Recently in Tips & Tricks Category

No time to wash your hair today? Don't sweat it. You can make your hair look great without water simply by using a great dry shampoo. We love these little wonders when we need to refresh our blowouts, absorb excess oil or simply to reduce the amount of washings to preserve hair color. Here are some tips for using dry shampoos, then take a look at the ones we think you will love.

1.) Choose a dry shampoo (take a look at our choices below)

2.) Brush out your hair to make sure there are no tangles (and be sure your hair is dry, especially if you plan to use it after a workout)

3.) Apply the dry shampoo

**If you choose a powder over a spray, do it over the sink, and apply about a tablespoon of the shampoo to the top of your head and massage it throughout your scalp. Then, be sure to brush your hair well to distribute the product throughout your hair.

**If using a spray, aim the nozzle at your roots, lifting up sections of your hair. Rub the product into your scalp. Allow 5-10 minutes to go by to allow the dry shampoo to absorb the oil in your hair.

4.) Brush the shampoo out of your hair. Turn your head upside down and brush out all of the powder. Use a hair dryer to speed up this process. Style as usual.    

 

 

 

Klorane Gentle Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk is fabulous for girls on-the-go. This dry shampoo uses oat extract, cyclodextrins, and natural polysaccharides ( these are micronised powders with excellent oil-absorbing properties) to clean the hair without washing. $18, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

 

T3 360° Refresh Volumizing Dry Shampoo adds volume and texture in addition to cleaning hair. The formula is designed to give thirsty strands a break from washes and promote hair that looks and feels healthy. We love that it comes in three color formulas to compliment the tones in our hair-- genius! $25, beauty.com

 

 

 

 

Fekkai Au Naturel Dry Shampoo uses cotton fibers, rice starch, and corn starch to eliminate excess oil from the hair, is free of parabens and sulfates, and uses natural ingredients to neutralize odor and prevent dirt buildup. Sephora exclusive. $23, sephora.com

 

 

 

 

Ojon Rub-Out Dry Cleanser is made with the same Ojon oil that the brand is known for, so it gives locks an added boost of hydration. This dry cleanser also works great if you overuse a styling product-- simply spray and rub into the scalp revealing luminous, healthy-looking hair. Works for all hair types and is eco-friendly. $24, spalook.com

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We asked our friend and celebrity makeup artist, Melissa Walsh, to put together a fabulous and time-friendly routine to help you put together a look on Valentine's Day that would be sure to make you feel and look your best. Whether you plan a romantic night out with the one you love, or a night out with the girls, don't hesitate to try these tips (along with product suggestions), and have a great Love Day!

 

Melissa says:

 

"Start with a light serum that smooths the skin and sinks in immediately without leaving an oily residue - Janson Beckett Vitamin C&C Facial Serum ($44.50, spalook.com) is perfect for this."

 

 

 

 

 

"Then, dust a powder foundation all over, being careful to blend well - Smashbox Halo Hydrating Powder ($59, beauty.com) gives a really natural glow with great coverage."

 

 

 

 

"Using a fluffy brush, swirl a sheen powder blush onto the apples of your cheeks - I love Cargo's Catalina blush ($24, sephora.com) as it is a perfect pinky-coral shade."

 

 

"As you don't have much time, use one shade of eyeshadow all over the lid and into the crease; think soft sheeny, muted shades like taupe, heather and moss, and take it under the lower lashline too. Line the top lashes with a soft matte pencil and soften the edges with a cotton bud. A few coats of thickening mascara (try Lash Venom by DuWop, $24, sephora.com) finish the eyes."

 

 

"For your lips use a stain or a cream tint like the ones by Jouer ($20, jouercosmetics.com ), which can also be used as a blush - Amaryllis is especially pretty - and smooth into the lips for a barely there flush."

 

 

**Melissa's tips if you only have 5 minutes:

"Spray your face with a refreshing mist like Caudalie Beauty Elixir (from $15, sephora.com), which I always use to smooth my skin and freshen my makeup after a long day. Let it dry for a few seconds and then, using a cream tint in a versatile shade like a soft gold or bronze, smooth onto eyelids, cheeks and lips. Lots of mascara for definition and a light colored eyeliner in the lower lashline will open up your eyes. You should be finished in less than 5 minutes but still will sweep your man off of his feet!"

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Q: What's the best and quickest way to get rid of blackheads? I've already tried many things; salicylic acid does not do anything for my blackheads or whiteheads.

A: Blackheads are little annoying things that aren't the same as typical acne. While salicylic acid can aid in keeping them at bay, it won't get rid of them on its own. You see, blackheads are caused by excess oil that has clogged a pore. This clog occurs when the built-up oil is unable to come up to the surface of the skin because the pore is misshapen or impaired and dead skin cells blocking the way. When the pore is open, the oil is exposed to oxygen, which reacts and turns it a dark color, resulting in a blackhead.

