Perhaps you’ve seen recent pictures of Taylor Swift and thought “She looks different. I wonder if she’s had something done?” Well, all signs point to yes, but thankfully it looks as if the work done was very tastefully and proportionate to her thin frame. The photo on the right, taken in late April shows a much more well endowed Taylor that what we saw just a few months earlier. It looks as if Swift had modest breast implants to increase her bust from an A cup to a classy C cup. You can tell this isn’t just weight gain just by looking at the size of her waist and arms–tiny as always. And it’s not just a push up bra because the shirt she’s wearing is clingy enough to see the fullness at the top of her bust line.
We hope she deals with the press on this in a classy way. She doesn’t seem like one to lie. We imagine she’ll give a coy “maybe I did and maybe I didn’t but it’s none of your business” response. That said, she’s always been pretty forthcoming with her fans and we’d love it if she would come out with a statement admitting to it and explaining her reasons in a very adult fashion. Hopefully she’ll even talk about the risks of surgery and how she decided, after weighing the pros and cons, to go forward with it so that her fans know it’s not a decision to be taken lightly. It seems like when celebrities just admit to the surgery then people talk about it for a week or two and then everybody moves on. It’s when they deny obvious surgery (cough…Britney Spears…cough cough) that people talk about it forever and make a bigger deal out of something that’s, quite frankly, commonplace in Hollywood and very commonplace among celebrities.
Taylor, you looked beautiful before and you look beautiful now. Enjoy your new look!
Did you know Amy Adams isn’t a true redhead? That’s right! Amy Adams is actually a natural blonde and she dyes her hair to get that gorgeous rich red shade. As any blonde turned redhead knows, red hair dye fades faster than just about any other color. Regardless of what color you dye your hair, you’ll want to make certain you’re using a shampoo that will give you the best chance of keeping your color for a long time. Nobody wants to be in and out of the salon every month–not only is it costly, but all those chemicals will totally fry your hair! So here’s what to look for in a colored shampoo, along with our recommendations for the top colored hair shampoos.
1. Sulfate Free: Sulfates are the ingredients in most commercial shampoos that create lather. As much as we’ve been trained by clever advertising to believe a good lather means a good cleaning, all that lovely foam action is actually something you want to avoid if you have colored hair. Sulfates are surfactants, meaning they quite literally strip the surface of your scalp, making it squeaky clean. Unfortunately, they tend to strip the color right along with the oils and dirt. There are plenty of sulfate-free shampoos out there that will get your hair plenty clean , but still leave your color (and some of those nourishing natural oils) intact!
2. Silicone Free: Many commercial shampoos also contain silicone (the ingredients that end in “cone” on the label). Silicone’s are frequently added to shampoos because they create shine. That said, the shine effect is often temporary. See, silicones build up on your hair, which creates shine and color dulling residue. Thus, to get hair shiny and color looking true again you’ll be forced to use a super harsh clarifying shampoo which will most certainly strip your color.
3. Contains Protein: Colored hair is often dry and thirsty for moisture. But what it really needs, above all, is protein. Coloring the hair actually opens up the hair shaft and literally removes the hair’s natural protein. In truth, a shampoo that contains protein probably won’t give your hair enough protein. We also recommend a protein mask once a week. That said, a shampoo that contains protein is a great way to give your hair its daily fix.
I loved how this shampoo never dried out my hair. My color lasted much longer than with a traditional shampoo. That said, this shampoo does still contain some sulfate derivatives (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate), which are basically just milder versions of the mainstream sulfates. If you’re currently using a mainstream shampoo for normal hair, then switching to this will definitely be a step up. But you may not notice a difference if you already use shampoo for colored hair.
Those of you who prefer green or chemical free products will especially love this one. Aubrey Organics provides the most truly organic products we’ve ever found, and it just so happens their Colored Hair shampoo (the Rosa Mosqueta) is the best I’ve ever used! It’s very gentle and doesn’t lather much, so that may take some getting used to. But my color lasts twice as long now that I use this shampoo.
This is another favorite. It’s richer than the Aubrey Organic and creates more lather. It’s not quite as chemical free, but it’s very close and the chemicals it does contain are considered very non-toxic. This one would be the best option for those of you with thick hair. My fine hair can’t handle a lot of moisture so I prefer the AO. But if you’ve got thick or curly hair you’ll love this!
