If you’re like the thousands of people that suffer from acne on a nightmarishly daily basis, then you’ve probably heard of the ol’ toothpaste cure, right? It’s an ancient motherly tale that describes the controversial way to rid acne quickly and cheaply.

Well, here’s a little bit of fact for you – it doesn’t!

And, although some people will swear up and down by this method, the truth is using toothpaste on your skin – as most will find – leaves your skin red and irritated.

So, how did this acne myth become such an urban legend? The idea stems from the notion that toothpaste contains triclosan – an antibacterial ingredient often found in soap, deodorant and body wash. Triclosan is meant to effectively kill bacteria and is typically a common ingredient in acne products; however, in those products, it is used as a preservative and not an active ingredient.

So why does toothpaste irritate the skin so much? It’s due to its inclusion of various chemicals and ingredients that aren’t meant for skin application. Face it – the idea of putting toothpaste on your skin shouldn’t ever sound like a good idea when you think of what its actual use is. I mean, would you think that the same product used for cleaning your teeth could also help clean your face? Or, that the same stuff you use to clean your face can also effectively clean your teeth. No – those are two completely different surfaces. In fact, putting toothpaste on a zit could actually cause even more inflammation making your pimple look even worse.

So the next time you wake up and find a ripe pimple staring back at you in the mirror, don’t dab any toothpaste on it because you might just make it angry…and you wouldn’t like it when it’s angry.

Makeup trends come and go about as often as the Kardashian sisters’ boyfriends. One minute it’s neutral tones, the next it’s bright colors … how are you supposed to keep up? Well, just like the little black dress, classics never die. There are a few basic rules you can follow to make sure your makeup isn’t drawing the wrong kind of attention.

1.    Wear situation-appropriate colors and quantities. Meaning, don’t show up for your 8 a.m. conference meeting in smoky shadow and bright red lipstain. Save it for the company holiday party or Robert Palmer’s next music video. Daywear makeup should typically be more subtle.

2.    Correctly match your foundation to your skin tone. This is the foundation (ha!) of any good makeup regimen. Going too dark or too light means a line around your hair- and jaw line. It should blend to invisibility and give you an even tone rather than an obvious transition between your face and neck.

3.    Don’t abuse – or neglect – your eyebrows. Your eyebrows are a built-in accessory, but one that needs to be maintained. Overtweezing can leave them too sparse (and it’s possible they won’t grow back), but not tweezing at all could leave you looking like Groucho Marx.

4.    Avoid clownish lip liner. Using a dark liner outside of your natural lip line is a cheap way to fake silicone injections, but maybe not the look you’re going for. Using a liner on your lipline in the same shade as your lipstick or gloss after you’ve applied said lipstick/gloss makes all the difference.

5.    Remember to take it off. Leaving your makeup on overnight is a no-no that can lead to clogged pores and dirty pillowcases. Take it off before you use your facial cleanser for maximum results.
Take it from someone who actively participated in the 1990s’ neon mascara fad: These tips are applicable at any age, to any color palette!

Feather trends…are HUGE right now!  Have you noticed that everywhere you turn you see feathers?  The feather trend is roosting on hair clips, purses, clothing, shoes and jewelry.

The types of feathers you’ll see range from flashy bright colors, classics like black or peacock, or muted neutral tones seen in pheasant feathers.

Tips for wearing feathers?  Keep the rest of your outfit understated if you’re sporting something feathered.  Because feathers are showy and theatrical they can make a great statement but can turn into plumage overload with too many feather pieces.

Five Ways To Wear the Feather Trend:

1)    Hair – Ever since Ke$ha graced us with her feathered-hair presence, it seems all of Hollywood has been embracing this boho-hipster accessory.  If you’re not as bold as Ke$ha, or would prefer to not look like you’re a dream catcher, there are more understated ways you can incorporate this look.  Try a head band with feathers or a small feathered hair clip with an up-do.

2)    Clothing - Everything from shirts to dresses are growing feathers these days.  A lot of feathered clothes almost mimic a “ballet” look thanks to the recent movie, “Black Swan.”  Feathered clothing is soft, elegant and ladylike while being whimsical at the same time.

3)    Shoes - Shoes that feature feathers can add a touch of elegance to your look.  The key is to be subtle.  You don’t want anyone to think you have a chicken on your foot. Black is the easiest color of feathered shoes to get away with if you’re not Lady Gaga.  Try wearing a solid-black dress with black feathered shoes.  Where else are feathered shoes making a scene? Weddings! Check out some beautiful frilly, white plumes for your feet if you’re tying the knot soon.

4)   Purse – Feathered purses are a fun throwback to the days of old Hollywood glamour.  Many women who would never consider donning a feather dress love toting a feathered purse because they see it more as a fun accessory they can pair with anything from jeans to a fancy dress.