Here's our simple recipe for removing blackheads:

• After cleansing, use a mild scrub or skin exfoliant to remove any dead cells and expose the blackhead. Pat your face dry.
• Place a slightly warm compress on your face for about 8-12 minutes in order to soften the blackhead, making it easier to remove. Pat your face dry again.
• Wrap a piece of tissue on the tip of each index finger to avoid slipping, which could tear the skin and cause damage.
• Gently apply even pressure to both sides of the blackhead by pushing down, then up around the blemish. Think of trying to apply the pressure from "underneath" the blackhead.
• Attempt this no more than twice-- you don't want to bruise your skin or cause damage to your skin.

 

Allow a couple of days to go by before you attempt to extract again. Between these attempts, try using a clay mask to absorb excess oil. Also, consider visiting a dermatologist, as he or she may be able to prescribe a treatment containing a retinoid to keep pores functioning properly, thus keeping pore blockage to a minimum.

Best of luck.

With office parties, holiday parties and New Year's Eve added to your already-busy schedule of lunches with BFF's, sports practices, family dinners and playdates, it's no wonder the holiday season gets hectic!

Thankfully, you can still get glam hair for each event or occasion in no time. Start with dry hair, a flat iron and a styling product and you can create virtually any style, from sleek and straight to romantic waves and bouncy curls. We like the new Sedu Revolution Professional Nano Touramline Ionic Styler ($139.95, folica.com) with its unique curved edge plates that give you more flexibility and control for creating a multitude of looks.

 

 

 

 

 

For that office party, you want to look fabulous, and all you need is a quick refresher to look your best. Style your hair in the morning and touch it up later for a chic, polished look to keep you looking great throughout the evening.

*Set the styling iron to desired heat.

*Section hair into four sections and focus on one at a time.

*Take a one-inch section of dry hair and place in between the plates starting at the roots.

*Run the hair through the iron in a straight downward motion to the tip.

*Spritz with a light-hold hair spray like Bumble and Bumble Spray de Mode (from $15, bumbleandbumble.com) to lock-in the look all night!

 

 

 

Who doesn't want to look great while ringing in the New Year? Do it in style with sultry, natural looking curls. Here's how to create soft and bouncy curls perfect for your big night out:

 

*Work a tiny bit of mousse (try Warren-Tricomi Salon Mousse, $17, beauty.com) into hair to provide additional volume and hold.

*Take a one-inch section of dry hair and wrap it once around the bottom iron.

*Roll the styler as you run it through the length of your hair.

 

 

Be the center of attention at all of your holiday parties! Create silky, bombshell hair that's big on body:

*Take a one-inch section of dry hair and place in between the plates starting at the roots. 

*Run the styler through each sections vertically and twist out at the tips.

*For even more body flip head over and spritz volumizing hair spray (try Herbal Essences Body Envy Volumizing Hair Spray, $3.59, drugstore.com).

 

 

 

Wow your in-laws at that family dinner with beautiful, natural-looking waves. Sedu's lightweight design makes it easy to create waves and its adjustable heat feature makes it the perfect tool for any hair type.

 

*Take a one-inch section of dry hair and wrap it once around the  bottom iron .

*Run the styler through hair rolling outward once.

*Spray hair with texturizing spray like Oscar Blandi Tocco Finale Sculpting Pomade, $22, folica.com, for a piecier look.

 

 

 

Eyebrows like Jennifer Connelly are the perfect example of how arches have an effect on the rest of the face.

You can define your brows easily by coloring them in with an eyebrow pencil or powder. Using light strokes, fill in the sparse areas of the brow with the pencil or a brow brush. Make the brows look natural by combing through them to distribute the color evenly.

 

 

 

 

Anastasia All About Brows Kit contains everything you need to create your perfect face-framing brows. This set includes Tweezers, Brow Powder Duo, four Brow Stencils, Duo Angle/Spooley Brush, Brow Gel, and an Eye Lights highlighting pencil. Everything in this kit works wonderfully, and the instructions are so easy to follow. Not sure which color to choose? We find the Medium Ash works on all skintones. $75, sephora.com

 

 

Mary-Kate Olsen really has her messy-on-purpose hairstyles down. We can't help but admire her bohemian-chic, I-didn't-take-any-time-to-do-my-hair-today styles. If this is a look you've been wanting to try, consider these tips before you attempt them.

 

Try a messy style a day after washing. Super clean hair may require the use of more product that can lead to product overload, thus creating a weighed down or greasy look.

