Last month, I was blown away by our First Lady’s glowing skin at an event.  I blogged about a tip I read on how to achieve a similar effect with oil and lotion.  The idea was to apply oil to your skin in the shower, with a washcloth.  You rinse off the excess and then apply lotion on your skin after you’ve toweled off…So how did it go when I tested it out myself?

Ladies, let me tell you:  This has become my new weekly luxury!  My skin has never felt this silky and smooth - at least, not since I was a baby!  I absolutely love how soft my skin stays for several days after I treat myself.  Through trial and error, I found the best way to go about the process:

1. After I’ve finished bathing, I take a dry washcloth and generously put Johnson’s Cocoa Butter Baby Oil Gel on it.  Then I apply the oil all over wet skin, focusing on my legs and arms. Bonus:  the dry washcloth exfoliates skin.

2. Next I carefully rinse off the oil that hasn’t been absorbed.  I emphasize “carefully” because the tub gets really slippery!

3.  After patting dry with a towel, I lock in the moisture with Vaseline’s Cocoa Butter Lotion, all over.

4.  I slip into a robe for about 30 minutes so that all of the yummy moisturizing products soak into my skin and not my clothes.  I liken the robe to how you would put on gloves after moisturizing your hands.

Voila!  Softest.  Skin.  Ever.

Not only does it give me silky skin but it also makes me wash the tub once a week…I admit, sheepishly.  Cleaning the bathtub is my number one dreaded chore - everyone has their thing.  For some its doing laundry, for others its cleaning the toilet.  For me, its cleaning the tub.  I hate it, so I put it off.  But since I could possibly greatly injure myself or my husband with the amount of oil slicking up the tub, I’m forced to clean it.  That should show you just how much I love this soft-skin-technique:  I don’t mind cleaning up after if I can have the soft skin I want!

I have always been a huge Natalie Portman fan.  And I have always been a huge Rodarte fan.  When the Rodarte for Target line hit stores right before Christmas, I was quick to pick up this yellow tulle/lace skirt to add to my wardrobe.  I’ve been stumped with how exactly to make it into an outfit though.  Well, leave it up to the fabulous Natalie to wear the similar slip dress version of my skirt.  Now I know how fab it would look with some black accessories! It doesn’t look like they have the yellow version of the dress online anymore but they do have the black one and coral one, if you’re interested in scoring some high fashion that is red-carpet ready at a totally affordable price.  Or you can always go with the skirt and put your own twist on the trend!

Yay, it’s Friday! And nothing says you’re ready for the weekend quite like a comfy, casual ensemble like the one the ever-adorable Drew Barrymore is sporting here, on a grocery run with boyfriend Justin Long. True, there’s not much to it - just your standard jeans, T-shirt and sneakers-type outfit - but there’s just enough detail to keep it interesting and quirky rather than messy or lazy. To steal this look, the first thing you’re going to need is a pair of slightly roomy jeans. No skinny jeans, no trousers, and no bootcuts; instead, look for straight-legged boyfriend jeans like this pair from Converse One-Star at Target ($34.99). Drew eschews a boring plain T-shirt in favor of a top with a bit of embellishment near the neckline, to add interest. For a similar effect, I like this floral knit top from Forever 21 ($13.80). Of course, you’ll need a purple and black buffalo plaid flannel to throw on over that shirt for warmth; if you order two or more, they’re just $29.99 each at CCS. (Yep, those are men’s shirts - all the better to lend that slouchy, borrowing-his-clothes vibe to your outfit.) Follow up with a pair of classic Chuck Taylors from Converse ($45) and a cool pair of shades ($5.80) and you’re ready for a Saturday morning outing. (Don’t forget to pull your hair back into little grown-up pigtails for bonus Drew points!)

For those of us who are forced to deal with acne well past our teen years, it can be challenging to determine which approach is best when it comes to vanquishing breakouts. I continue to swear by tea tree oil, but I’m always open to new suggestions, especially since acne often has a tricky way of overcoming whatever product or routine you’ve been using, forcing you to change course in order to keep your skin clear. I’m particularly fond of ideas that cost very little money, since the costs of skincare can quickly add up. That’s why I’m so intrigued by this post from Katrina at Shimmer Kisser, who has been using sea salt on her acne-prone skin for the past 6 months, with fantastic results. How does it work? Here’s her method:

“…at night in the shower after I’ve used my regular face wash to remove my make up I put 1/2 a teaspoon of salt in my wet palms. I then gently scrub my face for 10-15 seconds and wash it off. Sometimes I’ll do this in the morning too. I’m actually saving money because I don’t use face wash in the morning anymore like I use to.

If my skin is acting up I’ll put the salt on and leave it for 5 minutes. You can mix it with honey or your face wash and use it as a mask if you want a more intense treatment.”

You can also dilute some sea salt with water in a spray bottle and spritz it on to fight body breakouts. Love this tip! Has anyone else used salt to keep their skin clear? Did it work out for you?