High-End: Don’t bother. The Best Value Shampoos listed above are the best available at any price range!
What’s not to love about this classic, gorgeous, yet laid-back hairstyle on Jessica Chastain at the 2012 Oscars!? This wavy half-up half-down hairstyle would be great for an easy going bride or an outdoor wedding. Chastain pulls it off beautifully. She looks so feminine and relaxed. So how can you get this style? It’s actually pretty easy!
1. First, you’ll want to prepare your hair to hold the waves. If you’ve got naturally stick straight hair, you may want to wash it the night before, as having some natural oils will help the waves from falling flat. Flip your head over and lightly mist a thickening spray on the lengths of your hair. My favorite is Bumble and Bumble’s Thickening Spray. It adds body without getting sticky and smells great!
2. Next, use a comb to create a loosely centered part. It doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, We like this look better when the part’s a little messy.
3. Now, we’ll create the height that Jessica Chastain has at her crown. The goal here is just to add volume: this look is about understated elegance, not drama. So no huge bouffants on this one. Simply grasp 1 inch sections of hair near your crown and begin using a fine toothed comb to tease in a little volume. Teasing can be dangerous so it’s best to use a seamless comb to avoid breakage. Once you’ve teased most of the hair around your crown, you can lightly use a boar bristle brush to smooth over the top of the teased area.
4. Then simply use a few bobby pins to secure the hair you’d like to include in the half-up portion. If you have bangs, leave them loose in front, but if not, you’ll want to pull it all back. But again, this style is about being relaxed. So don’t slick hair tightly back: let it fall somewhat naturally.
5. Next grab a 1 to 1 1/2 inch wide curling iron and begin curling 1 inch wide sections, always turning the curling iron away from your face. If you’ve got layers, try curling the shorter pieces toward your face to add a little natural-looking variation and volume. Be sure to leave the very ends of hair untouched by the curling iron as the extreme heat can cause split ends.
6. If you want to be sure your hair stays out of your face (like Chastain’s hair in this picture) you can also add a couple bobby pins behind each ear.
Typically, the autumn season stands as a time when fashion designers introduce new styles in their collections that they hope will become emerging trends. This time of daring and innovations is usually marked by both successes and failures as designers go out on a limb. With so many fashion choices available to the consumer, making the right choices can feel like a game of hit and miss.
However, there are three stylish fashions for fall that can be utilized in the creation of a functional and impressive wardrobe.
One of this year’s top trends to emerge from the top name designers is what industry experts are dubbing the collage effect. Essentially, the designers are creating garments with a high degree of texture contrast by using a mixture of different materials, colors, and patterns. While this kind of collage arrangement is nothing new, the designers have taken the use of different textures and appearances to another level by being willing to use non-traditional combinations in their creation.
Taking cues from the work of Alexander McQueen from previous collections, designers such as Dries Van Noten and Mary Katrantzou are bringing a new flair to traditional skirts, dresses, sweaters, and other pieces. While the majority of women will not be able to afford the cost of high design, the principles that drive the trend can be employed in any woman’s wardrobe. Combining materials like silk and wool or colors like gray and pink can deliver a strong contrast and catch a great deal of attention.
It may seem like homage to the 1950s and 1960s, but the use of polka dots by many top name designers is more than just a simple throwback to these decades. Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs, and others have started bringing the spots back into the mainstream by using them in new and exciting ways. In several of McCartney’s new dresses, the polka dots do not conform to uniform lines and are used almost like sequins to decorate and add emphasis to the clean lines. Jill Stuart has offered a glimpse of how designers may use polka dots in the future. Her fall collection showed a willingness to use the spots as background decoration with solid colors attracting the main focus of her skirts and shirts.
The new trends for fall fashion are all well and good, but women may also prefer to keep things simple by staying true to the classic lines dictated by the colder time of year. Traditional autumn fashion never falls out of style and a woman can pick up pieces, such as a black or gray pea coat, that will last for many years and still be in vogue.
A general rule for timeless fall fashion is to keep to muted colors and put the emphasis on the cut of the clothing rather than abundant colors that are more suited for spring or summer months. Fall lines should are normally less curvy and focus more on function rather than form. By saving this time of year for classic style, a woman will be able to build up an impressive wardrobe that allows her to keep pieces for many years.
