlights and lowlights. And keep in mind that darker hair will actually complement brown or green eyes better than blonde hair.

Tip 7: When to go red Almost everyone can go red, what's most important is finding the right shade to complement your skin color. Women with a cool or pink skin tone pull off red best, according to Jennifer J, a stylist quoted in the February 2006 issue of Marie Claire.

Tip 8: How to hide that gray Gray hair can be hard to color because of its coarse texture. If your hair is less than one-thirds gray, opt for a semi-permanent color that's a shade lighter than your natural color (or matches your color). The gray will blend right in. Semi-permanent color is less damaging than permanent color. If your hair is more gray, colorist Rita Hazan in the November 2004 issue of InStyle magazine, suggests a permanent 'ashy' color, which will help your gray hair appear blonde.

Tip 9: Uh-oh, the color's all wrong I strongly suggest you seek out professional help if you dye job went wrong. Coloring over color can be tricky and you don't want to overprocess your hair.

Tip 10: Don't go extreme At-home coloring is best for people looking to go a couple shades lighter or darker or to cover gray. If you have light brown hair, a dark blonde will look beautiful on you. For extreme changes, it's best to seek out the help of a professional rather than trying to dye your dark brown hair light blonde.

Everything You Need to Know About Hair Color

2008-07-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

Getting your hair color right isn't a science. It's really quite simple: Stick to colors that complement your skin tone, figure out if you're best off with all-over color or highlights and then decide if you're going to pay someone else to do it or do it yourself.

Here are 11 tips and tricks your hairdresser knows, from how to avoid the wrong color to exactly how to do it yourself.

Pick the right shade of blonde Some women look good in any color , but most women don't. Some rules of thumb for going blonde, which is my favorite beauty book of the moment:
Sallow skin with yellow undertones? Deep golds aren't for you.
Pink skin? Avoid strawberry shades.
Doing it yourself? It's best to go no more than a couple shades lighter than your current shade.
The right way to go (or stay) brown

Here are more Allure tips for going dark: If you're pale, careful with the super dark tones, you might look ghostly and older. (Eeek).
Just as with blonde, it's best to start out just a couple shades from your natural color. In this case, avoid going more than a couple shades darker initially.
To color or to highlight, that's the question. We find women with short hair look better with full color rather than highlights. If you have medium-length to long hair, highlights -- especially around the face -- can be very flattering. For the most natural-looking highlights, you can ask your stylist for up to five different shades of color, according to 'Confessions.'
Keep in mind that due to root growth, all-over coloring will need to be touched up every four to eight weeks, while highlights can last up to two or three months.
Different types of highlights. There are basically four types of highlights: basic foil highlights, baliage or 'hair painting', chunking or 'piecing' and lowlighting.
Doing it yourself? Home-color kits have come a long way in the past few years and are perfect for busy people and those who want cut the cost of professional colorings. (We know of a couple top fashion editors who color their hair themselves!). Some great hair coloring kits include:
Coloring newbie? Start with a semipermanent color. Semipermanent colors wash out after a few washes, whereas permanent colors have to grow out. If you are new to coloring your hair, you might start with a semipermanent hue UNLESS you want to cover gray hair or go two or more shades lighter or darker. For more information on semipermanent vs.
How to tell if you'd make a great blonde A basic rule of thumb: People who had blonde hair as children have the right skin tone to be blonde adults.

Some home hair coloring tips: rub Vaseline around your hairline as a protective measure before applying color. To remove after coloring, rub a small amount of cream cleanser and wipe off with cotton balls. Always wear gloves and wrap an old dark-colored towel around your shoulders. Rinse your eyes with water if you get color in your eyes. If you forgot the Vaseline and stained your skin, rub the area with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol-based toner.
How to hide that gray Gray hair can be resilient to hair dye because of its coarse texture. If your hair is less than 15 percent gray, opt for a semi-permanent color that's a shade lighter than your natural color (or matches your color). The gray will blend right in. If your hair is more gray, colorist Rita Hazan in the November 2004 issue of InStyle magazine, suggests a permanent 'ashy' color, which will help your gray hair appear blonde. Permanent colors are really the only way to completely cover gray hair,
Don't like the color? Don't be afraid to go back to the salon and talk to your stylist. There are all sorts of ways to fix color that's just not right. If you did it yourself with a semi-permanent color, look for a shampoo with 'ammonium laurel sulfate' to wash away the color faster, according to Getting Gorgeous.
After care. Once you invest money in a hair color, you should protect your investment with the proper after-color care. Refresh your color by using a color-enhancing shampoo and conditioner once a week. These products deposit miniscule amounts of color into hair.
Root rescue. You can expect your color to last about 6 to eight weeks before your roots show. If your hair is colored, you'll want to get your roots touched up or do them yourself with a kit you can buy at the store like Clairol Nice and Easy Root Touch Ups. Be sure and test the color first before applying.
If you have highlights or lowlights, you can avoid having your whole head colored by asking your stylist to do your hairline, crown and part. A word of warning: Foil highlights require precise application and fixing dark roots is nearly impossible. Ask about easier to maintain highlighting techniques.

Does It Really Matter What Shampoo You Use?

2008-07-21T05:01:00.000-07:00

We get this question a lot and we've read a variety of answers. Some experts say don't waste your money on a fancy bottle of shampoo when you can get Pantene at the grocery store. Others plug their favorites (and we have ours, as well). But you have to wonder if these 'experts' have some ties to the beauty industry and get some sort of kick backs. Some advice we do buy:

1. Watch the ingredients You want the most gentle shampoo possible, therefore you can't go wrong with a basic baby shampoo. Prefer a regular shampoo? Check bottle labels to see if shampoo contains the lathering agent sodium laureth sulfate. According to the April, 2006, issue of 'Ladies Home Journal,' this product is incredibly drying and will leech moisture from your hair. While you can't tell how much is in the bottle, your best option is to buy shampoos without any of it, or others billed as 'gentle cleansers.'

2. Don't bother with shampoos for colored hair We've read these shampoos can actually strip hair of color because of the harsh ingredients. Again, you're better off opting for a shampoo and conditioner touted as 'gentle'.

3. Supposedly the description on the bottle matters While we're skeptical that shampoos that promise to reduce breakage, boost shine or add body, actually deliver, the experts overwhelmingly insist they do. So we bow to the majority and say abide by the descriptions. If a shampoo bottle says it's moisturizing, volumizing frizz-reducing or shine-enhancing, assume it is. We'll alert you the minute we hear otherwise.

4. If in doubt, go with what you like. If you like a shampoo and the way your hair feels then something must be working. Hold on to it. If your hair is limp, frizzy or dried out like hay, chances are you need a haircut, a deep conditioning or new products that will combat the frizz. Shampoo may not be the culprit.

Choose Your Shampoo & Conditioner

2008-07-21T04:59:00.000-07:00

There are literally 100s of shampoos & conditioners on the market. So how to pick the best ones for you? Here we break down the key points to consider....before you buy.

Expensive vs. Inexpensive

Is there really a difference between a $2 shampoo and a $20 bottle from your salon? Well yes, and no. Some cheap shampoos contain foaming agents which can dry out the hair. This is good for oily, limp hair. If your hair is sun-damaged, chlorine-damaged or color-damaged then you should invest in a more expensive shampoo. You really should see if the inexpensive shampoos & conditioners work for you and if they don't, or if your hair still appears limp or damaged, you should try a salon product.

The Right Ingredients

The many names of ingredients on bottles can be confusing. But it's true the right ingredients make all the difference. Rather than pay attention to the names on the bottles, pay more attention to the ingredients. Does the shampoo include a mild cleanser like sodium laureth sulfate or a stronger one like ammonium lauryl sulfate?

Children's Shampoos

Forget the cute bottles and pretty colors. That is the last thing that should concern you. Instead, look at the product. You want it as free as possible from coloring and fragrance. Those ingredients are not necessary. And just because a product claims to be mild, does not make it so. Look at the ingredients.

Dandruff Shampoo

The best remedy for dandruff is to rotate three over-the-counter dandruff shampoos -- one containing salicylic acid (to exfoliate), one containing selenium sulfide (to soothe) and a third containing pyrithione zinc (an anti-inflammatory) interspersing them with regular shampoo. A trio of treatments is most effects because if you use only one the fungus could adapt and become immune to it.

Colored Hair

If your hair is colored, you really should consider a shampoo that is specially designed for colored hair. This is because the shampoos are made to be more gentle on your hair & will contain ingredients to preserve color.

Fix Your Hair's Split Ends

2008-07-21T04:55:00.000-07:00

In a word: no. Nope. Sorry. The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. Serums can temporarily seal a split end, but they can't repair them. So why do you need to trim split ends? Because they will split up the hair shaft causing even more hair damage. You can, however, hide split ends by twisting your hair into a bun or chignon. (I have been known to wear my hair in a casual bun for months because I put off going to the salon).

Help for Limp Hair

2008-07-21T04:52:00.000-07:00

If you suffer from flat, limp hair, you don't necessarily have to wash hair daily in an effort to keep body in your hair. Baby shampoos and baby powder are your secret weapons.

Sprinkle a bit of baby powder to crown and hairline to make it through a day or two without having to wash your hair. Baby powder (or dry shampoo, if you have really dark hair) works by soaking up oils while adding body. It's a true miracle worker.

Baby shampoos are gentle enough to wash your hair, but they also break down all the residue that's piled onto your hair. Use large Velcro rollers to roll hair when it's 95 percent dry. Blowdry the rollers for five minutes and then spritz a salt spray (I love Bumble and Bumble surf spray, you can buy it online or from salons that sell Bumble and Bumble products) to your roots to add extra body.

Help for Oily 2nd-Day Hair

Here’s a little trick I swear by, but it works on light-colored hair. Sprinkle baby powder on your brush and comb through hair focusing on the roots. If you have dark hair, you can try spraying the roots and your part with hair spray then rubbing hair with a towel. The alcohol in the spray will absorb oils.

How to Use a Flat Iron

2008-07-21T04:51:00.000-07:00

Here we show you how to use a flat iron. Note: Flat irons should be used only on hair that's been thoroughly dried. We suggest you buy a flatiron with a ceramic plate (not a metal one). According to everything we've read, ceramic flatirons are a must: They diffuse heat better and result in less damage.

Step 1: Apply styling cream to damp hair from mid-shaft down. If you have curly, coarse hair, use a straightening balm.

Step 2: Coat strands with a heat-protective spray.

Step 3: Part hair into four to five sections and blow each section dry.

Step 4: Take a one or two-inch section of hair and clamp the iron down as close to the scalp as possible. Slowly pull iron down the length of hair. (Be sure to read directions to see what heat setting you should have iron on and how long to keep iron on hair).

Step 5: Rub a serum gloss between your hands and palm over hair for extra shine and to keep hair in place. To keep frizzies along the hairline at bay, spritz hairspray on an old toothbrush and 'brush' them down.

Get Hair Extensions Looks So Real

2008-07-21T04:22:00.000-07:00

Celebrities such as Jessica Simpson and Paris Hilton have popularized hair extensions in the past, with Jessica going so far as to go into the extension business with her best friend and hairstylist Ken Paves.

While synthetic hair is about a fourth the cost of human hair, most celebs use human hair extensions, such as Great Lengths (Hilton and Nicole Richie's company of choice) to get the long hair nature hasn't blessed them with. Each strand is "pre-tipped" with a synthesized keratin protein that acts as a glue to bond the strands onto hair. Heat may be used to bond, or "melt" the glue, or some stylists use FastFusion technology, which uses air pressure to bond individual hairs in faster time.

Prices run anywhere from $10 for a single extension to $2,000 for a full head of not-your-own-yet-still-human hair.

Don't want extensions glued to your own hair? Clip-ons made from human or synthetic hair (Ken and Jessica's line includes hair made from Vibralite fiber) let you flirt with a new look without committing to it.

Clip-ons are easier to use and don't require professional application. You simply slip them in just below the crown, while keeping top layers out of the way with clips. Because they are do-it-yourself, clip-ons are cheaper than the more permanent version.

Hairstyles & Trends

2008-07-21T04:19:00.000-07:00

1-Dry, Damaged Hair
2-Hair Extensions
3-Flat irons, curling irons
4-Oily Hair Help
5-Hair Color
6-Shampoos & conditioners

13- Different types of Mascaras

2008-07-21T04:16:00.000-07:00

When you stand at the makeup counter or aisle, it can be confusing. Should you get lengthening, curling, thickening or non-smudging? And what, just what, is the difference between each of these anyway? (Is there a difference, or are these mascara types all hype, designed to get you to buy more than one type?)

Mascaras these days are loaded with proteins & waxes all designed to condition your lashes & come in problem-solving formulations. InStyle's beauty book, Getting Gorgeous, breaks down these different types of mascaras. Here goes:

Lengthening mascara

It's touted as a lengthening mascara & beauty editors swear by it. Lengthening mascaras have dense bristles that allow you to get more mascara on your lashes & especially on the tips of your lashes.

Thickening mascara When you want bulk, you do want to buy the mascaras touted as 'thickening.' These products contain a thicker formula of waxes & silicone polymers that coat lashes & make them appear bulkier.

Waterproof mascara Obviously these 'non-smudging' mascaras contain special synthetic formulas meant to repel moisture. But these can be harsh on your lashes (to prevent breaking lashes, you can put Vaseline on them before you go to sleep).

Non-clumping mascara These contain ingredients like silk extract & glycerin. The applicators also have longer wands which allow for a more even application.

12- Mascara Tricks & Tips

2008-07-21T04:12:00.000-07:00

We've compiled a list of great mascara tips & tricks to share with you. Follow these and you'll save money, look prettier and your eyes will appear brighter nd wider.

Tip #1: How to use a lash comb. For some, lash combs are simply too fussy. But for some makeup artists, they're a great invention and keep lashes glob-free and perfectly separated. So how to use? Apply mascara at the lash base. Then wiggle the lash comb through to the tips of your lashes. Not into the lash comb? Get rid of clumbs without them by removing excess mascara from the wand. Wipe wand on tissue, this eliminates blobs BEFORE you start.
Tip #2: Try a clean mascara wand. Sweep a clean, fresh mascara wand through lashes when they're wet. Don't worry, you don't have to buy them. When you finish a mascara, clean the wand in a capful of eye makeup remover, then wash with soap and dry. Keep it clean by washing it whenever you wash your makeup tools.
Tip #3: Don't shy away from colored mascara. Basic mascara rules are simple: Black works for everyone but can be harsh on blondes. Blondes should opt for brown/black by day and reserve black for night. Blue mascara, however, can brighten blue eyes while purple mascara makes brown eyes pop.
Tip #4: When applying mascara, wiggle the wand at the base of the lashes. It's the mascara placed near the roots (not the tips) that gives the illusion of length.
Tip #5: Thin, short brushes are best. A thinner brush allows you to get into the corner of eyes. Short brushes give you more control.
Tip #6: Give a few coats to the edges by blinking. Blink onto the brush to give ends an extra coat.
Tip #7: Powder under the eye before applying mascara. Sometimes mascara smudges because it's attracted to oily concealer or eye creams.
Tip #8: Use an eyelash curler Curling lashes gives eyes the appearance of being wider and brighter. Shoot warm air from your blowdryer on the mascara curler for 3-5 seconds to warm it up before curling lashes. Touch it first to make sure it's not too hot. It's a myth that you have to curl lashes before you apply mascara. You can curl lashes after mascara application, just make sure the mascara is dry first.
Tip #9: Zig-zag the wand. Zig-zagging the wand back and forth during application helps cut down clumps.
Tip #10: For a dramatic look, apply mascara only to the upper lashes. To make eyes seem wider, apply to the bottom, too. But make sure you give lashes a light touch. Not great at getting those bottom lashes? Try putting a tissue under them before application.
Tip #11: Use a mascara primer. Primers coat lashes and separate them before you apply mascara. Makeup artists swear by mascara primer. I tried it and like it, but because it's an added step, I usually use primer only on special occasion when I spend more time on my makeup.
Tip #12: Want that 2nd coat? Just make sure to do it before the first coat dries, otherwise you'll get clumps.
Tip #13: Do NOT pump wand in and out of the tube. This only introduces air into the tube, which will cause your mascara to dry out sooner than it should.
Tip #14: Another smudge-proof tip -- bend the wand. A top makeup artist once gave his secret to his steady hand: he always bends his wand at a right angle.
Tip #15: Wait five seconds before blinking. You don't want to paint your lids, do you?