Well,  mascara definitely seems to be the watchword today, because Meagan’s not the only one who decided to try out a new lash booster for the new year! Of course, my motivation was a little less admirable; while Meagan was looking for a more natural alternative, I just wanted prettier eyes. So, inspired in part by our recent guest post from Clumps of Mascara’s Brittany, I decided to finally give CoverGirl’s legendary LashBlast a go. It’s hard to believe that I’m only now trying this product for myself, considering the fact that LashBlast has received the most effusive praise of any drugstore mascara this side of Great Lash, but there you have it! There are several different varieties of LashBlast available, including the sparkly “Luxe” line and LashBlast Length, but I decided to go with the classic “Volume Blasting” formula in the fat orange tube.

Was I impressed? Did it live up to the hype? Absolutely! This is probably the best drugstore mascara I’ve ever tried. It’s incredibly volumizing, and gives my lashes a nice little curl when I apply it slowly. I find that it can get a little clumpy on the first coat, but if you keep working the giant applicator through your lashes everything should right itself and you’ll be left with amazing eyes. The brush, with its flexible plastic bristles, is huge, it’s true - but it’s also surprisingly easy to use, so don’t be intimidated. My conclusion: You need to try this mascara if you haven’t already. I’m already looking forward to finding out how the “Length” formula (the one in the skinny yellow tube) measures up!

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to be kinder to my face.  And I’m not talking about whispering sweet nothings into the mirror.  I’m talking about resolving to use more natural makeup products so that I don’t assault it with so many chemicals on a daily basis.  And I thought that starting with my mascara might be an easy way to go.

At Latest Beauty, we went out and bought Sephora’s Lash Stash a little while back and so I thought I should look there to see if there was a good sample for me to try.  Sure enough, they had the a mascara from Korres Natural Products.  It is their ProVitamin B5 & Rice Bran Mascara and I thought, Jackpot!  But I was a little concerned about how a natural formula would work to volumize and lengthen my lashes.

Well consider me resolved!  I am seriously impressed by how dramatic the results were.  I swiped it on only a couple of times on my right eye (which is on the left side of the photo here) and I left my other eye’s lashes naked.  You can see the results below.  I have naturally longer lashes, so I’m lucky in that regard, but doesn’t it look like I have false lashes on the left side??  I mean, I don’t think they look fake, per se, but they do look kind of awesome.   This is one resolution that is going to be easy to keep…

While browsing the makeup section at Target yesterday evening, something interesting caught my eye: L’Oreal has unveiled the latest addition to their True Match line, and it’s unusual indeed. Why? Check out that applicator! We already have liquid foundations that can be applied with your fingers, a sponge or a brush, powder foundations both loose and pressed, “air brush” style makeup that can be sprayed on for a flawless finish, and even an oscillating puff designed to buff makeup into the skin. But this True Match Roller Perfecting Roll On Makeup offers something that I can safely say I’ve never encountered before: A “liquid light formula” foundation that is applied with a little sponge roller, just like paint! (Well, hopefully not just like paint, as I doubt that anyone is seeking that particular look for their skin.) I’m completely intrigued, if a little intimidated - and I predict that many more companies will follow suit with roll-on applicators for a variety of products. Any takers?

Happy New Year, Latest Beauty lovers!  Has anyone else noticed how optimistic people are about 2010?  It seems like the general consensus on the facebook statuses I’ve seen is that everyone thinks this is going to be a great year.  That this will be “their year.”  I love it!  And I love thinking about how to make 2010 a great year in fashion.  One of my favorite trends that is coming back in 2010 is the chandelier earring.  These were popular a few years back and now Harper’s Bazaar is touting them as one of the big trends to look forward to seeing in 2010.  I love the idea of putting my hair in a messy bun, throwing on a t-shirt and jeans and slipping some fancy chandelier earrings on for a finishing touch.   They add a bit of pizazz to any outfit!

Los Angeles-based American Apparel is pretty much hipster central. I’m not a huge fan myself, but it’s hard to throw a rock in this town without hitting someone clothed in the brand’s leggings, body suits, or ’80s-inspired skintight dresses. I will admit that their T-shirts are very soft and have just the right level of stretch, but that’s about as far as my interest went…until now. AA has just unveiled a collection of nail polish in “18 unique shades of high-quality color,” and I have to admit I’m intrigued. I’m loving Hunter, a dark green creme, and Factory Grey, which is pretty self-explanatory. Passport Blue also nails that exact shade of, well, passport blue. No word yet on formula or application, but at $6 each, it seems like a risk worth taking. Also, with Christmas just two days away, these would make excellent stocking stuffers! Just sayin’…

My acne-prone skin has always made me a little reluctant to try new powders, foundations and concealers, for fear that they’ll make me break out - but on the other hand, I’m always willing to give the benefit of the doubt to Neutrogena. (I had a dermatologist tell me that their cosmetic products are the most reliably skin-safe out of all of the drugstore brands.) Since I’ve had great luck with their Mineral Sheers line in the past, most notably the Concealer Kit (which I love), I decided to give the Mineral Sheers Powder Foundation a whirl.

