Archive for the ‘Beauty Tips’ Category

How to Do Your Own Color Streaked Hair

Friday, September 28th, 2012


Rainbow hair color streaks are popping up on red carpets and runways across the country. Neon pink, bright blue, lush lavender and sunny yellow streaks can provide a fresh alternative to the traditional blondes, brunettes and reds. While celebrities have top stylists at their disposal, the rest of us must rely on our own creativity.

One of the easiest ways to achieve this look is through clip-in hair extensions. Clip-in hair extensions come in a wide range of colors from the palest pastels to lavish jewel tones and feisty neon colors. Natural human hair extensions can be heat styled along with your own hair so that you can have curls, waves or flat-ironed hair to suit your mood.

Once you have chosen your extension, simply pick a spot for your new streaks, and then clip the extension close to the scalp. If your hair is straight or silky textured, you may find that you get a more secure hold if you spray a texturizing or hair spray and tease your hair before clipping the extension to your hair.

Treat your new hair extensions as gently as you treat your own hair. If you have artificial hair extensions, follow the package directions. If you have natural hair extensions, shampoo and condition them gently, but avoid rubbing or twisting the hair. Lay them flat on a towel to dry.

Chalk highlights are another temporary hair color streak option. These easy-to-apply temporary streaks are non-toxic and are easy to wash out. Simply dampen chalk pastels before rubbing them down rather than up the selected strand of hair. The colors can be alternated for a fun variation on the colorful streak look. To set the chalk, style your hair with a curling or straight iron, and then spritz it with hairspray to complete the look. To remove, simply shampoo your hair, and condition thoroughly since chalk tends to be drying. Pastel chalk colors work well for blonde hair while bright colors stand out dramatically against darker hair.

Permanent streaks are another option, but these generally require that hair be bleached first. A professional hair colorist should be consulted first to avoid damaging hair. Hair that is bleached incorrectly could turn an unflattering shade of orange, and colorful streaks can fade quickly if not correctly applied.

Colorful streaks offer the chance to try on a fun, new look for one day or add a rainbow of colors for as long as it suits your fancy. Try a subtle shade underneath your layers for daytime wear, or add dramatically bright colors throughout your mane for a night out. Dare to be different, and give your hair a shot of color.

Create an Angelic Look Using Braids

Friday, September 21st, 2012

If you do not want to wear a set of wings, but you still want to look like an angel, the halo braid is a great way to go about it. This look gives you the appearance of being classic and sophisticated, while still giving you a youthful look. These braids are ideal for a night on the town or a day at the beach. Not only will you be sporting a do that looks great from every angle, but also you will be keeping up with some celebrities including Alicia Keys and Lea Michele.

Marcus Francis, who is a hairdresser, suggests starting out with a volumizer. This gives the hair a little extra thickness. Add a few spritzes of texturizer, so your hair will be easier to work with, and so it will not slip. You may want to have someone else complete this look for you, because doing it to yourself can be a little complicated. Make sure your hair is not wet. It will be nearly impossible to do a halo braid with wet hair. Try using a dry shampoo and then blow drying your hair.

Pull your locks up from your ears. Clip any hair back that you will not be working with immediately. Divide the hair into three different sections, just as you would a French braid. Start braiding across the top of your forehead. You can add additional pieces of hair that are underneath the braid, since they will help to secure your hair. Take some of the hair out of clip, and begin incorporating in with the already done section. Use bobby pins to secure your tresses in place. Continuing braiding until you reach the other side of your head where you began the braid. Ultimately, the hair should touch the beginning, and by using bobby pins, you should be able to clip the hair in place to create a seamless halo around your entire head. Now, all you have to do is add some hairspray!

You do not have to braid all your hair into the braid. You can choose to only do part of your hair and leave the rest in a loose bun. Or you could opt to hair only a headband and allow the rest of your hair to flow loosely.

How to Get Gorgeous Daytime Cat Eyes Like Emma Stone

Friday, September 7th, 2012

Ever since Emma Stone showed the world that the cat eye look can be worn in the daytime, women everywhere are trying to replicate this look. When attempting to create the daytime cat eye look, it is essential to strike a balance between those dramatic smokey eyes and eyes that have very light eyeshadow. By combining the two, you can end up with a winning look just like the one that Emma Stone wore to the recent Los Angeles premiere for The Amazing Spider-Man.

