Wednesday, July 8, 2009

From Total Beauty: Jessica Simpson Hairstyle Photos!

TotalBeauty.com
Jessica Simpson Hairstyle Photos

From sleek bob haircuts to long layered hairstyles, we applaud this Texan for always changing up her look


Jessica Simpson could be single handedly responsible for bringing back the blonde bombshell persona with her big golden hair, flirtatious style and whimsical attitude. While she's been known to be a bit clueless (and play that to her advantage), she sure can look smart on the red carpet. Jessica takes her hair seriously and we do too. See some of her hair hits here.

See hairstyles

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

L'Oreal HIP!




Happy Tuesday all! I'm sooo tired today for some reason I thought it would be a great idea to wake up at 5:20am and drive to the gym for a pre-work workout...yeah in hindsight...not such a great idea. So to keep myself from looking dead I tried (For the first time!!!) L'Oreal HIP High Intensity Pigments Kohl Eyeliner ($13) in Gold and it totally woke my eyes up! I only used a little to avoid looking like a disco ball but a little goes a long way because the colors show up so vividly. My eyes instantly looked brighter and more sparkly! :)

At first glance the eyeliner is a little odd it's texture is almost like a powder-cream and it does flake a little so when you pull the pointed wand out make sure to just shake off any excess so that way it doesn't look crumbly on your eyes. I also have the eyeliner in Navy which I'm dying to use but it seems better suited for a night out so I'll save it until then!


To brighten up my smile I used L'Oreal High Intensity Pigments Color Presso Lip Gloss in Trendy ($13) These custom color lip glosses are awesome! The color combos are amazing and the colors have a big impact. I've also used Swanky which is a brighter more pinkish tone with a pale gold gloss. These lip glosses allow you to make your very own custom color or create your signature look. The texture is not sticky at all and they smell divine!

Monday, July 6, 2009

From Total Beauty: Dos and Don'ts of at Home Waxing!

TotalBeauty.com
The Dos and Don'ts of At-Home Waxing

You must read this hair removal guide before attempting to wax yourself


Once you overlook the temporary pain, at-home waxing is mighty tempting. But before you try that waxing kit you bought, read these essential tips so you wind up with smooth, hair-free skin -- not ingrowns and frustration.

See tips

Monday, June 29, 2009

Ouidad Shine Glaze Serum!


Get glam Veronica Lake-esque hair with Ouidad's new Shine Glaze Serum ($26) the serum contains crystal silicate which is a form of silicone to polish and smooth hair while adding a mirror like shine. It eliminates frizz and static as well. Just rub 2 to 3 drops between your palms and apply to hair to finish your look and lock frizz out while adding glossy shine!

xoxo

Top 10 Under $10 At CVS!!!



Here's your Summer top 10 under $10 from CVS! All these products are awesome and perfect for Summer and you can score them on the cheap! Check it:
1. Jergens Natural Glow Daily Facial Moisturizer with UVA/UVB SPF 20, $8.99
Fool all your friends into thinking you took a Caribbean vacation with this dual purpose moisturizer that helps you get your glow.




2. Orly Nail Treatment in Won’t Chip, $7.99
With a quick coat of this tough polish shield you can expect your manicure to last for up to two weeks.




3. Mission Skincare Fast-Drying Sunscreen SPF 30+, $9.99
Whether you plan to run a marathon or lounge by the pool, you’re covered with this athlete-engineered sun protection line.
4. Essence of Beauty Body Mist in Blue Ocean, $5.99
With a light scent of fresh air and ocean waves, this body mist will have you feeling like you’re at the shore.






5. Vitamin Haircare in Dragonfruit and Kiwi, $6.99
Keep your hair healthy and vibrant this summer by protecting it from UV rays and chlorine with these juicy essential vitamins.



6. Secret Clinical Strength Antiperspirant Deodorant Waterproof, $9.99
Stay dry and fresh with this powerful deodorant stick that keeps working, even after a long swim.