 

Leave your brush alone. Styles like these require the use of fingers only...remember, the style should look like you spent five minutes on it, not five hours.

 

 

For super straight hair: Try braiding your hair loosely the night before with slightly damp hair and a light holding styling product to add loose waves to your hair. Try using a product like Frederic Fekkai Wave Spray, $20

 

 

 

 

 

For natural wavy or curly hair: Define existing waves and curls using product on damp hair. Try Terax Styling Gel, $12

 

 

 

Practice creating the messy look. Like all hairstyles, they too require a bit of practice before they look "perfect" (but you know, not perfect).

Looking for that perfect streak-free at-home bronze? Here are 10 tested tips to help make you a sunless tanner pro:

1. Tight fitting rubber gloves do work just as good as your hands. They should fit snugly and be thrown away after each use.

2. Elbows, knees, armpits, and under forearms and ankles should always be prepped pre tanning with lotion or a sunscreen to prevent build-up of tanner. Afterwards, designate a wash cloth for a quick semi-damp pat over.

3. Exfoliate from head to toe. Body exfoliation should be done with a non-oily or moisturizing scrub. Oil based scrubs prevent color from applying evenly to skin. Try scrubs that are designed specifically for self tanning like L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Sunless Body Scrub. Salt scrubs should be avoided if you plan on shaving before tanning.

4. If using darkly tinted self tanners, you may want to shave legs the day prior. This is especially helpful if you plan to go on with your day after self tanning application. The dark tint usually settles into fresh hair-free pores and can give off a spotted effect on skin.

5. I am a huge fan of tanning when staying in hotels. This way, you can apply tanner before you catch zzz's and wake up golden. It also keeps the mess off your sheets at home (come on, they bleach these sheets at seriously hot temperatures so there's no problem getting self tanning stains removed!)

6. Avoid your facial moisturizer and body creams for as long as you can and be sure not to apply at all until color is in full effect.

7. After tanning, exercise should be a sweat free activity and swimming is completely of limits. If it's raining, stay indoors. Once you're caught in the rain, you'll find tiger streaks rather than an even glow.

8. If you need tan longevity, steam showers, saunas, and hot baths should be avoided during your days of deep glow.

9. Wear dark loose fitting clothing to avoid tan transferring. A tight pair of jeans put on immediately after tanning will absorb tan lotion and leave creases on your skin.

10. After tanning face, be sure to swipe a wet cotton swab across eyebrows and rub out tanner that could have deposited. Also, a cotton ball moistened across your hairline will remove where tanners like to build up during application. This will ensure a no-tell tanned face.

Want even more tips? Beauty editor Mickey Williams shares some in a recent radio interview:

Survive the three H's of summer with these heat- and humidity-proof products that will keep you looking and feeling cool as a cucumber:

Oil Absorbing Treatment Spray
Biolage Cooling Mint Oil Control Treatment
Provides a sensorial solution to treat and nourish the scalp. It balances and invigorates a normal to oily scalp so the hair looks smooth and feels refreshed. Perfect for hot summer days when you don't have time to wash your hair, just spray directly on the scalp to reduce and prevent oil. $16




Sunscreen that Mattifies
Peter Thomas Roth Uber Dry SPF 30
A revolutionary dry, lightweight sunscreen that provides SPF 30 protection while leaving the skin with a smooth, shine-free finish. This non-oily formula is virtually undetectable to the touch and ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Enriched with Vitamins A, C, and E to help fight against free radical damage. For normal to oily skin types. $26



Primer to Stay Shine-Free
philosophy never let them see you shine
The must-have product of summer is a mattifying primer that dramatically reduces the appearance of oil, shine and large pores. This velvet touch primer controls and absorbs excess oil and minimizes the appearance of pores to act as a smooth and velvety base for more flawless makeup application. $20




Lip and Cheek Stain that Stays Put
theBalm Stainiac
The perfect pop of color for your cheeks and lips, Stainiac hint of tint is perfect for all skin tones. Simply dab a touch onto your cheeks for a sheer wash of color or layer for added intensity. And the best part? Stainiac is formulated to give you more time before the stain sets, so it won't streak and will stay on your pout or cheeks all day long. $14




Melt-Proof Concealer
Mineral Wear® Talc-Free Mineral Concealer Stick with SPF 15
This sweat-proof oil-free mineral concealer stick features a minimalist, talc-free formula ideal for the most sensitive or break-out prone skin. Mineral Concealer Stick provides full, even coverage, while gently gliding onto skin. Formulated with 100% pure and gentle mineral extracts for added wear and a smoothing effect to help minimize the appearance of fine lines. This gentle, ultra-creamy concealer stick delivers natural flawless coverage throughout the day and won't run or smudge in the summer's heat. Available in 4 shades. $6.95