The first step to creating the daytime cat eye look is to pick out a light eyeshadow. You should find a cream, white or pearl eyeshadow to use for the base color. A cream eyeshadow will blend nicely on your eyelids and will stay put for hours. You can try using the Chanel Illusion D’ombre in Fantasme eye shadow for the perfect look. You will also want to make sure that you blend a bit of the cream eye shadow on your brow line. The shimmering effect that this add will add a touch of beauty to your cat eye look.

The next step will be to apply liquid eyeliner to your lids. Try to use a fine line and outline the area just above your eyelashes. You can use a liquid eyeliner like the Revlon ColorStay Creme Gel Eye Liner in Black. This liquid eyeliner will stay on for hours. The size of the marker tool is also very helpful in drawing the perfect line. When you draw the line, you should extend it out beyond the end of your lash line. You will want to create a small wing at the end of your eyelid. You should make sure that the wing is no longer than the length of an eyelash. Otherwise, your look will be too dramatic for the day time.

Emma got her start in acting at eleven years old at the Valley Youth Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, where she starred in over sixteen stage productions as well as performing the the theatre’s comedy improv troupe.

After you apply the liquid eyeliner, then you should use a mascara to add some volume to your lashes. This will add a touch of glamor to your day time look. You may also want to use an eyebrow pencil to add some definition to your brows. This can help you define your brows and achieve a more put together cat eye look.

Add some fun to your daily look by trying out the cat eye look. Having cat eyes can add some spice on those days when you want a little extra boost.
s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Beauty News Report: Thick Eyebrows Are Stylish

Wednesday, July 18th, 2012


Whether you want to be gorgeous just like Demi Moore or Natalie Portman, the good news is that you no longer have to spend hours on your eyebrows to imitate their style. Thick eyebrows are in and more stylish than ever. Full and dark eyebrows are stylish, and they help create a very natural look for this summer. You too can look like a celebrity by following these tips as you take care of your eyebrows.

First, you should try to find your natural shape. Just because you want to partake in this trend does not mean you should completely forgo plucking your eyebrows. The key is to keep your eyebrows manicured and in a natural shape. The main style that you are trying to achieve is a brow that is thick and straight. Gone are the days of thinly arched eyebrows on the red carpet.

To look like Jennifer Connelly and embrace your natural eyebrows, you should avoid getting your eyebrows waxed for a few weeks. No matter what you tell a professional waxer, chances are he or she will still attempt to wax your eyebrows into a thin and arched shape. Instead, you can lightly pluck your eyebrows every couple weeks to keep the natural shape that you have.

You can also apply a little gel to your eyebrows if you find they are becoming too unruly. A little gel can help keep your eyebrows in the natural shape that you are trying to achieve. If you want straight eyebrows like Jennifer Connelly, then using a bit of gel will help you get that straightened look.

Lastly, if you are still having some trouble in getting that natural and full look that you desire, then you can cheat by using a brow pencil. A brow pencil should be applied in one shade darker than your natural color. This will help give you the dramatic and full look that you are trying to achieve. You may also want to try a brow sculpting gel to add some fullness to your brows. If you are looking for a great brow pencil to use, then you should try the MAC brow liner or Estee Lauder Automatic Brow Pencil Duo. In the Automatic Brow Pencil Duo, you get a brow gel and brow pencil.

Growing your brows will help you look like a trendy celebrity this upcoming summer. When you want some exotic flair in your look, using a brow pencil and keeping your brows simple can help you look effortlessly gorgeous.

5 Powerfully Pretty Makeup Looks for Everyday

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Experimenting with makeup and creating bold, unique looks is always fun but not always practical. However, some everyday looks do have a lot of appeal and, although subtle, offer big results. Here are some everyday makeup looks that get wearer’s noticed for all the right reasons. A model could carry these looks on the runway, or any girl could simply take these looks into her everyday venues of school, work, home and favorite hangouts – and come across as looking powerfully pretty.

