If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a thousand times: An up-to-date license is absolutely key to a cosmetology career.

If you’re a cosmetologist or future cosmetologist, put on your big girl panties and make sure you’re a legal practitioner in your state. Yes, there’s an exam, and yes, it costs money, but it’s not about you. It’s about protecting consumers and maintaining safety standards.

As for the consumers out there, if you’re looking for beauty services, don’t trust someone just because they call themselves a “cosmetologist.” Make sure you see their license. Make sure you double-check with state licensing agencies.

These reminders come after last Thursday’s conviction of Elsa Then, a Bronx woman who was accused in the 2009 death of Fiordaliza Pichardo, as reported by The New York Daily News. Then had been running an illegal – but successful – cosmetology practice when Pichardo came to her to receive silicone injections into her rear end and thighs. The day after the injections, Pichardo died from cardiac arrest after some of the silicone entered her bloodstream and got lodged in her lungs.

Pichardo’s daughter, who was present at the treatment, testified that Then had used Bounty paper towels and Krazy Glue to seal the injection site.

Then was convicted of criminally negligent homicide and faces up to four years in prison.

Now, obviously, this is an extreme example, and just because a cosmetologist is unlicensed doesn’t mean that they are a deadly weapon poised to kill again. But it should serve as a wake-up call that the most important part of the beauty profession is executing services in a clean, sanitary environment using safe techniques. It is unacceptable to practice cosmetology and dangerous to patronize any cosmetologist who doesn’t uphold their licensure and maintain the highest standards.

Great hair, great skin, great nails – that’s all of the fun stuff. Protecting our clients’ health and well-being while they’re in our chairs – that’s the baseline. No exceptions.

This spring, make sure your hair is on-trend with some of the most stylish and easy-to-wear hairstyles for 2012. As winter fades, the spring will usher in a return to lady-like perfection with sleek ponytails, elegant updos and soft waves. Another big trend for spring are interesting hair accessories like feathers, metallic cording and natural stones. These fun and exciting accessories pair nicely with messy buns, intricate braids and complicated twists, which will also be a staple this spring.

Ponytails
One of the most elegant hairstyle trends for Spring 2012 are sleek ponytails. At the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this fall, designers from New York to Milan showcased models wearing a variety of sleek and straight ponytails. One of the most popular looks on the runways were low ponytails that were secured toward the nape of the neck. Another popular variation of this hairstyle trend was the three-part ponytail, which features a series of ponytails that are connected down the middle of the head similar to a French braid. If straight and sleek is not your style, you may want to consider a voluminous ponytail of curls or waves.

Elegant Updos
Dress up your ponytail with a sophisticated bun or updo. This romantic hairstyle trend can be achieved a number of different ways. Try looping your hair into a messy bun or opt for a more structured chignon or French roll design. Either way, your tresses will be on-trend. Add emphasis with a series of herringbone braids or loose twists. Give your simple ponytail a little extra oomph with statement accessories and embellishments. Secure your ponytail with interesting hair ties such as a leather band or flat barrette. Or, make your upswept style stand out with pearl-tipped hairpins or soft feathers.

Loose Waves and Voluminous Hair
Loose textured tresses are a classic look that never seems to go out of style. The spring breeze will help to showcase loose curls and full body waves, which will also be a popular trend as the weather warms. To achieve this carefree look, before you go to bed, simply part your hair into two sections and braid each section into loose braids. When you wake up, release the braids to reveal flowing, wavy hair. In addition to loose waves, another big hair trend for spring are voluminous, bouncy blowouts reminiscent of the 1960s and 70s.

Wet Hair
In direct opposition to the full hair trend, the wet and wild look will also return with a vengeance. While this look may not be suitable for the office, it’s the perfect look for the woman who is constantly on the go. To create the look, use a combination of mousse and high-gloss finishes. The look can also be achieved with glossing creams or serums.

Like most women, you probably have invested in a number of pricey skin care products that aim to help women achieve healthy, clear skin. But have you ever stopped to think about how your makeup might be affecting the quality of your skin? If you are still using makeup from the last decade, you could be contaminating your skin. A recent study performed on British women revealed most women continue using their old makeup well past the product’s expiration date. Furthermore, the study also revealed that 89% of women were unaware of the fact that their makeup has an expiration date, although in many cases it is not listed clearly on the product.