Here’s what I love about this product: It’s so portable! Everyone who’s ever tried loose mineral makeup understands what a pain it is to transport, and this is actually quite easy to throw in your purse. When you’re ready to use it, take off the cap, slide the clear plastic that surrounds the brush down, and shake it a little to dispense the powder. That’s it. I was also fairly pleased with the quality of the brush. It’s not amazing, but it performs better than you might expect.

Unfortunately, I noticed a few flaws as well. First, while I appreciate the portability of the built-in brush, I don’t really like how you can’t access the powder any other way. If you want to use your own brush, you’re out of luck. I also think the “shake to dispense” method leaves something to be desired, as specks of powder always end up all over my bathroom counter - how wasteful! And, although the product is good, I can never build it up to a suitable intensity. It’s just way too sheer for my tastes. If I’m going to wear Neutrogena powder foundation, I think I would prefer to stick to their Powder Foundation Compact, which offers similar results but allows for more coverage than the loose powder. All in all, a decent product, but I doubt it will become one of my everyday essentials.

There are only 10 days left until 2009 disappears into the ether of history and 2010 is upon us, so without any further ado, here is the final installment in my series of posts on the biggest trends of the year. Today, we will cover the most notable nail fad of ‘09, the wild hair trend sparked by a certain Gossip Girl, and the fashion trick that’s fit for a First Lady.

BEAUTY: Matte nail polish. This was, hands down, the biggest nail trend of ‘09 - and one of the biggest beauty trends of the year, period. After matte-centric ManGlaze and KO Knock Out made headlines early on with their unique colors and finishes, it seemed like every single polish company (OPI, Zoya, Nubar and Orly leap to mind) launched at least one collection of matte polishes this year - and, in many cases, several. Essie, China Glaze and Rescue Beauty Lounge took the craze one step further with by creating matte top coats, which can be brushed onto any shade to create that velvety matte look. I haven’t seen many low-end knockoffs of the matte nails craze yet - you still have to stop by a beauty supply store or specialty retailer like Ulta to stock up - but I predict that drugstore brands will be rolling out their take on the trend very soon. Something to look forward to in 2010 - unless you’re already burnt out on it, that is! So what was your take on matte polish? Did you dig it, or do you prefer your manicure shiny?

HAIR: Long, untamed tresses. If you’re wondering what the most popular hairstyle of 2009 was, then look no further than Blake Lively. The blonde bombshell, best known for her portrayal of Serena van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl, epitomized the wild, messy, borderline unkempt long hair that could be seen on countless Hollywood starlets this year. (Case in point: Check out my last Latest Trends post, in which Lindsay Lohan is shown rocking the look.) I would describe it as Brigitte Bardot meets a serious case of bedhead. The New York Times even likens it to “the ‘Rachel’” of the ’00s - in other words, the defining women’s hairstyle of the decade, just as Jennifer Aniston’s updated Friends shag was the ‘do of the ’90s. And if you lack the natural length necessary, don’t fret - there’s always extensions!

FASHION: Waist-accentuating belts. This is one of the most figure-flattering fashion trends in recent memory, and it is my humble opinion that we owe it all to First Lady Michelle Obama. Sure, women wore belts before Mrs. O emerged as a fashion icon, but I can’t remember so many ladies belting their dresses, cardigans, and so forth quite as much as they do now. The belt has evolved from a sartorial afterthought to one of the most vital accessories a woman can own. They can make an ill-fitting or loose dress incredibly pretty and polished, and they make any outfit look “done,” but not stuffy. If you don’t have at least one or two belts at this point - which I doubt - look for a wide one that’s fitted to your waist but has a bit of stretch, and consider an eye-catching color for added drama. Or you could go the First Lady route and pick up a clear belt, like this one. It’s sleek and futuristic yet pretty and classic, and it will certainly go well with any color combination. Belts, we salute you. Thank you for bringing the hourglass figure back into popular consciousness!

To add to the tragic list of 2009’s notable celebrity deaths, actress Brittany Murphy passed away over the weekend. We here at LatestBeauty have always enjoyed Ms. Murphy’s acting in films like Clueless, Riding in Cars with Boys, and Girl, Interrupted, not to mention her long-running role as the voice of Luanne on King of the Hill. She will be missed.

Surely you’ve heard by now that Sex and the City 2 will be hitting theaters in 2010, and no matter how you felt about the storylines and character development in the last movie, you’ll probably want to know what Carrie & Co. are wearing. The above image of Sarah Jessica Parker/Carrie Bradshaw in a comfy-looking white jersey dress and fabulous gold accessories is probably already familiar to you if you’ve seen the film’s promo poster, and it could be an easy one to duplicate - even if you’re on a budget. Start by throwing on a short-sleeved white dress that nips in at the waist and has a scoop or V-neck to show off those amazing collarbones. This See by Chloe pleated jersey dress will do the job nicely, and it’s marked down from $470 to $141, making it surprisingly affordable as well. Next, you’ll need a cool statement necklace; I love this Twining Snake Necklace from Rock Paper Scissors Jewelry ($49). While Carrie’s handbag is a structured gold clutch, this shiny gold wristlet from Express has the same feel for just $15.75, and a pair of glittery gold platform heels from Wet Seal will up your footwear glamour quotient for under $25. And, finally, the piece de resistance - a pair of gold mirrored aviator shades - can be purchased from Amazon.com for the astonishingly low price of $6.99 for a 3-pack!