11- Green & Blue Eyeshadow

2008-07-21T04:10:00.000-07:00

Remember the old days when beauty editors and experts swore off blue eyeshadow (in fact, we had an article on this site that called jewel-toned blue eyeshadow a 'no-no')? Not anymore.

Deep jewel colors continue to be trendy and blue is the hottest shade of them all. It also looks gorgeous with all eye colors.

Even better news! According to the Ladies Home Journal March, 2006, issue, makeup companies have come up with a new way to compress more pigment than ever into their eye shadows. Now you can pick a shade that looks the same on your eyelids as it does through the plastic cover on the container. In the past, shadows went on lighter or in some cases, muddier. Not anymore. Now you can buy without fear of hating the color.

Just remember when applying deeply-hued shadows to blend well and keep the rest of your makeup light.

10-How to Get Smoky Eyes

2008-07-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

Smoky eyes have been a big style for quite awhile and there's no sign this particular trend is dying. Here we show you step-by-step instructions on how to get the perfect smoky eye.

The key to the perfect smoky eye is proper blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together flawlessly. Also, it's important to pair light base colors with rich dark colors. Nice mixes include: Soft gold base with deep purple on top, champagne base with bright blue and peach base with green hue.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

Prep the lid. The key to keeping eyeshadow from melting into your eyelid crease as the day goes on is to kept eyelids oil-free. To do this start with an eyeshadow base (also called "primer").
Apply eyeliner. If you're going for a typical black, brown or gray smoky eye, apply liner in one of those colors above the upper lash line, drawing line thicker in the middle of eye. If your opting for a jewel-toned eye (violet makes a gorgeous smoky eye), line eyes with a purple, blue or deep green liner.
Blend in color on bottom lashes For color on the bottom (a key smoky eye look) you'll want a lighter eyeliner. The key is to "smudge it." You can also apply a bit of shadow to get full smudge effect.
Apply light base color Again, the key to a smoky eye is pairing a lighter base with the darker hue. I prefer a nice cream shade for my base. Sweep a light, shimmery shadow over the lids to your browbone. . The moist "mousse" consistency seems to stay on forever. My favorite colors are taupe and pearl.
Blend in darker color, but keep dark color below the crease. Now that you have the base and eyeliner on, it's time to get the smoky effect. You need a darker eyeshadow shade. Using an eyeshadow brush blend in color starting at your lash line, blending up. Make sure to blend color into the lash line so the eye liner disappears. Stop deep color at crease.
Doublecheck your work Make sure eyes match and blend color with a Q-tip if need be.
Finish with several coats of volumizing mascara.

Tips:

Remember to keep lips nude. When applying strong makeup (like smoky eyes or red lips) put the focus on either eyes or lips, never both. (Think Angelina Jolie: She either plays up her huge eyes or her huge lips, never both. If she did, she'd look like a clown).
For a bit of fun, try a blue or purple mascara. It will make blue eyes "pop."
Liner doesn't have to come in pencil form. Makeup experts know eyeshadows make some of the best eyeliners. To do this take an eyeliner brush (available at Sephora, MAC or any dept store), wet it, then dab wet brush into the dark shadow. This allows for a deep, precise line. You can also use the dark shadows without wetting brush first. Either way, eyeliner is necessary for smoky eye.
This season go jewel-toned (blue is great for you blue-eyed girls) and keep your eyes smoky but stay away from dark browns and black. Instead, go for a deep purple, a gold-brown or any of the many vibrant colors in this year.

What You Need:

Eye primer (you don't need it, but it's great for keeping shadow in place)
2 Shadows: One light, one darker
Eyeliner
Makeup brushes
Mascara

9-Quick Tip for Night-Time Makeup

2008-07-21T04:03:00.000-07:00

If you're going out & you want to look fabulous, just remember this simple tip: Either play up your eyes or your mouth, never both. If you accentuate both features, you risk looking dated (remember the 80s?), harsh & artificial.

If you choose to play up your eyes, you can be as dramatic as you want with eyeliner, shadow & mascara. But stick to gloss or a light lipstick shade for your lips. You want your eyes to 'pop.' But you don't want them competing with your lips.

If it's your lips you want to accentuate, paint on a strong shade & line just your upper lashes with a couple strokes of mascara to finish your eyes. If your eyelids have bluish lines, you can mask that with face powder or concealer, but stay away from colored shadows -- the lighter, the better.

8-change the look of your eyes

2008-07-21T04:01:00.000-07:00

Not everyone is born with the perfect face. If you asked your friends most of them would say they felt their eyes were too close together, too far apart, too squinty or... well you get the picture. (I personally think my eyes are too close together).

Thankfully we live in a day where makeup can do all sorts of optical illusions. Here I list a few simple techniques using eye shadow & eyeliner to create several illusions based on your needs.

To make your eyes look...

closer together. Most eyes look better when the emphasis is on the outer corner of the eye (or the 'v'). But emphasizing the inner corner will make eyes look closer together.
Start by sweeping a light shadow over the whole eye area. Then dust a medium color on the inner half of the eyelid and blend outward to create a natural finish. Next, line from the inner corner of the eye to the middle & then blend outward.
further apart. If your eyes are less than an eyes-width apart, you can create the allusion of being wider set by keeping the inside corners of your eyes light and the outer edges darker. To do this, sweep a concealer one shade lighter than your skin at the inner corner of the lids. Blend well and don't forget the gray shadowy areas on the side of your nose. Take a matte eyeshadow in a medium-to-dark shade and stroke it outward and slightly upward from the middle part of your lid to the outer half of your lid. Take eyeliner and start the line just a bit in from the inner corner of your eye, tapering the line up and out, just a bit past the outer corner of the eyes.
bigger. The key to making eyes bigger is to focus on light shades. Dark ones will make eyes appear even smaller. Sweep a light shade over lid, then shade the outer corner of the lid and the crease with a darker shade. Line the outer upper and lower lids with eyeliner making sure to taper a bit outside the eye (elongating it). Lastly, a dab of white or cream shadow in the middle of the browbone will make eyes pop. (A word of warning: make sure brows are perfectly plucked, otherwise stray hairs will stand out as if lit by klieg lights).
less...droopy. You can lift down-turned eyes with makeup. Apply shadow to the outer corner of the lid, extending color up and out like a feline shape. Add a light highligher color to brow bone and skip the eyeliner -- it will only accentuate the 'droopy' contour. Apply mascara, concentrating on the inner corner of the eye. Lastly, you can try smudging a silver show on the inner corners of the eyes to help 'lift' them.
less deep-set. Those with deep-set eyes have prominent browbones. To downplay browbone, sweep a light or medium-tone shade on lid, then shade in a slightly darker shade above the eye crease. Apply eyeliner from the inside of the eye, making it thicking in the middle of the eye & then tapering it towards the outer part of the lid. Apply light highlighter shade to browbone.

And lastly, here's a great eyeshadow and eyeliner trick for Asian eyes...
Since the eyelids of Asian women can seem to disappear when the eyes are open, you can add definition by sweeping a medium-toned shade across the lid & browbone. Dust under the brow with a light highlighter shade to accentuate the brow bone and then use a pencil liner to line the upper and lower lash lines. Make sure line is very fine and natural looking.

How to Use an Eyelash Curler

2008-07-21T03:58:00.000-07:00

How to use an eyelash curler. Curling eyelashes make your eyes look wider & brighter. Metal eyelash curlers are better than plastic. You'll want to replace the pads on the curler every 2 months. For best results, you'll want to gentrly heat the curler with a blowdryer for no more than 5 seconds.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 3 minutes

Here's How:

Eyelash curlers work best on clean eyelashes. Make sure eyelashes are free of mascara. If necessary, use eye makeup remover to remove old mascara.
With your blowdryer on low heat, blow air on the curler for no more than 5 seconds. Touch the metal. If it's hot, let it cool for a few seconds. You don't want to burn your eyelid.
Open the curler, clamp lashes near the roots. Hold for 10-30 seconds. Never curl lashes after you apply mascara -- as the mascara dries, lashes can stick to the curler & be torn from the roots. Don't bother curling bottom lashes.
Repeat on the other eye.

What You Need:

Metal eyelash curler
Blowdryer

6- Applying Blush

2008-07-21T03:50:00.000-07:00

Many women avoid blush , about 47% of American women today wear blush compared to 1948, when 66% wore it) but it can be your beauty secret weapon. For healthy, natural color, nothing beats blush. However, blush tends to overused as well. To avoid looking like a clown, try these steps to choosing blush & applying it.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 2 minutes (once you get past the first couple steps below)

Here's How:

First choose the color using nature as your guide. According to InStyle, the trick is to find a color that matches your cheeks when they're flushed after exercise or being out in the cold. For a quick test, 'spank' your cheeks & use the resulting color as a guide. (We suggest doing this in the comfrot of your home away from other people, wink). Another trick is to match your lip color. Fair skin looks great in rose, olive in peach & dark skin in apricot or even red.
Now that you have the color, choose the right formula for your skin type. Powder is typically best for oily & combo skin. Cream is great for dry skin. Liquid and gel are great for oily skin. For even better results, combine cream & powder together. "It helps my blush stay on longer & looks more luminous," said makeup artist Laura Mercier in O Magazine . Keep in mind stains -- great for well-moisturized skin, not dry skin -- tend to dry very fast so blend well & fast.
Apply foundation, eye color & lipstick. While blush is usually your 2nd-to-last makeup step (before powder), you should experiment with what works best for you. Some makeup artists like to apply blush BEFORE foundation for a more 'natural' look.
Throw out the freebie 'Barbie-size' blush brush that comes with the blush. Use a professional full brush instead , but don't use the same brush you use for your powder.
Put the blush on your brush, tapping off any excess or put a dab of gel on your fingers.
Look into the mirror and smile. This helps you figure out where the 'apple' of your cheek is.
Since you want a healthy flush, it's best to apply blush only to apples of your cheeks. Keep color light & blended. If you're using gel or cream, NYC makeup artist Carlo Geraci (in O Magazine) suggests dabbing it on with your middle finger, then blend with your ring & middle finger. The clean finger will pick up any excess blush.
If you've gone a bit too heavy on the powder blush, a bit of translucent powder over it will calm it down. For cream blush, blot the color off with a tissue. Since gel & liquid blush 'stain' the cheeks, the only way to lighten them is it wash your face, moisturize and reapply your makeup, this time more sparingly.
Finish your look with a sweep of translucent powder.
Extra tip: For a sun-kissed sheen dab bronzer powder on your forehead, chin & nose BEFORE you apply the blush. To make sure it doesn't look like a stripe, use "a big brush & a light hand," suggests makeup artist Bobbi Brown in Lucky Magazine. Those with darker skin tones should try a caramel-color bronzer (not orange) paired with a yellow-based blush, suggests makeup artist Jeanine Lobell in Elle Magazine.
Expert tip: Feel free to experiment with different ways of shading. Makeup artist Shane Paish suggests in the May, 2006, issue of InStyle, to try a C-shape shading. To do this, apply a sheer highlighting powder in a c-shape from your temples to your cheekbones. It should go from the center of your brow bone to the center of your cheek, Paish said, "like the shape of a parenthesis."

Tips:

Clean your brushes with baby wipes. If you don't keep your brushes clean, they'll gather bacteria and transfer it to your skin.
For a sexy look, dab a little shimmery blush on the highest point of your cheekbone nearest your eye.
Using powder blush? Always sweep it in one direction. Going over & over or around and around causes streaks & can hurt your brush.
Cream blush is great for mature skin. It blends easily & therefore looks very natural. For gel or cream blush, dab a dot on the apple of the cheek and two smaller dots up the cheekbone. Blend the dots together up to the hairline.
Dusky pink blush will warm up any tired-looking skin.

What You Need:

blush
professional blush brush
mirror
translucent powder
bronzer blusher

5-Top 5 Beauty Tips for Prom makeup

2008-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

The weeks before prom can be crazy. There's nothing better than planning your dress, shoes, prom makeup and hair. To make things easier, we've compiled the five prom makeup musts for this year's event. If you live by these prom makeup tips, we guarantee you won't look weird, boring or too much like your regular, everyday self for this year's prom. Have fun!

Prom Makeup Tip #1: Pick your eyes OR your mouth

The biggest mistake people make when putting on makeup is that they highlight both the eye and the mouth. You need to pick one or the other and downplay what you rejected.

How to pick? Simple. What do people compliment you on? Do you have Angelina Jolie's lips or Kate Bosworth's eyes? If you choose to focus on your lips, you'll want to go bright. Red is hot for prom, as are dark pinks. Just stay away from brown (leave it for your grandmother) and make sure you keep your eye makeup soft and simple.
If you want to play up your eyes, go all out with liner, shadow, mascara and even false eyelashes (the ones that AREN'T obnoxious and outlandish). Just make sure you stick with light lips capped with a light gloss.

Smokey eyes are a great look for prom. Here are step-by-step instructions .

Prom Makeup Tip #2: Perfect your skin tone.

Perfecting your skin tone can be more important than eye makeup. But the secret is to make it look like you're wearing hardly any makeup.

While we're firm believers that few women under age 25 need foundation, if you have acne or an uneven skin tone, you'll want to cover it up with concealer and foundation.

To avoid the pancake batter look, only apply foundation on the areas of skin that are discolored or have blemishes (usually the forehead, cheeks and chin). Make sure to choose a foundation that perfectly matches your skin and blend in well along the jawline.

Unsure how to pick the right foundation? Skip the drugstore and head instead to a department store or Sephora, where you can try before you buy.

Prom Makeup Tip #3: If in doubt, mimic a celebrity

A good trick for those of us overwhelmed with hair and makeup choices is to mimic a celebrity look. Whomever you're into, whether it be Mischa Barton , Carrie Underwood, Kristin Callaveri or Ashlee Simpson, you can adapt their look for your prom.

Chances are a professional makeup artist did the celebrity's makeup. If you're having your makeup done at a department store counter before prom, you can bring along the picture for your makeup artist to perfect.

It can also be easy to do it yourself since many magazines name the products used on the celebrity. This way you can apply the exact makeup the celeb used. Here are some of our favorite looks:

1. Penelope Cruz's smokey eyes). Remember to keep your cheek color natural and use a very light lipstick. See directions for how to get a smokey eye above.

2. Sienna Miller's sweet and sexy look). Keep cheeks dewy with a pink blush and plump up lips with a colored gloss.

3. Red lipstick is a great look, just make sure to pick the perfect shade and go light on your eyes, otherwise you'll risk looking like a Cameron Diaz

4. Dark-rimmed eyes, like Katherine Heigl's, are gorgeous. Again, a light gloss on the lips will do you.

Tear out a picture of your favorite celebrity and practice the look before the big night. Once you're at prom, no one but you has to know you're the OTHER Mary-Kate Olsen.

Prom Makeup Tip #4: Three things to remember when taking pictures

You'll have those prom pictures for years, so don't forget these three things:

1. Apply liner and lipstick WITH A MIRROR before you pose.

2. Powder your oily areas (forehead, chin and nose) immediately before the picture. Or better yet, keep blotting papers in your purse.

3. Find out how to stand so you look ten pounds thinner.

Prom Makeup Tip #5: What to bring in your purse

Every purse needs blotting papers (better than applying powder all night, which can leave you looking like a mime), lipstick or gloss, powder (just in case), breath mints and a small bottle of hairspray.

One last thing: Remember, a happy, fun attitude is your biggest beauty weapon. Who doesn't look beautiful when they're happy and smiling?

4- the Right Way To Apply Foundation

2008-07-20T15:52:00.000-07:00

The right foundation will even out your skin tone & give you the appearance of flawless skin. But you have to do it right, otherwise you risk looking like a ... clown. Follow these steps for a flawless complexion.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 2 minutes

Here's How:

Begin with clean hands and a clean face
Apply a moisturizing sunscreen that's perfect for your skin type. All foundations will go on more smoothly if the skin is well-hydrated.
Let the moisturizer set for a few minutes.
Wipe off any excess moisturizer with a tissue. Greasy skin will make the foundation slip and slide.
Camouflouge your dark, under-eye circleswith a concealer.
Using a makeup sponge or the tips of your fingers, apply dots of foundation on your cheeks, chin, forehead and tip of the nose.
Using the sponge or your fingertips, blend the dots together. Pay special attention to your hairline and jawline to ensure there's no obvious line where the foundation abruptly stops.
Set the foundation with loose powder immediately after application.