7. Mission Skincare Ultra-Hydrating Lip Protector SPF 20, $3.99
This high-performance lip balm with SPF will protect your pout from the dry heat and damaging UV rays.




8. Colgate Wisp, $2.49
This perfectly pocket-sized disposable toothbrush will help keep breath fresh and teeth clean no matter where your weekend travels take you.



9. St. Ives Cellulite Shield Gel Crème, $6.99
Ensure you are bikini-ready with this powerful and hydrating crème that fights cellulite without numerous visits to the gym.


10. CVS Aftersun Aloe Vera Cooling Gel with Soothing Lidocaine, $2.99
This wonder product not only cools sun-and-wind-damaged skin, but it also helps to relieve minor burns and insect bites, too!


xoxo

Ouidad If Curls Could Talk Contest!

Don't forget to enter this contest! It's half-way over but there's still enough time to enter!!! :)

Click here to enter

Take care
xoxo

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Wedding Season: Bridal Beauty Tips!


Is it already that time of year again? It is girls...the invitations have been sent and the preparations have begun. But even though you may not be a bride this year (Umm me!) you'll probably be either attending a wedding or possibly be a brides maid so all these products and tips apply to you as well!


Of course the goal of any bride (or girl for that matter) is to have flawless skin, manicured nails, and gorgeous hair. Right? So here's how to get it!


.You might not have slept a wink the night before but that's OK because all you need is Yonka's Phyto Contour Eye Firming Cream ($54) to look bright-eyed without a trace of puffiness or dark circles. For an even better look use eye drops to relieve redness.


.I've spent many a weddings trying to hold back tears of joy for fear of ruining my mascara but not anymore! Let the tears flow ladies! As long as you have Lash Injection Pinpoint Mascara by Too Faced ($19.50) on your lashes wont budge or smudge! This fabulous mascara actually builds waterproof tubes around each lash!


.While at a wedding there's so much going on that the last thing you want to be worried about is your intricate up-do falling out. So right after your hair has been styled finish off your look with Rene Furterer's Instant Hold Hairspray ($26) this amazing spray is loaded with Vitamin B5 and no alcohol which keeps your hair hydrated and super glossy! And for those quick trips to restroom throughout the night throw the mini bottle ($14) in your purse!


.One of the funniest things my girlfriend told me when she got engaged was that "I got the ring and now all I need is a manicure!" Brides don't forget that EVERYONE and they're momma's (Literally!) are going to want to inspect the bling and your nails HAVE to be manicured at all times! They just must...it's like an unwritten rule. So save a trip to the salon and give yourself a chic french manicure at home with Barielle's Natural French Manicure Set ($16.50) which includes "Cherish" a light pink, "Enduring" a white shade and a Top Shield for a glossy finish.


. To finish off your look...every girl needs a tan (Excluding me! Don't hate!) So grab a box of Tan Towel's Self-Tan Towelettes (10pk/box $25.25) this stuff is virtually fool proof all you do is take it out of the package and apply it to whatever area you wish to tan. One towel can pretty much cover half your body so you will need two (Tops!) to cover all over. The color starts to appear within an hour or two and your left looking sun kissed. It's even awesome to use before going on your honeymoon until your able to get a "real" tan.


So there you go girls, your guide to a flawless wedding! For those of you who are getting married this year CONGRATS! And for those of us who aren't CONGRATS! LOL!
xoxo

From Total Beauty: Best Anti-Aging Serums!

TotalBeauty.com
Best Anti-Aging Serums

From Avon and Olay to Madonna's rumored fave, find out which wrinkle treatments really work


Finding the perfect balance of moisture and effectiveness in an anti-aging treatment isn't easy, but with the help of TotalBeauty.com product reviews, you can pinpoint the right skin care serum for your budget and skin type.

See serums

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor!