5)   Jewelry – Probably the easiest way to include the feather trend in your look is with a piece of jewelry.  Adding a small pin, earrings, necklace or bracelet is temporary and understated when paired with your everyday outfit.  If you’re reluctant to have feathers brushing against your neck all day, try earrings to add pizzazz.

Will you be rocking the feather trend this season?

Have you ever been sitting in a restaurant or out shopping and you spot a woman with Rapunzel-length hair?  You know, the length in which you stare in awe, wondering how she doesn’t sit on her hair all the time?

What’s the deal with long hair anyway?  Long hair seems to have a hold on our society.  Women seem to feel more beautiful and confident with long, flowy locks and even get paranoid about cutting it too short.  Not all long hair gets praise however.  If you’re a short-haired gal thinking about growing your hair out, take a moment to read a few of these interesting tidbits about long hair.

How long is too long?
Long hair can be really pretty, and men seem to prefer long hair on women to short hair, but ladies, there’s a limit to that length! Too long of hair can work against you and be unattractive.  Super-long hair (we’re talking down to your lower back and butt) can look dated, giving you a look that channels the 70s or 80s.  Also, if you have a long or angular face shape, long hair can actually make your face look longer than it really is. If your hair risks getting sat on or you can’t remember the last time it was cut—not trimmed—you should definitely consider a bit of a makeover.

The “perfect” length
Just because we told you that your super-long hair isn’t the best look, doesn’t mean you have to chop it all off.  According to Allure magazine there actually is a “perfect length” of hair that seems to be flattering on every woman.  Shoulder-length hair or just a couple of inches below is the most becoming length on most women.  According to the magazine, few women can pull off hair that falls below their breasts.

The longer the hair, the more upkeep
If you’re thinking about growing your hair out, it’s important to remember that long hair takes a lot of upkeep. Hair that gets too long can easily get dry, experience split ends and have color variation.  If you do grow your hair out, be sure to use a conditioner or moisturizer often, and trim it every six to eight weeks to keep it looking healthy!

Some women are literally afraid to cut their long hair!
Our final long hair tidbit is for all of you who already have long hair.  You may be more attached to your long hair than you realize.  A recent article in Allure magazine found that some women literally have a fear about cutting their long hair.  Psychologists have identified that some women see their hair as a part of their identity.  Some women associate their long hair as a key part of themselves and tie it to certain memories in their life.  Psychologists warn having such a rigid feeling about cutting your hair can be unhealthy!

How do you feel about long hair?  Love it? Hate it?  Are you too attached to your lengthy locks?  Let us know!

Interested in doing to hair design school? There are tons of hair design schools that can help you achieve your dreams.

Fran Drescher, Donny and Marie Osmond, and motivational speaker Kathy Buckley were just a few of the stars onstage at Paul Mitchell Schools’ 26th annual Caper event. Held February 9–10 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, the smoke-free, alcohol-free, hands-on educational extravaganza drew over 2,300 students (known as “Future Professionals”) who earned the trip by selling more than $2.8 million in specially packaged Paul Mitchell products.

Top leaders in and out of the professional beauty industry delivered two days of nonstop education, motivation, and inspiration. On day one, an hour before show time, the doors opened and Future Professionals raced inside to grab great seats, filling the room with sky-high energy as they waited for the magic to begin.

Donny and Marie Osmond asked to be part of Caper this year. Joined by members of their Las Vegas show, they entertained for half an hour and extended heartfelt thanks to Future Professionals for supporting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through the Paul Mitchell Schools 2010 and 2011 FUNraising campaign. The Nanny star, Fran Drescher, popped in for a surprise visit and extended her thanks for support of her Cancer Schmancer Foundation. Audience favorite Kathy Buckley, America’s first hearing impaired comedian and founder of No Limits, shared her inspiring life story and reminded the audience that who you are is up to you and everyone is special.

Additional speakers included author and Paul Mitchell school owner Giulio Veglio and Modern Salon publisher Steve Reiss, who recognized Lucie Doughty, Scott Cole, and Linda Yodice for their feature article and cover of this month’s Modern Salon magazine. Diana Schmidtke, celebrity men’s grooming specialist whose clients include George Clooney, Matt Damon, Harrison Ford, and countless Hollywood superstars, shared her secrets for career success.

Other highlights included the Career Fair, where Future Professionals mingled with salon representatives, practiced their interview skills, and learned about opportunities across America, and the Caper Mall, featuring a full line of Paul Mitchell logo wear and educational tools. Day one ended with a favorite Paul Mitchell tradition: the White Party, where Future Professionals took pictures with their favorite stars and danced the night away.