Non-Greasy Breakout-Free Foundation
bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation
Mineral-based foundations are ideal for summer. They offer flawless coverage without the heaviness of cream or liquid foundations. Made of only pure, crushed minerals from the earth, bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation looks like a powder, feels like a cream, and buffs on like silk, giving skin a natural luminosity while feeling as if you are not wearing any makeup at all. $25





Cooling and Moisturizing Bronzer
Vincent Longo Hydro Stick
Designed as a wet bronzer for the face--including lips and eyes. This cooling, moisturizing, and water-resistant new product shines with tiny micro particles. Formulated with a high water content, new Hydro Stick is refreshingly cool to the touch and leaves skin looking irresistibly sexy in glimmering, light-catching new hues. $25





Waterproof Eye Makeup
Make Up For Ever Pearly Waterproof Eyeshadow Pencil
Specially formulated waterproof pencils are richly pigmented and long lasting, even under the most extreme conditions. Line, define, or fill in your entire lid with dazzling color.

With the temperatures at a record high and humidity off the charts, we consulted celebrity makeup artist Joanna Schlip (her clientele includes Eva Longoria, Scarlett Johansson, Ellen Pompeo, Laura Linney, Hilary Duff and Sheryl Crow) for some real-world-tested sweat-proofing tips to help you look perspiration-free:

1. Antiperspirant on your face?

Who knew your daily antiperspirant can also be used to help stop sweating on your face? Joanna keeps her A-List clients sweat-free even under the hot lights of TV and movie sets by applying a clear, solid antiperspirant before applying makeup.

Focus on areas like the upper lip, forehead and hairline to help maintain a matte appearance throughout the day and to keep makeup from sliding off.

2. Choose mineral makeup instead of liquid

Not only does mineral makeup offer an ultra natural look, it won't slip off skin like liquid foundations. Joanna prefers Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Foundation because of its super gentle formula ideal for breakout-prone or sensitive skin. It's also sweat-resistant, making it the ideal choice for your summer foundation. Silicones help to form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, so it becomes resistant to sweat allowing makeup to stay put all day long. What's more? It's vitamin-enriched and loaded with minerals and anti-oxidants to help nourish skin.

3. Toilet seat covers double as blotting papers

Next time you're in a public bathroom, steal a few sheets of toilet seat covers - Joanna claims they are a sweaty gal's secret weapon. Use them in place of blotting papers to dab away sweat and oil for a perfect matte finish.

4. Jell-o makes a great lip stain

Joanna recommends Jell-o for a long lasting DIY lip color. Lipstick and gloss tend to melt off in extreme heat, so Jell-o acts as a long-lasting sweat proof stain. Just lick your lips, dip fingers into the powder and apply to moist lips for long lasting, sweat proof (and delicious tasting) stain.

Tight fitting latex gloves do work just as well as your hands. They should fit snug and be thrown away after each use.

Elbows, knees, armpits, and under forearms and ankles should always be prepped pre-tanning with lotion or a sunscreen. After tanning, designate a wash cloth for a quick semi-damp pat over.

Exfoliate from head to toe. Oil based scrubs prevent color from applying evenly to skin so body exfoliation should be done with a non-oily or moisturizing scrub. Try scrubs that are designed specifically for self tanning like Avon's Skin So Soft Satin Glow Body Wash. Salt scrubs should be avoided if you plan to shave before tanning.

If using darkly tinted self tanners, you may want to shave legs the previous day. Dark tints tend to settle in to fresh hair-free pores resulting in a spotted effect on skin.

I am a huge fan of tanning when staying in hotels. This way you can apply tanner before you catch zzz's and wake up golden. It also keeps the mess off your sheets at home (you know they bleach these sheets at seriously hot temperatures so there's no problem getting self tanning stains removed).

Avoid applying your facial moisturizer and body creams for as long as you can. Or best, do not apply at all until color is in full effect.

After tanning, exercise should be a sweat free activity and swimming is completely off limits. If it's raining, stay indoors. Once you're caught in the rain you'll find tiger streaks rather than an even glow.

If you're looking for tan longevity, avoid steam showers, saunas and hot baths during your days of deep glow.

Wear dark, loose fitting clothing to avoid tan transfer. A tight pair of jeans put on immediately after tanning will absorb tan lotion and leave "creases" on your skin.

After tanning face, take a wet cotton swab to eyebrows and rub out any tanner residue. Also, rub a moistened cotton ball across your hairline where tanners tend to build up during application. This will ensure a no-tell perfectly tanned face.

Find out our Top 10 Sunless Tanners