Do you like lipstick? I know I don't and I'm a makeup junkie! But seriously I usually stick to glosses. Lipsticks either make me look older, feel older or just feel too stiff or dry...BUT not with my Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolor in "Rose Rage" I recently tried this wonderfully creamy lip color and was an immediate convert to the lipstick faith. It's packed with ultra rich conditioners and moisturizers but wears long and looks amazingly bright. All 20 colors are ridiculously vivid and stunning. This lipstick is so awesome is was chosen for Marie Claire's 25 Best Beauty Products Of The Year list. So definitely give this baby a try. I'm glad I did because before this I was so anti-lipstick!
xoxo

From Total Beauty: Best And Worst Celeb Transformations!

TotalBeauty.com
Best and Worst Celebrity Transformations

From Rihanna to Scarlett Johansson, see what hairstyle, makeup and body tweaks worked and which ones were major flops


From frumpy to fabulous or dazzling to dumpy, these celebrities set the example for how to transform your look -- for better or worse.

See celebrities

Thursday, June 4, 2009

From Total Beauty: Celebs With The Best And Worst Skin!

TotalBeauty.com
Celebrities with the Best and Worst Skin

Experts reveal what these stars are doing right and wrong when it comes to taking care of their skin


Celebrities have some of the best skin gurus in the country at their disposal, and plenty of cash to splurge on skin-perfecting treatments. But why then do some of them have less than perfect skin? Could it be the late-night partying? Too much fun in the sun? Read on to find out -- you may just learn a thing or two about how to take better care of your own skin.

See celebrities

Twilight's Making Waves!






The ladies of Twilight were rockin' some serious waves at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. Kristen Stewart opted for cool, messy curls while Ashley Greene went for something a little more classy and polished. Now the Queen of curls Ouidad is going to tell you how to get the look! Check it:


For Kristen's Look Try:
Ouidad Climate Control – A styling gel that uniquely protects curls from humidity by absorbing moisture from air to hydrate each strand and help prevent frizz. Also, excellent for preventing damage from heat styling tools as the ingredients evaporate when the heat hits hair, saving strands from direct heat damage.



For Elizabeth's Look Try:
Ouidad Botanical Boost – a lightweight, leave-in conditioner that gives immediate boost to hair’s health, increases flexibility and elasticity to help prevent breakage while instantly detangling strands. Spray throughout the night for an instant pick-me-up.


For Ashley's Look Try:
Ouidad PlayCurl Volumizing Foam – a moisture-rich foam that builds body and exaggerates fullness with rich botanical emollients and vitamins leaving curls defined, soft and touchable


Finish Each Look With:
Ouidad Styling Mist – a light setting and holding spray designed for long-lasting hold and shine without stiffness allowing movement, even on the most humid days.
P.S. All of Ouidad's packaging for her fab products have been revamped for Summer '09!
xoxo



Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Amy Postle Photos!

Remember the lovely beauty photographer Amy Postle I blogged about back in December? If not click here. Amy has worked for Sephora, NARS Cosmetics, Woman's World magazine, Bloomingdale's and Parenting magazine. Her photos are so unique and gorgeous I can't get enough of them. So recently she was so thoughtful to share some of her newest work with me and I think the photos which are from a new T-shirt company named LOUC are STUNNING! She has immense talent and always photographs women so beautifully. Check 'em out!










Also check out this interview she recently did with Kodak on how to photograph children and pregnant women (Click here) and also check out her portfolio on here website here.
Enjoy! (Thanks Amy!)


xoxo

Gorgeous Summer Hair!




Let the countdown to my vacation begin! I will be frolicking on the white sandy beaches of Puerto Rico in 2 weeks and 2 days! Jealous? So one of my main concerns is my hair getting ravaged from the sun, chlorine in the pool and the salt water at the beach but Soft & Beautiful must have read my mind because Roslyn Baker (Salon owner) is sharing her tips for gorgeous, healthy summer hair right here on TBO!


.For dealing with tangled tresses Roslyn recommends pre-treating your hair to decrease the chance of outdoor elements damaging your locks. She suggests using Just For Me! Hair Milk Conditioner ($4.99) which contains essential vitamins C and E plus calcium to strengthen and nourish hair. “The conditioner can play double duty when applied before entering a pool by helping to block chlorine from damaging hair. Use it again after a day of swimming to moisturize hair and make it more manageable,” says Roslyn.