A Heavier Brow

It seems like fashion show attendees can see some of the bold brows being worn on the runway from a mile away. However, an attractive everyday look can be created with a more subtle heavier brow. For some, this could mean lightening up on the plucking and waxing, whereas for others this means applying brow liner or shadow to create the illusion of a fuller brow. The difference that a heavier, well-shaped brow can make in one’s appearance is dramatic – but with a light touch, it’s not so bold as to appear unnatural or overdone.

Sweep a luminizer along the top of cheek bones for a radiant glow. Finish with a coral lipstick!

Read more: Party Makeup Tips – Bold Makeup – Cosmopolitan

A Hint of Bold Color

Some runway shows are all about the bold, bright and daring. To make this type of makeup look appropriate for everyday, stick to a single bold color. For example, line the eyes with a bright liner but use neutral shadow to incorporate a bright color and keep the overall look understated enough for everyday.

Flawless Facial Skin

Sometimes, judging by her flawless skin, it’s easy to imagine that a runway model could be confused with a porcelain doll. Go for this look by creating flawless facial skin that looks practically makeup free by using a few dabs of concealer for any trouble spots and an overall tinted moisturizer for an even tone. Top off this light, fresh look with a little blush, mascara and lip gloss for a complete look that results in fresh-faced beauty. Not even a model looks flawless every day, but an everyday flawless makeup look could certainly make it seem that way.

Flatter the Facial Features

Those sharp, high cheekbones on runway models may not be entirely their own. The magic of highlights and lowlights can add emphasis to facial features. Contouring is a trick that can also be added to an everyday makeup regimine. Although many everyday occasions don’t demand the angular features of some runway faces, contouring can help makeup wearers highlight their best features and disguise unwanted ones. Stroking bronzer across the areas where the sun would naturally shine can be a simple way to bring out the best.

It can be hard to imagine that some of the fabulous makeup looks on the runway could have so much everyday appeal. However, take some inspiration for makeup from the runway into the everyday by experimenting with these fashion-forward looks. These looks are still strong enough to get their wearers noticed but not noticed for having too much makeup.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Salon Trip

Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

trips to the salon
Your hair is obviously an important accessory that you carry with you everywhere. It is one of the first things someone notices when they look at you. That’s probably why so many people head to salon to get a cut, color or perm. However, the price tag associated with the salon is quite high, especially if you leave the parlor not being completely satisfied. With these tips, you can get the most out of your trip to the salon.

Loyalty is for Dogs! Forget being loyal to your stylist. It can be quite difficult to choose a new stylist if you feel obligated to return to your current one. You might fear that if you don’t keep returning to the same one that you’re going to hurt his or her feelings. However, worry not, because stylists realize that this is a business, so they don’t take you not returning personally. If you’re concerned about running into your old stylist after you try a new one, you may want to switch salons to avoid the awkwardness.

When you’re choosing a new salon or a new stylist, be cautious of what you ask for. Don’t ask for something that will drastically change your appearance. For instance, don’t request that the stylist trim six inches off or convert your naturally chocolate brown hair to bleach blonde. This is because you never know how well this stylist will do. Additionally, you’ll have nothing to compare to the results to, since the look will be drastically different that what your hair was.

Listen to what the stylist says about your hair. You want positive feedback. You want a stylist who can find the best qualities that your locks have to offer and using that to your advantage. If you have thin hair for example, tune into whether he or she comments about how shiny and healthy your hair is or focuses negatively on the fact that your hair is thin.

Make sure you’re being clear about what you want. Feel free to find a picture in magazine to assist, but don’t rely on the picture as a projection of what the finished product will be. Remember, your hair probably isn’t the same as your favorite celebs. Take note if the stylist asks you questions about your hair. If not, start serving up some information. Let him or her know how you style your hair, where you part it at and other similar information. These are all important aspects of determining how to cut your hair.

When you’re on a budget, you might want to try a beauty school. You can get a haircut, color or perm for cheap. Although the thought of a less experienced hair stylist might frighten you, even someone with 20 or 30 years in the field might not be a give you the best quality. It’s definitely a risk that you might want to take.

Look Like Carrie Underwood Without A Makeup Artist

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Look-like-carrie-underwoodCarrie Underwood has a naturally glam appearance that wows, but does not over power. No one looks at her and feels like they are being ambushed, they see only simple grace that can keep up with the most glamorous of the glam. How can you get the Carrie Underwood look without a make-up artist and stylist? It is not as hard as it may sound if you follow a few simple tips.