Day two centered around three hands-on classroom rotations with top Paul Mitchell artists and educators. Haircutting and color classes were awash in a sea of mannequin heads: one for each of the 300-plus attendees in each room. Working with a theme of “What Inspires You?,” Future Professionals incorporated their own inspirations into new cutting and color techniques. In the “Look and Learn” classroom, Robert, Stephanie, Angus, Scott, and others demonstrated tips and techniques. New in this year’s lineup: a specialty class for skin care Future Professionals.

The closing show featured four top salon companies: A Robert Cromeans Salon, Lunatic Fringe, Floyd’s 99 Barbershops, and Angus Mitchell Salon. As Winn Claybaugh introduced the backstage teams responsible for the entire show—including wardrobe, makeup, production, logistics, choreography, classroom leaders, dancers, and models—his final message centered on the variety of careers and opportunities available in the beauty industry.
When asked what was the best thing that happened to her at Caper, one Future Professional said, “It felt like we were the celebrities. They’re teaching us to be the stars!”  For more information, visit www.paulmitchell.edu and www.paulmitchellschoolsFUNraising.org.

So you are applying to cosmetology school and as stated by the State Cosmetology License Requirements, you need a high school diploma or GED equivalent in order to be accepted into school. All cosmetology schools – esthetician schools, makeup artist schools, hair designs schools, require this component. But what if you were accepted based on a lie?

The cosmetology schools in Florida are finding many of their students producing fake diplomas. Over a decade ago, making a fake diploma was unheard of but as the internet has grown, so has the resources available to fabricate forms. Cosmetology schools are taking a stance and formalizing the procedures so the risk lies in the hands of the individual.

Some of the tactics cosmetology schools are now doing to combat this problem is using attorneys to certify documents. Cosmetology students are also required to take an oath by signing a form that states they have completed high school and the documentation (high school diploma or GED) that they are presenting is real. Finally, cosmetology schools get the document notarized.

Really to say the least, it is sad how far someone would go to obtain an education and build a future cosmetology career through fabricating lies.

For the eighth consecutive year, the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell beauty schools will spend the months of February through April raising money for charitable organizations. In 2010, the schools raised an all-time high of $1.2 million, bringing their seven-year total to over $4.6 million.

This year they plan to raise $1.5 million for seven organizations: Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Andrew Gomez Dream Foundation, Food 4 Africa, Fran Drescher’s Cancer Schmancer Foundation, and newcomers Morris Animal Foundation, represented by Betty White, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

“We’re so excited to welcome Betty White and Dolly Parton this year, and we’re thrilled to welcome Leeza Gibbons, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Fran Drescher back again,” said Paul Mitchell Schools Dean and Cofounder Winn Claybaugh. “All of these incredible superstar celebrities will play an active role in motivating and encouraging our 12,000 future professionals as they take part in thousands of grassroots ‘FUNraisers,’ from cut-a-thons and car washes to fashion shows and charity balls. They’ve also joined an elite group of wonderful celebrities who’ve supported us in the past, including Larry King and Vidal Sassoon.”

Leeza Gibbons, whose Leeza Gibbons Memory Foundation has been a supported charity since the FUNraising campaign began, says, “If I could start all over, I swear I would sign up to be a student at the Paul Mitchell Schools. These future professionals prove over and over again that they are committed to using their talents and passion for the greater good, and they really know how to spread the love!”

Returning to the campaign for the second year, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals founders Donny and Marie Osmond said, “In our family, we were raised to believe we all have a responsibility to give back and help others. We feel like we’ve found an extended family in Paul Mitchell Schools. From last year’s generous donation (twice the amount they originally promised) to the way they’ve reached out locally to the 170-plus Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals with their love, service, and passion, Paul Mitchell Schools have shown that giving back is not just about raising money.”

Winter can be tough on hair and skin.  The cold, the dry air and the lack of sunshine leave us with flaky skin, lifeless hair and a dull complexion.  Winter doesn’t have to leave us as ragged looking as we feel though!  With these five winter beauty tips you can get your glow back and feel beautiful.  What we can’t promise, however, is a change in the forecast…

Beat the winter beauty blues:

1)    Moisturize-  Using lotion on your hands and body should be a given year-round, but it’s especially important to moisturize even more this time of year.  Use rich, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner on your hair, use creamy face cleansers rather than gels, and use a leave-in conditioning hair treatment once a week.  Putting lotion on your feet and slipping on a pair of socks before bed is a great way to keep your toes sandal-ready even in the winter.

2)    Put on a mask- Using a moisturizing mask once a week can help retain moisture and keep away those pesky flakes and scales that show up on your skin this time of year. Always remember to put on a moisturizer after your mask treatment.