Contributor: DailyMakeover.com – Find expert advice, fashion and beauty tips as well the latest celebrity hairstyle trends. Cutting edge Virtual Makeover Tool let’s you try on 1000’s of looks, from hairstyles to cosmetics and accessories. A must-stop website for any fashion and beauty enthusiast!
I have incredibly dry skin and as winter creeps closer, I am always game for trying a new moisturizer. And since I have developed an even stronger sensitivity to smell lately, my usual Vaseline Cocoa Butter Lotion wasn’t going to cut it anymore. I needed a hardworking moisturizer that I couldn’t smell working.
The beautiful words “Fragrance Free” got me interested in Olay’s Advanced Healing Intensive Lotion. I’ve been using it for about a month now and I think I have found a new favorite.
The bottle recommends to use it after shower or bath, which works great for me since I keep my lotion in the shower to do just that. The best thing about this product is how it seems to immediately absorb into my skin. I don’t feel greasy in any way after using it. With other lotions, I have sometimes felt like I needed to allow time for it to absorb before getting dressed, so I would swan about in my robe…which left me with a very moisturized robe, instead of moisturized body. But with Olay’s Advanced Healing Lotion I feel like I apply and there is no wait time – it just starts working.
Dermagenics contacted us at Latest Beauty to see if we would be interested in trying out their new Ultra Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer. It is an all-in-one moisturizer that eliminates the need for a separate day cream, night cream, under-eye cream, serums, etc…you know, all of the cute little bottles we have lining our vanity. Um, eliminate clutter, extra expenses and have awesome skin to boot? Yes, please. I am interested in trying out your new product.
Already, I love that the product has no discernible fragrance. I have always been sensitive to fragrances but for some reason that sensitivity has been heightened lately, so fragrance is a make-or-break factor these days. And when I put a dab of it on my hand (because I’ve already moisturized my face today) it really made my hand feel silky and soft. There is a definite textural difference from the area where I smoothed on the Dermagenics and the area that was only moisturized by the hand lotion I had applied about 30 minutes before receiving the package from Dermagenics. We’re off to a good start, Dermagenics and I.
I’m looking forward to giving this product a whirl and will keep you posted on how my skin is feeling and looking over the next few weeks!
Eva Mendes is showing us all how it is done at the opening of the Rome Film Festival yesterday. There is something very refreshing about the natural look that she is sporting here and it just goes to show that sometimes the most simple of looks can be the most beautiful. Her hair is very loosely styled without any pins or curls or statements. Her makeup looks almost nonexistent. Maybe some highlighter around her eyes, a sweep of blush on her cheeks, a natural lip gloss. Her dress is feminine, well-tailored and ladylike, without the need to overexpose any of her curves. Her platforms are a neutral shade of caramel brown with small grommets for texture. The overall effect is a quiet confidence that is very appealing and one that I certainly plan on emulating.
I think the dress is one of the first ingredients to making this look so effortless. I think this one from Anthropologie might be a good place to start my project of emulation. Add in these platforms from Steve Madden and I think we are well on our way!
I’m not the type of girl that wears a lot of makeup. Okay, who am I kidding? Normally, I’m just too lazy to put on makeup. But when I do, my routine is fairly simple: Bare Minerals foundation, a swipe of dark brown or black mac eyeshadow for eyeliner, Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft mascara, and a dab of Vaseline. And that’s it. It takes a total of 5 minutes.
But today, in particular, I want to discuss the mascara, because I think Maybelline’s Full ‘N Soft is probably the best mascara on the market. Believe me, I’ve strayed over the years and I’ve tried plenty of other mascaras, everything from the ones that claim to curl your lashes to the ones that claim to double the length and volume of your lashes–and a few in between. Most of them went clumpy and didn’t fulfill their promises.
However, the Full N’ Soft mascara has never let me down and I’ve been using this mascara since middle school! My lashes always look flawless and clump-free. It’s nothing fancy–it’s not going to make your lashes longer or more voluminous or curl your lashes. But it does the job for darker, thicker lashes. (I personally use the waterproof version in “very black.”)