First, let the neckline determine the hairstyle. A key person in the Underwood camp notes that generally, when Carrie wears a strapless top or dress she wears her hair down. An example is the pretty strapless number worn at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Carries soft curls were pinned to fall over one shoulder and it worked perfectly. By contrast, an up do is perfect for a higher neck or halter.

Eyes are where it’s all at. Carrie’s eyes pop with the smoky eye look. This look can easily be replicated with dark liner, volume adding mascara, and properly applied shadow. Cover the lid from eye to crease with a medium shade of the chosen color, the do a darker shade at the base of the lid and a lighter shade in the crease to easily replicate Carrie’s most glam eye look.

As for the rest of her face, it seems that a variety of bronzers and highlighters give her face that fresh, glowing look. A light bronzer on check bones topped with a dewy blush will work for everyday, and remember that the best way to get that glow is healthy skin. Eat right and drink plenty of water to give yourself a head start.

Lips are kept natural but not nude. If you go overboard they will compete with the eyes, but if you leave them alone they will blend in and disappear. Try a liner one shade darker than your natural lip color, and fill in with a clear or softly tinted gloss. For a mat look, fill in lips with the liner and move on.

Carrie’s look is both glamorous and timeless. In today’s over done world, it is a breath of fresh air and one that is well worth learning to replicate.

s_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Three Makeup Tips You Should Know Before Enrolling In Beauty School

Friday, April 13th, 2012

ts-86524237Are you interested in attending beauty school? If you’ve answered “yes,” then you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re already a self-proclaimed expert with the subject, or you’re a complete newbie, there are a few tips you should know prior to even filling out a beauty school application. These tips will even help you to look better as well.

1. Learn to Match Foundation Properly
Foundation is a makeup that many women can’t live without, and many women can’t apply correctly. When someone botches their foundation, it ruins their whole entire look. Unless a woman is one of the few to be born with naturally flawless skin, then you’ll need to keep this in mind when you work with clients. At one time, the rule was to match the foundation with the person’s jaw line; however, this rule is quite outdated and has proven not to be true. With a proper skin care regimen of washing your face twice daily and exfoliation each day, the tone of your skin will fade. In other words, your face tends to be a little lighter than the rest of your body, so you should always match foundation with your collarbone. Remember to avoid translucent powder, because it makes skin look dry and gives it a dusty appearance.

2. Love Bright Lip Shades
This makeup trend takes a little time to get used to, but try it one day, and you’ll understand why it is so important. Use a shade like coral that matches both warm or cool skin tones. Fuchsia works well also, but try a sheer stain, so the color isn’t overwhelming. Remember, learning to love bright colors will help you understand the power that these shades have. They’re flirty, fun and fresh, so what’s not to love? Plus, almost anyone can pull this look off.

3. Messy Eyeliner
The straight lines that circle exactly around the eye are so last year. The stuffy look is definitely out! Instead, you should smear, smudge and blend eyeliner to form soft lines around the eye. Used in combination with eye shadow and a cotton swab, you can make a sexy, smoky eye that never goes out of style. Perfect is overdone, and a less than perfect appearance has become the new “black.”

The Top 5 Ways to Keep Hair Color Vivid, Bright, and Looking Gorgeous

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

shutterstock_81203077Jennifer Aniston is a hair goddess. Whether she’s donning subtle brown lowlights or lovely blonde highlights, her hair always looks fabulous. Other celebs, like Adele, have a unique hair color that is to die for. With her auburn, rich color, Adele stands out from the crowd. You too can care for your hair color so that your hair retains its rich color and looks great without having to go to one of the top hair schools. With these five tips, you too will become a hair goddess like Jennifer Aniston with vibrant locks.

1. Stay Away from Harsh Shampoo and Conditioning Products

Listen to your hair stylist on this one. Paying a few extra bucks for a salon brand of shampoo and conditioning products can go a long way in making hair color shine rather than fade. Special shampoo and conditioning products for hair color have chemicals that prevent the oxidation of hair follicles. These products even have sunscreen within them to prevent the fading of hair color.