What do you think of Carrie’s look? Are you excited for SATC 2?

As 2009 draws to a close, the onslaught of “Best Of” lists has begun. Since I love to see celebrities all decked out for formal events, I was particularly excited to check out Jezebel’s list of the Best Red Carpet Outfits of 2009. While I don’t entirely agree with Sadie’s choices, I appreciate the fact that she listed less “conventional” ladies, like Tilda Swinton and Chloe Sevigny, right next to Best Dressed stalwarts like Natalie Portman and Anne Hathaway. And, of course, it inspired me to compile a list of some of the most notable red carpet moments of the year, according to LatestBeauty.

In chronological order (starting at the beginning of the year), here are a few more fashionable celebs who deserve Red Carpet Awards in ‘09:

• Christina Applegate at the People’s Choice Awards (January)
• Meagan’s Golden Globes picks - Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, January Jones & Maggie Gyllenhaal (January)
• Melissa’s Golden Globes picks - Anne Hathaway, Evan Rachel Wood, Rumer Willis, Angela Kinsey & Drew Barrymore (January)
• Evan Rachel Wood at the SAG Awards (January)
• Natalie Portman at the Oscars (February)
• Angelina Jolie at the Oscars (February)
• First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House’s Stevie Wonder celebration (February)
• Kate Moss at the Met’s Costume Institute Ball (May)
• Cameron Diaz receiving her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (June)
• Angelina Jolie at the Inglourious Basterds premiere (August)
• Diane Kruger at the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center benefit (November)
• Taylor Swift at the CMA’s (November)
• Dakota Fanning at the New Moon premiere (November)
• First Lady Michelle Obama at an official state dinner for the Prime Minister of India (November)
• Drew Barrymore at the Everybody’s Fine premiere (December)

What were your favorite red carpet looks of the year?

Holidays are stressful, y’all.  There are all the parties, the gift giving, the holiday cheer, the elbowing in the stores.  And you often feel like you’re being pulled in ten different directions so that you can get everything just right.  I can feel the tension building just thinking about it.  We are in the midst of Hanukkah and Christmas is next Friday….do you think you can squeeze in a little R&R for yourself before the end of the year?  Because if you can, and you are in the LA area, then you need to check out this rundown of spa specials that expire at the end of the year.  If you don’t think you can fit in some “me” time, you might change your mind when you read about some of these tantalizing treatments.  I am totally getting the Rock Star treatment over at El Leon Spa on Beverly Blvd.   Here’s the rundown:

El Leon, a Spanish-Moroccan oasis, and its sister spa the Raven, inspired by the jungles of Thailand, offer $50 off a treatment they call the Rock Star: more than two hours of services featuring a Dead Sea salt and lavender oil hand/foot massage, a full-body Thai massage, and a head, neck and face massage ($135, regularly $185).

TWO HOURS of services for what some spas charge for one hour??  And I have been dying to try a Thai massage.  Mama needs to be stretched.  Seriously.  Now I know what to tell my husband to get me for Christmas.  Heck, we should go together as a holiday treat for both of us.  Which means my shopping for him is done…ooh…I can already feel the tension slipping away…

If massages aren’t your thing, there are plenty of spas offering deals on facials and pedis and more.  Treat yourself.  You deserve it.

It was announced this month that THE color of 2010 is Turquoise.  Pantone, the global authority on color, has made the call and they explain their reasoning behind this decision, saying,

Combining the serene qualities of blue and the invigorating aspects of green, Turquoise evokes thoughts of soothing, tropical waters and a languorous, effective escape from the everyday troubles of the world, while at the same time restoring our sense of wellbeing.

Well, sign me up!  I have always been a big fan of turquoise and I think it is one of those rare colors that is bold but also flattering on most skin tones and colorings.  With turquoise being the latest and greatest color to look forward to in the new year, I decided to get a head start and pick out a few turquoise pieces that can take you throughout the year….

This turquoise coat from Love21 (Forever21’s contemporary line) is sophisticated and stylish.  I love the collar and the texture of the trim.  Perfect for getting you through the beginning months of 2010.

And I am crushing majorly on this chunky statement necklace from Banana Republic.  How amazing would it look with a crisp white tee in the spring?  The combination of the turquoise and the gold chains is totally on trend.

Once summer rolls around, show your playful side with these turquoise sandals from Steve Madden.  Think of turquoise as your new neutral and wear it with any color combination.

A NOTE TO LATESTBEAUTY FANS:

Welcome to the second installment in what will hopefully be a long series of posts contributed by our fellow beauty bloggers from around the Web! Our guest blogger today is Brittany from Clumps of Mascara, who shares her considerable expertise about which mascaras are actually worth the cash! Enjoy, and again, feel free to comment.

XOXO,

The LB Team

***

The commercials get you every time. Just when you think you’re satisfied with one, you see another. The packaging is so pretty. The claims are so promising. It has to work this time. It WILL work this time. Right?