3)    Watch your time in the shower—A long, steaming hot shower probably is one of the things you most look forward to on a cold winter morning or evening. However, it be damaging to your skin and hair.  Try to either turn down the heat a bit on your next shower or shorten it.  Always slather on lotion in the first few minutes of getting out of the shower to lock in skin’s moisture.

4)    Scrub away dead skin—Winter is the time to exfoliate!  With increased dead skin this time of year, you need to exfoliate more.  By sloughing away dead skin cells, you allow more moisture to penetrate into your skin, too.

5)    The right environment—Blasting the heat in your home may feel great but it can wreak havoc on your skin and hair.  If you’re not willing to budge on the thermostat, try getting a humidifier.  Adding some moisture to the air can do wonders for your skin!  Add some house plants for more moisture, too.

Here’s to looking fabulous this winter! What winter beauty tips would you like to share with us?

…..aka Hollywood glamour for a drugstore price tag!

Our favorite celebrities always seem so put together—perfect hair and glowing, flawless complexions. We’d all like to replicate their look but most of us aren’t willing to shell out the big bucks that they do to look that good.  How can you be red-carpet worthy without spending a fortune on spa treatments and blowouts at the salon?  We’ve picked out a few celebrity make-up artist tips that won’t break the bank.  In fact, these items can all be purchased at your local drugstore.  No need for a shopping trip to Rodeo Drive!

Here are Our Five Inexpensive Hollywood Beauty Tricks:

Inexpensive Hollywood Beauty Trick #1: Primer – Okay, some stars really are born with perfect skin.  But most of them have a little secret called skin primer.  Most skin primers are silicone-based and act as a thin layer that fills in fine lines, large pores and acne scars. The result? A smooth, flawless complexion! Give skin primer a try and you’ll understand why Hollywood make-up artists call it the under-make-up make-up.

Inexpensive Hollywood Beauty Trick #2: Skin Illuminator - Where do all the stars get their glow? Skin illuminators!  Most skin illuminators are pearlized shimmer creams that you put under your foundation or mix with your foundation for a fresh, glowing complexion.   Celebrity make-up artists warn that skin illuminators should not be confused with shimmery powder, which can end up looking like a sparkle-overdose.

Inexpensive Hollywood Beauty Trick #3: Fast Lash by Tweezerman - Medication to make your eyelashes grow? Expensive.  Fake eyelashes? Messy and inconvenient.  The trick to get quick Hollywood lashes?  A secret to the stars—Fast Lash by Tweezerman.  In fact, it’s one of the most requested products for celebrity photo shoots and special events.  You first coat your lashes with regular mascara, then use Fast Lash which looks like a normal mascara tube but really contains dry white flakes.  These pieces of harmless polyester fiber act as a lash builder when you add another coat of regular mascara.  You’ll end up with thick, luscious lashes!

Inexpensive Hollywood Beauty Trick #4: Blue, yellow or orange concealer - You may not believe us, but putting these colors of concealer under your eyes will actually make them look better– trust us!  Blue-based concealer helps reflect light and makes eyes look brighter.  For even darker under-eye circles use yellow or orange concealer which will neutralize the darkness beneath the eyes.

Inexpensive Hollywood Beauty Trick #5: Shampoo with dimethicone copolyol – Ya, we can’t pronounce it either. What we do know though is that shampoo that contains this ingredient has a little extra “oomph!”  Next time you need to purchase shampoo, make sure it has this volume booster in it.

There you have it. Now take our inexpensive Hollywood beauty tricks and make yourself GLAM!

Check out our follow-up piece on the Hollywood-worthy beauty products you never knew you had right in your own home!

Elle magazine went too far in their Dec 2010 issue. Bollywood beauty Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, featured on the cover of Indian edition of the women’s magazine, was infuriated to find her skin had been photo shopped to a fairer shade.

“She believed that these things don’t happen anymore,” a friend of Bachchan told the Times.  “Not in this day and age when women are recognized for their merit, and not for the color of their skin.”

But this isn’t the first time Elle magazine pulled a lighter one over on us. It happened before to Gabourey Sidibe, the Oscar-nominated African American beauty known for her role in Precious. Elle put out a statement that “nothing out of the ordinary was done” but it is clear that is not the case. There is no way the photo below could not have been altered. Sidibe’s skin tone is clearly two different shades.

Is Elle showcasing a form of racial discrimination? Would a magazine really sell more copies just because the model on the cover has a lighter skin tone? Aishwarya Rai Bachchan believes it is racial discrimination and has decided to take action against Elle magazine.

According to the poll on www.nydailynews.com, when asking “Do you think Aishwarya Rai Bachran has a right to sue?” 71% of the nation said Yes, she is being misrepresented, 22% said no, the magazine holds the rights, and 7% are unsure.

What do you say?