Tips:

You don't have to put foundation all over your face. Try spot-fixes for those areas that need coverage (likely around your eyes & nose & on your chin).
Don't want to go all out with a foundation? Tinted moisturizers may be all you need if your complexion is dewy, but you want a light, sheer wash to even out blotchiness.
The tips of your fingers work well, but I like to use a sponge. Make sure & wash out the sponge well so it doesn't start harboring all sorts of nasty bacteria.

What You Need:

1 makeup sponge
foundation for your skin type
concealer
moisturizing sunscreen

3-Make Up Your Eyes in 8 Steps

2008-07-20T15:50:00.000-07:00

When evening calls for a glamourous look, you want to focus on making your eyes amazing. Here are eight simple steps to making up your eyes for evening.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

Prep your eyes with concealer Concealer can be used to cover up undereye circles or just the bluish discoloration just under your inner eye. To cover dark undereye circles, apply three dots of concealer under each eye. Start at the inner corner where skin tends to be darkest, then under the pupil and the third on the outer edge. Pat, never rub with your ring finger (this finger tends to have the softest pad) until it disappears.
Apply eye base to your lid Eye base is the secret to keeping your shadow in place for hours. Without properly priming your lid first, your eyeshadow will likely end up a greasy line in your crease.
Apply shadow. It's great to use a three-toned shadow and build from lids to brow. Allowing them to blend into each other like a rainbow is gorgeous, according to celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal. Start with a light color that almost matches your lid. Sweep the color across the lid and up to your browbone. Follow with a medium color across your lid only. Build on this with a darker color in the crease. Blend the colors well.
Follow with eyeliner Dark eyeshadows work great as eyeliners. Wet a slanted brush, then dip in a dark eyeshadow. Line eyes as close to the upper lashes as possible from the inner corner to the outer corner. Follow with liner on bottom eyes, but only line from the middle of the eye out. Smudge the bottom line with a Q-tip or your finger. You don't want a prominent line. For a smokey eye, use a brush to pat in a dark eyeshadow along the upper lid and below the lid. You don't want a stark line, instead you want to blend it so it's 'smudge-y.'
Brighten your eyes with a highlighter This step involves only the inside part of the eye. With a gold or pink highlighter (white is too bright), draw a v-shaped shape that follows the inner corner of your eye from top to bottom. Blend with your fingers. This will help make eyes 'pop.'
Highlight your brow Take the same highlighter and dab it on your browbone, concentrating on your mid-brow outward. Blend with your finger.
Curl lashes An eyelash curler will make even long lashes look more gorgeous. For added effect, you can heat the curler under a blowdryer for a couple seconds. Test curler before applying to lashes because you could burn yourself.
Apply mascara Place the wand of your mascara brush at the bottom of lashes and wiggle back and forth. Follow with another few sweeps of the wand. Apply to bottom lashes as well.

2- Apply Makeup in Five Minutes

2008-07-20T15:48:00.000-07:00

You have exactly five minutes before rushing out the door. Here are the steps you can follow to apply your makeup in as little as five minutes.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 5 minutes

Here's How:

1. Dot on moisturizer. In most cases, it is recommended that you wait for ten minutes before applying foundation, but there will be times when we simply haven't the time.

2. Apply foundation and blend. I was always a big sponge user and while I have no problem with them, I have found something even better. A foundation brush gives great coverage without sponge marks. In fact, no one will ever guess that you even have foundation on.

3. Apply blush and blend. Powder blushes are the easiest to apply.

4. Apply your favorite eye shadow. A light coverage is all you will need.

5. Apply eyeliner according to eye shape. As we are working on limited time, concentrate on the outer corners. Less chance of a messy application.

6. Apply mascara to lashes.

7. Using a fat brown pencil, apply color to brow bone and blend.

8. If your brows need color, apply it now with small strokes of a pencil.

9. Color your lips. A lipbrush gives a better application and takes no more time than lipstick straight from a tube.

10. Powder your nose and t-zone with loose powder.

11. Check your blush and add a tiny bit more if necessary.

Tips:

Before you begin your makeup application, set out everything you need.
For individual How To's on any of the above, see the How To index.
Your five-minute makeup is perfect to take along on holidays. It's fast and easy and won't take up a lot of room.

1-6 Beauty Secrets

2008-07-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

1. number one secret beauty tip

My favorite beauty tip is one I use every day (actually every night): Vaseline. I use it to remove my eye makeup. It's cheaper than over-the-market products, doesn't bother my eyes and I read it can actually help protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Then in winter Vaseline provides the perfect cure for chapped lips: Simply slather it on, then massage lips for a few minutes with an old toothbrush. Continue twice a day until lips are silky and smooth.

2. the easiest way to make up your eyes, without spending a fortune or hours in front of a mirror

Here's a quick (and inexpensive) 4-step routine to use if you don't have much time:

Step 1: Dot concealer on lids. This hides unsightly veins.

Step 2: Sweep a neutral shade like taupe (which I find compliments every skin tone) over eyelids. Add a bit of shimmer if it's nighttime.

Step 3: Skip the cheap pencil liners and use an eyeliner brush and a dark eyeshadow for eyeliner. Wet the brush first for a more dramatic line. Apply line along the top and bottom lashes, making sure to get color in between lashes (you want the line to look as natural as possible). Don't line inside rim of eyes -- it makes eyes appear smaller. Smudge bottom lash so line isn't obvious.

Step 4: Mascara can make anyone's eyes look bigger and brighter. If you have short or straight eyelashes, curl them first before applying mascara.

3. hair tips that you should know for bad hair days

Absolutely! My favorite trick for medium-to-long hair is the messy bun. Not only do buns look sophisticated and hip, they hide bad ends and awkwark cowlicks. Plus, the messier, the sexier! I also love the bandana look, which is totally in right now. As long as you have makeup on, you won't look as if you're meant to be working on a farm. Plus, the bandana look is cute on hair of all lengths.

4. the one skin care or makeup product that every woman should have in her purse

Lipstick or gloss. Provided a woman has great skin, all she really needs is mascara (which you only have to apply once in the morning, so no need to carry it your purse) and lipstick or gloss to look put together.

5. the best way to deal with the occasional blemish
Camouflage it with concealer. But make sure to dot the concealer on with the pad of your middle finger. You never want to rub concealer in like you would sunscreen or foundation.

6. the most surprising beauty secret

There are two. The first is that the less makeup a woman wears, the younger she looks. The second is how a good skincare routine can take years off your face. By skincare, I mean wearing sunscreen daily then using antioxidants, peels and scrubs to buy back lost time and fix damaged skin. I thought all those skincare products were a bunch of mumbo jumbo until I tried them. Now my routine is 50 percent skincare, 50% makeup application.

Makeup Tips

2008-07-20T15:37:00.000-07:00

1-6 Beauty Secrets

Nail Polish ( Ingrown Nails )

2008-07-20T15:35:00.000-07:00

An ingrown toenail is caused by pressure of the nail against the skin on the side of the nail. Prolonged periods of pressure can cause irritation of the skin, swelling, infection, and pain. Ingrown nails are seen mainly in the big toes of people in industrialized nations. People in cultures that don't wear shoes rarely get ingrown nails.

Causes of Ingrown Toenails
There are several factors that can lead to an ingrown toenail. The first is an abnormality of the soft tissue on the side of the nail. Certain rare diseases can cause a laxity of the skin, but the most common soft tissue abnormality is that seen with tight-fitting shoes. The shoes cause overcrowding of the toes pushing the soft tissue against the edge of the nail. Another common factor that can lead to ingrown toenails is nail abnormalities. Improperly cutting the toenail, cutting it short and curved, can cause the nail edges to turn in. Certain conditions such as lung disease, advancing age, and poor circulation in the extremities from blocked blood vessels can cause the nail to curve. Other less common factors that can lead to ingrown nails are bone spurs under the nail, trauma to the nail, multiple infections, and drugs such as indinavir.

Appearance of Ingrown Toenails
There are three stages of ingrown toenails. In the first stage the skin on either side of the nail is red and painful to the touch. This is due to inflammation or irritation only - not infection. In the second stage the skin is infected and may bulge over the side of the nail. The affected area may ooze clear fluid or pus. In the third stage the skin has been infected for a prolonged time and is trying to heal itself. The skin does this by forming granulation tissue. This is heaped up extra red tissue that bleeds easily and migrates over the nail edge.

Diagnosis of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are diagnosed clinically by their appearance. If pus is present, it may be cultured to determine the bacteria involved, but this is not always necessary. Infections that involve the bone or joint space may need to be ruled out with an X-ray, but this extent of infection is rare.

Treatment of Ingrown Toenails
Ingrown toenails are treated based on the stage involved. Toenails in stage 1 can be treated with warm soaks, a cutout shoe, and by elevating the nail with a cotton swab. Symptoms improve after a couple of days, but may not resolve for 2 to 3 weeks. Toenails in stage 2 can be treated with warm soaks and oral antibiotics. Closed-toed shoes and hosiery should not be worn for at least 1 week. If the toenail is especially painful, a portion of the toenail may need to be removed. This is done in the office under local anesthesia. Toenails in stage 3 need to be treated with partial or full toenail removal. For recurrent instances of ingrown nails, the nail bed can be ablated. This is done by placing phenol on a cotton swab and inserting it under the cuticle remaining after the nail has been removed. The phenol kills the matrix cells that make the nail plate.

Diabetics and Ingrown Toenails
People with diabetes must pay close attention to their feet. Diabetics can develop peripheral neuropathies and loose the sensation in their feet. They are also predisposed to getting unusual infections because of the changes in their immune systems. Finally, diabetes can cause the toenails to thicken and curve under leading to ingrown toenails. For all of these reasons, people with diabetes should report any redness around the toenails to their health care provider even if they don't have pain. Diabetics with thickened toenails should see a podiatrist to have their nails trimmed under antiseptic conditions.

Nail Polish ( Extend the life of your manicure )

2008-07-20T15:31:00.000-07:00

Ever spend an hour doing your nails only to smudge a nail within minutes of finishing up the last coat? Here's six tips to avoid those smudges on your next manicure...

1: Make sure nails are super clean Natural oils on your nails aid in chipping. Even if your nails are polish-free, apply polish remover to get rid of oils on the surface of nails.

2: Prep nails with a base coat Polish will adhere best to nails prepped with a base coat

3: Don't lay on the polish too thick Three to four thin coats of polish rather than 2 thick coats will last longer, cut down on drying time and cause fewer changes of bubbles brewing on your nails.

4: Don't forget the tip When polishing, polish the tip of the nail as well. This helps cut down on nail polish chipping.

5: Consider a shimmery color. The little particles of sparkle will help polish cling to your nails.

6: Apply a clear topcoat Topcoat helps extend the life of your manicure. You can use the base coat as a topcoat. Do brush topcoat on and around the edges of nails as well, it's an extra seal against chipping.

7: Allow proper drying time Make sure you give your nails a good 45 minutes drying time before handling objects. Once dry time is over, submerge nails in cold water then apply lotion. This allows for a slippery surface until nails are completely dry. For pedicures, wrap toes in plastic wrap if you're wearing shoes other than flip-flops or sandals.

8: Keep topcoat handy To prolong the life of your manicure, apply a topcoat every other day.

Nail Polish (Give Yourself a Pedicure )

2008-07-20T15:09:00.000-07:00

1-Remove polish from nails
Giving yourself a professional pedicure is an 8-step process. The first step is to remove the old polish from your nails.
Instead of cotton balls (which will leave fuzzies), we suggest using a lint-free cotton pad,
Saturate the cotton pad with acetone remover & rub off the old polish. If the color isn't coming off easily, press the saturated cotton on the nail & let it soak in first. A tip for removing stains from nails: try rubbing whitening toothpaste on your nails. You can also rub a drop of lemon or lavender oil on each toe & rub a buffer back & forth over the nail. This will remove the yellowed outer layer.
Tip for picking the perfect polish remover: Alcohol- and acetone-free removers are less drying, but don't work as well, especially on dark shades. Use the 'free' stuff on lighter shades.

2-Cut & File Nails
It's best to use high quality clippers made for clipping toenails such. To avoid ingrown nails, cut nail straight across to just above the skin. Make sure your nail doesn't extend over the tip of your toe.
To get a soft square shape, file nails in one direction until they are even & slightly rounded at the corners. (Hint: Don't use metal files, they'll rip your nails). Don't clip the sides of nails, that can cause ingrowns.

3-Soak Your Feet
Fill a large flat-bottom bowl with warm water. Throw in bath salts, your favorite aromatherapy oils & let your feet soak 10 minutes. The more cracked & calloused your feet, the longer they need to stay in.
Trick only the pros know: Add a quarter cup of milk to your bath along with the essential oils & salts. The lactic acid in the milk loosens dead skin.

4-Trim Cuticles
Apply cuticle remover to the base of each nail & rub it in. Leave on for a minute, then use an orangewood stick to gently push with a circular motion everywhere where skin meets the nail (including the sides). Be careful to remove skin only on top of the nail, don't touch the toe flesh.
Use cuticle nippers to trim any loose skin. Be careful not to nip your toe flesh.

5-Scrub Your Feet
Apply an exfoliating body or foot scrub to a foot file or wet pumice stone to slough away the dead skin on the balls & heels of your feet. You'll want to scrub the balls, bottoms & sides of your heels & around the toes. To get the most leverage, sit on the side of a bathtub, facing inward. Remember the pedicure motto we read about once, "smooth, don't remove." You'll want to stop if your foot turns bright red (this means you've scrubbed too hard). Remember, that tough skin is there for a reason.
Any basic foot file or pumice stone from your drugstore will do the trick.

6-Moisturize
Dry feet thoroughly including between the toes & rub in a thick foot cream . Rub the feet & the calves. Rehydrate cuticles by rubbing in a dab of cuticle oil.

7-Polish Your Toes
Use acetone remover to get rid of any excess oils on the nails (including the cuticle oil you just applied). Apply a thin base coat using 3 strokes, one down the middle, then one on each side. Don't paint the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding two coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a thin top coat . Clean up any errors with an orangewood stick wrapped in cotton & dipped in acetone remover.
Let nails dry for at least 40 minutes.
Tip: It's good to paint any polish remaining on the brush over the front nail edge. This prevents chipping.

8-Finish
After nails have dried, spritz with a moisturizing oil . This sets your polish & moisturizes your cuticles. Then voila! You're done!

Nail Polish (make a French Manicure yourself)

2008-07-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

1-Prepare the Nails
Remove old nail polish and file your nails into shape.

2-Soak Nails
Soak your nails in warm water to soften the cuticles.

3-Prepare the Cuticle
Gently push the cuticles back using an orange stick. The first time you do this, you may have a lot of cuticle. You can remove them by applying cuticle remover.

4-Apply Cream
Apply hand cream to the nails and rub them in. Leave on for 2-3 minutes. Wipes nails with facial tissue to remove excess.

5-Apply Basecoat
Apply a clear basecoat & leave to dry.

6-Paint Nail
Using a neutral, pale shade that matches the natural color of the nail bed, paint the nails. Leave to dry. Wait 2 minutes, then re-apply.

7-Paint Tips
Paint the naturally white tip of the nail with an opaque white or beige polish. In traditional French manicures, this white strip is straight across the nail, however, if you let the polish curve with your natural nail, your nails will appear longer.

8-Finish Off With Clear Polish
You'll want to finish off the nail with a coat of clear polish. This will protect the layers underneath.

9-Clean Up Errors
Using an orangewood stick wrapped in a wisp of cotton moistened with remover, clean up any errors around the nail.

10-Let 'Em Dry
It will take a good 20 minutes before your nails are safe enough to do small things (meaning: use the pads of your fingers only). Wait a full hour before really using your hands.

Self-Tanners

2008-07-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

No doubt having a tan makes you feel thinner, sexier and healthier. But these days baking in the sun is becoming increasingly more unpopular as more women realize the sun's UV rays age skin faster than anything (not to mention increase your chance of developing the deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma).

If you're ready to skip laying out but don't want to give up glowing skin, self-tanners are a great bet. Self-tanners can darken skin for up to a week thanks to dihydroxyacetone, or DHA.

Here we run down five tips for self-tanning your face and body:

Tip #1: Salon tans are your best bet

If you want a flawless, professional application and can afford the price, head to a spa or salon. For upwards of $60, you can get one of many options: Full body exfoliation and professional application of self-tanner, airbrush bronzing (where an aesthetician sprays a fine mist of tanner over your entire body), or your least expensive option: Spray tanning.

Tip #2: How to use self-tanner on your face

This is a four-step process. Pull hair up in a ponytail before you start so you don't miss any parts. According to InStyle's May 2007 issue, makeup artist Scott Barnes once missed a spot on Jennifer Lopez's ear because he forgot to pull her hair up.