.If you find yourself not being able to wash or rinse hair after a day at the beach or pool Roslyn recommends using Just For Me! Hair Milk Straightening Mist ($4.99) to detangle and re-hydrate your hair.


This new line also contains a Just for Me! Hair Milk Styling Crème ($4.99) and Just for Me! Hair Milk Shampoo ($4.99) This stuff is sooo affordable but awesome which I'm so thankful for because all my income is going into my "Pina Colada Fund" :) Enjoy!

xoxo

Award Winning CVS Finds!

So every year 4,000 beauty insiders identify the top beauty products giving the winners the Cosmetic Executive Woman (CEW) Beauty Award. So of course some of the products can be found at CVS (My fav drugstore in the WORLD!) and they're being very generous and giving us 20% off! What can be better than cheap and accessible beauty products?! But hurry because this offer ends in 2 days on June 5th!






.CVS/pharmacy Exclusive: Vickery & Clarke Natural Apothecary Eucalyptus & Peppermint Cold & Sinus Soak, $4.79 (from $5.99)
Over 94% natural, this calming and soothing bath soak naturally relieves symptoms of the common cold. It uses Eucalyptus essential oils, which are immune-supporting oils, and Peppermint, a relaxing and refreshing oil, to evoke feelings of calm and comforting relief while bathing or showering.







. L'Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Mascara, $8.79 (from $10.79)
Thanks to L'Oréal's breakthrough "tubing" technology, this two-step mascara creates the look of lash extensions for up to 80% visibly longer lashes. It is also incredibly long-wearing, so no flaking, smearing or smudging, yet can still be easily removed with just warm water.




.Olay Regenerist 14-Day Skin Intervention, $23.99 (from $29.99)
This two-week treatment is formulated to penetrate the skin's surface for a reinvigorated, lifted look. The concentrated formula, which contains an Olay peptide-B3 complex, penetrates skin with intense hydration to significantly firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.






.Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Spray SPF 70, $6.15 (from $10.99)
Specially formulated with ACTIVE PHOTOBARRIER COMPLEX™ technology, which delivers broad UVA/UVB protection, this waterproof, no-rub formula also contains natural soy proteins, Vitamins A and E, and antioxidants that help to protect skin against environmental damage. Application is made easy with a convenient one-touch pump that can spray at any angle.



xoxo

If These Curls Could Talk!


So if you read my blog regularly you know I LOVE Ouidad! So I'm so excited to tell you that Ouidad is having a contest called "If these curls could talk". So basically if you win not only do you get a free trip to my lovely town of NYC BUT you also get a makeover by Miss Ouidad herself!!!! HELLO!!???
Good luck! I'm entering myself! :)
xoxo

Get Her Look: Lauren Conrad!


Mark makeup artist Amy Nadine explains how to rock Lauren Conrad's MTV Movie Awards red carpet look:



Eyes:

“To really bring out her eyes, I started with Mini Mark-it Stick in Shell all over her lid, then concentrated on the eye colors from the Flip For It Spring Color Kit in Los Angeles on the crease and outside corners. Next, I blended the Winkstick Hook-up Eye Shadow Stick in Demure under her brow bone, then lightly filled in her brows with i-Mark Custom Eye Color in Gioia. Lauren loves to do her own black liquid liner along the upper lash line using On The Edge Hook up in Cleo, keeping the line thin while winging out the outside corners. Since Lauren is a big fan of lashes, I coated her lashes twice on top and bottom with Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara in Raven."



Face:

“I just dabbed a little Face Xpert Flawless Touch in Natural with the Foundation Brush around her nose and chin. Next I applied Speedway in Natural as a concealer under her eyes with the Concealer Brush. I followed with Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder directly underneath her cheekbones, on her temples, forehead and under her jawline to give her face a California tan. Finally, I applied Good Glowing Mosaic Blush in Hush Baby, starting at the apples of her cheeks then gliding in small circular motions up to her temples."