The Simpson clan is no stranger to going under the knife. After all, Ashlee Simpson underwent a nose job while in the public eye. But did you know that Jessica Simpson has had her share of plastic surgery as well? The pop star has been famous for more than a decade now, but the changes to her face happened so gradually that you may have missed it. Consider this Jessica Simpson plastic surgery before/after shot: Her nose is narrower, her eyes wider and her lips fuller. While her features may have simply developed over time, it seems more likely that Jessica had a little surgical assistance along the way. A basic rhinoplasty procedure could help narrow and sculpt her nose, while injections are the most common solution for plumping one’s pout. It’s also possible that an eye-widening procedure was performed to give Jessica’s peepers a more perfect appearance. What do you think? Are the Jessica Simpson plastic surgery rumors true, or is it just another mean-spirited attempt to smear Jess in the press?
Are Jessica Simpson's full lips all natural or does she have her doctor to thank?
A lot has been said about Paris Hilton, but perhaps amid all of the sex scandals and drug charges, you missed out on one very obvious fact: Paris Hilton appears to have had plastic surgery! In fact, if you check out this Paris Hilton plastic surgery before and after, you’ll see that Ms. Hilton looks very different than she did when she was a teenager. While the shot on the left features a young, fresh-faced Paris sporting her natural nose, the picture on the right shows Paris as we see her today – and her nose couldn’t be more different. It’s clear that Paris has been under the knife for a rhinoplasty procedure, which would help narrow the bridge of her nose, giving it a more refined appearance and reshaping the cartilage at the tip. More defined cheekbones point to the possibility of cheek implants, and several different sources have speculated as to whether Ms. Hilton may have undergone breast implants as well. Of course, nothing’s shocking when it comes to the antics of this jetsetting heiress – but it’s still a bit of a surprise when you see just how obvious the change actually is. What do you think of Paris Hilton’s plastic surgery bombshell? Did you like her face better before or after her nose job?
Courtney Cox’s personal life has been a series of ups and downs lately. Her post-Friends series, Cougar Town, has been generating plenty of critical acclaim, and its ratings are on the rise. Yet Cox recently announced her separation from her husband of 11 years, David Arquette. (Although the two are separating, a divorce isn’t yet in the works, and sources say a reconciliation is a distinct possibility.) But Courtney Cox fans are probably still wondering one thing: Are the Courtney Cox plastic surgery rumors true or false? If you examine this Courtney Cox before and after shot, you’ll clearly see that the actress seems to have had some work done – particularly around her eyes and mouth. In the photo on the right, her smile lines have been minimized, her eyes look brighter, and her skin looks smoother as a whole. Procedures that could create these effects include Botox or other injectable fillers; facelifts; browlifts; eyelifts, and more. Of course, Courtney has never been one to shy away from talk of plastic surgery in interviews; in 2008, she described Botox as “fantastic and also horrible.” While she has clearly stated that she does not
consider plastic surgery to be out of the question, she has also said that “you have to use it sparingly” for the best results. What do you think? Has Courtney Cox’s plastic surgeon been using a sufficiently light touch on her famous face, or is she already starting to display the telltale signs of too much cosmetic alteration?
Has Courtney Cox had plastic surgery on her face to maintain her youthful appearance?
Beth Ditto may not be a household name just yet, but she’s already establishing herself as an icon in certain circles: The underground music scene, and the usually exclusive world of high fashion. In addition to fronting blues-punk-dance trio the Gossip, where she’s won fans for years with her considerable pipes and confrontational/celebratory stage presence, she is also a crusader for gay rights and fat acceptance. “Fat” is not a word Ditto shies away from; in fact, she owns it and makes no bones about what it’s like to be a size 28 fashion plate:
“I don’t understand all these women who say they feel betrayed by fashion. A piece of clothing can’t talk – it can’t tell you that you can’t have it – so really, you’re just telling yourself that. You make yourself the victim, because if you want clothes that bad, then make them yourself. You have to get creative if you’re fat.”
No matter what size you are, it’s hard not to feel inspired by Beth’s unapologetic, can-do attitude. She’s essentially telling women that they don’t have to commit themselves to “camouflaging” those extra pounds – they can flaunt them instead. And flaunt them she did at Paris Fashion Week last Saturday, when she opened and closed Jean Paul Gaultier’s spring/summer 2011 show in two of his rock’n'roll-inspired frocks, pictured above. She looks happy and confident, and at one point actually burst into song during her final walk, which ended with thunderous applause and an enthusiastic embrace from the legendary designer. Could this be the beginning of true size acceptance in the world of haute couture, or do you think Beth is just an exception to the size zero rule?