First, prep skin by gently cleansing and exfoliating. Skip moisturizer, which may interfere with the tanner.

Step two: Apply undereye cream. According to Barnes in InStyle, you want the color of your skin to be lighter under the eyes, it makes you look younger.

Step three: blend a few drops of self-tanner and equal parts moisturizer in the palm of your hand then apply over face and neck. You only want to go one shade darker than your natural color.

Step four: Let color develop for three hours then follow up with a sweep of bronzer on forehead, cheeks and nose -- areas where the sun naturally shines.

Don't forget: Smooth remaining tanner over earlobes and upper ears. Wash hands thoroughly. Don't skip the sunscreen.

Tip #3: How to self-tan your body

For this three-step process, start by exfoliating skin with a body scrub in the shower paying special attention to rough areas including knees and elbows (dry skin absorbs higher concentrations of tanner). Shave before you tan. InStyle suggests using a body oil, instead of shaving cream, when shaving.

Barnes suggests rubbing Vaseline on cuticles and nails. This protects your manicure and keeps fingertips and nails from staining.

Apply tanner limb by limb, starting with your legs. Apply over the shin and calf of a leg, sweeping tanner down over your ankle, foot and toes. Then apply tanner to your thigh from front to back, using the excess to cover your knee. Repeat on your other leg. For the final step, apply tanner to your hips, stomach and torso, following with your shoulders and arms. Wait 10 minutes to dry before dressing and avoid any excessive activity that will make you sweat for at least a few hours. If your tan hasn't set, sweat could cause streaking.

Bonus tips: To remove tanner from palms, without washing off product from the tops of your hands, rub palms along a wet washcloth, making sure to get in between fingers.

Give arms, legs and decolletage a subtle glow with a body shimmer.

To create fake fab abs, create a contour with the tanner. InStyle magazine suggests flexing your stomach muscles in front of mirror, leaning to the side to see where your "ab line" is, then tracing the outside of your muscle with a bit of tanner on your finger. Do the same to the other side. Once it dries, do an all-over coat.

Tip #4: Pick the right tanner

There are several types of tanners: Tanners created just for the face, airbrush tanners, cream tans, bronzing gel, tinted tans and tan enhancers. There's body shimmer and bronzing powder. You can layer tanners as colors fade. How? Apply a lotion then follow with bronzing powder or shimmer. Just be careful not to go too dark.

Tip #5: So you messed up, uh-oh

If you end up with a streaky tan, you can fix with an astringent toner or even toothpaste. Exfoliate to even out a patchy application. Not dark enough? Repeat the procedure. Just make sure you gave the tan enough time to develop.

Lip Gloss

2008-07-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Lip gloss is as popular as ever. This season, try a coral color (see product suggestions below).

1. Apply properly. Instead of putting gloss on like you do lipstick (from left to right, top to bottom with a smack!) apply gloss to the middle of your bottom lip only. Rub lips together. This will keep gloss from going on too thickly & getting goopy on you.

2. Apply gloss over lipstick. I love the look of just a bit of gloss over a neutral lipstick. Again, dab just a bit in the center of lips and smooth out from there. Keeps you from applying too thickly.

3. Got too goopy? Smack lips between a tissue paper, just like you would lipstick.

4. Make gloss pop. Lighten lips with concealer before adding colored lip gloss.

Eyebrows

2008-07-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

How To Shape Your Eyebrows

Few things make you appear more groomed than well-plucked eyebrows . Many women have their eyebrows tweezed or threaded professionally and the trend is so hot, eyebrow boutiques are popping up in big cities across the country. I recommend you have a professional do your eyebrows first to set a 'blueprint', then all you have to do is pluck where the hairs grow in. (A pro waxing should set you back about $20 depending on where you live). Here's some tips on how to tweeze your own eyebrows.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

The biggest mistake people make is to tweeze too much. Avoid overplucking as it can take months for brows to grow back. Here's a simple trick to remember: The space between your brows should be equal to, or a little wider than, your eyes. To find where your brow should go, take a long eyeshadow brush or pencil and hold it parallel to the side of your nose. Where the brush meets your brow is where your brow should begin.
To find the end of your brow, extend the brush diagonally from your nostril, following the outside edge of your eye toward the brow. Where the inside edge of the brush hits is where your brow should end.
The best brows have a slight arch. To find yours, hold the brush parallel to the outside edge of the colored part of your eye (the iris). Where the brush meets the brow is where the highest part of your brow should be.
Cleanse your skin. Exfoliating with a gentle scrub (I like Biore) helps prep the area as well. Worried about pain? Expert aesthicians suggest applying to the brow Anbesol, Orajel or any teething gel for babies. Brush brows up and out.
You'll want to invest in a good pair of tweezers with a slanted edge (my favorite, hands down.

You also want to make sure you're near a window with light pouring in or under a bright light with a good mirror (magnifying mirrors are best, but be sure and flip it over to see your overall effect in the regular mirror).
Make sure to pluck hairs in the direction they grow. Don't grab too many hairs at a time. You can hold skin taut as you pluck.
It's a myth that brows should never be tweezed from above. You want both the bottoms and tops to be smooth. So be careful, but tweeze the top AND the bottom.
Stop every few hairs to step back and look at the job you're doing. If you overpluck, you're stuck. Unlike most hairs on your body, your brows won't always grow back once they're yanked.
Once you're done plucking, you can apply aloe vera gel, which will calm the redness right away.

Tips:

To ensure your tweezers maintain their firm grip, regularly wipe the tips with alcohol to remove any oily build up. Also, keep in mind that Tweezerman will sharpen your tweezers for free when they dull. (I always lose mine before they become dull).
If your brows are sparse or spotty, you can fill them in by pressing a brown shadow into your brow. Chanel's Perfect Brow Compact is the ultimate brow shadow. It's expensive, but worth the price. Plucked too much? Ji Baek, owner of Rescue Beauty Lounge in Manhattan suggests in Elle Magazine that you stimulate hair growth by massaging brows with a toothbrush.
If you use a pencil to fill in sparse brows, apply with short, feathered strokes from the inside of the brow out. Then carefully rub brows with a brush or your fingertips to soften the effect.
Brow gel helps keep your brows in place all day. Or if you don't have gel, apply a dab of hairspray to your finger and use it to keep unruly hairs in place.
I've saved the best tip for last. The ideal time for brow-shaping is the week after your period begins. It the time in your cycle when your body is least sensitive to hair removal.

What You Need:

A great pair of tweezers. My recommended choice: Tweezerman
A mirror, preferably magnifying
Anbesol or children's teething gel if you're afraid of pain

20 Beauty Secrets Every Teen Should Know-2

2008-07-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

11. When can you skip sunscreen ? Never Here's a trick we wish we knew: The first beauty product you should apply every day is sunscreen, even if it's cloudy or rainy outside. Why? Good habits start young and if you use sunscreen now, you'll have gorgeous skin when you're 50, 60, 70. Plus, the sun's UV rays can penetrate clouds.

12. Wrapping hair around the barrel creates waves There's nothing sexier than long, layered waves. To get them, wind hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).

13. Self-tanner will always stink Unfortunately, even the best ones smell. Your best bet is to apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don't loofah) to wash off any smell.

14. Don't let nails go Not into manicures and pedicures? No worries. Just make sure to keep nails clean and the same length. If you do want to paint them, don't keep the polish on until half of it's chipped away. Also, there's nothing worse than too-long toenails. Keep nails clipped between pedicures! People tend to judge others by the care they put into their hands and feet.

15. Don't line the inside of your eyes It will make your eyes appear smaller. Instead, line just at the lash line. Also, an obvious line doesn't look natural. Smudge the line just a bit.

16. Oily hair? Invest in a dry shampoo If you have blonde hair, sprinkling a bit of baby powder on your roots and at your crown will soak up excess oils. If you have brown hair, you might be better off with a dry shampoo for your hair color.

17. Shave legs at the end of the shower Cut down on nicks and cuts by making shaving the very last step in your shower or bathing ritual.

18. Know your best feature and play it up What feature do people comment on most? Play it up. If you're told you have Angelina Jolie lips, make sure to wear gloss and play with bold lipstick colors. If it's your eye color people love, find eyeshadow colors that complement them and make sure to wear mascara. Also, know what color shirts look best on you and go shopping.

19. Scrubs are great for dry skin If you have dry, itchy skin in winter, invest in a scrub and handmitts and scrub away in the bathtub. Make sure to slather on a thick moisturizer afterward. For dry, callousy feet, buy a pumice stone. They work better than any of the other wimpy options on the market.

20. Remember: Beauty is mostly internal Think about a girl you know who's overweight yet all the guys love her. Why? Because she's confident. If you aren't wearing makeup and your toes haven't been repainted in weeks, if you're happy and smiling you will still be 10 times prettier than the mopey cheerleader sitting next to you in class. Trust us (wink).

20 Beauty Secrets Every Teen Should Know-1

2008-07-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

There's nothing worse than getting advice from older people, we know, we know, but the truth is some advice is worth taking and keeping, especially when it comes to fun beauty tips. We've been reading fashion magazines and testing beauty products for years. In this time, we've read 1000s of beauty tips, tried 1000s of products, but only a few are worth keeping around. So, here we share with you the 20 things we wish we knew when we were teenagers.

1. Skip the foundation If you have acne the first thing you want to do is slather on the thick foundation. AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Foundation is for women over 40. Not only will it cover up your natural beauty, but foundation on a teenager looks anything but natural. Instead, cover up blemishes with concealer, then follow with a powder.

2. You pat concealer in, you never rub it in We know this from watching the Tyra Banks show. When applying concealer, put a bit on the pad of your middle finger and pat it in. Never rub. Got acne? Pat the concealer on top of it.

3. Play up your lips or your eyes, never both If you are wearing heavy eye makeup, go for nude lips with just a bit of gloss. Prefer the drama of dark lipstick? Keep face light (stay away from heavy blush) and wear only mascara on your eyes and a light eyeshadow. Don't heavily line your eyes. Play up both and you'll look like a clown.

4. Less is more Ever notice how some of your friends look best with no makeup at all? No matter your age, too much makeup makes you look worse. If you wear foundation, powder, blush, liner, mascara, eyeshadow, lip liner, gloss on an everyday basis, then you're doing too much. Tone it down: All you really need is a great mascara, concealer for acne and gloss.

5. Natural hair is always hot If you have super dark hair, lighten your look by going a shade darker or getting lighter highlights. Blonde? Try highlights, especially around your face. We see too many teens lightening their hair several shades and the look is super tacky, not super fabulous. The trick is to let people assume you were born with sun-kissed hair, not that you gave yourself a bad dye job from a bottle.

6. Vaseline is your best friend Skip the bottled cleaners: Vaseline is the best eye makeup remover hands down. It's also great for fixing chapped, scaly lips. Slather on a bunch of Vaseline, then use a toothbrush to massage lips. Wipe the excess off on a tissue. Your lips will be smooth and soft.

7. You can never go wrong with layers Layers are great for any hair type: Super curly, straight or wavy. It makes thin hair appear thicker, curly hair appear manageable and wavy hair appear just-got-back-from-the-beach sexy.

8. Acne? Get thee to a dermatologist, stat Biggest mistake people with acne make? Not going to a dermatologist. Forget those $150 jeans you covet. Getting rid of those pimples will be the best investment you'll ever make. And the only guaranteed way to do it is with a dermatologist.

9. Spend money on key beauty products Not sure what to splurge on and what to save on? Here's our Golden Rules: Don't scrimp on eye shadow, facial moisturizer, powder, self-tanner or lipstick. There's a big difference in quality for these products. Don't waste your money on fancy mascaras, cleansers, eye liners or lip gloss.

10. Buying foundation or lipstick? Test it first There are some beauty products you simply must try out at a department store or Sephora before you buy. These include: Foundation, lipstick, blush and powder. Buy these products in a grocery store and you'll be lucky if you picked the right color for your skin tone. What you can get away with without testing: Mascara, eye liner, most basic eye shadows and lip gloss.

Teen Beauty

2008-07-20T10:26:00.000-07:00

Just for Teens: Makeup, Hair & More

Not interested in beauty advice written for Mom? Yeah, we got it. Here, you'll find 20 beauty tips every teen should know, hair, makeup and skin secrets our beauty experts have learned over the years and even photo galleries of amazing prom hairstyles.

1-20 beauty tips every teen should know

2-Nail Polish (& More)
3-Eyebrow
4-Hair Removal
5-Prom Hair & Makeup
6-Hairstyles & Trends
7-Self-Tanners
8-Lip Gloss
9-Skin: Acne & More
10-Makeup Tips

Make Yourself a Homemade Salt Scrub

2008-07-19T04:33:00.000-07:00

Winter is a harsh time for skin. Excessively cold air coupled with lack of humidity in indoor spaces caused by heating can leave skin dehydrated, scaly & patchy. Head to a posh spa & you can treat yourself (for a mere $100-$300) to an all-over body salt scrub. Or why not do-it-yourself for next to nothing? All you need is liquid body soap, a coarse salt & a nice, warm bath.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 10 minutes

Here's How:

Run a warm bath & soak for a good 10 minutes (you can also skip the bath & do this in the shower)
Put on loofah mitts (the softer, the better)
sprinkle a palmful of sea salt on a mitt
mix in liquid body soap
rub mitts together so the salt & soap are mixed together
rub the mixture all over your body, rubbing in a circular motion. Rub harder on tougher areas such as the bottom of your feet, elbows & knees. Avoid your face.
Rinse thoroughly
Follow with a thick moisturizer (we like Shea butter). Avoid alpha hydroxy products

Skin Problems (dry skin)-2

2008-07-19T04:28:00.000-07:00

How Much Should I Exfoliate?

Women should exfoliate using a scrub once or twice a week. You want to be sure not to overexfoliate or use a product with granules that can tear at the skin (I'm thinking of those hard, rocklike exfoliators you can buy over the counter, avoid those at all costs). Rub the product in a circular motion for 30 seconds & then wash off. If you have oily skin, large pores or acne-prone skin, you can try an at-home microdermabrasion system.

Causes of White Bumps on the Backs of Arms

hose little white bumps are actually very common & the result of clogged pores in the hair follicles. You'll notice them mainly in winter because of the low humidity in the air. Common spots include arms, buttocks & the backs of legs. So how to get rid of these suckers (actual name is is keratosis pilaris, better know as 'chicken skin')? Exfoliate. Try a loofah or washcloth in the shower or do like our friend Janine and opt for a professional scrub

Skin Problems (dry skin)

2008-07-19T04:16:00.000-07:00

1- fix of dry skin
If you suffer from dry skin, consider this remedy: Skip the cleanser (which can be drying) and opt for a bit of Omega-3 oil or Pure Almond Oil (you can find these in any health food store or shop online below). Put a few drop in your palm, mix with warm water (never wash your face in hot water) and then massage into your face & neck. Let sit for a couple minutes then gently wipe face clean with a damp washcloth. (Tip: Never use a washcloth more than two days in a row, they are a breeding ground for bacteria). Follow up with a moisturizer.
2-Loofahs - - Are They Good for You?
Ok, so that's the question. And the answer from the experts is mixed. Once a loofah is used it becomes loaded with bacteria buildup, says New York City-based makeup artist, Keiko Takagi in Elle Magazine. Others claim as long as you regularly clean your shower exfoliators in the washing machine or the dishwasher once a week you should be good to go. Loofahs don't hold up well in a washing machine, but you could keep them clean via the dishwasher.

Opt instead for a mesh shower sponge, which can last a long time as long as you wash it once a week. (I suggest throwing it in the washing machine when you wash your sheets once a week). The same goes for my preferred shower exfoliator: The gloves. Throw them in the washer or dishwasher once a week and you don't have to worry about bacteria.

Not a fan of those mesh sponges (I'm not) opt instead for one of those huge brushes meant for use OUTSIDE of the shower. Use it to give your body a great 'dry scrub.' This way you don't compete with the shower stream & your brush stays bacteria-free.

Another secret of the trade, courtesy of Takagi: Take shorter showers. "If you do like to linger, coat your body in oil before you get in to avoid stripping your natural moisture.

Skin Problems (Adult Acne)

2008-07-19T04:02:00.000-07:00

If you noticed the acne you had when you were 15 has returned in your 30s, rest assured, you're in good company. One in five women between the ages of 25 and 40 suffer from adult acne. Here are a few facts about adult acne and how to rid your skin of it:

Fact #1: Acne usually begins with blackheads Blackheads are not dirt, they're actually the result of oil and dead cells getting trapped in a pore where they block the duct and mix with bacteria. They then turn black when exposed to air. Red pimples develop when blackheads become inflamed and they spread when touched with dirty hands. When the pimple becomes infected, it develops a whitehead or pustule. These can break and cause scars.