Lips:

Apply mark Dew Drenched Lip Color in Juicy



So there you have it straight from the source!
xoxo

From Total Beauty: Best Skin Cities!

TotalBeauty.com
The Top 10 Best-Skin Cities

These towns all have perfect conditions for smooth, clear, wrinkle-free skin


In a perfect world, we'd all have flawless-looking skin. In reality, few of us are that lucky. However, some of you are fortunate enough to live where the conditions are ideal for skin. We looked at pollution levels, amount of sunshine, tanning beds per capita, humidity, number of smokers, stress, diet and more to find the places best suited for your skin. Check them out, maybe it's time to relocate?

See cities

2,000 Calories During Swimsuit Season? It's Only Mascara!


Recently I tried Max Factor's 2,000 Calorie Extreme Lash Plumper Mascara and let me just say that because of the name I was very intimidated...maybe even a bit scared and I don't think I've ever backed down from a beauty challenge before. But this mascara seemed so extreme...so serious....so fattening! I wasn't sure what to expect. So I shelved it until I built up the courage to try it...sad I know.

So one day last week I decided it was now or never and one coat later... IT. WAS. AMAZING. I kid you not! This mascara is just as good as my beloved Cover Girl Lash Blast if not slightly better. It goes on smooth and even, coats every lash and gives you mayjah drama, volume and curl. I absolutely LOVED it! My lashes stayed like this all day long and I even got tons of complements (Which I also LOVE) So do your lashes a favor and up your calorie intake with this amazing mascara!

xoxo

Monday, June 1, 2009

From Total Beauty: Jessica Simpson vs. Carrie Underwood!

TotalBeauty.com
Jessica Simpson vs. Carrie Underwood

Which blonde do you think rocks better hairstyles?


The similarities between these two fair-haired songbirds is striking (beyond boy-toy choices). Whether you're on Team Jess or Team Carrie (or you're cheering for both), it's clear they're both style icons in their own right. But which diva takes the crown in a direct faceoff? Let's find out...

See hairstyles

Friday, May 29, 2009

Michelle Obama's Classy Hair!


Loved Michelle Obama's hairstyle at the American Ballet Theatre's opening night gala? Well here's how to get it from Soft & Beautiful's Roslyn Baker:


STEP 1. Start with smooth, sleek and straight foundation by relaxing the hair with the Soft & Beautiful No-Lye Conditioning Relaxer. For fine hair, avoid relaxing the crown area for maximum fullness. Apply the Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Nighttime Dry Wrap Mousse to the crown area of hair as you begin to blow-dry.


STEP 2. Once dry, apply a small amount of Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Sculpting Gel around the hairline and smooth with a bristle brush.


STEP 3. Section off the crown area. Spray the Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Spritz on a small sub-section of hair. Using a large barrel curling iron, lift the hair up for maximum volume. Repeat this process until the crown area is completed. For the remaining back and side, use a flat iron or large barrel iron to smooth and turn the hair under. For maximum volume, lift the hair away and up from the scalp with the irons and gently smooth them down hair line.


STEP 4. The soft, side swept bangs are glamorous and sexy. Spray the bang area lightly with the Soft & Beautiful StyleProtect Spritz. Using the large barrel irons or flat iron curl hair over to the side. Use clips to hold the bangs in place and spritz once more. Use a large tooth comb to comb the hair into place. For added shine, spray the hair with Soft & Beautiful Oil Sheen Spray.


Enjoy! xoxo


Cellulite Be Gone!!!


This Monday is June 1st and for a lot of woman that means the deadline for their "Get A Bikini Body By Summer" goal but if you still find your thighs, butt or tummy still suffering from cellulite then what you need is St. Ives Cellulite Shield Gel Creme ($7) and Advanced Body Moisturizer ($5) This is a two part system that will have your skin tightened, toned and cellulite free in 2 weeks!!! Here's how it works:



.St Ives Cellulite Shield Gel Creme (Step 1)
This formula is specifically designed to attack targeted problem areas. Enriched with menthol, caffeine, green tea and citrus extracts, you can feel this powerful, stimulating formula hydrate your skin as it battles cellulite head-on.