Okay, I’m definitely not talking about a man. HA! I’m talking about mascaras. Beauty brands spend millions of dollars annually on commercials and advertisements to get you to spend your pennies on the newest and hottest mascara. And guess what? It works. At least it does for me. I am a complete and total sucker for new mascaras. I try at least 3 a month. Very few make the cut. Check out my list for the mascaras that are worth your money.

For Big Volumized Lashes - CoverGirl Lash Blast

Yeah, I know…some mascaras received a little TOO much attention. This is definitely one of them. Despite it having a chunky wand, it gives even the wimpiest lashes out of this world volume.

For Super Long lashes - Imju Fiberwig

This mascara will always be one of my top mascaras for length. This innovative wonder uses eye-safe fibers that attach right on your lashes. They look just like extensions and come off easier than traditional mascara. Loves it!

Wanna Try something new?

It’s been a great year for mascaras. We’ve seen mascaras that look like daggers and others that vibrate. And have you seen the mascara that actually applies eye shadow? Haha, I’m kidding about the last one but with all of the innovative mascaras coming out…something that loco may not be too far behind. Givenchy’s Phenomen’Eyes and L’Oreal Telescopic Explosion mascaras both have spiky balls for wands. I think they are great for separation and definitely worth a try for any mascara user. Lancome Oscillation and Maybelline Pulse Perfection vibrating mascaras took the mascara world by storm. I LOVE vibrating mascaras. Your lashes literally double in volume. And they are fun to use.

Mascaras make the world go ’round. You would think that having reviewed more than 50 that I would be sick of them by now but noooope! I’ll be reviewing mascaras and helping other mascara junkies for years to come.

What’s your favorite?

If you’re looking for a really special holiday gift for someone and you live in the L.A. area, may I suggest a custom perfume? According to a recent article in the L.A. Times, making a custom scent for yourself “offers the experience of creating something tailored to your favorite notes and a chance to focus on the intimate details of who you are as a person.” In other words, not only will the finished product smell amazing, it will also make a statement about the very fiber of your being! Pretty awesome. (Of course, this also means that if you are thinking of giving one of these custom perfumes as a gift, you’ll probably want to bring the person along with you for the creation process!) There are a number of different perfumers in Los Angeles who will create personalized scents, each with their own aesthetic - and price range. Smell Bent has a playful, cheeky vibe, with custom perfumes starting at $200 for a quarter ounce, although you can buy one of their pre-mixed scents starting at just $20. Strange Invisible Perfumes, on the other hand, is impossibly swanky and luxe…with the price tag to match: A custom blending session and a quarter ounce of your signature scent will set you back a cool $6,000! To my mind, the best bang for your buck can probably be found at Memoire Liquide,  where a quarter ounce of custom perfume starts at a reasonable $45. (Also, I love the gorgeous fancy/antique-looking packaging!) At these prices, custom perfumes are unlikely to take off as last-minute “impulse buys,” but for the true perfume connoisseur, I can’t think of a better gift.

It has been chilly here in Los Angeles the past few days and it really is “beginning to look a lot like Christmas,” to quote the holiday song.  However you celebrate this time of year, tomorrow is the perfect day to get some of your holiday shopping with done with the 2nd Annual Holiday Walk on the Avenues.  From 6:00 - 9:00 on Dec. 10th, participating businesses in West Hollywood will be offering shoppers special discounts, hors d’oeuvres, beverages, and signature gifts.  There are even going to be roaming carolers and Santas throughout the Avenues and personal shoppers to help you get all you need on your list.  The Avenues of Art and Design consist of Melrose, Beverly and Robertson, with the Pacific Design Center as the district’s anchor.

This sounds like a great way to get into the holiday spirit.  I plan on grabbing a few girlfriends and making an evening out of it.  I can already picture us sipping our hot cocoa, walking along with the holiday lights twinkling and scoring deals at stores like  Kitson and Coco de Mer.  Fa la la la la, indeed!

I’d like to take a moment today to address my newly rekindled love for an old favorite from my high school days: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Blackberry. Back then, I wore this lipstick on a daily basis, applying and reapplying until I had worn the color down to a nub. In recent years, I’ve been pretty lax about wearing lipstick, preferring instead to just slather on the lip balm and focus on my eye makeup instead. But now that it’s winter and the weather is actually (finally!) changing here in L.A., I started to crave dark, berry-colored lips again, and on a recent trip to the drugstore I was browsing around, trying to find just the right shade, when I happened upon my old pal Blackberry. I bought it right away, and I have to say that I love it just as much as I ever did. This is a great shade that can be layered for a deep, dark lip look, or you can slick on just one coat and then blot for a light berry-colored stain. The formula is perhaps my favorite among all drugstore lipsticks - creamy and moisturizing. Come to think of it, I really have no complaints about this lipstick whatsoever. Highly recommended if you’re craving a new lippie for the colder months. What’s your favorite drugstore lipstick?