My older sister started adding botox and laser hair removal to her beauty regimen in her early 20s (she’s 26 now) and I always shuddered at the thought of injections and lasers, especially since my idea of makeup is putting on some eyeliner and swiping a bit of color on my lips. Typically, I’m too lazy to even put on makeup. But we’re only young for so long and beauty is fleeting, so it’s not that bad to be vain once in a while.
Recently, we had the opportunity to interview Ryan Bloch, President of Laser Cosmetica New York, and we asked him about several of the procedures he offers at his office.
Q: Can you first tell us a bit about Laser Cosmetica?
A: Laser Cosmetica was one of the first facilities to promote the concept of an exclusive focus on laser-based procedures and have grown to multiple locations in several cities, including New York, Miami, and Westchester. We’ve been around for almost nine years.
Q: What does the laser do?
A: It evens out skin tone and texture, and reduces pigmentation and wrinkles. To date, the results have been incredible.
Q: Is it possible to reduce cellulite?
A: Just about every woman thinks that they have cellulite. We use Accent radio frequency therapy to reduce cellulite. The device actually melts fat and helps people will lose weight.
Q: So, people have actually lost weight with these procedures?
A: Yes, our clients actually drop inches from their waist. We have achieved dramatic results for adults with many different body types. It works best with people who are in shape.
Q: Who would be an ideal candidate for skin tightening?
A: Skin tightening is particularly effective for the jowls and abdomen, as well as skin around the body. Some of the best candidates are people who have recently experienced massive weight reduction, women who are post pregnancy, and adults who want to counter the aging process. Skin tightening is restorative and brings your skin to previous pluck. You want your skin to snap back into place and that’s what this does.
Q: Is there a procedure that is particularly popular among middle-aged women?
A: I’d have to say wrinkle reduction using AffirmTM and our clients have seen dramatic improvements in their appearance thanks to this radical laser. Our wrinkle reduction laser is best laser that we own. (See more info here for wrinkle reduction procedures in their New York office)
Q: What about laser hair removal? Laser Cosmetica is well known for laser hair removal, but how safe is it, really?
A: Yes, we are among the most experienced providers of laser hair removal services in New York. We operate several lasers and can treat any type of skin. Lasers these days are safer than ever before and have greater effectiveness. The results have been great and one key feature is that there is no downtime.
Q: Do men come in for laser hair removal and other spa services?
A: Yes, men come in frequently. They make up approximately 30 percent of our clientele and the popularity of these services is growing with men.
(hmmm, quite interesting…)
So there you have it, ladies and gentleman. You are now more knowledgeable about laser cosmetic procedures. I’m particularly curious about reducing cellulite, but I know I can combat my cellulite with a clean diet and regular exercise! If you have any other pressing questions or comments, please leave them in our comments section, and we’ll try to respond promptly.
Are you familiar with the the Mexican celebration known as el Dia de los Muertos, a.k.a. the Day of the Dead? It’s a pretty big deal here in L.A. Basically, where Halloween is scary and spooky, Dia de los Muertos is happy and festive. People build altars and have picnics and processions in the cemetery to honor their deceased friends and relatives, and the iconography is colorful and fun, from calaveras face painting to sugar skulls. The aim is to remind people of their mortality while at the same time celebrating those who have passed on and demystifying death. It’s a fun alternative to Halloween, and one that is relatively underrated in mainstream American culture. That’s why I was so excited to see that, for their limited edition Halloween goodies this year, LUSH has focused on a Day of the Dead theme! Here’s what they have in store:
Calavera Ballistic Bath Bomb – A citrusy bath bomb full of lime oil and marigold petals, with colorful swirls of orange, pink and green.
Lady Catrina Soap – A sweet-scented soap with agave nectar and neroli oil, which comes from orange blossom flowers.
Calacas Shower Jelly – A wiggly, skull-shaped jelly with seaweed, aloe vera and lime oil.
What do you think of LUSH’s unconventional take on the season? Are you interested in any of these, or are you holding out for their Christmas goodies?
The way my skin feels and looks is always at the mercy of the changing seasons. Oily in the summer, and especially dry in the winter. No matter what, I’m constantly changing my routine, because sometimes, my daily dose of SPF and my trusty DDF Moisturizing Dew just isn’t going to cut it.