So how to banish blackheads? Gently, according to San Francisco Seth Matarasso to InStyle Magazine. People tend to scrub too hard which causes inflammation, he says. Instead of a grainy scrub, Matarasso suggests trying an exfoliant with alpha-hydroxy acids. You can also use a salicylic acid cleanser . These chemical products clean out pores better than scrubs. For a great quick fix.

Fact #2: There are several causes of adult acne These are: Stress, bad cosmetics, hormones and birth control pills. Stress causes your oil glands to overcompensate. Bad cosmetics lead to bacteria-laden pores. Hormones cause the sebacuous glands to overact and birth control pills with androgen in them can cause breakouts.

To keep breakouts at bay, look for oil-free, non-acnegenic products

Fact #3: Cheese and chocolate have nothing to do with your acne Your skin, however, WILL benefit from a good facial. Why? Because acne is not a disease, rather it is a condition of the skin and a good facialist knows exactly what your skin needs: Sulfur, zinc and camphor masks, exfoliation, blackhead extractions and at-home follow-up.

Fact #4: Don't treat adult acne like the teen kind The products you used as a teenager won't work on adult skin. Here's a 2-step program for cleansing and treating your blemished skin:

Step 1: Pick the right cleanser. Look for medicated cleansers with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.

Step 2: Exfoliate with a salicylic acid treatment, which will clean out pores. Just don't exfoliate too much or scrub too hard (see the blackhead section above). Two to 3 times a week is perfect.

Fact #5: Treatment systems have completely cleared up skin on many people Proactiv Solution 3-step System ($40 at proactiv.com) is a classic kit that has worked wonders on many. L'Oreal Acne Response Daily Adult Acne Regimen is a 3-step program that is highly recommended.

Fact #6: The dermatologist will clear your skin up fast Too many women wait to see a doctor for their skin problems. If you have basic acne, over-the-counter treatments with salicylic acid (there's that magic word again) to unclog pores and benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacteria on skin should do you, but for serious acne, a dermatologist has an arsenal of products to clear up your skin. Retinoids, antibiotics, azelaic acid and birth control pills are all options usually covered by insurance. You might consider laser treatments, but these are more costly (about $500-$2,400). Severe cases are best cleared up by Accutane, which is a 5-month course that is considered the most effective treatment available. It can, however, cause serious birth defects if taken during pregnancy.

Fact #7: Yes, those new machines that target acne do work We were surprised to hear this as well, but the reports are out on machines like Zeno Acne Clearing Device and they are good. They won't help blackheads or deep cystic acne, but they do work for your general run-of-the-mill pimples, according to the April, 2006, issue of Glamour.

So how do they work? The Zeno, which is a handheld machine that looks like an iPod, works by driving heat through a pimple. The heat kills the bacteria and supposedly improves blood circulation to the affected area so it heals faster. Clinical trials show 90% of pimples treated with Zeno disappeared or were significantly reduced within 24 hours.

Skin Problems (back acne)

2008-07-19T03:56:00.000-07:00

‘Bacne’ is another term for back acne or body acne. It tends to form on the back and the buttocks and can take several forms: pimples, blackheads, pustules and cysts, which are painful and form deep under the skin's surface.

What Causes Bacne?

There is no scientific evidence for what causes back acne.

According to an article on the Acne Resource Center back acne tends to occur around puberty when the sebaceous glands, which produce sebum, start functioning. When too much sebum is produced pores and hair follicles can become clogged attracting bacteria. This can lead to acne.

Stress, oily or fatty foods, excessive sweating and even heredity do not seem to play a role in the causes of back acne, according to the Acne Resource Center. There is also no proof back acne is developed from tight clothing, excessive sweating and heavy backpacks (although it is possible 'bacne' is exacerbated by this).

How to Treat Back acne?

For milder versions of back or body acne a topical 10 percent benzoyl peroxide cream or gel will suffice. Cysts should be treated by a dermatologist.

To treat mild back acne:

Step 1 Wash the back with an anti-bacterial cleanser formulated for the face, Stay away from regular soap. Let skin dry.

Step 2 Follow with a 10 percent benzoyl peroxide gel or cream. Let dry.

Step 3 (optional) Some experts suggest using the benzoyl peroxide in tandem with an alpha hydroxy treatment such as Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion is optimal.

For severe back acne, consult a dermatologist for prescription treatment. Cysts can be treated in the office.

How to Prevent Back Acne

Exfoliation is a great way to get rid of dead skin cells that tend to build up on the back, buttocks and back of the arms. Use a sugar scrub (milder than salt scrubs) in the shower on a weekly basis.

Skin Problems (treatment of Undereye Circles)

2008-07-19T03:49:00.000-07:00

Dark circles are famously annoying and unfortunately, there's no way to get rid of them. However, you have 3 basic options for concealing them:

Option 1: Use a proper concealer. Test out the best colors at a department store counter or at Sephora. (Tip: Tell the makeup artist you are looking to correct the undereye circles and are testing several different types before purchase). Choose concealer that's a shade lighter than your foundation. And if your circles are very dark, go 2 shades lighter. You might be choosing a concealer that's too light if you are getting a 'raccoon look.'

We find it works best to apply stick concealers with your finger dabbing a few dots under your eyes.

Option 2: Invest in a vitamin K-based eye product Eye creams such as Vita-K Solution gel can help strengthen capillary walls so dark circles and veins become less visible.

Option 3: Laser treatment If you have a chronic case of undereye circles, you should contact a doctor about lasers. Lasers can thicken the skin by increasing collagen production, so you are less likely to see veins,

How to Fix Puffy Eyes

Woke up with puffy eyes? While a washcloth soaked in chamomile tea works great, as does the teabag itself applied to puffy bags, I find a bag of frozen vegetables does the trick in less time. Simply place the bag (Real Simple Magazine suggests corn or peas -- I prefer peas)over eyes for a couple minutes and watch the puffiness disappea

Skin Problems (Undereye Circles)-1

2008-07-19T03:46:00.000-07:00

Causes Undereye Circles
Oh if only we could take a magic pill to cause the blue veins under our eyes to recede back into our heads, or the dark circles under our eyes to magically lighten to match the rest of our skin.

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill to combat dark, undereye circles, which you were likely born with. Yes, it's true. Your parents are to blame for your dark undereye circles, according to dermatologist David J. Leffell of Yale School of Medicine, in "O" magazine.

So, now that we have them, is there any way to get rid of them?

Three Types of Undereye Circles

There are basically three types of undereye circles:

1. Hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmented undereye circles can be dark circles often found in women with darker skin tones (African, East Indian or Latin descent). This is caused by the over-abundance of melanin in skin.

2. Blue-ish veins. As we age, the skin around our eyes thins out, causing the veins underneath to show. This is typical in women with lighter skin.

3. Poor circulation. These undereye circles tend to be puffy or baggy. This is usually caused by poor blood flow or water retention under the eye. Large bags that don't recede in time are hereditary.

To determine the cause of your undereye circles, press your thumb on the shadows. If the shadows momentarily lighten, the cause is poor circulation. If they don't lighten, the cause is hyperpigmentation, according to dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas of Yale University in the November, 2007, issue of Elle Magazine.

How to Treat Undereye Circles

Dark circles from hyperpigmentation can be treated with lasers in a doctor's office. However, Alexiades-Armenakas warns that lasers don't always work well on darker skin. "The laser may turn on melanocytes to produce more pigment," she says in Elle Magazine. For dark skin, she prefers topical solutions made with kojic acid, such as Skinceuticals Phyto+ gel. Creams with hydroquinone are also commonly used to treat undereye circles. Both kojic acid and hydroquinone brighten hyperpigmented skin, according to "Getting Gorgeous," a book by the editors of InStyle magazine.

If you suffer from puffy eye bags, sleep on your back with your head propped up. You can also treat puffiness with black tea bags. Chill steeped tea bags in the fridge first. Place chilled bags over the eyes. The tannins in black tea help reduce bloat, according to "Confessions of a Beauty Editor," a book written by the editors of Allure magazine.

If bags are constant and never go away, see a doctor for treatment options.

Camouflage Undereye Circles With Makeup

To cosmetically camouflage dark undereye circles, use eye creams that contain mica or other light-diffusing particles. For darker circles, you'll want to use a creamy concealer.

To apply concealer, first prep eye with an eye gel. Dot concealer over the blue veins or dark circles and tap, never rub, concealer into the area surrounding the eye.

Skin Problems & Pregnancy

2008-07-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy is one of the most beautiful times in a woman's life, however, you might not feel so gorgeous when you're battling a few of motherhood's downfalls, including stretch marks, undereye circles and problem skin. Here we run down a few solutions to typical pregnancy problems.

Problem #1: Stretch marks

If you are genetically prone to stretch marks, there's not much you can do to prevent them. Stretch marks occur when skin grows too fast for its fibers to handle. These can tear, leaving violet-colored marks. To help improve your skin's elasticity, you can rub your belly several times a day in a circular motion with creams or oils that contain cocoa butter, vitamin E or sweet almond oil.

Problem #2: Brown spots

Pregnant women are susceptible to splotchy pigmentation. These brown spots are caused by hormones and sun exposure and are aggravated by the sun. To prevent brown spots, use a sunscreen with at least 15 SPF. To lighten dark patches you can try topical vitamin C serum under moisturizer.

Problem #3: Lifeless Hair Color

While it's true hormonal changes during pregnancy will make hair stronger and shinier than ever, hair benefits usually kick in after the first trimester, according to Marie Claire's, "Hair & Makeup" book. In the first three months, oil can be oily due to overactive sebaceous glands. To battle oily hair, Marie Claire suggests washing hair daily with a mild shampoo. Some women experience dry hair during pregnancy. Using a moisturizer daily and a deep conditioning treatment weekly will help.

Many pregnant women avoid getting their hair colored during pregnancy, however, medical experts agree it's safe to color your hair after your first trimester. Consider highlights over a full color. Many women opt for vegetable dyes during pregnancy. The fewer chemicals to touch your scalp, the better.

Problem #4: Dry skin and acne

These problems are also effects of hormones. The only thing you can really do is moisturize nd exfoliate daily. . Keep in mind that this is NOT the time to use products like Retin-A, salicyclic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

Problem #5: Dark undereye circles

There's no real way to fix undereye circles, however, there are 3 options available to you for covering them up.
1: Use a proper concealer
2: Invest in a vitamin K-based eye product
3: Laser treatment

Problem #6: Sore muscles

Prenatal massages are great for expectant moms but wait until after the first trimester. Massages relax both mom and baby. You can expect work on your lower back.

Problem #7: Varicose veins

The American Institute of Preventive Medicine offers these suggestions to help prevent them from forming: wear elastic support stockings, elevate legs when resting and take long or short walks every 45 minutes during long flights or car rides. Avoid standing for long periods and don't cross legs when sitting (like you can do this when heavily pregnant!).

Problem #8: Aching legs and feet

To ease foot soreness, soak feet in a cool bath sprinkled with a capful of Epsom salts, then follow with a foot cream with menthol. You might also invest in special medical socks that keep fluid from buiding up.

Skin Problems(Stretch Marks )

2008-07-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

Stretch marks are at best, fine pink lines that appear around the fourth month of pregnancy. They can appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, breasts and most commonly the abdomen.

They occur in 50 to 90% of women for a variety of reason and can range from the silvery pink color mentioned above to bright red or purple lines.

*So what causes them to form in the first place? The weight gain is stretching the dermal collagen and elastin beyond breaking point and what you see are the scars formed as the fibres separate.

*As I mentioned above, stretch marks are forming deep within the skin, so massaging the skin with oils and creams will make you feel better, but unfortunately, you can't prevent them from occurring.

*Actually, the amount of stretch marks you will have is genetically decided for you. If your mother and grandmother had stretch marks, chances are, you will too.

Skin Problems(Cellulite)

2008-07-19T03:31:00.000-07:00

what is it with getting older? Cottage cheese pops up first on the backs of thighs, shows up later on the arms and eventually even on the calves (we saw a picture a couple years ago in US Weekly of Uma Thurman's cellulite calves!). So what is cellulite and how to get rid of it?

Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not caused by excess weight. It's all in your genes, which explains why even skinny women can have it (hello Uma!). Cellulite is caused by clumps of fat cells that push up against surrounding fibrous connective tissue. "The inherent thinning of skin's support structure makes fat cells more obvious," according to *David J. Goldberg, MD, in the September, 2007, issue of Elle Magazine. This is what gives you dimples and what appears to be clumps of fat under your skin.

So how to get rid of it? Unfortunately, there's not much you can do ... for now. Much research is currently underway on laser therapies, but none of have proven completely viable (or we'd be lining up at our local dermatologists, with me heading up the line).

Until a "cure" is found, there are some options which some swear are minimally successful:

1. Exercise. Some personal trainers claim exercise can cut down on cellulite. Others suggest building up the muscles in the back of the leg and in the buttocks can mask cellulite.

2. Caffeine. Caffeine, the active ingredient in many cellulite creams, works by pushing water out of fat cells, temporarily reducing the apearance of dimples.

3. Treatments. Some people have found minimal success with Endermologie (not cheap at about $100 a session). This spa treatment rolls and suctions the skin breaking up fat tissue. The results can be significant, according to InStyle Magazine, but short-term.

4. Camouflage. Hide dimples with a fake tan. Self tanner darkens skin, effectively camouflaging dimples.

Skin Problems

2008-07-19T03:26:00.000-07:00

how to detect and get rid of many skin problems such as

1-Acne

2-Stretch Marks & Pregnancy

3-Cellulite

4-Undereye circles

5-Dry Skin Fixes

Bad Breath

2008-07-19T03:16:00.000-07:00

1- causes of Bad Breath
Most of your bad breath problems can be traced bad to poor oral hygiene. Bacteria that builds up on the back of your tongue or in between your teeth is the main culprit. These bad boys like to breed on the tongue and in crevices caused by gum disease, cavities and poorly fitting bridges or crowns. According to my dentist, bad breath can also be caused by antihistamines, nasal sprays and some anti-depressants. They can dry up your saliva, which leads to bad breath. This is why your friend's breath will smell more when she's sick.

So how to fix? Make sure to floss daily, brush your teeth thoroughly & scrape your tongue with a tongue scrapper (bought at drugstores). If this doesn't work? See your doctor.

2-How to detect if you Have Bad Breath?
Skip the old method of blowing into your hands and smelling your breath. Instead, lick the back of your hand, let the saliva dry, then take a whiff. What you smell is your true breath.

3-the Cure for Bad Breath
the key here is to get rid of the culprits. You’ll need to keep bacteria at bay by daily flossing and brushing. You also want to drink plenty of water. It’s especially important to brush and floss at night, when production of saliva slows down causing ‘dry mouth.’ Buy a tongue-scraper and use it in combination with brushing your tongue. Sugarless gum also does an excellent job of cleaning out the crevices where bacteria like to breed.

How to Get Rid of Wrinkles

2008-07-17T15:50:00.000-07:00

No one likes wrinkles, which are caused when collagen breaks down deep in your dermis, far below the skin's top layer. The key to improving or preventing wrinkles is two-fold: You need to stimulate collagen production while keeping free radicals such as the sun, stress & pollution from causing more damage. You have a number of options available to help you turn back time a bit without going under the knife.

Here's a rundown of 5 options currently on the market that are created to minimize the appearance of wrinkles. Better yet, most of these can be bought over-the-counter:

1. Sunscreen. Sun damage is the #1 cause of wrinkles. Wonder what your skin would look like if it was never exposed to the sun? Look at your bottom. Wrinkle-free, eh? That's what your skin would look like it it was kept under cover all the time as well. A good rule of thumb: If it's daylight outside, you need sunscreen, no matter how cloudy it is. In the June, 2005 issue of InStyle Magazine, Dr. Fredric Brandt, dermatologist to the stars, suggests using a 'two-finger scoop' of sunscreen daily to the face & neck. Also, don't forget the top of your hands. Dermatologists report seeing women with young faces & old hands all the time.

2. Vitamin A (retinoid) creams. To prevent wrinkles or keep them from worsening, look for products containing vitamin A
Used nightly (or every other night), vitamin A creams stimulate collagen renewal & prevent skin cells from breaking down. Women in their 20s & early 30s can use these to keep fine lines from turning into deeper furrows. I've been trying one percent Retin-A on my skin for the past month & I've noticed a marked improvement even though best results can be seen in about 6 months. (Just make sure you never go out without sunscreen when you're on these Vitamin A products, your skin is extra susceptible to sun damage).