While most women understand the risk of sleeping in makeup (although 81% of us regularly do so), few actually understand the implications that can arise from using expired makeup. Old make-up can cause a host of skin problems including skin infections, acne, sties and peri-oral dermatitis, a condition that causes the development of rash-like red bumps. If you are one of the 60% of women who shares their old makeup with friends, you are not only exposing yourself to harmful bacteria, but also exposing your friends as well.

Considering the staggering cost of most makeup, it is understandable why many of us, 68% to be exact, only replace make-up once it runs out, opposed to when the product expires. So the next time you get ready to apply that year-old mascara and eyeliner, think again. If you’ve been using old makeup, check out some of our recommendations for proper makeup usage and disposal.

Eye Makeup
Of all makeup items, mascara is the one you will need to replace regularly. According to the study, most women kept their mascara for a year, even though it should be replaced every two to three months. Mascara can breed icky bacteria that can lead to eye irritation, conjunctivitis and sties. While most women keep their powdered eye shadow for 180 months, it should be replaced each year. Cream-based eye shadows can grow bacteria more quickly than powders and should be replaced every 6 months. Liquid or pencil eyeliners should be replaced four times a year.

Foundation and Concealers
The study of British women also revealed that women tended to keep their concealer for two years, even though it should be replaced every 12 months. Generally, powder and stick concealers can last up to a year, while liquid concealers, which are more prone to breed bacteria, should be tossed after 6-12 months. If you buy your foundation in bulk, don’t worry. Unopened foundation can last for a few years.

Storage and Cleaning
Unfortunately, most of us store our makeup and makeup brushed in our moisture-rich bathrooms. You can extend the life of your favorite products by storing them in a dry, dark place. If you find you have frequent acne breakouts, you might be one of the 72% of women who never wash their make-up sponges or brushes. Be sure to wash these items regularly and you will surely see a difference in your skin.

Courtesy ElizaPeyton via Flickr.

There are a lot of sexy Halloween costumes out there for the ladies of the world – everything from sexy pirate to sexy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. But if you’ve got a taste for unique Halloween costumes, then we’ve got a brand-new kind of site for you.

TakeBackHalloween.org is solely dedicated toward costume ideas for women who want something different than the traditional sexy fill-in-the-blank model that has taken over.  It’s not a store – it’s better. It’s a resource guide directing you to all kinds of women from across the globe and throughout history who would make fantastic and unique Halloween costumes that will cause a stir.  They tell you about the woman and then give you quick and easy ways to collect the pieces you need for the costume.

Joan of Arc courtesy of dbking via Flickr

Searching the site is simple, too, because all of their costumes are divided up into four fantastic categories.

Glamour Grrls: Sure, there’s Marilyn, but what about other old school glamour divas? This section provides how-tos on transforming yourself into everyone from Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly to Diana Ross and Anna May Wong.

Goddesses and Legends: Taken from all sorts of cultural backgrounds, you can find costume directions for Hawaiian goddess Pele, Sumerian goddess Inanna, and Ghana earth goddess Asase Yaa, in addition to traditional favorites like Isis and Athena.

Queen Victoria courtesy of Biblioarchias via Flickr

Notable Women: This section is dedicated to women who made an impact on the world – for better or (as in the case of female ax murderer Lizzie Borden) for worse.  Imagine rocking it out as Joan of Arc or scientific visionary Ada Lovelace.

Queens: Almost every gal has thought about being queen for the day, so why not do it on Halloween by being a real-life queen? Make a statement with dressing up as African queen Nzinga; Jezebel, Queen of Israel; or the famous Queen Victoria.

Break out of the box this year with unique Halloween costumes that shake things up and celebrate fabulous women of all different types and backgrounds.

So Halloween is just around the corner, but you’ve got no idea what you’re going to be, right? Well relax, because these ’90s-inspired Halloween costumes will not only bring back some childhood nostalgia, but they’ll be the envy of the party as you’ll repeatedly hear, “Ahh, I should have thought of that!”