I have a confession:  Until about a month ago, I had not bought shampoo or conditioner for well over a year.  I had some Garnier products stockpiled from an event I went to early in 2008 and I didn’t need to buy anything new.  And, another confession, I still have enough shampoo and conditioner to get me through another few months…

But I recently decided to grow out my shoulder length hair and I’ve heard nonstop chatter about Pantene’s Beautiful Length Collection.  On blogs, in magazines - it keeps showing up everywhere - and people are raving.  Marie Claire’s editors even voted the conditioner as one of the best products of all time.  That is a pretty bold claim.   And I got curious…could it live up to its hype?

So I broke down and finally bought the Pantene Beautiful Lengths shampoo and conditioner…

Pantene claims that their Beautiful Lengths line allows your hair to remain healthy and strong in order for it to grow past its “breaking point,”  protecting against breakage when it is both wet and dry.  My hair is fragile - it is thin and I shed so much that at times I wonder how I’m not completely bald.    So a product that claims to protect against breakage gets my attention.  What holds my attention is that this is the first drugstore shampoo and conditioner that I have tried that actually delivers on its claim.  I’ve been using Beautiful Lengths for over a month now and my hair has never felt softer.  And, while I’m fully aware that it may be the power of suggestion, my hair seems longer.  To really quantify the effect, I definitely shed less - which I can tell by my comb. And looking at my ends, there is definitely less breakage.  Which is another major bonus, since I haven’t had my hair cut since…September?  I think?

I am beyond pleasantly surprised by my month-long affair with Pantene’s Beautiful Lengths and I have a feeling this is going to turn into a long-term relationship.  I wasn’t looking for love but sometimes the right product comes along and surprises you.

Welcome to the latest entry in my retrospective on the fashion, beauty and hair trends that have been making waves in 2009! Today I’m focusing on a recession-friendly way to keep your hair looking gorgeous, the comfy/sexy fashion sensation that just won’t die, and one of the two biggest nail trends of the year.

HAIR: Coloring your hair at home. Okay, so home hair dye has always been an option - but the big news now is that it doesn’t have to be your “last resort” anymore. More women are opting to save the money they would spend on a trip to the salon by stopping by the drugstore and picking up a box of their favorite shade instead. Personally, I’ve had good experiences with Clairol’s Natural Instincts, which can freshen up or slightly change your existing color for about a month or two, but you can find products that are perfect for everything from highlighting your hair to touching up your roots. Instructions are easy to follow and virtually foolproof, and the kits are very affordable. Does anyone have a favorite at-home hair color to recommend?

FASHION: Leggings. After several years in the fashion spotlight, it’s beginning to feel like a bit of an understatement to refer to leggings as a mere “trend.” Celebrities - including unofficial poster child Lindsay Lohan, who even designed her own leggings line - swear by them, as do non-famous ladies everywhere. They’re so widespread that it seems clear that they may soon be taking their place in the fashion canon, right next to jeans, as an indelible staple of the American wardrobe. Why? Because they’re form-fitting and sexy yet comfortable and flattering, and they can be styled in so many different ways, depending on the rest of your outfit and accessories. (Plus, they’re perfect for layering!) They’ve really come a long way from their workout wear/80s origins.

BEAUTY: Glitter nail polish. With so many different brands to choose from and the increasing popularity of nail polish blogs (yes, there is a subset of the beauty blogging world devoted solely to swatching and reviewing the latest polish collections!), nails are really coming into their own - and one of the biggest trends for tips this year was intensely glittery polish. Rescue Beauty Lounge came out with this amazing trio of glitter polishes early in ‘09, and pretty much everyone followed suit, from Zoya to OPI to Sally Hansen - and, most notably, China Glaze, who unveiled a collection of fifty gloriously glittery shades. There’s only one polish trend that eclipsed glitter this year…which I’ll talk about in next Monday’s Latest Trends! Stay tuned…

There is no debate about how gorgeous our First Lady looked in Naeem Khan’s golden dress during Thanksgiving week.  But what I can’t stop coveting is her glowing complexion.  I usually think of glowing skin only during the summer months (or on pregnant women) but Mrs. Obama shows us that a healthy looking shine looks good all year round. Her skin has a soft and subtle sheen that I want to replicate on my own pale and pasty winter skin at all of the holiday parties I plan to attend.  Glowing skin is the latest and greatest way to show off your holiday spirit!

So what is the best way to be the shining star at the parties you attend?  Here is a tip, courtesy of Glamour, from Mara Levarre, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist:

“I layer a light oil like Alba’s Kukui Nut Body Oil under a rich lotion made with shea butter.”  Victoria’s Secret Shea Butter Soft Embrace Deep-Nourishing Body Lotion is nice and rich, if you’re looking for one.  “The combination of oil and lotion gives you amazingly soft skin!”  For mess-free application, Levarre suggests pouring the oil onto a damp washcloth in the shower and gently scrubbing legs with it and rinsing off the excess.  Finish by putting on the lotion when you get out of the shower for a party ready glow…”