.St Ives Cellulite Shield Advanced Body Moisturizer (Step 2)
Use this moisture-rich lotion to complete your cellulite-fighting regimen. Shea butter moisturizes as the MicroSmooth Complex continues to fight cellulite for long-lasting, visible improvements. Skin is left looking toned, smooth and visibly more contoured.



So hit the beach or the pool this year with CONFIDENCE ladies! Kim Kardashian swears that's how she ALWAYS looks so hot on the beach....confidence, confidence, confidence! That's my new mantra...positive thoughts girls!

xoxo


Tuesday, May 26, 2009

From Total Beauty: Best Waterproof Mascaras!

TotalBeauty.com
The 12 Best Waterproof Mascaras

Keep your eyes smudge-free with mascaras from L'Oreal, Maybelline, Lancome and more


There are certain times and places (weddings, the beach, a sudden emotional breakdown) when you just need waterproof mascara. The problem is, so many waterproof formulas can be drying -- or not waterproof enough. Thankfully, our readers shared which formulas got them through tear sessions, surf outings and more without a single smudge or flake. Find out which mascara will help you weather those soggy situations.

See mascaras

No. 12: Tarte Lights, Camera, Splashes! Waterproof Mascara, $18

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.6*


Why it's great: "This is a great mascara that volumizes and lengthens my lashes..."

No. 11: Avon WASH-OFF WATERPROOF Mascara, $6.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.7*


Why it's great: Readers say, "this is perfect for daytime. It's not too heavy, but defines lashes..."

No. 10: Dior Mascara Diorshow Waterproof -- Backstage Makeup, $24

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.7*


Why it's great: "My eyelashes look huge, fake and melodramatic, but without clumping..."

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Get Her Look: Amy Smart


The lovely Amy Smart is starring in a new movie "Love N' Dancing" and when she hit the red carpet in Hollywood for the premiere Mark makeup artist Mai Quynh created beautiful, natural look for her....here's how she did it.



Eyes


.“I started by applying mark I-Sheer Hook Up Creamy Eye Shadow in Glacee to her inner eyelid with a concealer brush. Next, I applied mark I-Mark Custom Pick Eyeshadow in Corset to the lashline, concentrating on the outer lashline using an eyeliner brush. I also used the same shadow to smudge along the bottom lashline with the eyeliner brush. I then used mark Eyemarker in Jet to rim her inner eyes and finished by applying two coats of mark Make It Big Lash Plumping Mascara in Raven.”



Face


.“I started by applying mark Face Expert in Honey with a foundation brush and then dusted mark Matte-nificent Oil Absorbing Powder in Natural Buff with a powder brush. I finished by applying mark Good Glowing Mosaic Blush in Chica with an angled contour brush.”



Lips


. Apply mark Lip Exotics Lip Lacquers in Pop and Rush.




Friday, May 15, 2009

From Total Beauty: Readers' Fav Blushes!

TotalBeauty.com
Readers' Favorite Blushes

Was Nars Orgasm blush no. 1? Or did another blush beat it? Find out!


A good blush gives a lit-from-within, healthy-looking glow, something we all strive for with our makeup. A bad blush gives a streaky, sparkly, clownish look -- not attractive. Luckily, TotalBeauty.com readers have tried tons of blushes, and here we share their favorites. Give them a try, they guarantee you wont look like you're auditioning for the circus.

See blushes

No. 19: Paula Dorf Cheek Color, $21

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9


It "was perfect for that just-in-from-the-cold flush" and the blushes "last all day."

No. 18: Clinique Soft-Pressed Powder Blusher, $18.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9


Readers say this blush is "very natural looking... it's nearly impossible to make yourself look clownish with it."

No. 17: Revlon Powder Blush, $9.79

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 9.1


This blush's greatest asset: its staying power. "I apply it at 5 a.m. and it still looks great at 8 p.m.," one reader says.

Want to see what's no. 1? Click here!