2. Invest in Protective Conditioner

You should also add a few minutes to your daily hair regimen by using a protective conditioner. A protective conditioner strengthens and moisturizes hair. If you fail to use a leave-in conditioner, then you risk having dried out hair. Colored hair breaks when it is not properly moisturized. Avoid damaged hair by purchasing a high-quality leave-in conditioner. Apply the conditioner in the shower and leave it in for twenty to thirty minutes. Your hair will be noticeably smoother after you rinse out the conditioner.

3. Purchase Clarifying Shampoo

In addition to your regular shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in conditioner, be sure to add a clarifying shampoo to your hair regimen. Purchase a clarifying shampoo and use it only once or twice a month. Clarifying shampoo will get rid of all of the built up minerals in your hair, such as iron. Iron can cause oxidation to occur in your hair, meaning that the color fades. Use clarifying shampoo to keep hair vibrant in color.

4. Avoid Heat

Using heat on one’s colored hair can cause hair to lighten. If you have a beautifully rich hair color like Adele’s auburn locks, then you do not want the color to lighten. Avoid heat styling as much as possible. To get a look with curls or waves, simply try using mousse and rollers.

5. Keep Hair Away from Chlorine

Avoid chlorine as much as possible. Chlorine can also cause oxidation in your hair and will result in a drab color on your locks.

Follow these five simple tips for maintaining hair color that looks great all the time.

DFree / Shutterstock.com

Wedding Hairstyle Tips: Ways to Ensure You Have the Best Hair Day Ever

Friday, January 27th, 2012

wedding-hair-tips-ts83111494

The perfect dress is nothing without the perfect wedding hairstyle to complement it. Your hair is basically an accessory that you must plan for accordingly, so you look and feel beautiful on that special day. You can make sure you look amazing and feel confident by heeding a few suggestions.

Prioritize Your Pre-Bridal Appointment
Your pre-bridal appointment is a crucial step in preparing you to walk down the aisle. People think that it’s only for the hairstylist to practice, but it’s just as important for you to see the hairstyle in action and tweak what you do or don’t like. Ask your stylist for advice regarding which hairstyles will look best based on the neckline and other aspects of your dress. You’ll also want to inquire about how long you should grow your hair because longer doesn’t necessarily mean better. After your stylist finishes your hair, you can decide whether you like it or not. Even if you aren’t fond of it, you still learn what not to do for your wedding. Remember to bring all of your hairpieces and accessories with you.

Get Real
If you expect to bring in a picture of your favorite celebrity’s tresses and leave the salon looking exactly like her, you’ll probably be in for a little disappointment. Her style cost her thousands of dollars and may have taken all day. Not to mention, her look may have used extensions and other added features that your budget may not allow for. Instead, pick pictures as inspiration and allow for some flexibility based on your own hair’s thickness, length and texture.

To Wash or Not to Wash
You’ve probably been told not to wash your hair before you style it because it holds curls and other styles better, and this is true for most people – to a point. The natural oils in your hair can help to maintain a healthy shine and keep your hair in place, so you shouldn’t wash your hair right before your wedding. Instead, wash it the night before. Note: You’ll still want to consult your hairstylist for exact washing instructions in case you have hair that is prone to oil buildup.

Weather Isn’t Always Your Fair-weather Friend
Make sure you take into consideration the weather when you’re planning. If you’re not going to get married in your area, you may want to do some research. You’ll want to know what the average humidity is because curls and low-flowing styles don’t withstand high humidity well, especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony.

Trending This Year
Each year brings new trends for wedding hairstyles. Updos are still very much in style, but nontraditional, softer looks are what’s in this year. For 2012, many hairdos are starting at the nape of the neck for a more laidback look. It’s not all about bejeweled tiaras and diamond-studded barrettes anymore. Many brides are opting for real flowers give their hair a fresh and whimsical look. You may opt for silk flowers, as well.

Leave the Crewnecks in Your Dresser
The absolute No. 1 tip for having great hair the day of your wedding is to wear a zip-up hoodie or a button-up blouse when you go to get your hair done on your wedding day. You don’t want to mess up your wedding hairstyle when you remove your tight shirt over top of your head.