3. Alpha-hydroxy acids or microdermabrasion. If you're in your mid-30s & worried about wrinkles you might try exfoliating once a week with a alpha-hydroxy acid (AHAs) or a microdermabrasion kit. Don't use both & be careful not to over-exfoliate. Chemical exfoliators (the AHAs) work great on oily or combination skin, while the physical scrubs are great for very sensitive skin (make sure it's in a creamy base).

AHA's are glycolic or lactic acid formulated to increase collagen in sun-damaged skin. They are also known to reduce pore size, redness, blotchiness & fine lines.
Microdermabrasives smooth fine lines & get rid of dead skin.

4. Antioxidants. Free radicals -- the unstable oxygen molecules produced by pollution, stress & sun -- are a skincare nightmare. They attack healthy skin cells & cause collagen breakdown, all of which lead to wrinkles. Antioxidants like green tea, vitamins C & E, & coenzyme Q10 work together to neutralize free radicals. A cocktail of these antioxidants are like a multi-vitamin for skin, according to dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross.
How to use it? Use antioxidants both orally & topically. IN Elle Magazine, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD, swears by Heliocare vitamins. Topically, antioxidants are great for bolstering UV protection. Apply an antioxidant serum containing vitamins C or E, Co-Q, alpha-lipoic acid, grean or white tea, pomegranate or idebenone under your sunscreen (see products below). The antioxidants will fight those free radicals the sun generates.
5. Eye cream. You might notice the area on your face that's aging the fastest is around your eyes. The skin around eyes is extra-thin & prone to developing undereye bags, crow's feet & dark circles.

To battle crow's feet you'll want to use a retinoid wrinkle reducer that hydrates.

To fight bags under the eyes, a skin-tightener with hyaluronic acid or retinol . But keep in mind that most doctors agree the only way to get rid of undereye bags is to undergo surgery.

Want to rid eyes of dark circles? You need a vitamin K-based eye product . By the way, those undereye circles are not caused by lack of sleep. According to Davide J. Leffell, MD, professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, dark undereye circles are caused by genetics & won't change with more or less sleep.

Some fun facts on wrinkles from the April 2006 edition of Allure:

In 1889, Margaret Kroesen created Frownies, an adhesive patch that held skin taut, smoothing out wrinkles.
1920, the year Coco Chanel made suntans fashionable after her return from a sun-filled vacation on a yacht.
1982, the year Chanel launched it's first anti-wrinkle cream with sunscreen.
1988, the year the FDA warned about the indiscriminate use of Retin-A, an acne drug, to treat wrinkles.
1995, the year the FDA approved tretinoic acid, the main ingredient in Retin-A, for the purpose of fighting wrinkles.

Anti-aging (how to Slow the Aging Skin Process)-2

2008-07-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

You saw the 5 'dos' for perfect skin care. Now here are
B- 5 don'ts:

1-Don’t pull and rub your skin.
Aging skin has been under attack by UV rays, stress and carbon monoxide so don't stress it more by pulling on it.

2-Don’t forget to moisturize
While it's a myth that wrinkles are caused by dry skin, moisturizing can improve the appearance of lines by temporarily plumping them up.
Extra tip: Moisturizers are best used on damp skin. They lock the moisture in. Gross doesn't use tap water when washing skin because of harsh minerals found in many city water sources. Instead, he rinses off with Evian water.
3-Don’t ignore your neck and chest. The neck and chest are first to show the signs of aging (they have fewer oil glands than the rest of your body), yet most of us ignore them. Look for moisturizers that have age-fighting ingredients like vitamin A (retinols), kinetin, copper or vitamin C.
4-Don’t forget the sunscreen. This is a no-brainer. You’ve had it ingrained in your head since youth, but seriously, even in winter it can take just 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure to damage the skin. . By the way, it's a MYTH that 80 percent of your lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18, according to the April, 2006, issue of O Magazine. Katie Rodan, MD, adjunct professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine, says in O that this myth stands officially debunked and studies indicate we get only 23 percent of total UV exposure by age 18. Of course it gets worse as we age. So you CAN prevent sun-induced aging by wearing sunscreen.
5-Don’t tan. Even if wrinkles haven't shown up yet, you need to stop tanning now because they will. Once signs of aging appears, you'll be spending a lot of money to reverse it. So if you do have sun damage? You can reverse the damage with photorejuvenation such as pulsed light treatments. Many spas and dermatologists provide these pricey fixes.

One word of warning: Once you start an anti-aging regimen, you have to keep it up. The effects of acid peels, AHAs, moisturizers -- all the anti-aging products that remove dead skin cells and make skin look plumper -- won't last forever. You have to maintain them.

Anti-aging (how to Slow the Aging Skin Process)-1

2008-07-17T15:30:00.000-07:00

5 Dos and 5 Don’ts to Help Slow the Aging Skin Process

Maybe you're in your 20s or early 30s and you think you can't possibly have (gulp) aging skin yet. Well, you're wrong. Your skin's 'youthfulness' has less to do with age than how it's been treated, so if exposed to sun, smoke and stress, your skin will start ‘acting old,’ losing collagen, glow and elasticity. Lines will develop and pores can seem more pronounced. It's easier to prevent damage than to repair it but the good news is you CAN reverse skin damage.

Here are 5 dos and 5 don’ts to help slow down and reverse the aging process and leave your skin glowing at any age.
A- 5 dos
1- stop smoking. Ever notice the skin of a lifelong smoker? It can appear wrinkly like a squashed paper bag. The fact is, smoking is the 2nd biggest cause of skin damage after sun exposure. Why? Nicotine constricts blood vessels and decreases the flow of oxygen to the skin. Not good things.
2-use an AHA or BHA (also known as retinols) every day. A daily application of a one percent prescription retinoid lotion (such as Retin-A or even better, Tazorac) can erase years from your face. AHAs used properly not only take off lots of dead skin, but can seem to take 10 years off as well by reducing fine lines. (Keep in mind these products do NOT shrink pores. Your pore size is completely hereditary, so don't believe promises of permanent reduction). Over-the-counter options such as RoC Deep Wrinkle Night Cream are good, but prescription creams work the best. Extra tip: You must stay out of the sun if you use retinoids. You are extra-susceptible to sunburns.
3-exfoliate once a week. Choose a formulation that's best for your skin type. Chemical exfoliators (glycolic or salicylic acid) are best for oily or combo skin, while scrubs found in microdermabrasives work best for sensitive skin.
4-use an eye cream daily. Eyes are one of the first places to show aging. The skin around the eyes is extra thin so you'll want to protect it from the sun with eye cream with SPF.
5-invest and ingest antioxidants. 'Antioxidants' is a huge word in aging prevention. A huge proponent of antioxidants (found in green teas and beta carotene) is dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD. To get the best possible protection against free-radical damage, Baumann suggests in Elle magazine that you take both oral and topical antioxidants. Get antioxidants in pill form by taking Heliocare vitamins.

Anti-aging ( Retinoids & Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

2008-07-17T15:28:00.000-07:00

A few years ago a friend suggested I consider Retin-A as an anti-aging lotion. "Why in the world would you use this stuff? You have flawless skin?" I told her. I had always thought of Retin-A as something found only in the medicine cabinets of pimply teens. "Honey," she said, "This is WHY I have flawless skin."

My friend was about a decade older than me -- in her late-30s -- and she wasn't the first flawless-skinned woman I would come to know whose dermatologist prescribed Retin-A as a way to combat fine lines and wrinkles.

Now that I'm in the business of beauty and skincare, I know much more about products that really do turn back time, so to say, and reduce lines and wrinkles.

The Secret to Youth: Collagen

Collagen is the key to healthy skin that tends to age well. The change in the pH level of the skin caused by just a few uses of a retinoid product such as Retin-A or AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) can help generate collagen. "Collagen is the skin's structural fiber," dermatologist Dennis Gross said in the October 2005 issue of O Magazine. "As we get older, it breaks down, creating lines and large pores."

The best way to keep collagen from breaking down is avoiding the sun at all costs. Dermatologists warn that up to 90 percent of wrinkles, dark spots and sun damage are caused by sun exposure. This is why they're always preaching the use of sunscreen . However, if the damage is done, you can try to recoup the gorgeous skin you once had. To find out your best option, read on.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A really cuts down on the wrinkles, perhaps better than any other type of skin product. I would recommend skipping the over-the-counter vitamin A products and consider getting a prescription from your doctor for Retin-A, Renova or Retin-A Micro. These contain the ingredient "tretinoin," which is proven more effective on fine lines and wrinkles than retinol, found in most OTC products.

Keep in mind that you shouldn't expose skin to the sun when using Retin-A, Renova or Retin-A Micro. You'll want to cover up with sunscreen and a hat. Vitamin A makes skin very susceptible to skin damage.

Retinoids

Retinoids are the tamer, non-prescription versions of the vitamin A derivatives listed above. Retinoids contain a less harsh Vitamin A derivative called retinol. These products are less potent and therefore great for weekly upkeep.

Alpha & Beta Hydroxy Acids

AHAs and BHAs are better options for women who find the Vitamin A products dry out their skin. AHAs are acid extracts that tend to be more moisturizing. You'll want to look for products that include glycolic (an acid extract from sugarcane), lactic (milk) or citric (citrus fruits).

Anti-aging

2008-07-17T15:06:00.000-07:00

You can take 10 years off your face without plastic surgery by using the right anti-aging products. Microdermabrasion, chemical peels, retinoids and antioxidants are all methods more and more women are embracing.

1-Antioxidants
Antioxidants neutralize the free radicals caused by UV rays. Free radicals are those buggers responsible for fine lines, age spots and skin cancer. Great antioxidants include Prevage cream available by prescription. We also read great things about Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Acid serum. This boosts the skin's protection against UV rays
2-Botox
is basically a purified form of botulinum toxin. According to the November 2006 issue of O Magazine, when injected Botox smooths lines by 'blocking nerve impulses that trigger wrinkle-causing muscle contractions.
3-Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are meant to lift away the dead upper layers of skin. They are painted onto the face by a dermatologist or trained cosmetologist. The higher the concentration and the longer they are left on, the deeper they work.
4-Premature aging
5-Retinoids
6-Wrinkles

Toners

2008-07-17T04:32:00.000-07:00

Many women assume they need toner. They believe it removes the extra makeup and oils on your skin, while minimizing pores. There are hundreds of toners on the market. Every brand sells it. But is toner really necessary?

Answer: No, unless you have really oily skin. "Toners just add an extra step and expense," said Jeffrey Dover, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine

While many people feel toners truly cleanse their faces, removing any excess makeup residue, most beauty editors agree toners are not a "must-have" part of most people's skincare regimen. Since most modern toners aren't as drying as the ones of the past, I believe they aren't harmful to most skin types. However, this is up for debate, as you'll see below.

So who should use toner? People with extremely oily or acne-prone skin and those of us who want extra cleansing after wearing a lot of makeup. If you love your toner and sincerely believe it works, then by all means do not throw it out. What's most important is your own skin's reaction to it, not the hype surrounding toner's necessity in the beauty world.

What the Experts Say

"Today most dermatologists agree toner isn't necessary. Its main purpose is to remove traces of makeup and residual cleanser, but a high-quality cleanser, even a creamy one, should rinse off easily with water alone. Some women like the fact that toner leaves their face tight and smooth. But that taut, tingly sensation actually indicates dryness."

"Skip the toner. When we say this in the magazine, we always get outraged letters from aestheticians saying skin isn't truly clean until it's been swabbed down. But dermatologists say toner can be overly drying on all but the oiliest skin. If you can't resist the lure of the cotton ball, make sure your bottle is alcohol free.

"For many women, toners are the logical next step in a skincare regimen, but I don't buy it. Literally. Whether they are called balancers, clarifying lotions, skin purifiers, or astringents (the strongest ones), toners are a pricey broth of water, color, preservatives, witch hazel, alcohol -- and not much else. In fact, for most women, toners are a redundant product: toners are supposed to remove every last trace of oil, sweat, and makeup from your face -- but so will a good cleanser. A toner will make your pores look smaller by swelling the tissue around the pore, but a moisturizer will do the same thing -- and more." -- "Beauty, the New Basics" by Rona Berg

"Often sold as a must-use step, toners are truly optional." -- Bobbi Brown in "Bobbi Brown Beauty"

"Fact: you probably don't need toner. Many skincare companies insist that cleanse/tone/moisturize should be the basic, three-step skincare regime, but we disagree. (And so do some of the world's leading facialist "gurus" including Eve Lom, Amanda Lacey and Janet Filderman.)" -- "Total Beauty" by Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley

"Beauticians often try to sell us that by using toner during a facial, they're 'closing the pores.' Baloney. Pores aren't elevator doors which can open and shut." -- "Total Beauty" by Sarah Stacey and Josephine Fairley

"There's something about toners that people love. Toners are actually relics of the days when most cleansers left a heavy residue on the skin and one needed to remove it by taking this extra step. Today's cleansers pretty much clean up after themselves, so a toner with strong astringent action is unnecessary, in some case, not to mention dehydrating." -- "Age-Less" by Fredric Brandt, MD

The Beauty Experts Who Promote Toner

Of all my beauty books, these are three that mention toner as a bonus (still, they don't consider them "must-have"):

"If skin feels too oily or you're wearing a lot of makeup, a toner can clean away anything your cleanser has left behind. The newest formulas are alcohol-free and don't strip skin of its necessary oils." Bobbi Brown in "Bobbi Brown Living Beauty"

"Irritant-free toners are an excellent skin-care option for all skin types. They are fine as an cleansing step after removing the cleanser. Toners can also soothe skin, lightly moisturize it, and provide some antioxidant and anti-irritant protection." -- "The Beauty Bible" by Paula Begoun

"A toner is a curious thing ... it's meant to refresh and rejuvenate the skin whenever you feel you need it. It cleans, smooths, acts as an anti-inflammatory, and helps minimize pores while also preventing breakouts. We love it because it gives your skin a boost, good tone and a healthy glow." -- "The Beauty Buyble, The Best Beauty Products 2007" by Paula Conway and Maureen Regan

Sunscreen

2008-07-17T04:26:00.000-07:00

the Difference Between a Sunscreen and a Sunblock

Sunscreens are the most popular at the moment. Available in creams, lotions and gels, they contain chemicals that absorb UV rays. They are also inconspicous on the skin. The chemicals that are most often found in sunscreens include PABA, Benzophenones, Cinnamates, Salicylates,

Sunblocks instead of absorbing UV rays, reflect them. At one time sunblocks could be spotted by the opaque white film, but new technology has created sunblocks with particles so tiny, that the opaque film in no longer noticeable. Chemicals most common in sunblocks include Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Choose the Best Sunscreen
f you have ever been to the tanning/sunscreen aisle at your local drugstore, you know how overwhelming it can be. SPF this, UVA that, and then throw in UVBs in the mix and the confusion begins!

Choosing the Right SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF number, the better protection against the sun's harmful UVB rays. The SPF number lets you know how much longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. For example, if it takes 15 minutes for a person to burn, an SPF 15 will allow them to stay out in the sun 15 times longer without burning.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing an SPF of 15 or higher for maximum protection. SPF is available in factors from 2-60. Does highest mean the best protection? Not necessarily. An SPF of 50 only provides 1-2% more protection than an SPF30.

UVA and UVB Protection

The label of the sunscreen will indicate the UVA or UVB protection.

UVA rays are responsible for the aging effect of the sun. However, overexposure to UVA rays can cause skin cancer.

UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and skin cancer.

Choose a product that has states "UVA/UVB" protection or has "broad spectrum" protectant.

Waterproof vs Water Resistant

If you are looking for a sunscreen to use while in the water, choose a sunscreen that is "waterproof" or "water resistant".

"Waterproof" sunscreen should provide protection in the water for 80 minutes, while "water resistant" provides only 40 minutes of protection.

How to Protect Face Skin in the Winter

2008-07-17T04:23:00.000-07:00

Your Face Needs Extra Care in Winter

Cold, winter wind can wreak havoc on skin. To keep your face supple in winter, apply moisturizer to your face before going out into the cold and cover your face with a scarf in harsh wind.

If you have super, duper sensitive skin, consider avoiding rinsing your face with tap water, which can contain harsh minerals that are especially drying to the skin (Dr. Dennis Gross once said New York water contains a lot of harsh minerals, while Seattle water, for example, does not. Go figure).