An amazing, yet little known, regimen for taking care of your skin, eliminating acne, and improving your skin as you age, is the medical facial. I had my first medical facial a couple of months ago at Rita’s Institute for Beautiful Skin located in sunny Santa Monica, and went in again recently. Both experiences were terrific, and I’m definitely going back in for a couple more trips to clean up my skin. Rita worked for Dr. Howard Murad for a number of years at the Murad Medical Group and Dr. Ava Shamban before opening up her own office. Her clientele includes A-list celebs, including model Marissa Miller. The medi-spa also has a loyal following…clients that move away make trips back to Los Angeles just to see Rita! See the Yelp reviews here and read for yourself!
One client writes, “There’s a real sense of clinical precision but with the luxury and ease of a spa.”
What is a Medical Facial?
Medical facials are designed by dermatologists and performed by estheticians. Most of the time, the products they use are only available in doctors’ offices, and not in regular spas.
The Process
I settled down under a warm comforter and Rita put lotion and heated gloves on my hands.
Rita first analyzes your skin before she does anything. Right away she could tell that I have a bad habit of picking at my skin. And I’ve promised to stop this terrible habit, but habits are hard to break! Then she explains to me the medical facial process and what exactly she’s going to do to my skin.
She begins the process by steaming my face for a few minutes to open up my pores.
Then she exfoliates the skin via chemical exfoliation, e.g. a glycolic acid peel.
Next comes the torturous part: the extractions. According to her website, “the core of her treatments involves a special technique she learned in Hungary where she precisely focuses on extraction angles which eliminates the formation of scars and red marks.” I must say that she is very thorough in her extractions.
After all the extractions, she puts some more stuff on my face, and then she zaps my skin with a wand, which gets rid of the bacteria. It feels a little weird.
After that she puts more stuff on my face, and I get pampered with a neck and shoulder massage.
Finally, she covers my face with dry ice to seal up my pores.
Voila! 55 minutes later, my skin has never felt cleaner. Rita sends me home with samples of SPF & facial cleanser for my skin.
Treatments start at $50. The European Cleansing Facial will set you back $170 and Rita’s Signature Treatment, $450.
October is here! And that means that you’re probably thinking about Halloween costumes, right? Well, with the economy still in a rather sorry state, you may not have substantial amounts of cash to invest in a costume – but you can still make an impression on October 31st. Why not take a cue from Ms. Tyra Banks herself, who made a splash at last night’s French Vogue 90th Anniversary Party in Paris? All you’ll need is fishnet stockings and some scissors!
First, let me preface this by saying that the event was, indeed, a costume party, so Tyra’s fishnet face wasn’t entirely out of place. Also, she is wearing a super lovely Roberto Cavalli gown paired with minimal makeup and accessories – elegant and understated, right? Well, from the neck down, at least. From the neck up, she is wearing…fishnets on her face. According to Tyra’s Twitter, the mask is “sum cheap FISHNET stockings I got n crazy store n Paris! I cut em up n made it y’all. N did my ow hair n makeup.” And lest you scoff, the old fishnet-on-the-head trick is actually startlingly similar to the fencing masks that Viktor & Rolf sent down the runway in 2008. So what do you think? Is this a viable last minute Halloween costume idea, or total red carpet abomination?
“Most of us weren’t blessed with perfect genes. But we’re bringing you the next best thing: perfect jeans.” – Paige Adams-Geller.
That is one of my favorite quotes from Paige Adams-Geller, the founder of Paige Premium Denim. Any girl that has ever gone jean shopping can attest that it’s probably one of the most self-esteem damaging experiences ever. We leave feeling too fat, or too skinny, or too tall, or too short. It’s hard to find a pair of jeans that fit perfectly!
Well, Paige Premium Denim is probably one of my favorite brands of jeans. I didn’t know that it was possible, but these jeans somehow make my legs longer and skinnier! (And who doesn’t want a pair of pants that make your butt & legs look better?) Isn’t that what every girl looks for in a pair of jeans? And Paige Adams-Geller knows her jeans. She spent decades working behind the scenes at 7 for all Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, and True Religion. I’m not a big fan of my True Religion jeans, but I love my Sevens and my Citizens of Humanity jeans. And I don’t like spending a lot of money on clothing. But for great fitting jeans, it’s totally worth it.
Celebrities that have been spotted in Paige jeans include: Jessica Alba, Rachel Bilson, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, Eva Longoria, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Cindy Crawford, and many many more!