For the New York premiere of her latest movie, Everybody’s Fine, Drew Barrymore showed up on the red carpet in this eye-catching Emilio Pucci sequined cocktail dress, looking - as usual - like the epitome of unstudied, casual cool. Since the dress itself, which combines shimmering sequins in a mishmash of colors (silver, gold, green and blue) with a few asymmetrical, deconstructed touches like that bare shoulder, is rather busy, Drew wisely balances the look with opaque black tights and simple yet chic black ankle boots. If a genuine Pucci dress is a little out of your price range but you’d like to steal this holiday-appropriate look for yourself, try this one-shoulder sequin front minidress from Forever 21. It’s not a dead ringer, but for just $22.80, you can’t really complain - and it definitely nails many of the original’s key elements, including the sequins, the shortness and the long sleeve/exposed shoulder combo. Since your dress won’t be quite as colorful as Drew’s, why not make up the difference with a fun pair of showstopping red or cobalt blue ankle boots instead of basic black? Finish the look with a pair of black tights and an oversized cocktail ring, and you’re good to go. And to really capture Drew’s playful, subversive spirit, leave your makeup soft and simple and your hair slightly messy and tousled. Ta-da! You’re dressed up, but not stuffy, just like Drew.

A NOTE TO LATESTBEAUTY FANS:

Welcome to the first installment in what will hopefully be a long series of posts contributed by our fellow beauty bloggers from around the Web! Our guest blogger today is Ms. DWJ from The Art of Accessories, who has written a piece on  how to jazz up your holiday beauty routine. For more holiday goodness from Dana, check out her 2009 Winter Gift Guide! Enjoy the post and feel free to leave your thoughts in a comment.

XOXO,

The LB Team

***

During the holiday season I get asked a lot about how to jazz up your everyday beauty routine with a few hints of holiday appropriate sparkle. I’ll be honest, I use the holiday season as my excuse to get a bit wilder with my makeup. I love a great foil look on the eyes and added shimmer to my cheeks. So what are a few easy makeup pieces to add to your makeup bag?

Add an all-over glow:

I love Bare Escentuals Warm Radiance. This shimmering powder gives a soft golden shimmer to your skin. I apply it to my face like many would apply bronzer, adding a bit of shimmer and subtle sheen to any place that the sun would naturally hit my face. It gives me a warm glow that makes my skin look even more radiant than before I put my foundation on. If you think Warm Radiance is too much for you there are several other radiance options available to you based on your skin tone. Once you put it on, you’ll wonder how you got dressed without it.

Emphasize your eyes:

You know that you’ll be eating at every open house, holiday party and celebration between now and New Year’s Eve. Instead of focusing on lips I focus on making sure I have fabulous eye makeup. A metallic smoky eye is so holiday chic and super simple to achieve with the Stila Smoky Eye Palette in Platinum. I like to think of it as makeup for dummies. The palette actually talks and tells you how and where to apply each shade.

Not up for a smoky eye? Then upgrade your liners with L’Oreal HIP Color Chrome Eyeliners in one of the chromed out shades like Gold Charge or Silver Lightening. The liners are super pigmented and pack a great metallic punch that will really make your eyes the focus (I’m obsessed with Silver Lightening and Black Shock.)

Keep the lips simple:

Since you’ll be sipping on hot toddies or popping petit fours stick with a nude gloss or a glitter infused lip balm like the Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Balm Palette. These four shimmery shades are easy to apply and not only add a great sparkle to your pout but moisturize your lips like a balm.

No matter what you do with your holiday makeup, just make sure you have fun. It’s all about merriment and delight and your makeup should be as festive as your mood.

Happy Holidays!

dwj

Anyone who lives in L.A. will tell you that “mobile cuisine” is all the rage right now. It all started with taco trucks and hot dog carts, and before long you could find basically any type of food under the sun being sold from a vehicle of some sort somewhere in the greater Los Angeles area - everything from sushi and ice cream to Indian dosas and Korean BBQ. (Check out this article on the phenomenon for a detailed rundown on the trend.) Of course, this led me to wonder whether anyone has had the brilliant idea of putting beauty services on wheels, and a quick online search indicated that, indeed, they have! Call a number and you can have a mobile spa roll right up to your house (or office!) to give you a quick massage, facial, or mani/pedi on your lunch break. Pretty awesome, right? It’s not quite the same as a food truck - you make your appointment in advance and tell them where to go, as opposed to finding out their latest location via the Web. Still, it’s the same concept: Can’t make it to the spa or salon? Then make it come to you! You can even hire these mobile beauty gurus for your next party. Here are a few to check out in the L.A. area:

• GreenBliss EcoSpa - combines “green lifestyle and wellness trends with authentic spa rituals”
• Serve the Goddess - “offers pure indulgence and exquisite pampering with massage and a wide selection of spa treatments”
• SQ Nails Mobile Manicures & Pedicures - lets you sit “in the comfort of your own home or office and [have] a professional manicure or pedicure done”
• Spa-Go’s - “a luxury mobile day spa and lifestyle company” founded by a massage expert

Has anyone ever used the services of a mobile beauty expert? I would love to hear how it went!