Instead, do like the French and cleanse skin in winter with a cleaner that does not require rinsing, like Pond's Cold Cream. You can also rinse with special water that contains selenium and chamomile, suggests beauty expert Valerie Monroe in the September, 2006 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine.

Extra tip: Try spritzing your face with facial water before applying moisturizer several times during the day in the office. The water locks in moisture and leaves skin refreshed even in harsh office heat.

Don't Forget Your Lips

Licking your lips will not moisturize them and instead will help dry them out. Lips retain less moisture than other parts of the body, so they tend to dry out more quickly. A simple lip balm helps, as does my all-time favorite lip trick learned in high school from "Seventeen" magazine: moisturize your lips with Vaseline. Take a toothbrush and "brush" your lips in a circular motion. This will remove dead flakes and leave your lips soft and supple.

Consider Fish Oil Pills

New studies show omega-3 fish oil pills may soothe super dry skin. Patients who took fish oils pills in a study reported in Allure magazine, saw significant results within a few weeks. "You can see, within six weeks, the skin, hair and nails improve markedly," according to skin expert Dr. Andrew Weil in Allure. Ever since I started taking fish oil pills in March, 2007, I have received numerous compliments on how amazing my skin looks. So there you have it.

How to Protect Skin in the Winter

2008-07-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

Skincare is totally seasonal, just like your wardrobe. In summer, you're busy with sun protection (aren't you?) and self-tanners, while in winter you may seem addicted to moisturizers because your skin gets so dried out and flaky (this is called "winter itch"). So why the dry skin in winter? Low temperatures, low humidity and strong, harsh winds deplete skin of its natural lipid layer which keeps the skin from drying out.

To keep your skin feeling dewy and moist even in the harsh winter weather, follow these tips:

Keep Water Lukewarm, Not Hot

Hot water robs skin of moisture, so it's best to shower in lukewarm water. If you can't bear this rule -- I can't -- try to keep your warm showers short and try showering only once per day. This also means skipping the hot tubs in winter (another rule I simply cannot bear). The hot, hot temperature, combined with drying chemicals, is torture on skin.

The same rule applies to hand-washing: Wash hands in lukewarm, never hot, water (this is a rule I firmly abide by). If your skin turns red, the water is simply too hot.

Moisturize After Showers or Handwashing

Moisturizer is the key to soft, supple skin in winter. Apply product when skin is slightly damp. For best effect, pat skin dry instead of rubbing with your towel before application.

Antibacterial soap in public places can be harsh on hands, so I like to keep hand salve in my purse . To keep cuticles soft, I massage in olive oil.

Extra tip: I love keeping moisturizer and facial water on my desk at work. and then dab on moisturizer. The water locks in moisture and leaves my skin refreshed even in harsh office heat.

Exfoliate on a Weekly or Semi-weekly Basis

Moisturizer is much more effective on properly exfoliated skin. Use a scrub in the shower and exfoliate facial skin with a mild scrub made for the face.

It's best to scrub skin when it's dry, according to Marcia Kilgore, the founder of Bliss Spa in New York, in InStyle Magazine's September, 2005, issue. Apply scrub to dry skin before you turn on the water (mix with lotion if it's not moist enough). Massage the scrub in for a good five minutes for best results.

Extra tip: Dry brush skin before a shower with a body brush to remove flaky skin (it's more effective than brushing in the shower).

Invest in a Humidifier

Furnaces rob air of moisture, leaving very little humidity in the air. I once read that your skin needs more than 30 percent humidity to stay properly moisturized. A room heated by a furnace can have as little as 10 percent moisture. In the winter, consider sleeping with a humidifier in your bedroom. Keep doors closed so the moist air doesn't escape the room.

Skip the Drying Soaps

Stick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin or petrolatum, such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash (my current drugstore pick).

Extra tip: Simply can't skip the bath? Skip the bubbles, which can contain harsh foaming ingredients and opt for bath oils or oatmeal scrubs, which are great for soothing itchy skin.

Baby Your Hands & Feet

Hands and feet can suffer terribly in winter. Put on moisturizer and gloves BEFORE you head outdoors, and consider lathering up your feet in thick moisturizer and sleeping in cotton socks at night.

Extra tip: Cover feet in a thick moisturizer, wrap feet in Saran Wrap, then pull on a pair of socks for a couple hours. Try to sit or lie down while the moisturizer soaks in or risk sliding into a full split and pulling your groin muscles. The same treatment can be done on hands, except try plastic bags and keep hands in a pair of socks. A half-hour should do you.

Stay Hydrated But Don't Go Overboard

Many people believe if they drink more water, they'll hydrate skin. But I've read time and time again that this is a myth and you simply cannot moisturize skin from the inside out.

That said, a small study recently published by the University of Hamburg (and reported in Allure magazine), suggests people who drink relatively little water could see a significant benefit in skin hydration if they started drinking nine eight-ounce glasses of water per day. What does this mean? Probably that dehydration does affect skin, but a normally hydrated person isn't going to see major benefits by drinking even more water. My advice: don't expect bottled water to save you from winter itch.

Hair Removal -- How Waxing & Sugaring Works

2008-07-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

Waxing is the application of a sticky substance to skin. The resin binds hair to a strip of cloth, which is yanked off (usually in the opposite direction of hair growth). Hair is removed from the roots and will eventually grow back. Sugaring, an alternative to wax, is made up of a mixture of lemon juice, sugar and water. Hair needs to be longish for the waxing to work because the wax needs to bind on the hair in order for it to be yanked out (notice how we refuse to use the tamer word, 'pull'?). The pain factor here is high. But the first time hurts the most. Hair grows in thinner. (We swear). So after a couple times it hurts a bit less. Waxing and sugaring lasts about 2 to 6 weeks and costs $10 U up for upper lips to up to $75 for legs.

Waxing your own legs can be tricky and sticky. But do it right and you can save yourself a lot of money from the salon.

Difficulty: Average

Time Required: 30 minutes

Here's How:

Ensure hair is long enough to wax. Hair needs to grow out 1/4 inch (the wax needs hair to stick to otherwise it can be yanked out by its roots).
Two days before exfoliate legs to remove dead skin.
Apply baby powder to skin. Baby powder removes oils helping the wax stick better to hair.
Heat wax in microwave or by immersing container in warm water (follow the package instructions methods vary widely).
Work in small sections. Apply wax in the direction of hair growth. For proper application hold the stick at a 90-degree angle & apply a smooth thin layer.
Before wax cools completely apply the strip to wax
To remove strip peel it in the opposite direction of hair growth. Don't pull straight up, it's less painful to keep the strip as close to skin as possible. If the area stings it can help to apply pressure on immediately after the strip removal.
Apply a lotion containing salycylic acid to prevent ingrown hairs.
To remove excess wax on skin use a body oil do not try to remove wax with hot water. Also consider a sugaring kit like Moom Sugar. Sugar washes off much easier than wax.

Tips:

If you're using Retin A Renova or Accutane don't wax that area of the skin. You're much more susceptible to rashes & irritation.
Take 2 ibuprofen pills an hour before your treatment to cut down on the pain.

What You Need:

Wax kit (comes with the spatula, wax and strips)
Hairy legs
Post-waxing cream (see Step 8 above for product info

What is Threading?

2008-07-16T07:26:00.000-07:00

Threading is an ancient Middle Eastern technique that is becoming common in the United States with threading shops popping up in every big city as we speak. Many of the top beauty editors in NYC get their brows threaded rather than waxed. (I am a big fan of the thread and get mine done in a little shop in the subway at Rockefeller Plaza).

How does it work? An aesthetician uses a doubled-up strand of cotton thread to twist around individual hairs, then pulls them out from the roots. The procedure is used mainly on the eyebrows and upper lip.

Threading is faster than tweezing. The average eyebrow procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes, while tweezing takes about 20 minutes.

Cost is relatively cheap: it starts at $5. We suggest trying a professional threading job, then maintain your new brow line yourself with tweezers.

Laser Hair Removal Facts

2008-07-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

I've tried laser hair removal on my legs and bikini to great success. But before you sign up for these very costly treatments, you should read up on the facts to determine if laser hair removal really is for you.

Who's a Good Candidate?

Lasers and pulsed lights work best on people with dark hair and light skin. There are new devices created to work on light hair and dark skinned people, but from what I've read, they work only 'so-so.'

A new device, Aurora by Syneron, uses both intense pulsed light and radio frequency to treat women with blonde or gray hair, but they are only about 50% as effective as other lasers.

As for dark or tanned skin, lasers can cause discoloration (read why below) unless you use a machine created for dark skin. Ask for the ND Yag laser, states Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD in the July 2004 issue of InStyle magazine. (Woolery-Lloyd is the director of ethnic skin at the University of Miami).

How it Works

Lasers use pulsed light to target, break down and destroy the melanin (dark pigment) in hair. This is why it works only on dark hair. Lasers will also target the melonin in dark skin, which can cause discoloration. According to Michelle, my aesthetician at Completely Bare salon in NYC, hair grows in three phases: growing, resting and shedding. Lasers and pulsed lights targets hair in the growth phase.

When Does Hair Fall Out?

Hair falls out within 10-14 days. I use a mild sugar scrub in the shower on the 10th day, which helps exfoliate the skin and remove hair.

What Areas Can be Treated?

Lasers and pulsed light target several follicles at once, so you can treat large areas of skin. While it would take years to perform electrolysis on the back or legs, a typical laser hair removal session on both legs usually takes under two hours. Lasers are great for treating the back, shoulders, arm and chest.

For upper lip and chin, lasers work but only on dark hair. If you want to ensure the blonde hairs are zapped, your better bet is electrolysis for permanent hair removal in these areas.

How Long Do They Take?

It takes 4-6 laser hair removal sessions spaced 4 weeks apart to see 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth. For best results, Michelle suggests getting maintenance treatments done once a year for a couple years at least.

Are Results Guaranteed?

No. Laser hair removal works better on some people than others. No one knows for sure what the regrowth rates are. Some people notice regrowth after several months or years, while others find they never have to shave again. The average experience is 70-80 percent reduction in hair growth if you do a full 4-6 course treatment.

It's worth mentioning that like most technology, lasers have come a long way over the past few years. A friend of mine spent a lot of money to have his back done only to have it fail. He ended up having great success with the much more time-consuming electrolysis.

How to Prepare

Once it's determined what type of laser or pulsed light machine will be used, you'll likely be told to either shave the day of your treatment or three days before. Check with your aesthetician before you show up. I've come in freshly shaved only to be sent home.

What's the Pain Factor?

The pulsed light in laser hair removal feels like a rubber band popping against your skin, although some machines perform differently. Not every zap will hurt and I've found some areas (lower legs) hurt more than others (thighs).

I strongly advise taking a couple ibuprofen an hour before your session. Others recommend numbing skin 20 minutes before your session with a spray or cream that contains 4 percent lidocaine. InStyle magazine recommends Gigi's Anesthetic Numbing Spray.

Pick the Right Expert

Many salons advertise cheap and discounted procedures, but I've been told the best places don't have to resort to discounts. Do your homework before signing up for services. Book only with a dermatologist or licensed technician.

Top 10 Shaving Tips

2008-07-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Shaving first became popular during World War II when nylon stockings were in short supply and bare legs became a trend that has yet to cease.

Today, more and more women are turning to waxing and some are trying laser hair removal , however, shaving remains the least expensive form of hair removal. Here are 10 tips and tricks to ensure you're doing it the right way and cutting down on the nicks and irritation so common to shaved skin.

1. The trick to shaving is to wet your skin and let it soften from the heat and moisture. You don't want to shave dry skin. Shaving is a natural exfoliator and you'll clog up the razor with dead skin while putting yourself at risk for nicks.

2. There's no need to waste your money on shaving creams formulated especially for women. They are virtually the same as the creams sold for men. (Now if you can just find a scent you can live with).

3. You are going to have to experiment with razors until you find the perfect one for you. Ask your friends for recommendations and look for a razor with lubricated strips, pivoting heads and spring-mouonted multiple blades. I've sampled several types and varieties and was amazed at how different each feels. My favorite? The Gillette Venus razor. Another great and new bet: Schick Quattro for Women, which has four super-thin blades and a pivoting head.

4. Be sure to change razors or cartridges on a regular basis, a dull blade can lead to nicks. Also, it's best not to borrow your guy's razor. His hair is coarser and will dull a blade. (Plus, don't men typically hate it when women borrow razors?)

5. Be sure to exfoliate your skin before shaving. It gets rid of all the dead skin cells that could clog up your razor, preventing a close shave.

6. Since your leg hairs grow down, you'll want to start at your ankles and shave up. For your underarms, you'll need to shave in every direction since the hair there grows every which way.

7. When finished, apply oil or moisturizer. The skin on your legs has few oil glands and has a tendency for dryness.

8. Ingrown hairs are caused when the hairs curl back under the skin. Avoid ingrowns by exfoliating daily and using a glycolic acid body lotion.

9. If you have a chronic case of ingrown hairs, try Tend Skin, an over-the-counter lotion for ingrown hairs, applying it in the morning and at night. The bumps should disappear within a couple days.

10. Consider opting for waxing, at least on your legs. You'll find that if you have coarser hair, it won't grow back as fast

Hair Removal

2008-07-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

These days there are many options to hair removal. It's not just about the razor anymore. Different hair removal methods work better on different areas & skin tones. Find out when -- & what -- to shave, wax, tweeze & laser.

1-Laser hair removal
2-Threading
3-Shaving
4-Waxing

All about soap

2008-07-16T07:12:00.000-07:00

Funny thing happens when you stand in the soap aisle. You get overwhelmed. And then you go to the boutiques & the department stores & they are filled with $20 bars of soap & $30 bottles of bath gel. So really then, do women who bath with $80 bath bars have better skin than someone who rubs on the, oh, say Ivory? (We do hate that smell, by the way). No really. But then again if they can afford $80 bath bars, they probably pay for $200 monthly facials & body scrubs as well. Sigh.

Ok, ok, we'll get down to the real nitty gritty. The truth is the best body cleansers are pure & simple. Plain works just as well as fancy. Here's the rundown:

Deodorant soap These soaps actually contain bacteria-killing chemicals that can dry out your skin. Regular soap will get rid of odors just as well.
Anti-bacterial soap The only people who really need this special soap are doctors, elementary school teachers and those with bad back acne. Normal soap (again, Ivory, Dove or any other typical bath bar found just about anywhere) will keep you just as clean and bacteria-free.
Shower & bath gels Most bath & shower gels contain sodium laurel sulfate, a chemical that can be drying to your skin. Who knew? Yep. Might as well keep them for your guests only or for special occasions. They are fun to use after all.

How To Do The Basic At-Home Facial

2008-07-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing better than getting a professional facial, but they can be expensive. To maintain your healthy skin between professional treatments or to do them yourself, try this basic at-home facial once a week. This basic facial works on oily, dry and combination skin.

And don’t worry, I’m not going to make you whip up a batch of egg-whites & oatmeal. If you want natural, do-it-yourself recipes, see ‘Make Your Own Face Mask.’

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: 25-30 minutes

Here's How:

Cleanse the skin
You’ll want to wash the face to remove any grime or dirt. If you have oily or combination skin, try a cleanser . Wash Away Gel Cleanser or Purpose Gentle Cleansing Wash . For dry skin, your best bet is a cream or milky cleanser .
Exfoliate
Using your fingers, rub a gentle exfoliating scrub in a circular motion on your face. Concentrate on the areas around your nose and forehead or if you have combo skin, work harder on the areas that tend to be ‘greasy.’ Rinse your face well since exfoliating scrubs tend to be drying.
Steam[/br] Fill your sink with warm water, dip a washcloth in and press to your face. Repeat 2-3 times.
The mask
For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask.
Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes (or, according to the directions on the product). Rinse completely. Want to go all out and make your own natural face masks?
Moisturize
Smooth on a soothing, basic moisturizer such
Tip: Stay away from strong moisturizers containing retinols or acids. These will over-exfoliate your skin.

What You Need:

Gentle cleanser
Exfoliating scrub
Warm water & a washcloth
Clay-based or cream facial mask (based on skin type)
Basic moisturizer

Homemade Face Mask for Sensitive Skin

2008-07-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

This mask is great for soothing chapped, sunburned or otherwise irritated skin.
Extra tip: This mask works well for other skin types as well. For oily skin, add a couple drops of lemon or lime juice. For dry skin, mix in a couple tablespoons of honey.