I am one of the biggest advocates you will find of keeping skin healthy now so you don’t have to resort to surgery or needles later so you’ll look young. For me, that means washing my face every night, keeping my skin moisturized – face, neck and chest, – and wearing sunscreen, rain or shine. So a headline over at Yahoo definitely piqued my interest: 5 Surprising Ways You’re Ruining Your Skin. A few of the tips were not so surprising – getting enough rest and being a serious runner – were things I already knew about. But hearing about the dangers of tap water and steam rooms were interesting to learn about. But I would definitely add to the first tip about getting your prescriptions for your eyes up to date. The idea is that if you have to squint with your glasses or contacts, then you may be contributing to fine lines around your eyes. I would definitely add in the necessity for wearing sunglasses! Not only are you likely to squint less with shade for your eyes, but when you wear large frames like Jennifer Aniston’s in this picture, then you are protecting that delicate tissue around your eyes even further – if you have sunglasses with UV protection. You don’t have to get expensive sunglasses in order to have UV protection. Just make sure you read the description on the sunglasses carefully and always opt for 100% UV protection. It is better for your eyes, to help prevent cataracts, and it is better for your skin, to help prevent wrinkles.
After a brief flirtation with lip gloss, I’ve been moving back to my roots…in other words, lipstick. And while some ladies might prefer a shiny lipstick, I’ve always been a fan of matte. Unfortunately, matte lipstick isn’t always a pleasure to wear; it can be drying, settle into fine lines and generally feel heavy on the lips. That’s why I’m so happy to have found my official HG lip color: Revlon’s Matte Lipstick.
Basically, I love everything about this lipstick. First of all, it’s drugstore-cheap and easy to find. Even the packaging (one area in which drugstore brands often falter) is sophisticated and cool: A sleek black-and-silver tube with clear plastic on top so you can see the color inside. The lipstick has no discernible taste or smell, and once it’s on, it’s virtually weightless. It’s long-lasting and genuinely matte, and the colors are beautiful.
At the moment, I have three shades from this line: Nude Attitude (creamy beige), In the Red (true red) and Wine Not (burgundy). The only one that I have any issue with at all is Nude Attitude; it’s so light that it looks a little like I put concealer on my lips! Still haven’t really figured out how to make that one work for me, but it might look nice topped with a colored gloss or as part of an updated mod look with a strong eye. But In the Red and Wine Not are my go-to bold lip colors. In short, if you love matte lips, get thee to a drugstore and sample this line. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
What are your current lip obsessions? Share in a comment!
My best friend is getting married this weekend and I opted to do my own hair for the wedding. When I decided on that, I didn’t realize that all of the other bridesmaids would be getting their hair “done” at the salon and I would be the only one attempting to look “done” on my own. So now I’m in crisis mode, trying to find the best way to create an updo that is easy to recreate. I know I want to wear my hair up because the wedding is outside and I don’t want to have to battle the elements. It would probably be easiest just to straighten my hair and wear it down but since my hair is naturally wavy, chances are it would frizz up mighty quickly. I had decided on wearing a bun because of my new found friend, Goody Spin Pin, but adding a bit of pizazz will help everything look more polished. So I’m going to add in a braid. I found this great compilation picture of braided updos over at Hair.ph and I’m going to use it for inspiration:
By adding in a simple braid to garnish the sides of your hair, you can transform a normal bun to something red-carpet worthy. So here is how I’m going to create my hairstyle step-by-step:
Step 1: First I’m going to separate the portion of hair that I plan on braiding. It will start at my front part line and be about two inches thick. I will pin that atop my hair and save it for the end.
Step 2: Next I will use my 1″ curling iron and curl the rest of my hair in about 1 inch sections to give it body and depth, hairspraying each section as I go.
Step 3: Then I will lightly secure my curled hair with a hair tie just to keep it out of the way for a moment.
Step 4: Taking the portion-to-be-braided hair out of its pin, I will use the same curling iron as a straightener and smooth that section of hair.
Step 5: Now that the section is smoothed out, it is time to braid!
Step 6: Once the braiding is done, I will secure the braid with a small, clear hair tie.
Step 7: Gathering the curled hair I will gently wrap it into a low bun at the base of my neck and include the braided portion, hair tie and all, into that wrap.
Step 8: Using my spin pin, I will secure the bun making sure to also include the braid in the pin.
Step 9: Hairspray the heck out of the final style!
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