Yes, we’ve already talked about Twilight - a lot, in fact, from the red carpet styles of stars Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning to the Twilight makeup line that recently hit stores, but it just occurred to me that we’ve never actually discussed our feelings about the latest movie itself! The Twilight Saga: New Moon, as the second film in the series is officially called, is a supremely guilty pleasure for me, but it is a pleasure nonetheless. Is it silly? Yes. It is borderline offensive at times? Sure. But seeing the film with a big group of girls gave all of us the chance to relax, giggle like teenagers, and leave our worries behind while we focused on debating much more pressing issues, such as whether Robert Pattinson (as brooding vampire Edward Cullen) or Taylor Lautner (as hotheaded werewolf Jacob Black) looks better with his shirt off. The movie feels a little long, but I think it’s more eventful than the first film, and I loved the Italy-set scenes in which Bella finally visits the sinister, vampire-governed city of Volterra. And, love it or hate it, you can’t deny that the Twilight ladies are a pretty gorgeous bunch! Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella, may be a bit divisive with her devil-may-care red carpet persona, but she looked great in her casual/dressy emerald green birthday gown with black cardigan and sneakers. Love that headband too! Rachelle Lafevre, who plays villainous vamp Victoria, also made an impression in this movie with her wild, untamed curls and bohemian wardrobe. Unfortunately, I heard that she’s been replaced in the next film, Eclipse,  by Bryce Dallas Howard - can anyone confirm or deny this rumor? It would be a real shame if it’s true - I’m seriously starting to love her. And, of course, Dakota Fanning is the epitome of sadistic sweetness as Jane, one of Volterra’s vampire elite. If you feel like investing in a black cape and a pair of red contacts, Jane would be a super easy Halloween costume, no? (Yes, I’m already thinking ahead to next Halloween…!) Overall, I thought New Moon was a fun ride…as long as you go into the theatre knowing what to expect! Anyone else have any thoughts on this movie?

Hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving and a great Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday! We’re edging closer to the end of the year here, so I’d like to take this opportunity to observe a few of the latest trends that have been popping up in fashion, beauty and hair. Here are three of my favorites:

FASHION: The statement necklace. The beauty of this showstopper is that it does all of the work for you. Throw on an enormous, eye-catching necklace and what you’re wearing  is really of secondary concern. In fact, since your necklace is so bold, your best bet is to keep things simple. For formal occasions, choose a strapless gown or a basic sheath in a solid color; if you’re going casual, try a plain white T-shirt, skinny jeans and boots. And, of course, the rest of your accessories will need to stay understated - or completely non-existent. For a quick primer on how to do this right, check out Amy Adams in this sparkling emerald, sapphire and ruby bib necklace at last year’s Oscars. Gorgeous! If you don’t have a movie star budget, there are much more affordable takes on the trend available at stores like Old Navy and Forever 21.

HAIR: Shampooing less often. In the December issue of Glamour magazine, hair guru Oscar Blandi recommends shampooing no more than twice a week. Apparently, this practice “keeps hair healthy” - not to mention the fact that your scalp’s natural oils will make your hair much easier to style. If you’re concerned about smelling like, well, unwashed hair, rest assured that your locks will adapt over time as you start to shampoo them less - and in the meantime, why not try a dry shampoo? They come in a wide range of prices and scents, and you can buy them in a powder that you shake on or a simple spray for convenience and portability. Professional hairdressers seem to swear by dry shampoo - and you can even make your own low-budget version with cornstarch if you’re watching your wallet!

BEAUTY: Lining the inner rims of your eyes. As modeled by the lovely Olivia Wilde, lining the inner rims of your eyes (i.e., the “waterline”) with a soft pencil will throw the whites of your eyes into sharp relief, really making them “pop.” Several companies are making super skinny eyeliner pencils just for this purpose, but it’s easy to do with any eyeliner as long as you take the time to sharpen and then soften the point beforehand. (Try running the tip on your hand or on a Kleenex before beginning.) Line slowly to avoid poking yourself in the eye, and stop immediately if you feel any irritation. Unfortunately, this look probably won’t work for contact lens wearers or ladies with especially sensitive eyes. But it sure looks pretty, doesn’t it?

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving (yay!), and that can only mean one thing: Black Friday is almost upon us. Even if the recession is bumming you out, you have to do your holiday shopping sometime, and Black Friday - a.k.a. the day after Thanksgiving - always offers some amazing money-saving deals that you can’t score any other time of the year. If you’re planning to wake up bright and early to hit the stores on Friday, why not stop by your local H&M? They’re offering 25% Off on everything storewide from opening until 10 AM. (Yes, this sale ends at 10 AM, so if you’re a night owl like me you’re going to have to set your alarm for sure!) If you miss the big sale, you can still find marked down items all day, starting at just $5. Have fun!

Michelle Obama has cemented her reputation as the most fashion-forward First Lady to hit the White House in decades by stepping out in this gorgeous sequined evening gown by designer Naeem Khan, which she wore to an official state dinner in honor of the Prime Minister of India and his wife.

The look was accessorized with an armful of sparkly silver bangles and a seriously amazing pair of intricately detailed drop earrings. I love how Mrs. O manages to evoke India with this dress without crossing over into costume-y or exploitative territory, and her decision to go with a lesser-known designer calls to mind the way she wore Jason Wu to the inauguration. Gorgeous!