Ingredients:

1 cup natural yogurt (we like it just-out-of-the-fridge cold)
½ cup oatmeal (any type of basic oatmeal works here)

Preparation:

Mix the ingredients together.
Apply to the skin for 10-15 minutes.
Wash off mask with a washcloth steamed in the microwave (careful that it's not too hot).

Two other fun options for oatmeal face masks:
Egg whites. Mix the oatmeal and an egg white. Let the mixture dry on face, then gently wash off with a few splashes of warm water. Follow with a steaming washcloth to the face.

Peptol-Bismol. A friend of mine uses Pepto-Bismol with oatmeal for her masks. She got this tip years ago from a magazine. She suggests the active ingredient (bismuth subsalicylate) in Pepto-Bismol soothes your stomach as well as your face.

Homemade Face Mask for Aging Skin

2008-07-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

Sugar is a preferred exfoliant to salt because it tends not to tear at the skin. When dead skin collects on the surface of skin, it's important to slough it away. This helps clear up clogged pores. When skin isn't exfoliated, it can appear ashy.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp sugar
3 tbsp warm water

Preparation:

Stir sugar into warm water so that it melts.
Make sure granules are dissolved, otherwise they could tear your skin.
Apply to the face.
Gently massage around the skin.
Rinse with warm water OR I like to take a warm washcloth that's steamed in the microwave. Make sure the washcloth is not too hot.

Homemade Milk Mask for Dry Skin

2008-07-16T06:27:00.000-07:00

This recipe makes a mask for two

Ingredients:

1 tsp powdered milk
1 tbsp runny honey
1 tsp aloe vera gel
2 drops essential oil

Preparation:

This is a classic milk mask for the face. Mix ingredients well, apply to face, let sit for 15 minutes, wash off with warm water. This recipe is enough for two. (Note: The original recipe called for 1 tbsp pulverized almonds, but I have removed it from the ingredients list because almonds, no matter how pulverized, can tear at skin).

Homemade Face Mask for Dry Skin

2008-07-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Avocados and honey are particularly moisturizing.

Ingredients:

½ avocado
¼ cup honey

Preparation:

A classic recipe for dry skin. Mash the avocado in a bowl, then stir in honey.
Apply to skin and leave for 10 minutes.
Rinse face with a cool washcloth.

Homemade Face Mask for Combination Skin

2008-07-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

This mask, based on roses, is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.

Ingredients:

Optional: 6 fresh rose petals
2 tbsps rosewater
1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
1 tbsp runny honey (to get honey runny, you can warm it in a microwave for a few seconds).

Preparation:

Soak rose petals, then crush them in a bowl.
Add the rosewater, yogurt and honey.
Mix well and apply to the skin.
Leave on for 10 minutes.
Rinse.

Simple Mask for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

2008-07-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

This recipe is adapted from Paula Begoun's book, 'The Beauty Bible'. According to Begoun in her famous book, Milk of Magnesia is actually liquid magnesium. Like clay, it's from the earth, but has disinfecting qualities and absorbs oil better than clay. A friend of mine tried this and said her skin never felt better. She loved the natural qualities of the mask, which she doesn't find in storebought products.

Ingredients:

1 bottle Milk of Magnesia (Paula insists no flavors, please)

Preparation:

Apply the Milk of Magnesia to face.
Wash with cool washcloth after 10-15 minutes.

Homemade Clay Mask for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin

2008-07-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Clay masks help neutralize skin. You can pick up clay from any health-food store.

Ingredients:

A basic fuller's earth clay (if skin is sensitive, French green clay is a good option)
1 tsp honey
water (for a richer mask, substitute half-and-half)
your favorite essential oil

Preparation:

I find it's best to mix 2 parts water (or half and half) to 1 part clay, mixing in a bit of honey.
Add more water (or cream) if clay is too dry.
Add a few drops of the essential oil.
Keep mask on for 15 minutes.
Rinse off with a steaming washcloth (I like to steam my washcloths with a couple drops of the essential oils in the microwave, but make sure washcloth is not too hot).
Tip: This recipe works for dry or normal skin too. Add another tablespoon of honey and add a few drops of essential oils for your skin type.

Homemade Juice Mask for Oily Skin

2008-07-16T06:21:00.000-07:00

Strawberry and lemon juice contain natural astringents. Note: Recipe works for two people, so invite a friend, or cut recipe in half for just you.

Ingredients:

1 tsp lemon juice
2 egg whites
3 tsp honey
1 cup strawberries
Optional: 4 drops of your favorite essential oils

Preparation:

Mash or blend the above ingredients.
Smooth over face.
Let it stay for 10 minutes.
Rinse.

Banana Mask for Oily Skin

2008-07-16T06:20:00.000-07:00

This is a soothing face mask and great if you have bananas around the house.

Ingredients:

1 banana, preferably ripe (you can keep ripe bananas in the freezer. Let it thaw before using)
1 tbsp honey
An orange or a lemon

Preparation:

Mix the banana and honey together.
Add a few drops of juice from an orange or a lemon.
Apply to face for 15 minutes before rinsing with a cool washcloth or a steaming warm washcloth.

Homemade 'Cat Litter' Mask for All Skin Types

2008-07-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1 bag cat litter (must be marked '100 Percent Natural Clay')
Water
Drops of your favorite essential oil

Preparation:

Mix in a couple tablespoons of the cat litter with water and drops of oil (we find the oil helps make the experience somehow less kitty litter-ish)
Apply mask to face
Wash off after 15 minutes.

Yogurt Face Mask for All Skin Types

2008-07-16T06:18:00.000-07:00

This simple (only two ingredients!) cooling mask is great for soothing a sunburnt face. It's great for all skin types.

Prep Time: 2 hours,

Ingredients:

1 tbsp natural yogurt, room temperature (not lowfat or non-fat)
1 tsp runny honey (microwave for a few minutes to soften hardened honey)

Preparation:

Combine mixture, then apply to face.
Let sit for 15 minutes.
Wash face with steaming washcloth.
For dry skin, use an extra tsp of honey.
Oily skin? Add a few drops of fresh lime juice.

Homemade Clay Mask for All Skin Types

2008-07-16T06:13:00.000-07:00

Masks (homemade or otherwise) should stay on for 10-15 minutes. Follow with a cleansing and a thin layer of moisturizer.

Ingredients:

1½ tsp green clay (French is preferred)
½ tsp kaolin clay
1½ tbsp aloe vera gel
1 tbsp rosewater
2 drops rose essential oil

Preparation:

Mix green and kaolin clays together.
Add in the aloe vera gel, rosewater and oils.
Refrigerate mixture for up to four weeks.

Make Your Own Homemade Face Mask

2008-07-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

You can use basic ingredients found around the house to make your own simple, hydrating masks. If you have oily or acne prone skin, mud or clay-based masks are great for balancing out your skin. Dry skin will benefit from hydrating masks made from glycerin, honey and oils. Ginseng or green tea masks are great for soothing skin.

Masks (homemade or otherwise) should stay on for 10-15 minutes, should follow with a cleansing and a thin layer of moisturizer.

Here are recipes we've gathered over the years arranged by skin type.

All Skin Types

Homemade Clay Mask for All Skin Types

Yogurt Face Mask for All Skin Types

Homemade 'Cat Litter' Mask for All Skin Types

Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

Banana Mask for Oily Skin

Homemade Juice Mask for Oily Skin
Strawberry and lemon juice contain natural astringents.

Homemade Clay Mask for Oily or Acne-Prone Skin
Clay masks help neutralize skin. You can pick up clay from any health-food store.

Simple Mask for Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Recipe adapted from Paula Begoun's 'The Beauty Bible.'

Combination Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Combination Skin
A rose-based mask is perfect for balancing out the oily and dry areas of your skin.

Dry Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Dry Skin
Avocados and honey are particularly moisturizing.

Homemade Milk Mask for Dry Skin

Aging Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Aging Skin

Sensitive Skin

Homemade Face Mask for Sensitive Skin
This soothing mask is great for chapped, sunburned or irritated skin.

What Type of Skin Do You Have?

2008-07-16T05:46:00.000-07:00

There are five basic skin care types: Oily, combination, sensitive, dry and sun-damaged. Your skin type is determined by how much -- or how little -- oil your skin produces. Genes, diet, stress level, medication and even your skincare regimen all determine how much oil your skin produces.

Rona Berg, in her book, "Beauty the New Basics," details the five different skin types. Here's how to tell what skin type you have.
Berg suggests you take the "skin test." Wash your face, pat it dry, then take a few pieces of rice paper or lens-cleaning tissue paper and press on different spots on your face. If your skin is oily, the paper will stick, pick up oily spots and become translucent. If the paper doesn't stick or pick up any oily spots, your skin is dry. If it sticks in your t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) then you have combination (or normal) skin. About 70 percent of women have combination skin.{br]
Here are the five different skin types and their characteristics.

Type 1: Oily Oily skin tends to shiny with enlarged pores, and is prone to blackheads and blemishes. You might experience some tightness.
Type 2: Combination/normal This skin type has medium pores, a smooth and even texture, good circulation, healthy color, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone.
Type 3: Sensitive Sensitive skin tends to be thin, delicate with fine pores. It flushes easily, is prone to broken capillaries, is frequently allergic and can be rashy.
Type 4: Dry Dry skin feels tight, especially after cleansing. You have a tendency towards fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches. In women of color, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin buildup.
Type 5: Aging or sun-damaged This skin also feels tight with visible wrinkles, slack skin tone -- especially around the cheeks and jawline -- with leathery texture and broken capillaries.

Exfoliating the Face with Face Cloths

2008-07-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

With all of the new products and tools available to wash your face, trying to pick the facial cleanser that's "just right" for you can be confusing. Not too long ago, the only choices you had if you wanted to wash your face were bar soaps and cold creams. Now there are whole aisles devoted to various faclal cleansing options. To cut down on the cleansing confusion, you should make sure you read Skin Care 101.

Introducing the Face Cloth

One of the new types of facial cleansers is the face cloth. No, not the wash cloth that's hanging above your bathroom sink. These face cloths are specifically designed to cleanse your face, and they are very popular. Many enjoy the feel of a cool cloth on the face, and they are more sanitary than bar soaps, as they are designed for one-time use. One downside, however, is that they are more expensive than conventional cleansers.

Types of Face Cloths

Face cloths come in different varieties, and some are more appropriate for certain skin types and needs than others.

Face Cloth Lathering
One way to classify varieties of face cloths is based on whether they lather or not.

Lathering cloths require wetting to activate the cleanser and rinsing off afterward. Some have a moisturizer embedded that helps hydrate the skin after cleansing. In one study, people with rosacea were able to use this type of cloth without too much irritation, so it should be OK for other types of sensitive skin, too.

Non-lathering cloths are pre-moistened towelettes that clean the skin by wiping the surface; you do not need to rinse your face after using one. They generally don't have a moisturizer embedded, but they can remove eye makeup without any irritation around the eyes.

Face Cloth Weave

Another way to classify face cloths is by how they are made. The weave of the cloth, especially, can indicate which option may be best for you.

Open-weave cloths have holes in between the fibers, making the cloth softer. These cloths are better for sensitive skin types. Closed-weave cloths have a tighter weave, which offers more exfoliation. These cloths tend to be better better for oily skin types or people who want an option that acts more like a scrub.

Facial Cleaning Tools

2008-07-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

Do you think your face needs a more thorough cleansing than it gets with just soap? If so, you're not alone. This need to clean the skin "better" has spurred the invention of different face cleaning tools. Beware. You may feel like you're getting a deeper clean. But, just like abrasive scrubs, these cleaning tools can cause too much dryness and tiny injuries on the face.

Let's take a look at four popular face cleaning tools and how they affect the skin.

Woven Mesh Sponge

The original mesh cleanser was the Buf-Puf. It was made of non-woven polyester fibers designed to unclog pores. The fibers were held together with a glue that didn't dissolve or soften after it was soaked in water. This made the fibers very stiff and harsh.

Now, Buf-Puf sponges are made of a softer woven mesh. They also come in four different "strengths" depending on how soft or firm the fibers are.

Facial Cloths

One of the most popular tools for cleaning the face is the facial cloth. Some cloths have soap and moisturizers embedded in them and lather after you get them wet. Others don't have a lathering soap and work more like a moist towelette. Because facial cloths are a good choice for many skin types, get more in-depth information about washing your face with facial cloths.

Cleansing Pouch

The cleansing pouch is actually a variation of the facial cloth. The pouch is made of two open-weave cloths that have holes of various diameters. A plastic membrane with cleanser embedded is sandwiched in between the cloths, and the size of the holes determines how much of the cleanser gets to the skin. While it does control the amount of cleanser that's released, the cleansing pouch doesn't exfoliate as much as a non-woven cleansing cloth.

Face Brush

The latest facial cleansing tool is the Clarisonic face brush, made by the same company that developed the Sonicare Toothbrush. And yes, this brush works like an electric toothbrush for the face.

It's a hand-held device that has an oscillating brush head with soft bristles. You use your own cleanser: The brush lathers it and cleanses your face. The level of exfoliation or irritation depends on the type of bristles used, the type of cleanser used, and the amount of pressure applied to the skin.

Is One Of These Tools Right For Me?

The makers of all these tools claim their products are gentle enough to use on your face, even if you have dry, sensitive skin. However, studies have shown that using a tool to exfoliate the face causes more dryness and irritation. Some types of facial cloths are an exception because they do little exfoliating. You can find out more about the best facial cleansing routine for your skin.

Dr. Brannon's Bottom Line

The woven mesh sponge and face brush are the most abrasive facial cleansing tools. If you have very oily skin, you might want to rotate one of these tools into your facial routine every couple of days to help exfoliate and remove sebum. If you don't have very oily skin, stick with a facial cloth designed for your skin sensitivity.

Facial Cleanser Options

2008-07-16T05:37:00.000-07:00

Is the soap you use for your face the same one you use for your body? If so, you probably don't realize that the sensitive skin on your face needs a milder cleanser.

All Cleansers Are Not the Same

While there are different tools for face washing, most people use some type of soap. Even though some facial and body cleansers are made of most of the same ingredients, there are significant differences. Facial cleansers are milder on the skin because the surfactant they contain is milder than that of body cleansers. Some liquid body cleansers even have a harsher than usual surfactant, which manufacturers make up for by adding a good, but heavy, moisturizing system. That moisturizing system is based on the inclusion of emollients in the cleansing formula. Facial cleansers use different emollients, as the ones found in body cleansers leave behind a heavy, greasy feeling.

These differences in formula contribute to why facial cleansers tend to be more expensive than body cleansers (very mild surfactants are more costly).

So What Are My Options?

There are different types of facial cleansers, and they have different effects on the skin. Soaps for the face can be divided into these three groups:

Foaming cleansers
Non-foaming cleansers
Abrasive scrubs

Let's take a trip down the skincare aisle..

Foaming Facial Cleansers

These facial soaps tend to have the most pleasing feel because they lather and leave behind a refreshing sensation after they're rinsed off. Foaming facial cleansers can come in a variety of types, including:

Lotions
Creams
Gels
Self-foaming cleansers
Aerosols
Scrubs

Non-Foaming Facial Cleansers

The non-foaming facial cleansers tend to be the mildest type of facial cleanser because they have a very small amount of surfactant and can be wiped off instead of rinsed off. Since these don't come in contact with water, they can deposit more of the cleanser's helpful ingredients (moisturizers, anti-oxidants) on the skin. Non-foaming cleansers typically include:

Creams
Lotions (sometimes known as milks)
Cold creams

Abrasive Scrubs

Abrasive scrubs contain ingredients that physically scrub the skin to help remove dead skin cells. The advantage of using a scrub is that it makes the skin smoother. The disadvantage is that the granules that do the actual scrubbing can cause irritation, redness, and even tiny cuts on the face.

The scrubbing particles used in a scrub determine how mild or harsh it is. Here, some common exfoliating granules that can be found in product ingredient lists:

Sodium tetraborate decahydrate granules (the mildest abrasive because the granules soften and dissolve when they get wet)
Polyethylene silica or beads (mild because the beads are smooth and round)
Jojoba esters (somewhat mild)
Cross-linked polymethacrylate (somewhat harsh because of its density)
Calcium carbonate (harsh because the particles are different sizes and gritty)
Ground seeds, such as apricot, almond and walnut seeds (harsh because they have rough edges)
Aluminum oxide (harsh because of its rough edges)

Sometimes finding the cleanser that works best with your skin, fits your budget and is to your liking takes a bit of trial and error. If you're uncertain about which option might be best for you, you can always consult with your dermatologist.