Used courtesy of SitcomsOnline.com

Zack Morris from Saved By The Bell

That’s right, Bayside High School’s most popular and mischievous student could be just the ’90s Halloween costume you’re looking for. The only thing better would be for you to get your friends to dress up and complete the whole SBTB crew: Lisa, Slater, Jessie, Kelly and Screech.

Things you’ll need:

• Blonde streaked hair – spray dye it if you need to
• Early ’90s neon colors and Nike pumps
• Acid-washed jeans
• Early model cell phone – this piece is essential for the part, as these original cell phones have been dawned the Zack Morris phones by Generation X

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective

Alllrigghhty then! Jim Carrey’s portrayal of the completely wacky, animal-obsessed pet detective graced our screens and our hearts in the mid-90s. He was making us LOL before anybody even knew what that meant. This homemade Halloween costume is sure to impress and get quite a few laughs along the way. Better yet, it’s pretty easy to pull off.

Things you’ll need:

• Lots of hair moose
• A ridiculous Hawaiian shirt
• White tank top
• Striped pants tucked into boots
• Tutu – for real authentication (if you can find one)

Used courtesy of SitcomsOnline.com

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

Will Smith was the epitome of cool back in the ’90s. Maybe it was the attitude, maybe it was the charm, or maybe it was the fresh threads (yes, pun totally intended) that made guys want to emulate him. Whatever it was, turning that style into a unique Halloween costume is sure enough to get a few good laughs and “that’s awesomes” at any party you attend.

Things you’ll need:

• Get that hair block-topped (just not as high as Kid from Kid N Play)
• Starter jacket windbreaker
• Pants/shirt with neon prints
• Bright-colored hat (preferably neon as well)
• Walkman tape/CD player
• Serious Nike pumps or related kicks

Vanilla Ice

It still boggles the mind to wonder how Vanilla Ice ever got so cool (no pun intended), but he did. Even more boggling is how he went from hero to zero so quickly. Anyways, his rise and drastic fall from fame in the ’90s now gives you a great idea for a Halloween costume.

Things you’ll need:

• Oversized clothes like parachute pants and a windbreaker (preferably sparkly)
• Bling on your neck and on your fingers
• Earrings
• Ridiculous greaser inspired hair with a blonde streak
• Tennis shoes
• Microphone
• And (if you’re really wanting to fit the part) shaved marks on the side of your head and in your eyebrow

Used courtesy of SitcomsOnline.com

My So-Called Life cast

My So-Called Life was one of the first gutsy teen dramas to explore the trials of growing up as a teen in the ’90s. Starring a very young Claire Danes and Jared Leto, My So-Called Life only lasted one season, but its effect and popularity still resonates today. Plus, it helps that it just recently go put on Netflix instant stream – so, it’s kind of a big deal again. Some tips for this homemade Halloween group costume:

Things you’ll need:

• Flannel and lots of flannel. Seriously, if you think you’ve got too much flannel, grab some more because you probably don’t have enough.
• Tights (for girls)
• Overalls
• Red hair dye (for those going as Angela a.k.a. Claire Danes)
• Baggy jeans with holes
• Basically every piece of quintessential ’90s garb you can think of

Cher from Clueless

Is flannel not really your style? Try a different ’90s style by dressing up as plucky shopaholic Cher from Clueless, the 1995 teen comedy that brought Jane Austen’s classic Emma into the modern age. Bonus? It made Paul Rudd and his adorable grin a breakout star, and it’s a Halloween costume that doesn’t require much effort.

Things you’ll need:

• Short skirt with a high waist, preferably in a pleated, school-girl type of fashion
• Slightly cropped top
• Clunky platform heels
• Barrettes or headbands for the hair
• Remember to keep the colors bright and happy – no grungy sighs here

Quailman from Doug

Do, do, do, do-do … well, it’s hard to sing the cartoon’s theme song via typing, but Doug was a huge hit back in the ’90s. Today, college kids and recent grads can bring back the awesomeness of Doug’s alter ego and comic book superhero Quailman for Halloween.

Things you’ll need:

• Belt on your head
• Red bath towel
• Green sweater vest with a red ‘Q’ stitched on
• Tan shorts with white underwear over them
• Grey converse shoes

What do you think? Ready to stand out from the crowd with these ’90s-inspired Halloween costumes?